Page 50 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE Vol 3

ELITE HEALTH |be reduced by taking vitamin B complex.Maintaining cognitive function is a common concern of older people. This affects our ability to continue an independent and reasonable quality of life. Cognitive function has an impact on memory, which enables us to process complex tasks related to social activities, an essential part of our daily lives. As mentioned, vitamin B complex is important for seniors to preserve cognitive performance. Research has shown that a deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to a decline in mental faculties. Vitamin B6 also helps maintain cognitive function, particularly in the elderly.Calorie reduction is a dynamic topic nowadays in anti-ageing research and is one of the possible ways to extend a natural lifespan. Even though the mechanism of calorie restriction and its impact on the human body are still being investigated, it appears that the metabolic and hormonal changes that result from calorie restriction improve the cardio- vascular system and may influence genes involved in the ageing process.William Shakespeare likened old age to a hideous winter, and humans have long dreaded the downsides to longevity. Should we manage our lives properly by looking after our body and soul, though, and take in suitable nutrition as mentioned, our quality of life can be maintained even as we move into old age.In 2012 there were over 577 million people aged 65 and above globally, however there remains a seven-year gap between life expec- tancy and healthy life expectancy. If we take good care of ourselves as we move into old age, we can expect to have a healthier and happier life, as well as a longer one.Keep up activities like visiting the market, light housework and exercise such as walking, swimming and aerobic exerciseyrecommended to keep up activities like visiting the market, light housework and exercise such as walking, swimming and aerobic exercise. The general decline in muscle mass from ageing is partly responsible for reduced mobility, and ailments such as arthritic joints, weaker bones and lower endurance also play a role.Vitamin D gets particular attention because older skin produces less vitamin D, and older people are also more likely to spend more time indoors. Vitamin D helps maintain mobility and together with calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Studies also show that vitamin D reduces the risk of falling and lowers48 Elite+the probability of bone fractures. This is likely due to vitamin D’s positive influence on muscle strength and reducing body sway. Taking more vitamin D can therefore be helpful in improving the general health of the ageing population.Maintaining a healthy heart and cardiovascular system is also important to reduce the risk of age- related illnesses. Besides avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular exercise and taking fish oil capsules are now widely recommended to keep the heart and blood vessels in good condition. Also, some heart health risk factors such as high homocysteine levels can