New Research on Old Age People

Old people with no regrets live happy

According to the study, conducted by German scientists, If an individual has had a few regrets, it might be to best to let them go, as dwelling on what might have been makes for a miserable old age. They say that regrets naturally decrease as we get older - as we try to make the most of the time we have left and have fewer opportunities for second chances.

A super antioxidant, immune system booster

 Experts are currently learning more about glutathione, a small molecule that is produced by the body and found in every cell. This naturally occurring substance acts as a super antioxidant, immune system booster, detoxifier and cell cycle regulator. It is said to help the body repair damage caused by infection, injury, stress and even aging.

According to MedicineNet.com., “Animal and laboratory studies have demonstrated that glutathione has the potential to fight almost any disease, particularly those associated with aging, since free radical damage is the cause of many of the diseases of old age.”   “Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D is necessary for optimal glutathione production,” and “the best vegetable sources include avocados, onions, garlic, turmeric, spinach and cruciferous (cabbage family) veggies.”

Combating free radicals with antioxidants is one way to keep the worst effects of old age at bay. "Vitamin E cream is something that we can put on the skin to stop protein degradation," Easton points out. "People take Vitamin E supplements or eat foods that are high in vitamin E. The other thing you can do is eat lots of onion and garlic because it has these antioxidants. Or of course the most popular one is to drink lots of red wine."  

However, while diet and exercise still matter in the fight against ageing, lifestyle is not the only factor at play. Stigers' and Easton's research may lead to the development of new drug treatments; meanwhile, genes also play their part - some of us simply have better defenses against free radicals than others.

Tomatoes can save you from high cholesterol: Tomatoes may be an effective alternative to drugs in lowering cholesterol and BP and in preventing heart disease. A bright red pigment called lycopene found in tomatoes and to a lesser extent in watermelon, guava, papaya and pink grapefruit has antioxidant properties that are vital to good health.

Karin Ried and her colleague Peter Fakler from the University of Adelaide are the first to summarise the effect of lycopene on cholesterol and blood pressure (BP), analysing the collective results of 14 studies over the last 55 years.

Damaged DNA in Old Age Causes Pneumonia

A team of researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Centre San Antonio has revealed in May 2011 that DNA in old age gets damaged which makes elder people vulnerable to community-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia is a disease caused due to infection in the lungs. The symptoms of the disease include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever and cough. It has been observed that about 1 billion adults all over the world are at the risk of pneumonia. Out of them 800 million adults are older than 65 and an estimated 210 million are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Both age and COPD, by scientists, have been associated with senescent cells, which are unable to die due to dysregulated function. It has been told that these cells carry increased levels of proteins which is disease-causing bacteria stick to and co-opt to invade the bloodstream. Moreover, the cells discharge out molecules that increase inflammation, and cause the same reaction in the normal cell. A senior author of the study Carlos Orihuela has said that by controlling the inflammatory molecules’ release could short-circuit pneumonia risk in the elderly.

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Eyes Diseases

Eye diseases like cataracts and age related macular degeneration, loss of vision etc. are major eye problems in old age. The Government has launched the National Programme for Control of Blindness to treat various eye problems and control blindness.

As the population ages, the concern over AMD (age-related macular degeneration) grows. The disease is common among people 75 and older, a group that will triple in size over the next 40 years, Mares noted. Already, one in four people older than 65 have early signs of AMD, she said. AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina or a breakdown of light-sensitive cells within the retina itself, both of which can lead to serious vision impairment. 

Now all Eye problems can be cured with the use of nanotechnology: It is now possible to become older without degradation of the eye with nanotechnology and chemistry on the path to finding solutions to a host of problems. Age-related blindness, cataract and other retinal diseases can be prevented and cured with the use of nanotechnology.

With more than 40 million people in the world suffering from blindness, experts at the Chennai Chemistry Conference said it was now possible to prevent and postpone cataract with the help of nanoparticles that carry therapeutic agents.

Stem cell Technology:   In a first, medical experts have reported a major scientific breakthrough wherein stem cells could be used in the battle to cure blindness in humans. "Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide and there is currently no way to restore vision once it has been lost. Fight for Sight funding is helping us explore the possibility that stem cell treatments could one day be used to treat glaucoma," the Scotsman quoted Professor Keith Martin, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, as saying.

Care to avoid eye problems:  While reading or doing concentrated activity, rest your eyes for five to   30- minute intervals. Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space. Blink regularly. Palm your eyes. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and cover your eyes with the palms of your hands. Protect your eyes from direct sunrays and any kind of dangerous substances.

Green Tea:  Scientists have discovered that green tea can help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases. They have found that the healthful substances found in green tea — renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — do penetrate into tissues of the eye. The new study has documented how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances. Chi Pui Pang and colleagues pointed out that so-called green tea ‘catechins’ have been among a number of antioxidants thought capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Some Specialised Eye Hospitals in India:  AIIMS; Wockhardt Eye Hospital, Mumbai Sankara Nethralaya; Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute; Guru Nanak Eye Centre Aravind Eye Hospital.

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Osteoporosis (Weak bones)

Osteoporosis with growing age is a condition that means your bones are weak, and you're more likely to break a bone. A broken bone can cause disability, pain, or loss of independence. It can make it harder to do daily activities without help, such as walking. It can also cause severe back pain and deformity. Osteoporosis can happen to any of your bones, but is most common in the hip, wrist, and in your spine or vertebrae. Vertebrae bones support your body to stand and sit upright.  Osteoporosis usually occurs in old age it can occur due to lack of physical activity, weight gain, hormonal changes, metabolic bone diseases such as Hypothyroidism, and Hyperparathyroidism and lack of vitamin D and calcium in your daily diet. Osteoporosis is the reason behind most stress fractures in mid to old age, and it is also a cause for deteriorating quality of life as you grow older. 

 

  There are tests you can get to find out your bone strength, also called bone density. There are also other types of bone strength tests too. If you are age 65 and older, you should get a bone density test. The best way to prevent weak bones is easy--start by building strong ones. The following steps are helpful to stop your bones from becoming weak and brittle.

1. Get enough calcium each day. 

2. Get enough vitamin D each day. You can get vitamin D through sunlight and milk.

3. Eat a healthy diet. - Like vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc, as well as protein. Milk,

    fruits and green green leafy vegetables contains most of vitamins. 

4. Being active really helps your bones. 

5. Don't smoke. Smoking damages your bones and lowers the estrogen in your body. 

6. Reduce your chances of falling by making your home safer.

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Ten Tips for Healthy Aging

Today, due to numerous medical and scientific advances, people are living longer than ever before. But, you do not just automatically live longer—you have to be good to your body, mind, and soul. The following 10 tips are a good start for getting you on your way to living a long and healthy life.

Eat a balanced diet. —A balanced diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. A well-balanced diet can provide your body with the essential nutrients needed to achieve and maintain optimum health. If you have certain conditions, you may need to take supplements. For example, if you have osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D.

Be physically active. —Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your day, every day. The options are endless. Start walking in the mornings, join a yoga class, try jogging with a friend, sign up for a basketball league, or go for a bike ride in the afternoons. Make sure you choose activities that you enjoy, that way you will be more likely to make them a habit.

Get regular preventive check-ups. —See your doctor regularly. Remember your doctor is your partner in healthcare. The two of you are working toward the same goal—your optimum health. By having regular check-ups, you may be able to catch small problems before they become big problems. It is also important to have regular dental and eye exams.

Do not smoke. —Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death. It is never too late to quit. Your body will begin to feel the benefits almost immediately. After one day of quitting, your risk of having a heart attack decreases.

Be safe. —Use common sense and be street smart. Do not put yourself in situations that may be dangerous. Just a few ways you can put safety first include:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Wear a helmet when participating in sports, like biking.
• Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Do not go for a run, walk, or jog alone at night. Most attacks happen to people who are alone. Reduce your risk by bringing a friend.
• Use medicines wisely. Follow directions and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and drug interactions.
•  Keep your home well lit. Remove items (like loose wires, cords, throw rugs) that could cause you to fall.

Avoid environmental extremes. —Protect your skin when you are outdoors by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Try to avoid getting too much sun. Dress appropriately for the weather so that you do not get too hot or too cold.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. —For a man aged 65 or younger, moderation means no more than two drinks a day. For a man aged 65 or older or a woman of any age, moderation means no more than one drink a day. One drink is:

•  One 12-ounce bottle of beer
• One 5-ounce glass of wine
•  1.5 ounces of spirits

Keep your personal and financial records in order. —Start planning now for your long-term housing and financial needs. For information on banking, saving, buying, getting credit, and investing, check out Consumer.gov at http://www.ncpw.gov/—an excellent resource that can answer many of your questions.

Stay in touch with family and friends. —Get to know your neighbors. Take the time to be involved with your community. By creating a strong social network, you will have friends to celebrate with when good things happen and a support system in difficult times.

Keep a positive attitude. —Studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude tend to live longer and lead healthier and happier lives. Try to avoid taking things personally. Look for the humor in life. And remember to laugh. Several studies have shown that laughter makes you feel better. But, who needs a study to prove that? Just laugh, and you will know it is true.

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