Royal secrets for a healthy life

Evidence-backed habits you can try at home.

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IN a nutshell Happy Wednesday! This is Ginger Wojcik reporting the hump day edition of Wellness Wire. On Monday, the world paid its final respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Ruling for 70 years, she was the longest-reigning monarch in British history (and the second-longest in the world). The Queen lived to the age of 96, surpassing the average person's life span by 23 years! Equally remarkable was that she had no reported signs of dementia — which affects 1 in 3 people in their 90s. Today in recognition of World Alzheimer's Month, we're sharing Her Majesty's top secrets, backed by science, for staying mentally fit. We'll also touch on: • an under-the-desk electric treadmill • a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved wrinkle treatment • more health stories you need Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Ginger Wojcik September 21, 2022 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing Was the queen's packed calendar her secret to staying sharp? On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Scotland summer home at the age of 96. The queen reportedly kept up her many royal duties until the very end, including public outings and weekly meetings with the prime minister. While many of us would probably prefer not to work into our 90s, the queen's packed calendar may have helped prevent common health issues like heart disease, cancer, and dementia, which affects up to 33% of people in their 90s. Indeed, a 2004 study found that "an active and socially integrated lifestyle in late life" may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease, while loneliness and isolation have been found to increase your risk in older age. Another possible key to the queen's longevity? Her love of horses and horse racing, to which she famously devoted hours every week. According to research from 2011, engaging in hobbies on a weekly basis through older age may reduce your risk of developing dementia. Of course, having access to the best healthcare and a palace full of people at your beck and call certainly doesn't hurt when it comes to staying healthy. (In fact, working lower wage jobs has been linked to faster memory decline.) But we'll take any help we can get when it comes to staying mentally sharp. tl;dr: A third of people in their 90s have dementia, but the queen, who passed away at 96, had no reported signs of it. There's research to suggest that having a socially engaged lifestyle and a lifelong, beloved hobby may have played a role in her mental fitness.

great finds Products we love       GOYOUTH 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill Too busy to go for a midday walk? Or too tired to drag yourself to the gym? Work out while you work with an under-the-desk electric treadmill. Stick with us here: It might sound ridiculous to put a treadmill under your desk, but steady movement throughout the day is linked to significant health benefits and longer life. This treadmill doesn't have that large top half with the big screen that comes to mind when you think of most gym equipment. It's just the walking platform, plus a smaller LED screen and remote control, so you can easily slide it under your desk. Speeds range from 0.5 to 6 MPH, and there are 12 exercise programs you can try if regular old walking feels boring. If you've been wanting to turn your home office into a home gym, now's your chance. Shop now

say what   Look who's talking "This is a patient safety decision. Pregnant veterans and VA beneficiaries deserve to have access to world-class reproductive care when they need it most. That's what our nation owes them, and that's what we at VA will deliver." – Denis McDonough, secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA)     Amid the heated debate over reproductive rights (and the latest abortion bill proposed by Sen. Lindsey Graham), Denis McDonough is openly committed to providing veterans with abortion access. The VA will provide abortions, including in states where they are banned, in instances of rape, incest, or when the pregnant person's life is in danger.

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Wednesday Kick Start Move over, Botox There's a new longer-lasting anti-wrinkle treatment in town. Well, on the way to town, that is. The FDA just approved Daxxify to be used as a facial injection, but it won't be available to the public until sometime in 2023. Like OG injectable Botox, Daxxify uses a botulinum toxin to paralyze muscles in the face just enough to help stop wrinkles from forming. But unlike Botox, the new treatment lasts an average of 6 months — compared with Botox's 3 months. The Daxxify formula also doesn't contain any animal or human products, and it showed few side effects in clinical trials. Currently, there's no word on how much Daxxify will cost. But based on Botox's $300 to $600 bill per treatment, it's a safe bet that it won't be cheap. Interested in learning more about popular anti-aging treatments? Sign up for our Glow Up Challenge, a 7-day series where we teach you everything you need to know about creating a graceful aging plan that fits with your goals.

health stories you need What we're reading next Does your body shape affect your health? Our bodies often get compared to different fruits and shapes. We bite into the research behind the health of these body types. The latest on long COVID. Here's what we know about the physical and mental effects of long-haul COVID-19, or long COVID, what scientists are still learning, and where people can turn for resources and support. Brain perks of taking daily multivitamins. A new study found that taking a daily dose of multivitamin-mineral supplements can boost memory and cognition among older adults.

you're up When we asked about your skin care routine last week, you sent us a bunch of interesting responses about face massage oils, glycolic acid exfoliators, and even, yes, skin fasting. Now, in light of new skin care advancements and health tips approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, we want to know: No matter your age, what makes you feel young? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com and keep an eye out for your responses in Friday's email!

Thanks for reading! We'll be back in your inbox on Friday with an interview you won't want to miss. In the meantime, take care of yourselves, and we'll see you soon.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by the endless quest for the fountain of youth.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707