Exercise and drinking plenty of water may not be sufficient! After turning 60, if you want to maintain good health, don't ignore these 4 important factors. Doctors emphasize that while these aren't difficult to implement, the results can be remarkably effective.

Compiled by Sadsad Online news team April 25, 2025

According to international media reports, the medical community has long confirmed that the key factors determining elderly health don't rely on any single "special trick," but rather on comprehensive lifestyle management.

Consider the case of this Chinese man: At 5:30 a.m., before dawn fully breaks, 62-year-old Mr. Zhu goes out for a brisk walk around his neighborhood, completing three full circuits. He often says, "I walk ten thousand steps daily and drink plenty of water—my health should be absolutely fine."

However, his recent health checkup results came as a shock. His fasting blood sugar was elevated, bad cholesterol had increased, and his bone density had decreased. Mr. Zhu was confused: "With this much discipline, why did the results turn out this way?"

The doctor's answer made him realize that "after 60, health doesn't depend on effort in just one area, but rather on comprehensive systemic behavior."

Many people believe the secret to longevity is simply "exercise and drink lots of water." While important, neglecting sleep quality, proper nutrition, chronic disease management, and stress control can lead to disappointing results.

4 Important Overlooked Factors That Determine Senior Health

Medical guidelines, including recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and many countries, emphasize that good health comes from holistic care, not just a single behavior.

1. Adequate Protein Intake Is as Important as Exercise Many elderly people worry that "eating too much protein will harm the kidneys," so they reduce consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy. However, after age 60, muscle mass decreases more rapidly. Without sufficient protein, you risk sarcopenia, increasing fall risk and prolonging recovery from illness.

It's recommended to include quality protein at every meal, such as fish, eggs, milk, tofu, or lean meat. For those with chewing difficulties, choose steamed, braised, or boiled foods to soften the texture.

2. Sleep Isn't Just Rest—It Affects Metabolism and Heart Health Many elderly people experience poor sleep quality, waking in the middle of the night, viewing this as normal aging. However, chronic insomnia directly impacts blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and brain function. Sleep is the body's repair process during nighttime hours.

It's recommended to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, avoid tea and coffee in the afternoon, and avoid videos or phones before bed. If you experience insomnia several times weekly for over 3 months, consult a doctor.

3. Chronic Disease Management Requires Monitoring Long-term Trends, Not Just Single Tests A common misconception is that if a single health checkup is normal, you're safe for the entire year. However, the risk of hypertension or diabetes often lies hidden in daily fluctuations. What matters is the long-term trend, not any single number.

It's recommended to regularly monitor blood pressure at home, recording both morning and evening readings. Those with blood sugar abnormalities should follow doctor recommendations and bring records for the physician to consider treatment adjustments.

4. Emotions and Social Relationships Are an Overlooked "Health Shield" Retirement or family separation can make elderly people feel isolated. Prolonged loneliness affects the body through the nervous system, hormones, and immunity. Those with good social relationships typically maintain better health.

BANGKOK — 24 April 2026, Bangkok authorities have installed metal barriers on pavements in Khlong Toei district to prevent motorcycles from driving on footpaths, following repeated public complaints.

Sittichai Aranyaganon, assistant secretary to the Bangkok governor, inspected the site at the intersection of Rama IV and Sukhumvit roads (Phra Khanong junction), an area known for frequent violations.

He said the problem stems from distant U-turn points, closely spaced side streets and narrow roads, compounded by large vehicles often occupying all lanes, making it difficult for motorcycles to pass and prompting some riders to mount the pavement.

The Khlong Toei district office has installed "S-Guard" steel posts along the pavement, which officials say have proven effective. Authorities consulted road users before installation, as the area is near a BTS Skytrain station and heavily used by both Thai residents and foreign visitors.

"We want all road users, especially motorcyclists, to respect traffic rules," Sittichai said.

Local residents and shopkeepers reported noticeable improvements, saying the barriers have reduced danger and noise.

One regular pedestrian said she previously felt unsafe walking with headphones, as motorcycles approaching from behind could not be heard. Since the installation, she said, she feels more secure.

Residents added that the design allows access for other users, including wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage, while effectively blocking motorcycles.

Singer Beer The Voice has come forward to thank MC Kanchai for his kindness, firmly denying claims that she made a diss track about him. On April 24, Beer shared a post from the Drama-addict page praising Kanchai's generous nature, noting that whenever anyone has a misunderstanding with him, if they later apologize and communicate properly, he's willing to accept it and move on amicably.

Beer expressed her gratitude and refuted rumors surrounding her latest song 'Ahwang,' stating: "Does everyone understand? Don't have issues with him. He's serious about this. He kindly withdrew the lawsuit against me. I really need to thank him. Seriously, when people come saying Beer made a diss track—did you just make that up? I would never do that to him, definitely not."

In her comments, she added: "I'm thanking him, so why do other people think negatively?" and "I was just agreeing with the page, that's all."

Beer also celebrated her music, noting that her song 'Ahwang' has already reached 125,000 views, thanking everyone for their feedback, both positive and critical.

Video footage recorded on April 24 shows escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border near Chong Cham in Sisaket province, where Thai military forces maintain strict vigilance over their section of the frontier. Across the barbed wire fence on the Cambodian side, military movements have been detected with bases positioned extremely close to the Thai border, accompanied by the placement of a prominent blue banner-like marker in clearly visible locations that resembles a territorial or boundary indicator. Additionally, Cambodian forces have shifted their front-line positions from original locations, creating noticeable changes in the area. In response, Thai military commanders have communicated directly with Cambodian counterparts, urging them to refrain from any actions that could provoke conflict or cause disruption, and formally requesting removal of the banner from the area. However, despite the absence of actual clashes or violence, the border atmosphere remains tense with clear signs of deliberate provocation and sustained pressure. Though the area technically falls under Cambodian jurisdiction, these actions are viewed as exceeding normal military operations and constitute provocative behavior rather than routine border activities.

On April 25, 2026, crowds of devotees visited Khao Chong Lom Temple in Khao Khanthorn subdistrict, Sri Racha district, Chon Buri province, to pay respects to the Golden Buddha statue (Phra Thaao Wessuwannan Thong Lang) positioned in front of Khao Chong Lom mountain. The atmosphere was lively as worshippers brought various offerings to the sacred figure.

The temple provided traditional offerings including red flower garlands, nine red roses, nine incense sticks, candles, red water, and firecrackers. Devotees made prayers and wishes for prosperity, wealth, success, and lottery blessings, with many writing down lucky numbers at the incense altar. Since the statue was installed three years ago, a total of 19 people have won the first-prize lottery.

In Thai beliefs, Phra Thaao Wessuwannan is considered the chief of giants and guardian spirits who protects people from harm and bestows good fortune and prosperity. The statue stands nine meters tall and weighs 1,500 kilograms, created by Phra Kru Bhavana Wachiryang, the abbot of Khao Chong Lom Temple. On this day, previous lottery winners returned to pay respects and donated 2,000 firecrackers. Visitors examined the firecracker numbers—083-79—and immediately purchased government lottery tickets at the temple, hoping to become the twentieth first-prize winner.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kankittinant has assigned a ministerial task force led by Parami Waichongjareun, popularly known as 'Teacher Juang,' to work alongside the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (ONIE). Headed by ONIE Director Dr. Kesetthip Suphawanich and accompanied by Deputy Director Yothin Samonon and staff, the team conducted a surprise inspection of the basic education level assessment examination at Sri Bunyanont School in Nonthaburi's city district to accurately reflect real operational conditions in the field.

The inspection emphasized ensuring transparent, fair, and standardized exam quality across the entire nation, aligning with ONIE's efforts to enhance its assessment system while prioritizing both "learner confidence" and "system quality." The team visited examination processes, encouraged test-takers, and assured them their efforts would be evaluated fairly and justly.

The team also received instructions to consult with parents dropping off students, gathering their feedback. One parent noted that ONIE's assessment examination provides crucial opportunities for children in homeschooling and Section 12 learning centers with special abilities to prove their potential, and proposed the government expand support for such learners in the future.

Teacher Juang explained that the basic education level assessment examination functions as a vital mechanism under the 2023 Promotion of Learning Act, embodying "lifelong learning" concepts by allowing learners to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience without being bound by traditional school schedules—shifting from "time-based learning" to "ability-based measurement."

The assessment also serves as an important fast-track pathway enabling learners to design flexible learning routes, remove constraints, and advance to higher education or careers more rapidly, reinforcing ONIE's role as a "platform of opportunity" making learning accessible anytime, anywhere while accommodating 21st-century learner diversity.

For the first basic education level assessment examination of fiscal year 2025, 267 people nationwide registered, with 20 in Nonthaburi province: 2 at elementary level, 2 at lower secondary, and 16 at upper secondary.

This surprise visit not only monitored and verified operations but also confirmed that "ONIE prioritizes quality, standards, and equity," actively listening to students and parents comprehensively to ensure every examination center becomes a genuine opportunity and every achievement reflects a truly trustworthy learning system.