Red Wine Ingredient Could Improve Health In Old Aged

But will it work if you don't have mice?

"An international team of scientists has discovered that taking large doses of a red wine ingredient in mid life can ward off symptoms of aging in mice. The effect was to extend quality rather than length of life."

So you take this stuff and your mice live better, not longer lives.

Why bother?

"The chemical resveratrol, which is present in red wine, reduced a number of symptoms generally associated with aging, bringing such benefits as improved cardiovascular function, greater motor coordination, reduced cataracts and better bone density.

'From a health point of view, the quality of life of these mice at the end of their days is much better.'"

Smart rodents - what with being able to complete a quality of life questionnaire and all.

(Another possibility is that the mice are not so smart but heretofore the cataracts prevented the mice from being able to read and complete the questionnaire. More research is needed.)

As to whether humans will benefit from mega-doses of resveratrol, I am skeptical.

Still, color me happy for Mickey and Minnie.