Latest news with #olderAdults
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
England's oldest Viagra user on NHS is 102, figures reveal as thousands of over 80s using performance-boosting pill
A MAN aged 102 is the oldest in England to be given Viagra on the NHS figures reveal as thousands of older people use the pill. A record 250,000 prescriptions for the performance-enhancing "blue pill" were given to over-80s in the last year, including the sprightly centenarian. According to The Mirror's analysis of 106 clinical commissioning groups across England, a whopping 4.71 million prescriptions were issued by the NHS last year. Prescriptions for drugs such as Viagra and Cialis were up 100,000 on the year before. And that could be just the tip of the iceberg with many opting to buy the drug privately. The NHS in England alone spent more than £20million helping men dealing with erectile dysfunction. Figures also revealed that those in their 60s were given the highest number of Viagra pills. The NHS said erection problems are 'very common' in men over 40 and become more likely with age and illness. It comes as older people are increasingly using dating sites and hook-up apps looking for sex. Perhaps the most famous elderly Viagra user was Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy. Known for throwing wild and extravagant parties at his luxury mansion, the magnate's hearing loss has often been blamed on taking the pills. The most common side effects are headaches, feeling sick, indigestion and dizziness but many people have no side effects at all or only mild ones. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, was first developed in the 1990s to treat hypertension and angina. But during clinical trials, the side-effect of increased erections was discovered and it was approved for medical use in 1998. The NHS warns that a recent heart attack or stroke could make taking the pill more dangerous. But it advises that most men aged 18 and over can take sildenafil safely. Inside UK's fake Viagra epidemic…agonising three-day effects, 50p hits and deadly drugs, drywall & ink used as 'fillers' Frank Furedi, professor of sociology at the University of Kent, has previously said that elderly men are fast becoming "generation Viagra". He said: "Contemporary culture sends out the signal that sex is for life. "A lot of elderly man feel they must have a full-on sex life by any means necessary." The Sun recently reported how research revealed the sex drug has surprising health benefits and could help up to 3 million ageing Brits. Studies suggested it could potentially prevent back pain and fractures in old age and even reduce the risk of dementia. It was also revealed last month that men from Yorkshire need the most help in rising to the occassion, according to new figures.
Medical News Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Coordination exercises for seniors: A guide
Various abilities can naturally decline as a person ages. This includes coordination abilities such as balance, flexibility, and strength. Many exercises can help maintain these abilities and reduce the risk of falling and other issues. Coordination is the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently. This ability can often naturally decline as a person can be important for older adults to help support these abilities, build strength, and reduce the risk of falls that could cause does aging affect coordination?Aging naturally affects the body in various ways, including altering:visual systemsproprioceptive systemsvestibular systemsThe vestibular system is the sensory system within the inner ear that helps maintain spatial orientation and balance. The proprioceptive system is a sensory system that provides the brain with information about the body's position and movements in spaces that require coordination, balance, and musculoskeletal system can also begin to decline as a person changes to these systems can cause or worsen balance issues, leading to a higher risk of falls or mobility speaking, aging can affect all aspects of coordination. This includes:gaitmobilitypostureBalance exercises for older adultsBalance exercises can help build strength and improve: stabilityposturecoordinationCoordination and balance exercises can help effectively improve the overall quality of life in older adults, according to research published in for finding balanceDetermine which leg is your dominant leg and start each exercise with the nondominant one. This can make exercising the other side sure to maintain good posture and form while you are holding a position. Focus your gaze on a fixed point straight ahead of you. If you have any concerns about your balance in a standing position, try placing your feet slightly farther apart. Slightly bend your knees to keep them from hyperextending and to help improve your sure to distribute your weight evenly between your feet. Pay attention to whether you tend to put more weight on one foot or shift your weight backward or forward. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise routine. A person may want to try these exercises at least twice a week to help their coordination, balance, and muscle strength, according to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS).Simple grapevineThis exercise involves walking sideways while crossing one foot over the other. Attempt 5 cross steps on each by crossing your right foot over your left. Bring your left foot to join the right one. If you feel unstable, you can rest your fingers against the wall. Sideways walkingPerform 10 steps each way, or step from one side of the room to another. Begin slowly and build up to a higher number of with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Step sideways in a slow and controlled manner, moving one foot to the side first. Bring the other foot to join the first one. One leg standHold this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat it 3 times on each side. Stand facing the wall. Stretch your arms out and touch your fingertips to the wall. Lift one leg, keeping your hips level and a slight bend in the other knee. Gently place your foot back on the floor. Repeat on the other side. Remember to avoid dropping your hips as you walkTry to perform at least 5 steps. Standing upright, place your right heel on the floor directly in front of your left toes. Do the same with your left heel in front of your right foot, looking forward at all times. If you feel unstable, you can rest your fingers on the wall for stability. As you progress, try to move away from the wall. »Learn more: Balance exercises for seniorsCognitive-motor tasks for older adultsCognitive-motor dual tasks are the simultaneous processing of the following: Cognitive, which includes: attentionworking memorydecision makingMotor, which includes: gait and gait initiationbalancephysical exerciseResearch from 2023 notes that the ability to perform cognitive and motor tasks at the same time is important for most daily ability to multitask tends to decline as we age, according to 2022 research. This ability, in a daily sense, includes driving a car while talking with a passenger or walking down the sidewalk while looking in shop doing cognitive-motor dual tasks can help with motor functions, such as gait and balance. These types of coordination exercises can support:hand-eye coordinationhand-foot coordinationeye-foot coordinationreaction to cue coordinationWalk, toss, and catchFor this exercise, you will need another person to help you. Use a small ball that bounces, such as a tennis next to the other person with some space between the two of you. Bounce the ball back and forth as you walk. If the ball bounces too far, try to react with extra effort to catch the balance with ball tossTo begin with, you can do this with both feet on the floor. Once you feel comfortable, you can try the following: Lift one leg off the floor with a 90-degree angle of the hip and knee. Using a small ball like a tennis ball toss the ball from one hand to the sure your eyes follow the ball. If you are doing this as a balance exercise, complete a set on each with focal pointStart slowly and work up to doing more squats. Tips for proper form for squatsStand with your feet hip- or shoulder-width your toes slightly at the knees and lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Keep your back straight and your chest up throughout the motion. Be sure to keep your core (abdominal and back muscles) engaged as you upright with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your arms to shoulder height, extending your wrists and pointing your fingers toward the ceiling. Find a focal point on the wall or floor in front of you. Lower yourself into a squat, moving your right arm out to the side. Keep your focus on the focal point in front of you. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other arm. Once you feel comfortable with the above process, you can do it while turning your head to follow your hand as you squat. Proprioceptive exercises for older adultsProprioceptive exercises and balance exercises are similar. However, balance exercises focus more on maintaining stability, while proprioceptive exercises focus on your body's awareness of its position and movement within a space. Balance exercises may challenge your body to stay upright, and this engages proprioceptive PoseTips for doing Tree PoseKeep your hips as square as possible. Don't let the hip on the side of the raised foot stick your foot does not come easily up to the knee, place it lower on the leg, for example, at calf level. If you feel uncomfortable with your balance ability, do this pose near a wall so you can support yourself if needed. Tree Pose engages your whole body and strengthens your leg and abdominal on the floor or a yoga mat with your legs together and arms by your side. Slowly raise your arms above your head and press your palms together. Plant your toes firmly on the ground and slowly bend your right knee. Raise your right heel and turn it to touch the inside of your left ankle. If you feel more comfortable with your balance, you can place your right foot inside your left calf or knee. Hold your balance. Repeat with the other side. If you can only hold the pose for a few seconds, that's fine. Your ability to hold it will grow as you practice the pose DogTips for correct Bird Dog postureKeep your hips level and don't rotate your lifting your leg too high or allowing your spine to curve past its natural your spine neutral and engage your core to prevent your back from sagging. Keep your chest from sinking toward the floor. Draw your shoulder blades back, down, and away from your ears. Keep the back of your neck aligned with your spine. Move in slow and controlled motions. Maintain smooth and even breathing. Bird Dog works the erector spinae (muscles that run along the spine), the core, and the glutes. It can help with correct movement, stability, and control of the whole on all fours on the floor or an exercise mat. Place your hands beneath your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Press away from the floor with your arms to stabilize your shoulders. Draw your abs in and place your spine in a neutral reach one arm and the opposite leg with toes pointed away from your long for the walls, attempting to get your body in a straight line. Reverse this pattern, sweeping the hand and knee back to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. »Learn more: Examples of proprioception exercisesActivities to enhance agility and fine motor skills in older adultsFine motor skills are the specific movements a person makes with their hands subconsciously every day. Natural changes to brain functioning as they age can affect those motor skills are important because they help an individual do daily activities like:dressingbrushing their teethwritingchanging the TV channelThere are various activities a person can do at home or in a social setting to help improve and support motor skills. Examples of these activities include:Gardening: Gardening uses many fine motor skills, such as: grasping and manipulating garden toolsspreading soil with your handsplacing seedspruningCard games, board games, and puzzles: These require fine motor skills to manipulate small pieces. They can also offer social interaction. Arts and crafts: All arts and crafts require fine motor skills at various levels. Ideas for arts and crafts include: painting or drawingsewingcrocheting or knittingmolding clayscrapbookingSports and outdoor activities: Many sports and outdoor activities help you use your fine motor skills. Suggestions include: fishingbilliardsyard gamesSummaryCoordination tends to decrease as we age. Participating in exercises that focus on various aspects of coordination can help support your balance, strength, independence, and ability to perform daily is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise routine.
Washington Post
30-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
What to do if you have an overactive bladder
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this site. Bladder leaks can be disruptive — and they're very common. Up to 30 percent of older adults experience incontinence. The problem is more prevalent in women, but the percentage of men with an overactive bladder — leakage is a major symptom — has risen over the past decade or so, probably due to an aging population and improved diagnoses. Here's what to know about keeping your bladder working well and when to see a doctor.
Medscape
30-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Tool Predicts if Seniors with Cancer Can Stay Home Post Op
TOPLINE: A novel predictive model named STAYHOME effectively estimated the risk of losing the ability to live at home among older adults after cancer surgery, demonstrating good calibration with minimal deviation from observed risks. The model predicted a 2.4% and 3.4% risk for admission to a nursing home at 6 months and 12 months, respectively. METHODOLOGY: Older adults prioritize long-term functional independence, and the ability to return and stay at home after cancer surgery remains a key concern. However, current prognostic tools focus on short-term outcomes, lacking individualized long-term risk estimates. To estimate the risk of losing the ability to live at home post-surgery, researchers developed and internally validated a risk prediction model, named STAYHOME, among 97,353 community-dwelling older adults (median age, 76 years) who underwent cancer surgery between 2007 and 2019. The predictive model included preoperative variables such as age, sex, rural residence, previous cancer diagnosis, surgery type, frailty, receipt of home care support, receipt of neoadjuvant therapy, cancer site, and cancer stage. The primary outcome was the inability to stay at home after cancer surgery, defined as the time to admission to a nursing home, and was measured at 6 months and 12 months. TAKEAWAY: Overall, 2658 patients (2.7%) at 6 months and 3746 (3.8%) at 12 months were admitted to a nursing home post-surgery. The mean predicted risk of not staying home was 2.4% at 6 months and 3.4% at 12 months. The STAYHOME tool demonstrated a strong predictive capability, with areas under the curve of 0.76 and 0.75 for 6- and 12-month predictions, respectively. The tool also demonstrated minimal deviation from the observed risk for 6-month (0.33 percentage point on average; calibration slope, 1.27) and 12-month (0.46 percentage point on average; calibration slope, 1.17) predictions. The model's calibration was excellent for most predictors at 6 months and 12 months, with a deviation of < 0.8 percentage points from the observed probability; only age older than 85 years (1.13%), preoperative frailty (1.16%), and receipt of preoperative home care support (1.25%) exceeded the deviation of 1 percentage point at 12 months. Across risk deciles, deviations between predicted and observed probabilities were 0.1%-1.5% at 6 months and 0.1%-1.9% at 12 months, reflecting good calibration. The deviation for the slight overestimation at or above the seventh decile remained under 2% for both timepoints. IN PRACTICE: 'The STAYHOME tool demonstrated good discrimination and was well calibrated. Thus, it may be a useful tool to identify a specific group of individuals at risk of not remaining home,' the authors wrote. '[The tool] used information readily available to patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals and may be implemented to provide them with individualized risk estimates and improve surgical oncology care delivery and experience for older adults,' they concluded. SOURCE: This study, led by Julie Hallet, MD, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was published online in JAMA Surgery. LIMITATIONS: The STAYHOME tool showed slightly reduced discrimination for predictor levels of preoperative frailty, preoperative home care use, receipt of neoadjuvant therapy, and having stage IV disease. The model was also less well calibrated at the extremes of the risk distribution, with a slight overestimation in higher-risk categories. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by operating grants from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Ontario Cancer Research Institute, and ICES. One author reported receiving speaker fees from Ipsen, outside the submitted work. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Best walking poles for 2025, tested and reviewed by a personal trainer
Whether you're not so steady on your feet right now or looking to amp up your walking routine, walking poles just might be the secret weapon you've been waiting for. While walking and hiking are highly accessible exercises, adding poles can make challenging terrain feel more manageable and transform a simple stroll into a full-body workout. Finding the best walking poles for your needs can be game-changing — they engage your core, arms, shoulders and back with each step. Even better? Research shows that using walking poles, also called trekking or Nordic poles, lets you work harder and burn more calories without feeling more tired. As physical therapist Amanda Derstine explains: "They redistribute your body weight, offloading your hips, knees and ankles," while reducing pressure on your lower back, quads and glutes. One small study found that using poles reduced the impact force on participants' feet by up to 5%, and the athletes provided with poles powered up hills 2.5% faster than those without. The benefits may extend beyond performance gains. A small study of women over 60 years found that pole users enjoyed improvements in posture, flexibility, endurance and balance when using these walking accessories, making them a possible safety tool for individuals in older populations. Walking poles create a wider base of support, which is especially valuable for balance on uneven surfaces, Derstine explains. This is ideal not only for older adults, but for pregnant individuals and those recovering from injuries. "Walking poles can be extremely helpful for anyone dealing with a joint injury such as knee meniscus tears, hip labral tears or osteoarthritis in the knees, hips or ankles as well,' says Derstine. Katya Campbell, fitness director at Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat, cites another surprising benefit: Using walking poles can boost grip strength, which "may be a better indicator of life expectancy than blood pressure." Beyond the research, as a personal trainer who regularly goes on long walks and hikes, I've personally felt the difference since adding poles to my routine. This is especially true for tough hikes that typically leave my hips and glutes sore the next day. Walking poles help improve my posture and reduce strain on my joints, making the distance feel less taxing. And while serious hikers like myself swear by them, you don't need to be scaling mountains to benefit from using poles. Whether you're heading out on trails or walking for exercise, poles can help you move better, feel stronger and go farther with more confidence. To help you choose the best walking poles for your needs, I consulted three fitness experts — a physical therapist, a trainer and a movement specialist — and put six top-rated models through real-world testing. Here are the top picks: Best overall walking poles More walking poles we like for 2025 Factors to consider when purchasing walking poles How we chose Other products we tested FAQs Meet the experts Choosing the right walking poles depends on your goals, environment and comfort preferences. Here's what to look for when comparing options: Pole type: Trekking poles are usually lightweight, collapsible and ideal for hiking and uneven terrain with removable tips for different surfaces. Nordic walking poles focus on fitness, using either strap systems for grip-and-release movement or shelf-like grips for continuous contact, with angled tips for proper technique and full-body engagement. Hiking staffs or hiking sticks are used singularly and are more of a walking aid. Tips and baskets: Carbide tips are ideal for trails and rocks while rubber tips excel when you're walking on pavement and indoor surfaces. Baskets help keep your poles from sinking into the ground. Small ones are great for regular terrain, while larger ones are best for snow or softer surfaces. Weight: Lighter poles reduce arm fatigue and are great for fitness or long hikes. Heavier poles, like the Jetti, can increase upper-body engagement and calorie burn but may be tiring on extended outings. Material: Carbon fiber poles are lightweight and as Campbell notes, "a lightweight pole helps reduce tension in the arms and shoulders." While these come at a premium, they're often worth the investment for serious users who enjoy long treks. Durable aluminum options, on the other hand, offer a budget-friendly yet slightly heavier alternative. Grip: Cork resists sweat and molds to your hands while reducing vibration — ideal for hot weather. Foam offers the softest touch and good moisture absorption, while rubber insulates best in cold and wet conditions, but can cause chafing and sweating when used without gloves. Adjustability: Adjustable poles use telescoping or lever-lock systems for height customization, ideal for varied terrain and multiple users. While adjustment mechanisms add weight, they offer valuable flexibility. Fixed-length poles are simpler and lighter but less versatile, coming in specific sizes based on height. Folding mechanism: Telescoping poles collapse into themselves, offering durability but longer packed length. Z-fold models break down into smaller cord-connected segments, making them easier to pack. Choose based on your storage needs and how often you'll pack and unpack your poles. Anti-shock system: Internal springs reduce impact on joints, particularly on your wrists, elbows and shoulders during downhill treks. While this feature adds weight, it's great for those with joint issues or anyone covering long distances. Most systems can be activated or deactivated as needed. Accessories: Additional accessories like carrying cases, replacement tips or clip-on weights may come with your poles, or be available as an add-on purchase. These extras can enhance performance in specific conditions or terrain types, though they often come at additional cost. As a certified personal trainer and pain-free performance specialist with extensive hiking and gear-testing experience, I'm quite familiar with walking poles. But before diving into this review process, I made sure to consult more experts in the field for deeper insights. I spoke to a physical therapist, sports conditioning coach and fitness retreat director, asking them many questions about joint health, balance, upper-body engagement — and what separates an average walking pole from the best walking pole. Then I walked — a lot. I evaluating six walking poles across steep forest trails, rocky paths and paved roads. I scored each pole based on comfort, adjustability, grip, weight and stability. I also including practical factors like setup ease and performance under pressure. After many, many miles and countless elevation changes, I narrowed down my picks to the poles that truly stood out. Two poles didn't make the final list but still offer strong performance, especially for specific preferences or uses: Leki Khumbu Lite: A sturdy, versatile pole with a wide adjustment range (100 to 135 cm), the Khumbu Lite ($129) offers comfortable cork grips and a secure locking system. While it held up well on rugged terrain, it's slightly heavier and less packable than other options we tested. Gossamer Gear LT5: At just 139 grams per pole, the LT5 is the lightest model we tested and a solid pick for ultralight hikers or minimalists. Its carbon fiber construction and simple design make it easy to carry for long distances. However, the twist-lock mechanism requires careful tightening to avoid slippage, and its higher price ($195) may not suit casual walkers or hikers. Studies show that compared to regular walking, using poles leads to higher oxygen consumption, elevated heart rate and greater calorie burn — all without making the walk feel more strenuous. The reason? Pole walking engages more muscle groups, particularly in the upper body and core. As Campbell explains, using more of our body naturally requires more fuel to power movement, making it an efficient way to boost exercise benefits while maintaining comfort and endurance. While poles enhance stability and exercise benefits, they can cause upper body fatigue or strain during long treks. They may also slow your pace on technical trails, requiring extra coordination to place both feet and poles. Your occupied hands make it tricky to scramble, check maps or handle gear. nd when not in use, poles add bulk and weight to your pack. Though lightweight, collapsible models minimize this burden, they often command premium prices due to materials like carbon fiber. Walking stick are typically used alone and suited for flat or mildly uneven terrain. They often have a simple design, made of wood or heavier materials, and they may not be adjustable or have advanced grip features. These are popular for mobility support and casual hikes where a bit of extra stability is helpful but high performance isn't necessary. Hiking poles, by contrast, are usually used in pairs and designed for more challenging terrain. They're made from lightweight materials (aluminum or carbon fiber), and often adjustable, have wrist straps and durable tips (usually carbide) for better traction on varied surfaces. Many also include features like shock absorption or interchangeable baskets for snow or soft ground. They're built to improve balance, reduce joint impact and support efficient movement during hikes with elevation changes or uneven trails. For most hikers, walking poles add an extra layer of confidence and security on the trail. Research shows they improve balance and stability, especially on uneven or steep terrain. They help reduce strain on your knees and joints during downhill sections, and by distributing effort more evenly throughout your body, they may lower the risk of overuse injuries. Think of them as trail insurance — they're there when you need them most. Amanda Derstine, PT, DPT, physical therapist and movement and recovery adviser at Wild Society Nutrition Cara D'Orazio, certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, sports conditioning specialist and owner of CGM Fitness Katya Campbell, general manager and fitness director at Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat, British Columbia, Canada Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
