ReportWire

Tag: Geriatric Health

  • 10 ways to protect seniors from email scams

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    Cyber expert shares tips to avoid AI phishing scams

    Kurt ‘The CyberGuy’ Knutsson shares practical ways to avoid falling victim to AI-generated phishing scams and discusses a report that North Korean agents are posing as I.T. workers to funnel money into the country’s nuclear program.

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    Email scams have become one of the fastest ways scammers steal money from older adults. A single click can expose bank accounts, personal data and retirement savings built over a lifetime. That growing risk is what prompted Bob to write to us with a question many families are now facing:

    “My friend’s father is 95 and absolutely lives through his phone/laptop. He refuses to give up either and often clicks on email links. A few years ago, he got caught up in a gift card scam that almost cost him his life savings. It’s not taking away the car keys anymore; it is taking away the email and access to online banking! What do you recommend that his daughter do to protect his online presence?”

    Bob is right. For many seniors, email and online banking have replaced car keys as the most dangerous access point. The goal is not to take devices away. It is to quietly put guardrails in place so one bad click does not turn into a financial disaster.

    Here is a practical plan families can actually use.

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     1) Separate money from daily email use

    Start by limiting how much damage a single click can cause. If possible, remove online banking access from the devices used for email. When that is not realistic, open a second checking account with only everyday spending money and link it to a debit card for routine purchases.

    Keep primary savings accounts offline or set to view-only access. If available, require in-branch or phone verification for transfers above a set amount. This way, even if credentials are compromised, the largest accounts remain protected. 

    2) Lock down email to stop scams targeting seniors

    Email is the number one entry point for scams targeting seniors. Strong filtering matters. Use an email provider with advanced spam protection, such as Gmail or Outlook.com. In the email settings:

    • Turn off automatic image loading
    • Disable link previews
    • Block or auto-quarantine attachments from unknown senders
    • Automatically move messages from unknown senders to a Review folder

    If available, enable warnings for emails that use familiar display names but come from unfamiliar addresses. This helps stop impersonation scams that pretend to be family, banks or service providers. These steps slow scammers down and reduce impulse clicks before damage happens.

    Email is dominant, but voicemail and callback scams are also growing fast among seniors, often as a follow-up to phishing emails. If possible, silence unknown callers and block voicemail-to-email transcription for unfamiliar numbers, since many scams now start with urgent callback messages rather than links.

    Email scams often start with messages that look routine but hide urgent threats designed to trigger quick clicks. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    3) Add a trusted second set of eyes

    Next, add safety nets that notify family members when something looks wrong. Enable banking alerts for large withdrawals, new payees, password changes, unusual logins and new device sign-ins. Add his daughter as a trusted contact wherever the bank allows it. If available, enable delays or approval requirements for first-time transfers to new payees. This creates a cooling period that can stop scam-driven transactions. For email accounts, set up a recovery contact so that his daughter is notified immediately if someone attempts to access or reset the account.

    Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on email and banking accounts, but pair it with device and transfer alerts, since many scams now succeed even when 2FA is enabled.

    4) Harden devices so clicks do not equal catastrophe

    Devices should be set up to fail safely. Keep operating systems and browsers updated. Make sure the laptop uses a standard user account instead of an administrator account. This prevents software from installing without approval. Install real-time protection that blocks scam sites before they load. Strong antivirus software helps block malicious links and fake login pages automatically.

    The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    5) Use a password manager to block fake logins

    Password reuse makes scams far more dangerous. Fake pop-ups and lookalike websites are designed to trick people into typing usernames and passwords by hand. A password manager removes that risk by storing credentials securely and autofilling them only on legitimate websites. If a page is fake or malicious, the password manager will not fill anything. That simple refusal often prevents account takeovers before they start. Password managers also reduce frustration by eliminating the need to remember or reuse passwords across email, banking and shopping accounts. When set up correctly, this protection works quietly in the background on both phones and laptops.

    Many phishing scams no longer rely on obvious fake emails. They rely on realistic login pages. Autofill protection is one of the most effective ways to stop these attacks without changing daily habits.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

    Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

    MALICIOUS CHROME EXTENSIONS CAUGHT STEALING SENSITIVE DATA

    6) Freeze credit and monitor identity exposure

    If scammers already have personal information, prevention alone is not enough. Freeze credit with Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to prevent new accounts from being opened. Also, place freezes with ChexSystems and the National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange to stop criminals from opening bank accounts, phone lines, or utility services in his name.

    If possible, request an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent tax-related identity theft.

    Add ongoing identity monitoring so suspicious activity triggers alerts quickly. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

    See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

    7) Set clear rules around scams and payments

    Technology helps, but expectations matter. Have one calm conversation and agree on simple rules:

    • No gift cards for urgent emails or texts
    • No sending money through unfamiliar apps or cryptocurrency
    • Always call a trusted family member before acting on urgency

    Post these rules near the computer or phone. Visual reminders reduce panic decisions. Also, before setting rules, choose one primary trusted contact. Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter. That person should be the default call for anything urgent involving money, account access, or unexpected requests.

    Old man and adult look at a computer

    Adult children increasingly step in to help parents spot red flags before a simple mistake turns into a financial loss. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    8) Reduce exposure with a data removal service

    Scammers often find seniors by pulling personal details from public data broker websites. These sites publish phone numbers, addresses, relatives and age information that make targeting easier. A data removal service works behind the scenes to opt seniors out of these databases and reduce how much personal information is publicly available online. Fewer exposed details means fewer scam calls, fewer phishing emails and fewer impersonation attempts. This step does not stop every scam, but it significantly lowers how often seniors are targeted in the first place.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

    9) Use senior-friendly monitoring tools the right way

    Many tools designed for child safety also work well for seniors when used thoughtfully. When configured correctly, they add protection without interfering with daily routines.

    Below are device-specific steps families can use today.

    iPhone and iPad

    Apple’s built-in Screen Time tools provide strong protection without installing extra apps.

    What to set up:

    • Open Settings and tap Screen Time
    • Turn on Screen Time for the device
    • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on
    • Under App Store Purchases, set app installs to Don’t Allow
    • Tap Web Content and limit access to approved or safe websites
    • Set a Screen Time passcode known only to the caregiver

    If the caregiver wants remote visibility or control, add the device to Family Sharing and manage Screen Time from the caregiver’s Apple ID.

    BROWSER EXTENSION MALWARE INFECTED 8.8M USERS IN DARKSPECTRE ATTACK

    Why this helps: It blocks many scam sites, prevents accidental app installs and stops fake update prompts from causing damage.

    Android phones and tablets

    Android offers built-in protections and optional supervised controls.

    What to set up:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Open Settings and go to Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
    • Turn on parental controls for the device
    • Restrict app installs and require approval for new downloads
    • Enable Safe Browsing and website filtering
    • Turn on alerts for new app installs and account changes

    For families who want shared oversight, Google Family Link can be used to supervise app installs and receive alerts, as long as both parties agree.

    Why this helps: Many Android scams rely on fake app installs. These settings block that path.

    Windows computers

    Windows protection works best when user accounts are set correctly.

    What to set up:

    • Create a standard user account for daily use
    • Keep the caregiver account as the only administrator
    • Turn on Microsoft Family Safety if available
    • Enable SmartScreen and browser phishing protection
    • Block software installs without administrator approval

    Why this helps: Malware often installs silently on admin accounts. This setup prevents that.

    Mac computers

    macOS includes built-in controls similar to those on iPhone and iPad.

    What to set up:

    • Create a standard user account for the senior
    • Limit administrator access to a trusted caregiver
    • Open System Settings and enable Screen Time
    • Restrict app installs and system changes
    • Keep built-in malware and phishing protections enabled
    Two people look at a computer together

    Simple digital guardrails can reduce risk while allowing seniors to keep their devices and independence. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why this helps: It prevents fake software updates and malicious downloads from installing.

    10) Best practices for all devices

    • Use alert-only or limited-control settings whenever possible
    • Review settings together so expectations are clear
    • Avoid tools that feel invasive or confusing
    • Focus on blocking harm, not monitoring behavior

    This is not about spying. It is about adding digital seatbelts while preserving independence. When used respectfully, these tools reduce risk without changing daily habits.

    Pro Tip: Use a secure email service for added privacy

    For families looking to go a step further, switching to a secure email service can significantly reduce scam exposure. Privacy-focused email providers are designed to limit tracking, block hidden tracking pixels, and reduce how much data advertisers or scammers can collect from inbox activity. Many secure email services also offer disposable or alias email addresses for one-time signups. If an alias starts receiving spam or scam messages, it can be disabled without affecting the main email account. This makes it easier to keep a primary email address private and limit long-term exposure. Secure email platforms typically include features like encrypted messages, no advertising and stronger privacy controls. While switching email providers is optional, it can be a useful upgrade for seniors who receive large volumes of spam or have been repeatedly targeted by scams.

    Why it matters: Less tracking means fewer scam attempts. Aliases reduce how often personal email addresses are exposed, without changing daily habits.

    For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Protecting seniors online is not about control. It is about prevention. Email scams are designed to exploit trust and urgency, especially in people who did not grow up with digital threats. Smart guardrails protect independence while preventing irreversible mistakes. If email and banking are today’s car keys, families need modern safety features to go with them.

    If your parent clicked a scam email right now, would you know before the money was gone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Your sleep and activity patterns may reveal hidden brain health risk, study suggests

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    The timing of your sleep patterns could be linked to increased dementia risk, according to a new study.

    Each person’s circadian rhythm, often defined as the body’s internal 24-hour clock, keeps the body operating on a healthy pattern of sleeping and waking. It also affects other systems in your body, according to Cleveland Clinic.

    While most people’s circadian rhythms are automatically regulated, things like light levels can throw them off balance.

    BRAIN HEALTH WARNING SIGN COULD BE HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT, SAY RESEARCHERS

    People with strong circadian rhythms are usually able to stick to regular times for sleeping and activity, even with schedule or season changes, experts say.

    With a weaker circadian rhythm, light and schedule changes are more likely to disrupt the body clock, leading to shifts in sleep and activity patterns.

    Older adults with weaker daily activity rhythms were more likely to develop dementia over the following years. (iStock)

    The new study, published in the journal Neurology, sought to explore whether these disruptions play a role in dementia risk among older adults.

    Researchers from the Academy of Neurology monitored more than 2,000 people for an average of 12 days to track their rest and rhythm activities.

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    “A novel aspect of our study is that we derived circadian rhythms from a chest-worn ECG patch that is commonly used clinically,” lead study author Wendy Wang, Ph.D., of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, told Fox News Digital.

    SCIENTISTS UNCOVER HOW SOME 80-YEAR-OLDS HAVE THE MEMORY OF 50-YEAR-OLDS

    The participants’ average age was 79, and none had dementia at the time of the study. They were divided into three groups based on the strength of their circadian rhythms.

    In the group with the strongest rhythms, 31 of 728 people developed dementia, compared to 106 of 727 people in the group with the weakest rhythms.

    Heart doctor with patient

    Chest-worn ECG patches monitored patients’ circadian rhythm in the new study. (iStock)

    After adjusting for factors such as age, blood pressure and heart disease, researchers found that people in the weakest rhythm group had nearly 2.5 times the risk of dementia.

    The researchers identified a possible “U-shaped” association between the stability of the sleep-wake cycle and dementia, noting that people with consistently low activity levels may have less stable circadian rhythms.

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    People whose activity peaked at 2:15 p.m. or later had a 45% higher risk of dementia compared to those whose activity peaked earlier in the day. About 7% of people in the earlier peak group developed dementia, compared to 10% in the later peak group.

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    The study did have some limitations. Data on sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing, were not available. Wang noted that more research is needed to understand the possible link.

    Man awake at night can't sleep

    With a weaker circadian rhythm, light and schedule changes are more likely to disrupt the body clock, leading to shifts in sleep and activity patterns. (iStock)

    The researcher also recommended that people maintain a strong circadian rhythm that is “well-aligned” with the 24-hour day.

    TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

    “People with strong circadian rhythms often follow regular sleep and activity times,” she said.

    “However, it’s important to note that our research does not prove that irregular circadian rhythms cause dementia, only that an association was observed.”

    Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health. 

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  • National program helps seniors spot scams as losses surge

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    DENVER – Scams targeting older Americans are surging, and federal officials are warning that the tactics are becoming harder to detect.

    The Federal Trade Commission says scammers are posing as IRS agents, police officers, or other officials – often over the phone or online – to steal thousands of dollars at a time.

    The FTC says scams involving losses over $10,000 have quadrupled in recent years. The FBI reports that older adults filed the most scam complaints last year, with average losses climbing to $83,000 – up 43% from the year before.

    SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS

    In response, AARP has launched Senior Planet, a national program offering free fraud-awareness classes to Americans age 60 and older. The program teaches participants how to identify red flags, spot fake communications, and avoid sharing sensitive information under pressure.

    Classes are available in several other states, including Texas, Maryland, and New York. (Kennedy Hayes/ FOX News)

    AGING BRAINS COULD ‘BECOME’ YOUNGER WHEN KEY PROTEIN IS DECREASED

    Rick Planos, an instructor for Senior Planet in Illinois, says his involvement is personal. His mother lost more than $2,500 in gift cards to a scammer who convinced her that her grandson had been arrested.

    “My mom was distraught,” Planos said. “First, she was distraught that one of her grandchildren was arrested – and then it turned out that wasn’t true. And then she was distraught that she got scammed.”

    7 STEPS TO ‘SUPER-AGING’ ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY

    Now, Planos leads scam prevention classes in his community.

    “I spend a lot of time teaching for AARP. I took what happened to us and put it into some kind of positive energy to protect other people,” Planos said. 

    Federal officials are warning that the tactics are becoming harder to detect

    The program teaches participants how to identify red flags, spot fake communications, and avoid sharing sensitive information under pressure. (Kennedy Hayes/FOX News)

    In Denver, Senior Planet hosts regular in-person classes, but the program is also available online and in several other states, including Texas, Maryland and New York.

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    “It’s important to talk about where the risks and dangers are,” said Aaron Santis, program lead for Senior Planet Colorado. “But we’re also using technology as a tool to enrich people’s lives.”

    Carolyn Gibson, a recent student, said she joined to learn more about new technology such as artificial intelligence – and how to protect herself from scams.

    “I came over here to find out who is this AI, what is this AI. The people here, they’ve been very helpful,” Gibson said. 

    Senior Planet classes

    The FTC reminds consumers that government agencies will never call to demand money. (Kennedy Hayes/Fox News)

    Instructors encourage participants to slow down, verify, and never feel rushed into sharing information – especially if contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency. According to the website, Senior Planet helps seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.

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    The FTC reminds consumers that government agencies will never call to demand money. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, visit the agency’s official website, and report the scam directly.

    Senior Planet helps seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends, according to their website

    Kennedy Hayes joined Fox News in 2023 as a multimedia reporter based in Denver.

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  • 100-year-old great-grandmother reveals her secret of living a long life

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    Longevity is a lifestyle practice, according to 100-year-old Ruth Lemay, who has gone viral for sharing her vibrant energy and fitness routine.

    Lemay, who lives in Virginia Beach, was featured in a video while pedaling on a recumbent exercise bike at the gym, which was posted by the health brand evry.day club (@evrydayclub) on Instagram.

    The centenarian was asked what she does to stay so fit and “look so great” for her age, as she was wrapping up three miles on the bike after 30 minutes.

    7 STEPS TO ‘SUPER-AGING’ ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY

    “Then I’ll do 30 more minutes,” she commented. “And I walk — [I’ll] do a mile.”

    Lemay shared her “secret to longevity” — the fact that she started walking four miles every day after she retired.

    “That’s just what keeps you going,” she said. “A lot of exercise. Plenty of sleep. I go to bed at 9:30 at night and I eat a lot of vegetables — trying to keep healthy.”

    TWO KEY HEART HEALTH METRICS COULD DETERMINE HOW LONG YOU’LL LIVE

    Lemay said that she and her 78-year-old daughter attend the gym three times per week, where they typically do individual workouts.

    Her sessions include riding the recumbent bike, which is reclined to support the lower back, for two 30-minute stints, reaching about three miles both times.

    ONE OVERLOOKED DAILY HABIT COULD SLOW THE AGING PROCESS, RESEARCHERS SAY

    That is followed by a 1.4-mile walk, as Lemay is currently working toward reaching a mile and a half.

    “When I don’t go to the recreation center, I still try and walk from one end of my house to the other,” she told Women’s Health. “It’s 170 steps, 40 times, which is 6,800 steps (3.22 miles).”

    Ruth Lemay, 100, bikes and walks every day to keep healthy. (Instagram/@evrydayclub; iStock)

    In an interview with TODAY.com, Lemay said she lives in her own home, enjoys cooking and drove a car until she was 98.

    “I’ve always exercised,” she said. “I feel fine. I might be a little bit tired after riding the bicycle and the walk, but that’s OK. I don’t expect not to feel tired.”

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    According to Lemay, her late husband of 56 years would encourage her to walk after work.

    “He said, ‘You just take the dog and go for a walk and I’ll fix dinner,’” she recalled. “It was wonderful.”

    Senior couple walking in park on path with trees in the background.

    Lemay’s late husband always encouraged her to walk when she got home from work. (Lemays not pictured) (iStock)

    Lemay’s daughter, Annette Parker, shared with TODAY that her mother has “always been very conscious of her diet.”

    This includes non-fat yogurt, walnuts, oatmeal with banana and milk, or a scrambled egg with toast in the mornings. For protein, Lemay sticks with chicken, turkey or seafood.

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    Lemay’s diet also includes red grapes, blueberries and many vegetables.

    “I love vegetables. I grew up in the country, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you,” she said.

    four senior friends talk and laugh

    Maintaining social relationships and good mental health have been shown to promote longevity. (iStock)

    Lemay, who has never smoked and doesn’t drink alcohol, added, “I’m in pretty good health for my age.”

    While genetics may impact longevity, Lemay shared with TODAY that she doesn’t know anyone in her family who has lived as long as her. Her mother died of colon cancer at 65 and her father died from a heart condition at 74.

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    Other than one heart valve replacement, the great-grandmother has avoided major health complications.

    In addition to paying attention to nutrition and fitness, Lemay and Parker said that maintaining good mental health and keeping a vibrant social life have been key longevity factors.

    Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

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  • Fitness expert reveals 6 pillars of strength training that older adults should master

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    Exercise is widely regarded as an essential component of health for older adults — particularly strength training.

    Health agencies recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and at least two days of strength training exercises, which includes lifting weights or performing muscle-building activities.

    Marfred Suazo, known online as Fonz the Trainer, was a lifelong athletic competitor before he became a fitness trainer in New York City nearly 10 years ago.

    WHY SMALL FITNESS STEPS COULD LEAD TO A LONGER LIFE, ACCORDING TO DR. JEREMY LONDON

    In training thousands of people of all ages, Suazo said he coaches older adults with an eye toward “decades of strength.”

    “We have our fourth decade, which is crucial. As we turn 40, as we turn 50, 60, 70 and even 80, there are different requirements,” he told Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview. (See the video at the top of the article.)

    Marfred Suazo, also known as Fonz the Trainer, is pictured working out. Suazo said he coaches older adults with an eye toward “decades of strength.” (Fonz the Trainer)

    “We’re preventing ourselves from declining in our fitness journey and in our ability to do day-to-day things, like carrying groceries and walking up steps.” 

    Strength training should be the “main priority” for older adults, Suazo said, because skeletal muscle — which he calls the “organ of longevity” — begins to decline over time.

    TIKTOK’S VIRAL ‘6-6-6’ WALKING ROUTINE BURNS FAT WITHOUT GRUELING WORKOUTS

    “Skeletal muscle is like our body armor,” he said. “It prevents falls, it prevents hip breakage, it helps with all of these things.” 

    Preserving muscle is particularly important for aging women, Suazo noted, as it helps to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.

    Marfred Suazo, AKA Fonzthetrainer

    Suazo was a lifelong athletic competitor before he became a fitness trainer in New York City nearly 10 years ago. (Fonzthetrainer)

    6 pillars of strength training

    When strength training, Suazo recommends that older adults focus on the following six core pillars of movement for functional fitness.

    “You want to have all those pillars in order, and you want to structure your training in that fashion so you can target all of these areas,” he said.

    VIRAL 12-3-30 TREADMILL TREND MAY BURN MORE FAT THAN RUNNING, RESEARCHERS SAY

    Push

    This includes movements where the person pushes weight away from the body, typically working the chest, shoulder and triceps. 

    Some common examples include push-ups, bench presses, chest presses and dips.

    Older couple doing push-ups

    Push movements are those where the person pushes weight away from the body, typically working the chest, shoulder and triceps.  (iStock)

    Pull

    With this type of movement, the weight is pulled toward the body. These exercises target the back muscles and biceps.

    Some examples include pull-ups, chin-ups, dumbbell rows, bent-over rows, lat pulldowns and inverted rows.

    Man doing pull-ups

    Pull exercises target the back muscles and biceps. (iStock)

    Carry

    This entails holding weight while walking, which helps to improve posture and stability, strengthens grip, and works the shoulders, upper back, core and hips.

    “You want to be able to carry at least 70% of your body weight,” Suazo advised.

    Woman carrying kettlebells

    The carry movement entails holding weight while walking, which helps to improve posture and stability, strengthens grip, and works the shoulders, upper back, core and hips. (iStock)

    Hinge

    “Hinging at the hip is crucial,” Suazo said. “It allows you to bend over and extend the hips.”

    These hip-dominant movements — including deadlifts, hip thrusts, kettlebell swings and good mornings — work the muscles along the back of the body, such as the glutes, hamstrings and posterior chain.

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    Overhead press

    Vertical press movements focus on strengthening the shoulders, triceps and core.

    Some examples include the overhead press, shoulder press and push press.

    Man doing an overhead press

    Vertical press movements focus on strengthening the shoulders, triceps and core. (iStock)

    Squat

    The squat is an essential movement that targets the quads, glutes and core, according to Suazo.

    There are several variations, including the front squat, goblet squat (holding a weight or kettle bell), back squat (holding a bar on the shoulders) and the split squat (stationary lunge).

    Older couple doing squats

    The squat is an essential movement that targets the quads, glutes and core, according to Suazo. (iStock)

    Getting started

    For true beginners, Suazo said it’s best to “stick to the fundamentals,” like calisthenics, push-ups, pull-ups and squats. 

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    “If you can’t do pull ups, I’d do inverted rows — I think that’s primal,” he said. “If you can’t do those, resistance band training is a tremendous way to start.”

    “And you can do it at home. You don’t have to be in a gym.”

    Marfred Suazo, AKA Fonzthetrainer

    For true beginners, Suazo (pictured) said it’s best to “stick to the fundamentals,” like calisthenics, push-ups, pull-ups and squats.  (Fonzthetrainer)

    The trainer emphasized the importance of starting slowly and progressively increasing the weight to challenge the body.

    Strength training should also be combined with cardiovascular activity and mobility to create what Suazo calls the “tripod effect.”

    For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

    “Those three things, when they come together, they’re able to hold you up a lot better,” he said. “So I think putting focus on all three is super beneficial, especially as we age.”

    Those who are considering starting a new exercise program should consult with a doctor for guidance to prevent injury.

    Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

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  • World’s oldest known nursing home discovered in ruins of ancient Christian city, dates back 1,600 years

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    Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a 1,600-year-old Christian care facility for the elderly – a remarkable find that may be the world’s oldest nursing home.

    The news, reported by Israel’s news agency TPS-IL, was announced by the University of Haifa on Aug. 18. 

    The care facility was found in the ruins of the ancient city of Hippos near the Sea of Galilee. The Christian city was a significant bishop’s seat in the region during the Byzantine era.

    LUXURIOUS 1,700-YEAR-OLD ROMAN BATHHOUSE UNEARTHED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS AFTER SURPRISE DISCOVERY

    While excavating the ruins, archaeologists from the University of Haifa’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology were struck by a floor design at the entrance of an ancient building.

    The mosaic’s message read, “Peace be with the elders,” in Koine Greek. It was found around 320 feet from Hippos’ central plaza, inside one of the city’s residential blocks.

    Archaeologists in Israel uncovered a 1,600-year-old Christian care facility near the Sea of Galilee. (Dr. Michael Eisenberg of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

    Dating back to the fourth or fifth century A.D., archaeologists are convinced that the building was a designated facility for older residents.

    “It shows that Byzantine society established not only religious centers but also places dedicated to dignity and care for its seniors.”

    Some sources from the fifth and sixth centuries record the existence of elderly care facilities, making the discovery unique but not entirely without precedent. The inscription may also be the first physical evidence of such an institution.

    ANCIENT CHRISTIAN TOMB COMPLEX REVEALED BENEATH RUBBLE FROM SYRIA’S CIVIL WAR

    Researchers posit that the message was intentionally placed at the entrance of the building, in order to designate its purpose to elderly residents and visitors.

    Mosaic with christian symbol, greek text

    Archaeologists say the Greek inscription, reading “Peace be with the elders,” offers rare insight into Byzantine life. (Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

    The symbols on the mosaic – cyrpress trees, fruit and Egyptian geese – also complement the Greek text, with researchers interpreting them as deliberate choices.

    For example, cypress trees were associated with everlasting life, while fruits symbolized abundance and eternal life. Egyptian geese, on the other hand, often represented blessed souls in ancient iconography.

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    Directly referencing elders in such a manner is exceptionally rare in ancient inscriptions, underscoring the significance of the find.

    Mosaic depicting birds drinking

    The mosaic’s imagery, including cypress trees, fruit and Egyptian geese, symbolized eternity and abundance. (Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

    In a statement, Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., said that the mosaic “offers a tangible, dated, and clear indication of an institution designed for the elderly.”

    “This is living proof that care and concern for the elderly are not just a modern idea, but were part of social institutions and concepts as far back as about 1,600 years ago,” Eisenberg observed, according to TPS-IL.

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    He added, “It shows that Byzantine society established not only religious centers but also places dedicated to dignity and care for its seniors.”

    Aerial of Hippos near Galilee Sea

    “The inscription addresses a specific public directly, which is a rare glimpse into older lives in antiquity,” the team said. (Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

    The research team, which published its findings in the Journal of Papyrology and Epigraphy, stressed that the discovery offers “a rare glimpse into the daily lives of older people in antiquity.”

    “This was a communal and spiritual institution integrated into the fabric of city life and reflecting the social values of the period,” the researchers said in a statement, as TPS-IL noted.

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    “It may provide one of the earliest material testimonies in the Holy Land, showing how the Christian community began assuming responsibilities for care that had previously been handled by family networks alone.”

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  • WHO’s new COVID guidelines see fewer patients requiring hospitalization

    WHO’s new COVID guidelines see fewer patients requiring hospitalization

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    Most patients are unlikely to develop severe disease or die if they get the current variants of COVID-19 as immunity levels have climbed given higher levels of vaccination.

    That’s according to the World Health Organization, which updated its COVID-19 guidelines on Friday for the 13th time.

    The guidelines highlight that fewer patients will require hospitalization as they are more likely to have non-severe COVID.

    “The new ‘moderate risk’ category now includes people previously considered to be high risk including older people and/or those with chronic conditions, disabilities, and comorbidities of chronic disease,” the agency said in a statement.

    People who are immunosuppressed remain at higher risk, however, with an estimated hospitalization rate of 6%. But people who are older than 65 years old, those with conditions like obesity, diabetes and/or chronic conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, people with disabilities and those with comorbidities of chronic disease are at moderate risk, with an estimated hospitalization rate of 3%.

    And patients who belong to neither of those groups are at low risk of hospitalization, at an estimated rate of just 0.5%. Most people are now considered low-risk, said the WHO.

    The agency continues to recommend the use of Paxlovid for anyone at high or moderate risk of hospitalization. The antiviral developed by Pfizer Inc.
    PFE,
    -1.20%
    is still the best choice for most eligible patients, given its therapeutic benefits, ease of use and fewer concerns about potential harms.

    In cases where Paxlovid is not available, the WHO recommends molnupiravir, an antiviral developed by Merck
    MRK,
    -1.11%    ,
    or remdesivir, an antiviral developed by Gilead Sciences Inc.
    GILD,
    +0.92%

    Read now: Pfizer to more than double price of its COVID antiviral once drug moves to commercial market

    “For people at low risk of hospitalization, WHO does not recommend any antiviral therapy. Symptoms like fever and pain can continue to be managed with analgesics like paracetamol,” said the agency.

    The WHO said it recommends against the use of a new antiviral called VV116 for patients, apart from those who are enrolled in clinical trials.

    That oral antiviral is being developed by Junshi Biosciences and Vigonvita in China.

    It issued a warning against the use of ivermectin for people with non-severe COVID. The drug used to treat parasites in animals proved highly controversial during the pandemic when many people were persuaded by fraudulent research and online misinformation that it was an effective treatment.

    From the archive: ‘You will not believe what I’ve just found.’ Inside the ivermectin saga: a hacked password, mysterious websites and faulty data.

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  • Loneliness is an ‘epidemic’ that costs billions and leads to bad health outcomes and even death

    Loneliness is an ‘epidemic’ that costs billions and leads to bad health outcomes and even death

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    Loneliness is more than a bad feeling. It’s as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death, according to an advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General.

    The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is greater than that of obesity and physical inactivity, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in an 81-page report called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”

    Social isolation among older adults alone accounts for about $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending a year, largely due to increased hospital and nursing facility spending, the report said. 

    Read: Depression, isolation, loss of purpose: Could retirement be bad for your mental health?

    Loneliness and isolation also are connected with lower academic achievement and worse performance at work. In the U.S., stress-related absenteeism attributed to loneliness costs employers an estimated $154 billion annually, according to the report.

    “Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,” the report said. Still, no federal funding or programming will be provided to combat the issue.

    Essentially, social connection is a significant predictor of longevity and better physical, cognitive, and mental health, while social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor health, the report said.

    Read: Americans are lonelier than ever—and that’s bad for your health

    The Surgeon General’s advisory is intended as a public statement that calls the people’s attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action, the report said.

    “Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives,” the report said. “Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically. The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful.”

    Americans have become less connected to houses of worship, community organizations and their own families and have reported an increase in feelings of loneliness. The number of single households has also doubled over the last 60 years.

    About half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults. People cut their circles of friends during the Covid-19 pandemic and reduced time spent with those friends, according to the report. 

    Read: ‘When we retire, we lose a lot.’ How to avoid retirement shock.

    Americans spent about 20 minutes a day in person with friends in 2020, down from 60 minutes daily nearly two decades earlier. Among young people, ages 15 to 24, time spent in-person with friends has reduced by nearly 70% over almost two decades, from roughly 150 minutes per day in 2003 to 40 minutes per day in 2020, the report said. 

    Technology has made loneliness worse. People who used social media for two hours or more daily were more than twice as likely to report feeling socially isolated than those who used such technology for less than 30 minutes a day, according to the report.

    Murthy called on technology companies, employers, community-based organizations, parents and individuals to tackle the problem. 

    “We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation. It will take all of us…working together to destigmatize loneliness and change our cultural and policy response to it.

    It will require reimagining the structures, policies, and programs that shape a community to best support the development of healthy relationships,” Murthy said. 

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  • Moderna is developing a Lyme disease vaccine in a first for the company

    Moderna is developing a Lyme disease vaccine in a first for the company

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    Moderna Inc. said Tuesday it’s working to develop its first bacterial vaccine to protect against Lyme disease, the tick-borne illness that causes a range of painful symptoms, including fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain and rash.

    The biotech
    MRNA,
    -2.75%    ,
    whose first product to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was its mRNA-based COVID vaccine, said it has two candidates in development to address Lyme disease, named mRNA-1982 and mRNA-1975.

    It announced the news at its fourth Vaccine Day, where it offered a full update on its clinical pipeline, which includes vaccines to protect against flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, as well as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus, among others.

    There are about 120,000 cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. and Europe every year, creating a “significant quality of life burden,” the company said in a statement. Rising temperatures are helping the disease spread more easily, and it is difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. It most seriously affects children below the age of 15 and older adults.

    “Older adults appear to have higher odds of unfavorable treatment response as compared with younger patients, and neurologic manifestations are more common at presentation for this older adult population,” said the statement.

    Tick and Lyme disease season is here, and scientists warn this year could be worse than ever. Dr. Goudarz Molaei joins Lunch Break’s Tanya Rivero to explain what triggered the rapid spread of the disease and how people can avoid being affected. Photo: Kent Wood/Science Source

    The mRNA-1982 candidate is designed to create antibodies for Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen that causes almost all Lyme disease in the U.S., while mRNA-1975 is designed to elicit antibodies specific to the four major Borrelia species that cause the disease in the U.S. and Europe.

    Other new candidates in Moderna’s pipeline include mRNA-1405 and mRNA-1403, which aim to address the enteric virus norovirus. Norovirus is highly contagious and is the leading cause of diarrheal disease globally, Moderna said. It’s associated with about 18% of all such illnesses worldwide and causes about 200,000 deaths every year.

    Overall, Moderna is expecting to launch six major vaccine products in the next few years, all of them with large addressable markets.

    The company expects the annual global endemic market for COVID boosters alone to be worth about $15 billion.

    It has dosed the first participant in a late-stage trial of its next-generation, refrigerator-stable COVID-19 vaccine candidate, mRNA-1283. The vaccine “has demonstrated encouraging results in multiple clinical studies,” the company said.

    See now: Moderna CEO defends price increase for COVID vaccine to Congress

    A separate trial of a flu vaccine called mRNA-1010 fared less well, however.

    That trial “did not accrue sufficient cases at the interim efficacy analysis to declare early success in the Phase 3 Northern Hemisphere efficacy trial and the independent DSMB recommended continuation of efficacy follow-up,” the company said.

    The company expects the market for respiratory-product sales to range from $8 billion to $15 billion by 2027 and for operating profit that year to range from $4 billion to $9 billion.

    The stock was down 4% Tuesday and has fallen 15% in the year to date, while the S&P 500
    SPX,
    +0.17%
    has gained 7%.

    See also: Moderna’s stock slides as earnings fall short of estimates amid steep decline in COVID-vaccine sales

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  • Marijuana Has Special Risks for Older People – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Marijuana Has Special Risks for Older People – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    … .wsj.com/articles/marijuana-cannabis-edibles-pot-cbd-health … Original Author Link click here to read complete story.. … Read More

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  • Here’s What Retirement With Less Than $1 Million Looks Like in America

    Here’s What Retirement With Less Than $1 Million Looks Like in America

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    Many Americans dream of

    saving $1 million for retirement. Most fall far short of that.

    The typical family’s 401(k) and IRA-type accounts come to less than half that goal in the years approaching retirement age, according to the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute. Total household balances in retirement accounts for those 55 to 64 years old are $413,814 on average, according to its estimates based on 2019 data, the most recent available.

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