Sourced from NYT | Dec 31, 2021
Looking for ways to grow old, with grace?
Here are some top insights from some of the most popular stories published in 2021!
1. For successful aging, recognize one's issues and adapt accordingly
Personal health columnist Jane Brody was inspired by Steven Petrow's book "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old".
Ms. Brody took an inventory of her own life and decided what she no longer needed to do ... Things such as coloring her hair and talking about aches and pains to anyone who will listen.
What she is unwilling to give up is walking her dog in the woods. Sooner or later we all must recognize what is no longer possible and find alternatives.
<—- Click that image for a 31-page preview of Steven Petrow’s book.
2. The more your gut microbiome changes, the better.
You may be able to predict your likelihood of living a long and healthy life by analyzing the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit your intestinal tract.
Findings suggest that a gut microbiome that continually transforms as you get older is a good sign of healthy aging. People who had the most changes in their microbial compositions had better health and longer life spans. They also had higher vitamin D levels and lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. They needed fewer medications and had better physical health with faster walking speeds and greater mobility.
3. 'Cognitive Super-Agers' may hold clues to how we can keep our brains in shape
People who approach the end of the human lifespan with brains that function as if they were 30 years younger. By studying centenarians, researchers hope to find reliable characteristics and develop treatments that would result in healthy, cognitive aging for most of us. There are some things we can do to keep our brains in the best condition. These tend to maintain good vision and hearing. Past research has found lifestyle factors that contribute to resilience such as obtaining a high level of quality education; holding occupations that deal with complex facts and data; consuming a Mediterranean diet; engaging in leisure activities; socializing with other people, and exercising regularly.
4. The sweet spot for longevity lies around 7,000 steps a day or 30 minutes of exercise.
To increase our chances of living longer, we should probably take at least 7,000 steps a day or engage in sports such as tennis, cycling, swimming, jogging for more than 2.5 hours a week. Step counting may work for someone who does not have the time to exercise. The idea is just to make sure you move enough throughout the week
5. Older couples thrive while living apart —together.
Older people are increasingly partnering and re-partnering in various ways. For women, there's a fear that a romantic attachment later in life will lead to a full-time caregiver. One solution may be living apart together. Meaning you can maintain a long-term committed romantic relationship without sharing, or intending to share a home.
6. Dr, Fauci has a few aging tips, too.
Who else is better to share tips than an 81-year-old who has dedicated his entire career to public health?
His tip is:
Take care of yourself, get some reasonable sleep, don't get overcome by stress, and have a good diet. Enjoy life, but don't do things in excess. Exercise is really important. I think that the fact that I've been a marathon and 10k runner for the last multiple decades has been very important in my staying fit, looking fit, and feeling fit.
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) , describes why he enjoys running and how it benefits him.
