The Times reports that a huge rise in short-sightedness in children is being blamed on indoor lifestyles – apparently rates of short-sightedness in young people have doubled in the past 50 years and scientists believe it’s down to heavy use of computers and indoor teaching.
People who live in towns and cities are at increased risk of dementia and strokes because of air pollution, according to research reported in The Telegraph.
The study of 900 adults found those living near major roads had smaller brains and were 50% more likely to have silent strokes – or ‘covert brain infarcts’ – than others.
And new research from the Nuffield Trust has found people in their 70s are swamping gyms across the country, The Independent reports.
Apparently 70-79 year olds go to the gym more than any other age group, at an average of 7.5 times a month – compared with 6.5 times for 20-29 year olds.
Dr Aldric Ratajczak, of Nuffield Health, said: ‘The fact that our older members are using the facilities more often than any other is hugely encouraging.
‘We know that regular exercise reduces the risk of memory decline, muscle loss and heart disease. In fact exercise is the super pill we’ve been looking for to live happier and healthier through our later decades.’
