New research shows that several obesity-related cancers are increasing globally across all age groups, not just in the young, highlighting the widespread impact of obesity on cancer risk and the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
A global study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a rise in six obesity-related cancers, including breast, among both younger and older adults across 42 countries, highlighting the need for targeted research and public health strategies.
A new study highlights a significant rise in pickleball-related eye injuries in the US, especially among players aged 50 and older, with injuries like black eyes, orbital fractures, and retinal detachment increasing as the sport's popularity grows. Experts suggest wearing eye protection, although no formal mandates exist, to help prevent serious eye injuries.
Older Coloradans have nearly returned to pre-pandemic death rates, but middle-aged individuals continue to die younger than expected mainly due to overdoses, with youth death rates fluctuating and ongoing concerns about substance abuse and mental health. Overall, death rates are improving for some age groups, but challenges remain, especially among middle-aged adults and youth.
New research from Northwestern Medicine reveals that younger and middle-aged adults experience worse neurological symptoms of long COVID compared to older adults, despite the latter being more severely affected by acute COVID-19. The study, published in the Annals of Neurology, analyzed 1,300 patients and found symptoms like headaches, numbness, and cognitive decline were prevalent regardless of initial COVID-19 severity. This has significant public health implications, as long COVID affects workforce productivity and increases healthcare burdens.
The US has dropped out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time, falling from 15th to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report. The report highlighted a decrease in happiness across all age groups in the US, with young people being the least happy. Finland remains the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel, while Afghanistan is ranked as the least happy country. The rankings are based on individuals' own assessments of their lives rather than specific factors like GDP or social support.
Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year, while India stands at 126th out of 143 nations in the global happiness index. The report notes that older age is associated with higher life satisfaction in India, with the young being the "happiest" and those in the "lower middle" rung being the least happy. The US has fallen out of the top 20 for the first time, and Afghanistan remains the world's 'unhappiest' nation. The report also highlights the importance of strengthening family and social networks to enhance well-being in older age, and provides separate rankings by age group, with Lithuania topping the list for children and young people under 30, and Denmark being the happiest nation for those 60 and older.
The U.S. has dropped in the global happiness ranking, but individuals aged 60 and older in the country report higher levels of well-being compared to younger age groups. There is a decline in happiness among younger adolescents and young adults in the U.S., as well as in Canada, Australia, and parts of western Europe and Britain. Factors such as social support, healthy life expectancy, and societal pressures contribute to these shifts in happiness levels across different age groups.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended updated coronavirus vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, despite criticism that the recommendation is overly broad. The new monovalent vaccines target the XBB.1.5 strain and are expected to be more effective against currently dominant variants. The CDC's data shows that the effectiveness of the previous bivalent vaccine declines over time. While some argue that the benefit of updated vaccines is not equal across age groups, the CDC's broad recommendation allows for a streamlined vaccination campaign and ensures access for all. However, a more nuanced approach targeting older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions may be warranted. The effectiveness of boosters for healthy young people and the need for annual boosters are also questioned. Ultimately, the CDC's decision prioritizes simplicity and expediency, but adjustments may be needed in the future to protect the most vulnerable.
Intermittent fasting is a popular approach to weight loss and improved health, but the best fasting plan can vary depending on age. For the 18-30 age group, flexibility is key, while those in the 30-45 age group should choose a plan that suits their busy lifestyle. Women experiencing menopause can benefit from alternate-day fasting, and individuals aged 60 and above should focus on shorter fasts to ensure proper nutrition. Intermittent fasting can have different effects on men and women, and it is not recommended for children. It is important to consult a doctor before starting intermittent fasting, especially for those with certain health conditions.
A new study has found that COVID-19 death rates are changing between age groups, with the risk of death for those aged 75 and over decreasing, while the risk for those aged 55-74 has increased. The study analyzed data from England and Wales and suggests that the changing death rates may be due to the vaccination rollout, as well as the impact of previous waves of the pandemic on different age groups.