aging

Embracing the Passage of Time: Overcoming the Fear of Getting Older

As we journey through life, one of the universal truths we all must confront is the inevitability of getting older. While ageing is a natural part of the human experience, many of us harbour a deep-seated fear of growing older. This fear can stem from various sources, including societal pressures, personal insecurities, and the uncertainty […]

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Pandemic May Have Triggered Second “Midlife Crisis” for Over-50s

Anxiety and depression that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to trigger a second “midlife crisis” in those aged 50 and older. Researchers say women struggled more than men with psychological distress during the pandemic, and this may exacerbate and accelerate neurodegeneration, mental health, and overall health disorders.

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Bodies of People With Mental Illness Are Biologically Older Than Their Actual Age

People with a long-term history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, have blood biomarkers that reflect increased biological aging. The findings may help explain why those with mental health disorders tend to have shorter life spans and are more prone to age-related diseases than the general population.

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Managing emotions better could prevent pathological aging

Negative emotions, anxiety and depression are thought to promote the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. But what is their impact on the brain and can their deleterious effects be limited? Neuroscientists have observed the activation of the brains of young and older adults when confronted with the psychological suffering of others. The neuronal connections of the older adults show significant emotional inertia: negative emotions modify them excessively and over a long period of time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and the amygdala, two brain regions strongly involved in the management of emotions and autobiographical memory. These results indicate that a better management of these emotions — through meditation for example — could help limit neurodegeneration.

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