NEWS YOU CAN USE
OPTIMISM
PROLONGS LIFE
There’s good news for those who think the glass is half full, rather than half empty. Researchers recently found that people who have a greater optimistic outlook are likelier to live longer. Investigators determined this after participants completed a survey assessing their optimism levels, overall health, and lifestyle habits, including diet, smoking, and alcohol use. Upon comparison, the most optimistic men and women saw an 11 to 15 percent longer lifespan on average compared to the least optimistic individuals. The researchers also noted that those with a sunnier outlook had a 50 to 70 percent greater chance of reaching the age of 85 compared to their gloomier counterparts. The reason? Optimistic people tend to have healthier habits, like engaging in exercise, eating well, and having an active social life. Lee LO. Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. PNAS (2019). doi/10.1073/pnas.1900712116.
4-8 The typical life expectancy in years after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 8
2019 Alzheimer’s Statistics. http://www.alzheimers.net.
Good Health TM
LIFESTYLES
12.2 The percentage of American adults who are considered to be metabolically healthy. Araújo J. Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 2018.
SAY “CHEERS” FOR A HEALTHY GUT
Studies have shown that enjoying a few alcoholic drinks per week can be good for your health. But not all adult beverages offer positive health benefits, according to a report published in the journal Gastroenterology. A team from King’s College London analyzed the effects of red wine, white wine, beer, cider, and hard liquor on the gut microbiome and found that people drinking red wine had more bacterial diversity—an indicator of good gut health—compared to those drinking other types of alcohol. Red wine was also linked to lower levels of obesity and “bad” LDL cholesterol. That may be due to the fact that red wine contains polyphenols— micronutrients that are loaded with antioxidants. So next time you’re in the mood for a drink with dinner, opt for a glass of red! Le Roy CI. Red Wine Consumption Associated With Increased Gut Microbiota α -diversity in 3 Independent Cohorts. Gastroenterology, 2019; DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.08.024.
GUT GERMS AND MUSCLE GROWTH Bacteria gets a bad rap—they can cause infections, diseases, and are generally just gross! However, new science out of Singapore suggests that not all bacteria are harmful. According to the researchers, the microorganisms living in your gut could actually aid in muscle growth and function—potentially big news for those dealing with age-related skeletal muscle loss (sarcopenia). The study’s authors were able to draw a link between beneficial gut microbes and stronger skeletal muscles that can produce more energy. Want to get these benefits for yourself ? Simply combine a probiotic-rich diet with regular exercise. These lifestyle changes may help maintain or even improve your muscle mass, strength, and functional fitness—and that could be key to healthier aging. Lahiri S. The gut microbiota influences skeletal muscle mass and function in mice. Science Translational Medicine (2019).
