While overall life expectancy is increasing, quality of life in the later years seems to be decreasing, say researchers in the United Kingdom. According to the U.K.’s Longevity Center study on aging and population, British adults are spending many years after retirement in poor health.

The report also shows that many people who are nearing retirement age – those in their mid- to upper-fifties and older – continue to be active, working and caring for grandchildren or adult family members. Once they do slow down, many are living longer with health problems and disability than in the past, according to researchers.

Socioeconomic background is key in determining average healthy years after retirement. For example, at age 65, people living in lower class suburbs of London were found to have about 6.5 years of healthy life ahead of them, while those living in wealthier areas had about 14.5.

Sourced from: Daily News

People who have never married are as much as 42 percent more likely to develop dementia, and widows and widowers are 20 percent more likely than married people, suggests a new research review published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. The researchers found no correlation between dementia risk and divorce.

The analysis, conducted by researchers at University College London, included 15 previously published observational studies involving more than 800,000 people in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. The researchers controlled for factors like age and gender.

Other studies have shown that married people tend to embrace healthier habits – perhaps due to spousal motivation and encouragement. Eating right, exercising regularly, maintaining social relationships, and drinking and smoking less have all been associated with a lower risk for dementia. It may also be that stress – caused by grief in widows and widowers, for example – impairs cognitive function.

Sourced from: Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the time between infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and diagnosis seems to be shortening. Data from 2015 showed that people were diagnosed three years after infection, on average, compared to 2011, when it took an average of three years and seven months. While this considerable decrease is encouraging, many people still have HIV for years before they know it.

The CDC Vital Signs report indicates the U.S. approach to HIV prevention is working. In 2014, 85 percent of the estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV knew their HIV status. An estimated 40 percent of new infections originate in people who don’t know their HIV status.

Earlier HIV diagnosis can reduce the risk of transmission and improve outcomes for people living with HIV. Starting treatment as soon as possible and getting the virus under control quickly can allow people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives.

Sourced from: CDC