Monthly Archives: June 2024

Study suggests that fish fed to farmed salmon could also be included in our diet

Public awareness campaigns are promoting the consumption of wild fish like mackerel, anchovies, and herring, which are commonly used in the diets of farmed salmon. These oily fish are packed with vital nutrients, including calcium, B12, and omega-3, but they are partially lost when we consume only the salmon fillet.

Research indicates that farming salmon results in a net loss of essential nutrients. By incorporating more of these wild ‘feed’ species directly into our diets, we could boost our health and alleviate the pressure on the finite marine resources used in aquaculture.

The study delved into how nutrients are transferred from wild fish consumed as feed to the farmed salmon. The salmon fillets were discovered to have reduced levels of six out of nine essential nutrients—calcium, iodine, iron, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. However, there were increased amounts of selenium and zinc in the farmed salmon. Interestingly, the wild ‘feed’ fish met dietary nutrient recommendations in smaller portions than farmed Atlantic salmon, particularly for omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for reducing cardiovascular diseases and stroke risks.

Dr David Willer from the Zoology Department at the University of Cambridge highlighted the superior micronutrient density and variety found in most species of wild fish used as feed compared to farmed salmon fillets. He advocates consuming a broader array of wild fish species, such as sardines, mackerel, and anchovies, to enhance nutrient intake directly from our diets.

The study revealed concerning statistics about nutrient deficiencies in the UK population, noting that 71% of adults lack sufficient vitamin D during winter, with teenage girls and women frequently showing deficits in iodine, selenium, and iron. Despite these deficiencies, salmon consumption is relatively high compared to mackerel, anchovies, and herring. Dr Willer suggests that minor dietary adjustments could significantly address these deficiencies and improve human and planetary well-being.

The research team proposed directly consuming a third of the current wild-feed fish as food would optimise nutrient extraction from marine resources. Dr James Robinson of Lancaster University prioritised nutritious seafood for human consumption to enhance dietary health and ocean sustainability.

According to a team of scientists from institutions including the University of Cambridge, Lancaster University, the University of Stirling, and the University of Aberdeen, this approach could be a pivotal solution to global nutrient deficiencies. The findings were published in the journal Nature Food.

In their analysis, the scientists compared the nutrient content of whole wild fish used in Norwegian salmon feed pellets to that of the resultant farmed salmon fillets. They focused on nine essential nutrients concentrated in seafood—iodine, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, omega-3 (EPA + DHA), vitamin D, zinc, and selenium.

The study encompassed wild fish, such as Pacific and Peruvian anchoveta, Atlantic herring, mackerel, sprat, and blue whiting. It was found that these species, often marketed as seafood, provided equal or greater nutrient concentrations than salmon fillets. For instance, calcium levels were more than five times higher in wild-feed fish fillets than in salmon, with similarly significant disparities in iodine and iron content.

Dr Richard Newton of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling pointed out the inefficiencies in nutrient retention within the salmon farming industry, suggesting improvements through strategic feed ingredient use, including fishery by-products and sustainably sourced industrial-grade fish like sand eels.

The research team advocates adopting a nutrient retention metric alongside the current Fish In Fish Out (FIFO) ratios used in the industry, which could enhance efficiency and reduce the ecological impact on fish stocks harvested for human consumption. They envision an industry expansion that does not compromise our oceans’ health and promotes a wider variety of affordable and nutritious fish-based products for direct human consumption.

More information: David F. Willer et al, Wild fish consumption can balance nutrient retention in farmed fish, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00932-z

Journal information: Nature Food Provided by University of Cambridge

Spending time in nature: How natural environments can foster a healthier relationship with time

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Recent research highlights nature’s potential benefits in alleviating the pressures of contemporary urban living by influencing human perceptions of time. This understanding could pave the way for creating healthier living environments that integrate the therapeutic qualities of natural settings.

In modern lifestyles, time is a pivotal element, often equated with money and considered a resource that must be carefully managed. This perspective is especially prevalent among urban dwellers, who are typically required to sync their daily activities with the precise ticking of the clock rather than the more fluid rhythms of the natural world. Such an intense focus on mechanical time has been shown to negatively impact cognitive functions and overall well-being, with an increasing number of people experiencing a pervasive sense of time scarcity. This raises an intriguing question: could a reconnection with the natural world and its inherent rhythms lead to a more balanced and healthier time perception?

Dr. Ricardo Correia, Assistant Professor at the University of Turku, Finland, discusses how time perception is a highly subjective phenomenon influenced by various factors, including attention, memory, emotions, and physical condition. He notes that while time may seem to drag during mundane or stressful situations, such as being stuck in traffic, it tends to pass quickly during enjoyable interactions. According to Dr. Correia, urban living exerts considerable pressure on the mechanisms that govern time perception. In contrast, nature has a vital impact, helping individuals recalibrate and achieve a more balanced temporal perspective.

Dr. Correia’s review of scientific literature concerning the interplay between human time perception and natural environments reveals that experiences in nature have a positive impact on at least two aspects of time perception: temporal duration and temporal perspective. Temporal duration refers to how people perceive and experience the length and passage of time. Studies indicate that durations spent in natural settings are overestimated, suggesting that time stretches longer than in urban contexts. This phenomenon could offer a sense of having more time, which is valuable in combating the feelings of constant rush and insufficient time typical of urban living.

Moreover, evidence suggests that being in natural environments can alter people’s temporal perspective, which involves the ability to traverse past, present, and future mentally. While some individuals may dwell on the past due to nostalgia or trauma, others might focus predominantly on the present or future, driven by immediate pleasures or long-term goals. A heavy bias towards any single temporal frame can be detrimental, often linked to risky behaviours and poor mental health. Nature encourages a more fluid and balanced movement between these temporal states, fostering a healthier and more holistic view of time.

Dr. Correia strongly believes in the significant role of nature in nurturing a healthier temporal perception and asserts that the influence of natural environments on human well-being deserves greater recognition. He also points out the need for more detailed research on specific natural elements or experiences most effectively influencing time perception. Such insights could be crucial in designing urban spaces, like parks and recreational areas, to enhance collective well-being by integrating natural elements that help regulate our perception of time.

In conclusion, the research on the relationship between nature and time perception offers a promising avenue for enhancing individual and community health. It also underscores the need for a strategic urban planning and development approach. By integrating natural elements in urban environments, we can create spaces that not only enhance life quality but also promote a more balanced relationship with time, thereby benefiting the well-being of urban dwellers.

More information: Ricardo A. Correia et al, Acknowledging and understanding the contributions of nature to human sense of time, People and Nature. DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10601

Journal information: People and Nature Provided by University of Turku

Revolutionising Shrimp Waste: Harnessing Powerful Antioxidants for Health and Sustainability

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Scientists have unveiled groundbreaking antioxidative compounds in Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), marking a significant advancement for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This discovery highlights not only the nutritional richness of shrimp but also introduces new compounds with promising health benefits.

Shrimp, known for their substantial nutritional content, also contain valuable substances like chitin and carotenoids. However, with the global rise in shrimp consumption, by-products such as heads, shells, and tails, which can constitute up to 50% of waste, pose a significant environmental challenge. Shrimp shells, in particular, are rich in minerals, proteins, and chitin. This research, therefore, holds the key to transforming these by-products into value-added products, offering a sustainable solution to the environmental issue.

A recent study published in the journal Food Production, Processing and Nutrition on 28 February 2024, conducted by researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland, has identified antioxidative compounds in Northern shrimp, signalling a vital breakthrough for both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The study not only reaffirms the nutritional importance of shrimp but also uncovers novel compounds that provide potential health advantages.

In this research, ethanol emerged as the most effective solvent for extracting antioxidant elements from shrimp by-products, especially the shells, which exhibited high levels of total phenolic content (TPC) and carotenoid content (TCC). This finding not only highlights the efficiency of ethanol in extraction processes but also exposes the strong antioxidative properties present in shrimp waste. Utilising advanced chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry, the researchers isolated phenolic compounds, marking a significant step in exploring the nutritional potential of shrimp. The precise analysis and isolation process, involving silica gel column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), resulted in the discovery of groundbreaking compounds such as 7-(3-butenyl)-2-hydroxy-6-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl) quinoline and its dihydroquinoline variant, which unveil complex antioxidative mechanisms in shrimp and open up new possibilities for further scientific research and potential health-related applications. The study points to the rich yet underutilised antioxidant sources in shrimp by-products, encouraging a more extensive examination of seafood waste and proposing new avenues for nutritional and pharmaceutical developments.

Dr Fereidoon Shahidi, a co-author of the study, stressed the importance of these discoveries. He noted that the identification of these unique heterocyclic phenolic compounds not only sheds light on shrimp’s antioxidative properties but also fosters new opportunities for using shrimp by-products in ways that align with sustainable and waste-minimising practices in the seafood industry. He further suggested that structural conformation could benefit from advanced techniques like 3D NMR, which have become more accessible since the original research was conducted.

This breakthrough not only highlights the untapped potential of shrimp processing waste but also introduces novel compounds with significant health implications. These compounds could potentially offer anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-ageing benefits, opening up a new frontier in health-related applications. Furthermore, it promotes a sustainable approach to seafood processing, converting waste into valuable health-promoting agents.

More information: Akhile Collins Onodenalore et al, Unique heterocyclic phenolic compounds from shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and beyond, Food Production Processing and Nutrition. DOI: 10.1186/s43014-023-00215-3

Journal information: Food Production Processing and Nutrition Provided by Maximum Academic Press

Behavioural interventions for ageing

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Ethologists from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) embarked on a research project to investigate the impact of various therapeutic modalities on the wellbeing of elderly dogs, averaging ten years of age. The study explored the effects of cognitive, physical, and combined therapies over three months. The findings revealed that each form of treatment influenced the dogs’ behaviour in distinct ways. Physical therapy enhanced sociability and agility among the dogs, whereas cognitive exercises, such as puzzle games, heightened their inclination towards new experiences. Notably, the improvements were more significant in relatively younger dogs, approximately eight years old, suggesting an age-related differential response to the therapies.

As the global demographic shifts towards an ageing population, particularly pronounced in Europe, addressing the challenges associated with increasing older adults becomes not just important, but urgent. Projections indicate that by 2050, about 30% of the population will be over 65, with a significant fraction likely to develop dementia. In response to these trends, there is a growing emphasis on fostering a culture of healthy ageing, which includes promoting physical and mental fitness to extend the quality of life and reduce reliance on medications.

Behavioural interventions like those tested on dogs offer insights into non-pharmacological approaches to maintain cognitive and physical health in old age. The ELTE study specifically assessed the efficacy of different therapies in enhancing cognitive functions among older dogs, who age similarly to humans but at an accelerated rate. This research serves as a proxy to understand potentially effective interventions in humans. According to prevailing research, combining cognitive and physical therapies yields the most comprehensive benefits in humans, improving targeted cognitive areas and enhancing overall physiological wellness.

The study conducted by the Department of Ethology at ELTE was pioneering in its approach by focusing not only on traditional cognitive therapies but also incorporating physical therapy—a less explored area in canine research. The researchers initiated a twelve-week “Complex Experience Program” for dogs aged eight and older to determine the most effective therapy. This program included a variety of cognitive challenges and physical exercises designed to improve balance and coordination, culminating in behavioural assessments to gauge the impact of these interventions.

One hundred nine dogs participated in the program, although 25 were excluded after failing to meet health criteria. This exclusion underscores the researchers’ intent to include only healthy dogs to ensure that any changes observed were due to the therapies rather than underlying health issues. The participants were divided into groups receiving cognitive tasks, physical therapy, a combination of both, or no therapy (control group).

The outcomes highlighted several benefits. Dogs undergoing physical and combined therapy demonstrated enhanced sociability and adaptability. Those engaged in cognitive and combined therapies showed increased curiosity and environmental engagement. Interestingly, younger dogs displayed more pronounced improvements, aligning with findings in human studies where age can influence the responsiveness to cognitive interventions.

The insights from this study have practical implications. Firstly, they confirm that even minimal engagement in targeted therapies can significantly enhance cognitive functions in older dogs. Secondly, the enjoyment and rejuvenation seen in the dogs—and by extension, their owners—highlight the emotional and social benefits of such interventions. Lastly, these findings advocate for integrating regular physical and cognitive activities into daily routines to promote longevity and overall well-being, echoing the broader narrative of proactive ageing strategies for both pets and their human counterparts.

In conclusion, ELTE’s research offers valuable lessons on the utility of behavioural therapies in managing ageing, both for canines and potentially for humans. It highlights the importance of early and sustained engagement in therapeutic activities to mitigate the effects of ageing, improve quality of life, and strengthen interpersonal and pet-owner bonds. This holistic approach to ageing is increasingly relevant as we face an ageing global population with inherent health and social challenges.

More information: Zsófia Bognár et al, The behavioural effect of short-term cognitive and physical intervention therapies in old dogs, GeroScience. DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01122-2

Journal information: GeroScience Provided by Eötvös Loránd University

High prevalence of hip osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with spinal deformities

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One-third of patients who undergo surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) also suffer from severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, which correlates with poorer spinal alignment and physical functioning, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The Lippincott portfolio releases this journal in collaboration with Wolters Kluwer.

These discrepancies continue to exist even after the surgical treatment of ASD, as highlighted in new research by Dr. Alan H. Daniels and Dr. Bassel Diebo of Brown University, alongside colleagues from 20 North American spinal surgery centres. They note, “Concomitant hip and spine disease are frequent, presenting ongoing challenges for both joint arthroplasty and spine surgeons.”

The study sheds light on functional outcomes for patients suffering from both ASD and hip OA. Adult spinal deformity encompasses various irregularities in spinal curvature and alignment, often developing from degeneration over time, and is expected to increase with an ageing demographic. For those not responding to non-surgical interventions, spinal realignment surgery might be necessary.

Previous research has frequently observed hip OA in conjunction with ASD. Nevertheless, there is scant information regarding how OA impacts patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for ASD, particularly concerning spinal alignment and patient-reported outcomes like physical function and disability.

Dr. Daniels, Dr. Diebo, and their team analysed the prevalence and outcomes of hip OA among 520 elderly patients undergoing ASD surgery across thirteen centres in the US and Canada. Approximately two-thirds of the patients were female, with an average age of 59. Echoing past findings, 34% of these patients had severe OA affecting both hips.

The study compared the characteristics of ASD patients with and without severe hip OA, including essential patient-reported outcomes. These comparisons were also made during post-operative follow-ups with 165 patients: 68 with severe bilateral hip OA, 32 with severe OA in one hip only, and 65 without severe OA in either hip.

Patients with severe bilateral hip OA were found to be older (average age 68 years) compared to those with unilateral (66 years) and non-severe hip OA (60 years). Additionally, those with severe hip OA exhibited higher levels of frailty according to standard assessments.

Although all groups showed similar corrections in lordosis at the one-year post-operative mark, those with severe hip OA displayed poorer spinal alignment, as evidenced by a radiographic measure called the sagittal vertebral axis (SVA). This difference in SVA was significant both preoperatively and at follow-up.

Moreover, several patient-reported outcomes were notably poorer in patients with severe bilateral hip OA, who reported lower physical functioning both before and after surgery. While overall disability scores did not vary significantly between the groups, severe hip OA was linked to ongoing limitations in activities such as walking, travelling, and climbing stairs, with frailty influencing these functional outcomes.

This study is one of the first to examine both the alignment and functional outcomes of patients with concurrent hip OA at the time of surgery for severe ASD. The findings indicate that patients with severe OA in both hips are typically older, more frail, and suffer from poorer physical functioning and disability scores, even after adjustments for spinal deformity correction.

Dr. Daniels and his coauthors conclude, “Given the complexity of concurrent hip and spine disease and the relatively frail condition of these patients, they require careful evaluation and optimisation perioperatively.” They also emphasise the need for further research to determine how to improve outcomes for this complex patient group.

More information: Diebo, Bassel G. et al, Hip Osteoarthritis in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Severe Adult Spinal Deformity, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.23.00818

Journal information: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Provided by Wolters Kluwer Health

Natural molecule found in coffee and the human body boosts NAD+ levels and enhances muscle function as we age

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A recent breakthrough by a research consortium led by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) has uncovered that trigonelline, a natural molecule found in coffee, fenugreek, and also within the human body, may significantly enhance muscle health and function. This discovery was part of an extensive international collaboration involving the University of Southampton, University of Melbourne, University of Tehran, University of South Alabama, University of Toyama, and University of Copenhagen, building upon earlier collaborative research which uncovered new mechanisms of human sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by age-related cellular changes progressively weakening muscles, leading to a rapid decline in muscle mass and strength and diminishing physical independence. A critical issue during sarcopenia is the reduction of the cellular cofactor NAD+ with age, coupled with decreased energy production by mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells. The research identified that older individuals with sarcopenia have lower levels of trigonelline. In pre-clinical models, administering this molecule resulted in heightened NAD+ levels, enhanced mitochondrial activity, and helped maintain muscle function as ageing progressed.

NAD+ levels can be boosted through various dietary precursors such as the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (L-Trp), and forms of vitamin B3 including nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

Assistant Professor Vincenzo Sorrentino, from the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at NUS Medicine, commented on the findings: “Our findings broaden the existing knowledge of NAD+ metabolism through the identification of trigonelline as a novel precursor of NAD+, enhancing the prospects for developing interventions that utilise NAD+-producing vitamins for both promoting healthy longevity and tackling age-associated diseases.”

Both nutrition and physical activity play vital roles in maintaining muscle health during ageing. Jerome Feige, Head of the Physical Health department at Nestlé Research, expressed enthusiasm about the implications of their research: “We were thrilled to find through our collaborative efforts that a naturally occurring molecule in food can interact with cellular age markers. The impact of trigonelline on cellular metabolism and muscle health as we age offers exciting prospects for practical applications in the field.”

More information: Mathieu Membrez et al, Trigonelline is an NAD+ precursor that improves muscle function during ageing and is reduced in human sarcopenia, Nature Metabolism. DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00997-x

Journal information: Nature Metabolism Provided by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Feeling down and moving less? Or perhaps moving more and feeling uplifted? It can work either way

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New findings from the University of Toronto reveal that adults who have reported more symptoms of depression over the past week are also less likely to have been physically active during the same timeframe. This relationship is bidirectional: increased physical activity is similarly associated with better mental health. Published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, the research enhances our comprehension of how symptoms of depression and physical activity interrelate and influence each other during adulthood.

Soli Dubash, a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto’s Department of Sociology, expressed surprise at the findings. “It was unexpected to discover that current symptoms of depression could adversely affect your levels of physical activity even two to five years later, whereas being inactive today does not predict future symptoms of depression,” Dubash noted. She suggested that while the impacts of current depression might be enduring, they seem less significant than the influences of current physical activity.

Numerous studies have confirmed that physical activities such as going to the gym, dancing, gardening, or walking can significantly enhance mental and physical health, with benefits comparable to those of antidepressant medications. This new study supports these findings, demonstrating a connection between weekly physical activity and depression symptoms and suggesting that increased activity can elevate mood.

Dubash emphasised the importance of understanding the reciprocal relationship between mental health and physical activity. “This understanding can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health, as well as the health of their family and community members,” she said. She highlighted the significance of recognising how increased and decreased physical activity can affect mood and overall health.

The study tracked a nationally representative sample of 3,499 U.S. adults from 1986 to 2011 to explore the lasting effects of initial differences in physical activity levels and symptoms of depression. It examined how past physical activity and depression symptoms can predict their future states and assessed the stability of this relationship throughout adulthood. A novel causal inference technique was employed to ensure that the findings accurately reflect real-world experiences. This method accounted for stable individual characteristics that might otherwise confound results, such as biology, family and community backgrounds, and personal histories.

Dubash discussed how this innovative methodological approach allows for a more nuanced examination of the dynamic interplay between depression and physical activity over time. “This technique enables us to consider several alternative explanations and adjusts for factors like genetics or early life experiences that might influence this relationship,” she explained.

The study confirms that physical activity and mental health are mutually influential. Regular physical activity can consistently enhance mood week by week. While earlier depression symptoms may linger, their long-term effects are generally less substantial than the effects of current physical activity. The research also indicates that untreated depression symptoms can have detrimental effects on physical activity levels over time, which may lead to further health complications.

Dubash concluded by stressing the importance of informed decision-making regarding mental health treatment, particularly with the awareness that physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to improve individual and community health. “However, it’s crucial that more people understand how depression symptoms can impact this process,” she added.

More information: Soli Dubash et al, The interplay of depression symptoms and physical activity: Bidirectional insights from 25-years of the Americans’ changing lives panel, Mental Health and Physical Activity. DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100599

Journal information: Mental Health and Physical Activity Provided by University of Toronto

Ancient hunter-gatherers seemed to have included more plants in their diet

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Conducted by an international team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, Géoscience et Environnement Toulouse in Toulouse, France, and the Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine in Rabat, Morocco, the study delves into the dietary habits of individuals associated with the Iberomaurusian culture, discovered in the cave of Taforalt, Morocco. Employing a comprehensive multi-isotopic approach encompassing zinc and strontium isotope analysis in dental enamel, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur analysis in collagen, as well as amino acid analysis of human and faunal remains, the researchers unearthed intriguing revelations about ancient dietary practices.

The study’s groundbreaking findings reveal that the diet of these hunter-gatherers was significantly plant-based, incorporating a notable portion of plants from Mediterranean species. This dietary pattern predates the onset of agriculture in the region by several millennia, a fact supported by the discovery of archaeobotanical remnants at the site, including acorns, pine nuts, and wild pulses. The research also suggests that plant-based foods were part of infant diets, potentially serving as weaning products. These discoveries challenge previous assumptions about pre-agricultural diets and offer new insights into the dietary practices of ancient communities.

This study disrupts the prevailing assumption that pre-agricultural human groups were heavily reliant on animal protein, raising questions about the absence of agricultural advancement in North Africa at the outset of the Holocene. Zineb Moubtahij, the study’s lead author, asserts, “Our findings not only shed light on the dietary habits of pre-agricultural human groups but also highlight the intricate nature of human subsistence strategies across different regions. Grasping these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of human evolution.”

Moreover, this study represents the pioneering use of zinc isotopes preserved in enamel to elucidate the diet of ancient populations in Africa. North Africa is a pivotal region for the study of human evolution and the dispersal of modern humans. The availability of a tool enabling the exploration of ancient dietary patterns in this region over extended periods holds immense value in understanding human dietary adaptations across diverse environments.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to investigate additional Paleolithic sites in North Africa and employ innovative methodologies to gain deeper insights into ancient dietary practices and their implications for human evolution.

More information: Zineb Moubtahij et al, Isotopic evidence of high reliance on plant food among Later Stone Age hunter-gatherers at Taforalt, Morocco, Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02382-z

Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Provided by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

A study from NTU Singapore and Duke-NUS finds that older Singaporeans who volunteer perceive an improved quality of life

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A groundbreaking study conducted by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) has uncovered unique insights into the social benefits of volunteering among older adults. The research reveals that older adults who volunteer experience a heightened sense of support from their social networks, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life. Notably, this increase in perceived social support is not accompanied by an expansion of actual support networks, suggesting that the benefits of volunteering may be more psychological and emotional than material.

The study analysed data from 2,887 Singaporeans aged 60 and above, gathered through the Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement and Inter-Generational Transfers in Singapore Study (THE SIGNS Study). The Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE) at Duke-NUS spearheaded this nationally representative longitudinal survey. It revealed that those who regularly volunteer with clubs or organisations reported a greater sense of personal mastery—control over their lives—which correlates with better quality of life.

Researchers highlight that volunteering offers older adults alternative forms of perceived support that are particularly valuable in Asian cultures, where older adults traditionally rely heavily on family for support. In the context of an ageing population and shrinking family sizes, the study suggests that older adults must broaden their support networks beyond immediate family members to maintain a sustainable quality of life as they age.

Shannon Ang, NTU Assistant Professor of Sociology and the study’s lead, underscored the need for increased rates of volunteering among older adults in Singapore. He emphasised that volunteering enhances older adults’ quality of life through perceived social support and boosts their confidence in managing their lives and impacting others. Associate Professor Rahul Malhotra, Deputy Director of CARE at Duke-NUS, supervised the study and stressed the importance of a deeper understanding of how volunteering affects older adults’ social and psychological well-being. This understanding could serve as a foundation for the development of tailored volunteering programmes that maximise benefits for older adults, a crucial step in improving their quality of life.

The findings of the study strongly endorse the updated National Action Plan for Successful Ageing, which aims to empower older adults to manage their physical and mental well-being and continue contributing their knowledge and expertise. These findings also align with NTU’s strategic goals under NTU2025, which focus on addressing the needs and challenges of healthy living and ageing, and Duke-NUS’s commitment to advancing national healthcare discussions through its Signature Research Programmes. This alignment underscores the relevance and importance of the study’s findings in the context of national healthcare strategies.

The study’s methodology involved detailed interviews with participants, who were divided into three groups based on their volunteering frequency: non-volunteers, non-regular volunteers, and regular volunteers. These participants provided information on their volunteering activities and the type and frequency of support they received from their social networks. The survey also included questions that assessed participants’ personal mastery and quality of life through validated questionnaires previously used in Singapore by Duke-NUS researchers.

The analysis highlighted that better quality of life was consistently associated with more robust perceived social support among volunteers, irrespective of the frequency or formality of their volunteering activities. However, it did not lead to a broader social network providing actual support, which may reflect prevailing cultural norms in Singapore, where family primarily supports older adults. The researchers suggested that while volunteering could expand potential support sources, traditional norms about who should provide support might limit the actual support received.

The study concludes that volunteering can significantly enhance older adults’ mastery and perceived social support, leading to improved quality of life. However, for these benefits to be fully realised, volunteering must be regular and structured. This structured approach could help older adults feel more integrated and valued within their communities, ultimately reinforcing the dual benefit of volunteering—helping others and oneself.

More information: Shannon Ang et al, How Helping You Helps Me: A Longitudinal Analysis of Volunteering and Pathways to Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Singapore, The Journals of Gerontology Series B. DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae013

Journal information: The Journals of Gerontology Series B Provided by Nanyang Technological University

Basking in the wonders of nature has been demonstrated to decrease inflammation levels

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Fresh findings from Cornell University have illuminated a compelling link between deriving pleasure from nature and a specific biological mechanism – inflammation. Through meticulous investigation, the research unveiled that individuals who frequently positively engage with nature tend to exhibit lower levels of three distinct markers associated with inflammation.

Anthony Ong, a renowned professor of psychology, has underscored the study’s importance in elucidating the biological foundations of nature’s potential health benefits. The research illuminates how such engagement could potentially alleviate diseases linked to chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The study, which drew data from the second wave of the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) survey, a nationwide health and ageing trend tracker, focused on a cohort of 1,244 participants. This subset, with an average age of 54.5 and comprising 57% women, was surveyed on their frequency of nature exposure and the extent of enjoyment derived from it.

Even after controlling for demographics, health behaviours, medication usage, and overall well-being, Ong’s team observed a consistent association between reduced inflammation levels and frequent positive interactions with nature. This robust finding underscores the potential health benefits of exposure to and enjoyment of nature.

Ong emphasised the synergy between exposure and experience, highlighting that the observed benefits manifest when individuals actively engage with nature and derive pleasure from the experience. He stressed the importance of the quantity and quality of nature engagement in reaping these health rewards.

The research advances our understanding of the physiological effects of natural exposure and underscores the importance of fostering meaningful connections with the natural world for human health and well-being. Supported in part by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, this study represents a significant stride towards comprehending the intricate relationship between nature and human health.

More information: Anthony D. Ong et al, Engagement with nature and proinflammatory biology, Brain Behavior and Immunity. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.043

Journal information: Brain Behavior and Immunity Provided by Cornell University

Sedentary behaviour raises the risk of mortality

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Based on extensive observations of centenarians, author Dan Buettner, renowned for his work on Blue Zones, proposes that longevity is bolstered by regular movement, such as standing up every twenty minutes after sitting. This theory is now substantiated by compelling new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). The study reveals that older women who spend more than 11.7 hours a day sitting escalate their mortality risk by a staggering 30%, irrespective of their levels of vigorous exercise. These findings underscore the critical role of sedentary behaviour in health and longevity.

The study, co-authored by Steve Nguyen, PhD, M.P.H., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, utilised data from a larger project, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which began in 1991. This particular analysis involved 6,489 women aged between 63 and 99 who were monitored over eight years for mortality outcomes. The data included detailed measurements from hip-worn devices tracking sitting and daily activity over up to seven days.

Nguyen’s research is groundbreaking as it introduces a sophisticated, machine-learned algorithm named CHAP to assess total sitting time and the length of sitting bouts in relation to mortality risk. Unlike previous methods, which relied on simple movement thresholds, CHAP uses machine learning to more accurately differentiate between sitting and standing. This innovative approach has allowed Nguyen to refine the definitions and measurements of “sitting”, capturing both the total time spent seated and the typical duration of these periods. This novel method paves the way for more precise and comprehensive studies on the impact of sedentary behaviour on health.

The health implications of sedentary behaviour are significant, primarily because it inhibits muscle contractions, reduces blood flow, and decreases glucose metabolism. According to Andrea LaCroix, PhD, M.P.H., the Distinguished Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School, sitting leads to slowed blood circulation, diminished glucose uptake, reduced muscle activity, and a lower heart rate. These physiological changes highlight why sedentary lifestyles are problematic, regardless of exercise levels.

LaCroix points out that occasional exercise cannot counteract the hours spent sitting. She notes that even an hour of brisk walking is insufficient if the rest of the day is spent seated, as the negative impacts on metabolism persist. She recommends reducing the risk by limiting sitting to less than 11 hours daily and avoiding prolonged uninterrupted sitting. Even by standing briefly every 20 minutes, breaking up long sitting periods can mitigate some risks.

Nguyen, however, acknowledges that not all forms of sitting are equally detrimental. He considers the cognitive engagement involved in certain sedentary activities, such as studying a new language, which might have different implications for health. The complexity of determining the overall impact of sedentary behaviour on conditions such as dementia is an area Nguyen is exploring further, supported by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences K99 award.

LaCroix understands the challenge of altering sedentary habits in a world captivated by engaging but stationary activities like watching TV or browsing social media. Yet, she believes that cultural shifts away from prolonged sitting could significantly enhance our health, aligning more closely with our evolutionary design for movement. This optimistic view suggests that with awareness and concerted efforts, we can make significant strides towards a healthier, more active lifestyle. This blend of historical insight, contemporary research, and technological innovation in measuring physical activity provides a nuanced understanding of the profound effects our lifestyle choices have on longevity and health, and offers a beacon of hope for a healthier future.

More information: Steve Nguyen et al, Prospective Associations of Accelerometer‐Measured Machine‐Learned Sedentary Behavior With Death Among Older Women: The OPACH Study, Journal of the American Heart Association. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.031156

Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association Provided by University of California San Diego

The study demonstrates that having views of green spaces encourages individuals to make healthier food choices

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The allure of natural landscapes often evokes feelings of positivity and a heightened sense of wellbeing among individuals. However, a recent study conducted by INSEAD has shed new light on these verdant vistas, revealing that they can also influence people to make healthier dietary choices. This groundbreaking research provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between nature and our food choices, enriching our understanding of human behaviour.

Published in Communications Psychology, a journal under the Nature umbrella, the research suggests that exposure to natural settings, such as strolling through a park rather than city streets or gazing upon greenery versus an urban panorama, prompts individuals to opt for healthier food options after that.

Pierre Chandon, a co-author of the study and the L’Oréal Chaired professor of marketing at INSEAD, highlights, “Our studies suggest that it was not the urban view that led to unhealthy food choices but rather that nature influenced people to eat healthier.”

Participants were randomly assigned to take a 20-minute walk through a park or bustling Parisian streets in one study segment. Subsequently, all participants were presented with a buffet featuring healthy and less healthy snacks. Despite similar consumption quantities across both groups, those who strolled in the park exhibited a notable preference for more nutritious choices, with 70% of their selections falling into the healthier category, compared to only 39% for the city walkers.

In a more controlled experiment, participants were placed in simulated “hotel rooms” with varying window views: a lush green pasture, a cityscape, or a neutral condition with closed curtains. They were then tasked with selecting a lunch from an in-room service menu offering healthy and unhealthy options. The outcomes mirrored those of the earlier experiment, with individuals afforded a view of nature opting predominantly for more nutritious fare. In contrast, those with urban or obscured views leaned towards less healthy choices.

The genesis of this research stemmed from co-author Maria Langlois’ observation during a 7200-km charity bike ride, where she noticed a bias towards healthier, unprocessed foods among herself and her teammates while traversing natural environments. Langlois, now an assistant professor of marketing at SMU’s Cox School of Business, translated this observation into a series of rigorous field and online studies during her tenure in INSEAD’s PhD program.

Interestingly, the study suggests that not all natural surroundings yield the same effect. Factors such as the environment’s vividness and abundance of greenery could influence outcomes. For example, when natural or urban views are blanketed in snow, they cease to sway food choices.

Further experiments sought to ascertain whether exposure to nature increased preferences for genuinely healthy, natural foods or merely processed foods masquerading as healthy. Participants were presented with three snack options: diet and light, healthy and natural, or indulgent and tasty. Exposure to natural scenery diminished the appeal of diet snacks while significantly shifting preferences from indulgent choices towards more nutritious, natural alternatives.

These transformative findings hold immense potential for promoting healthier dietary habits. Educational institutions, workplaces, and other organisations could harness the power of nature imagery in cafeterias to inspire students and employees to choose healthier options. Similarly, food marketers could integrate natural visual cues to advocate for healthy or natural products, thereby revolutionising how we perceive and choose our food.

Most importantly, this research underscores the pivotal role of urban planning, health professionals, and food marketers. With projections indicating that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas, the integration of green spaces into future urban landscapes assumes heightened importance, and your expertise and influence are crucial in this process.

More information: Maria Langlois et al, Experiencing nature leads to healthier food choices, Communications Psychology. DOI: 10.1038/s44271-024-00072-x

Journal information: Communications Psychology Provided by INSEAD Asia Campus