Loneliness can be deadly, according to new scientific research.
The most significant impact on maintaining health in later life is the frequency and quality of interactions with others.
Professor Roseanne Kenny leads a long-term study on aging and shares tips to foster important interactions in later life.
According to Prof. Kenny, it is not inevitable that most of us will have many years of poor health before we die.
Scientists know how to slow down aging, as confirmed by Prof. Rose Anne Kenny.
Prof. Rose Anne Kenny believes that having more friends can indeed keep a person healthier.
Delaying retirement does not necessarily reduce the effects of aging.
The biggest myth about aging, according to Prof. Rose Anne Kenny, is that it's inevitably an unpleasant process.
Quality of life consistently improves as we get older, up to late 70s, early 80s. The decline in quality of life is predominantly influenced by physical illness.
Social engagement and friendship mitigate against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in later life.
Lifespan refers to the maximum number of years an individual can live, while life expectancy is the average age we can expect to live. Lifestyle and social class are major determinants of life expectancy.
The goal is to manage diseases to compress the period of life spent with disability. Early detection and intervention show great promise in managing diseases.
Healthspan refers to extending the period of healthy life at the end of life. Changes indicating accelerated aging start early, even at the age of 38, and are influenced by adverse childhood experiences and poor health behaviors.
80% of aging is within our control, with genes responsible for 20-30% up to the age of 80. Lifestyle choices can actively change the direction of health.
Genes become more dominant in governing the aging process after the age of 80, responsible for about 40% of the process.
After the age of 80, if you come from a family where siblings all lived into their 90s and 100s, that factor kicks in more dominantly.
In 2018, for the first time in history, persons aged over 65 outnumbered children under five worldwide.
Today's 60-year-old or 65-year-old is yesterday's 45-year-old.
Society's attitude towards aging is changing, enabling individuals to feel better about getting older. Lifestyle changes and choice in retirement can impact health and aging positively.
Forced retirement is toxic, and having a purpose and control is important for healthy aging. The decision to retire should be personalized based on individual preferences and needs.
A longitudinal study on aging in Ireland, TILDA, has shown that social relationships and participation are as important as exercise and diet for health. Loneliness triggers chronic inflammation, impacting overall health.
Isolating monkeys led to increased inflammation and decreased immune response, highlighting the impact of social isolation on health. Building friendships and social engagement is as important as choosing foods and physical activity for overall health and well-being.
People who continue to engage in work or work-related activities are less likely to be lonely and have better health. Volunteering, especially among older or retired individuals, leads to better quality of life, less physical illness, and less depression. Volunteering independently influences biological health.
Prof. Rose Anne Kenny emphasizes that engaging with more people can increase healthy years, regardless of age.
Attitude and perception of aging independently determine the aging process. Having a positive attitude is easier when engaged with peers who also have a positive attitude.
Quality of relationships with friends and family is crucial for health. Toxic relationships trigger stress, which is bad for health. Online social interaction can be beneficial if it engages with people, but excessive use can be toxic.
Prof. Kenny advises putting phones away when with people and suggests that online interaction, in moderation and for benefit, is valuable. She also encourages managing exposure to toxic family relationships and shares the importance of quality over quantity in relationships.
For those wanting to build social relationships, Prof. Kenny suggests actionable advice such as seeking engagement in activities, joining clubs or groups, and volunteering.
Prof. Rose Anne Kenny emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities with others, such as going to the gym, joining a choir, or volunteering, for better health and well-being.
She advises reaching out to friends and family, as it can significantly impact their health and happiness.
Jonathan Wolff highlights the significance of maintaining a sense of purpose, staying socially connected, and reaching out to people to improve their health and well-being.