Staying fit
Mobility, strength and flexibility are key to independence
What to wear to enjoy the autumn chill
The National Trust is expecting a gloriously colourful autumn in 2020, as the heat of the summer encourages trees to turn red and golden. That’s an excellent reason to get out for a walk as much as possible now. It doesn’t have to be a visit to the grand landscapes of the National Trust. In […]
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Why and how to exercise at home in later years
Physical activity of any sort is highly recommended for everyone at any age. Even when gym workouts seem far behind us, keeping moving is important. Exercise is cited as an important tool in protecting hearts, joints and our immune systems. It can help diabetics with their blood sugar levels, promote better sleeping patterns and increase […]
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Why exercise now and in later years?
At any stage in our lives, we are encouraged to exercise. It’s good for the heart, the lungs, our bones – just about every part of us. And it’s argued that exercise can improve our mood and general sense of well-being. What does tend to change is the advice on how much exercise, when, and […]
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Can we delay the symptoms of dementia?
When They Get Older reader Roger Burgess has been looking at some suggestions around the causes of, and possible ways of delaying, the symptoms of dementia. Here are some of the ideas he has discovered. Roger is at pains to emphasise that he is not a physician or academic – but he has been affected […]
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A focus on vitamin D – how the “sunshine” vitamin can improve health
Update July 2021: Evidence suggests that lack of vitamin D can lead to more hospitalisations due to Covid-19, but isn’t linked to greater mortality rates. Read more indepth analysis of studies on vitamin D and health here. Dr David Mantle, nutritional adviser at Pharma Nord, discusses the importance of vitamin D to health in an […]
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Why regular walks are good for you and your parent
Written by Rebecca Lenton If you read certain newspapers or visit the BBC’s news website regularly you’ll know there’s a constant stream of studies reporting on the efficacy of various lifestyle regimes. We’ve gathered a few together that suggest that taking time out for a walk every day is a very good idea. Preventing dementia […]
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Safe exercise in later life expands horizons
Our friend Kevin Morgan (aka FitOldDog) tells us how his training injury and other health issues, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm, led him to leave his career in science to set up Old Dogs in Training LLC. He shares his advice for exercise in later life and talks about ways to improve your parent’s mind […]
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Safe walking in winter for older people
Dressing in layers, adding grip to footwear and using a stick that’s the right height are all helpful ways to make going out in cold weather safe and enjoyable. The chilly bite of winter is on its way and the drop in temperature and icy conditions can pose a challenge to those who are more […]
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Could animal assisted therapy improve your parent’s health?
Written by Rebecca Lenton We explore the potential benefits of pet therapy as a way to relax and encourage our parents wherever they reside. As our parents get older, and perhaps begin to lose their friends and loved ones, they could start to feel lonely. With recent figures suggesting that loneliness is fast becoming an […]
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