Aging
Cybernetics: Technology That Extends Human Longevity The term “cybernetics” evokes images of the human-robot hybrids featured in science fiction novels and superhero sagas. Characters like Iron Man and the Six Million Dollar Man were fully biological humans before suffering near-fatal injuries. The introduction of advanced technology into their bodies saved their lives and enabled them to help others. While these types of cyborgs remain in the realm of fiction, cybernetic technology is already being used to prolong the human lifespan. Cybernetics became widely known in 1948, when American mathematician Norbert Wiener published a book by that name. To Wiener, cybernetics was the “science of control and communications in the animal and machine.” This definition is broad enough to apply to today’s cybernetics efforts, though the advances in the field would have likely astonished Wiener — and may surprise you. Let’s explore a few types of cybernetics that are helping older adults live longer, more independent and fulfilling lives. Cutting-Edge Cybernetics Technology Now in Use Let’s be clear: The robotic technologies discussed here are not intended to replace invaluable human medical professionals
Physiology
Sleep Physiology: The Restorative Power of Rest We spend about one-third of our lives asleep, making it no surprise that sleep is a favorite activity for many. Yet, few of us consider the internal processes at work as we settle into bed and drift into dreamland. This is where sleep physiology comes into play. It delves into the biological processes behind sleep, exploring how our bodies regulate it, its effects on bodily functions and the different stages of sleep. So, grab your favorite pillow and join us as we uncover the essentials of sleep physiology and discover how to enhance your sleep habits for optimal rest and renewal. The Sleep Cycle Each night, we cycle through two primary phases of sleep: Nonrapid Eye Movement (NREM)NREM sleep accounts for approximately 75% of your sleep time and consists of three stages: Stage one: This brief phase occurs as you start to fall asleep and lasts about five minutes. Stage two: After we nod off, we enter a light sleep for around 25 minutes. Stage three: This is the deepest phase of NREM and often the hardest to wake from
Aging
Cultural Perspectives on Aging: How the Experience of Aging Differs Around the World When you imagine your life as an older adult, what do you envision? Some people plan on living with their children, adjusting to a comfortable intergenerational lifestyle, while others might see themselves in an assisted living facility that offers enough daily activities to feel like they’re on a never-ending cruise ship vacation. In truth, everyone’s answers will vary based on a wide range of factors, and most of them pertain to cultural perspectives on aging. Today, we’re diving into aging experiences around the world to unpack how different cultures value older adults and influence their roles in society as they progress in age. Western Cultures It’s a truth we can’t ignore: Everyone ages. Some will experience physical symptoms sooner than others, reluctantly welcoming wrinkles and gray hair. Much of Western culture, however, views aging as an unfortunate aspect of life, taking extreme measures to retain youth for as long as possible. But how does this negative cultural mindset regarding aging impact how Western society views and cares for its aging population? For many, it means that older adults rely on retirement communities and nursing homes for long-term care. As of 2024, more than 1.4 million people in the United States live in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes. Western society often embraces individualism, which prioritizes the well-being of the individual
Aging
Opportunities for Connection: 5 Benefits of Intergenerational Relationships When you think of current public health concerns, what comes to mind? Mental health disorders, vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems and environmental pollution might be at the top of the list. One that many don’t think of? Loneliness. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, approximately 50% of adults reported experiencing feelings of loneliness in the United States — and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic, especially during periods of isolation, the number likely grew, particularly among who lived alone or had limited access to technology to stay connected with loved ones. Loneliness is associated with a heightened risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression and even premature death
Physiology
Gut Flora 101: Key Functions of Gut Bacteria and Health Tips This very second, you have trillions of microorganisms living inside your body — so many that they make up one to three percent of your entire body weight! While you have a sizable combination of bacteria, fungi and viruses swarming around inside you, most microbial cells in your body consist of different types of bacteria, many of them residing in your gut. All those gut bacteria have a handful of important jobs to do, including protecting you against pathogens and helping you digest food, which can be especially helpful if you got a little too excited at the all-you-can-eat pizzeria last weekend. Prepare to thank all those tiny bacteria for their hard work as we discuss the important functions that gut bacteria play in our everyday lives and review some tips to help you improve your gut flora. What Is Gut Bacteria? While you have microbes living on your skin and throughout your body, most of them are bacteria that live in your large intestine, small intestine and stomach. Also known as gut bacteria, this gargantuan number of tiny organisms goes by several other names as well, including: Microflora Microbiome Microbiota Intestinal flora Gut flora Regardless of which moniker you use, they all refer to approximately 1,000 species of bacteria that populate your gut, each responsible for various roles in your body. But you’re not born with all these microbes in your body. A baby in utero has an almost entirely sterile gut
Aging
Aging and Health Disparities: What’s Keeping Older Adults From Getting the Care They Need As we age, our bodies’ systems begin to weaken, making us more vulnerable to illness and injury and more dependent on regular access to healthcare. Older adults need to visit medical providers more often, whether they be urologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists or geriatricians. Yet, despite this greater need, many older adults have less access to medical care than they did in their younger years. Let’s examine some of the reasons for this healthcare disparity. Factors Affecting Access to Care for Older Adults Cost In a 2010 United Nations survey of adults aged 60 and older from more than 30 countries, 63% of respondents reported difficulty getting the healthcare they required, primarily due to cost. Their reasons ranged from low-paying jobs to limited pensions and family support
Pharmacology
Ozempic Explained: How It Works for Diabetes and Why Some People Lose Weight In the United States, approximately 38 million people have diabetes. Within that population, about 95% have type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects your body’s ability to metabolize sugar, otherwise known as glucose. One medication that’s used to help manage type 2 diabetes is Ozempic, an injectable drug approved by the FDA in 2017 to improve blood sugar control in adults. Since its introduction, Ozempic has become widely used, not only for its ability to lower blood sugar but also for a notable side effect: weight loss. While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, its impact on appetite and metabolism has drawn attention beyond the diabetes community. In this article, we’ll explore how Ozempic works, its role in diabetes management and why it’s gained so much popularity
Physiology
What Is Ebola — and How Does It Affect Your Body? In 1976, researchers first identified a frightening virus that had emerged in the African nation then known as Zaire. While the source of this fast-moving, destructive disease remains unknown, Ebola is believed to have spread to humans from apes, monkeys and bats. There have been several Ebola outbreaks since 1976, primarily in African countries, though the disease has been found in animals originating from Asia as well. More recently, the most consequential outbreak became a worldwide epidemic: Beginning in Guinea in 2013, the disease spread to other West African countries and later Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. In the period of two and a half years, Ebola was responsible for killing more than 11,000 people. In this article, we explore the devastating effects of the Ebola virus on the human body, tracing its progression from initial symptoms to immune system disruption and organ failure. What Is Ebola? Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease caused by the Ebola virus
Aging
Preparing for the Longevity Revolution In 1950, the average global life expectancy was 45 years. Today, many people at that age are in the prime of their lives, with decades remaining to make lasting memories with family and friends. In fact, the current global life expectancy is 73, a vastly higher number that only seems to be increasing. Some research suggests that humans have the potential to live up to 150 years. Dr. David Sinclair goes so far as to argue, “The first person to live to 150 has already been born.” This ever-increasing life expectancy has brought more attention to the idea of the longevity revolution. But what is this age-defying revolution, and how can we prepare for it? What Is the Longevity Revolution? Have you heard? 70 is the new 50
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Physiology
How Does the Immune System Work? Exploring the 3 Lines of Defense There’s nothing like that tiny throat tickle that tells you a cold is loading. By the time the sneezes hit, the pathogens have already made themselves at home. But long before you notice a single symptom, your immune system is running its own defense strategy: three layered systems designed to stop invaders, slow them down or eliminate them entirely. Below, we break down the body’s first, second and third lines of defense in a way that’s simple, visual and surprisingly fascinating. What Is the Immune System? The immune system is the body’s built-in defense network. It’s a collection of cells, tissues and organs that eliminate harmful pathogens like viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. When you think of your immune system, what do you see? A tiny but mighty army defending its fortress? You’re not wrong! The immune system is our body’s first wall of defense when we encounter antigens and pathogens attempting to nonchalantly sneak past those defenses. The immune system is composed of specialized cells that work to identify and eliminate invaders. Like an army, our immune systems use multiple layers of defense to keep those pathogens at bay. The Immune System’s Three Lines of Defense The immune system has three lines of defense: The first line of defense: physical and chemical barriers The second line of defense: the innate immune response The third line of defense: the adaptive immune response These lines of defense aren’t ranked by importance. They work together, not in competition
