Articles Index
Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal studies are very valuable in longevity research, because they provide information about what behaviors or characteristics are associated with disease development and mortality.
Excess Hair in Women
Find out the causes of excess hair growth, or hirsutism in women, and what can be done about it.
Labile Hypertension
Some people's blood pressure changes often and repeatedly due. These people can have high blood pressure due to emotional stress. Symptoms may include headaches and ringing in the ears. Treatment using blood pressure medication isn't always effective. Doctors sometime prescribe anti-anxiety medications instead. People going through stressful situations should monitor their blood pressure in case stress-induced high blood pressure develops.
Supercentenarians
Supercentenarians are people who have lived at least 110 years. There are less than a thousand proven supercentenarians
What are DHA and EPA Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s found in fish oils have been linked to improving cardiovascular and even mental health. EPA and DHA are the two most important for longevity. You can get them from fish oils and supplements. Try to incorporate these into your weekly nutrition to get the maximum benefit.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related disorder that can cause loss of central vision. In macular degeneration, the retina’s blood filter ceases to function and the retina receives incorrect nutrients from the bloodstream. This causes the retina to become dry, or to leak or thin. Treatments exist for some forms of macular degeneration.
What is Longevity?
Longevity is a word used for "long life." The easiest way to increase your longevity is through living a healthy lifestyle. While people may talk about life extension, anti-aging medicine and other technological ways of extending life - the only proven way is through preventing illness and living healthy. Learn more about Longevity
Disability Adjusted Life Years - DALYs - Measuring Suffering
Disability Adjusted Life Years for an illness measure the years of potential life lost and the years spend with disability. This information allows officials and researchers to compare the suffering caused by different health conditions.
Compression of Morbidity - Reducing Age-Related Suffering
Compression of Morbidity is a term used to refer to the idea that suffering related to age can be compressed into a shorter time span through risk factor reduction and healthy lifestyles. Healthy aging's goal is to live as long and as disease-free as possible.
Human Life Span
Life span is the maximum number of years an individual from a given species can live. For humans, that number is 122. No one has creditably lived longer that Jeanne Clament of France, who died in 1997 at the age of 122.
Years of Potential Life Lost
Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) measures premature mortality. By subtracting the age of death from the average life expectancy, researchers and officials can evaluate the public health impact of different diseases and injuries.
Hara Hachi Bu – Eat Until 80 Percent Full
Hara Hachi Bu is the Okinawan cultural practice of eating until only 80 percent full. This practice, along with living a healthy lifestyle, may explain why the Okinawans live longer than any other people on earth.
Retinal Detachment - Causes and Treatments
Retinal detachment is an eye disorder in which the retina detaches from the underlying tissues. Surgical procedures exist that can often reposition and repair a damaged retina.
Retina
The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina’s job is to convert the light that enters the eyes into electrical signals. These signals travel by the optic nerve and reach the brain.
Macula
The macula is an area of the retina that processes sharp, detailed vision. Damage to the macula (through macular degeneration) can result in a loss of central vision.
Pink Eye
Pink eye is an inflammation of the lining of the eyelid and the membrane on the surface of the eye, usually caused by a virus. Because older people often have fewer tears, pink eye infection is more common. You can protect yourself through good hygiene like handwashing.
Difficulty Reading and Older Adults
Presbyopia is the medical term for difficulty reading or seeing close objects. This condition is common with aging and occurs because the lens of the eye becomes less elastic. Presbyopia can be treated with reading glasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts and Aging
Cataracts are an eye disorder that is closely related to aging. As we age, the proteins in our eye begin to bind to each other. This can cause a cloudy spot to form, known as a cataract.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common complaint for older adults. As we age, our body produces fewer tears, causing dry eyes. While usually not a sign of any larger problem, dry eyes can be irritating and even painful. Simple eye drops can help.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition which is caused by changes in the blood vessels. This condition worsens slowly over time. The more well-controlled a person’s diabetes is, the more slowly vision damage will occur. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Eye Floaters
Floaters are tiny clumps of cells in the fluid inside your eyes, which look like little specks that float across your vision. You may notice them best in a brightly-lit room. Floaters increase with age and are normal. However, if you notice an increase in floaters or see bright flashes of light, see an eye doctor.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure builds up in the eye because the channels that drain the eye narrow over time. Glaucoma can usually be treated with prescription eye drops. Regular visits to the eye doctor can usually prevent glaucoma from developing into a serious condition.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are strange sleep behaviors, including sleep walking, sleep talking, acting out dreams, nightmares and others. These conditions can be caused by certain medications or neurological disorders.
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are usually the second type of diuretic medications given to people with high blood pressure.
White Coat Hypertension
Stress and anxiety can raise blood pressure. If a person is anxious about a visit to the doctor, his or her blood pressure may read higher than normal. Accurate measuring of blood pressure is important and can be done at home to avoid a misdiagnoses.