Vermont track athlete competes at 91 while new data shifts peanut allergy advice

Flo Meiler, a 91-year-old resident of Vermont, continues to compete in track and field events. She holds two world records, and her home is filled with medals earned over a career that began at age 60. Meiler says she still enjoys competing despite physical changes. She stated, “I’m sad that I can’t jump like I used to, but I really enjoy it.”

Health experts are also addressing how aging affects daily life, specifically regarding intimacy. On a recent broadcast, specialists discussed how illness and age can change sexual activity. They offered guidance on how couples can communicate openly about these shifts. The focus was on practical steps for resuming or modifying intimacy after a medical diagnosis.

Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, advised couples to identify the underlying cause of any changes first. She emphasized that competence and consent are the primary considerations. For physical issues such as erectile dysfunction, she noted that a doctor can often provide treatment options.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, clarified that intimacy and sexuality are not the same thing. She said treating them as interchangeable is a common misconception among older couples. Rogers also discussed the role of older adults in clinical trials, noting that this demographic is frequently underrepresented in research.

Rogers explained that clinical trials offer access to new treatments. She said participants gain access to tomorrow’s medicines, devices, and therapies today. These options might not be available to the general public for years. She urged people to view trials as a proactive option rather than a last resort. Participants should ask what the study aims to answer before enrolling.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, added that trial participants must understand they may receive a placebo. She stressed the importance of knowing the trial structure before signing up. The broadcast also covered how to find trials and which ones offer compensation to participants.

New research has shifted medical advice regarding peanut allergies in young children. Studies indicate that introducing peanut products to infants between four and six months old can reduce the risk of developing an allergy. A study released in October 2025 found that peanut allergy rates in children under age three have dropped by roughly 43% over the last decade.

The previous long-held medical advice recommended avoiding peanut products for young children. The new data suggests this approach may have been counterproductive. These findings highlight a change in how health professionals advise parents on introducing common allergens to infants.