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Longevity Is On The Rise

Longevity and life expectancy has increased due to medical innovations and significant lifestyle changes. Despite a small recent downturn, life expectancy in the United States is about 78.6 years. While genetics play a big part in life expectancy, certain environmental factors can increase longevity, even in seniors.

1. Take a cat nap

Sleep deprivation is one of the most significant factors that contribute to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke. High cortisol levels can suppress immune function, create insulin resistance, and increase the risk of developing a chronic illness.

Sleep apnea is also a factor that can affect the quality of sleep a person gets. Obstructive sleep apnea can disrupt a person’s sleep and increase chances for developing severe health issues. Individuals with sleep apnea should get a sleep assessment to determine treatment options.

2. Become a vegetarian

Seniors who live alone can have a harder time getting proper nutrition. A poor diet can suppress the immune system and make recovery from injuries, infections, or diseases more difficult. Eating lots of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits can not only provide tons of antioxidants to the body but also helps people maintain a healthy weight.

3. Bust a move

Just 15 minutes a day of exercise can make a difference in a person’s health. Adults are generally recommended to perform moderate exercise about 150 minutes per week, although too much exercise could have negative effects. Engaging in physical activity could reduce the risk of heart problems, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Activities like gardening, hiking, or swimming could help people incorporate movement into daily life and lower stress levels. Stress has been linked with DNA damage. Stress can also be reduced with breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and more.

Other controllable factors of longevity

On top of eating a healthy diet and plenty of sleep, other healthy lifestyle choices include quitting smoking or drinking small amounts of alcohol instead of bingeing. Visiting a dentist and flossing regularly can also help prevent heart disease. Finally, keeping up with medical screenings can increase longevity.

Studies have also shown that positive social interaction could help prevent loneliness and mental health problems. Reaching out to friends and family in person or via social media can reduce isolation. Learning a new skill at a local class or volunteering could also improve longevity.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle

The time is never too late to make changes. People at any age are able to enjoy the benefits of healthy lifestyle habits. Although there are some non-controllable factors like genetics, small modifications can create the ideal environment for a longer lifespan.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.