In American Dementia – Brain Health in an Unhealthy Society, published in 2021, Daniel George and Peter Whitehouse invite us to look beyond the biology of Alzheimer’s and ask a harder question: What if dementia is not only a medical condition, but also a cultural mirror? What if the stress, [...]
Why this helps: Maintaining social bonds is vital for emotional health. A facilitated group call reduces the pressure of one-on-one conversation, sparks collective memories, and provides a powerful auditory reminder of family connection and love. How to do it: Use a speakerphone or a phone with a three-way calling feature. [...]
Author Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips. Greater Good‘s latest video features the executive editor, Dacher Keltner, on the science of touch. Here, he elaborates on cutting-edge research into the ways everyday forms of touch can bring us emotional balance and better health. A pat on [...]
Why this helps: A gentle manicure is an attentive, loving touch that fosters connection. This focused care is more than grooming; studies of therapeutic touch show it can lower stress and promote calm, making it a simple ritual for well-being. How to do it: Gather basic supplies: a bowl of [...]
This creative act engages the senses of sight, touch, and smell, providing a sense of purpose and collaborative achievement. It transforms your shared space with the beauty you made together, focusing on ability and shared joy. How to do it: Gather 2-3 stems of flowers, greenery, or even interesting branches. [...]
Why this matters when caring for someone with Alzheimer's: Is there anyone who doesn’t stand up a little taller when having a photograph taken? This featured photo was recorded ten years following Mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. I had photographed her many times. Why did it matter? Over a 14-year period [...]
Authors: Kyle Fiore Law, Brendan Bo O'Connor, and Stylianos Syropoulos For years, philosophers and psychologists have debated whether empathy helps or hinders the ways people decide how to help others. Critics of empathy argue that it makes people care too narrowly – focusing on individual stories rather than the broader [...]
Writing is a way of thinking and doing. Author: Emily Ronay Johnston, PhD Ordinary and universal, the act of writing changes the brain. From dashing off a heated text message to composing an op-ed, writing allows you to, at once, name your pain and create distance from it. Writing can [...]
When words fail, movement can speak volumes. For this "Way," we’re encouraging you to shake up the routine[...]
