Most people probably know that physical exercise is good for their health. But now, a new study makes the connection even more powerful. If you’ve been waiting for One More Piece of Evidence to convince you to exercise, this might be it. Meeting guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise cuts the risk of dying from flu and pneumonia almost in half – by 48%, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Read MoreIf you think it’s expensive to eat right and exercise regularly, just consider the cost of being cheap with your health. For example, some people drink so many sodas that eliminating them could save almost $1,000 a year. That’s from health coach Kathryn Eyring, who presented “It’s Cheaper to be Healthy Than It Is to be Sick” at the Functional Aging Summit, an annual event for fitness professionals who serve people over 50.
Read MoreFalling is a major fear about growing older – and it’s a leading cause of injury and death among mature adults. It's also a common problem for people who don't yet consider themselves “old” in the traditional sense.
But it is not inevitable. Here are the top five ways to prevent falling, according to fitness, health and aging experts.
We’re halfway through the year, and it’s a great time to assess progress on health, fitness, and other goals you had at the start of 2023. Or… maybe you didn’t have any and are only thinking about creating some goals now. That’s fine! With a new season upon us, we’re here with 23 tips to make this your sunniest yet. Forget regret. Abandon perfection. Embrace consistency!
Read MoreHow many push-ups can you do? The answer could be helpful to keeping your heart healthy, according to a study by Harvard and other institutions published by the American Medical Association. Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer worldwide. Contributing factors include diet, smoking, drink – and exercise. But predicting an individual’s likelihood to develop heart disease has been problematic. This survey seems to say that a quick test can act as a simple, no-cost, and generally effective crystal ball.
Read MoreHere’s further proof that exercise is good for us, body and brain alike. In recent months, research has been published showing that exercise is the “top theoretical treatment” for Alzheimer’s disease, aligning with previous research about how it fights dementia. Moderate physical activity among mature women helps lower the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia – again supporting the growing body of evidence that says physical exercise is also among our best defenses against losing mental health.
Read MoreAt every stage in life, physical health is tied to mental health. When we feel good physically, we’re more likely to feel good mentally, as well. And with dementia, depression, anxiety, and loneliness higher among people later in life, this is one more reason to get or stay physically fit. The World Health Organization has six tips for good mental health, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Four of WHO’s reasons are clearly connected to physical fitness.
Read MoreAfter age 50 or so, many people start to gain weight, develop high blood pressure, and become frailer and weaker by the day. Plus, we have universal fears that getting older means we’ll be likely to fall and develop dementia, losing our independence in life. But what if I told you about a miracle drug that would help you lose weight, manage your blood pressure, and improve your bone density and strength? What if this drug also helped prevent falls and memory loss?
Read MoreToo many myths cloud the topics of aging and fitness. They keep people from living a healthy lifestyle, and most come from younger people and society at large. But there’s one super-persistent myth that people over 50 perpetuate themselves. To be more precise, women over 50 use this falsehood too often to avoid the most important type of exercise they need: strength training. “I don’t want to lift weights because I don’t want to get all big and bulky.”
Read MoreWe usually think of February as the month of hearts for Valentine’s Day, but February is also heart-health awareness month in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other countries. It’s observed to raise awareness and to help people lose weight, eat better, invigorate their exercise routines, and more.
Read MoreYou might not realize it, but if you’re getting fit or staying fit after 50, then you are riding the wave of one of the hottest trends in fitness around the world. TWO trends, actually, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), which has released its 17th annual survey on the hot topics in the fitness industry.
Read MoreAbout new year resolutions, there’s bad news, and then there’s good news. First the bad news: Most of them fail. Now the good news: People over 50 have more life experience and tools to succeed at them. You’re more realistic, focused and balanced.
Read More“I don’t have time” is a leading reason people don’t exercise. Believe it or not, for many of us, the holidays could be the PERFECT time to start working out. “It’s so easy to say you’re too busy during the holidays, so you’ll wait until the new year,” says longtime fitness coach and entrepreneur Rick Mayo.
Read MoreHere are more of the questions I’m often asked about exercise after age 50. Let me know of any other questions you have! I am happy to answer them.
Read MoreOctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a good time to remember that some risk factors are beyond our control, like age, race, and family history.
But, as the National Breast Cancer Foundation points out, we can adjust some behaviors to lower other risk factors.
Read MoreWe often underestimate how much our friendship means to others, a new study says. So, we’re shy to reach out to old friends, afraid it will be awkward or unappreciated. The research says: Reach out! You’ll be glad you did.
Read MoreHere are more questions I’m often asked about exercise after age 50. Let me know of any other questions you have! I am happy to answer them.
Read MoreHere’s a common scenario for people over 50. They’ve gradually gained weight over the last couple of decades, and now they’re obese or getting there. Somewhere over the years, they stopped participating in hobbies and sports. If they ever were a regular gym-goer or runner, that slipped away at some point, too.
Read MoreIt feels like we’re heading into our first more-or-less normal summer in three years. Are you looking forward to being outside in the sunshine? Seeing friends and family who live far away? Getting back to golf or tennis?
Read MoreIf you still think physical exercise is only good for the body, then check out this latest research that adds to the evidence about mental health.
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