This episode dissects a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluates the effectiveness of digital activity trackers and smartphone applications in boosting physical activity among community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older.

Hamdani N, Oliveira J, Santana P, et al. Are you counting? Effectiveness of interventions using activity trackers and smartphone applications for increasing physical activity in older people living in the community: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2026;56(4):235-247. doi:10.2519/jospt.2026.13825

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This episode explores the long-term relationship between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and neurological health in adults during late midlife.

Pachter D, Klein H, Kamer O, et al. Sustained visceral fat loss is associated with attenuated brain atrophy and improved cognitive function in late midlife. Nat Commun. 2026. doi:10.1038/s41467-026-71141-4

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This episode does a deep dive into how healthcare professionals can effectively encourage long-term lifestyle changes by teaching patients to form healthy habits. Rather than relying on fleeting willpower or complex instructions, the authors suggest a small changes approach where simple actions are repeated consistently in the same contextual environment.

Gardner B, Lally P, Wardle J. Making health habitual: the psychology of ‘habit-formation’ and general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2012;62(605):664-666. doi:10.3399/bjgp12X659466

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