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A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health researchers indicates that eating spicy foods could help improve longevity. Their findings, which were published in the British Medical Journal in 2005, state that people who consume spicy foods daily have a 14% lower risk of death. This is in comparison to people who consumed spicy foods only once a week.

China Population

The researchers analyzed the diet and health information of nearly 500,000 people living in China from 2004 to 2008, then followed them up a couple of years later. Since the study was observational in nature, it did not show if spicy foods help people live longer. It revealed, however, that people who consumed spicy food regularly were less likely to have died within the study period compared to those who consumed less spicy food.

Dr. Lu Qi, the author of the study, stated that evidence from many other studies indicate the bioactive ingredients found in spicy foods like capsaicin reduces bad cholesterol. It also minimizes triglycerides and helps in improving inflammation.

Foods that contain dried and fresh chili peppers have shown the most potential.A study that was published in PLoS ONE, a medical journal, also linked the spice with a 13% lower risk of death. spicy food and longevity Photo: englishlikeanative - Pixabay

The Study

Using information made available by the National Health and Examination Survey, the University of Vermont scientists analyzed the diet patterns of more than 16,000 American adults. The scientists asked the question of how often did these adults eat or consume red hot chili peppers. They noted that those who reported eating any hot peppers during the previous months had lower mortality rates, after making adjustments for other factors, for 18 years.

Among the benefits of capsaicin is weight loss. There is evidence that indicates it promotes weight loss by moderating appetite and increasing the bodys ability to burn fat. Studies also reveal ten grams of red chili pepper can considerably boost fat burning in both males and females.

Researchers also found that capsaicin can minimize your calorie intake. The study, which involved 24 participants, showed that those who regularly consume chili found they were able to reduce their calorie intake.

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New Study Reveals Foods Linked To Longer Life Expectancy - International Business Times

As a business owner, Ive frequently struggled with hiring good people and ensuring they last. Im sure a lot of other people also struggle with it. Thats why I wanted to write this article.

It doesnt help that we can sometimes give up early in the hiring process either since we get so frustrated. I did that when I first started out and was ready to tear my hair out when I would see more money going out the door on training new hires that didnt work out. Often, when that happens, you spend even less time on reworking the hiring system. I get it. You might feel like: whats the point? Im doomed to sort through crappy people forever.

In my case, I came from the field and believed that as long as I could work hard as a tech, I could scale and last in the marketplace. Maybe you can relate? Maybe you apply this same logic to hiring? Heres the catch: using what worked when you were a startup is exactly why you cant hold onto your peoplewhy you threaten your potential to grow.

If you have aspirations for a business that is more than just you, then youre going to need to leverage other peoples time and energy. Youre going to have to train individuals in the methodologies, systems, and processes you use that make you great.

But dont worry, because I can tell you what you need to knowand what you already knowif you read my last article on defining your core values. Thats the secret. To make your people stick, You need to be clear on your core values. This piece of the foundation is paramount if you want to be successful in the long-term.

If your core values arent clear, you have the possibility or potential to allow infectious people into your organization. And when I say infectious, I mean people who dont align with you or your purpose. But you wont know this from the jump. They might be a skilled person and from the outside seem like a logical fit. But then youll find out theyll always show up late or dont speak nicely to customers.

Id rather have a guy with a lower skill set who is coachable and can be trained and molded into the correct technician that we want. As long as the core values are in alignment and are the underlying foundation within that persons life, theyre going to align with Top Class.

Even though this is a little bit of a different approach when it comes to onboarding and training people, its definitely made a significant difference in our business.

A couple of years ago, we had three really shitty hires back to back to back in a short period. We thought the timing was perfect because we had a big project coming up, and that allowed a couple of weeks leeway to get these guys up to speed. They would know what they were doing and be trustworthy. We felt good about hiring them initially. But in less than 90 days, all three people had been fired, or theyd quit.

What I learned is that if you want to prevent what we went through with these hires, then you need to identify your core values and leverage them properly.

If youre still not convinced, Google employee cost calculators; youll see the numbers are absolutely disgusting. Check out what it costs in advertising to get a person on your team, what it costs to train the person, and how long you need to train them. Youll learn what you are spending when your employees are not producing at the expected levelbecause they werent trained fully. Youll read about IT costs like setting up email addresses and getting them on your software. And after you look up all the costs you can track, think about what you cant track. How much time and money did you spend getting them shirts and swag?

After we lost the three guys in such quick succession, I added up the expenses and was blown away by what it cost to hire themcash right out the window.

Unsure what to do, I talked to my coach, and he gave me the kick in the ass I needed to work on the businesss core values. My partner Jimmy and I had some intense conversations to drill down into what we wanted our core values to be. Jimmy believes in a lot of things I dont and vice versa, but that didnt matter. We needed to work through these differences to agree on our core values.

Once we did that, our company strengthened. It didnt happen overnight, but it did happen. Get clear on your core values, and you will be amazed at what you are actually attracting to your business. It changes every aspect of your business, even the bottom line!

You never know when the perfect person for your organization is going to come along. So always be open to hiring people. With your core values in place, your process to bring them on-board will be that much easier and more economical. You will always be in the best position to grow your company and optimize every hiring opportunity.

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Have you read the original anthology that was the catalyst for The Good Men Project? Buy here: The Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

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Original article appeared at Tomas Keenan. Reprinted with permission.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Originally posted here:
Breaking the Small Business Owners Curse: Hiring for Longevity - The Good Men Project

Leading a long and fulfilling life largely hinges on your ability to avoid chronic complications that shorten your lifespan.

One of the most important proactive measures you can take is to maintain a healthy weight because obesity can lead to life-threatening conditions such as coronary heart disease.

In fact, coronary heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK and worldwide so it is important to maintain a healthy weight to ward off the threat of developing this deadly disease.

Intermittent fasting, an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, has been shown to attack this harmful belly fat, however.

A large review of studies found that following an intermittent fasting style of eating helped reduce visceral fat by four to seven percent over a period of six to 24 weeks.

Intermittent fasting has also been shown to provide benefits to heart health.

The dietary approach has been shown to offer protection against mechanisms that lead to heart disease.

Studies have found that intermittent fasting can improve blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers and blood sugar levels - risk factors associated with the deadly condition.

In addition to a healthy dietary approach, numerous studies show that regular exercise can extend your lifespan.

In fact, a recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology's 68th Annual Scientific Session, reveals the health benefits of exercising over the age of 70.

The study found that being physically fit provides a more complete picture of an older persons health than the typical cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

Seamus P. Whelton, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the study's lead author, said: "We found fitness is an extremely strong risk predictor of survival in the older age group - that is, regardless of whether you are otherwise healthy or have cardiovascular risk factors, being more fit means you're more likely to live longer than someone who is less fit.

The findings, based on an analysis of more than 6,500 people medical records, found that higher fitness was associated with significantly increased rates of survival.

The most fit individuals were more than twice as likely to be alive 10 years later compared with the least fit individuals.

In light of the findings, Whelton called on doctors to incorporate it into their health assessments of older age patients: Assessing fitness is a low-cost, low-risk and low-technology tool that is underutilised in clinical practice for risk stratification.

Go here to read the rest:
How to live longer: Avoid this eating habit to increase life expectancy - Express

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Taylor Swift performs during the 2019 Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison ... [+] Square Garden on December 13, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

Taylor Swifts Lover just reached its 20th week on the Billboard 200, and with it, a not-so-rosy milestone: Its tied for its lowest chart position to date, landing at No. 13 just as it did in its 16th week. Jokes aside, thats another stellar hold in a history of stellar holds for Lover, which thus far has spent all of its 20 weeks inside the Top 15 and 17 weeks inside the Top 10. Swifts latest album has already occupied the Top 10 for five more weeks than Reputation did throughout its entire run, supporting my previous prediction that, despite a smaller debut, Lover will have a longer shelf life than Reputation.

There are a few explanations for Lovers greater chart longevity, both qualitative and quantitative. But first, lets look at the circumstances of Reputations massive debut of 1.238 million album-equivalent units, of which 1.216 million were pure sales. Reputation was preceded by the explosive lead single Look What You Made Me Do, a chilly, opulent revenge fantasy put to music that inadvertently addressed her long-standing feud with Kanye and Kim Kardashian West. Following a full-scale social media blackout, Look What You Made Me Do shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke first-day streaming records, generating loads of hype for Reputation. Swift withheld the album from streaming services upon release in November 2017, forcing fans to buy a physical copy or download it on iTunes if they wanted to hear the feature-length version of her airing grievances and torching her professional nemeses. This excitement and scarcity allowed Reputation to perform like a blockbuster superhero movie sequel, topping the Billboard 200 in its first three weeks, during which it also enjoyed a boost from holiday shoppers.

Reputation posted excellent holds throughout its first 11 weeks, lingering in the Top 10 and returning to No. 1 in its fifth and seventh weeks. But once it fell out of the Top 10 in its 12th week (No. 13), it wilted quickly, tumbling to No. 23 in its 15th week and bouncing between the high teens and low 20s on the Billboard 200 over the next several frames. Despite its early meteoric success, Reputation polarized some listeners with its chilly electro-pop sound and bad girl persona. Reputation spawned one more Top 10 single in ... Ready for It? (No. 4) and was certified 3x platinum by the RIAA, but it ultimately proved a relative underperformer compared to the 9x platinum 1989 and 7x platinum Red. Swifts venomous new attitude and fixation on celebrity feuds were intriguing and salacious, but they were also exhausting. And while the actual songs on Reputation have aged much better than I would have initially predicted, its accompanying narrative and heavy media exposure burned out some listeners, making it her most commercially front-loaded album to date.

The circumstances of Lovers release were almost entirely different. It was the first Swift album to be made available physically and on streaming services simultaneously, and it was her first album since 2010s Speak Now to not spawn a No. 1 lead single. (And it has yet to do so: ME! and You Need to Calm Down both debuted and peaked at No. 2 behind Lil Nas Xs Old Town Road.) By releasing Lover concurrently on streaming services and physically, Swift gave listeners the chance to tune out of the album after a few songs or cherry-pick their favorites for future listening, rather than buying the full album once and then determining which songs they liked most. Since Swift historically does not perform as well as some of her pop star peers (Drake, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish) on streaming services, this release strategy likely resulted in fewer album-equivalent units than if she had only released Lover physically. As a result, Lover ended Swifts four-album streak of million-plus debuts, bowing with 867,000 units, of which 679,000 were pure salesa mammoth total for any pop star, but still a notable decline for Swift.

Yet what Lover sacrificed in first-week sales, it has recouped through repeat streams over the past several months. The album held strong in the Top 10 for its first 15 weeks, only dipping in week 16 thanks to an onslaught of Christmas albums flooding the Billboard 200. It has been jostled around over the past few weeks but never dipped below No. 13. So far, Lover has accumulated approximately 1.705 billion Spotify streams, versus Reputations 2.267 billion, despite coming out nearly two years earlier. And while Lovers lead single missed the top spot on the Hot 100, its second and third singles performed comparatively better than those on Reputation: You Need to Calm Down and Lover peaked at Nos. 2 and 10, respectively, while ... Ready for It? and End Game reached Nos. 4 and 18.

At a certain point, these granular statistics stop being useful for painting a portrait of an albums success. Still, I expect Lover to continue performing well on streaming services and eventually close the gap between it and Reputation. It helps that Lover has three more songs than Reputation to rack up more streaming-equivalent albums. More importantly, it helps that Lover contains more genuinely catchy pop songs that display greater emotional range for Swift. While Lover has not yielded another breakout or viral hit recently, songs like Cruel Summer, The Man and Cornelia Street have great commercial potential if Swift does choose to release one as a single. After her new documentary, Miss Americana, hits Netflix on Jan. 31, the album will likely see an uptick in sales and streams, particularly the films namesake track, Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince.

Simply put,Loveris more musically and narratively diverse thanReputation, which endears it to repeated listens over a longer period of time. According to the RIAA, Lover still has a long way to go to match the sales of Reputation, as it has thus far only been certified platinum. (Notably, it was the only album of 2019 to sell 1 million pure copies.) But theres plenty of time for that to change, and we shouldnt expect Lover to depart the Top 20 anytime soon.

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Why Taylor Swifts Lover Has Greater Chart Longevity Than Reputation - Forbes

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As a new decade and year are about to begin, professional forecasters are, of course, going through the exercise of guesstimating the future course of the markets and U.S. economy. From what Ive seen, theyre generally expecting the record-breaking U.S. expansion to continue at a middling 2% pace in 2020. Among the factors routinely listed as preventing faster growth is the demographics of aging: The rising ranks of retirement-age Americans, many experts say, is bad for the economy.

Theyre wrong. This timeworn economic dictum is not only outdated, it ignores changes in American society that are turning an aging population into more of an economic and social asset than ever. For evidence, take a look at the new report, The Longevity Economic Outlook by the Economist Intelligence Unit for AARP, an update of a 2013 AARP study.

Were still fighting some of the negative stereotypes about older Americans, says Debra Whitman, executive vice president and chief public policy officer at AARP. The Longevity Economy Outlook demonstrates the sheer magnitude of older Americans contributions to all of society.

Also on Forbes:

The new AARP report calculates the contribution to the U.S. economy of the 117.4 million Americans who are 50+ (35% of the population) at $8.3 trillion, or 40% of gross domestic product (GDP). Thats up from $7.1 trillion when AARP last looked in 2013. Put another way, if Americas 50+ population were its own country, its GDP would now be the worlds third largest, following the U.S. and China.

The studys projections to 2050 are equally illuminating, and Ill touch on a few striking figures in a moment. But broadly speaking, the report is a timely reminder that too much of the conversation about aging dwells on costs and burdens of older Americans, while voicing despair at the financing challenges of Social Security and Medicare. The popular image of growing old is too often pictured as years of chronic illness and mental decline as Shakespeare wrote, "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything."

The Longevity Economic Outlook is just the latest analysis reframing the discussion about aging toward the economic and social possibilities created by greater longevity. The key questions such studies raise are: How can the nation best maximize the economic and social returns from longer, healthier lives? What private and public initiatives would improve the quality of work well into the retirement years, promote lifetime learning and training, boost the odds for successful late-life entrepreneurship and encourage business to imagine products and services geared toward engaged older adults?

While these questions have been floated around for years by reformers, its time to get urgent about embracing change.

Older adults are an increasingly powerful force as workers, consumers, entrepreneurs and active participants in their communities, says Paul Irving, chairman of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. But an aging population should not be feared. The rapid growth of the longevity economy offers new opportunities for innovation, employment and economic growth for people of all ages.

The recent Washington Innovation in Longevity Summit that my colleague Richard Eisenberg attended was filled with evidence of burgeoning interest by tech entrepreneurs and investors here and abroad to serve the 50+ market. Almost every week, I hear from people from another country saying: I want you to meet an entrepreneur or I have an investment fund for you to look at, said Mary Furlong, host of the summit.

Now, let me turn to the future of 50+ Americans, as the AARP report sees things:

While these gains are expected to be driven by businesses across the board, several fields in particular will do well, according to AARP, including financial services, insurance and health care.

The Economic Intelligence Unit, Bureau of Economic Analysis, REMI

Two other sets of numbers in the report are worth emphasizing and refute conventional wisdom that older Americans are a financial burden on the nation.

The Economist Intelligence Unit, Bureau of Labor Statistics, REMI

First, the tax contribution of the 50+ group is substantial. For example, the study says, the share of federal income taxes paid by the 50+ population amounted to 59% of the total income taxes paid in 2018, far above their share of the population Their portion of the federal tax total in 2050 is projected to rise to 65%. A similar dynamic holds on state and local levels.

The second figure of note is the estimated economic value of unpaid contributions. Those are things like caring for an aging parent, grandparents supporting grandchildren and volunteering. The AARP report puts the total value of this unpaid work at $745 billion in 2018.To put that in context, $745 billion is slightly more than total amount of Medicare benefits paid in 2018.

Perhaps most importantly, especially in an era when memes like OK Boomer manage to get an audience, is the theme of intergenerational benefits in the workplace and in society that runs throughout The Longevity Economic Outlook. Simply put, ideas for improving economic opportunities for older adults also boost prospects for younger generations (who, after all, will age, too).

Want the economy to grow faster than 2%? Then lets start encouraging older Americans to work longer if they can; welcome them into the workplace; treat them with respect and give them the opportunity to use their skills and experience for employers and to start their own businesses.

That will make them become an even more powerful force for rejuvenating the economy.

The rest is here:
The Longevity Economy: Gigantic And Getting Bigger - Forbes

Tom Brady leading the New England Patriots to the playoffs is a physical wonder at age 42. Its clear to anyone watching him suit up week after week. But its especially impressive to the guy with the locker immediately to Bradys right: Ben Watson.

On Thursday, Watson marveled when presented with the fact that Brady would be playing in his 41st career playoff games Saturday

Thats longer than some peoples career," Watson said. Thats amazing. Im sure he would downplay it, but thats special.

When it comes to longevity in the NFL, there are few who can appreciate what Bradys accomplished like Watson, who turned 39 earlier this season.

Brady has been fortunate to stay in the NFL this long, but Watson wants to make it clear: that sort of longevity doesnt happen by accident. Professional football players are often blessed with great genetics, Watson says, but it doesnt mean much without the will to hone that talent into something great on the field.

When it comes to Brady, few have matched the amount of effort put forth to stay in the game.

Hes put in a tremendous amount of work, physically, mentally, emotionally, to be able to keep doing it over and over and over again, Watson said. One people dont understand sometimes is the stress mentally that playing at this level has on you. A lot of guys, sometimes tap out while their bodies can still probably play. But mentally having to turn it on over and over and over again, under pressure, over and over again, for years after years, burns you out. So to have that competitive stamina that he has is really amazing."

Different guys react differently when it comes to the mental aspect of football. Brady is still going strong. But other guys dont stick around quite as long. Rob Gronkowski is the perfect example. The retired tight end has said he could probably still play in the league. However, he admits that he longer has the competitive fire to go back out there.

Watson said its been special to go out and play with a great leader like Brady in a second go-around -- a decade after his first stint in New England.

Hes the leader on this team, the leader of this organization and its going to be a joy for me to go out on the field with him," Watson said.

As the team head to the postseason, we could be facing the final game in a Patriots uniform for both Brady and Watson. Will either player stick around in New England -- or in the NFL? Its hard to tell at this point.

Brady and Watson have bested the test of time so far. But soon enough, the time to hang it up will come.

They say age is a number and thats kind of true, Watson said. But obviously we all have an expiration date -- of our lives in its entirety and also on our careers. But it doesnt mean you cant do great things as you get older in age and as you get outside whatever the norm is for pro sports and I think hes proven that.

Read more:
Tom Brady playing at 42 shows Patriots QBs amazing mental stamina on top of physical longevity, Ben Watson - MassLive.com

The Japanese triathlete demonstrates her use of mindfulness, visualisation and motivation, in the new Bridgestone Olympic Channel interactive experience.

As well as being a two-time Asian triathlon champion and an Asian Games gold medallist, Ai Ueda knows a thing or two about sports psychology.

Known as the 'Iron Girl' in Japan, she has competed in 200 International Triathlon Union (ITU) competitions, achieving 49 podium finishes and 29 wins.

As part of new Bridgestone Olympic Channel experience Olympic State of Mind, Ueda reveals the tools she uses to perform at her peak.

The goal of Olympic State of Mind is to help people to be the best version of themselves, through interviews with elite sports stars, informative articles, quizzes and interactive games.

Ueda's consistency over such a long career is what truly marks her out from her rivals.

The 36-year-old first competed in elite triathlon in 2003 and remains at the top of her game as she targets a fourth Olympic appearance at Tokyo 2020.

She told Olympic Channel, "I have three main things that act as my sources of motivation. The first one is to have a dream to achieve.

"The second is a smile. Always staying positive and having a smile on your face. The third is not having limits.

"I think if you put limits on yourself you stop yourself from growing to your full potential. For me, having ambition is massively important for personal growth." - Ai Ueda to Olympic Channel.

This season, Ueda defended her title on home soil at the Miyazaki ITU Triathlon World Cup, while also triumphing in Lima, Cape Town and Nur-Sultan.

Another common feature of Ueda's races is her constant ear-to-ear smile.

In a sport where athletes push themselves to their cardiovascular limits and are subject to external factors like the weather, imagining joy helps Ueda find her all-important race rhythm.

She said, "Visualise the joy you'll feel when you make it happen. Then keep a smile on your face in the good times and bad.

"Use that smile to turn the people offering support around you into allies. It's great when you can create this flow together and the people who were with you at each step can share in your victory."

However, it hasn't always been plain sailing for Ueda.

The Kyoto native went without an ITU World Cup win from 2016 to 2018, but came roaring back to the top of the podium through her use of motivation and visualisation.

"The Olympic State of Mind is what transforms you into the best version of yourself. I completely support this." - Ai Ueda to Olympic Channel

"To everyone out there chasing their dreams, I'd like to let you know what I think is important.

"It's probably going to be difficult to achieve your goals if you don't have personal faith in your own potential."

The interactive experience is now live on Olympic Channel.

Keep an eye out for the video clips, articles, quizzes and games for you to watch, read, and play, plus a special episode of the Olympic Channel Podcast.

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Motivation and visualisation: The keys to Ai Ueda's longevity - Olympic Channel

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Abstaining from food for 16 to 18 hours a day could be key to treating a variety of health conditions even if youve got to train yourself to push past the hunger.

A review of past animal and human studies in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can reduce blood pressure, aid in weight loss and improve longevity.

The report functions as a road map of sorts for physicians to prescribe fasting as a method of prevention or treatment for obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Study author Mark Mattson, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, hones in on two types: Daily time-restricted feeding (eating 6-8 hours a day and fasting for 16-18 hours) and 5:2 intermittent fasting (fasting two days a week, usually capping a fasting day at 500 calories).

The catch? Most Americans dont intermittently fast (the norm is three meals a day plus snacks) and thus physicians are less inclined to consider fasting a solution to a broad range of health conditions, according to the review.

Because the research is relatively new, the report advises physicians to monitor their patients throughout intermittent fasting and gradually increase the duration and frequency of fasting to guide their transition.

Intermittent fasting has been studied in rodents and overweight adults to improve health across the spectrum, though its not clear if those benefits are the result of weight loss.

Alternating between fasting and eating can improve cellular health, Mattson said, most likely by triggering metabolic switching. In metabolic switching, cells use up their fuel stores and convert fat to energy flipping a switch from fat-storing to fat-saving.

Findings on intermittent fasting range in the diets effectiveness, but some studies in animals and humans have linked the practice to longer lives, healthier hearts, and improved cognition.

The article points to the residents of Okinawa, known for their extreme longevity and low-calorie, nutrient-rich diet. Their intermittent fasting might contribute to their life spans and keep obesity at bay, the authors posited.

Intermittent fasting is thought to improve insulin resistance, which can stabilize blood sugar levels. Findings from a small 2018 study found that three men with type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, were able to stop taking insulin after losing weight from intermittent fasting findings that clash with the widely-held belief that diabetes is incurable.

A previous study (that Mattson co-authored) showed the switch can increase resistance to stress by optimizing brain function and neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to adapt to develop throughout ones life. And older adults who were put on a restricted-calorie diet showed improved verbal memory compared to two other groups who hadnt fasted, a 2009 study found.

Physical function even improved for some patients. A study of young men who fasted every day for 16 hours lost fat and retained muscle while resistance training for two months.

The long-term effects of intermittent fasting require more research that isnt available yet, and the studies that do exist are narrow. The clinical trials focused on overweight young and middle-aged adults, so the benefits and safety cant be generalized to other groups, the authors said.

Another thing: Its a difficult diet to stick to, particularly in the United States, where the concept of three meals a day is so ingrained in our culture that a change in eating patterns often doesnt cross doctors or patients minds, Mattson wrote.

Itll almost definitely leave participants hungry, irritable and less able to concentrate, the study said.

Almost 40% of people who were assigned to a fasting diet dropped out of a 2017 JAMA study one of the drawbacks of intermittent fasting as a weight-loss regimen, Dr. Frank Hu, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard Universitys T.H. Chan School of Public Health, noted to Harvard Health Publishing.

Its human nature for people to want to reward themselves after doing very hard work, such as exercise or fasting for a long period of time, he said. So there is a danger of indulging in unhealthy dietary habits on non-fasting days.

When the brain is deprived of food, appetite hormones in the hypothalamus, the brains hunger center, are released in a flurry and can trigger overeating.

But Mattson said the pain is temporary.

Patients should be advised that feeling hungry and irritable is common initially and usually passes after two weeks to a month as the body and brain become accustomed to the new habit, he said.

By Scottie Andrew, CNN

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Eating in a 6-hour window and fasting for 18 hours might help you live longer - KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis

Long life expectancy can be attributed to healthy eating, research suggests. As a general rule, a healthy, balanced diet should consist of at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. It is also highly recommended to get enough exercise and the recommended amount is at least 150 minutes per week. When it comes to the particular food one should eat, what are five of the best?

The high life expectancy enjoyed in Japan is largely down to the nations healthy diet.

A 2016 study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that Japanese adults who followed the recommended amount regarding food intake had lower rates of mortality than those who didnt.

The population of the island nation has the lowest mortality rates in the world.

In fact, Japanese people are more likely to reach 100 years old than anyone else in the world.

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What to eat on the Japanese diet?

The diet itself is high in certain carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits as well as fish and meat.

Such foods make for a diet low in saturated fats, processed foods and high in carbohydrates gained form both rice and vegetables.

Foods one should adopt include steamed rice, noodles, tofu, fish, natto, seaweed and fresh cooked fruits and vegetables low in added sugars and fats.

The diet may also contain a modest amount of eggs, dairy or meat. Many Japanese also follow a healthy exercise regime which boosts life expectancy too.

What have experts said?

Dr Craig Wilcox said: The Japanese have a low risk of arteriosclerosis and stomach cancer, a very low risk of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

"They eat three servings of fish a week, on average, with plenty of whole grains, vegetables and soy products too, more tofu and more kombu seaweed than anyone else in the world, as well as squid and octopus, which are rich in taurine that could lower cholesterol and blood pressure."

Link:
How to live longer: Following this diet has been proven to increase life expectancy - Express

Long life expectancy can be attributed to a persons diet - a healthy, balanced diet has been proven to improve longevity. Experts recommend eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, basing meals on higher starchy foods like potatoes, bread and rice, having some dairy or dairy alternatives, eating some protein, choosing unsaturated oils and spreads, and drinking plenty of fluids.

But new research, published this week, has found the times of day a person eats holds the most benefits.

Dr Mark Mattson, a professor of neuroscience at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, in the US, has said intermittent fasting could be part of a healthy lifestyle."

Intermittent fasting diets usually involve daily time-restricted feeding, which narrows eating times to six to eight hours per day and so-called 5:2 intermittent fasting, in which people limit themselves to one moderate-sized meal two days each week.

A range of human and animal studies have shown that alternating between times of fasting and eating supports cellular health, probably by triggering an age-old adaptation to periods of food scarcity called metabolic switching.

READ MORE:Type 2 diabetes symptoms: How often do you go to the toilet? Warning sign of the condition

Such a switch occurs when cells use up their stores of rapidly accessible, sugar-based fuel, and begin converting fat into energy in a slower metabolic process.

Dr Mattson says studies have shown that this switch improves blood sugar regulation, increases resistance to stress and suppresses inflammation.

Because most Americans eat three meals plus snacks each day, they do not experience the switch, or the suggested benefits.

In an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr Mattson said four studies in both animals and people found intermittent fasting also decreased blood pressure, blood lipid levels and resting heart rates.

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Evidence is also mounting that intermittent fasting can cut risk factors associated with obesity and diabetes.

Studies also suggest intermittent fasting could boost brain health too.

Experts say people adopting intermittent fasting regimes should gradually increase the duration and frequency of the fasting periods over the course of several months, instead of "going cold turkey."

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

The authors of a large, long-term study concluded vegetarianism is associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease.

The study featured in the British Medical Journal looked specifically at plant based diets and their effect on the risk of ischemic heart disease and also stroke.

As part of the study, scientists took data from 48,188 people whom they followed for an average of 18.1 years.

The participants who had an average age of 45 years at the start of the study had no history of ischemic heart disease or stroke.

They were then assigned to one of three groups:

Using food questionnaires, the researchers assessed their overall food intake and nutrient levels.

They also collected information about factors such as body mass index (BMI), height and blood pressure.

During the 18.1 years of follow-up there were 2,820 cases of ischemic heart disease and 1,072 cases of stroke.

After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, the analysis revealed both positive and negative relationships between cardiovascular health and reduced meat intake.

The rate of ischemic heart disease among pescatarians was 13 per cent lower than that of meat eaters, while vegetarians had a rate that was 22 per cent lower.

Putting this into perspective, the authors of the study explained: This difference was equivalent to 10 fewer cases of ischemic heart diseasein vegetarians than in meat eaters per 1,000 population over 10 years.

Read the original:
How to live longer: The best diet to increase life expectancy according to new study - Express

People everywhere will hit the gyms wither today or Thursday to hop on the fitness train.WLKY spoke with the owner of area Burn Boot Camps who is helping people set their goals. Charlie Judy said there are ways to set yourself up for success.He said to set small and attainable goals, focus on why you want better yourself and keep workouts fresh.Burn Boot Camp workouts are designed to keep people moving, keep them from getting bored and to see results."We have a different workout everyday," said owner Charlie Judy. "We appropriately mix it so you're getting your strength training, getting your cardio, you're hitting all the things you need to improve not just fitness and athleticism but also longevity and health and wellness."Click here for more information on Burn Boot camp.

People everywhere will hit the gyms wither today or Thursday to hop on the fitness train.

WLKY spoke with the owner of area Burn Boot Camps who is helping people set their goals.

Charlie Judy said there are ways to set yourself up for success.

He said to set small and attainable goals, focus on why you want better yourself and keep workouts fresh.

Burn Boot Camp workouts are designed to keep people moving, keep them from getting bored and to see results.

"We have a different workout everyday," said owner Charlie Judy. "We appropriately mix it so you're getting your strength training, getting your cardio, you're hitting all the things you need to improve not just fitness and athleticism but also longevity and health and wellness."

Click here for more information on Burn Boot camp.

Read the original:
Tips on how to meet your fitness goals in the new year - WLKY Louisville

By TNH Staff December 29, 2019

Jars of honey. Honey is on the list of foods for longevity. Photo: Marcobeltrametti, via Wikimedia Commons

NEW YORK Ikaria is well-known for the impressive longevity of its people. The secret to living a long and healthy life is eating nine foods typical in the diet of Ikarians, according to a report on Well+Good, a healthy living website, citing Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner who recommends eating like the Ikarians.

Blue Zones are regions of the world where Buettner claims people live much longer than average and the term first appeared in his November 2005 National Geographic magazine cover story, The Secrets of a Long Life. Buettner noted that the five regions are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and among the Seventh-day Adventists living in Loma Linda, California.

The nine healthy Greek foods help ensure Ikaria has a high percentage of centenarians among its population without chronic illnesses associated with aging such as dementia, cancer, and depression.

The nine foods are as follows:

Wild greens, including dandelions and purslane, are eaten seasonally, and are not sprayed with pesticides, Well+Good reported.

Olive oil lowers inflammation and with its antioxidants is Greeces heart- and brain- healthy liquid gold, Well+Good reported.

Black-eyed peas, the overlooked legume according to Well+Goods report, are full of magnesium and iron. One of the fastest cooking of the legumes, skip the can, and buy dried black-eyed peas which are not only more affordable, they dont have the added sodium of the canned version.

Mediterranean herbs including oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, basil, parsley, and garlic are associated with reducing inflammation.

Lemon revs up your metabolism and helps with digestion. Pro tip: use the peel, too. Its high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, Well+Good reported.

Chickpeas, full of fiber and protein, are most commonly served in soups but can also make a great addition to salads and meat-free meals or as hummus.

Coffee is also full of antioxidants which are associated with reducing inflammation.

Honey has a long history in Greece as a health food and for its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities. It is also high in antioxidants.

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Nine Foods Are the Secret to Longevity in Ikaria - The National Herald

JFES promotions

Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief Tee Tallman recently announced the following promotions: A-Shift - Michael Williams was promoted to captain. Raymond Sorrell, Edward Rochelle and Brian Charles-Craft were promoted to lieutenant. Driver Operators I Zachary Getts, Richard Johns and Forrest Williams were reclassified as Engineer I. Driver/Operators II Robert Hunt and Jerome Scott were reclassified as Engineer II. B Shift -Duane Messner, Robert Steffee and Benjamin Franck were promoted to lieutenant. Driver/Operators I Kenneth Netznik, Brandon Hansley, Matthew Baker and Greg Williams were reclassified as Engineer I. Driver/Operator II Gary Casen was reclassified as Engineer II. C Shift - Brandy Bruns was promoted to captain. Driver/Operators II Brent Cook and Johnathan Prevatte and Joshua Booth were promoted to lieutenant. Driver/Operators I Riley Maready, William Stanley, Heather Szymanik and Chris Gandy were reclassified as Engineer I. Driver/Operators II Frankie Howard, Jorge Toranzo and Roger Parker were reclassified as Engineer II.

JPD certificates presented

Jacksonville Police Chief Yaniero recently recognized staff members with Longevity Awards and Law Enforcement Certifications presentation at the Center for Public Safety. Longevity Awards were presented to School Crossing Guard Jeffrey Walters (10 years); Sgt. Joshua Porter (10 years); Cpl. Brittany Carlton (10 years); Admin Assistant II Jennifer Parker (5 years) and Officer John Maiorano (5 years). Officer Christopher Padrick received his Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification.

Jacksonville-Onslow Christmas Parade float winners

The Jacksonville-Onslow Christmas Parade recently announced its winners of its annual parade Old Fashioned Christmas. First place professional, Filipino-American Community; first place amateur, The Door Christian Fellowship; second place professional, Brigade Boys and Girls Club; second place amateur, Onslow County Animal Services; third place professional, Rubys Misfits; third place amateur, IQUOLIOC.

Service Member of the Month

Marine Corps Sgt. Ken Tolentino was recently named Service Member of the Month for November by the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerces Military Affairs Committee. He is a Training NCO for Maintenance Platoon, Communication Company at Combat Logistics Regiment 27 aboard Camp Lejeune.

Sandmann graduates with Masters

Tara Sandmann, a 2008 graduate of Northwest High School, recently received a Master of Arts degree in American History & Government during Ashland University's winter 2019 commencement ceremony.

Send us your neighbors

If you have a submission for local names in the news, please send them to localdesk@jdnews.com and include a phone number so we can contact you if we have questions. Phone numbers will not be published.

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Neighbors in the News - Jacksonville Daily News

No doubt youve heard some version of this question before:

Will you have enough for all the fulfillment and fun you hope to enjoy through your fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond?

This time, though, the answer isnt about whether you have enough retirement savings, but instead focuses on what researchers find is equally crucial to well-being: Friends.

A host of research finds that when we have a strong social network, emotional and even physical health improves.

An AARP Public Policy Institute report, for instance, finds socially isolated Medicare holders cost roughly $130 per month in health spending. And a recent Michigan State University study finds that friends are a better predictor of health and happiness than family ties as we age.

How can others make such a wide impact? Well, explains William Rawlins, Stocker Professor of Interpersonal Communications, Ohio University: We are human beings, and were made to care about, enjoy and engage with other human beings.

But just as building retirement savings requires your time and attention, nurturing satisfying social connections does as well.

Stitching Together New Networks

When were younger, social interactions are plentiful: first in school and the neighborhood, then in the workplace, and for those who are parents connections through their children.

But those ready-made connections are vulnerable for those fifty-plus, since circumstances arise that can abruptly break social circles.

Retirement is the obvious disrupter, when dozens of work relationships can end when you close the office door for the last time.

Perhaps the greatest isolator, however, notes Jialu Streeter, researcher at the Stanford Center on Longevity, is a long stint of demanding caregiving.

I had very little social contact through the six years I spent caring for my father-in-law, relates Avis Brown, resident of Morgan Hill, California, who continually commuted to the East Coast for caregiving.

It is amazing when you are emersed in caregiving for that number of years, Brown explains, your brain shuts down in other areas. My friends were supportive but I wasnt reaching out to them.

In the years since her father-in-laws death, however, Brown has reactivated old friendships, and with her now retired husband, Dave, theyve forged new ones.

Indeed, the years re-shape social networks, but they are often more satisfying than ever.

Older people have a strong desire to seek meaning in life, Streeter explains, and thus they are more likely to move away or completely drop connections who are not important to them.

Here, a look at situations where connections can break, but which also provide an opportunity to keep and forge more meaningful ones:

1. Looking at retirement.

One of the key questions that Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, owner of LifeEncore, a retirement consulting service, asks her clients is: What percentage of your social connections are work related, and what percentage are based on other connections?

Answers, says Geber, vary from one end of the spectrum to the other.

For those who are still tied socially to work [colleagues], I suggest starting to shift that by reacquainting themselves with old friends who may have fallen off their radar, neighbors they never really met, and people from their place of worship.

Gyms are sometimes good places to form social connections, she adds. It just takes opening your mouth instead of keeping your head down and attending to business.

Brown, a former salesperson who readily admits, shy is not a term that applies to me, relates that she struck up conversation with a neighbor who she never had time to get to know previously.

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The Healthy Power of Friendship: Why social connection might be the key to longevity - Helena Independent Record

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Brussels.

A British study on the relation between arts engagement and mortality showed that such engagement could have a protective association with longevity in older adults.

People going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, the theatre, concerts, or the opera once or twice a year had a 14% lower risk of dying during a follow-up period.

Those who engaged with arts activities on a more frequent basis (every few months or more) had a 31% lower risk of dying, independent of demographic, socioeconomic, health related, behavioural, and social factors.

The study was published on Christmas in The BMJ, formerly the British Medical Journal, by Daisy Fancourt and Andrew Steptoe, two professors in psychology and epidemiology at the department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London. In their study they followed 6 710 people aged 50 years or above during a 14 years period.

The starting point in the study was previous health research where arts engagement could be linked to longevity by alleviating chronic stress and depression, and providing emotional, cognitive, and social coping resources.

The authors focused specifically on receptive arts activities, including going to the theatre, concerts, opera, museums, art galleries, and exhibitions (but not cinema). They were however unable to assess the potential overlap with active participation in arts activities and this remains to be explored.

After sensitivity analyses, the authors found that the associations between arts engagement and longevity were consistent when adjusted for any mobility problems and socioeconomic status.

When considering what could explain this remaining association, they write that research has suggested that arts engagement builds social capital, which improves peoples access to knowledge and resources, and could help with successful ageing.

Further possibilities are that arts engagement improves a sense of purpose in life, helps with the regulation of emotions and thereby enhances coping, supports the buffering of stress, and builds creativity, which improves peoples ability to adapt positively to changing life circumstances.

The study does not say whether arts engagement should start at an early age but that probably goes without saying.

The Brussels Times

More here:
New years promise: Visit a museum or concert and live longer - The Brussels Times

The 2010s was a period of transition for the English Premier League as the already diverse competition took an even more cosmopolitan transformation.

An informal look at a team of the decade from the noughties would roughly include as many as seven English players, but the succeeding decade has not been as kind to England, with only one player selected.

Like all hypothetical teams, this is a subjective and personal list of the players I believe best represented the excellence of what was a memorable decade. From Wayne Rooneys wonderstrike against Manchester City to Vincent Kompanys thunderbolt against Leicester City, there has been no shortage of drama, excitement and surprise in the best league in the world.

(Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The PFA team of the year always go with a 4-4-2 system as a default, but with the best interests of getting all the players fitting into a coherent and reasonable tactical shape, I have selected a formation in 3-5-2 that I think best makes use of fitting all the players in.

In goals there was no real outstanding competition besides the at times error-prone Hugo Lloris, as the likes of Petr Cech and Joe Hart either came to the end of their careers or dropped significantly in prominence after a period of excellence.

The decade was not particularly blessed with outstanding fullbacks in their prime, with Pablo Zabaleta being the only real notable exception, but his demise post-2016 has not helped his cause. Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra were in the twilight of their careers, while Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold have not quite played long enough in the decade. Branislav Ivanovic was a very difficult figure to leave out, but his longevity throughout the decade did not count for him given his collapse in form in 2015.

Gary Cahill was a multiple title winner and played the full decade but has to a degree waned in the last couple of seasons. John Terrys best decade was certainly the noughties even if he could have quite easily made this team as well given his excellence well into the decade.

Virgil van Dijk may possibly go down as the greatest centre back in Premier League history by the end of his time at Liverpool, but he has not had the longevity to be considered for this team.

Fernandinho can count himself quite unlucky to miss out given his continued excellence over several seasons, while Christian Eriksen was not quite world-class for the whole decade and thus could not break into the team. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were coming to the end of their careers this decade and are duly omitted.

Up front Robin van Persie and Jamie Vardy certainly made the decade memorable, but there can only be two players, and there can be very little argument if we look at the numbers.

Criteria for selection has been judged on longevity, achievement and impact.

Longevity: 9/10Achievement: 7/10Impact: 10/10

Despite enduring a difficult opening to his career at Old Trafford since arriving in 2011, the Spaniard has well and truly established as a Premier League legend this decade. His magnificent shot-stopping and outrageous reflexes have saved Manchester United on countless occasions, and with a 102 clean sheets its only a matter of time before he reels in Petr Cechs record of 161.

A Premier League title winner in 2012-13 and selected five times in the PFA team of year as well as a Golden Glove winner in 2017-18, his achievements and ability are all the more impressive given his outstanding durability has seen him play the most Premier League matches this decade, with 293 to date. He has been a shining light in the doldrums of Uniteds post-Alex Ferguson malaise and is deserving of the opportunity to win more honours.

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Longevity: 8/10Achievement: 8/10Impact: 9/10

You have to be some player to have dislodged Ashley Cole from Chelseas defence, especially if left back is not your preferred position. The former Marseille man has been ever-present across the Chelsea defence since 2012, winning the Premier League as a right back in 2015 and as a centre back in 2017 to demonstrate phenomenal versatility. A player of immense heart, commitment and brilliant one-on-one defending despite not being the tallest nor quickest is testament to the Spaniards admirable battling qualities that have seen him be appointed captain for Chelsea in 2019-20.

How he has not been selected into the PFA team of season throughout the decade is a travesty, but two league titles among several domestic and European trophies attest to the success he has helped build at Stamford Bridge. He continues to be a warrior to this day, having made the most appearances this decade among outfield players since his arrival.

Longevity: 8/10Achievement: 10/10Impact: 10/10

Joined Roy Keane has captained his team to four Premier League titles in 2019 to put himself behind only John Terry on five. Its no overstatement to say the Belgian colossus has been the heartbeat of the City revolution. Despite a horrid record with injuries, the former Manchester City skipper was unbeatable on his day and was by some distance the defender of the decade. Technically excellent, courageous and an outstanding leader, Kompanys immaculately timed challenges in his pomp have become a lasting memory of the defensive excellence that has brought balance to Citys attacking artistry. A three-time member of the PFA team of year, the City legend is an iconic figure of not only Manchester City but also the Premier League.

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Longevity: 8/10Achievement: 6/10Impact: 9/10

Perhaps a surprising selection, there have been few central defenders who have been as consistently reliable as the Spurs man who has been one of the pillars of Mauricio Pochettinos revolution. A mobile and technically excellent footballer who has been a dogged and uncompromising figure of the Spurs defence alongside Toby Alderweireld for half a decade, their partnership is among the best seen the Premier League this decade.

Although the Belgian has not been able to win the Premier League, his two selections in the PFA team of year as well as his role in Tottenhams transformation into a contending team this decade makes him a more than worthy selection.

Longevity: 8/10Achievement: 8/10Impact: 10/10

Possibly the closest thing we will ever see to a Lionel Messi grace the Premier League, the former Chelsea superstar was also an incredibly durable player despite being the most fouled player during his time. His direct and menacing dribbling coupled with his vision and passing made him Chelseas talisman throughout his seven years.

A two-time title winner and four-time member of the PFA team of the year, his greatest individual recognition came in 2014-15, when he was the PFA player of the year as his scintillating form led Chelsea to the title. His legacy is cemented in the pantheon of Chelsea greats with the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file)

Longevity: 6/10Achievement: 9/10Impact: 10/10

The player whose longevity is most debatable in this team, the Belgian makes up for it with a record of two league titles and a PFA team of year selection 2017-18. Those achievements may seem insignificant on paper, but its De Bruynes impact since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015 that is too great to ignore.

A prodigious technician of the football, the former Chelsea mans delivery and passing is up there with the very best the Premier League has seen. Additionally, his vision, thrust and courage on the ball in Pep Guardiolas blue machine has seen him become the talisman at City and a symbol of the managers philosophy. Hell go down as the iconic player of the Guardiola era at Manchester City.

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Longevity: 6/10Achievement: 10/10Impact: 10/10

The PFA player of the season in 2016-17 and a two-time member of the PFA team of year, the Frenchman was instrumental in winning back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 for both Leicester City and Chelsea. A player of immense physical gifts with boundless energy and outstanding durability, Kantes ferocious pressing and patrolling of the middle of the park has been truly revolutionary when you compare it how the position was played previously.

The Chelsea man does not just put fires out reactively; he is a constant figure of disruption and dynamism as well as being a more technically capable player than is the perception. A measure of just how significant an impact he has had on the English game is the fact that many view the Frenchman as the main driving force behind Leicesters improbable title victory despite the contributions of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

Longevity: 7/10Achievement: 9/10Impact: 10/10

Not since Patrick Vieira has a central midfielder graced the Premier League with the same aura and chest-thumping authority as Yaya Toure. A player of elegance and power in equal measure, the Ivorians deftness of touch and ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck with his barnstorming runs make him a unique figure in Premier League history.

With three EPL titles and two PFA team of the year selections, Toures excellence has been reflected with a multitude of team and individual honours. His time under Pep Guardiola may have seen him become a peripheral figure in his final seasons, but his legacy as a bona fide Manchester City legend remains intact.

Longevity: 10/10Achievement: 9/10Impact: 10/10

The magical Spaniard has been a significant part of the Manchester City spine that has brought unprecedented success to the Etihad Stadium. The creative inspiration for the most watchable and potent attacking force of the decade, Silvas elusiveness between defensive lines thanks to his acute sense of time and space as well as his masterful passing and vision has seen him become a City legend.

A four-time title winner and two-time PFA team of the year member, the greatest recognition that can be given to the former Valencia star is the fact his name is now considered among the very best midfield names of the Premier League era.

Longevity: 9/10Achievement: 9/10Impact: 10/10

Manchester Citys all-time top goalscorer with 244 goals, the diminutive Argentine striker is in all probability the player of the decade in the Premier League. His consistency has been remarkable despite not having the greatest run with injuries, while his ability as an all-round forward makes him more than just a goalscorer. A vital part of the City spine that has been such a force this decade, Agueros excellence under multiple managers and multiple systems in Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola is testament to his greatness and adaptability.

It seems almost an absurd fact that Aguero has only been in the PFA team of the year twice, and its even more absurd he never won the Golden Boot. However, a record six-time Premier League player of the month does suggest the ruthless streak that has characterised his Premier League career.

(Nigel French EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)

Longevity: 7/10Achievement: 8/10Impact: 10/10

The only English selection in this team, the Tottenham forwards meteoric rise in 2014-15 seems a long time ago. He has since picked up two Golden Boot awards and been selected in the PFA team of the year four times and hes only 26 years old. An intelligent forward with a fine all-round game, Kanes outstanding technique when striking a ball makes him a threat every time he is in possession.

His cool, calm finishing is befitting of an excellent temperament that has seen Kane develop into a fine leader, which will surely see him become Tottenhams next captain. Already with 136 Premier League goals and several years ahead of his career, he is well on his way to becoming the all-time top scorer in the premier league.

See the article here:
My English Premier League team of the decade - The Roar

By Carol Hymowitz, Next Avenue Contributor

Getty

As lifespans lengthen around the world, men and women are: delaying when they marry and have children; returning to school as adults to gain skills and working beyond traditional retirement age. In countries as dissimilar as Japan and Morocco, theyre marrying five to 10 years later on average than their parents did.In the United Kingdom, more women are having babies in their 40s than before turning 20. And in the U.S., most employees 50 and older say they want to keep working after turning 65.

Now, governments and businesses need to catch up to individuals efforts adapting to longevity. The policymakers and employers have to revise their work, education, health care and other policies once designed for much shorter, different lives.

That was the consensus of economists, physicians, executives, educators and others from almost every continent who met at the Rockefeller Bellagio Center in Italy this fall to begin charting a global longevity agenda. The conference, organized by the Stanford Center on Longevity and The Longevity Forum with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and Prudential Assurance Singapore, was the first major interdisciplinary global convening on longevity. (You can read more about it on the Stanford Center on Longevity site.)

If we live a hundred-year life using the same norms that worked for sixty or seventy years, its unlikely to be a good long life, said Andrew Scott, an economics professor at University of London, co-organizer of the conference and co-author of The 100-Year Life. And while theres much that individuals need to do to adjust, they wont be able to seize the advantages of longer lives without policy changes from governments, corporations and other institutions.

The conference participants discussed numerous, varied issues, such as:

While many countries have begun addressing longevity, the most comprehensive planning is occurring in Singapore. In that country, the average life expectancy is 85 among the highest in the world and about 24% of the labor force is 55 or older, up from 14% in 2008.

Also on Forbes:

But Singapore isnt focusing on building nursing homes. Instead, the island city-nation is investing $3 billion to support lifelong learning and employability, health and wellness, financial literacy and multi-generational housing, among other initiatives.

Singapores only resource is human capital, and our population is aging faster than in any other country. We realized we had to address this to survive, John Eu-Li Wong, professor in medical sciences and senior vice president, National University of Singapore, told participants at the Bellagio conference.

The countrys longevity agenda was also discussed at a November conference in Singapore, also supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and Prudential Assurance Singapore.

To sustain economic growth, Singapore over the next decade is raising its retirement age from 62 to 65 and requiring employers to reemploy men and women who want to work until at least 70.The government there also gives businesses a 3 percent credit to offset wages of employees over 50 and makes grants to companies so they can modify jobs for older workers.

In addition, wellness programs in all communities include regular screenings for chronic diseases, and activities such as Tai Chi and dance lessons. National Silver Academy, a network of colleges and community-based organizations, offers post-secondary education to older people, who can take courses in technology, business, literature and other subjects, and who often share classrooms with youth. A SkillsFuture program teaches Singaporeans of all ages necessary skills for future jobs, and a MoneySense program teaches young and old alike how to manage money and invest.

Singapores small size (population: just 5.8 million) and a lack of U.S.-style partisan politics battles make it easier to implement a nationwide longevity plan. But its effort to harness the advantages of being an aging society is a model for other countries, said Laura Carstensen, executive director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and co-leader of the Bellagio conference.

Instead of focusing on frail old age, Singapore is trying to support people all the way through their long lives," Carstensen noted. "Its changing the narrative from aging is a burden to longevity is an opportunity.

Developing nations are beginning to launch age-friendly programs while continuing to grapple with problems like providing clean water and building adequate roads.

In Bangladesh, where average life expectancy has risen to about 73 from 48 in 1960, a strong network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is taking the lead in addressing aging and longevity.

For example, Dhaka-based BRAC (formerly called the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee), the worlds largest NGO, is funding research and treatment of hypertension, diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.BRAC also offers microloans to adults seeking to start small businesses. Such efforts are enabling Bangladeshi to live longer and more prosperous lives.

Wealthier, developed countries looking at longevity often have an array of uncoordinated programs to help residents stay productive and healthy longer.Some have been launched by governments; others by nonprofits or private companies.

In the United Kingdom, The Pension Advisory Service (TPAS) and insurer Aviva are experimenting with programs to help middle-aged people evaluate their jobs, finances and health, as well as their plans for later in life.In 2018, TPAS targeted a small group of self-employed workers, aged 35 to 50, with one-to-one phone conversations. There are now plans to make this midlife checkup an online program.

Just like when you take your car to the garage, UK Pensions Minister Guy Opperman said when launching the program, this service will highlight where improvements might be made to ensure everything is running smoothly.Aviva initially enrolled about 100 employees in workshops; it will offer the programs to all UK employees 45 and older.

Many European countries, including Denmark and Finland, now offer digital literacy training to adults. The goal: ensuring that older as well as younger people arent excluded from an increasingly digitized world.

In Ireland, where just 17% of those aged 65 to 74 have at least basic digital literacy skills, according to a 2017 Eurostat survey, the government has funded several nonprofits to provide 10 hours of free computer instruction to anyone who has never used the Internet. Its targeted for people over 45 and those who live in rural areas, are disabled or unemployed.

In the U.S., the federal government and most employers are not yet doing much to address longevity. Yet, as Kerry Hannon wrote on MarketWatch, Americans 65 to 74 and age 75 and older are expected to have faster annual rates of labor force growth than others. And just 77% of workers surveyed by the Transamerica Retirement Study said their employer is supportive of working past 65.

But U.S.-based nonprofits like Encore.org are tapping the potential of longer lives and intergenerational connections to help solve social problems.And ones such as iRelaunch and PathForward help midlifers re-enter the workplace after absences or layoffs.

Most people, whether they live in San Francisco or Singapore, when asked about their aspirations for living until 100, say I hope I dont outlive my money, orI hope I dont get dementia, said Carstensen.Its time to overcome those anxieties by envisioning, and sharing, all the ways we can use our extra time to improve the quality of our lives.

See original here:
Governments And Employers Need To Get Real About Longevity - Forbes

A new study poses that eating during a 6- to 8-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 to 18 hours can increase longevity and help support weight loss.

Titled Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease, the study was authored by Mark Mattson and Rafael de Cabo. It states that eating in a 6-hour period and then abstaining from food for the remainder of the day can catalyze a metabolic switch in the body that makes cells switch from glucose-based energy to ketone-based energy. In this process, the cells convert fat to energy.

Some benefits of the diet are supposedly increasing stress resistance, longevity, decreasing the risk for diseases like cancer and obesity, aiding weight loss efforts, and having more energy overall.

There are some pitfalls to intermittent fasting, however; aside from it being a very difficult diet to maintain (approximately 38 percent give it up), some individuals with particularly low blood sugar, such as people with diabetes, may not be suited to restricting their calories and limiting their daily meals.

Additionally, people with cardiovascular conditions may suffer from the disturbance in the bodys electrolytes.

Aside from preexisting conditions, intermittent fasting can be helpful. Matteson is quoted saying Patients should be advised that feeling hungry and irritable is common initially and usually passes after two weeks to a month as the body and brain become accustomed to the new habit."

While studies have been relatively small, they showcase a success rate; another report authored in 2018 found that people with type 2 diabetes were able to reduce their insulin intake after practicing intermittent fasting. The report did note, however, that the trial was medically supervised.

Speaking to CNN, Dr. Abhinav Diwan, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, cautioned individuals who are ready to try intermittent fasting.

People do not want to put themselves at risk by fasting without consulting a doctor."

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Intermittent fasting could improve longevity - The Hill

If youre ready to make some changes in 2020, weve rounded up the best longevity tips weve learned in the past year. Whether its adding more chili peppers to your diet, taking enough steps every day, or spending quality time with the people you love, these are the easiest ways to give yourself a fighting chance at a long healthy life.

You might want to bring some spice to your life. A study found eating chili peppers was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, for the people who ate chili peppers regularly, the all-cause mortality risk was 23 percent lower than those who didnt. Upping your intake can be as easy as sprinkling red pepper flakes or chili powder into your food.

Past research has shown being an optimist contributes to 11 to 15 percent longer life span, on average, and to greater odds of achieving exceptional longevity. (Aka, in this case, living to 85 years old or longer.) While its hard to stay positive all the time, making it your mission to cut down on pessimistic thinking can do you good.

Taking 10,000 steps a day is kind of the gold standard in terms of health, but thats not always going to happen. So rest assured: Research shows those who took at least 4,400 a day had a 41 percent lower mortality rate than those who took only 2,700 steps. But dont stop there: The benefits only grew up until 7,500 steps, where they plateaued. Also, when you do walk, walk quickly because another study found fast walkers tend to live longer.

The residents of Okinawa, Japan, have the longest life expectancy in the world. Part of that is due to what theyre eating, and seven prime foods stand out: bitter melons, tofu, sweet potatoes, turmeric, brown rice, shiitake mushrooms, and seaweed. Make them part of your repertoire for a long, healthy life, too.

One thing wellness journalist and chef Candice Kumai swears by for longevity is the traditional Japanese custom shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-yoku is the practice of forest bathing and a way to connect to nature and I try to do thateven if thats looking at an ocean or a forest, Kumai says. Spend 10 minutes a day taking a walk, even just around your neighborhood. You dont need an actual forest to reap the benefits.

Theres definitely a sweet spot when it comes to sleep. Past studies have shown you shouldnt get too much or too little. With that being said, the final conclusion is this: Dont sleep less than six hours per day, and dont sleep more than 10 hours per day, as it can result in a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. If you stay in the middle at 7 or 8 hours, youll be better able to keep yourself healthy now and in the future.

If you cant fall back asleep, use these helpful tips:

Eating too much sugar can certainly keep your from living a long, healthy life. Thats why experts say the key is cutting back, and you can help banish cravings by eating a specific combo. If youre physically craving something sweet, my go-to snack is five organic prunes and 10 organic raw almonds, eaten together, says functional medicine doctor Jill Baron, MD. Prunes have sweetness and many health benefits, including being high in potassium and fiber, as well as having alow glycemic load. And prunes eaten with almonds with give a great antioxidant boost and satisfy a craving for sweets.

Many things play into longevity, including your telomeresthe protective DNA caps that are on the ends of your chromosomes. While longer telomeres mean longer healthspans, shorter telomeres are linked to things like dementia and heart disease. And past research has shown theres a correlation between telomere length and quality relationships. In older people, having greater levels of social support isassociated with longer telomeres, says psychologist Elissa Epel, PhD. Thats why Epel says its so important to spend quality time with the people you love.

No, this isnt a trick. One study found you only need 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week to stay healthy, and that included doing housework. Overall, the more activity a person did, the lower their risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease, says Scott Lear, the studys lead author. So get to cleaning and organizing. Your home will be spotless, and youll stay healthier and live longer because of it.

Japanese centenarians arent the only ones to look to for advice about longevity. Residents of Sardinia are also known for their impressively long lifespans, and they credit a handful of Italian foods as playing a part: barley, fava beans, cannonau wine, olive oil, kohlrabi, potatoes, sourdough bread, and tomatoes.

These are the healthiest foods to eat in the winter, according to a dietitian. Then find out some of the healthiest foods and drinks that came out this year.

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The 10 best longevity tips we learned this year for living a longer, healthier life - Well+Good

Photo Credit: Bar-Ilan University

Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, which develops when the body produces too much fat or doesnt metabolize fat efficiently enough, affects around 25% of the global population. Excess fat is stored in liver cells, where it accumulates and can cause fatty liver and other diseases.

In a study just published in the journal Cell Reports, researchers reveal for the first time that SIRT6, a protein involved in regulating many biological processes such as aging, obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation and metabolism, also plays a crucial role in burning and regulating liver fat metabolism.

SIRT6 regulates fat metabolism by activating another protein called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha). This protein promotes the burning of fat in the liver. SIRT6 is like a juggler that balances and coordinates between metabolic processes in the body, says the studys lead author Prof. Haim Cohen, of Bar-Ilan Universitys Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences. By working together with PPAR-alpha, SIRT6 can actually send a message to the body to burn more fat. This cooperation is one way in which SIRT6 protects against fatty liver and fatty liver disease, as well as obesity-related damage.

Previous research by Cohen and colleagues revealed that increased SIRT6 extends lifespan. To test how the protein might also extend healthy lifespan the researchers in this study increased regular SIRT6 levels to counteract the decrease in SIRT6 found in a high fat diet and fatty liver disease. Using a computational tool developed with Prof. Ziv Bar Joseph from Carnegie Mellon University, they looked at different metabolic states, such as fasting and regular diet, and found that a greater expression of SIRT6 leads to the burning of more fat, specifically in the liver.

Not only does SIRT6 work with PPAR-alpha to prime the body to burn more fat and coordinate fat metabolism in the liver, but it can also regulate other metabolic pathways related to fat in the liver such as cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism, says Shoshana Naiman, a doctoral student at Bar-Ilan Universitys Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, who co-authored the study.

The team will now attempt to identify therapeutic approaches that can target and activate SIRT6.

This research was supported by grants from the Israel Science Foundation, the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation, and the Sagol Healthy Longevity Center at Bar-Ilan University.

Read more:
Bar-Ilan Researcher: Longevity Protein SIRT6 Also Protects Against Fatty Liver Disease - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com