Create a list of 5-10 practices for healthy aging

1 While no one is immune from all diseases and the natural course of aging, there are many things seniors can do to stay healthy or slow the progression of disease. (5pts) 1.

Create a list of 5-10 practices for healthy aging. (citations expected)

2. These are likely good practices for anyone, but why do you think these are specifically good for an aging population? What might this help them improve or avoid?

Maintaining good health during aging helps slow down the aging process and decrease the risk of chronic conditions that the aging population is highly vulnerable to. Several practices can be used to maintain healthy living even during aging, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, mental simulation, regular health check-ups and screening for chronic conditions, and getting adequate sleep.

Empirical studies reveal that physical activity, including something as simple as walking, has a lot of positive health implications for aging. For example, physical activity has been proven to improve cardiovascular health by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (Mora et al., 2007). Physical activity enhances musculoskeletal health, marked by healthy muscle mass and bone density.

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This is particularly imperative for aging adults who are more vulnerable to osteoporosis and fractures (Josep et al., 2005). Other benefits of regular physical activity include lowering blood cholesterol and the associated risks of obesity and diabetes.

The importance of healthy eating, as marked by a balanced diet, must be emphasized in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and slowing down aging. Medical studies show that a healthy diet is the primary way of reducing the risk of chronic conditions and reversing the process of aging. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report identifies healthy diets as diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins (Angulo et al., 2016). Other characteristics of healthy diets include low sodium, low trans-fat, and low saturated fats. The research revealed that embracing a healthy diet was the primary way of preventing and managing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular conditions. Healthy dietary habits have also been empirically proven to reverse aging by reducing inflammation, enhancing gut health, and supporting a healthy weight.

Studies also show the importance of mental simulation in slowing down the aging process and reducing the vulnerability of older people to chronic conditions (Angulo et al., 2016). Ideally, cognitive decline is inevitable during aging, with an increased risk of dementia.

People who embrace mental simulation thus have a reduced risk of mental health issues that are common during aging.

Ideally, chronic diseases progress through different stages during which the symptoms worsen. However, such conditions as diabetes are easily preventable or managed earlier than at

3 advanced stages (Millen et al., 2023). Regular screening for chronic conditions ensures that the diseases are identified early, making the treatment process more effective.

Studies also expound on the importance of adequate sleep to reverse aging and reduce vulnerability to chronic conditions. Adults older than 50 are supposed to sleep for an average of 7 to 9 hours a day to allow their bodies adequate time to recharge and repair. Adequate sleep has also been validated as a major way of enhancing concentration and promoting healthy aging.

While the practices discussed above are good for everyone, they are more helpful to the aging population. Aging is inevitable. As people age, the risk for chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes increases. This is also the risk of mental health conditions such as dementia (Rafferty et al., 2022). The high vulnerability of the aging population to chronic conditions can be associated with the declining immune system.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for all ages. Complete a quick profile of a specific cancer of your choice. (5pts). Cite your sources.

Type of cancer, who's affected I completed a quick profile for lung cancer that largely affects the aging population. According to statistics, 85% of cases of lung cancer happen in people aged 45 years and above (Schabath & Cote, 2019).

What are the characteristics (i.e., symptoms, organs targeted)? What is the incidence (how many were affected)

4 The most noticeable symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing with blood, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain (Schabath & Cote, 2019). When not treated, lung cancer is likely to spread to other organs, including the bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands.

The incidence of lung cancer is the most widely diagnosed, with more than 2 million new cases and approximately 1.8 million deaths in the world annually. Lung cancer also accounts for a high incidence in the United States, as revealed by 2021 CDC statistics showing that 235,75 new cases and 131,880 deaths due to lung cancer were reported during the year (Schabath & Cote, 2019).

Is this treatable? What is the survival rate?

Lung cancer is treatable when discovered in the early stages. The treatability of lung cancer also depends on the type of cells affected and the patient's overall health. Ideally, people with other underlying health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and hypertension, are more affected by lung cancer than people who are generally healthy. There are multiple treatments for lung cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

When compared to other cancers, the survival rate for lung cancer is relatively low.

According to statistics by CDC, the survival rate of cancer in 5 years is 22%. The survival rate is, however, higher (56%) for the earlier stages of cancer (Cronin et al., 2018).

What lifestyle choices (if any) put people at risk for this cancer?

5 Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer. Statistics by the CDC show that 85% of cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking (Schabath & Cote, 2019). This includes both firsthand and second-hand smoking. Hence, quitting smoking is a leading precautionary measure to avoid lung cancer.

References Angulo, J., El Assar, M., & Rodriguez-Manas, L. (2016). Frailty and sarcopenia as the basis for the phenotypic manifestation of chronic diseases in older adults. Molecular aspects of medicine, 50, 1-32.

Cronin, K. A., Lake, A. J., Scott, S., Sherman, R. L., Noone, A. M., Howlader, N., ... & Jemal, A. (2018). Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, part I: National cancer statistics. Cancer, 124(13), 2785–2800.

Joseph, C., Kenny, A. M., Taxel, P., Lorenzo, J. A., Duque, G., & Kuchel, G. A. (2005). Role of endocrine-immune dysregulation in osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty, and fracture risk.

Molecular aspects of medicine, 26(3), 181–201.

Millen, B. E., Abrams, S., Adams-Campbell, L., Anderson, C. A., Brenna, J. T., Campbell, W. W., ... & Lichtenstein, A. H. (2023). The 2015 dietary guidelines advisory committee scientific report: development and major conclusions. Advances in nutrition, 7(3), 438– 444.

6 Mora, S., Cook, N., Buring, J. E., Ridker, P. M., & Lee, I. M. (2007). Physical activity and reduced risk of cardiovascular events: potential mediating mechanisms. Circulation, 116(19), 2110-2118.

Rafferty, L. A., Cawkill, P. E., Stevelink, S. A. M., Greenberg, K., & Greenberg, N. (2022).

Dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder: a review of the mental health risk factors for dementia in the military veteran population. Psychological medicine, 48(9), 1400–1409.

Schabath, M. B., & Cote, M. L. (2019). Cancer progress and priorities: lung cancer. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention, 28(10), 1563–1579.