A study by a team at the University of Otago in New Zealand, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, suggests that relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and positive visualisation resulted in sustained weight loss, even when compared to more traditional methods of weight loss: i.e. regular exercise and calorie reduction. Reduction in stress levels resulted in happier and healthier women who no longer craved fatty foods and sweets.

A study conducted by a team from the Jichi Medical University in Japan, and reported in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, concluded that elderly people sleeping for less than 7.5 hours a night increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 27 per cent. The study was conducted on 1255 participants with an average age of 70 over 23 months and whilst the scientists have indicated that the results may not apply to younger people, another study conducted at Warwick University in 2008 concluded that more than 7 hours sleep a night can reduce heart attack risk. However, they also concluded sleeping more than 8 hours a night doubled the risk of dying from all causes. 7.5 hours looks like the right answer … so set those alarm clocks!!!!

Research at the University of California at Stanford, as reported in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, compared members of a running club with healthy non-running individuals, all of whom were over the age of 50 at the start of the study. Twice as many non runners had died than runners after 19 years. The researchers believe that running may not just boost health and improve immunity, but also increase cognitive performance. This is supported by a study undertaken at the University of Kansas school of Medicine (reported in the journal Neurology). The study concluded that by exercising individuals with early Alzheimer’s may have better cognitive performance due to increasing blood flow to the head. Poor blood flow to the head can result in loss of memory.

Another study from Scientists at the University of Calgary, in Canada, also proves that regular physical activity benefits blood flow to the brain, which in turn helps mental agility. The researchers compared two groups of women with an average age of 65. One group took part in regular exercise, while the other was inactive. Their blood flow, heart health and brain power were then tested. Not only did the active group have lower blood pressure and better blood flow, they also scored higher in mental agility tests, proving that basic fitness – something as simple as walking every day – is critical to staying mentally sharp as we age.