Thanks to breakthroughs in modern medicine, people are living longer than ever on average. In fact, the United States ranks number one in the world for seniors between the ages of 95 and 99. While more studies are completed every day, here are a few things we've learned from recent research about aging.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have found that resveralogues make older cells appear new and made them start dividing again as young cells do. A chemical similar to resveratrol, this compound can be found naturally in peanuts, grapes, dark chocolate, red wine and specific types of berries. The goal is to find a way to tap into these compounds so seniors can live longer and healthier lives.
According to health psychologist Kaya Peerdeman from Leiden University, if you imagine the pain is less than it really is, you might experience less pain. It's based on the placebo effect. Studies show that your imagination and how you actually perceive pain can make shots, treatments and even illness seem not as bad as it really is. For this reason, a positive outlook can actually make it easier for seniors to deal with chronic conditions.
According to the European Society of Cardiology, men who experienced hair loss and pattern baldness before the age of 40 have a fivefold risk of experiencing heart disease later in life. A study was performed on 790 men age 40 and younger with cardiovascular disease and 1,290 healthy men who acted as a control group.
Researchers found a direct correlation between premature grey hair and baldness with angiographic lesions, which is a major indicator of coronary artery disease. Based on these findings, if you experienced baldness early in life, you might want to check in with a physician and get a jump on your cardiovascular fitness to help prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Due to coordination problems and loss of muscle mass, elderly individuals are more prone to trips and falls than younger individuals. Studies have revealed the more confident you are, the less likely you are to fall. Seniors who are worried about injuries or recovering from surgery or other issues can work with occupational therapists to rebuild that confidence.
Studies have shown that seniors who have a positive outlook on life have a better defense against dementia and other cognitive issues. Staying positive and learning to have fun may actually provide a greater benefit than a super strict exercise and diet plan.
Throughout life, when we overuse the muscles in our body, they are repaired through stem cell mutations. Every stem cell has gone through thousands of mutations, but that activity slows down as we age. Through regular exercise, we can actually help restore the nucleic acid, which can essentially slow down the aging process. For this reason, research has shown that it's extremely important for seniors to get regular exercise.
You may be tempted to turn down the lights or keep your shades drawn throughout the day for privacy reasons, but studies have shown a dark room can actually make a person feel gloomy. Bright lights stimulate the brain, make you feel more alert and can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
At Cambridge Court in Kearney, NE, our goal is to ensure you're able to enjoy life surrounded by friends and an extensive support network. Contact us today for more information on our assisted living community.
