Your Legs, Your Life: The Importance of a Healthy Lower Half – Research on Aging

8232The life expectancy of humans has increased fifty percent over the last century and is projected to continue lengthening in the coming decades. This comes with some potential issues. As we live longer, we develop more chronic conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure that worsen the quality of life and increase health care costs.

Healthy, functional legs can help stave off some of these chronic conditions and are critical in maintaining a vibrant lifestyle, as well as preventing injury and disability, particularly among older individuals. Dr. Matthew Allison discusses the importance of sustaining healthy legs. He describes ways to maintain mobility and increase stamina and activity. Dr. Allison also talks about various diseases that impede leg function, such as peripheral arterial disease, chronic venous disease, and neuropathy in the legs; and potential treatment options in this Stein Institute for Research on Aging presentation.

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