Later life News


later life


The latest health and wellbeing news for those in their golden years


Stay active to prepare for a healthy retirement


If you want to have a happy and healthy retirement, it may be a good idea to stay physically active in middle age, says a report from the University of East Anglia. According to the study – which was


funded by Sport England – over-55s in particular should be doing more to keep fit as they approach retirement age. This could mean that you stay more mobile, more independent as well as healthier when you stop working. Activities such as dog walking,


gardening, housework, childcare and volunteering were all found to be good ways for over-55s to stay active, the researchers suggest.


Social activity may reduce dementia risk


Scientists from University College London have found being more socially active in your 50s and 60s could make you less likely to develop dementia when you’re older. Writing in the journal PLOS Medicine,


they found that people who see friends almost every day when they are aged 60+ may be 12 per cent less likely to develop dementia than others who see one or two friends every few months. "Spending more time with friends


could be good for mental wellbeing and may correlate with being physically active, both of which can reduce the risk of developing dementia," says Professor Gill Livingston, one of the study’s authors.


Twice-yearly jab could replace daily statin tablets


A study lead by heart specialists at Imperial College London suggests people who take medication to manage their cholesterol could stop taking daily statins in the future and have two injections a year instead. In tests the injection was found to


halve levels of bad cholesterol without any apparent side effects. The study was presented at the


European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris.


Ways to keep your brain sharp


Playing games, doing craft activities and using computers – all mentally-stimulating activities – may help reduce your risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, suggests a study published in the journal Neurology. Mild cognitive


impairment causes minor issues with mental abilities such as memory or thinking. It’s not a type of dementia, but according to the Alzheimer’s Society someone with mild cognitive impairment is more likely to develop dementia later on. Interested in taking up a craft? Why not join your nearest Craft Club? Find one by visiting www.craftscouncil.org.uk (search Craft Club).


42 All About health


Muscle training key to a longer life


A panel of global experts has stressed the importance of resistance training for older people who want to age healthily. Exercise that focuses on


building muscle strength has a positive effect on physical functioning, mobility, independence, psychological wellbeing, quality of life and healthy life expectancy, the experts suggest.


• Turn to page 44 to find out how you can do resistance training at home. Always speak to your GP before starting a new exercise programme if you have a medical condition or you haven’t been very active lately.


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