Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
While standard guidelines recommend regular colonoscopies for adults up to age 75, the necessity for a colonoscopy after age 80 becomes a complex, individualized decision based on health status and personal history. ## Should you have a colonoscopy after age 80?
The preference for or tolerance of spicy foods often changes significantly over a person's lifespan. What was once a pleasant kick might now feel like an unbearable burn, leaving many to wonder, **Why can't I eat spicy food as I age?** This shift isn't just a matter of preference but is rooted in several physiological changes that occur as our bodies mature.
According to research, the rate of fingernail growth can decrease by approximately 0.5% per year after age 25. So, do nail beds grow with age? While the nail plate's growth rate typically slows, the nail bed itself does not lengthen or grow larger; rather, other physiological changes cause alterations in the nail's appearance and structure.
According to the NIH Toolbox study, the average distance for the 2 minute walk test (2MWT) for older adults can vary widely, with men often walking farther than women. Understanding what is the norm for the 2 minute walk test for older adults is a crucial first step in assessing endurance and mobility.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 90% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, making them the most heavily impacted age group. However, a concerning increase in chronic disease prevalence has been observed among younger and midlife adults, redefining the landscape of chronic illness in the United States and globally. The question of which age group is most impacted by chronic diseases goes beyond a simple number, revealing a complex picture of health disparities across the lifespan.
According to the National Council on Aging, older adults face a higher risk of severe illness and complications from diseases like COVID-19 due to a variety of factors. The complex interplay of biological, social, and environmental changes makes it clear why are elderly people more vulnerable to disease.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, degenerative spinal changes are observed in up to 95% of people by age 50, with spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal, being one of these changes. While the spine doesn't literally 'narrow' in the way a person's height decreases, age-related wear and tear can cause the space for the spinal cord and nerves to shrink. This common condition is a progressive part of the aging process, influenced by a combination of factors, but it can be effectively managed with proper care.
According to research published in 2025, dynapenia affects a significant portion of the elderly population, with estimates suggesting it impacts up to 50% of people over 65. What is the dynapenia? It's a medical condition defined as the age-associated loss of muscle strength that is not directly caused by muscle or neurological diseases. This progressive decline in strength can dramatically impact an individual's independence and quality of life.
According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults often experience a decline in muscle mass and strength, but these two factors don't always decrease at the same rate. For those concerned with healthy aging, understanding the distinction between these two key conditions is vital, as it can profoundly impact the approach to maintaining physical function and quality of life. What is the main difference between sarcopenia and dynapenia?
According to research, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) can decrease by up to 1-2% per decade after the age of 20, a major reason why older people generally need less energy than younger people due to various physiological changes. This expert guide explores the science behind this shift in energy requirements as we age.
