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“Doctors say it's okay to have
sex after a heart attack,
provided you close
the ambulance door.”
Phyllis Diller
Cannabis Use
Linked to Lower
Dementia Risk
Summary: Recreational cannabis use may be associated with a significant decrease in the odds of experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults over 45. Analyzing data from the CDC’s 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers found that recreational users had 96% lower odds of reporting SCD compared to non-users.
This intriguing finding suggests potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, although the study’s authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research to understand the long-term impacts. Despite its limitations, the study contributes to the evolving conversation around cannabis use and cognitive health, highlighting the importance of differentiating between medical and recreational use in research.
Key Facts:
- Recreational cannabis use was associated with a significantly lower risk of subjective cognitive decline in adults over 45.
- The study is unique in its examination of cannabis use’s type, frequency, and method, focusing on an older population.
- There was no significant difference in the odds of SCD related to cannabis consumption frequency and method, suggesting the potential role of THC content in protective effects against cognitive decline.
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This vitamin deficiency
can cause forgetfulness
and mimic symptoms of
dementia—but it’s reversible.
Doctors explain
the signs to look for
BY KORIN MILLER
About 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, giving these life-altering illnesses a wide impact across the country. But while it can be devastating when a loved one shows signs of memory loss, doctors say you shouldn’t automatically assume they have dementia.
Several factors can cause a person to have classic signs of dementia, including a deficiency in vitamin B12. “Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, including impairments in thinking,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. “That can definitely mimic signs of dementia.”
Couple that with the fact that older adults are more likely to have trouble fully absorbing vitamin B12, putting them at risk for a deficiency, and doctors say that vitamin B12 deficiency should at least be on the radar of people with older loved ones. Unlike dementia, this is a health issue that can be reversed.
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Millennials Are
Exchanging Anecdotes
About How They're Noticing
That Their Parents
Are Turning Into Awful People
Maybe it isn't your folks,
but you definitely know a
boomer who is doing these things.
By Brian Galindo
If there is anything millennials can all agree on, it's that we're getting old! Of course, so are our parents, which means we're now dealing with them as senior citizens. And if you're a millennial with boomer parents, you've probably noticed that their idiosyncrasies have gotten worse and that they're getting more and more set in their ways.
However, with some people, as they get older, it goes beyond quirks and stubbornness and to them becoming downright bitter and meaner. Recently, I stumbled upon a thread from a couple of months ago where user StyrkeSkalVandre was interested in just that when they asked millennials: "Has anyone else noticed their parents becoming really nasty people as they age?"
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6 Supplements
You Should Never Take
If You're Over 60,
Doctors Say
SOME OF THESE VITAMINS,
MINERALS, AND NUTRIENTS
CAN CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES FOR SENIORS.
BY ZACHARY MACK
Establishing good health habits when you're younger that carry over into your older years can help keep you feeling your best. Your routine may include taking dietary supplements, to ensure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals everyone needs or to help address a specific deficiency. However, this health habit can become riskier when you reach a certain age.
"In some cases, supplements can cause problems in older adults because they interact with common prescription medications," says Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and health advisor for Invigor Medical. "Talk with your doctor before taking supplements to ensure they are safe for you."
Wondering what you should drop from your daily nutrition regimen as a senior? We've asked the experts to weigh in on the most important changes you should consider right now. Read on for the worst supplements to take if you're over 60, according to doctors.
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The world's oldest man
shares secrets
to his longevity
LONDON — The world's oldest man says the secret to his long life is luck, moderation — and fish and chips every Friday.
Englishman John Alfred Tinniswood, 111, was confirmed as the new holder of the title by Guinness World Records.
That followed the death of the Venezuelan record-holder, Juan Vicente Pérez, this month at the age of 114. Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan, who was next longest-lived, died March 31 at 112.
Tinniswood was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records on Thursday at the care home where he lives in Southport, northwest England.
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10 Best Exercises
for Seniors
To Lose Belly Fat
By Adam Meyer
As you age, it's totally normal to accumulate some extra padding around your midsection. But that doesn't mean carrying around extra belly flab isn't frustrating or challenging. Fortunately, we're here to help. If you're an older adult looking to shed unwanted belly fat, you're in the right place. We chatted with Rachel MacPherson, CPT, an ACE-certified personal trainer with Garage Gym Reviews, who shares the 10 best exercises for seniors to lose belly fat.
Belly fat, or visceral fat, can be particularly stubborn and harmful to your health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, excess abdominal fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The risk increases with a waist circumference exceeding 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men. The good news is that by incorporating the following exercises into your workout routine, you can slim down your waistline and boost overall health and fitness.
However, MacPherson reminds us that you can't spot target fat loss from one specific area of your body. She says, "While no exercise can target belly fat specifically, there are some that will help burn calories or help strengthen and tighten the abdominal muscles for a more slim appearance."
Learn more
MORE STORIES FOR A MONDAY
How age-friendly universities
can improve the second half of life
By 2030, more than 1.4 billion people across the globe will be at least 60 years old. This number will shoot up to 2.1 billion by 2050. At this point, there will be more people age 60 or older than people between 10 and 24.
READ MORE
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RV TRAVEL TIPS FOR SENIORS
Setting out on a trip in the comfort of a recreational vehicle (RV) is an exhilarating experience, and for you, as a senior, it presents a unique opportunity to explore the world at your own pace. RV travel offers a blend of adventure, flexibility, and the comfort of a home on wheels.
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TRUMP ON TRIAL
Former president Donald Trump is set to stand trial today ( Monday April 15, 2024)in New York, marking the first time a former president faces criminal charges. The jury will determine whether he is guilty of allegedly paying hush money to Stormy Daniels using company funds. Regardless of the outcome, Trump's supporters are likely to view him as victorious. Here’s why.
Scenario 1. Trump is found not guilty.
In an unexpected turn of events, Trump has been acquitted. It seems that the evidence presented by the Manhattan DA was not sufficient to sway the jury, much to the delight of Trump and his supporters. He will undoubtedly use this victory to further push his narrative of being a victim of a witch hunt and to criticize his political opponents. Get ready to hear more of the same from him.
Scenario 2. Trump is found guilty.
The DA's case proved to be too strong against him, leading to his being held over for sentencing. Despite some jurors possibly being on his side, the evidence was irrefutable. His lawyers managed to find an excuse to appeal the verdict, causing further delays in the pursuit of justice. Eventually, he will lose the appeal and face sentencing. Trump's 34 felony counts are considered "Class E felonies" in New York, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. The judge may decide whether to order concurrent or consecutive sentences, but the sentencing for Class E felonies is capped at 20 years in New York. His legal team will likely appeal the sentence, fueling his rhetoric and gaining more support from his followers. Regardless of guilt, he emerges victorious.*
Scenario 3. Hung jury.
Experts say there is an 80% chance there will be at least one unwavering Trump idolizer on the jury. After days of deliberation, that one juror remains sure of Trump’s innocence. Since all 12 jurors have to agree on a verdict, the trial will end in hung jury or mistrial. It will be up to the prosecutors weather to retry the case. Trump sees this as a victory as it does exactly what he wanted to do all along. Delay, delay, delay.
He will continue to use this as evidence of his innocence and claim that the justice system is biased against him. His supporters will rally behind him even more fervently, viewing the hung jury as a victory for their cause. The political divide in the country will only deepen as Trump's rhetoric becomes more emboldened and his critics become more vocal in their opposition. The future remains uncertain as the legal battle continues, but one thing is for sure - this is not the last we’ll be hearing from Trump and the MAGA’s. His influence and impact on American politics will persist for years to come. ...
*EDITOR'S NOTE: There are four charges of fraud against Trump, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years. The judge is likely to have them served concurrently. Even if Trump serves only half of his sentence, he faces a significant amount of time in jail. Unfortunately, no matter how long he is incarcerated, it will not change his character. He will not gain humility or restraint. A fair sentence I would like to see is for him to complete 1 year of community service at a VA hospital, homeless shelter, or cleaning up trash on the New York State Thruway.
FTC Issues Report
to Congress
How to Meet the Housing Needs
of Older Adults Aging in Place
PIC A1
By Erika Zelaya
As the population of older adults continues to increase, the challenge of aging in place—or living in one’s home independently—has become more pressing. However, for aging in place to be a viable option, suitable housing is crucial. Unfortunately, many older adults face challenges in finding and affording housing that’s safe, accessible, and meets their changing needs as they age. How can policymakers meet the housing needs of older adults wishing to age in place?
The population of older adults is on the rise:
In the US, more than 1 in 6 Americans are now 65 or older, according to a report from the Administration on Aging (PDF). That represents 55.7 million people, or an increase of 38 percent since 2010. By 2040, the report estimates that there will be 80.8 million residents 65 and older. A 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey by AARP found that about 75 percent of people older than 50 want to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible.
Yet, as older adults age in place, they may encounter a range of housing-related challenges that impede their ability to remain in their homes:
Read more
Two-thirds of those 50+
anxious about assisted living
affordability: survey
By Lois A. Bowers
Two-thirds (66%) of Americans aged 50 or more years participating in a recent poll said they are “mostly” or “somewhat” anxious about being able to afford the cost of an assisted living community or nursing home if they need to move to one.
KFF conducted the survey in May 2022 as part of a larger project and published the results Nov. 17.
Increasing age and income tempered concern about assisted living affordability. For instance, 73% of respondents aged 50 to 64 and 57% of those aged 65 or older said they were mostly or somewhat anxious about their ability to afford assisted living, as were 77% of participants with household incomes of less than $40,000, 60% of those with household incomes of $40,000 to $89,900, and 48% of respondents with household incomes of $90,000 or more.
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Aging In Place Remodeling:
A Checklist For Senior Homes
By Nicole Gregory
Many people hope to stay in their homes as they age rather than move in with a relative or into an assisted living community. In fact, a 2021 poll conducted by AARP found 75% of people at least 50 years old want to live in their homes as long as possible[1].
“However, the needs and wants of the aging population often don’t match up with the reality of our aging homes,” says Eve Hill, a California-based certified aging in place specialist and co-founder of consulting company Customized Aging.
But a few key remodeling projects can make a home safe and liveable for the long term. “You can leverage design to prolong your independence,” says Hill. Here’s what you need to know.
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Suicides in U.S.
hit historic high in 2022,
driven by increase
among older adults
BY EMILY ALPERT
Rising rates of suicide among older adults drove the number of such deaths to a historic high in the United States last year, even as suicide declined among youth, according to a report released Wednesday by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022 across the country, the highest tally recorded for the nation, according to federal figures. It’s the latest evidence of a troubling trend in the U.S., where suicide has been on the rise for much of the 21st century.
The U.S. suicide rate fell somewhat between 2018 and 2020, but then resumed its upward trend, alarming health officials. After adjusting the raw numbers to account for the age distribution of Americans, CDC researchers found that the nation’s suicide rate last year was 14.3 deaths per 100,000 residents — a level not seen since 1941.
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Building up thighs
may prevent
knee replacement
By Dennis Thompson
Squats and lunges aren't the most fun exercises, but a new study says they'll help save your knees.
Folks with strong quads building up their thighs appear to be less likely to require a total knee replacement, according to a presentation scheduled for Monday at a meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago.
Stronger muscles are generally associated with a lower rate of total knee replacement, researchers said in background notes.
However, it's been unclear whether people benefit more from stronger extensor muscles like the quadriceps, which extend the leg, or stronger flexor muscles like hamstrings that bend the leg.
Read more
10 Facts About
Your Aging Heart
1. As people age, their heart muscles may weaken or stiffen, leading to a decrease in overall heart function.
2. Aging can cause changes in the blood vessels, making them less flexible and more prone to plaque buildup, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
3. Age-related changes in the heart's electrical system can lead to a higher risk of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.
4. The heart's ability to respond to stress or physical activity may decrease as people age, leading to less efficient pumping and blood flow.
5. Aging can also affect the heart's ability to regulate blood pressure, which can increase the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
6. The risk of developing heart disease increases with age, with older adults being more likely to have conditions such as coronary artery disease or heart failure.
7. Age-related changes in the heart can also affect its ability to recover from illness or injury, making older adults more vulnerable to heart-related complications.
8. Aging hearts may be less able to adjust to changes in temperature or stress, making it important for older adults to take precautions to protect their heart health.
9. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help slow the aging process of the heart and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
10. It is important for older adults to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their heart health and address any potential issues early on.
NEXT EDITION
WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper
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