The Daily News – December 16, 2024

Today in the news, baby boomers are living longer, but are they living healthier? Next one, change you could make to improve mental health and work life balance. And finally, a simple solution to burn calories faster. Welcome to Health Channel News. First up, a new study is shedding some light on the health of baby boomers, and the news isn’t very encouraging. Although they’re living longer than previous generations, baby boomers appear to be in worse health. Overall. Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London analyze data from more than
100,000 people in the US and Europe. They found that baby boomers, people born between 1946 and 1959 are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart problems than earlier generations at the same age. The lead author of the study noted that disability rates aren’t improving either. Interestingly, this trend isn’t limited to just one region. The prevalence of chronic diseases has risen in the United States, England, and continental Europe. For example, diagnosis of cancer and heart problems are rising sharply in England and Europe. One particularly worrying finding is the increasing rates of obesity among post-war generations. The study points to lifestyle changes as a key factor in what it calls this generational health. Drift declines in physical activity and poor nutrition are contributing to the trend, and it’s not just baby boomers who should be concerned. Younger generations like Generation X are also at risk of worse health outcomes than the generations before them. Experts warn that without more preventative efforts, this downward trend could continue. So while people may be living longer, the question remains, are you living healthier? Next up, new research suggests that cutting back on smartphone use can boost your mental health and job satisfaction. The study published in ACTA Psychological found that reducing daily smartphone use by just one hour can make a big difference. Participants reported feeling happier, more motivated, and more productive at work. The lead researcher from the German Center for Mental Health said that people also felt less depressed and more in control. After making this change, the study split participants into four groups. One group reduced their smartphone use another, increased their physical activity. A third group did both, and a control group made no changes. The smartphone and combination groups reported the biggest improvements. They felt less stressed and more balanced in their work and personal lives. All groups saw some mental health benefits, including fewer symptoms of depression and a stronger sense of control over their time. So what’s the conclusion? Based on expert opinions in the study, reducing screen time and adding more physical activity can make a real difference in how people feel both at work and at home. Finally, if you are looking to burn calories fast, the solution might be right under your feet. Stairs research shared with the Associated Press shows that climbing stairs can burn up to 20 times more calories than walking on flat ground. Even descending stairs burns calories with the muscles working hard to control your body’s descent. One physiologist at the University of Milan says to move one kilogram of body mass over one horizontal meter, you expend 0.5 calories. If you move one kilogram of body mass vertically on stairs, it’s 10 calories, so it’s 20 times the calories moving vertically rather than horizontally. The physiologist points out that stair climbing is accessible for nearly everyone. Stairs are available almost everywhere, and they come at no cost unlike gym memberships. Plus, it’s a time efficient workout that can easily fit into your daily routine. It’s not just about the legs either. Using the handrails engages your arms, adding more muscle power to your climb. Though the physiologist notes that while the arm muscles are relatively small, they still contribute to the overall workout. The Toronto Star shared the example of Australian Suzy Walsham. If stair climbing were an Olympic event, Susie Walsham would be a top contender. She’s won 10 races up the iconic Empire State Building and claimed more than 100 international stair climbing titles, including five wins Up the Eiffel Tower, one of her more incredible feats climbing her 29 story building in Singapore, 37 times in a row for a total of 3,200 vertical meters all in one day. Walsham says, stair climbing offers a low impact alternative to running, making it easier on the joints as we age. Plus, it’s convenient since stairs are nearly everywhere at home, in office buildings, shopping malls, and public transit stations. So the next time you see a flight of stairs, take the opportunity to burn some extra calories. Those were our top stories for today. As always, thank you so much for joining us on Health Channel News.