Spiritual engagement is losing out to efficiency when it comes to older age. Authors: John Wattis and Stephen Curran Old age is a time of many challenges. Retirement brings opportunities, but for many people it also results in loss of role and income. Loved ones may die, leading to [...]
Alcohol and other drugs can overpower the reward pathways of the brain... But in recent years, we have learned that brain gene activity can be changed with lifestyle, thereby reducing the risk of dementia. Lifestyle practices can promote physical and mental health. Author: Karla Kaun, Brown University Many people [...]
A balanced diet is one key factor in getting a restful night’s sleep.... More and more research points to linkages between sleep and diet. Author: Erica Jansen, Phd, MPH [...]
Scientific evidence reveals that one of the top strategies for great mental health is also one of the most often ignored. Eating the right food is one of the best things you can do for mental health. A recent study found that people eating a diet rich in fruits and [...]
Humility among health care providers can help prevent burnout. Author: Barret Michalec, Arizona State University Better health care for patients begins with humility – a term not often associated with medicine. I witnessed displays of humility firsthand eight years ago, the night my son was born, in the way the [...]
In the progression of dementia, when the ability to function independently gradually changes, it's not merely the inherent losses that weigh heavily on hearts; it's also how our culture responds to this profound and life-changing phenomenon. As succinctly stated by the author, "Societal responses to dementia can cause more distress [...]
Many of us have favorite songs that can help us relax after a hectic day or get us moving on the dance floor. Music can also be a powerful gateway to memory; for example, a song from our past may bring back memories that trigger strong emotions. But what is [...]
In the tender journey of dementia caregiving, the unbreakable bond between caregivers and their loved ones forms the heart and soul of each step taken. Being real – our most outstanding achievements happen when we team up with others. That's what partnership is all about, and it's the heartbeat of [...]
Laughter in Dementia Care: A Healing Revelation I still remember my father’s birthday, a day that could have been shadowed by the complexity of dementia. Our household was filled not with melancholy but with a heartwarming glow of joy and laughter. Jamie, a care partner and dear family friend dressed [...]
We all know to eat right, exercise, and get a good night’s sleep to stay healthy. But can flexing our creative muscles help us thrive as we age? Ongoing research looking at singing group programs, theater training, and visual arts for older adults suggest that participating in the arts may improve the health, well-being, and [...]