Lifestyle Medicine

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Use it or lose it.” We’d like to propose a slightly amended version of that truism to correspond to the latest research on physical activity: that is, “Move it or lose it.” For it seems that more than ever, the notion that regular and ongoing…

By now, you’re likely aware of the central role that friendships play in our lives as we get older. As the saying goes, “Friends are the family we choose,” and in fact, many of us are getting ready to celebrate a “Friendsgiving” instead of, or in addition to, whatever Thanksgiving…

The connection between lifestyle behaviors and brain health has been firmly established. We’ve highlighted numerous studies that document how basic activities, such as exercise, eating, social engagement, and sleep, can affect brain health and potentially increase or decrease your risk for such afflictions as memory loss or dementia. In recent…

We’ve spent countless posts detailing the negative health consequences that stem from loneliness, as well as the value of social connections for healthier aging. Both loneliness and social isolation are serious international problems, with a recent World Health Organization report proclaiming that one in six people worldwide (both young and…

No doubt you’re well aware that exercise is an essential aspect of staying healthy and functional as you get older. Of course, knowing that fact and acting upon it are two different matters. If your body doesn’t act upon what your brain knows to be true, then despite your knowledge…

It’s a point we’ve made over and over, but it bears repeating: Many of the factors that can lower your risk of dementia are within your control. Through lifestyle changes and with support and encouragement, you can do an awful lot to lessen the likelihood that you will someday be…