Still Working!
The line between working and retirement is shifting among older Americans. According to a survey by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, older workers are choosing to delay retirement for a variety of reasons, including economic need in the post-recession era, as well as improved health. In fact, the average retirement age has jumped from 57 to 62 since the beginning of the Great Recession—and this population is growing rapidly, with estimates suggesting one in four American workers will be 55 or older by 2020.
Finding Romance… Online
Technology continues to play an increased role in the dating game. The Pew Research Center reports that one in 10 American adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps, with 53 percent of users believing that online dating helps people find a better match for themselves—up six points from 2005—while 21 percent continue to believe that online daters are “desperate”—an eight-point decline. The report finds about two thirds of users have gone on in-person dates, while 23 percent actually met a spouse or long-term partner online.
Of Rats and Men
When it comes to brain activity, humans and rodents have more in common than we realized, at least within the medial frontal cortex, which sends signals to the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Researchers from Brown, Yale and the University of New Mexico found that when adapting to errors, rats and humans have very similar reactions in the MFC. As a result, rats could serve as a model for human adaptive control, the process of modifying choices based on experience, helping to treat people with disorders like schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression.
Desk Chair Dangers!
Though it’s an everyday task for many, working at your desk can put you at risk for a host of health hazards. Below are six common cubicle-caused conditions and measures you can take to prevent them.
- Diabetes. Researchers from the University of Leicester found people who sit throughout most of the workday have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Keep blood circulating and calories burning with quick breaks to the water cooler or by investing in an aerobic pedal exerciser.
- Misaligned hips. Especially problematic for women, prolonged sitting can put excess pressure on your hips, knees and spine, leading to weakness, tendinitis and other issues. Adjust your chair so the angle between your back and legs is 90 degrees or less, allowing better rotation for your hip flexors, and stretch frequently to release tension.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. Caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist, CTS may be triggered or exacerbated by typing with a standard keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard can alleviate awkward wrist and forearm posture, while regular breaks and a wrist brace can prevent discomfort.
- Weight gain. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 61 percent of Americans snack at their desks, leading to excess calories… and pounds. Opt for a well-balanced lunch, like a broth-based soup, salad, fruit and veggies, and fight cravings by drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum.
- Dry eyes. Staring at a computer screen all day increases eye strain and reduces your blinking rate. Ophthalmologists suggest practicing the “20-20-20 rule”—glance 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—allowing your eyes to reach “optical infinity” and experience total rest.
- Varicose veins. Sitting for long stretches of time can lead to varicose or spider veins, a condition that affects nearly half of women. Take frequent walking breaks and wear compression stockings to boost circulation.iBi
Source: Marie Claire
