Nowadays, longevity is increasing in general population. As older generation reaches over age 90 are more common, the quality of life becomes increasingly important for the extended life expectancy.
A retirement study by Merrill Lynch in partnership with Age Wave from 2014 told us that “Today’s retirees tell us that the #1 ingredient for a happy retirement is health, which can have a far-reaching impact on quality of life, family, and financial security.” It also discussed about the three major forces for health and financial wellness in later life: A new empowered vision of health and health care; the chronic disease challenge; and the health/wealth convergence.
As most of today’s retirees top health over wealth for their golden years, many are taking a more proactive approach to health and health care and became more engaged in healthy lifestyle and behaviors. Aging population must take greater charge of their own health, to improve health literacy and self-care for freedom and independence in later life. Of health challenges and potential risks for the aging population, dementia or Alzheimer’s are among the most worrisome diseases. The World Health Organization notes 47.5 million people have dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, may contribute 60 to 70 percent of cases.
Currently, Alzheimer's disease has no known cure, but recent research results are raising hopes that someday it might be possible to delay, slow down, or even prevent this devastating disease. There is no definitive evidence yet about what can prevent Alzheimer’s or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle—one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and no smoking—can maintain and improve overall health and well-being. Researchers are exploring whether a healthy lifestyle can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
As scientific explorations on Alzheimer’s disease are ongoing, we learn more from recent study findings for better understanding and awareness -
A retirement study by Merrill Lynch in partnership with Age Wave from 2014 told us that “Today’s retirees tell us that the #1 ingredient for a happy retirement is health, which can have a far-reaching impact on quality of life, family, and financial security.” It also discussed about the three major forces for health and financial wellness in later life: A new empowered vision of health and health care; the chronic disease challenge; and the health/wealth convergence.
As most of today’s retirees top health over wealth for their golden years, many are taking a more proactive approach to health and health care and became more engaged in healthy lifestyle and behaviors. Aging population must take greater charge of their own health, to improve health literacy and self-care for freedom and independence in later life. Of health challenges and potential risks for the aging population, dementia or Alzheimer’s are among the most worrisome diseases. The World Health Organization notes 47.5 million people have dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, may contribute 60 to 70 percent of cases.
Currently, Alzheimer's disease has no known cure, but recent research results are raising hopes that someday it might be possible to delay, slow down, or even prevent this devastating disease. There is no definitive evidence yet about what can prevent Alzheimer’s or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle—one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and no smoking—can maintain and improve overall health and well-being. Researchers are exploring whether a healthy lifestyle can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
As scientific explorations on Alzheimer’s disease are ongoing, we learn more from recent study findings for better understanding and awareness -
10 Indicators of Alzheimer’s disease
1. Excessive sleeping on a regular basis may predict the onset of dementia
Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended to feel truly rested, but oversleeping on a regular basis could signal problems with our brain health. A study published in Neurology found people who consistently sleep more than nine hours a night are more likely to develop dementia accompanied by smaller brain volume, and poor executive function.
2. Loneliness and Isolation - Spending too much time by yourself may trigger the onset of dementia. A 2013 study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found feelings of loneliness in older adults led to a 1.63 greater risk of developing dementia during the three years of the study. Although it's still unclear what drives this association, it seems like staying connected with loved ones can aid brain health.
3. Air Pollution - Living near a highway or a highly populated urban area can increase the likelihood of developing dementia for older women. A recent study in Translational Psychiatry found fine particulate matter, which consists of small particles that can be inhaled, triggers the odds of developing dementia by 92 percent, compared to women who lived in cleaner-air climates. Women who had the APOE4 gene, a genetic variant linked to risk for Alzheimer's disease, and exposed to high levels of population, were more vulnerable to dementia.
Health conditions and histories have been reported linked to dementia also include -
4. Having Diabetes
5. Slowed Walking Speed
6. Lack of Mental Stimulation
7. Head trauma history
8. Diet with a high amount of meat, fat content and sugar
9. Constantly Getting Lost
10. Alcohol Usage
1. Excessive sleeping on a regular basis may predict the onset of dementia
Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended to feel truly rested, but oversleeping on a regular basis could signal problems with our brain health. A study published in Neurology found people who consistently sleep more than nine hours a night are more likely to develop dementia accompanied by smaller brain volume, and poor executive function.
2. Loneliness and Isolation - Spending too much time by yourself may trigger the onset of dementia. A 2013 study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found feelings of loneliness in older adults led to a 1.63 greater risk of developing dementia during the three years of the study. Although it's still unclear what drives this association, it seems like staying connected with loved ones can aid brain health.
3. Air Pollution - Living near a highway or a highly populated urban area can increase the likelihood of developing dementia for older women. A recent study in Translational Psychiatry found fine particulate matter, which consists of small particles that can be inhaled, triggers the odds of developing dementia by 92 percent, compared to women who lived in cleaner-air climates. Women who had the APOE4 gene, a genetic variant linked to risk for Alzheimer's disease, and exposed to high levels of population, were more vulnerable to dementia.
Health conditions and histories have been reported linked to dementia also include -
4. Having Diabetes
5. Slowed Walking Speed
6. Lack of Mental Stimulation
7. Head trauma history
8. Diet with a high amount of meat, fat content and sugar
9. Constantly Getting Lost
10. Alcohol Usage
|
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality |
|
Mindspan Diet
For stay current concerning diet, it’s worth to read a book - The Mindspan Plan: Maximize Your Memory and Extend the Life of Your Mind, published in 2016, by Preston Estep, III, PH. D, a scientist in Harvard Medical School. You may consult your Doctor for personal needs. In a brief review, the author’s general advices are: - Limit iron - Limit red meat - Start meals with soup or salad; then eat carbs - Eat only low glycemic carbs - Don't drink milk, and minimize other milk products - Eat fish and seafood - Drink coffee, tea, and red wine with meals - Alcohol in moderation - Limit sugar - Take B & D vitamins |
|
Best practice for healthy aging
1. Exercising. People who begin exercising in their 60sor 70s are three times more likely than those who don’t exercise to age healthfully – and not develop a major chronic disease, depression, physical or cognitive impairment.
2. A nutritious diet. A healthy diet can improve heart health, fortify bones, and reduce the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight. People age 45-64 who eat better, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise a few hours a week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35%.
4. Staying socially connected. Studies show that having a low level of social interaction is just as unhealthy as smoking and can be even unhealthier than lack of exercise or obesity.
5. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. This includes the avoidance of smoking, stress, and excessive drinking. It’s never too late to quit smoking. The benefits are almost immediate, and quitting at age 65 adds two to four years on your life. People who drink two or more drinks per day have a 62% higher chance of having a stroke.
Feel free to contact qualitylifeforum@outlook.com for your health coaching needs.
References:
http://agewave.com/what-we-do/landmark-research-and-consulting/research-studies/health-and-retirement-planning-for-the-great-unknown/
Westwood AJ, Beiser A, Jain A. Prolonged sleep duration as a marker of early neurodegeneration predicting incident dementia. Neurology. 2017.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/preventing-alzheimers-disease/introduction
https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/133/8/2210/395786/Education-the-brain-and-dementia-neuroprotection
http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp
The Mindspan Diet: Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk, Minimize Memory Loss, and Keep Your Brain Young. By Preston Estep, III, PH.D
© All rights reserved
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for personal conditions.
Advocate and Giving Support for Healthy Aging
To support healthy aging, all helps are sincerely appreciated. We hope more people to share the benefits and making contributions to support Quality Life Forum continued health coaching education and services. You can help now by sharing [passing on valuable QLF health coaching resource for other’s benefit] and giving [click here for a donation in any amount]. Your help will benefit many others in need and make you feel great for your kind act of giving.
To support healthy aging, all helps are sincerely appreciated. We hope more people to share the benefits and making contributions to support Quality Life Forum continued health coaching education and services. You can help now by sharing [passing on valuable QLF health coaching resource for other’s benefit] and giving [click here for a donation in any amount]. Your help will benefit many others in need and make you feel great for your kind act of giving.
|
|
|
