For Women, Active Sex Life May Mean Better Aging

A new study has found that better quality of life and successful aging in older women are associated with  perceived sexual satisfaction.

Researchers looked at information gathered from over 1,200 San Diego women, aged 60 to 89, and found that satisfaction with overall sex life was reported by 67 percent of those aged 60 to 69; 60 percent of those aged 70 to 79; and 61 percent of those aged 80 to 89.

You can't wear Depends in the pool, you fool!

With Age, Focus on Body Shifts From Appearance to Function

For older Americans who decide to get more physically active, a new study finds that performance often trumps appearance.

 The boost in body functioning that older adults gained from about six months of exercise proved more satisfying than any change in appearance, especially among men, according to the research. This suggest that with advancing years, a shift in emphasis may occur, one that puts a premium on a well-functioning body over a "hot" body, experts said.

Optimism Associated with Lower RIsk of Having A Stoke

DALLAS, July 21, 2011 — A positive outlook on life might lower your risk of having a stroke, according to new research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

In an observational study, a nationally representative group of 6,044 adults over age 50 rated their optimism levels on a 16-point scale. Each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.

“Our work suggests that people who expect the best things in life actively take steps to promote health,” said Eric Kim, study lead author and a clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Michigan.

Bioengineering research provides new hope for those with bowel or urinary incontinence

Human Cells Used to Make Replacement Anal Sphincters in Mice

The goal is to one day use patient's own cells to build implants for those with incontinence, scientists say.
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10 (Mary Elizabeth Dallas as reported in HealthDay News) -- The first working, replacement anal sphincters have been built in a laboratory and tested on mice.
Now scientists hope the research will benefit humans with fecal and urinary incontinence, because current methods used to repair internal anal sphincters, such as skeletal muscle grafts, silicone injections or mechanical implants, have had only limited success.

GOLD!

Elderly and Driving

(HealthDay News) -- Many seniors rely on their car for mobility and independence. But the chances of getting into an automobile accident grow as you age, especially after your 75th birthday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The agency suggests how senior drivers can stay safe: