NPR Health is reporting on new research suggesting a link between brisk walking and improved brain health, as well as increased support for individuals aging without traditional family caregivers. The outlet also shared audience tips for transforming leftover food into new meals.
NPR's Allison Aubrey reports that new research indicates brisk walking is connected to better brain health. A study found that people in their 80s who walked fast were half as likely to experience cognitive decline. Dr. Joe Verghese, a study author and chair of neurology at Stony Brook Medicine, said fast walking serves as an indicator that the brain and body are aging well. While genetics play a significant role in lifespan, accounting for about 50%, exercise is shown to support brain health by promoting muscle growth and releasing signaling molecules that boost brain cell growth. NPR also highlighted the free online tool, Brain Care Score, developed by Massachusetts General Hospital doctors, which helps calculate risks for stroke, dementia, heart disease and cancer, and recommends daily habit changes.
NPR's Ashley Milne-Tyte reports that "solo agers" — individuals planning for their later life needs without relying on family members — are gaining more attention and support. Ailene Gerhardt founded Navigating Solo, a network offering support for this demographic, emphasizing that solo aging is a reality to be supported, not a crisis to be solved. A 2023 AARP report indicated that one in 10 adults over age 50 lives alone without a partner or children. Sara Zeff Geber, a writer and speaker on solo aging, advocates for robust support systems, noting that not everyone has family to assist with needs like transportation after medical procedures. The Villages network, a collection of local groups, provides services such as rides, domestic help, and social events, with 30% to 60% of its members being solo agers, according to Barbara Hughes-Sullivan, executive director of the nonprofit Village to Village Network.
NPR's Life Kit previously ran a story on reducing food waste, prompting listeners to share their creative methods for repurposing leftovers. Suggestions included layering meats and vegetables with rice for a biryani casserole, pressing leftover ingredients into a crunchy panini with homemade aioli, simmering a chicken carcass into a rice soup, and combining chopped vegetables with tofu for a scramble. The outlet noted that cooking from scratch is often a healthier option than restaurant or packaged foods.