What is the Ideal Retirement Age? As we step into 2024, it's essential to reevaluate our perspectives on retirement, especially considering the increase in average life expectancy. When Social Security was established in 1935, the retirement age was set at 65, a time when fewer people lived long enough to reach it. Today, with life expectancy in the U.S. at 76, the question of the ideal retirement age has [...]
As we celebrate the holiday season, let's take a moment to reflect on the wisdom of Dr. Gladys McGarey, a remarkable 102-year-old doctor who believes in the power of listening to our bodies. In her enlightening book, "The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age," Dr. McGarey teaches us that our bodies constantly communicate with us through every ache and pain. She [...]
Imagine a simple injection that could enhance memory and safeguard your cognitive health as you age. A recent study suggests that a hormone called klotho, which plays a role in the aging process, might have memory boosting benefits. This discovery could hold the key to preventing cognitive decline in humans. Klotho, a hormone produced by the kidneys, helps with cell replication and development. As we grow older, klotho levels [...]
Did you know that taking care of your heart health might also be key to preserving your brain health, especially for women? A recent study shed light on the link between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and cognitive decline. This has important insights for women's health. The study found that women with AFib, a heart condition causing irregular heartbeats, are at a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to men with [...]
We all know that spending time with kids can bring smiles and joyful connection, but did you know it could also help improve mental health, especially for those in retirement homes? A recent study from Stellenbosch University in South Africa looked at how interactions between seniors and children could have positive effects on mental well-being. The research found that older adults who regularly interacted with children showed improvements in [...]
Grief is a natural part of life, a response to the losses we all face, whether it's losing a loved one, a job, or a relationship. It's important to know that grieving is unique to each person, and there's no right or wrong way to journey through grief. Researchers have identified stages of grief to help us understand the process, but remember, your journey may not follow these stages [...]
Meet Sheila Callahan, a 63-year-old teacher who's embarking on a new chapter of life - a vibrant retirement. While she's excited, she knows that planning for retirement goes beyond finances. Research shows that memory decline can accelerate after retiring, regardless of financial stability. However, there are ways to keep your cognitive function sharp as you age. Sheila's summers are filled with sailing, gardening, and pickleball. But she's aware that [...]
In our hearts, we all understand that one day, our journey will come to an end. Thinking about death can feel heavy, but it can also offer a unique perspective on life. Let's explore this notion together. Imagine a parent's deepest fear - thinking about the death of their child. The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus once suggested that reflecting on such fears might be beneficial. He believed that contemplating [...]
Did you know that stress can make you feel older? It's true! When we experience stressful events like surgery, it can actually increase our biological age, which is connected to health risks. But here's some good news: a new study suggests that changes like these might not be permanent, and our biological age can go back to normal when our stress levels go down. Our chronological age, the number [...]
We all know it. Compared to younger people, aging bodies don't bounce back quite as quickly. A small bone fracture in our twenties might have barely had an impact on our lives. Yet add forty or fifty years to our age, and it could leave us hobbling around on crutches for many weeks, or worse. While aging, it sometimes seems like it's just one health problem after another. This can [...]
