5 Benefits of Vitamin D for Elderly Adults

Vitamin D is a crucial component of healthy aging, so much so that dosage recommendations increase with age. However, many older adults don’t get enough of this essential nutrient, leading to bone softening, nausea, cognitive difficulties, and other health issues. To avoid these problems, older adults should aim for the recommended dose of vitamin D for seniors: 15 micrograms for those under the age of 71, and 20 micrograms for those 71 and older.

#1. Vitamin D boosts senior happiness and mental health

Vitamin D improves senior mental health, combating prevalent issues like elderly depression. A 2017 study of more than 5,600 older adults found a link between lower levels of vitamin D and depressive symptoms, such as loneliness, lack of enjoyment, and restless sleep.

Study participants with the least amount of vitamin D reported more pronounced mental health concerns. As a result of this emerging science, researchers continue to investigate a potential vitamin D antidepressant.

#2. Vitamin D promotes bone health in the elderly

Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak, affects 16% of all seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The condition carries serious health risks, potentially leading to falls and other dangerous home safety situations. The clear connection between vitamin D and bone health in the elderly helps seniors defend against bone softening.

For added effectiveness, older adults should pair the recommended vitamin D dosage for seniors with calcium. A 2019 American Medical Association analysis of 49,000 participants found that seniors who combined adequate vitamin D levels with sufficient calcium intake reduced their risk of hip fractures by 16%.

#3. Vitamin D helps prevent cancers and infections

Seniors who want to be proactive about their health should turn to vitamin D. Scientists cite the important nutrient as a preventive treatment for everything from colon cancer to the flu.

Because of vitamin D’s ability to manage immune cells, taking the recommended dose of vitamin D for seniors can decrease the risks of colon cancer and blood cancers, specifically. Recent research from the University of Eastern Finland also suggests reduced mortality among some cancer patients treated with vitamin D.

In addition to fending off life-threatening and chronic diseases, vitamin D can help boost a senior’s immune system to defeat more everyday illnesses like colds, the flu, and other respiratory conditions. A global study incorporating 25 clinical trials reported that vitamin D promotes “natural antibiotic-like substances” in the lungs.

#4. Vitamin D protects oral health

Often, aging makes dental care more difficult to manage. While getting older brings an increased likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay, vitamin D provides a strong defense.

In a study of 67 dental patients, those with higher vitamin D levels exhibited a lower likelihood of contracting oral-health diseases — the most prominent cause of senior tooth decay and loss. This research has been reaffirmed by many other studies, all of which note the link between vitamin D and the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium deficiency, a symptom of vitamin D deficiency in elderly adults, puts seniors at an increased risk for gum disease.

#5. Vitamin D may lower Parkinson’s risks

Parkinson’s disease, which occurs when neurons in the brain deteriorate and cause muscle tremors and rigidity, is more common among older adults. In fact, aging stands out as the number one risk factor for Parkinson’s, with 5% of adults over the age of 85 developing the condition.

Getting the recommended dose of vitamin D for seniors may help elderly adults reduce their risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and it can even help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms after diagnosis. A study of 182 patients with Parkinson’s and 185 people without the condition found that Parkinson’s patients had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than their healthy peers did.

How to get the recommended dose of vitamin D for seniors

When it comes to vitamin D for seniors, dosage recommendations increase after the age of 71: from 15 micrograms to 20 micrograms. Older adults have a greater need for vitamin D due to being at a higher risk for conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

There are several ways for older adults to supplement vitamin D naturally:

• Sunshine is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D. Take an afternoon walk or invest in a UV lamp for colder months.
• One tablespoon of cod liver oil supplements 170% of daily vitamin D.
• Four or five sliced white mushrooms make up half of the needed vitamin D intake.
• Three ounces of cooked salmon accounts for more than 80% of necessary vitamin D. Tuna, oysters, and shrimp also contain high amounts of vitamin D.

While eating healthy meals can help, highly absorbable forms of vitamin D in pill, gummy, or liquid form are also available at your local health food store. After ruling out medication interactions or other health risks, a doctor or dietitian may recommend a vitamin D supplement beyond natural sources.

  Source

The Importance Of Online Safety For Seniors

In today's digital age, online safety is a crucial aspect of everyday life, and this holds especially true for seniors. Understanding the importance of online safety and being aware of the common risks faced by seniors is essential for protecting personal information and maintaining a secure online presence.

Importance of Online Safety for Seniors

Online safety is of utmost importance for seniors as they navigate the digital world. Here are a few reasons why online safety is crucial for seniors:

Protection of Personal Information: Online platforms often require users to share personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and financial details. Seniors need to be cautious about protecting this sensitive information to prevent identity theft and fraud.

Financial Security: Scammers and cybercriminals frequently target seniors, attempting to exploit their trust and financial vulnerability. By practicing online safety measures, seniors can minimize the risk of falling victim to financial scams and fraud.

Avoiding Online Harassment: Seniors may encounter online harassment, such as cyberbullying or online scams. Understanding how to recognize and respond to such situations is crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable online experience.

Maintaining Privacy: Online privacy is a concern for individuals of all ages, including seniors. By learning about privacy settings and safe browsing habits, seniors can take control of their online presence and protect their privacy.

Common Online Risks Faced by Seniors

Seniors may face specific online risks due to various factors, including their limited familiarity with technology and potential cognitive decline. Here are some common online risks faced by seniors:

• Common Online Risks
• Phishing attempts
• Scams and frauds targeting seniors
• Malware and viruses
• Identity theft
• Online harassment
• Fake news and misinformation

Understanding these risks is the first step towards mitigating them. By being aware of the potential dangers, seniors can take proactive measures to protect themselves and enjoy a safe online experience. The following sections will delve into essential tips and strategies for senior online safety, ensuring that seniors are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital world securely.

Essential Tips for Senior Online Safety

Ensuring online safety is crucial for seniors to protect themselves from various online risks. By following these essential tips, seniors can enhance their online security and enjoy a safer digital experience.

Strong Password Practices

Creating strong and unique passwords is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to personal accounts. Here are some tips for seniors to strengthen their password practices:

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in passwords.
• Avoid using easily guessable information like names, birthdates, or common phrases.
• Regularly update passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts.
• Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

To avoid falling victim to scams, seniors should:

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information or financial details.
• Verify the legitimacy of any communication or offer before providing sensitive information or making payments.
• Consult trusted family members or friends when in doubt about the authenticity of an online interaction.
• Stay informed about the latest scam techniques and report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Safely Handling Personal Data

When providing personal information online, it's crucial to exercise caution and follow safe practices. Here are some tips to help you handle personal data securely:

• Only share personal information on trusted websites that have secure connections (look for "https" in the website URL).
• Be cautious when filling out online forms and never provide more information than necessary.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or financial details, unless absolutely necessary and with trusted sources.
• Use strong, unique passwords for each online account and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
• Be cautious of phone calls or emails requesting personal information, even if they appear to be from trusted organizations. Always verify the legitimacy of the request before sharing any information.

Avoiding Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a common online threat where scammers try to trick individuals into revealing personal information through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites. To avoid falling victim to phishing attempts, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information, especially if they create a sense of urgency or fear.
• Double-check the sender's email address to ensure it matches the official one associated with the organization.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Be cautious of pop-up windows or alerts that ask for personal information.
• Regularly update your web browser and email client to benefit from built-in security features and protections against phishing.

By adopting these practices and staying vigilant, you can secure your personal information and protect yourself from online threats. Remember, your online safety is in your hands, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your privacy is essential. Continue reading on this topic here...

Four Senior Care Tips for Summer

It’s time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine with loved ones. If you help a senior, there are few things to keep in mind to so they can stay healthy and safe this summer.

• Hydrate. Staying hydrated is important at every age, but even more critical as we age. According to experts with the Cleveland Clinic, the body’s sense of thirst decreases with age and as a result, dehydration is a common reason for hospitalization of seniors. Typically, a senior is someone who is over age 65. Since the body has less water in it as people age, the chances of becoming dehydrated is increased. To keep someone from becoming dehydrated, make getting a drink throughout the day a fun routine by adding natural fruit flavor (or even vegetable with refreshing cucumbers) such as a squeeze of lemon or lime. Experts recommend going easy on juice as it can hide a lot of sugar so cut it 50/50 with water or limit the frequency. Also look for hydrating snacks like watermelon, strawberries, or celery to munch on while subtly improving hydration.

• Sun Protection. Yes, the sun is good for you with its vitamin D and warmth. However, it’s also dangerous, especially for older adults whose skin has become more thin or who may be taken a medication that can cause an adverse reaction to too much sun. Skin cancer is real danger and more so as people age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “older age” is one of the risk factors for skin cancer, in addition to a family history, lighter natural skin color, and certain types of moles. To keep yourself and someone else protected from the harmful sun rays, be sure to have a hat, sunglasses, and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (dermatologists recommend SPF 30+). You can also find shady spots to spend time outdoors in dappled sunlight rather than get full exposure.

• Exercise. Summertime is the perfect time get outside and be active. If you’re concerned about someone who is age 65 or older becoming overheated with their exercise routine, join them in changing things up to avoid being out at the hottest times of day. Consider an early walk or go just after sunset in the park, catch the sunrise on your hike, swim at an indoor pool instead, or take a class such as Tai Chi that meets indoors.

• Be cool. It doesn’t have to be in the triple digits for someone to develop hyperthermia, an umbrella term for conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat edema, heat syncope, and heat cramps. The National Institute on Aging reports that each year “the most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50.” People who have high blood pressure, are extremely overweight or underweight, and those with heart, lung, or kidney disease are also at higher risk. A heat stroke is even more worrisome and immediate medical attention will be needed if someone faints, spikes a body temperature over 104 degrees, or shows unusual behavior such as staggering in hot weather. Air conditioning is a good way to cool off, and fans can help too with staying fresh. When hydrating to cool back down, avoid alcohol and caffeine and stick to water.

Always contact the health care provider for the person you support with care if you are concerned about their wellbeing. Source

5 Ways to Ease Loneliness

"All the lonely people — where do they all come from?" The Beatles were asking an important question with that haunting lyric. Health experts have been asking another one: How can we, as individuals and as a society, strengthen our social ties and feelings of connection?

In his 2023 report, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy shined a spotlight on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation as well as the health consequences, which include an increased risk of dementia and heart disease. The report offers practical strategies for people to strengthen their relationships and expand their social networks. Here are a few highlights from the list, edited for brevity.

1.) Invest time in nurturing your relationships through consistent, high-quality engagement with others. Each day, reach out to a friend or family member.

2.) Minimize distraction during conversations to improve the quality of time you spend with others. For instance, don’t check your phone during meals with friends or during family time.

3.) Seek opportunities to serve and support others. You can help family members, coworkers, friends and strangers through community service.

4.) Be responsive, supportive and practice gratitude. When you do so, others may reciprocate and you can strengthen social bonds, improve relationship satisfaction and build social capital.

5.) Seek help during times of struggle. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, reach out to a family member, friend, counselor or health care provider. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available by calling 988, offers free, confidential support 24/7. Source

Coping With Grief and Loss

When someone close to you dies, your world changes. You are in mourning — feeling grief and sorrow at the loss. You may feel numb, shocked, and fearful. You may feel guilty for being the one who is still alive. You may even feel angry at your loved one for leaving you. All of these feelings are normal. There are no rules about how you should feel. There is no right or wrong way to mourn.

When you grieve, you can feel both physical and emotional pain. People who are grieving often cry easily and can have:

• Trouble sleeping
• Little interest in food
• Problems with concentration
• A hard time making decisions

As time passes, you may still miss your loved one. But for most people, the intense pain will lessen. There will be good and bad days. You may feel guilty or surprised for laughing at a joke or enjoying a visit with a friend. It is important to understand that these can be common feelings.

Finding a support system

There are many ways to grieve and to learn to accept loss. Try not to ignore your grief. Support may be available until you can manage your grief on your own.

While family and compassionate friends can be supportive, they may be grieving, too. Some people find that sharing memories and stories about the person who is gone is one way to help each other. Sometimes, people hesitate to bring up the loss or mention the name of the person who died because they worry this can be hurtful. But many people may find it helpful to talk directly about their loss. You are all coping with the death of someone who was important in your lives.

Taking care of yourself while grieving

In the beginning, you may find that taking care of details and keeping busy helps. For a while, family and friends may be around to assist you. But there comes a time when you will need to face the change in your life.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Take care of yourself. Grief can be hard on your health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and try to get enough sleep. Bad habits, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking, can put your health at risk.
• Make mealtime plans. Some people who have lost a loved one lose interest in cooking and eating. Sometimes eating at home alone feels too quiet, so it may help to have lunch with friends. Turning on the radio or TV during meals can also help. For information on nutrition and cooking for one, look for books at your local library, bookstore, or online.
• Talk with caring friends. Let family and friends know when you want to talk about your loved one. When possible, accept their offers of help and company.
• Participate in your favorite activities. Doing things you enjoy, such as painting, biking, volunteering, or social club events can help improve overall mood and well-being. Listening to uplifting music may also bring comfort.
• Reach out to your faith community. Many people who are grieving find comfort in spending time with others who share their religious beliefs, praying, or reading religious or spiritual scripture.
• See your doctor. Keep up with visits to your healthcare provider. If it has been a while, schedule a check-up and bring your doctor up to date on pre-existing medical conditions and any new health issues that may be of concern. Let your health care provider know if you are having trouble taking care of everyday activities such as personal hygiene and dressing, or fixing meals.

Mourning takes time. It’s common to have a roller coaster of emotions for a while.

If you have children, remember that they are grieving, too. It will take time for the whole family to adjust to life without your loved one. You may find that your relationship with your children and their relationships with each other have changed. Open, honest communication is important.

When you feel ready, go through your loved one’s clothes and other personal items. It may be hard to give away these belongings. Instead of parting with everything at once, you might make three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one “not sure.” Ask your children or others to help. Think about setting aside items such as a special piece of clothing, watch, favorite book, or picture to give to your children or grandchildren as personal reminders of your loved one.

Mourning the loss of a spouse or partner

If you have lost a spouse or partner, you may worry about how you will take care of yourself or your home. Many couples divide up their household tasks. One person may pay bills and handle car repairs. The other may cook meals and mow the lawn. Splitting up jobs often works well until there is only one person who must do it all. Learning to manage new tasks — from chores to household repairs to finances — can take time.

Reaching out to friends and family who are close by to help manage tasks right after your loss can help. If you don’t have loved ones nearby, local organizations may be able to help. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) offers online tools to help connect people with resources in their community. After a while, you may develop a better understanding of how to handle tasks on your own.

Being alone can also increase concerns about safety. It’s a good idea to ensure there are working locks on the doors and windows.

Facing the future without a spouse or partner can be scary, especially for those who have never lived alone. Those who are both widowed and retired may feel very lonely and become depressed. Talk with your doctor about how you are feeling.

Socializing after the death of a loved one

It may be overwhelming to think about going to parties or other social events without your loved one. It can be hard to think about coming home alone. If you were married or had a long-time partner, you may feel anxious about dating. Many people miss the feeling of closeness that marriage or other intimate relationship brings. After time, some may be ready to have a social life again.

Here are some things to remember:

• Go at a comfortable pace. There’s no rush.
• It’s okay to make the first move when it comes to planning things to do.
• Volunteer.
• Try group activities. Invite friends for a potluck dinner or participate in an activity at a local community or senior center.
• Consider lower-stress, informal outings such as walks or movies.
• Find an activity you like. You may have fun and meet people who share your interests.
• You can develop meaningful relationships with friends and family members of all ages.
• Many people find that pets provide comforting companionship.

Source

Surprising Facts About Getting Old In America

If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d become fascinated with aging, I’d have snorted in disbelief. Why on earth would I, then aged 56, want to spend my time thinking about something so dismal and depressing? That was before I started a project about workers over 80 and learning about longevity. It didn’t take long to realize that almost everything I thought I knew was way off base — or flat-out wrong.

  Here are some of the numbers I came across:

• 2.5%: I thought the odds of ending up in some grim institution were pretty good, especially if I lived long enough. In fact, the percentage of Americans over 65 in nursing homes is just 2 and a half percent, and it’s dropping. Even for people 85 and up, the number is only 9 percent.
• 90%: What about the specter of dementia? Here’s the thing: Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but it is not typical of aging. One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer’s dementia, which means that 90 percent do not. Even as the population ages, dementia rates are falling significantly, according to a 2017 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association, and people are being diagnosed at older and older ages. The real epidemic is anxiety about memory loss.
• 50%: OK, but what about becoming sick, and helpless? Over half of the “oldest old” — 85 and up — can go about their everyday activities without any help. Probably not shoveling their driveways or doing Costco runs, but dressing, cooking and wiping their own bottoms. The vast majority of older Americans enjoy independent lives, slowed somewhat but fully capable of finding our glasses sooner or later and making our way in the world.
• 25%: Don’t we age into loneliness and depression? Not usually. Only a quarter of Americans over 70 say they’re lonely (25 percent, compared with 43 percent of people ages 45-49). Younger people worry more than their elders about becoming socially isolated, and for good reason. According to a 2018 survey by global health-service company Cigna, the loneliest group is Generation Z (ages 18-22).

Here’s the kicker: People are happiest at the beginnings and the ends of their lives. It’s called the “U-shaped happiness curve” — go ahead, Google it — and it’s been borne out by many reputable studies in the US and around the world.

• $7.4 trillion: Think older people are an economic burden? Think again. Although they make up only 35 percent of the population, people over 50 contribute 43 percent of the total US GDP — a cool $7.4 trillion. Not only can we afford “all these old people,” they’re punching above their weight when it comes to their impact on the economy.

Why do so many of these numbers come as a surprise? Because of ageism: discrimination and stereotyping on the basis of age, especially against older people. The personal, social and economic consequences are devastating.

• $64 billion: Ageism in health care adds a staggering $64 billion to the cost of health care in the US every year, a Yale School of Public Health study found in 2018. That’s because battling the negative stereotypes that feed ageism cause stress, which is bad for our health. And that’s just the health-care price tag.
• 56%: Brand new data shows more than half of older US workers are pushed out of longtime jobs before they choose to retire, suffering financial damage that is often irreversible. The personal effects also devastate.
• 7.5 years: People with accurate perceptions of aging can expect to live 7 an a half years longer, on average, than people brainwashed by negative myths and stereotypes, according to a 2002 study published by the National Institutes of Health. Not only that, they walk faster, heal quicker and are less likely to develop dementia — even if they’re genetically predisposed towards the disease.

"I’ve learned that our fears about aging are way out of whack with reality and that knowing the facts about getting older leads to a happier, healthier approach for society. That’s why I’m on a crusade to make ageism as unacceptable as any form of prejudice. I hope you’ll join me! -Brooklyn-based writer and activist Ashton Applewhite "

Source

Chair Yoga and Why Seated Yoga Poses Are Good For You

Do you often feel tense? Has it become difficult to bend down and tie your shoes due to stiff joints? Are you often worried about falling? If so, chair yoga and seated yoga poses may be the ideal exercise to add to your daily routine.

What is chair yoga?

Chair yoga is derived from traditional yoga, an ancient practice with poses that date back over 5,000 years. Many, if not all, traditional yoga poses can be replicated as sitting yoga poses or yoga stretches using a chair. This makes chair yoga both suitable and enjoyable for individuals at all levels of experience, including seniors.

The health benefits of chair yoga

The benefits of an active lifestyle are well known and documented. It's often said that "exercise is the best medicine." Luckily, chair yoga is an effective and accessible exercise for everyone.

Once you begin practicing chair yoga, you will start to feel a sense of ease and relaxation flow through your body. Over time, you will notice the tension that once overtook your muscles and joints begins to release, and basic tasks of daily life are once again possible.

Using your chair for seated poses or balancing poses, you can take advantage of the many benefits yoga provides, such as increased circulation; feelings of well-being; and decreases in blood pressure, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain.

Despite any limitations you may have, chair yoga can help you feel stronger, along with many other benefits. Including:

• Increased flexibility: The ability to bend, twist, stretch, and move freely is important for more than doing yoga. It allows you to do the things that you need to do and engage in the activities that you love. Although some people assume that a loss of flexibility is inevitable as they age, they are mistaken. When it comes to the human body, the rule is “use it or lose it.” By gently challenging your body with chair yoga, you can increase your range of motion and improve your mobility at any age.

• Improved strength: Using your muscles to complete yoga poses builds strength. More strength can lead to better balance, which can reduce your risk of falls. It can also improve your body's ability to withstand injury. More muscle mass increases your calorie burning ability, may increase bone density and make activities of daily living easier and doable.

• Improved self-awareness: Doing yoga generally means shifting smoothly from one pose to another. Moving from one pose to another improves your proprioception. It is your ability to accurately sense where your body is in space, which improves your coordination.

• Reduced stress: Mindfulness is an inherent part of yoga. Focusing on your movement, your breathing, and how your body is reacting to the exercise creates a kind of moving meditation that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity. Like other forms of exercise, seated yoga may also help improve mood, your confidence and relieve anxiety and depression.

• Improved pain management skills: Researchers have repeatedly demonstrated that one of the perks of exercise is reduced pain. That is because working out prompts the body to release natural painkillers like endorphins. Chair yoga also provides you with valuable tools for managing your pain. Gentle movement, deep breathing, and imagining the pain leaving the body can be applied in other situations to cope with pain and discomfort.

• Better sleep: Maintaining a regular exercise routine is often associated with better sleep, and chair yoga is no exception. These mindful exercises have been known to create a more positive outlook on life, which in turn reduces stress and headaches and improves sleep – creating a mind-body experience.

Source

Poor Sleep In Midlife May Increase Women’s Risk Of Later-Life Cardiovascular Disease Events

Women who experience poor sleep during midlife, including persistent insomnia and short sleep duration, may be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease events in later life. According to NIA-funded research published in Circulation, persistent insomnia symptoms, alone and when accompanied by short sleep duration, were associated with up to a 75% increased risk. The findings underscore the importance of considering sleep patterns when evaluating women’s cardiovascular health and their future risk for related disease.

Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, affects the heart or blood vessels, or both. It is the leading cause of death in women and about 30% of women die from some form of it. Poor sleep quality and insomnia are prevalent among women, especially during midlife, often defined as age 40 to 65 years, with up to 50% of women reporting sleep issues during this time. Symptoms of menopause can also contribute to sleep problems. Previous studies have shown that inadequate sleep is linked to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the potential link between sleep problems and later-life cardiovascular events (i.e., heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure) is not well understood.

To address this gap, researchers conducted a study using data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). SWAN is an ongoing long-term study of 3,320 women who were age 42 to 52 years and premenopausal when they entered the study in 1994. A wide variety of data was collected from SWAN participants, including cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and smoking status. Additionally, cardiovascular disease events were documented. Researchers also examined the sleep patterns of SWAN participants repeatedly over 22 years, including insomnia symptoms (trouble falling asleep, waking up multiple times a night, waking too early) and sleep duration.

For this study, the research team evaluated the relationship between sleep disturbances during midlife and later-life cardiovascular disease events in SWAN participants. They looked at both insomnia symptoms and sleep duration separately and together, considering how they might affect heart health differently. SWAN participants were first placed into four groups based on severity and frequency of insomnia: low, moderate-decreasing over time, low-increasing over time, and persistently high. The categories were further refined to include sleep duration to evaluate the combined effect of insomnia and sleep duration on subsequent risk for cardiovascular events.

Researchers found that persistent insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration were both associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Nearly one-quarter of SWAN participants (23%) experienced persistent insomnia symptoms over midlife and had an elevated risk for subsequent heart disease events. Short sleep duration throughout midlife, experienced by 14% of participants, was also associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease events later in life, but to a lesser extent. Notably, women with both persistent insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration had the highest risk of cardiovascular disease events, with a 70% to 75% increased risk.

Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering sleep patterns, particularly insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration, in understanding cardiovascular health risks in women during midlife and beyond. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between poor sleep and cardiovascular health. Source

Happy Independence Day!

 

Hope you had a blast celebrating the birth of our great nation with your loved ones. Happy Independence Day!

What Is Menopause?

 

 

Learn about menopause and the menopausal transition or perimenopause.