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Research
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Researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, in Germany, examined regret in 20-somethings and 60-somethings to see how it affected their emotional health. “Regret is a powerful mental energy which can be your best friend or worst enemy. You can harness it to improve your future by learning from it, but if you let it grow inside you, it is destructive to both healthy aging and emotional resilience,” said Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, a professor and head of the division of biological psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine.
“‘No Regrets’ Outlook May Make for Sunnier Old Age” By: Mary Marcus
US News
April 19th, 2012
In recent years, several studies have found that older people are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia if they engage in vigorous exercise, such as jogging, swimming or brisk walking.
People who are too frail or out of shape to hit the pool or treadmill shouldn’t despair, however. According to a new study, even mundane, low-key tasks like gardening, cooking and washing dishes can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s if they’re performed often enough.
“Can Household Chores Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?” By: Amanda Gardner
Time
April 19th, 2012
Paul Raia, vice president for patient care and family support at the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Association says the most significant developments in memory care have been on the care side, rather than pharmaceutical approaches. Given the proper tools, it can be managed and the lifespan of a person can increase. “The focus now is teaching techniques and giving support to people, By doing this, we can help avoid problematic symptoms that occur in the later stages of the disease. Looking down the horizon, we want to be able to help people maintain Alzheimer’s in the earlier stages.”
As a way to help patients and caregivers deal with the disease, Raia developed a concept called “Habilitation Therapy.” He says this makes it possible for Alzheimer’s patients to deal with their emotions and maximize whatever mental capabilities they still possess. Not to be confused with the word “re-habilitation,” Raia is aware that this isn’t a therapy that can restore people, but give them an opportunity to lead a longer and more productive life.
“Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s: New Insight on Memory Care” By: Jessica Levco
US News
Older adults who eat moderate amounts of foods rich in compounds called flavonoids are less likely to die of heart disease or stroke, according to a recent study. Flavonoids, found in a wide range of brightly colored fruits and vegetables — blueberries, plums, apples, cherries, oranges, strawberries, spinach — help to protect the body’s cells from damage that may contribute to cancer and a host of other maladies. Flavonoids are abundant not only in these foods, but also in dark chocolate, nuts, red wine, soy products and tea.
“Richly Colored Foods Help the Heart” by: Nissa Simon
AARP
March 15th 2012
If a stint in the garden, or an overlong plane ride, sends your back into spasms, you’re not alone: 80 percent of adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Long work hours in one position can make us ache, as can day-to-day stresses that make us unconsciously stiffen. Inactivity can lead to weakness and stiffness.
“13 Ways to Beat Back Pain” by: Dorothy Foltz-Gray
AARP Bulletin
February 22, 2012
Researchers conducting a study on caregivers of hospice patients have discovered that these caregivers are patients themselves. They have their own unique needs and should be routinely assessed for stressors related to their role.
When someone goes through the stress and chaos of taking care of someone, especially if it is within their own home, they should have resources to properly cope with the situation.
“Hospice Caregivers Need Routine Care Interventions”
Medical News Today
December 2nd, 2011
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