Scientists find 'quality' carbohydrates key for longevity, healthy aging

 Have your competent? doctor give you AN EXACT DIET PROTOCOL. You'll want someone to blame if your longevity doesn't occur.

Scientists find 'quality' carbohydrates key for longevity, healthy aging

• Research found that the type of carbohydrates most often consumed during midlife can have a major impact on healthy aging.
• Women who ate the most fiber and "high-quality" carbs were up to 37% more likely to live past 70 with no major illnesses or impairments.
• The study defined “high-quality” carbohydrates as those that occur naturally in nature, coming from foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Carbohydrates get a lot of hate in wellness circles. Plenty of people have touted low-carb and even no-carb diets for weight loss over the years while singing the praises of protein and healthy fats. But not all carbohydrates are bad for you. In fact, research suggests that carbohydrates slow aging, provided you are eating the right ones. Read on to discover exactly what the study found, plus the healthy carbs you should be loading onto your plate.

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers sought to uncover whether carbohydrate intake in midlife was associated with healthy aging, specifically concerning chronic diseases, physical and cognitive function, and mental health.

Researchers analyzed data from 47, 513 women who completed the Nurses’ Health Study questionnaires between 1984 and 2016, including participants younger than 60 years old in 1984. Scientists analyzed data on each participant’s dietary intake, evaluating the types and total amount of carbohydrates consumed, including refined, high-quality (unrefined), and those from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. They examined this data through the lens of “healthy aging,” which they defined as surviving to the age of 70 years, being free of 11 major chronic diseases, having no impairment in memory or physical function, and being in good mental health. The study found that women who ate the most “high-quality carbohydrates” during midlife were up to 37% more likely to meet these parameters of healthy aging. On the other hand, the study found that eating refined carbohydrates decreased the odds of healthy aging by 13%. Researchers concluded that consumption of dietary fiber, high-quality carbohydrates, and refined carbohydrates may all have an important and measurable impact on overall health status in older adulthood. But what are the “high-quality carbohydrates” and “refined carbohydrates” in question? The study defined “high-quality” carbs as complex carbohydrates that come from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as well as total dietary fiber. When discussing refined carbohydrates, the study refers to carbohydrates that come from processed foods like bread, pasta, white rice, pizza, pastries, soda, added sugar, bread rolls, and cake. While this study linked high-quality carbohydrates to healthy aging, experts have long touted the overall benefits of complex carbohydrates over the refined variety. Complex carbohydrates are essential to bodily function, helping us feel full and satisfied, optimizing brain function, and maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. These carbohydrates are rich in essential vitamins, nutrients, and dietary fiber, but processed (a.k.a. refined) carbohydrates are altered in the process of turning them into packaged, “better-tasting” foods with a longer shelf-life, Julie Smith, R.D., a registered dietitian at The University of Toledo Medical Center previously told Prevention. These refined carbohydrates are full of starch and sugar, but have very little (if any) of the nutrients and fiber that our bodies need.

The bottom line

Not all carbs are created equal. And while some are worth limiting—namely the processed and refined carbohydrates found in breads and baked goods—the naturally-occurring, high-quality carbs found in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes are worth making space for on your plate. They may help add years to your life.

This Five-Second Test Can Tell If You’re Aging Well

 Useless for stroke survivors!

For sit-to-stand the past 20 years my score would always be 1.5 and it will never get better during my next 30+ years. It has absolutely nothing to do with my longevity or cardiovascular risk!

This Five-Second Test Can Tell If You’re Aging Well

From fine wine to a pair of well-worn blue jeans, it’s said that things get better with age. But unlike a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that can improve just by sitting there, we humans need to stay active as we get older to stay fit and healthy. Even if you visit the gym regularly and follow a strict diet, it can be challenging to determine how well you’re aging. Thankfully, you can do a quick fitness test from the comfort of your home, and it only takes five seconds of your valuable time. This test requires no special equipment or anyone to guide you — just an open space and a few moments to spare.

The Sit-To-Stand Test

The “sit-to-stand test” isn’t a panacea by any means, but rather an indirect measure of one’s personal fitness backed by a 2012 research study. To begin, stand upright in an open space. Then sit cross-legged on the floor before returning to a standing position. While this may sound easy, the trick is to avoid using your hands, forearms, or other parts of your upper body and torso to help you stand up. Your leg and core muscles are the only muscles you’re supposed to rely on.

Scoring the Test

 Give yourself 10 imaginary points at the start of the test. Then subtract one point every time you use your arms, torso, hips, or even your knees to help you get from a standing position to a sitting position and vice versa. If you can sit down and stand back up without assistance, then you score a perfect 10. If you’re unable to sit down or stand back up at all, then your score is zero.According to Dr. Natalie Azar — a medical contributor to NBC News — achieving a score of eight or higher is ideal. However, she acknowledges that some people may not be able to perform the test due to a recent injury or genetic musculoskeletal limitations, although those individuals may be extremely fit. All this is to say that there are flaws within the test that fail to account for certain circumstances, so your score shouldn’t be taken as gospel. Instead, look at your score as a potential indicator of personal fitness rather than an indisputable fact.

The Science Behind This Test

According to the aforementioned 2012 study, a successful sit-to-stand test may indicate stronger cardiovascular health, high-quality core strength, and more desirable levels of balance and flexibility. The study also determined that the test was a solid indicator of an increased risk of mortality for participants between the ages of 51 and 80. Again, it’s important to note that this test is far from a sure science but something that we can make reasonable assumptions about based on the results.

Dementia risk may be increased by this common food - bacon

 For the few times I have this, I'm not worrying about it. 

• nitrates (7 posts to September 2015) Here's some positive benefits of nitrates.

Dementia risk may be increased by this common food

Key Points

• Dementia cases are expected to double by 2060 with an aging population.
• Experts agree that processed meats–specifically bacon–may increase your risk of dementia.
• Following a balanced diet, prioritizing sleep and reducing alcohol intake may also lower dementia risk.

With the population getting older, new dementia cases are expected to double by 2060. And what you eat—along with your activity level, alcohol intake, social connectedness and sleep habits—may influence your risk of dementia. While no one food can single-handedly make or break your brain health, one common food stands out when it comes to cognitive health and impact on dementia risk: bacon. 

“Processed meats like bacon contain saturated fat and nitrates, which are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Amy Archer, RDN, CHWC. Research also suggests that people who eat more processed meat may have a higher risk of developing dementia. Experts share more on the potential connection between bacon and dementia risk, plus tips for supporting your brain health and lowering your risk.

Why Bacon May Increase Your Dementia Risk

It’s a Source of Nitrates

Nitrates are chemical compounds found naturally in foods like vegetables, so what’s wrong with them being in bacon? “Nitrate itself isn’t harmful—in fact, it’s found naturally in many vegetables, and studies suggest that nitrates in vegetables can protect your brain,” says Anne Danahy M.S., RDN. “But nitrates can become harmful when they’re added to processed meat, and then the meat is cooked at high heat.” 

Related video: How to avoid dementia: 8 easy habits that doctors say protect your memory (Woman's World)nt Nitrates are used as preservatives in processed meats like bacon. Under certain conditions, including high-heat cooking–like baking or pan-frying–they can contribute to the formation of N-nitroso compounds, some of which have been linked to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and other health concerns. “These [compounds] have been linked to increased incidences of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, fatty liver, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cognitive decline,” says Seema Shah MPH, M.S., RD, IFNCP, WIMI-CP. 

While this doesn’t directly suggest that the nitrates in bacon cause dementia, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress are all processes that have been implicated in cognitive decline. This may help explain why researchers are interested in the potential connection between processed meat consumption and dementia risk. 

That said, Danahy has a tip for you: “Eating vitamin C-rich foods with bacon (or any processed meat) can help prevent nitrates from turning into nitrosamines.” While this won’t cancel out the potential health risks associated with processed meat, pairing it with vitamin C-rich foods may help reduce nitrosamine formation.

It’s High in Saturated Fat

They say that what’s good (or bad) for your heart is also good (or bad) for your brain, and that holds true for saturated fat. “Excess saturated fat intake can elevate LDL cholesterol, which can cause inflammation and damage in the blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain,” says Shah. Just like your heart, your brain needs steady blood flow to function well, and damaged blood vessels don’t exactly support healthy circulation. In fact, research suggests that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat could be an effective way to prevent dementia.

It may not come as a surprise that bacon is high in saturated fat. Just two slices of bacon contain about 18% of the American Heart Association’s daily recommended limit for saturated fat., 

It’s High in Sodium

Bacon is also high in sodium, another nutrient worth keeping in check when it comes to heart and brain health. “The sodium nitrate in bacon that provides bacon’s savory, umami flavor, can also tip you toward a high-sodium diet and higher blood pressure if you eat too much,” says Danahy. “Long-term high blood pressure can also harm your brain and increase vascular dementia risk,” she adds. Because high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels that supply the brain, keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is an important part of protecting your brain health. 

A single slice of cooked bacon contains 177 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind that the recommended daily amount of sodium is about 2,300 milligrams.,

It Produces Advanced Glycation End Products

When you cook bacon at high temperatures, it doesn’t just affect its nitrate and nitrite compounds; it can also produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs). “These dangerous compounds create oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Over time, they can promote insulin resistance, blood vessel damage, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and overall cognitive dysfunction,” says Shah. 

Research suggests that AGEs can accumulate in the brain and may play a role in processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. “They are closely tied to beta-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, which are the defining characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease,” says Shah. While this research doesn’t prove that eating bacon causes Alzheimer’s, it adds to the broader concern around regularly consuming foods that are high in compounds associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Tips for Reducing Your Dementia Risk

So what can you do to lower your dementia risk? Here are a few evidence-based tips, starting with what to eat:

• Prioritize plant foods. Diets rich in plant foods, like the Mediterranean diet or the MIND diet, are linked with lower rates of dementia and better brain health. So instead of leaning on processed meats like bacon, opt for plant proteins more often. “A 2025 study in Neurology found that replacing one serving of processed meat per day with nuts or beans was associated with a 19% lower risk of dementia,” says Archer. Besides plant proteins, incorporate plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds in your daily meals and snacks.
• Be active. Physical activity, especially in mid- to late-adulthood, is linked with significantly lower rates of dementia. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your risk. Research suggests that even getting 5,000 to 7,500 steps per day may be associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.
• Get enough sleep. Poor sleep not only disrupts cognitive function short-term; it may also increase dementia risk over time. “During sleep, your brain is busy flushing out toxic wastes that build up while you’re awake,” says Danahy. So if you’re not already prioritizing sleep, this is your reminder to bump it up to one of your top dementia prevention strategies.
• Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol is also considered a modifiable risk factor for dementia. So on your next night out—or when you need to unwind—prioritize water, mocktails, sparkling water or tea over alcoholic drinks.

Our Expert Take

Experts agree that bacon is one of the most common foods that may increase your dementia risk. However, preventing dementia isn’t as simple as cutting out bacon from your diet. “Brain health and dementia are complicated and rarely caused by one thing,—and almost certainly not caused by one single food,” says Danahy. If you eat a lot of bacon, then reducing your intake may be an easy way to help lower your risk of dementia, but it’s not a cure-all. Instead, focus on an overall balanced diet rich in plant foods like beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, whole grains and healthy fats. It’s about the big picture, not one single food!

Read the original article on EatingWell

7 Best Supplements For A Longer, Healthier Life

 Any competent? doctor will have EXACT PROTOCOLS; ANYTHING LESS IS FUCKING INCOMPETENCE!

7 Best Supplements For A Longer, Healthier Life

1. Calcium

We probably don't have to tell you twice that calcium promotes healthy bones—if your parents ever urged you to drink your milk, you've heard that one before. And Emily Fultz, owner of Fit With Food, is here to tell us again: "Research has shown that adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and diabetes," she says. Of course, reducing these risks is one great way to live your longest life. However, no matter how often you hear about the benefits, calcium may not remain a priority in your diet, and it can be especially hard if you eat vegan or dairy-free. While you can also up your intake of fortified plant-based milks and cereals, along with leafy green vegetables, a calcium supplement is probably your best bet.

2. Vitamin D

One of the best supplements to pair alongside calcium is Vitamin D, which Futlz says "helps aid the absorption of calcium and maximizes bone health." A Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to many different health complications, and Fultz cites increased risk of dementia and stroke as two of the biggest ones. For this reason, she stresses the importance of making sure you get enough of this vitamin every day. "Aging women should meet their recommended needs [of Vitamin D] to improve brain health," she tells us. If you want to prioritize Vitamin D-rich foods, you can opt for fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, cheese, egg yolk, beef liver, and fortified foods and beverages. Adding these ingredients to your plate and taking a Vitamin D supplement (along with the other supplements on this list) will put on the right track towards a longer life.

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

You might want to reconsider: Are Omega-3 Supplements Actually Good for Your Brain? 

Few supplements offer as many benefits as powerful Omega-3s. As Fultz notes, "studies have shown that Omega 3's play a vital role in preventing mental health conditions, heart disease, inflammation, and other chronic diseases." There are several ways to fit healthy Omega-3 fats into your daily diet. Fish like salmon, for example, offers both EPA and DHA acids. Fultz explains that these varieties "are the most biologically active" kinds of Omega-3s. You can also find a type called ALA in plant sources like walnuts, flaxseeds, brussels sprouts, and spinach. However, to be sure you're getting enough in your diet to reap all of the life-enhancing health benefits, an Omega-3 supplement is the best way to go.

4. Probiotics

Additionally, nurse practitioner Caitlin Policastro shares that probiotics can enhance a healthy gut. She explains, "One of the best things to do to enhance gut function and eliminate toxins and infections properly is to take a good quality pro and prebiotic. This will enhance the 'good' bacteria in your gut that allows your GI system to defend itself properly."

5. Caprylic Acid

No clue on this.

Taking caprylic acid supplements is another way you can restore your gut and live a longer, healthier life. The Canada Diet reports that "it can help to support the health of your digestive system through its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects." Coconut, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil are some examples of foods that are rich in caprylic acid. Good to know!

6. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for hundreds of processes in the body, including muscle function, nerve signaling, and energy production. Research has also linked magnesium to improved sleep, reduced stress, and better blood sugar balance. Despite its importance, many adults fall short of their daily magnesium needs, making supplementation a smart option. You can also boost intake naturally with foods like almonds, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and avocados.

7. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound that helps your body produce energy at the cellular level and protects against oxidative stress. Levels of CoQ10 decline with age, which may impact heart health and energy levels. Studies suggest supplementing with CoQ10 can support cardiovascular health, reduce fatigue, and promote overall vitality. While small amounts can be found in fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains, supplements are often the most reliable way to maintain optimal levels.

10 Everyday Habits That Are Harming Your Longevity The Most

 I'm sure you got all this from your competent? doctor.

10 Everyday Habits That Are Harming Your Longevity The Most

Living a long, healthy life is a popular goal, but it’s not easy to achieve. It’s common for folks to develop conditions like dementia and chronic pain, in addition to mobility issues and cardiovascular problems, as they age.

While certain uncontrollable factors (like genetics) play a major role in many of these issues, everyday habits can also contribute to a less-than-ideal aging process. And some of the habits you probably follow every day or every week are actually getting in the way of healthy aging and a long life.

Here’s what they are, according to doctors:

1. Skipping preventive care.

According to Dr. Heather Whitson, director of the Duke Aging Center in North Carolina, neglecting to stay up to date on preventive care — including things like mammograms, colonoscopies and vaccines — is not good for your long-term health.

“It’s like not taking your car into the shop,” Whitson said. “It’s probably not going to last as long if you don’t keep up with the routine maintenance.”

You can chat with your primary care doctor about what preventive tests are right for you.

2. Not cultivating social relationships.

My social connections are vast all because of my stroke.

My stroke at 50 galvanized restoring my old college friendships after dumping the ex.

Why my stroke was the best thing to ever happen to me

All leading to moving to Michigan and finding lots of new friendships.

“We know that socialization helps with your brain and with your longevity,” said Dr. Lee Lindquist, chief of geriatrics at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. The more time you spend interacting with other people, the more it can benefit your life span.

“I always joke... that you need to socialize with happy people, because we all have toxic people in our lives,” she said. Toxic people can bring anxiety and sadness, which won’t help you age well. 

Related video: 12 things you’ll never get away with after turning 60 (Ash & Pri)“The more socialization you can do with people that bring you joy or bring you happiness, those are things that will definitely help you age healthy and age well and improve your longevity,” Lindquist said.During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were all stuck indoors, many people’s cognition was damaged because of the isolation, she noted. “So, we do know that social isolation harms aging and harms the longevity process.”

“A couple of my favorite patients who are in their 90s and 100s, they actually wake up every day and they try to find somebody new to talk to,” she added. As you age, it’s normal for your social circle to dwindle, which means it’s critical to keep going out to meet new people if you want to age well, Lindquist noted.

3. Not adjusting your medications as you age.

“We see it so many times where people will be on medicines that they were started on in their 40s and 50s that they may not need in their 70s or 80s,” Lindquist said. “And some of these medicines are not ideal for older adults.”

Certain medications can make you more susceptible to falls and cause thinking problems, she added. Some anti-anxiety medications can contribute to memory loss, according to AARP, and some prescription sleep medications are known to increase your fall risk, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Related: You Might Be ‘Masking’ Without Realizing It — And It Could Be Burning You Out

“So, definitely talk to your doctor about whether or not you still need some of these medicines,” Lindquist said.

4. Not exercising.

Not bad at this, mainly walking in the 125 acre woods next to me.

This one probably isn’t surprising, but it can’t be said enough: Failing to exercise will harm your longevity.

“Exercise is amazing — being able to put exercise in a pill form would take a lot of health care providers out of business, because it really is good for mood, it’s good for weight control, it’s good for your bones, it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your brain,” Whitson said. “And it really is about the only thing that you can recommend that has all-around good benefit.”

“Exercising is super important, and not exercising or not getting enough daily activity is something that will definitely harm your longevity,” Lindquist said.

When asked how much she recommends people exercise, Lindquist simply said: “More.”

“When you get too comfortable, and doing the same activity three times a week, once a week, or even not at all, it just really hurts your body,” she said.

So, if you’re someone who goes on a daily walk, try adding in a Zumba class a few times a week. If you’re a die-hard Peloton fan, sign up for some personal training classes, too.

“Even if you ask your physician for a physical therapy order to get you started to get you moving around more, that’s very important,” Lindquist said.

If you’re looking for a benchmark to start, you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, according to the American Heart Association. And, again, more minutes mean more health benefits. 

5. Smoking.

Nope.

Smoking cigarettes is linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke and more. But it’s highly addictive, making it hard to just quit.

According to the American Lung Association, it can be helpful to zero in on the reason you’re quitting smoking, so you can use it as motivation through the tough parts of the process. You can also get resources from your doctor to help you quit.

6. Eating an unhealthy diet.

Not worried about this with meal delivery now.

According to Whitson, prioritizing a healthy diet is another way to better your chances of a healthy life span.

Whitson suggested that “a Mediterranean-style diet that is heavy on fish... and heavy on whole fruits and vegetables and grains, with only the very occasional treat of processed food, is probably the best thing for most people.”

It’s never too late to change your diet ― but you may have an easier time doing so when you’re younger.

“It’s very hard to change your diet when you’re in your 70s, 80s, 90s, so if you can start eating right earlier, it’s going to be easier for you and it’ll affect you better over the long run,” Lindquist explained.

7. Not getting enough sleep.

Retirement solved that problem.

“There’s a lot of increasing evidence that depriving ourselves of sleep has long-term consequences,” Whitson said. These include a higher risk of dementia and heart disease, in addition to higher levels of daily stress and worse moods overall.

It’s normal to experience age-related changes that affect your sleep, so you shouldn’t be totally alarmed if your sleep patterns are different as you get older. But certain conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea, put you at risk for some of these negative outcomes when left untreated.

“If you’re... noticing really excessive daytime sleepiness, if their partner’s telling them that they’re snoring or having apneic episodes [where you stop breathing] that are waking them up at night,” it’s important to let a doctor know, Whitson noted.

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble getting this much sleep, it’s a good idea to cut back on things like caffeine and alcohol, and to have the same sleep and wake times each day.

8. Letting stress go unmanaged.

Pretty much zero stress now retired.

“It’s really hard to not feel stressed about work and family and whatever other things make us stressed out, but just be mindful that we as humans have a very physical stress response to things that are not a physical threat to us,” Whitson said.

Many animals have a stress response that kicks in under conditions of urgency, like when they’re being chased by a predator or looking for water. Generally, once the need is met, the stress goes away.

“We as humans are able to stress about things that... just don’t pose any physical threat to us ― but then by turning on that stress response and having it kind of chronically activated, it does all kinds of things,” Whitson said. “It reduces our immune system’s ability to fight off real pathogens and things that are our real stressors.”

Stress also takes a toll on our metabolism, our sleep, our blood pressure and more. It’s important to do what you can to decrease your stress, whether that’s talking to a mental health professional (if possible) or cutting out things in life that cause you problems.

Related: People Are Reporting A Frightening COVID Symptom Right Now — Here's What To Know

9. Not planning for your future health.

I'm probably as healthy as can be post stroke after my doctor COMPLETELY FUCKING FAILED AT 100% RECOVERY!

“We talk a lot about planning for end of life — you know, what are you going to do? Do you want CPR? Do you want advanced-care planning? Who’s my power of attorney? Where’s my will?” Lindquist said. “But many times people don’t think about, ‘What am I going to do in the 10 to 20 years before I die?’”

Lindquist refers to this time frame as the “fourth quarter of life, because that’s the time when you’re going to have more health problems.” She added that people in their 70s, 80s and 90s are more likely to require hospitalization and deal with worsening memory loss. 

Besides deciding who get the lake house, your golf clubs or your engagement ring, you should start thinking about your plan for the last 10 to 20 years of your life, Lindquist explained. Are you going to plan to move in with family? Will you have in-home care? Will you move to a senior community? Do you live near a hospital?

“These are conversations that people should be having, especially when they’re considering longevity and living longer,” she noted.

By having these conversations with loved ones, you can make sure your voice is heard as you age and that there are no unchecked expectations. To help adults plan for all of the aspects of their future, Lindquist and her team built Plan Your Lifespan, a free website funded by the National Institutes of Health.

10. Not planning for your financial future.

I started retirement planning at age 30, was quite successful at it, even with losing half due to the divorce at 56. 

“It’s great when people’s goal is to increase their active longevity and health span... [but] they should know that they have to plan for it financially,” said Whitson. “One of the saddest things that I see as a geriatrician is when increasingly, it happens frequently now, that people outlive their savings.”

Many of Whitson’s patients in their 90s tell her they never expected to live so long, and that they didn’t expect to have to support themselves for another 30 years after retirement. “That happens, and it’s real,” she said.

“I worry about some of the people that I see at midlife that are sort of expecting to retire at 65 and haven’t really accounted for the fact that if they live 30 healthy years after that, they better be able to know where their money is going to come from,” Whitson said.

“I think a lot of people have these imaginations of travel and living large in retirement because they will have made all the right health choices and be very healthy, which is great,” she said. “But thinking about the funds flow for that chapter of their lives is important in midlife, too.”

So, as you focus on your physical and mental health as you age, it’s important to remember that future financial health also plays a major role.

Related...

• 7 Signs You're Aging Well, According To Geriatricians
• Social Media Claims This FDA-Approved Pill Can Slow Down Aging. Can It?
• Want To Live Longer? Follow This Advice From People In 'Blue Zones'

Read the original on HuffPost

Researchers say this one daily supplement could slow the aging process

 Really? What about this?

Supplement long recommended to prevent dementia may actually speed up brain decline: study

The latest here:

Researchers say this one daily supplement could slow the aging process

Researchers just discovered yet another reason you might want to take an omega-3 supplement. When they analyzed data from 777 participants aged 70 and older in the DO-HEALTH trial, they found that taking 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily was associated with slower biological aging. Yes, many factors affect how quickly you age, but taking a supplement could be an easy way to help keep your cells younger for longer.

Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in the structure of our cell membranes, provide energy for our body and help form signaling molecules for our cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune and endocrine systems, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition to many other health benefits, this new research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may also play a key role in the aging process.

“One of the most critical questions in the field of rejuvenation is whether a treatment exists that can effectively rejuvenate humans, not just mice,” says Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., a clinical scientist and medical doctor with a focus on healthy longevity at the University of Basel, Switzerland, and co-author of the new study. “This motivated us to explore whether three simple interventions — omega-3, vitamin D and exercise — influence the most reliable molecular markers of biological age: epigenetic clocks.”

Related video: Study identifies three factors linked to delaying dementia (KYTX-TV Tyler-Longview)

Here's everything you need to know.

What is biological age?

Epigenetic clocks are tools that detect chemical changes in genetic material to identify patterns and, in turn, measure biological age. “We age in a spectrum,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. “Some people are biologically younger than their chronological age (age in our passport), and others are biologically older.”

A variety of epigenetic clocks have been invented to measure biological age in different ways, so there isn’t a single test that can tell you definitively what your biological age is. The researchers who conducted this study used four epigenetic clocks to get a range of measurements.

“The good news is that we know today that only a small part (10 to 30%) of the variability of health span is explained by our genes,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. “The rest is determined by our environment, socioeconomic factors and especially lifestyle, such as exercise and diet.” Bischoff-Ferrari and her colleagues used epigenetic clocks to measure the biological ages of people who took 1 gram of an algae-based omega-3 supplement daily, 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, and/or participated in a 30-minute strength-training exercise program three times per week.

What did the study find?

People who took an omega-3 supplement daily for 3 years had a biological age that was, on average, 3 months younger than their chronological age, according to 3 of the 4 epigenetic clocks. The fourth clock showed “there was an additional benefit if omega-3 was combined with vitamin D and exercise,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. Three months may not sound like much, but Bischoff-Ferrari says it’s enough to have an impact at the population level.

No one knows exactly why omega-3 fatty acids could have such a strong effect on the aging process, but there are plenty of hypotheses. “Notably, these results complement previous clinical findings in the same trial (DO-HEALTH), which found that omega-3 lowered the rate of falls by 10% and reduced the rate of infections by up to 13%, while omega-3, vitamin D and exercise combined lowered the risk of pre-frailty by 39% and invasive cancer by 61%,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

It seems omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and exercise could provide a triple whammy of aging protection. “It is well-documented in basic science that vitamin D prevents uncontrolled cell growth and has anti-inflammatory benefits,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. Meanwhile, exercise is famous for being “a major driver of healthy longevity with protective effects on most age-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes,” she says.

This study shows how powerful small lifestyle changes (such as taking a supplement or starting a new exercise regimen) can be in protecting our health and slowing the aging of our cells.

What are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids?

As important as they are for our health and longevity, omega-3 fatty acids aren’t easily created in our bodies, so we need to source them from food and supplements. Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish (such as salmon), nuts (like walnuts), seeds (such as chia seeds), plant oils (such as soybean oil), and fortified foods (such as some eggs, yogurt, and drinks).

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, DHA, and EPA. There are no set recommendations for the amount of DHA and EPA you should consume, but males aged 14 and older should aim for 1.6 grams of ALA every day, while the goal is 1.1 daily grams of ALA for females aged 14 and older. People breastfeeding should aim for 1.3 grams of ALA per day, and those who are pregnant should aim for 1.4 grams per day. If you’re not getting enough from your diet, you may want to ask your doctor about taking an omega-3 supplement.

Scotland misses stroke care target for eighth year in a row

 Your first problem is measuring 'care'; NOT RECOVERY! 

Any hospital that touts 'care' instead of publishing actual recovery statistics, IS A FAILED HOSPITAL, DON'T GO THERE!

Survivors want 100% recovery OR DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT THAT? 

Anyone who touts standards/'care' and NOT RECOVERY! IS A COMPLETE FUCKING FAILURE!

I'd fire everyone associated with setting goals for 'care' rather than recovery!

Scotland misses stroke care target for eighth year in a row

The Scottish Government is still “failing stroke patients”, a charity has warned after targets were missed for an eighth consecutive year.

The annual stroke care(NOT RECOVERY!) report published by Public Health Scotland found a 3.6 percentage point increase in patients receiving the care(NOT RECOVERY!) bundle: a swallow screen, brain imaging, aspirin and admission to a stroke unit.

However, the figure remains just over half, at 56.7 per cent, well below the government target of 80 per cent.

There was also a small increase in the number of people receiving thrombolysis, to 11.6 per cent.

But the number of patients who underwent thrombectomy remained unchanged at 1.9 per cent. International comparisons suggest the proportion of stroke patients typically suitable for the procedure is nearer 10 per cent.

Joanne Graham, director of service delivery at Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, said while there had been some “welcome progress”, improvements were “not being achieved at the pace required”.

She said: “These challenges have been recognised for many years, and we need the Scottish Government to build on today’s marginal progress and continue driving better outcomes for people affected by stroke over the next five years.

“Investing in stroke services, rehabilitation and recovery support can improve quality of life, reduce disability and deliver long-term benefits for both patients and the wider health system.

“Too often the conversation about stroke ends when a patient leaves hospital, but recovery can continue for months and years afterwards.”

A total of 11,048 people had a stroke in Scotland last year, down from 11,367 in 2024.

While the vast majority of patients received aspirin, at 92.2 per cent, and brain imaging, at 91.6 per cent, fewer were admitted to a stroke unit, at 72.1 per cent, or given a swallow screen, at 70.8 per cent.

No health board in Scotland hit the 80 per cent target for all four elements of the bundle.

NHS Shetland performed best, while NHS Borders performed worst.

NHS Highland, NHS Forth Valley and NHS Lanarkshire made statistically significant improvements compared with 2024.

Public health minister Maree Todd(She needs to be fired for incompetence in setting a goal for 'care' NOT RECOVERY!) said: “We are focused on ensuring people who have had a stroke receive the best possible care(NOT RECOVERY!) as quickly as possible to enable them to live longer, healthier and more independent lives.

“Whilst it is welcome to see an improvement in stroke bundle performance, we know there is more to do, and we will continue to work with health boards to drive up standards of stroke care(NOT RECOVERY!).

“We have committed to supporting new community gyms for stroke rehabilitation and we have invested over £63m to date on expanding access to thrombectomy procedures. We are clearly focused on delivering a 24/7 thrombectomy service so that thrombectomies are available regardless of location.”

Scottish Labour said the figures showed Scots were “being let down”.

Deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Despite the tireless efforts of NHS staff, patients are still facing dangerously long waits for care(NOT RECOVERY!) and limited treatment options.

“The SNP must admit that this is not good enough and set out a real plan to deliver the standard of care(NOT RECOVERY!) stroke patients need right across the country.”