One always has to exercise. That's certain and without the slightest doubt. One also does have to consume sufficient calories every day to support life. Further, salt consumption has to be limited. Also, it's better to stay in touch with people rather than wither on the vine sitting on the sofa. Other than that? Leaving ideology and fashionable stupidity behind? I very much wonder.

From your other posts and that of other posters, I think - "for you" - you have 'your' begining or starting points. From what you have found out with scientific research These things make a difference.

Dash diet, you have said before you know about it. From my experience, it has worked. I've been able to reduce my blood pressure pill dosage by 1/2.

My kidney function has stayed stable due to my blood pressure being controlled, I now only have to see my kidney doctor once a year instead of every 6 months.

Losing weight by 7% helps to prevent heart disease and pre-diabetic problems or from becoming diabetic 2. I did loose weight and my pre-diabetic numbers (A1c) ever 6 months have been lowered. So that works.

In order to lose weight you have to either eat fewer calories or exercise more. First, you need to know what your ideal weight should be. Fat calories are the most compact then Alcohol and finally carbohydrates. Diets with 25% fat and little if any alcohol calories are the easiest way to lose weight. "If you eat it, negate it with exercise" was my moto while I did well in following a goal to get healthier. As of today, I'm back on this plan. I went off of it for 6 months and have gained too much weight.

Walking 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days of every week is a great exercise plan.

Charting/journaling what you actually eat and counting those calories will show you what you are really eatting and drinking. Adjust from that information.

After a certain age, does it do any good? It can't hurt, and it might help.

Here is my question to you. And I'm not trying to be mean or smug or anything, Are you looking for a justification to keep on with the way you are currently living and not really wanting to change any lifestyle/habits? Or making an excuse to keep doing what you want to do?

It sounds to me you want to know what will get you healthier and you are trying to weigh the pros and the cons through research. Good, but what are you really willing to do about it once you find that changes need to be made?

I hope you find answers - my pdoc told me that I would have to push myself harder because of my depression to get motivated to life the live I wanted. So people with brain problems may need to learn that. Maybe it is the same with your particulate brain problem too. I care about you as do so many of us here at PC. Keep us all posted on your research findings please. I don't think this thread will be shut down. It has way too much helpful stuff in it.