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New study suggests weight loss drugs like Ozempic could help with knee pain. Here’s why there may be a link

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/giovanni-e-ferreira-1030477">Giovanni E. Ferreira</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christina-abdel-shaheed-425241">Christina Abdel Shaheed</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> The drug semaglutide, commonly known by the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy, was <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-ozempic-how-surprise-discoveries-and-lizard-venom-led-to-a-new-class-of-weight-loss-drugs-219721">originally developed</a> to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. However, researchers have discovered it may help with other health issues, too. Clinical trials show semaglutide can be effective for <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183">weight loss</a>, and hundreds of thousands of people around the world are using it <a href="https://theconversation.com/considering-taking-a-weight-loss-drug-like-ozempic-here-are-some-potential-risks-and-benefits-219312">for this purpose</a>. Evidence has also shown the drug can help manage <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2306963">heart failure</a> and <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403347">chronic kidney disease</a> in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Now, a study published in the <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403664">New England Journal of Medicine</a> has suggested semaglutide can improve knee pain in people with obesity and osteoarthritis. So what did this study find, and how could semaglutide and osteoarthritis pain be linked? <h2>Osteoarthritis and obesity</h2> Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease, affecting <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis">2.1 million Australians</a>. Most people with osteoarthritis <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-you-have-knee-pain-from-osteoarthritis-you-might-not-need-surgery-heres-what-to-try-instead-236779">have pain</a> and find it difficult to perform common daily activities such as walking. The knee is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37675071/">the joint most commonly affected</a> by osteoarthritis. Being overweight or obese is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25447976/">major risk factor</a> for osteoarthritis in the knee. The link between the two conditions <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26821091/">is complex</a>. It involves a combination of increased load on the knee, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41413-023-00301-9">metabolic factors</a> such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar, and inflammation. For example, elevated blood sugar levels increase the production of inflammatory molecules in the body, which can damage the cartilage in the knee, and lead to the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30712918/">development of osteoarthritis</a>. Weight loss is strongly recommended to reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis in people who are overweight or obese. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31908149/">International</a> and <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/osteoarthritis-knee-clinical-care-standard-2024.pdf">Australian guidelines</a> suggest losing as little as 5% of body weight can help. But losing weight with just diet and exercise can be difficult for many people. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26180980/">One study</a> from the United Kingdom found the annual probability of people with obesity losing 5% or more of their body weight was less than one in ten. Semaglutide has recently entered the market as a potential alternative route to weight loss. It comes from a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by increasing a person’s sense of fullness. <h2>Semaglutide for osteoarthritis?</h2> The rationale for the <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403664">recent study</a> was that while we know weight loss alleviates symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists was yet to be explored. So the researchers set out to understand what effect semaglutide might have on knee osteoarthritis pain, alongside body weight. They randomly allocated 407 people with obesity and moderate osteoarthritis into one of two groups. One group received semaglutide once a week, while the other group received a placebo. Both groups were treated for 68 weeks and received counselling on diet and physical activity. At the end of the treatment phase, researchers measured changes in knee pain, function, and body weight. As expected, those taking semaglutide lost more weight than those in the placebo group. People on semaglutide lost around 13% of their body weight on average, while those taking the placebo lost around 3% on average. More than 70% of people in the semaglutide group lost at least 10% of their body weight compared to just over 9% of people in the placebo group. The study found semaglutide reduced knee pain significantly more than the placebo. Participants who took semaglutide reported an additional 14-point reduction in pain on a 0–100 scale compared to the placebo group. This is much greater than the pain reduction in another <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36511925/">recent study</a> among people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. This study investigated the effects of a diet and exercise program compared to an attention control (where participants are provided with information about nutrition and physical activity). The results here saw only a 3-point difference between the intervention group and the control group on the same scale. The amount of pain relief reported in the semaglutide trial is also larger than that reported with commonly used pain medicines such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35442752/">anti-inflammatories</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35137418/">opioids</a> and <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.m4825">antidepressants</a>. Semaglutide also improved knee function compared to the placebo. For example, people who took semaglutide could walk about 42 meters further than those on the placebo in a six-minute walking test. <h2>How could semaglutide reduce knee pain?</h2> It’s not fully clear how semaglutide helps with knee pain from osteoarthritis. One explanation may be that when a person loses weight, there’s less stress on the joints, which reduces pain. But recent studies have also suggested semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists might have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661822002651">anti-inflammatory</a> properties, and could even protect against <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6731440/">cartilage wear and tear</a>. While the results of this new study are promising, it’s too soon to regard semaglutide as a “miracle drug” for knee osteoarthritis. And as this study was funded by the drug company that makes semaglutide, it will be important to have independent studies in the future, to confirm the findings, or not. The study also had strict criteria, excluding some groups, such as those taking opioids for knee pain. One in seven Australians seeing a GP for their knee osteoarthritis <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34527976/">are prescribed opioids</a>. Most participants in the trial were white (61%) and women (82%). This means the study may not fully represent the average person with knee osteoarthritis and obesity. It’s also important to consider semaglutide can have a range of <a href="https://theconversation.com/considering-taking-a-weight-loss-drug-like-ozempic-here-are-some-potential-risks-and-benefits-219312">side effects</a>, including gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue. There are some concerns that semaglutide could reduce <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/experts-are-concerned-drugs-like-ozempic-may-cause-muscle-loss">muscle mass</a> and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss">bone density</a>, though we’re still learning more about this. Further, it can be difficult to access. <h2>I have knee osteoarthritis, what should I do?</h2> Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by multiple factors, and it’s important to take <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/osteoarthritis-knee-clinical-care-standard/information-consumers-osteoarthritis-knee-clinical-care-standard">a multifaceted approach</a> to managing it. Weight loss is an important component for those who are overweight or obese, but so are other aspects of <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-you-have-knee-pain-from-osteoarthritis-you-might-not-need-surgery-heres-what-to-try-instead-236779">self-management</a>. This might include physical activity, pacing strategies, and other positive lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, healthy eating, and so on.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243159/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/giovanni-e-ferreira-1030477">Giovanni E. Ferreira</a>, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christina-abdel-shaheed-425241">Christina Abdel Shaheed</a>, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstocl This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-study-suggests-weight-loss-drugs-like-ozempic-could-help-with-knee-pain-heres-why-there-may-be-a-link-243159">original article</a>.

Body

How are racehorses really treated in the ‘sport of kings’?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cathrynne-henshall-572585">Cathrynne Henshall</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a> It’s the time of year when shiny horses and colourful clothing fill our screens – the <a href="https://www.racing.com/spring-racing">Spring Racing Carnival</a>, which includes high profile races like The Everest, Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate. It’s also the time of year when questions are asked about the welfare of racehorses that compete in the so-called “<a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse/how-we-shaped-horses-how-horses-shaped-us/sport/sport-of-kings#:%7E:text=Thoroughbred%20racing%20began%20around%20300,Asia%2C%20and%20the%20Middle%20East.">sport of kings</a>”. Previously, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/punters-life/how-many-horses-have-died-in-the-melbourne-cup-the-real-numbers/news-story/5f7e29011a7fbf3da9e0611e902d1ee6">high profile deaths during races</a>, the <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0015622">use of whips</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-17/making-a-killing/6127124">what happens to horses after racing</a> have been the focus of community concern. But recently, as we’ve come to know more about what makes a <a href="https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/welfare-wednesdays/how-to-provide-a-good-life-for-horses-friends-freedom-and-forage">good life for a horse</a>, questions are being raised about the daily lives of racehorses. Industry participants will point to the <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/dont-tell-me-the-horse-racing-industry-doesnt-care/">high level care</a> that racehorses receive – comfortable stables, specially formulated diets, the latest vet treatments and added extras such as massages and swimming sessions. But does this care translate into good welfare? <h2>The theory of ‘telos’</h2> Firstly, a quick primer on the difference between care and welfare. Care includes all the things that make sure racehorses get fit, stay fit and stay healthy. This care helps maximise the chance a horse will win races. Welfare is the animal’s subjective or individual experience of its life – <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33066335/">how it feels</a> – and there are a number of ways to assess this. One way is the concept of “telos”, originally developed by Ancient Greek philosopher <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-causality/">Aristotle</a>. Telos is a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10806-012-9422-y">species’ anatomical, physiological, behavioural and cognitive characteristics</a> that have been shaped by millions of years of evolution. Telos helps us to identify what matters to animals – their behavioural, psychological and physiological needs. So to consider if racehorse care actually translates to good welfare, we can assess how closely it provides the animal with the things that matter to them, based on their telos. Equine telos involves living in groups, forming long-lived social relationships, grazing fibrous plants and being on the move for up to 18 hours a day, as well as staying safe by sensing danger and then moving away. It also involves living in variable environments to solve challenges, learn, engage in curiosity and play. Let’s compare that to the daily life of a racehorse. <h2>Movement and feeding</h2> Firstly, the vast majority of racehorses live in stables – sometimes up to 23 hours a day. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17970632/">Multiple studies</a> have found continuous stabling harms horse welfare. Stables significantly restrict opportunities for voluntary movement, and studies show stabled horses spend <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37813129/">the majority of the time inactive</a>. Even though stables house horses communally, most designs limit horses’ opportunities for social interaction. Thirdly, there’s little for a horse to do in a stable other than eat, stand, drink or lie, and they often develop <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34670688/">abnormal behaviours</a> that are associated with stress. These are never seen in free-ranging horses. When racehorses do get to move, they have little say over how far, how fast and for how long they move. The kinds of physical exercise racehorses do are both significantly shorter in duration and at much higher speeds than horses voluntarily choose. It’s those speeds that place them at <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17910268/">risk of suffering a serious injury</a>. What about diet? Although a lot of time and effort is spent ensuring racehorses enjoy high quality diets, they are mostly comprised of concentrated energy sources such as grains, rather the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135103/">fibre horses evolved to eat</a>. Horses are <a href="https://madbarn.com/slow-feeders-for-horses/#:%7E:text=Horses%20are%20trickle%20feeders%20that,to%2025%20miles%20per%20day.">trickle feeders</a> (grazers), with small stomachs that continuously secrete digestive juices. In the wild, grazing keeps those stomachs full, which prevents the stomach lining from being damaged by digestive acids. In comparison, racehorses often consume their food very quickly – instead of spending up to 75% of their day eating, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702026348500137">they spend only 33%</a>. This means their stomachs are empty for most of the day, which is why up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37048517/">65% will get painful gastric ulcers</a>. And having to wait to be fed rather than eating when hungry, as happens in free-ranging horses, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/3/3/663">can lead to frustration</a>. <h2>Other difficulties</h2> Racehorses <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/does-whipping-hurt-race-horses-20211102-p595br.html">may be whipped</a>, and <a href="https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1982.tb02389.x">more than 50% </a>will experience some form of musculoskeletal injury during racing, of which between <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/270">7-49% are fatal</a>. Social relationships, in the limited form possible in a racing stable, are also frequently disrupted because horse populations are highly transient due to spelling, <a href="https://theconversation.com/black-caviars-death-has-prompted-uncomfortable-questions-about-how-champion-mares-spend-their-retirement-237039">retirement</a> or even just going to the races. So even if two horses are able to form a relationship of sorts, chances are one will be taken away. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=henshall+stress+repeated&size=200">Separation distress is a significant stressor</a> for horses. Then there’s the gear that’s used to control them. Horses, like most animal species, escape and avoid painful stimuli. However, in racing (and many other equestrian activties) it is <a href="https://www.racingnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/NSWRules.pdf">mandatory to use</a> “bits” to control horses’ behaviour during riding and handling. Bits work by causing uncomfortable pressure and pain and may lead to mouth injuries. Studies have shown many people don’t understand how <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2023.2166713#abstract">to minimise the harm they can cause</a>. In addition, people also vary widely in their ability to read and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/12/1124">interpret behavioural responses to stress</a>. So, racehorses may be repeatedly exposed to pain from bits and perform a range of behaviours to try to escape that pain, like bolting, mouth opening or head tossing. To remedy this, additional items of restrictive equipment, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34056705/">tongue ties</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/dressing-up-for-melbourne-cup-day-from-a-racehorse-point-of-view-104771">nosebands, lugging bits or bit burs</a> may be used to control the horse. Racehorses frequently show signs of difficulty coping with the stressors of racing life, including “going off their feed”, aggression towards handlers, becoming hard to control when ridden and a range of stress behaviours and health issues, <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/downloadpdf/view/journals/javma/260/15/javma.22.08.0358.pdf">such as bleeding from the lungs</a>. <h2>What about welfare?</h2> Racehorse care is often directed towards managing issues that are the direct result of the demands of the racing environment. Fancy stables and aqua sessions are not important to horses, and may even cause harm. What matters to horses are opportunities to make meaningful choices, such as the freedom to move, form friendships and graze for the majority of the day. Current racing industry practices often deny horses the chance to make these choices. There’s no doubt people in racing care deeply about their horses. But to experience good welfare during racing, racehorses need more than just good care.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240998/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cathrynne-henshall-572585">Cathrynne Henshall</a>, Post-doctoral Fellow, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-are-racehorses-really-treated-in-the-sport-of-kings-240998">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

Five reasons why owning a pet is good for us

With more pets than people, Australians have one of the world’s highest pet ownership rates with 62% of us owning at least one pet. And if you’re wondering why we’re so pet mad, research has shown the benefits include companionship, improved mental wellbeing, lower stress and better heart health. <ol> <li>Pets protect us from loneliness</li> </ol> We see our pet as part of the family. Their unconditional (and non-judgemental) love provides us companionship and help to lower stress and anxiety. Interacting with your pet increases feelings of social support and elevates mood. Dog walking increases opportunities for social interaction. When walking outside, fellow dog walkers love to say hello and introduce themselves and their dog to you. Some cafes and restaurants and hotels are dog-friendly venues too. When travelling alone, it’s wonderful to be able to take your furry companion with you. <ol start="2"> <li>Pets are good for our mental and physical well-being</li> </ol> Pet ownership brings responsibility and the need for skills to know how to best take care of them. These skills will extend to other animals, and other people. Children who have pets develop better social skills when interacting with their friends. Dog owners enjoy lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and less heart disease. While owning a dog is not fully protective, the benefit of all those dog walks are they keep you fitter, healthier and less stressed. If you are unlucky enough to have a heart attack, your long-term survival rate is assisted by having a dog. While interacting with a pet for 10-12 minutes will lower your blood pressure. One of the joys of owning a pet, is the pleasure they provide, and the feeling is mutual. Gazing into the eyes of your beloved pooch, boosts levels of oxytocin our bonding molecule. Our long-standing human-dog relationship was established over 30,000 years ago. Patting or stroking our pets is soothing, especially their silky ears. This is relaxing and how delightful is it when your pet reciprocates with loud purring or offers their tummy for a rub? <ol start="3"> <li>Pets are good for our immune system</li> </ol> You’ve probably heard about your gut microbiome that’s important to keep you healthy. Being a pet owner provides you a healthier microbiome and more robust immune system by promoting more of the beneficial bacteria and lowering the level of harmful, or pathogenic bacteria in our gut. Not only that, stroking your pet raises levels of immunoglobulin A in your body that forms a physical barrier in the gut to protect you against potential invading pathogens. In addition, pregnant mums with a pet in the household are less likely to have infants with childhood allergies, asthma or obesity. <ol start="4"> <li>Pets help us cope better with pain and recovery from illness</li> </ol> Owning a pet has been shown to help manage chronic pain. Pets often sense when their owner isn’t well or in pain and will stay close by, which is very soothing. Watching our pets play and their antics can serve as a useful distraction to our struggles with pain or illness. Having your pet with you (when allowed) in a hospital setting is reassuring and can lift your mood. Animals can help in the work or learning environment. Some workplaces have an office pet policy where you’re allowed to have you pet stay with you while you work. This has been shown to be great for boosting staff morale, collaboration and overall happiness, while keeping work stress lower. <ol start="5"> <li>Pets help us better manage our own self-care</li> </ol> Self-care is always important to stay fit and healthy but isn’t something we always find easy to do. This is where taking responsibility for a pet can help. Teenagers with type one diabetes when given goldfish to care for, did better in monitoring their own blood sugar levels, while having a pet have also been shown to help younger students stay focused and on task, and achieve higher academic results. Pets enrich our lives in so many ways from improved mental well-being to lower stress, elevated mood and greater social support. Whatever type of pet you choose, remember the benefits will work both ways. Dr Jenny Brockis is a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, workplace health and well-being consultant, and author of The Natural Advantage (Major Street Publishing). www.drjennybrockis.com Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Humanising AI could lead us to dehumanise ourselves

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/raffaele-f-ciriello-1079723">Raffaele F Ciriello</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/angelina-ying-chen-2230113">Angelina Ying Chen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Irish writer John Connolly <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/3147986-the-nature-of-humanity-its-essence-is-to-feel-another-s">once said</a>: "The nature of humanity, its essence, is to feel another’s pain as one’s own, and to act to take that pain away." For most of our history, we believed empathy was a uniquely human trait – a special ability that set us apart from machines and other animals. But this belief is now being challenged. As AI becomes a bigger part of our lives, entering even our most intimate spheres, we’re faced with a philosophical conundrum: could attributing human qualities to AI diminish our own human essence? Our <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375086411_Feels_Like_Empathy_How_Emotional_AI_Challenges_Human_Essence">research</a> suggests it can. <h2>Digitising companionship</h2> In recent years, AI “companion” apps such as Replika have attracted millions of users. Replika allows users to create custom digital partners to engage in intimate conversations. Members who pay for <a href="https://help.replika.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032500052-What-is-Replika-Pro#:%7E:text=Replika%20Pro%20gives%20you%20access,relationship%20status%20to%20Romantic%20Partner.">Replika Pro</a> can even turn their AI into a “romantic partner”. Physical AI companions aren’t far behind. Companies such as JoyLoveDolls are selling <a href="https://www.joylovedolls.com/collections/sex-robots">interactive sex robots</a> with customisable features including breast size, ethnicity, movement and AI responses such as moaning and flirting. While this is currently a niche market, history suggests today’s digital trends will become tomorrow’s global norms. With about <a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/31243/respondents-who-feel-fairly-or-very-lonely/">one in four</a> adults experiencing loneliness, the demand for AI companions will grow. <h2>The dangers of humanising AI</h2> Humans have long attributed human traits to non-human entities – a tendency known as anthropomorphism. It’s no surprise we’re doing this with AI tools such as ChatGPT, which appear to “think” and “feel”. But why is humanising AI a problem? For one thing, it allows AI companies to exploit our tendency to form attachments with human-like entities. Replika is <a href="https://replika.com">marketed</a> as “the AI companion who cares”. However, to avoid legal issues, the company elsewhere points out Replika isn’t sentient and merely learns through millions of user interactions. Some AI companies overtly <a href="https://www.space.gov.au/news-and-media/akin-assistive-ai-improve-life-space-and-earth">claim</a> their AI assistants have empathy and can even anticipate human needs. Such claims are misleading and can take advantage of people seeking companionship. Users may become <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-tried-the-replika-ai-companion-and-can-see-why-users-are-falling-hard-the-app-raises-serious-ethical-questions-200257">deeply emotionally invested</a> if they believe their AI companion truly understands them. This raises serious ethical concerns. A user <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374505266_Ethical_Tensions_in_Human-AI_Companionship_A_Dialectical_Inquiry_into_Replika">will hesitate</a> to delete (that is, to “abandon” or “kill”) their AI companion once they’ve ascribed some kind of sentience to it. But what happens when said companion unexpectedly disappears, such as if the user can no longer afford it, or if the company that runs it shuts down? While the companion may not be real, the feelings attached to it are. <h2>Empathy – more than a programmable output</h2> By reducing empathy to a programmable output, do we risk diminishing its true essence? To answer this, let’s first think about what empathy really is. Empathy involves responding to other people with understanding and concern. It’s when you share your friend’s sorrow as they tell you about their heartache, or when you feel joy radiating from someone you care about. It’s a profound experience – rich and beyond simple forms of measurement. A fundamental difference between humans and AI is that humans genuinely feel emotions, while AI can only simulate them. This touches on the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375086411_Feels_Like_Empathy_How_Emotional_AI_Challenges_Human_Essence">hard problem of consciousness</a>, which questions how subjective human experiences arise from physical processes in the brain. While AI can simulate understanding, any “empathy” it purports to have is a result of programming that mimics empathetic language patterns. Unfortunately, AI providers have a financial incentive to trick users into growing attached to their seemingly empathetic products. <h2>The dehumanAIsation hypothesis</h2> Our “dehumanAIsation hypothesis” highlights the ethical concerns that come with trying to reduce humans to some basic functions that can be replicated by a machine. The more we humanise AI, the more we risk dehumanising ourselves. For instance, depending on AI for emotional labour could make us less tolerant of the imperfections of real relationships. This could weaken our social bonds and even lead to emotional deskilling. Future generations may become less empathetic – losing their grasp on essential human qualities as emotional skills continue to be commodified and automated. Also, as AI companions become more common, people may use them to replace real human relationships. This would likely increase loneliness and alienation – the very issues these systems claim to help with. AI companies’ collection and analysis of emotional data also poses significant risks, as these data could be used to manipulate users and maximise profit. This would further erode our privacy and autonomy, taking <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-surveillance-capitalism-and-how-does-it-shape-our-economy-119158">surveillance capitalism</a> to the next level. <h2>Holding providers accountable</h2> Regulators need to do more to hold AI providers accountable. AI companies should be honest about what their AI can and can’t do, especially when they risk exploiting users’ emotional vulnerabilities. Exaggerated claims of “genuine empathy” should be made illegal. Companies making such claims should be fined – and repeat offenders shut down. Data privacy policies should also be clear, fair and without hidden terms that allow companies to exploit user-generated content. We must preserve the unique qualities that define the human experience. While AI can enhance certain aspects of life, it can’t – and shouldn’t – replace genuine human connection.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240803/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/raffaele-f-ciriello-1079723">Raffaele F Ciriello</a>, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/angelina-ying-chen-2230113">Angelina Ying Chen</a>, PhD student , <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/humanising-ai-could-lead-us-to-dehumanise-ourselves-240803">original article</a>.

Technology

Loneliness could kill you

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gillian-leithman-414232">Gillian Leithman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a> Independence is glorified in North American culture as a symbol of strength. As a society, we value individual achievement and extol self-reliance. I am an expert on aging and retirement and I also help employees transition from work to retirement by facilitating seminars and workshops in corporate Canada. And I often wonder however if our “go at it alone” attitude has led us down a lonely and isolating path. Here are some recent stats: <ul> <li> 40 per cent of Americans <a href="https://hbr.org/cover-story/2017/09/work-and-the-loneliness-epidemic">don’t feel close to others</a> at any given time. And the number of lonely Americans has doubled since the 1980s. </li> <li> <a href="http://www.carp.ca/2017/06/05/loneliness-survey-results/">In a recent Canadian Association of Retired People poll</a>, 16 per cent of Canadians indicated that they lacked companionship </li> <li> Fifteen per cent in the CARP poll said they had nobody to turn to or talk to </li> <li> Fifteen per cent were unhappy doing things alone. </li> </ul> I suspect that these numbers are even higher among the general Canadian population, not just CARP members. According to science, loneliness shortens our lifespan. <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/02/16/aaas-2014-loneliness-major-health-risk-older-adults">Twice as much as obesity.</a> Yes, you read that right. Dr. John <a href="http://psychology.uchicago.edu/people/faculty/cacioppo/">Cacioppo</a>, the world’s foremost authority on loneliness, maintains that the number of people in your life does not inoculate you from experiencing loneliness. Rather, it’s the feeling of being lonely that places the brain and body at risk. Cacioppo equates feeling lonely with feeling hungry. We compromise our survival and well-being when either is ignored. We are biologically hardwired to respond to our environment. When we experience low blood-sugar levels, we crave food. The feeling of our stomachs being empty is a warning sign to eat and it’s essential to our very survival. When we feel lonely, we desire connection with others, much like the loud rumble that your tummy makes when hungry. <h2>A lonely brain is restless</h2> Loneliness triggers “hyper-vigilance.” That is your brain is on the lookout for social threats, which consequently puts us on the defensive. We become more reactive to negative events and perceive daily hassles as more stressful. A lonely brain awakens often, experiences fragmented sleep and cannot recover from the day’s stressful events. A lonely brain is also subject to an increase in depressive symptoms and has difficulty self-regulating. That is why you may find yourself irritable and impulsive. A lonely brain is also at risk of cognitive and physical decline. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23232034">A three-year Dutch study</a> followed more than 2,000 participants aged 65 to 86. While none of the participants had signs of dementia at the outset of the study, results revealed that those who reported feeling lonely had a 64 per cent increase in the risk of developing dementia. People also experience an increase in loneliness when they retire from work. That’s why you want <a href="http://rewiretoretire.com/delay-retirement/">to make sure that you’re retiring to something</a>, and that you have friends outside of your place of employment. <h2>A lonely body</h2> Loneliness also affects the body. Psychologist <a href="https://irp.nih.gov/pi/stephen-suomi">Stephen Suomi’s</a> research indicates that loneliness distorts the expression of certain genes. An experiment separating newborn primates from their mothers during their first four months of life resulted in the altered development of immunity-related genes that help the body fight viruses. Social psychologist <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633610/">Lisa Jaremka’s research</a> indicates that lonely people have higher levels of activated viruses in their system and are at greater risk of suffering from chronic inflammation, which has been linked to Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and even suicide. While obesity increases your odds of an early death by 20 per cent, loneliness increases <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/06/12184/loneliness-linked-serious-health-problems-and-death-among-elderly">your odds by 45 per cent</a>. What are we to do with an emotional state that is so powerful that it can alter our brains, compromise our physiology and cut short our longevity? <h2>The antidote to loneliness</h2> <ol> <li> Seek out connection: We all need a tribe! </li> <li> Stop denying and accept “feeling lonely” as simply a craving for connection. </li> <li> Acknowledge the consequences of prolonged loneliness. If you ignore hunger, you starve. Same is true of our need for belonging. If you feel lonely, reach out to others. </li> <li> Recognize that quality relationships are most effective at feeding this void. </li> </ol> We are physiologically and psychologically primed for connection. The next time you feel lonely and out of sorts, acknowledge it as a signal that you are in need of connection and seek out companionship. Your body and your brain will be thankful that you did, and you may even increase your longevity.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/87217/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gillian-leithman-414232">Gillian Leithman</a>, Assistant Professor of professional business skills and aging, retirement, and knowledge management researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/loneliness-could-kill-you-87217">original article</a>.

Caring

Trying to lose weight? Here’s why your genetics could be just as important as your exercise regime

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/henry-chung-1279176">Henry Chung</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-mcmanus-2226445">Chris McManus</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-waterworth-2226444">Sally Waterworth</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a> Weight loss is a complicated process. There are so many factors involved including your diet, how much sleep you get each night and the kind of exercise you do. Our recent study shows that your <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02701367.2024.2404981">specific genetic profile</a> may also have a dominant effect on how well you lose weight through exercise. This might explain why two people who do an identical workout will see very different results. We identified 14 genes that appeared to significantly contribute to how much weight a person lost through running. This suggests that some of us have a natural talent when it comes to burning fat and losing weight through exercise. To conduct our study, we recruited 38 men and women born in the UK aged between 20 and 40. None of the participants regularly exercised at the start of the study. The group was randomly divided, with one half following a strict eight-week endurance programme that consisted of three weekly runs of 20-30 minutes. The other group acted as a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/control-group">control</a>. They were instructed to refrain from exercise and continue their daily routines as normal over this study period, including diet and lifestyle habits. All participants conducted a running test to see how far they could run in 12 minutes, and were weighed before and after the study period. This was to gauge their initial fitness level and see how much they changed over the duration of the study. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/">Body mass index</a> (BMI) was also calculated. Additionally, a saliva sample was collected from each person with a <a href="https://muhdo.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiIOmBhDjARIsAP6YhSUB3WI81JP4Q_snYLhh-SBVNeCJNy2m63C8bKJFvO-nJ5UsHuCCdqMaAhTeEALw_wcB">DNA test kit</a> at the end of the study to assess their unique genetic profile. It’s important to note that everyone who participated in the study had a similar body weight, BMI and aerobic fitness level at the start of the study. This is beneficial for <a href="https://casp-uk.net/news/homogeneity-in-research/">multiple reasons</a>. It meant everyone was at the same starting point, and some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/confounding-variable">confounding variables</a> were already controlled for such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10128125/">fitness level</a>. This ultimately improves accuracy in interpreting the results. <h2>Exercise genes</h2> Everyone in the exercise group managed to lose weight – around 2kg on average. The control group, on the other hand, put on a little bit of weight. While a 2kg weight loss may not sound like a lot, it’s significant considering the exercise regime only lasted eight weeks and participants made no <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/87186">changes to their diet</a>. More significant, however, was the large variation in results among those that exercised – with an up to 10kg difference in weight loss between some of the participants. In fact, everyone within the exercise group improved at different rates. Since we controlled for factors such as the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3529283/">intensity, duration and frequency</a> of the exercises and used participants who’d had a similar body weight and fitness level at the start of the study, this suggests that some people naturally benefited more than others from endurance training. When we looked at the genetic profiles of our participants, we found that differences in each person’s response to the exercise was strongly associated with their specific genetics. We showed there was a strong linear correlation between the amount of weight participants lost and 14 genes that have previously been shown to be associated with body weight, metabolism or <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-018-0017-5">psychological conditions</a> that affect BMI. The greater number of these genes a participant had, the more weight they lost. Our results also revealed that around 63% of the variance in weight lost among participants were explained by the genes identified. For example, research has shown the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/10891">PPARGC1A gene</a> plays a role in metabolism and the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/S11033-020-05801-Z">use of fats for energy</a> while exercising. Our study found that all participants who lost more than 1.5kg from exercise had this gene. Those who lost less than this did not have this gene. Our findings align with what <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0249501&s2=P875440273_1683331208925004155">previous studies</a> have shown. But while previous papers have only looked at the link between individual genes and weight loss, ours is the first to show that 14 different genes appear to work in combination to affect whether a person loses weight from endurance exercise. <h2>Piece of the puzzle</h2> Our study also suggests that while some people possess genes that make it easier for them to get fit and lose weight, people with these favourable genetics can only flourish if they actually exercise. In fact, our control group also had a number of these listed genes, but without exercise these genes could not activate, and so the participants did not lose any weight. While our study provides compelling findings, it’s not without limitations. Since we only looked at endurance-based exercise, it will be important for future studies to investigate whether there are similar links between weight loss, genetics and combinations of different types of training (such as a mixture of endurance and strength sessions into a training plan). It’s also worth mentioning that exercise is only <a href="https://www.who.int/activities/controlling-the-global-obesity-epidemic">one piece of the puzzle</a> when it comes to weight loss. So even if you have all 14 of these genes, you won’t lose any weight or get fit if you don’t exercise and maintain a healthy diet and sleep pattern. On the flip side, someone that only has a few of these favourable genes can still benefit if they exercise and are mindful of other aspects of their lifestyle.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240506/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/henry-chung-1279176">Henry Chung</a>, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-mcmanus-2226445">Chris McManus</a>, Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-waterworth-2226444">Sally Waterworth</a>, Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trying-to-lose-weight-heres-why-your-genetics-could-be-just-as-important-as-your-exercise-regime-240506">original article</a>.

Body

No time for a holiday? A ‘workation’ could be the answer

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</a> Imagine this: you’re lounging on the beach, waves crashing in the background. A laptop sits on the table next to your iced coffee. In between meetings, you dip into the ocean or explore a hiking trail. This is the ideal vision of “workations” – a blend of work and vacation that is <a href="https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1882649/rise-workation-hr-encourage-blurring-lines-home-away#:%7E:text=Since%20many%20people%20shifted%20to,having%20to%20take%20annual%20leave.">gaining popularity</a> worldwide. A workation allows employees to work remotely from a holiday spot, and is part of a larger shift towards more flexible working arrangements, accelerated by the COVID pandemic and the rise of digital technology. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16078055.2022.2134199#d1e474">Workations</a> can last from a few days to several weeks. The concept can be appealing to both employees and companies, but there are challenges too. So, understanding its benefits and limitations is important for workers and employers alike. The most obvious benefit for employees is enjoying a new environment while staying productive. The typical work environment can become monotonous, potentially leading to burnout, decreased creativity and dissatisfaction. A workation offers an escape from this day-to-day grind, providing a refreshing change of scenery. It combines the mental break of a vacation with the flexibility of working remotely, allowing workers to balance their professional and personal lives and <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/abas/20/1/20_0210112a/_pdf">enhance their creativity</a>. This flexibility may be particularly beneficial for those with high workloads or tight schedules, as they no longer need to sacrifice time away from work to relax. And companies can also reap rewards from approving workations among their staff. One of the most significant advantages is employee retention. Flexible work arrangements are among <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2023">the top priorities</a> for employees in today’s job market, helping to reduce staff turnover. Offering the option of a workation could also make a company more attractive to prospective employees. And workers who are free to work from inspiring locations may return to their tasks less stressed, and more motivated and engaged. Studies show that remote workers often demonstrate <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100615593273">increased organisational commitment</a>. Another advantage is the potential for cost savings. With more employees working remotely, companies may reduce their need for large office spaces or the expensive perks offered in corporate environments such as gyms, canteens and the staffing that goes with them. But there can be challenges too. The boundary between work and leisure can become blurred, and some employees may find it <a href="https://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/7578/1/Dissertation_Reinke_Always%20Online%20-%20Boundary%20Management%20and%20Well-being.pdf%20">hard to disconnect from work</a> – defeating the object of travelling to a different workplace. The allure of finishing “just one more task” can prevent employees from truly enjoying their surroundings, potentially leading to exhaustion instead of rejuvenation. Time zone differences can also be a challenge. Juggling meetings and collaborating with colleagues in different time zones can lead to irregular work hours that make it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Distractions are another concern. Beaches, tourist attractions or even the simple novelty of being in a new place can make it difficult to focus on work tasks. Employees need to have a strong sense of discipline to remain productive. For companies, one of the primary challenges is ensuring that employees remain productive. Monitoring performance without feeling intrusive can be a tricky balance for managers to strike. Security is another major concern. Remote work often involves accessing company networks and handling sensitive information. When employees work from unfamiliar locations – particularly in public spaces such as cafes – there may be increased risks related to cybersecurity. Ensuring that employees follow security protocols, use secure wifi and protect sensitive data is crucial. Lastly, workations might not be feasible for all roles. This can lead to disparities in who can take advantage of the opportunity, potentially leading to bad feeling among other staff. For the concept of workations to succeed, both employees and employers should set clear expectations, establish boundaries, and focus on maintaining productivity while allowing time for relaxation. But, if managed properly, they could become a staple of modern work culture. In a world where flexibility and wellbeing are increasingly valued, workations offer a unique opportunity to blend productivity with personal fulfilment, reshaping how we think about work and leisure. <h2>Nine tips for having a successful workation</h2> 1. Choose the right destination Opt for a location with reliable internet access and where the time difference between colleagues and clients is manageable. 2. Set clear boundaries Establish dividing lines between your work and vacation time, and communicate these boundaries with your employer and colleagues. 3. Ensure you have the right tech set-up Bring all the necessary equipment, including noise-cancelling headphones. Double-check that you have remote access to all necessary material before leaving. 4. Plan for cybersecurity Use a secure virtual private network (VPN) to protect company data, and follow your company’s cybersecurity policies to the letter. 5. Understand your company’s remote work policy Read up on things like flexibility in terms of location, time zones, working hours and refunds for co-working spaces or tech tools. 6. Set realistic expectations Don’t expect your workation to feel like a full vacation. Plan your leisure activities around your work schedule. Be prepared to work longer or odd hours if your company operates in a different time zone. 7. Consider the local infrastructure Research amenities such as medical services, food delivery and transport. These might be important if you stay in a more remote or unfamiliar area. Have a contingency plan for health emergencies and check visa requirements. 8. Prepare for flexibility Be ready for unexpected issues like slow internet or disruptions due to local events. Back-up plans, such as access to a co-working space or alternative accommodation, can save you from unnecessary stress. 9. Stay organised Keep a work schedule and a checklist of tasks to ensure that you remain as productive as you are in your regular work environment.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240485/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-time-for-a-holiday-a-workation-could-be-the-answer-240485">original article</a>.

Travel Tips

Readers response: What career path could you have seen yourself taking but didn’t?

When it comes to work, we often pick a career path and stick with the same industry for most of our working lives. However, it's not uncommon to have regrets over work, given many people pick their career paths as a young adult. We asked our readers what career path they could you have seen themselves taking but didn’t, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Jill Waterhouse - Nursing, but my parents wouldn't let me. I would have loved to have been a nursery nurse. After coming to Australia I did become a medical secretary, so I suppose I was a bit there. Nola Martin - Primary school teacher but my father wouldn't let me. Unforgivable. Peter King - Medicine, but ended up doing aviation instead. Joy Saker - Speech therapist, but I would have had to live at home for another 4 years. Helen McKee - I always wanted to be a police officer. Charlie Hedges - Wanted to be a doctor in space but could not afford the many years of college. Christina Hutchings - I wanted to be a librarian. Sue Nixon - I wish I was an airline stewardess or researcher, something to do with travel. Image credits: Shutterstock

Retirement Life

New study finds epilepsy drug could reduce sleep apnoea symptoms

New research has found that a drug used for epilepsy could be used to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects about one in 20 people, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England, includes symptoms like snoring and it causes a person's breathing to start and stop during the night, with many requiring an aid to help keep their airways open. An international study has identified that taking sulthiame, a drug sold under the brand name Ospolot in Europe, may help prevent patients' breathing from temporarily stopping. This provides an additional option for those unable to use mechanical breathing aids like the Cpap machines. “The standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea is sleeping with a machine that blows air through a face mask to keep the airways open. Unfortunately, many people find these machines hard to use over the long term, so there is a need to find alternative treatments,” Prof Jan Hedner from Sahlgrenska university hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden said. Researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial of almost 300 obstructive sleep apnoea patients across Europe, who did not use Cpap machines. They were divided into four groups and given either a placebo or different strengths of sulthiame. The study measured patients’ breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, eye movements, as well as brain and muscle activity while asleep. It found after 12 weeks, those taking sulthiame had up to 50% fewer occasions where their breathing stopped, and higher levels of oxygen in their blood. However, a bigger study needs to be done to confirm the beneficial effects on a larger group. The findings, were presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria. Erika Radford, the head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK said the findings were a positive step forward in moving away from having to rely on mechanical breathing equipment. “This potential alternative to the current main treatment would make it easier for people to manage their condition,” she said. Image: Shutterstock

Body

Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain. Bali is overwhelmed by <a href="https://thebalisun.com/concerns-increasing-about-impact-of-trash-and-traffic-on-bali-tourists/">waste and traffic</a>, Australia’s sacred sites have suffered <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50151344">environmental damage</a>, New York is facing rising rents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/new-york-airbnb-crackdown-rules-housing">due to short-term rentals</a>, and Singapore’s scenic spots are becoming <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/overtourism-locals-tourists-sustainable-tourism-stb-focus-4517681">clogged with crowds</a>. Frustrated locals are pushing back – from <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/barcelona-locals-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-during-protest-over-housing-costs/FUFHXKO5X5F5NNPSU6ELNVGSIA/">spraying water at tourists </a>in Barcelona to <a href="https://adventure.com/venice-locals-squatting-against-overtourism-photography/">organising protests in Venice</a>. As the northern hemisphere high season ends, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for an influx of visitors ahead of its summer tourism season. And much like those other <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/world/europe/greece-cruise-ships-tourists-islands.html">tourist hotspots</a>, the government is looking at how to manage the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment. This includes tripling the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/04/new-zealand-to-nearly-triple-tourist-tax-for-international-visitors">international tourist tax</a> from NZ$35 to $100. The aim of the increase is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/new-zealand-tourism-minister-makes-pitch-to-the-rich-as-he-spurns-10-a-day-travellers">attract tourists</a> who are more mindful of their impact and willing to contribute to its mitigation, while also <a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-nz-now-pay-up-the-risks-and-rewards-of-raising-the-foreign-tourist-tax-232138">reducing visitor numbers</a> to protect the country’s unique landscapes and cultures. But are there other ways the tourism industry can evolve to ensure benefits for both travellers and the communities they are visiting? So called “slow travel” could be the answer. <h2>Hunting the perfect photo</h2> Overtourism isn’t just about too many people in one place. It’s also about how people travel. <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/social-media-tourism-effect-scn-wellness/index.html">Instagram-famous</a> landmarks draw massive crowds, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/406195/visitors-ignore-ban-continue-to-visit-mermaid-pools-in-northland-hapu">disrupting local life</a> and sometimes even <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/vermot-town-famous-for-fall-foliage-bans-instagram-tourists-from-streets/BHKEYKKUTNHORFT6QCZ5TW333A/#google_vignette">leading to closures</a>. Travellers often pack their itineraries with as many sights as possible, racing from one place to another in a frenzy to capture the perfect photo. This hurried approach not only creates <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-19/barcelona-bhutan-places-that-limit-tourist-numbers">congestion</a> but also limits <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02859-z">meaningful engagement with the destination</a>. And it’s not just a numbers game. The way tourists behave also plays a critical role. A <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018690535/tropical-trash-the-impact-of-holidaying-in-the-pacific">2019 report</a> from the United Nations raised concerns about trash from tourists in developing small island states, including the Pacific Islands. According to the report, a tourist visiting these communities produced about 7kg of waste a day, compared to about 2.5kg produced by a local. The issue is not necessarily about travelling less, but about <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211973623000284">travelling more responsibly</a>. The tourism industry needs to be encouraging travel habits that allow both visitors and locals to enjoy tourism without compromising the integrity of the destination. <h2>The rise of slow travel</h2> Mindfulness – being fully present in the moment – has gained popularity since the 1970s. The concept has influenced a number of sectors, including <a href="https://slowfoodauckland.co.nz/">slow food</a>, <a href="https://ourwayoflife.co.nz/slow-fashion-101-what-to-buy-and-what-to-avoid-to-reduce-your-clothing-footprint/">slow fashion</a>, and now <a href="https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/wanaka-stories/how-to-be-a-slow-mindful-traveler-in-wanaka/">slow travel</a>. It’s about <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-63569-4_44#:%7E:text=Slow%20travel%2C%20mindful%20travel%2C%20or,spiritual%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20people">experiencing destinations</a> at a relaxed pace, focusing on deeper connections with local cultures and sustainability. This often means <a href="https://guestnewzealand.com/about-us/eco-travels-new-zealand/">staying longer in fewer places</a> and choosing eco-friendly transport. Understanding slow travel and mindfulness is important because they create <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogersands/2024/06/08/the-beauty-of-slow-travel/">richer, more memorable experiences</a>. Fast, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">hectic travel</a> often leaves little positive impact. Slow immersive travel, on the other hand, fosters lasting memories and reduces overtourism, pollution and cultural damage. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">Research</a> shows when we consciously immerse ourselves in our surroundings we can have more meaningful experiences. Surprisingly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">even luxury travel</a> – often dismissed as wasteful – can encourage respect and mindfulness for those who invest financially and mentally in their journey, unlike cheaper, mainstream tourism. Activities such as “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666957921000197">forest bathing</a>”, <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/mindful-hiking">hiking</a> or engaging with <a href="https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/a-guide-to-slow-travel-immersing-yourself-in-local-cultures/">local cultures</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723984/">boost wellbeing and meaning</a>, going beyond just “taking a photo for likes”. This mindful approach can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738321001419">change our behaviour on a personal level</a>. By focusing attention on fewer experiences, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">travellers can heighten</a> their sense of awe and appreciation, making the travel more memorable. This idea is evident in “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/002216786200200102?casa_token=PrIQTkCMjx0AAAAA:wtswfg0cuEuQec0zVg-Mbf9MuXYoqhQkWbaQCGdjxWkYUpVOwBu8Op5jC6V4nOghnow3xpwN3fDn">peak experiences</a>”. Disney, for example, creates <a href="https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/docam/vol9/iss2/6/">emotionally-charged moments</a> that stick in visitors’ minds. Other experiences, such as “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448211072808">digital detoxes</a>” or <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article-abstract/45/6/1142/4999270">pilgrimages</a> can leave a contemplative impression. By concentrating on a single aspect of a visit, it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738320300797?casa_token=Np4PXLk5RqsAAAAA:Q3440A-lsf-XTAWuboPPbIcnvBAhk8nnIoWyF-gynHkSPmyPaykzfpBhTLbFDBHZEX0bbtZJgQ">becomes special and memorable</a>. Even in busy places like Disneyland, focusing on one unique element can make the experience feel slower and more meaningful. <h2>The sustainability of tourism</h2> In the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">Faroe Islands</a>, slow travel helps protect local traditions and landscapes by encouraging thoughtful visitor behaviour, such as using local guides to minimise environmental impact. New Zealand can leverage its natural beauty to offer similar immersive experiences. <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-well-what-is-mindful-hiking-walking-for-wellbeing-boost/67MYS6ZSNXC7ZH6OTZ2DLBGFL4/">Tramping</a> (hiking), for example, can promote a mindful connection with the environment. But even here, there needs to be a focus on balancing tourism with preservation. Popular spots, such as the Department of Conservation huts and the Te Araroa Trail, are <a href="https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/te-araroa-trail-shows-pressure/">already becoming crowded</a>. It is essential to educate visitors on <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/outdoor-activities/tramping-tips-to-prevent-spreading-pests-and-diseases/biosecurity-considerations-walking-and-tramping/">responsible practices</a> – such as cleaning equipment – to ensure they understand their <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/heritage-and-visitor-strategy#:%7E:text=The%20natural%2C%20cultural%20and%20historic,wellbeing%2C%20enabling%20communities%20to%20thrive.">role in protecting nature</a>. Travel that fosters a deeper appreciation for local cultures and environments benefits both visitors and the destinations they explore. The challenge is finding the right balance – encouraging meaningful travel experiences while still ensuring accessibility for all.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238316/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Five signs in your senior pet you shouldn’t ignore

Just like humans, pets can become susceptible to health complications as they age. Cats are considered senior at around 11 years, and many dogs are considered senior from about seven years old, depending on their breed. As your furry friends get older, it's important to look out for these five changes in your pet, because if caught early, addressing them promptly may significantly improve their well-being, lifespan and quality of life. Dramatic weight changes If your pet either loses or gains weight dramatically, it’s time to book an appointment at the vets. Significant weight changes can signal issues such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or alterations in metabolism and muscle tone, which are sometimes associated with ageing. Increased thirst An increase in thirst, and in turn an increase in urination, could be the sign of several health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. Addressing these symptoms early can help manage the condition and drastically improve your pet's quality of life. Changes in appetite Several health problems in pets can manifest in a change of appetite, whether it's a decrease or increase in hunger. Changes in appetite might be due to dental issues, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes or more severe conditions like cancer. Signs of chronic pain Chronic pain can present in pets in many different ways, such as Repeated chewing, biting, or scratching at a specific area, altered activity levels, reluctance to move or jump, or poor response to medications. If your furry friend looks like they are struggling to move, or are slower when getting up and down, it's time to schedule a trip to the vet. Changes in demeanour As pets age, they can experience similar symptoms to humans, such as changes in vision, hearing and general confusion. Some pets can even experience dementia, with symptoms including anxiety, aimless wandering, decreased appetite, and notable shifts in behaviour. Although there is no cure, management is possible through medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes and available under veterinary guidance. Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Jon Bon Jovi praised for talking woman off bridge

Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide. Jon Bon Jovi has helped to persuade a woman standing on the ledge of a bridge in Nashville to come back over the railing, likely saving her life. The Metro Nashville Police Department revealed that the encounter happened on Tuesday night on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The rock star was filming a music video for his song The People's House on the bridge, when he spotted the woman on the ledge, according to the New York Post. Surveillance footage shared by the city's police department on X showed the singer approaching the woman, alongside another bystander and not long after they helped pull her over the railing and away from danger. After the woman was safe, she and Bon Jovi hugged. "A shout out to @jonbonjovi & his team for helping a woman on the Seigenthaler Ped Bridge Tue night," the Metro Nashville Police Department shared on X. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/jonbonjovi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jonbonjovi</a> & his team for helping a woman on the Seigenthaler Ped Bridge Tue night. Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety. "It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,"--Chief John Drake <a href="https://t.co/1YejKJ2WgM">https://t.co/1YejKJ2WgM</a> — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNPDNashville/status/1833970989354348832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> "Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety. 'It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,'--Chief John Drake." The bridge was completely open to the public at the time Bon Jovi was filming his music video. While the singer told The Post that he won't be making any public comments out of respect for the person and their privacy, another source told them that Bon Jovi did what any person who found themselves in that situation would've done. Images: Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Caring

New device could help GPs detect Alzheimer's in minutes

GPs could soon be able to screen their patients for Alzheimer's Disease in a matter of minutes, using a handheld device the size of a credit card. The first-of-a-kind finger-prick blood test was developed by engineers at Melbourne's Monash University and it can detect the hallmark protein biomarkers of early Alzheimer's Disease within minutes. This could become an important tool for doctors in diagnosing patients before the symptoms progress. In Australia alone there are around 420,000 people living with dementia, with that number set to double by 2054. Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati, from Monash Materials Science and Engineering, helped lead the development of the testing device. "Detecting very early disease in large populations could dramatically change the trajectory of this burdening disease for many patients, and shave millions off associated healthcare costs," Mokkapati said. "We've completed testing that shows the technology is highly advanced by design and capable of detecting ultra-low levels of several disease biomarkers in blood." The device also has the potential to remove the need for laboratory-based pathology tests, making diagnoses faster and cheaper. The university is currently seeking funding to complete the next stage - clinical validation, which will help bring the device one step closer to reality. "Most patients with neurodegenerative disease are typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Sadly, treatments targeting late-onset disease provide limited therapeutic benefit," Associate Professor Matthew Pase, at Monash's School of Psychological Sciences, said. "Earlier screening could change the outlook for many patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment, increasing the chance of halting or slowing symptom development and the rapid progression of the disease." Image: Monash University/ Nine

Caring

Readers response: If you could spend your retirement anywhere in the world, where would you go?

When it comes to retirement, many people decide to spend their golden years travelling the globe. Alternatively, others prefer to stay closer to come to spend valuable quality time with their closest friends and family. We asked our readers where they would spend their retirement if they could choose anywhere in the world, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Tracee Williams Mason - A cruise ship. Kay Little-Ohmsen - Right where I am. Sunshine Coast and have been for 48 years. Cheryl Barrett - On the Greek island of Naxos. Bruce Hopkins - Travelling around the world. Bob Holl - Cruising the Whitsunday Islands. Steve Tracy - Back to Japan where I spent the 25 happiest years of my life. Terry Dolman - Where I live in South Australia for half the year, Vietnam for the other half. Bev Martin - Florida. Sandra Tiplady Schellings - At the beach! Sonia Davis - Darwin. Sally O'Neill - European cruise and cruising around the Greek Isles. Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Talk show legend dies after lengthy health battle

US talk show host Phil Donahue has died aged 88 after a long illness. His family announced his death in a statement to People and NBC News. “Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie,” they said. Donahue was dubbed "the king of daytime talk" for being the first to include audiences as part of the talk show, paving the way for other talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres. He was the host of The Phil Donahue Show for nearly three decades, from 1967 to 1996. The show tackled controversial issues and topics like equal rights for women in front of a live audience. In May, he and 18 other honourees received the Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden, the nation's highest civilian honour. Oprah Winfrey has led tributes to the talk show legend, with a post on social media. "There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously," she shared, with a photo of a pair embracing during one of their meetings. "He was a pioneer. I'm glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2tOpNuz1N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2tOpNuz1N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Oprah (@oprah)</a> </div> </blockquote> Former talk show host Ricki Lake also paid tribute to Donahue on social media, saying: "Raising a glass in honor of the great #phildonohue. Phil was an absolute legend and a pioneer in the talk show space. "So honoured to stand beside him at Oprah's show celebrating talk show icons in 2010. Such a warm, super supportive and brilliant man. Grateful for the path he paved and the legacy he has left behind. May he rest in peace." Montell Williams, fellow TV host also described him as "a true pioneer" saying, "Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the landscapes of television. My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and his family. Rest in peace, Phil" <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is a very sad day. I admired Phil Donahue for so many reasons, and he was one of the finest broadcasters in American television. If there wasn't a Phil, there would have never been a Sally. My thoughts & prayers go out to Marlo and their family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Legend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/talkshows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#talkshows</a> <a href="https://t.co/knqPeAO6TJ">pic.twitter.com/knqPeAO6TJ</a> — Sally Jessy Raphael (@SJRaphael) <a href="https://twitter.com/SJRaphael/status/1825545392953647162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> His wife Marlo Thomas, also paid tribute to her husband, with a throwback photo of the pair on holiday. "I'm sure by now you've heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I'll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts," she shared. "But I didn't want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you've let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-3PXINo43s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-3PXINo43s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marlo Thomas (@marlothomas)</a> </div> </blockquote> "As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing," she continued. "Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip." Images: Instagram/ X

Caring

We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhaoli-dai-keller-1547476">Zhaoli Dai-Keller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/perminder-sachdev-46869">Perminder Sachdev</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> The number of centenarians around the world rose from <a href="https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/">151,000 in 2000</a> to 573,000 in 2021. People are living longer, and we can expect to see more people reach 100 in the years to come. Centenarians <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/67A/4/395/623695">exemplify successful ageing</a>, often experiencing <a href="https://agmr.hapres.com/htmls/AGMR_1264_Detail.html">fewer chronic diseases</a> and maintaining independence in daily life well into their 90s. While <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12979-016-0066-z">genetics contribute</a> to longevity, modifiable factors account for more than 60% <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14624729/">of successful aging</a>. But what sort of factors specifically contribute to living to 100? To find out, we reviewed lifestyle and health habits of centenarians and near-centenarians (those aged 95–99) worldwide. Our <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-024-01247-4">recent review</a> included 34 observational studies published since 2000. Here are four key factors we found contribute to extreme longevity. <h2>1. A diverse diet with controlled salt intake</h2> Centenarians and near-centenarians typically had a balanced and diverse diet. We found, on average, they consumed between 57% and 65% of their energy intake from carbohydrates, 12% to 32% from protein, and 27% to 31% from fat. Their diets included staple foods (such as rice and wheat), fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like poultry, fish and legumes, with moderate red meat consumption. This dietary pattern, similar to the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29852087/">Mediterranean diet</a>, is linked to lower risks of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111364">physical function impairment</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31685303/">death</a>. Most centenarians also preferred a low-salt diet. While only one study in our review measured the mean daily sodium intake, finding 1.6 grams, this was within the <a href="https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/3082#:%7E:text=A%20salt%20intake%20of%20less,much%20more%20salt%20than%20recommended">World Health Organization’s</a> recommendation of less than 2g of sodium per day (equivalent to about 5g of salt). The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20234038/">traditional Okinawan diet</a>, known for its consumption by Japanese centenarians on Okinawa Island, contains an estimated 1.1g of sodium. We found higher salt intake (those who preferred salty food or added extra salt to meals) had a 3.6-fold increased risk of physical function impairment compared to those without a preference for salt. Practically, these findings suggest we should include plenty of wholegrains, root vegetables, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables in our diet, minimise red meat consumption and opt for lean poultry, fish, and plant-based protein, and monitor salt in our food. <h2>2. Lower medication use</h2> Centenarians are not free from chronic conditions but typically develop them much later than average adults. More than half of the people in our review experienced common issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure), dementia, or cognitive impairment. We found people in our review took an average of 4.6 medications. The most frequently used medications included blood pressure medications and drugs for heart disease. This is similar to the results of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051563">a large health register-based study</a> in Spain, which found centenarians took an average of 4.9 medications. Non-centenarians in this study took 6.7 medications on average. The fact centenarians appear to take fewer medications may indicate better health with fewer medical conditions. However, data on medication use is often self-reported and so may not be entirely accurate, especially among those with cognitive impairment. <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00007-2/fulltext">Polypharmacy</a> is often defined as taking five or more medications simultaneously, and is common in older adults. Inappropriate polypharmacy is associated with <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults">increased risks</a> of adverse events such as falls, cognitive impairment and hospitalisation, due to harmful drug interactions. While the type or number of prescribed medications may not be within a patient’s control, it’s important for doctors to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12875-017-0642-0">prescribe medications</a> only when necessary, fully inform patients about benefits and risks, and regularly review treatment plans. <h2>3. Getting good sleep</h2> Sleep quality and quantity <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber">affect</a> the immune system, stress hormones, and cardiometabolic functions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Good <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/74/2/204/4837199">sleep</a> is associated with extended years of good health and reduced risks of chronic diseases. In our review, 68% of the centenarians were satisfied with their sleep quality. In a survey of adults’ sleep satisfaction in 13 countries in 2020, sleep satisfaction ranged from <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1233775/adults-worldwide-satisfied-sleep-country/">29% to 67%</a>. The <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/74/2/204/4837199">optimal sleep duration</a> is between seven and eight hours per night. Tips to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379">achieving better sleep</a> include keeping a regular sleep routine, creating a restful environment, exercising regularly and managing stress. <h2>4. Living environment</h2> More than 75% of the centenarians and near-centenarians in our review lived in rural areas. This is a pattern reflected in “<a href="https://www.bluezones.com/">blue zones</a>”, areas known for high concentrations of centenarians, such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Ikaria in Greece. This may be partly related to the connection between nature and health and wellbeing. For example, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562165/">exposure to green space</a> has been associated with lower stress, depression, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, potentially increasing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107785">life expectancy</a>. <h2>Other important factors</h2> We didn’t look at all lifestyle factors associated with longevity in our review. Research also shows <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S053155650700143X">not smoking</a>, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802963">avoiding alcohol</a> or drinking moderately, staying <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3618983/">physically active</a> and maintaining <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1991">social connections</a> are important for boosting a person’s chances of living to 100. Of course, adopting the lifestyle changes discussed in this article won’t guarantee you’ll reach the ripe old age of 100. And on the flip side, some centenarians have shared <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-never-take-nutrition-advice-from-a-centenarian-229159">questionable</a> health habits. But many older adults are seeking to adopt <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9092121/">healthier lifestyles</a> to prevent and manage chronic conditions, while health-care professionals are similarly recognising the value of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5638636/">lifestyle medicine</a>. The earlier you can adopt positive lifestyle changes and healthier habits, the better placed you’ll be to achieve a long and healthy life. Becoming a centenarian is a lifelong endeavour.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235100/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhaoli-dai-keller-1547476">Zhaoli Dai-Keller</a>, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney; Nutritional epidemiologist and Lecturer, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/perminder-sachdev-46869">Perminder Sachdev</a>, Scientia Professor of Neuropsychiatry, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-reviewed-the-health-habits-of-centenarians-these-4-things-could-lead-to-a-longer-life-235100">original article</a>.

Body

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat. When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok. The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. “When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. “I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.” After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it. “She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.” The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it. She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. “I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained. But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.” “I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.” “I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.” The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.” “She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Could the shingles vaccine lower your risk of dementia?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ibrahim-javed-1552271">Ibrahim Javed</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03201-5">recent study</a> has suggested Shingrix, a relatively new vaccine given to protect older adults against shingles, may delay the onset of dementia. This might seem like a bizarre link, but actually, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34697158/">research</a> has previously shown an older version of the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, reduced the risk of dementia. In this new study, published last week in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers from the United Kingdom found Shingrix delayed dementia onset by 17% compared with Zostavax. So how did the researchers work this out, and how could a shingles vaccine affect dementia risk? <h2>From Zostavax to Shingrix</h2> Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles">painful rashes</a>, and affects older people in particular. Previously, Zostavax was used to vaccinate against shingles. It was administered as a single shot and provided good protection for about <a href="https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/zoster-herpes-zoster">five years</a>. Shingrix has been developed based on a newer vaccine technology, and is thought to offer stronger and longer-lasting protection. Given in two doses, it’s now the preferred option for shingles vaccination in Australia and elsewhere. In November 2023, Shingrix replaced Zostavax on the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/national-immunisation-program-changes-to-shingles-vaccination-from-1-november-2023">National Immunisation Program</a>, making it available for free to those at highest risk of complications from shingles. This includes all adults aged 65 and over, First Nations people aged 50 and older, and younger adults with certain medical conditions that affect their immune systems. <h2>What the study found</h2> Shingrix was approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration in <a href="https://www.drugs.com/history/shingrix.html">October 2017</a>. The researchers in the new study used the transition from Zostavax to Shingrix in the United States as an opportunity for research. They selected 103,837 people who received Zostavax (between October 2014 and September 2017) and compared them with 103,837 people who received Shingrix (between November 2017 and October 2020). By analysing data from electronic health records, they found people who received Shingrix had a 17% increase in “diagnosis-free time” during the follow-up period (up to six years after vaccination) compared with those who received Zostavax. This was equivalent to an average of 164 extra days without a dementia diagnosis. The researchers also compared the shingles vaccines to other vaccines: influenza, and a combined vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Shingrix and Zostavax performed around 14–27% better in lowering the risk of a dementia diagnosis, with Shingrix associated with a greater improvement. The benefits of Shingrix in terms of dementia risk were significant for both sexes, but more pronounced for women. This is not entirely surprising, because we know women have <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women">a higher risk</a> of developing dementia due to interplay of biological factors. These include being more sensitive to certain genetic mutations associated with dementia and hormonal differences. <h2>Why the link?</h2> The idea that vaccination against viral infection can lower the risk of dementia has been around for more than two decades. Associations have been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11762573/">observed</a> between vaccines, such as those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and influenza, and subsequent dementia risk. Research has shown Zostavax vaccination can <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/10/e045871">reduce the risk</a> of developing dementia by 20% compared with people who are unvaccinated. But it may not be that the vaccines themselves protect against dementia. Rather, it may be the resulting lack of viral infection creating this effect. Research indicates bacterial infections in the gut, as well as viral infections, are associated with a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10169152/">higher risk of dementia</a>. Notably, untreated infections with herpes simplex (herpes) virus – closely related to the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles – can <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/trc2.12119">significantly increase</a> the risk of developing dementia. Research has also shown shingles increases the risk of a later dementia diagnosis. The mechanism is not entirely clear. But there are two potential pathways which may help us understand why infections could increase the risk of dementia. First, certain molecules are produced when a baby is developing in the womb to help with the body’s development. These molecules have the potential to cause inflammation and accelerate ageing, so the production of these molecules is silenced around birth. However, viral infections such as shingles can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2018.07.011">reactivate</a> the production of these molecules in adult life which could <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717685/#:%7E:text=The%20disease%20mechanisms%20of%20AD,may%20lead%20to%20new%20therapies.">hypothetically lead to dementia</a>. Second, in Alzheimer’s disease, a specific protein called Amyloid-β go rogue and kill brain cells. Certain proteins produced by viruses <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.16.594465v1">such as COVID</a> and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202001299">bad gut bacteria</a> have the potential to support Amyloid-β in its toxic form. In laboratory conditions, these proteins have been shown to <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1003537">accelerate the onset</a> of dementia. <h2>What does this all mean?</h2> With an ageing population, the burden of dementia is only likely to become greater in the years to come. There’s a lot more we have to learn about the causes of the disease and what we can potentially do to prevent and treat it. This new study has some limitations. For example, time without a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean time without disease. Some people may have underlying disease with delayed diagnosis. This research indicates Shingrix could have a silent benefit, but it’s too early to suggest we can use antiviral vaccines to prevent dementia. Overall, we need more research exploring in greater detail how infections are linked with dementia. This will help us understand the root causes of dementia and design potential therapies.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235597/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ibrahim-javed-1552271">Ibrahim Javed</a>, Enterprise and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-the-shingles-vaccine-lower-your-risk-of-dementia-235597">original article</a>.

Mind

Leaked footage shows Olympic star's horrific animal abuse

The extent of dressage star Charlotte Dujardin's "error of judgement" has been revealed, just hours after she made the snap decision to withdraw from the Olympics just days before its commencement. The British dressage star, who is a three-time gold medallist and the joint most-decorated British female Olympian, withdrew and accepted a provisional six-month ban when coming clean about her acts of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/no-excuse-olympic-legend-quits-days-before-paris-games-commence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">animal abuse</a> in the lead up to the Paris Games. Just hours after announcing her withdrawal from the equestrian events, a disturbing video of a training session began to circulate, in which she is alleged to have beaten a horse with a long whip 24 times in one minute. The video, first released by Good Morning Britain, was taken four years ago and allegedly showed the 39-year-old mistreating a horse when trying to get the animal to slowly trot during a lesson with a young student. With the trainee rider mounted on the horse, Dujardin can allegedly be seen whipping the horse’s legs repeatedly. The video has outraged many, with hundreds of people taking to social media to voice their shock and horror at the acts. Leading British social commentator David Kurten wrote on X, “The cruel abuse of this horse by Charlotte Dujardin is horrific and a stain on our nation." “Two urgent questions need answers: Did she whip horses regularly? Are dozens or hundreds of other dressage horses regularly whipped and abused by other trainers?” Former editor of Horse and Hound Lucy Higginson also added, “It has profoundly shocked everybody in the equestrian world.” The video was sent anonymously to the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), who made the choice to suspend Dujardin just days before the Paris Olympics are set to begin. “The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024,” it said in a statement. “This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.” “According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms Dujardin at a private stable,” the organisation said. The governing body said Dujardin had confirmed she was depicted in the video and had acknowledged that her conduct was “inappropriate”. “Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation,” it said. “The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour.” When announcing her withdrawal from the Games, Dujardin said she made an "error of judgement", saying there was "no excuse" for her behaviour. She wrote in a statement on Instagram, “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.” Image credits: Instagram / Good Morning Britain

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Does screen use really impact our thinking skills? Our analysis suggests it could

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michoel-moshel-1433565">Michoel Moshel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-batchelor-1485101">Jennifer Batchelor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joanne-bennett-1485102">Joanne Bennett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wayne-warburton-402810">Wayne Warburton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Screens have become seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, serving as indispensable tools for work, education and leisure. But while they enrich our lives in countless ways, we often fail to consider the potential impact of screen time on our cognitive abilities. In a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11065-023-09612-4">new meta-analysis</a> of dozens of earlier studies, we’ve found a clear link between disordered screen use and lower cognitive functioning. The findings suggest we should exercise caution before advocating for more screen time, and before introducing screens into even more aspects of daily life. <h2>Young people’s screen time is increasing</h2> In 2020, a UNSW Gonski Institute for Education report <a href="https://www.gie.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/UNSW%20GIE%20GUD%20Phase%201%20Technical%20Report%20MAR20%20v2.pdf">noted a concerning statistic</a>: about 84% of Australian educators believe digital technologies are distracting in a learning environment. And according to the ABC, a recent Beyond Blue <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-18/mental-health-depression-anxiety-support-coming-for-schools/102831464">survey</a> of Australian teachers identified excessive screen time as the second-most significant challenge for young people, just behind mental health issues. Despite mounting concerns, more than half of Australian schools have embraced a “<a href="https://www.linewize.io/anz/blog/the-rise-of-byod-in-australian-schools">bring your own device</a>” policy. Students are spending more time online than <a href="https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/students-computers-and-learning_9789264239555-en#page46">ever before</a> and starting at increasingly younger ages. A 2021 report by <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/8-18-census-integrated-report-final-web_0.pdf">Common Sense Media</a> estimated tweens spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes using screen-based entertainment each day, while teenagers devote a whopping 8 hours and 39 minutes. A surge in screen use has led to some individuals, including children, adolescents and adults, developing screen-related addictions. One example is gaming disorder, for which <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0004867420962851">2–3% of people</a> meet the criteria. <h2>What is ‘disordered screen use’?</h2> The impact of screens on our cognitive abilities – that is, our thinking skills such as attention, memory, language and problem-solving – has sparked much debate. On one hand, some researchers and reporters claim screen use can have negative effects, such as <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-12701-3">health problems</a>, shortened attention <a href="https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/">spans</a> and hindered <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312489265_The_relationship_between_television_exposure_and_children's_cognition_and_behaviour_A_systematic_review">development</a>. On the other, schools are <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/education/tech-takeover-classrooms-crowded-with-digital-devices-20200125-p53ul1.html">increasingly adopting</a> technology to boost student engagement. Tech companies are also marketing their products as tools to help you enhance your problem-solving and memory skills. Our <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11065-023-09612-4">recent study</a> sought to understand the potential cognitive consequences of “disordered screen-related behaviours”. This is a broad category of problematic behaviours that may include screen dependency, and persisting with screen use even when it’s harmful. We conducted a meta-analysis of 34 studies that explored various forms of screen use (including gaming, internet browsing, smartphone use and social media use) and compared the cognitive performance of individuals with disordered screen use to those without it. Our findings paint a concerning picture. <h2>Differences in cognitive function</h2> Across these rigorously peer-reviewed studies, individuals with disordered screen use consistently demonstrated significantly poorer cognitive performance compared to others. The most affected cognitive domain was attention, and specifically sustained attention, which is the ability to maintain focus on an unchanging stimulus for an extended period. The second-most notable difference was in their “executive functioning” – particularly in impulse control, which is the ability to control one’s automatic responses. Interestingly, the type of screen activity didn’t make a difference in the results. The trend also wasn’t confined to children, but was observed across all age groups. <h2>Two ways to interpret the results</h2> Why do people with disordered screen-related behaviours have poorer cognitive functioning? The first explanation is that disordered screen use actually leads to poorer cognitive function, including poorer attention skills (but we’ll need more experimental and longitudinal studies to establish causality). If this is the case, it may be the result of being constantly bombarded by algorithms and features designed to capture our attention. By diverting our focus outward, screen use may weaken one’s intrinsic ability to concentrate over time. Crucially, impaired attention also <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/10/1/article-p77.xml">makes it harder to disengage</a> from addictive behaviours, and would therefore make it harder to recognise when screen use has become a problem. The second explanation is that people who already have poorer cognitive functioning (such as less inhibitory control) are more likely to engage in disordered screen use. This could be a result of the plethora of addictive cues designed to keep us glued to our screens. Being bombarded by these could make it harder to <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/9/4/article-p990.xml">pull the brakes</a> on screen use. Although the literature doesn’t seem to favour this explanation – and does seem to suggest that cognitive functioning is impaired as a result of disordered screen use – it’s still a possibility we can’t rule out. Attention is the bedrock of everyday tasks. People with weakened attention may struggle to keep up in less stimulating environments, such as a static workplace or classroom. They may find themselves turning to a screen as a result. Similarly, people with less inhibitory control would also find it more challenging to moderate their screen use. This could be what drives them towards problematic screen-related behaviours in the first place. <h2>Who should shoulder the responsibility?</h2> Research indicates people with impaired cognitive functioning usually aren’t as well equipped to moderate their own screen time. Many users with disordered screen use are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563220302326?casa_token=BQv_N_MFffYAAAAA:AsGkAfdwXjCZHJB463G40Mx-ckS2Q1c8jSOn2SWR_9iW64eWaQsru1IJAZBDCgSPXwhZ3Qwl">young</a>, with mainly males engaging in internet gaming and mainly females engaging in social media use. Neurodiverse people are <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/9/5587">also at greater risk</a>. Tech companies are driven by the goal of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/18/netflix-competitor-sleep-uber-facebook">capturing our attention</a>. For instance, Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings acknowledged the company’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/18/netflix-competitor-sleep-uber-facebook">most formidable competitor was sleep</a>. At the same time, researchers find themselves struggling to keep up with the pace of technological innovation. A potential path forward is to encourage open-access data policies from tech companies, so researchers can delve deeper into the study of screen use and its effect on individuals. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216828/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michoel-moshel-1433565">Michoel Moshel</a>, PhD/Masters Clinical Neuropsychology Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-batchelor-1485101">Jennifer Batchelor</a>, Associate Professor, School of Psychological Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joanne-bennett-1485102">Joanne Bennett</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wayne-warburton-402810">Wayne Warburton</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-screen-use-really-impact-our-thinking-skills-our-analysis-suggests-it-could-216828">original article</a>.

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Leaked footage shows Olympic star's horrific animal abuse

Does screen use really impact our thinking skills? Our analysis suggests it could