Exercise Can Ward Off Falls

As we age, our sense of balance deteriorates, making us more prone to falling. And falls can be serious. We have all heard of older people who fall and break their hips. Such injuries can have devastating effects in the future for such individuals even after surgical intervention.

Interestingly, there is some evidence (although much of it is anecdotal) that exercising can improve one’s balance and increase reaction time. (Many falls occur because a person loses his balance but is unable to move his body quickly enough to recover and, hence, falls). Apparently, a system of exercises from the Orient known as Tai Chi can help. It is particularly useful for older people because it does not involve strenuous activity. There is certainly no requirement that you sign up to lift weights at the local gym!

Tai Chi classes are conducted, for instance, at many senior centers.

Eat Vegetables To Be Happy?

For a variety of reasons depression appears to be more common as people age. Thus, it is of particular interest to note that a study in England suggests, controlling for other factors, the more vegetables a person consumes, the more likely he is to be in a good mood. However, the consumption of vegetables themselves may not be the cause of a good mood. Instead, the explanation may be as simple as the more fruits and vegetables one consumes, the less one is likely to eat other less healthy foods. Specifically, other research has also found a connection between depression and the consumption of fast foods, processed meats and high intakes of sugar.