#Healthylifestyle

A major new review in The Lancet provides fresh insights into how exercise acts as a powerful protector of the ageing brain, marking a significant step forward in scientific understanding of the neuroprotective effects of physical fitness. The research, led by international experts, underscores the vital role that regular physical activity plays in not only preserving memory and thinking skills but also in counteracting the very processes that make the brain vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. For Thai readers, already facing an increasingly aged society, these findings reinforce the urgent importance of weaving fitness into daily life—not just for the body, but for the mind as well.

An 85-year-old runner challenging his limits at the 28th London Marathon is capturing international attention and spotlighting new research that shatters one of the most persistent myths in health: that old age is an obstacle to exercise. While some see retirement as an end to physical activity, the remarkable story of this octogenarian marathoner signals a broader move in both science and society towards active aging — and offers invaluable lessons for Thailand’s fast-growing elderly population.

A wave of new research warns that exercising too late in the day—especially if it’s high-intensity—could be robbing you of restorative sleep. As more Thais embrace fitness culture and nighttime gyms gain popularity in Bangkok and beyond, a landmark study of nearly 15,000 people has highlighted how the timing and intensity of your evening workout could be the culprit behind tossing, turning, and groggy mornings (Fortune, Nature Communications). For many, it’s a challenge to find gym time amid work, family, and Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams, pushing workouts close to bedtime. But these new findings have direct and important implications for health-conscious Thais.

A simple test—how long you can stand on one leg—may be one of the clearest indicators of your physical age and even your long-term health outlook, according to growing research in the field of geriatric medicine. New studies, including recent findings from the Mayo Clinic and data published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest that the ability to balance on one leg for at least 10 seconds is strongly linked to overall health and longevity, especially in people over 50. For Thais concerned about healthy ageing, this insight offers a powerful, easy-to-use predictor that could shape personal and public health strategies for years to come.

A recent analysis published by The New York Times is offering renewed hope to millions concerned about cancer, highlighting that up to 40% of cancer cases in adults can be traced back to lifestyle factors that are within our control to change (NYT, 2025). This finding underscores the significant opportunity everyone—regardless of family history—has to shape their own cancer risk through choices about smoking, diet, body weight, and exercise. For Thai readers navigating personal or familial cancer anxieties, these insights could not be more timely.