[EAT UP!] Foods that evoke nostalgia, comfort good for older adults
"Foods that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort and have good texture variety are important considerations in prepared meals aimed at older adults, according to new Washington State University research."
[GET FIT!] WHO provides exercise guidance to enhance healthy longevity
"Detailed, evidence-based and personalized recommendations on optimal exercise for healthy longevity were recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 58-page pdf delves deeply into the rationale for regular exercise, important contributing factors to exercise capabilities, and importantly, the impact of physical activity on mortality and age-related diseases."
[HAVE FUN] Playfulness linked to resilience
"Adults with high levels of playfulness showed strong resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to less playful individuals, new research shows. The study led by Oregon State University, Corvallis, researchers is important because playfulness is a vital but underappreciated resource for building resilience and maintaining well-being during difficult periods, according to the authors."
[GET HEALTHY] New WHO guidance highlights community-based care
"The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published the second edition of ICOPE (Integrated care for older people) guidance for person-centered assessment and pathways in primary care. International Council on Active Aging Founder and CEO Colin Milner is involved in the advisory group that created the handbook, which aims is to support health workers put the recommendations outlined in the first edition of the guidelines into practice. "
[DON'T EAT UP!] Ultraprocessed foods tied to faster biological aging
"A diet rich in ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) was associated with an acceleration of biological aging in a large sample of Italian adults. For the study, which included 22,495 participants (mean chronological age, 55.6 years; 52% women), biological age was determined based on 36 blood biomarkers—specifically, the mean difference between the mean biological ages of participants and their mean chronological ages. Food intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Participants were categorized by sex and according to the proportion of UPFs in their diet. Higher intake of UPFs was associated with accelerated biological aging compared with the lowest intake, with a mean difference between the biological and chronological ages of −4.1 years with the lowest intake and +1.6 years with the highest intake. The poor nutritional composition of highly processed foods weakly accounted for the association, according to the authors, suggesting that biological aging could be adversely influenced by nonnutrient characteristics of UPFs, such as changes during processing that alter the foods’ structure. Regardless of the mechanism, the association stands and should be considered for meal-planning purposes and daily eating. To read the abstract of the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, click here https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.10.006 "
As more Americans work later in life, poll shows positive health impacts, especially for those over 65
Active Aging Leading, connecting and defining the active aging industry since 2001. ICAA provides world class information, education, resources and tools to help health and wellness professionals be more successful with their clients age 50 plus
Neurocognitive disparities in aging: Exploring ethnicity & mental health
"“One possible reason for differences in neurocognitive functioning between Hispanic individuals and non-Hispanic individuals is stress as ethnic health disparities have been found to be shaped by a diverse range of lifetime stressors that are disproportionally exacerbated for ethnic minorities.”"
Understanding aging requires more than counting birthdays
"Types of tissue samples matter when measuring a person’s biological age, or how well their body is functioning, researchers report"
Groundbreaking studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to CVD and chronic health issues; psychosocial conditions more than 50 years later
"Research underscores the long-term psychological and physical health challenges facing aging veterans of the Vietnam War and their broader implications"
Beyond a will: Canadians not discussing final years
"Many Canadians are not completely prepared when it comes to their later years, according to a recent survey by Scotiatrust®: Wills and Estate Planning Survey*. Of those surveyed, forty-one per cent do not have a power of attorney (POA) document that names someone to manage their finances or other assets if they become incapacitated, and 47 per cent lack a POA regarding their personal and medical care."
