A study from the Karolinska Institutet, published in BMC Medicine, compares older populations in Japan and Sweden.
The researchers examine how many years older adults live without needing public eldercare.
The results show that Japanese and Swedish people have nearly the same number of years in which they remain independent.
This applies to both men and women, although women in Japan have a slight advantage.
The data are based on more than 850,000 individuals in Sweden and over 330,000 in Japan, according to VIA.
More years with care
The difference emerges when examining the period during which care is needed. Older adults in Japan spend more years receiving eldercare than those in Sweden.
At the same time, mortality is lower among individuals receiving care in Japan. This means that older people in Japan often live longer, even when they require assistance.
The study categorizes older adults based on whether they receive home care, live in nursing homes, or receive no assistance, providing a more detailed picture of their living conditions.
What explains the difference
The researchers point to several possible explanations. These may include when individuals gain access to care, how care is organized, and the role of the family.
In addition, differences in end-of-life care may play a role, according to the researchers.
The study also shows that Japan’s high life expectancy is not necessarily due to better health among older adults, but rather that more people survive longer while needing care.
There’s something quietly universal about wondering how life ends. Not in dramatic ways, but in those final, quiet seconds most of us will one day face. It’s a question people rarely ask out loud, yet one that lingers in the back of the mind.
In hospice care, however, death is not distant. It’s observed up close, often revealing patterns that challenge common fears.
Final moments
Insights from a U.S.-based hospice nurse, shared via Reddit and later reported by Unilad, suggest that dying is often a gradual and calm process rather than a sudden event.
Patients typically become less responsive as the body slows down. According to research from the National Institute on Aging, declining energy and awareness are natural parts of the body shutting down.
What they experience
One recurring observation stands out. Many patients appear to sense or interact with figures that others cannot see.
These experiences are often interpreted medically as hallucinations, yet they tend to bring comfort rather than fear. Patients may reach out, smile, or appear reassured in their final moments.
Scientific studies, including work published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, indicate that such end-of-life visions are relatively common and can reduce anxiety.
Seeing familiar people or pets
Reaching toward unseen presences
Showing signs of calm or recognition
A different view
For those working closely with death, the experience can reshape their perspective entirely.
Repeated exposure often leads to less fear and greater acceptance. In palliative care research, professionals frequently describe death as a natural transition rather than something to resist.
These accounts suggest that the final moments of life may be more peaceful than many expect, offering a sense of closure instead of distress.
Modern treatment has made surgeries less invasive, but both the procedures themselves and the recovery period can still be very demanding. The article is based on information from Unilad, Daily Mail and Cleveland Clinic.
Knee replacement is a common but demanding operation
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Although widely performed, this procedure is associated with significant pain as it affects both bones and nerves.
Rehabilitation is essential after knee surgery
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Patients need to stay active after the operation to achieve the best results, which can make recovery especially painful.
The procedure impacts both nerves and bones
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According to the doctor, knee replacement is particularly demanding because it affects multiple structures in the body.
Hysteroscopy can be very painful
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This procedure, where an instrument is inserted into the uterus, is described by many patients as extremely painful.
Some surgeries are more painful than others
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Procedures such as spinal surgery and open-heart surgery are generally considered among the most painful.
Recovery can be worse than the surgery itself
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Rehabilitation and physiotherapy after surgery are often the most painful parts of the process.
Open-heart surgery requires a long recovery
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Although performed under anesthesia, recovery can take up to 12 weeks.
The procedure affects multiple parts of the body
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It impacts the breastbone, ligaments, and wound healing, contributing to post-operative pain.
Lumbar puncture involves a needle in the spine
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This procedure requires inserting a needle between the bones of the spine to collect fluid.
It is used to diagnose serious conditions
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It helps identify diseases such as meningitis and multiple sclerosis.
Side effects after a lumbar puncture can be significant
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Patients may experience headaches, swelling, and in some cases nerve damage.
Bone marrow biopsy is performed while the patient is awake
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During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the bone to extract tissue.
The procedure can cause lingering pain
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Patients may experience soreness, bruising, and discomfort for several days afterward.
Pain varies from person to person
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While pain is experienced differently, certain procedures are consistently described as more painful.
Peanut butter contains both protein and fat, which help you feel full for longer, according to Health.com.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, two tablespoons contain around 7 grams of protein, which is important for building and maintaining the body.
Research also shows that peanuts may have a positive effect on weight.
Peanut butter contains healthy fats that can be beneficial for the heart.
These fats can help improve cholesterol levels by increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol, according to a study published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases.
In addition, peanut butter contains important nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E.
These contribute, among other things, to a stronger immune system and normal energy metabolism.
High calorie content
Although peanut butter has several benefits, it is also high in calories.
A serving contains around 190 calories, and consuming large amounts can therefore lead to excessive calorie intake.
Many products also contain added ingredients such as sugar and salt, which can reduce the positive effects.
It is therefore recommended to choose a variety with few ingredients.
Overall, the effect of peanut butter depends on the quantity and type. When eaten in moderate amounts and in a simple form, it can be part of a healthy diet.
Sources: Health.com, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, and Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases.
That stiff feeling in your neck or a pounding headache after a long day is easy to dismiss. Most people do.
But in rare cases, those everyday symptoms can be early signals of something far more serious developing beneath the surface.
Health authorities in the UK are currently monitoring a rise in meningitis cases linked to a student environment, prompting renewed focus on recognising symptoms early and acting fast.
Rising cases
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a cluster of infections connected to a university event in Kent, with multiple hospitalisations reported, according to LADbible
The outbreak is believed to involve meningitis B, a strain not covered by the routine MenACWY vaccine.
Young adults are particularly at risk due to close social contact, which allows infections to spread more easily in shared spaces.
Key symptoms
According to NHS and Healthline, meningitis can present with several warning signs. These include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Neck stiffness
Light sensitivity
A rash that does not fade under pressure
One notable sign involves restricted neck movement. Difficulty bringing the chin down toward the chest may indicate inflammation affecting the brain and spinal cord.
At-home awareness
Experts say simple checks can help raise suspicion, but they are not diagnostic tools. A well-known method is the glass test, where a rash is pressed to see if it fades. If it does not, urgent medical care is needed.
Organisations such as Meningitis Now emphasise that waiting for a rash or multiple symptoms can delay lifesaving treatment.
Everyone has their own natural body scent, which depends in part on genetics, health, and lifestyle, according to the BBC.
One factor we can influence ourselves is diet. When we eat, food is broken down in the body, producing compounds that can affect both breath and sweat.
These compounds circulate through the body and are released through the skin, where they mix with bacteria and create odor.
Traces of food
Some foods have a greater impact on odor than others. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and onions contain sulfur compounds that can produce a strong smell.
However, research shows that garlic can, in some cases, make sweat smell more pleasant, even though it worsens breath, the BBC reports.
At the same time, studies suggest that people who consume a lot of fruits and vegetables often have a milder and fresher body scent.
Unexpected effects
Meat and fish can also influence odor, as they are broken down into compounds that are excreted through sweat.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior shows, according to the BBC, that individuals on a meat-free diet are perceived as more pleasant-smelling.
Alcohol can produce a noticeable odor because the body releases byproducts through breath and sweat. Caffeine may also increase sweat production, thereby intensifying odor.
Overall, research indicates that what we eat can alter our body scent and influence how others perceive us.
However, the effect is not uniform and varies from person to person.
Oatmeal is more than just a simple breakfast. Research shows that a daily serving can have a significant impact on heart health, digestion, and overall well-being. Here are the key findings from the science, published in Plant Based News
Oatmeal can strengthen public health
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Experts suggest that if more people started their day with oatmeal, it could significantly improve overall public health.
Rich in essential nutrients
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Oatmeal contains copper, manganese, iron, and B vitamins, all of which support normal bodily functions.
Beta-glucan plays a key role
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The soluble fiber beta-glucan is one of the main reasons behind oatmeal’s health benefits.
Supports a healthy gut
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Beta-glucan feeds beneficial gut bacteria and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Can lower cholesterol levels
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This fiber forms a gel in the gut, reducing cholesterol absorption and increasing the excretion of bile salts.
Proven effect on LDL cholesterol
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A daily intake of about 3 grams of beta-glucan can reduce harmful LDL cholesterol by around 7 percent.
Comparable effect without side effects
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The cholesterol-lowering effect can resemble that of medication, but without the associated side effects.
Lower risk of serious diseases
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Studies show that people who consume more whole grains have a lower risk of conditions such as heart disease.
Reduced mortality with daily intake
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Each daily serving of whole grains is associated with about a 5 percent reduction in overall mortality.
It’s easy to assume that what surrounds us daily is safe, especially when it comes to children. Water, food packaging, and common household items rarely raise concern in everyday life.
But researchers are now taking a closer look at substances that linger in the body and what they might mean for long-term health.
A recent study from The Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” could influence how children’s bones develop. These substances are widespread and known for their ability to persist in both the environment and the human body.
The research, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, followed 218 participants from birth into adolescence, tracking their exposure to PFAS over time and later measuring bone density.
A sensitive stage
The findings indicate that higher levels of one compound, PFOA, were linked to lower bone density during the teenage years, particularly in the forearm.
According to researchers including Jessie P. Buckley of the University of North Carolina, adolescence is a key phase for building bone strength, making disruptions during this period potentially significant.
The study also found that the timing of exposure matters, with certain stages of childhood appearing more vulnerable than others.
Differences observed
The results showed a stronger association between PFAS exposure and reduced bone density in girls compared to boys.
This difference points to possible biological or developmental factors that may influence how these chemicals affect the body.
The research involved scientists from several institutions, including Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Widespread presence
PFAS are difficult to avoid due to their presence in many everyday products:
Drinking water
Food packaging
Household items
Because these chemicals break down slowly, they can accumulate over time in both the environment and human bodies.
The findings contribute to growing scientific concern about how early-life exposure to environmental chemicals may shape long-term health outcomes.
Today, meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. Nevertheless, research from the Karolinska Institute shows that many people suffer permanent damage after the illness.
Children in particular are affected, and this can have major consequences because the brain is still developing.
The damage can affect learning, movement, and the senses for the rest of a person’s life.
3,500 people studied
Researchers analyzed data from more than 3,500 individuals who had the disease in childhood. They were compared with more than 32,000 individuals without the disease.
The results, published in JAMA Network Open, show that former patients are far more likely to experience neurological problems.
These include impaired memory, hearing, vision, and motor function, as well as an increased risk of seizures.
There is also a significantly higher risk of severe brain damage compared with the general population.
Why does brain damage occur?
Antibiotics do not reach the brain quickly enough, and during this period, nerve cells can be damaged.
Researchers are therefore working on new treatments that can protect the brain while the infection is being treated.
Initial results appear promising, but further research is needed.
The study shows that around one in three people who had the disease in childhood live with at least one permanent neurological impairment.
Your breakfast can have a significant impact on both your energy levels and satiety throughout the rest of the day.
Some popular choices may appear healthy but can actually have the opposite effect. Here is an overview of foods that dietitians, according to Real Simple, recommend limiting.
Processed meat
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Bacon and sausages may seem like an easy way to get protein, but dietitian Caroline Susie explains that the high content of saturated fat and salt in these foods may be linked to heart disease and inflammation.
Better alternative to processed meat
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Caroline Susie instead recommends lean protein sources such as eggs or turkey sausage, combined with vegetables for a healthier start to the day.
Granola and granola bars
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Although they are often perceived as healthy, Caroline Susie points out that many varieties contain large amounts of added sugar and unhealthy fats.
Better alternative to granola
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According to Caroline Susie, you should choose versions with minimal added sugar or make your own. She also suggests oatmeal with nuts and berries as a better option.
Sweet pastries
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Kristen Smith, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a registered dietitian, explains that these foods often lack protein and fiber, meaning you will feel hungry again quickly.
Better alternative to sweet pastries
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Kristen Smith recommends combining sweet breakfast choices with protein-rich foods such as eggs if you choose them occasionally.
Smoothies and bottled juice
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Caroline Susie highlights that ready-made smoothies and juices often lack fiber and contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to rapid energy crashes.
Better alternative to ready-made drinks
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She recommends making your own smoothie with fruit, vegetables, protein such as yogurt or protein powder, and healthy fats.
Store-bought muffins
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According to Caroline Susie, many store-bought muffins are made with refined flour and sugar and lack both protein and fiber, making them less filling.
Better alternative to muffins
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She suggests homemade muffins made with whole grains, natural sweeteners such as banana, and the addition of nuts or seeds.
Flavored yogurt
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Caroline Susie explains that many flavored yogurts contain as much sugar as candy, which can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Better alternative to yogurt
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She recommends plain Greek yogurt, to which you can add fruit, nuts, or a small amount of honey.
Can cause blood sugar fluctuations
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According to Caroline Susie, foods high in sugar and low in fiber can lead to rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, which can make you feel tired and irritable.
Can increase hunger
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Caroline Susie emphasizes that a lack of protein and healthy fats can make you feel hungry more quickly and increase the risk of overeating later.
Can affect the rest of the day
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She also explains that a sugary breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day and increase cravings for more sweet and processed foods.
The importance of a balanced breakfast
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Kristen Smith emphasizes that a good breakfast should be balanced and rich in protein and fiber to keep you full for longer.
