Month: August 2024

Strength Training for Older Adults: NIA Research Findings

August 6, 2024

“NIA (National Institutes On Aging) -supported researchers have been studying the effects of strength training for more than 40 years and have identified multiple ways it can benefit older adults, including maintaining muscle mass, improving mobility, and increasing the healthy years of life.”

“A big culprit for losing our physical abilities as we grow older is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which is called sarcopenia. “

Read the full article from NIA.NIH.Gov

Healthy Banana Smoothie Recipe

August 5, 2024

Quick Banana Smoothie

The perfect no added sugar, easy solution to satisfy a sweet tooth. A healthy and nutritious snack for all ages.

Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 ripe medium size banana chilled
  • 1 cup cold reduced fat milk

Instructions

  • Peel banana. Discard skin.
  • Cut banana into small rounds.
  • Place banana into either a food processor or blender.
  • Add a small amount of milk to begin processing.
  • Slowly add remainder of milk.
  • Continue to process until mixture is thick and creamy.
  • Pour into tall glass or cup.

Calories

There are about 105 calories in 1 medium banana and 130 calories in 1 cup reduced fat milk. Total calories is approximately 235.

Note

For extra thickness add another banana. Be sure to use a ripe banana. If not, the smoothie will taste starchy instead of sweet. To lower the calorie count use nonfat milk instead. Vegan milk is also suitable.

Healthy Diet with Less Sugar Is Linked to Younger Biological Age/Study

August 5, 2024

Aging researchers are finally catching up with holistic medicine on the topic of the harmful effects of added dietary sugar.

William Dufty’s book, Sugar Blues released in 1975, is a dietary classic that discusses the prevalence of sugar in the American diet, and its deleterious effect on human health.

The bottom line is to avoid adding sugar to your food, or buying food with added sugar. You’ll have to read food labels and understand the various names for added sugar.

The best way to get sugar is to consume food in its natural state. An obvious example is eating ripened fruit such as a banana. If you combine a ripe banana with milk you’ve got a very sweet drink known as a smoothie. All the sweetener you need is provided by Mother Nature.

Read the entire July 29, 2024 article from UCSF.edu.

Jeanne Calment 1875-1997: The Oldest Person Who Ever Lived

August 5, 2024

Jeanne Calment Was A French Supercentenarian

Jeanne Calment was born and died in Arles, France. She was 122 years old when she passed away. She is known for having the oldest documented human lifespan. Calment outlived her husband, her only child, and grandchild.

Jeanne smoked cigarettes from the time she was 21 up until 117. She stopped smoking when her eyesight failed and she could no longer light a cigarette. She claimed to have met Vincent Van Gogh, who, she said was “ugly as sin, had a vile temper, and smelled of booze”.

Genetics may have played a part in her longevity, as some of her close family members also had long lifespans: her brother lived to 97, her father to 93, and her mother to 86.

Read more about Jeanne Calment in GuinessWorldRecords.com

Longevity Advice for Older Adults From A Geriatric Specialist

August 2, 2024

Keys To Longevity for Older Adults: How To Age Well is an article appearing in UCHealth.org that discusses important medical advice not only useful for people over 50, but every adult who wants to attain healthy longevity.

Dr. Thomas Johnson, a specialist in geriatric medicine at the University of Colorado Seniors Clinic, encourages his patients to focus on the greatest quality of life during the years they have left.

Many of his patients want to live to one hundred. Dr. Johnson advises them to think of aging in a healthy and active way. He recommends exercise, fitness and the Mediterranean diet.

The article covers topics such as Blue Zones, the use of alcohol, nutritional supplements, and longevity drugs.

Read the entire August 1, 2024, article from UC Health.org.