#HealthyAging

Thai consumers have been swept up in the growing craze for collagen supplements, drawn by alluring promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and pain-free joints. But with social media influencers, celebrities, and supplement brands all fueling the trend, how much of the hype is actually backed by solid scientific evidence? Recent international research and expert commentary provide a clearer picture of what collagen supplements can—and can’t—do for your health, with important implications for Thai readers considering adding collagen to their daily routines.

In a finding that challenges long-held fears about the dangers of digital devices, a major new analysis reveals that older adults who regularly use smartphones and other digital technologies tend to experience slower rates of cognitive decline. The research, published in the highly regarded journal Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed data from more than 400,000 people over age 50 and concluded that routine digital device usage is associated with better cognitive functioning—offering hopeful news for Thailand’s rapidly greying population and its increasingly connected elderly.

A recent study has unveiled a promising approach to combating the onset of dementia, a progressive brain condition affecting millions globally. Researchers from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have discovered that weight training might play a crucial role in reducing dementia risk, offering hope to an ageing population facing the rising tide of this syndrome marked by memory loss and behavioral changes.

Dementia affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide, a number anticipated to increase as populations age. With no known cure, lifestyle changes remain a primary defense against the disease. Previous research has suggested that lifestyle adjustments could prevent up to 45% of dementia cases, and the latest study adds to this body of evidence by identifying resistance exercise as a key preventive measure.

A recent study published in Neurology has uncovered alarming associations between heavy alcohol consumption and significant brain health risks, bringing this global health concern closer to home for Thai readers. The research highlights that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is linked to an increased risk of brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which are associated with memory and cognitive impairments. This finding is particularly pertinent for a society where social drinking is common, raising awareness about the potential long-term impacts on brain health.

As we advance in years, maintaining mobility often becomes a challenge. However, the latest research by Dr. Kelly Starrett, a physical therapist with a background in athletics, suggests that it need not be an inevitability of aging. His insights, recently discussed on CNN, highlight practical strategies that older adults can employ to retain and even enhance their flexibility and independence.

Starrett emphasizes the misconception that reduced range of motion is an unavoidable consequence of aging. Instead, he proposes that efforts should focus on maintaining and regaining one’s natural range of motion. The couple’s recent book, “Built To Move: The 10 Essential Habits To Help You Move Freely and Live Fully,” coauthored with Juliet Starrett, outlines simple yet effective practices that can be integrated into daily routines without overwhelming time commitments.

Recent research has highlighted the potential of omega-3 supplements to significantly bolster longevity. Known as a “healthy fat,” omega-3 is already celebrated for its ability to enhance both brain and heart health. This emerging study suggests that its benefits might extend to decelerating the aging process itself, an exciting development in the field of health supplements.

The significance of these findings cannot be overstated, especially for Thai readers who value holistic health and long life. Omega-3, commonly found in fish oils and certain seeds, has been a staple in many diets. However, the implication that it could actually slow biological aging places it in an entirely new context, aligning with Thailand’s rising interest in functional foods and nutraceuticals, which are gaining popularity as part of broader health-conscious lifestyle trends.

A simple and quick exercise known as the sit-to-stand test (STS) has emerged as a powerful indicator of aging and health, offering insights into the body’s strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. The test, which involves standing up from a seated position repeatedly in a span of 30 seconds, might seem trivial, but its implications are profound for medical assessment, particularly among the elderly.

The sit-to-stand test is widely used in primary healthcare settings to evaluate health functioning. Jugdeep Dhesi, a consultant geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and professor of geriatric medicine at Kings College London, emphasizes its significance: “It tells us about their strength, their balance, and their flexibility,” she states. Research demonstrates a connection between lower scores in the test and risks of falls, cardiovascular issues, and even higher mortality.