Doctor Shares Five Simple Daily Habits That Could Add Years To Your Life

Posted on 02/09/2026 by Boris Clair

It turns out that tiny changes – minutes more exercise, a few grams more veggies – can make a surprisingly large difference to your longevity and heart attack risk.

And Dr Dominic Greenyer, a private GP at The Health Suite, said that those lifestyle changes become medically obvious in time.

“If you followed two twins over time, you would often see clear differences in their skin, body composition, energy levels and overall health depending on how they live,” Dr Greenyer said.

“Ageing is not just about time passing. It’s about how well the body is maintained.”

Here, he shared the five factors he feels make all the difference:

1) Building and maintaining muscle

As we age, our muscles begin to wane – a process called sarcopenia. If we do nothing to maintain or build it, some research says we’re expected to lose half our muscle mass by 80.

“One of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing is muscle mass,” Dr Greenyer said.

2) Prioritising sleep and recovery

“Chronic poor sleep can accelerate ageing at a cellular level,” Dr Greenyer said.

“It affects hormones, recovery, inflammation and even visible signs like skin quality.”

Experts think that following a “7-1” sleeping rule (getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, with no more than an hour’s variance between bedtimes and wake-up times) could add years to your life.

3) Reducing inflammation through lifestyle choices

In and of itself, inflammation isn’t a problem – it can help our bodies to heal and may be an important part of muscle growth.

But “inflammaging” can occur when inflammation is chronic, and might contribute to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and frailty.

It “is influenced by diet, stress, alcohol intake and overall lifestyle,” Dr Greenyer said.

Those who eat whole foods, stay active, and manage stress well may have less unwanted inflammation, he added.

4) Maintaining “metabolic flexibility”

This is the ability to respond well to changing metabolic demands. It allows you to switch between burning carbohydrates and fat; a more flexible metabolism is linked to better ageing.

“When this is impaired, people are more prone to energy crashes, fat gain and insulin resistance,” Dr Greenyer said. Exercise, eating well, and avoiding constant snacking may help, he added.

5) Enjoying life, in moderation

There’s lots of research to support the idea that enjoying ourselves – be it through socialising or even eating some candy – might help us to live longer.

“There is good evidence that polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate can support cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation,” Dr Greenyer added. “Just as important is maintaining strong social connections, which are consistently associated with longer lifespan and better mental wellbeing.”

He ended, “The difference comes from small choices repeated over years – but they should still allow you to enjoy life.”

From ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ To Daily Movement: The Simple Japanese Rules For Healthy Ageing

Posted on 27/08/2026 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about “ikigai”, a phenomenon the Japanese government’s site describes as “that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one’s children or friends, to activities including work and hobbies”.

Ikigai could help us to lead happier, healthier lives as we age.

And think tank and charity The King’s Trust has suggested that the UK could stand to learn from another of the country’s policies – community gathering places, or CGPs.

In a project run with the International Longevity Centre UK, they wrote, “In our roundtable, CGPs were pointed to as a key example of the kind of preventive, community-based initiatives that Japanese policymakers view as key to both tackling the health effects of ageing and preventing loneliness and social isolation.

“Evidence suggests that CGPs have been reasonably successful in these aims.”

Japan was chosen as an example because almost a third of its population is aged 65 or above.

What are CGPs?

CGPs “arrange community activities ranging from exercise classes to hobby groups, with the aim of improving health and cognition, preventing frailty and fostering social connection,” The King’s Fund’s site reads.

Residents usually lead these events, which are “free or extremely cheap”.

They’re described as being a key part of Japan’s healthy ageing policy.

Social isolation has been linked to a shorter lifespan, increased dementia risk, and worse mental health.

Research has shown GCPs might lead to better mental and physical health, though they benefit some more than others

A 2026 paper found that among older adults who didn’t exercise regularly, participating in CGPs seemed to lower the risk of developing cognitive disabilities.

This effect wasn’t seen among those who already worked out, though.

Women, those over 75, people who live alone, those on low incomes, and rural residents appeared to get more out of the scheme.

Another study showed that monthly CGP participants tended to have lower disability prediction scores and greater levels of happiness. “Higher frequency of participation was associated with lower disability scores and greater happiness,” it reads.

Associate Professor Uemura, who conducted research into GCPs, said: “These findings support a growing direction in long-term care prevention policy, which creates opportunities for participation that are accessible to older adults who may find regular exercise difficult.

“We hope this evidence will help inform community-based initiatives that support a wide range of older adults and contribute to policies aimed at reducing health inequalities.”

GP Explains The Difference Between Healthy And ‘Pathological’ Ageing

Posted on 12/08/2026 by Boris Clair

You might think that some changes, like memory loss, are inevitable as the years roll by. And that can be true – but serious conditions like dementia, though more common among older people, are not an ordinary part of healthy ageing.

In general, Dominic Greenyer, a private GP at The Health Suite, told HuffPost UK: “Ageing naturally brings some change. People may notice a modest reduction in muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular fitness, hearing, vision or the speed at which they process information.

“However, severe or rapidly progressing decline should not automatically be dismissed as an inevitable part of getting older.”

Sometimes, people call non-standard deterioration “pathological ageing”. Here, we asked the GP to explain what the term means, as well as the signs you may be experiencing one or the other.

What is pathological ageing?

It’s not a single formal condition, the doctor said.

Instead, pathological ageing describes “deterioration driven or accelerated by disease, rather than the gradual biological changes we would ordinarily expect as a person grows older… [it may] involve illness or damage that significantly affects a person’s function and independence”.

That might include cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, chronic lung disease, severe frailty or substantial muscle loss.

“One of the dangers of describing every new symptom as ‘just old age’ is that treatable conditions can be missed,” the GP continued.

“Persistent exhaustion, unexplained weight loss, repeated falls, worsening breathlessness, new confusion, significant memory changes or a sudden loss of strength should be properly assessed.”

Older people may be led to believe that “pain, fatigue or loss of mobility is something they simply have to tolerate”; but that’s not always the case.

“The important questions are how quickly the change has happened, whether it is affecting everyday life, and whether an underlying condition may be contributing to it.”

How can I tell pathological ageing from normal ageing?

Dr Greenyer said that healthy ageing doesn’t mean reaching old age without any disease whatsoever. In fact, he considers healthy vs pathological ageing as more of a “spectrum” than separate poles.

“Many people live well with arthritis, high blood pressure or other long-term conditions when these are recognised, treated and properly controlled,” he said.

But a person’s level of functionality matters here.

“Healthy ageing means preserving as much physical capacity, cognitive ability, independence and social engagement as possible. A person may have a diagnosis but still remain active, make their own decisions, maintain relationships and continue doing the things that matter to them,” the GP explained.

“Pathological ageing is more likely to involve decline that is disproportionate, accelerated or driven by disease. It can begin to restrict mobility, memory, resilience and the ability to manage ordinary tasks.”

People can move between pathological and healthy ageing, he added. “Early diagnosis, rehabilitation, better disease control and changes to daily habits can sometimes slow decline and restore a meaningful amount of function.”

Can I decrease my odds of pathological ageing?

Dr Greenyer stressed that lifestyle changes alone can’t guarantee healthy ageing – genes and other factors outside our control can play a part here.

Therefore, he said, “people should never be blamed for illnesses that are not entirely within their control”.

With that said, some habits can make a “significant difference” to how likely we are to age well.

Not smoking “remains one of the most important steps a person can take,” the GP stated, while controlling and monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can go a long way too.

“Good-quality sleep, meaningful social contact and continuing to challenge the brain are also important,” he said, while depression and hearing loss are often “overlooked” factors that can make ageing well less likely.

Calling regular physical activity “one of the most powerful things we can do.” Dr Grenyer stated that “Aerobic activity supports the heart, lungs and circulation, while strength training helps preserve muscle, bone density, balance and the ability to perform everyday tasks”.

You don’t need to hit the gym every day, either. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening, carrying shopping and simple resistance exercises can all help, the expert advised, while balance work is great for better ageing (especially among those prone to falls).

Diet is important, as well – “Older adults need sufficient protein to help preserve muscle, alongside vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and sources of healthy fats. People should also pay attention to hydration, as the sensation of thirst can become less reliable with age”.

Lastly, the GP told us that prevention isn’t just about lifestyle choices. Getting vaccines, attending screenings, and seeing your doctor about new concerns matters, too.

“The goal is not to stop ageing, because that is impossible. It is to protect resilience, function and independence for as long as possible, while recognising that it is never too late to make changes that may improve health and quality of life.”

Is Reducing Protein Key To Better Ageing? A Longevity Expert Weighs In

Posted on 31/07/2026 by Boris Clair

Protein is a key nutrient made up of tiny building blocks called amino acids. It provides us with energy, helps the body grow and repair, and is typically found in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts, beans and lentils.

For healthy adults, the recommended daily amount of protein is about 0.75g per kg of body weight, notes the British Heart Foundation, adding that’s about 45g a day for a 60kg woman, and 55g a day for a 75kg man.

The reality is we’re easily consuming that. Helena Gibson-Moore, nutrition scientist for the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), said people in the UK are, on average, “eating more than enough protein”.

Society has become pretty obsessed with protein, evident in the protein-fortified foods popping up everywhere and popularity of protein-rich ‘carnivore’ and ‘boy kibble’ diets touted by influencers on social media.

While protein is good for you, experts have long cautioned that not all protein is created equal. And now, a new study suggests that less – not more – protein could be key to healthy ageing in people who aren’t as active.

“It’s absolutely crystal clear that there are benefits of protein to muscle growth and exercise response of active individuals,” said study author Dudley Lamming, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“But because most people are relatively sedentary, many people are likely consuming more protein than they actually need, which probably has negative health consequences.”

What did the study reveal?

The review of 350 existing papers on protein restriction and ageing, published in the journal Cell Press Blue, looked into how protein-restricted diets could improve health and promote longevity.

After analysing these studies, researchers suggested cutting protein intake may slow ageing by improving metabolism, changing how cells respond to nutrients, reducing cellular damage, and preserving healthy cell function.

One of the key players believed to be behind this is a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which can increase the body’s energy expenditure, improve blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation.

Researchers said levels of this hormone rise when protein intake is low. They also pointed to studies in mice, which have shown that animals with higher FGF21 levels lived longer than normal mice.

They also noted that consuming too many of a certain type of amino acid could trigger biological processes that promote growth, increasing the risk of obesity, inflammation, and other age-related diseases.

“These studies show that the amount of protein sedentary people are eating today may have negative health consequences, at least at the population level,” Lamming said.

While some people, like pregnant women and some older adults, have higher protein needs, for most sedentary adults, protein-fortified food may not provide the health benefits people expect, researchers added.

Discussing how athletes manage to consume large amounts of protein without developing metabolic diseases, the experts hypothesised that regular exercise may be protective.

Lamming ended: “We probably need to personalise protein recommendations based not just on age, but also on how physically active people are.”

**The protein discussion ‘should consider performance and longevity’**

Responding to the findings, Dr Will Hsu, a longevity expert and chief medical officer of L Nutra Health, who wasn’t involved in the review, told HuffPost UK that much of the conversation around protein is focused on physical performance, maintaining muscle, and preventing frailty.

“These are important goals. Protein is essential for supporting recovery, preserving physical function, and maintaining lean mass, particularly in older adults,” he said. “But the protein discussion should consider two objectives at the same time: performance and longevity.”

He stressed that protein and its amino acids “are not simply building materials, they are also biological signals that activate pathways involved in growth, metabolism, and cellular ageing”.

When we’re young, physically active, recovering from illness, or trying to maintain muscle, these pathways are essential.

However, keeping growth pathways continuously activated through a high protein diet “may not be ideal for long term metabolic health, particularly in someone who is relatively sedentary”, he added.

Protein intake should be personalised and plant-forward

Protein’s effects vary depending on many elements – from the amount consumed, to the food source, to your physical activity levels and age.

“The average person should not read this research and immediately start cutting protein,” said Dr Hsu. “A better question is: How much protein do I need, from which foods, at this point in my life?”

He suggested a sedentary adult who already eats plenty of meat, protein bars, shakes, and protein-fortified foods “probably does not need to keep adding more”.

But replacing some animal protein with beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and other plant foods “may create a more favourable amino acid balance, while also providing fibre and other protective nutrients”.

This advice would then change for an older adult at risk of muscle loss, an athlete, someone recovering from illness or surgery, or a person losing weight rapidly, he noted.

“For these individuals, adequate protein and resistance exercise are critical for protecting muscle, bone, strength, and independence. Pregnant women and people who are already underweight or frail should also not restrict protein without professional guidance,” he explained.

“This is why one protein recommendation cannot work for everyone. Two people of the same age may need very different amounts based on their muscle mass, activity level, health, and risk of frailty.”

He ended: “Ultimately, the goal is not maximum protein or minimum protein. It is enough high-quality protein to preserve strength and function, without assuming that more is automatically better.

“For many people, that means shifting toward a more plant-forward pattern and personalising protein intake based on age, activity, metabolic health, and muscle needs.”

There May Be A New Way To Clear Alzheimer’s Proteins From The Brain

Posted on 21/07/2026 by Boris Clair

For a long time, the development of dementia has been associated with the buildup of proteins like amyloid plaques and tau.

Amyloid plaques are sticky bundles of abnormal protein fragments, while tau tangles are made up of stringy proteins. Combined, this pair has been compared to the “trigger and bullet” in dementia formation.

But scientists might have just made a step forward in dealing with them.

Presenting her team’s findings at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London last week, neuropsychologist Dr Sephira Ryman, who led a team of researchers from The University of New Mexico School of Medicine and the Mind Research Network (MRN), said that carbon dioxide can help to “pump” out tau before it can accumulate.

This follows earlier Parkinson’s research

In 2025, Dr Ryman and her team published a paper which suggested that exposing the brain to low-level bursts of CO2 could help to “clear potentially toxic brain byproducts”.

It did this, they said, by activating our body’s glymphatic system. The glymphatic system removes waste from our brain (especially as we sleep) and seems to be impaired in people with conditions like Parkinson’s.

This initial paper found that three 10-minute sessions of inhaling higher-than-usual amounts of CO2 seemed to help Parkinson’s patients’ brains clear unwanted buildup – in this case, alpha-synuclein.

At the time, Dr Ryman said: “we realised that we could reproduce, in the awake state, the glymphatic clearing response usually linked to deep sleep using intermittent CO2”.

Since then, the group have conducted a study on 12 people – eight of which had normal tau levels, and four of which had more tau buildup, New Scientist shared. Three of the four people had mild cognitive impairment, sometimes seen as a precursor to dementia.

The researchers scanned participants’ brains as they wore masks which released bursts of higher-CO2 air, switching from normal levels of the gas to 10 times the usual amount every 35 seconds for half an hour.

This seemed to activate their glymphatic system, and after the procedure was done, tau clearance appeared to be improved among those with high levels of it.

And all participants’ blood had higher levels of beta-amyloid (which can lead to the amyloid plaques we mentioned earlier) after the session too.

“This suggests this neurodegenerative marker was being cleared more out of the brain,” Dr Ryman said.

Researchers wonder whether this means breathing techniques might be good for our brains

In a paper for the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Dr Ryman and her colleagues said: “Breath-centered practices such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong have been utilised for centuries to manage stress and promote psychological well-being.

“Emerging research reveals an additional benefit: these practices also stimulate cerebrospinal fluid oscillations, potentially activating the glymphatic pathway during wakefulness.”

However, more research is needed to confirm their findings.

It’s also worth noting that the amyloid and tau-clearing power of the treatment seemed to stop an hour later (though the glymphatic system doesn’t work 24/7, either).

Additionally, some experts say we’re not yet sure whether clearing processes like these will definitely help to prevent or slow cognitive decline, even if they succeed.

Researchers Think Cats Could Help Our Brains Age Better

Posted on 05/07/2026 by Boris Clair

Owning a pet, be it a cat or a dog, has previously been linked to lower heart disease risk. This is especially true for cat owners aged between 40 and 64.

Our feline friends may also reduce stress and boost our mood.

As if they don’t do enough for us already, researchers from the University of Bath, Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine in the US, and École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse in France have said they might help us to age better too.

Why might cats help us to age better?

Their paper, published in the journal Biology Open, reads: “Pet cats may inform human ageing since humans and cats age similarly and they develop health challenges that mirror those observed in humans”.

Unlike a lot of lab animals, they added, cats tend to live long enough to develop age-related brain changes, like those seen in humans.

And, on the flip side, because they live a lot shorter lives than us, we can study their ageing at a much faster rate than we could in people.

The researchers used a biological model which looked at how multiple species age at a physical level.

They tracked 3,754 data points – like MRI (not CAT, sadly) scans, blood samples, and developmental milestones – gathered across human, cat, and other mammal species.

They found that cat and human brains seem to age remarkably similarly. Both species experience age-related neurodegeneration.

Like us, cats age in bursts. And they reach the equivalent of human old age: a teenage cat is the rough equivalent of a person in their 80s, ageing-wise.

“It was interesting to see that cats show patterns of age-related brain atrophy similar to those observed in humans,” said PhD candidate Brier Rigby Dames, who was involved with the research.

“These findings add to growing evidence that companion animals can provide valuable insights into ageing.”

Cat owners are increasingly requesting more detailed pet scans

Speaking to the University of Bath, the study’s co-author, Dr Ryan Gibson, said that more and more pet owners are sending their cats in for increasingly detailed scans as they age.

This, he said, might provide an exciting opportunity.

“This expanded clinical access creates meaningful opportunities for translational research (research that bridges the gap between scientific findings and healthcare), improving our understanding of aging and neurologic disease in ways that can benefit both feline and human patients,” he said.

For her part, Brier Rigby Dames said: “There’s potential to develop large-scale veterinary health databases for companion animals, analogous to human health databases such as the UK Biobank.

“These kinds of resources could enhance our ability to study ageing and disease using real-world clinical and owner-reported data collected across species.”

This Walking Habit Might Be One Of The Easiest Ways To Improve Your Balance

Posted on 23/05/2026 by Boris Clair

Walking on grass and sand helps you connect with nature, but it also has one unexpected benefit you might not know about.

Turns out, walking on uneven surfaces will activate your body’s alert system known as proprioception, an overlooked but critical sense that subconsciously tells you where your limbs and body are at all times.

If a surface is suddenly slanted, proprioception tells your body that “the position of your joint is different and so it would activate muscles in a different way so that you don’t fall over to the right,” said Claire Morrow, a physical therapist with Hinge Health.

When proprioception is working well, it’s automatic. Your feet will know where to land on the slope of a hill to keep your ankles stable without you looking.

But proprioception declines as you get older or after an injury, which is why you don’t want to ignore training this internal awareness system. You might just lose it if you stop using it.

For example, if you sprain your ankle, you can lose ligament stability and the proprioception “feedback loop” that prevents you from re-rolling your ankle and injuring yourself again, Morrow said. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can hone this sense and train it to get better.

Training this sense doesn’t have to be intimidating

You don’t need to hike up a mountain to train your proprioception. Simply look for uneven surfaces that nature provides with grass, dirt or sand to give your body small challenges on your walk.

If you're used to only waking on sidewalks, try walking on grass to test your body's proprioception. — If you’re used to only waking on sidewalks, try walking on grass to test your body’s proprioception.

Walking on beach sand or soft grass in a park instead of predictably flat pavement can “give your body a challenge to react to something that was a little unexpected,” Morrow said, which is what’s needed to train your lower body’s proprioception.

She suggests starting on pressed dirt and then graduating to grass and sand. “If you don’t mind getting your feet dirty, then doing it barefoot is sometimes a fun way” to practice proprioception too, Morrow added.

If you’re nervous about your balance, you can use hiking poles on unstable surfaces to have the benefit of your foot testing different positions while still having support, Morrow said.

Since proprioception can decline with age, older adults at risk of falling should focus on honing this ability. One 2017 study of adults over 70 found that the loss of reliable proprioception was a key factor in why those adults were more likely to sway on their feet while standing.

Proprioception “can improve your balance, and with increased balance, you decrease the fall potential, especially in elderly people,” said Patrick Maloney, the lead athletic trainer at Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine in New Orleans.

“The danger of that impaired proprioception is you get into a position where you need to catch yourself, but you don’t have the quickness to catch yourself,” Morrow said.

Here is a quick proprioception test for yourself: Can you balance on one leg for 10 seconds? If you can’t, Morrow suggests working with a physical therapist who can give you exercises to improve this skill.

She also suggests consulting with a therapist if your walking pace has significantly declined or if you need to touch a wall or a railing while walking to stay balanced.

So the next time you go for a walk, try walking next to the sidewalk on some soft grass or dirt. It will give you a break from your usual routine and will also help train your body’s awareness to protect your health in the future.

5 Sex Positions That Can Be Dangerous After 70, According To Sex Experts

Posted on 10/05/2026 by Boris Clair

As you age, your go-to sex positions might not age as gracefully alongside you. After decades of showing off your flexibility in bed, you may notice as you enter your 70s that your joints ache, your back hurts and you maybe can’t bend as easily as before.

Arthritis and other age-related conditions may also come into play – issues that likely didn’t affect you when you were younger. Not to mention there’s the age-old (no pun intended) myth that your sex life somehow “ends” after a certain age.

“Body image shifts, loss of a long-term partner and deeply internalised ageism are among the biggest barriers to intimacy after 70,” Alicia Sinclair, sex educator, founder and CEO of Le Wand, told HuffPost.

“Sexual desire doesn’t have an expiration date, and neither does the need for connection and pleasure. Open communication with a partner – being explicit about what feels good and what doesn’t – often leads to greater intimacy than couples experienced in earlier years.”

Arthritis and other conditions may affect sex as you age.

Which means sex isn’t off the table after 70. Instead, it simply requires more adaptability and a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t.

Below is a list of sex positions that can become risky or uncomfortable after 70, – and expert-backed advice for what to try instead.

Traditional missionary (particularly for the bottom partner)

“This one catches people off guard,” according to Annette Benedetti, sex and intimacy coach and host of the podcast Talk Sex With Annette.

“Seventy-five percent of hip fractures happen in women, and bone density takes a nosedive after menopause. [The top partner’s] weight pressing down on [the bottom partner’s] hips and pelvis during missionary is exactly the kind of sustained force that can snap a fragile femur. Add vaginal atrophy and deep thrusting from above, and you’re also looking at vaginal tears and bleeding.”

Adds Sinclair: “Lying flat with a partner’s weight on top can compress the spine and make it difficult to breathe, especially for anyone with osteoporosis, spinal stenosis or limited hip mobility.”

Instead, Sinclair recommends using a wedge or positioning pillow under the hips to reduce lumbar strain or shifting to a side-lying position that keeps the spine in a neutral position.

Benedetti suggests flipping the dynamic with a modified cowgirl position, with the receiving partner on top, sitting upright on their partner’s lap or kneeling. “[The kneeling position] is what orthopaedic specialists recommend for women with osteoporosis. She controls the depth, the pace, and the pressure goes through his body, not hers.”

Doggy style (kneeling)

“Sustained kneeling puts significant pressure on the knees and wrists, and the position can destabilise the lower back,” Sinclair said. “For anyone with knee replacements, arthritis or balance issues, it’s a real injury risk.”

Benedetti adds that rear-entry positions with deep thrusting may also become uncomfortable over time. “With age – especially after menopause or other hormonal changes – internal tissues can become shorter, thinner and more sensitive. What once felt pleasurable can start to feel uncomfortable or even painful, with a higher risk of irritation or small tears.”

As an alternative, Sinclair recommends a supported standing variation, where one partner leans over a bed or cushioned surface, keeping weight off the knees entirely.

Another option is spooning. “You get a similar rear-entry angle and sense of closeness, but the receiving partner can control depth by adjusting their leg position,” Benedetti said. “It also removes pressure from the knees, wrists and shoulders, making it a much more comfortable choice overall.”

Adapting your favorite sex positions to your body and your comfort is the right choice at every age.

Legs up over shoulders positions

“This position demands hip flexion that older joints often can’t handle safely, especially for people with hip replacements or conditions like arthritis,” Benedetti said. “It can also create very deep penetration at a time when tissues may be more sensitive. That’s a challenging combination.”

The better option? Reclining with a pillow wedge under the hips. Keep the knees bent and slightly apart, with the hips gently elevated to achieve a similar angle — without putting excess strain on the joints. This allows for better alignment and comfort while reducing orthopaedic risk.

Cowgirl / reverse cowgirl (on top)

“This requires quad strength, hip flexibility and balance – all of which decline with age,” Sinclair said. “A fall or sudden movement can cause hip fractures or knee injuries, which are among the most serious fall-related injuries in older adults.”

If you’re keen on doing the position, Sinclair recommends using a supported seated straddle – sitting face-to-face in a sturdy chair or using a dedicated intimate machine like The Cowgirl with a low, stable platform, which distributes weight differently and reduces fall risk dramatically.

Standing sex

“Balance and bone density both decline after 70, and the one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture sits around 25%,” Benedetti said. “A fall during sex isn’t a punchline; it’s a serious event.”

What can you do instead? Benedetti suggests using a sturdy armchair. One partner sits while the other straddles. Face-to-face, full-body contact – all the closeness without the risk of a fall.

Sex might look and feel different in your 70s than it did in previous decades, but it doesn’t mean it has to feel less pleasurable. With a better understanding of the body’s changing needs, couples can adapt their sex life rather than give up on it.

Scientists Think They’ve Found A Way To Stop Ageing ‘Zombie Cells’

Posted on 02/04/2026 by Boris Clair

As we age, our bodies lose some resilience, which can lead to less movement throughout the day and an increased risk of facing multiple chronic diseases at once (multimorbidity).

This happens partly because senescent cells, sometimes called “zombie” cells, stop dividing and build up. They secrete “proinflammatory molecules that contribute to chronic inflammation and ageing-related diseases”.

A process called senolysis usually clears these away, but as we get older, that cleaning system becomes less efficient.

But scientists from the University of Kyoto think they’ve found a way to slow or stop the production of these “zombie cells”.

How did the researchers stop “zombie cells” from building up?

Though we knew that “zombie cells” seemed to create inflammation that affected nearby cells, scientists weren’t sure about how this went on to affect someone’s body.

These researchers looked closer at the senescent cells themselves and found they heavily relied on glycolysis (using sugar for energy), a process which is also involved in the spreading of cancer cells.

Using bioluminescence to help see what was going on in the cell better, scientists found that two enzymes were crucial to glycolysis in “zombie cells”. Their binding was increased in sensecent cells.

So, when they were able to interrupt that key interaction, researchers could selectively “delete” zombie cells.

In mice, the change was linked to reduced lung fibrosis.

They also found that when this activity was diminished, a protein that triggers cell death was suppressed too.

What might this mean?

The study authors hope this might help to maintain resilience in older age.

That way, it’s hoped, the risk of multimorbidity might go down.

This study’s corresponding author, Hiroshi Kondoh, said: “Our findings in glycolytic regulation suggest that impaired metabolic resilience in ageing is one of the targets for senotherapy, to aid in preservation of resilience in ageing.”

Five Habits A GP Says Separates People Who Age Well From Those Who Don’t

Posted on 25/03/2026 by Boris Clair