Author: Aging Wisdom
Longevity might just be less about strong medicine and more about strong connection to others. Research shows that having meaningful social ties is a good predictor of living longer and better. Social connections can help protect your heart, sharpen your mind, and boost joy and resilience. On the other hand, loneliness and the resulting emotional pain can activate your body’s stress response, just like physical pain. Loneliness is also associated with a higher rate of illness and premature death. If you aim for long-term health and independence, nurturing connection is essential. …
Exercise at this stage in life is less about pushing hard and more about protecting your independence and mobility. It’s about choosing the right kind of movement to support your energy, ease—and your joints. Being able to get up and down from the floor at age eighty doesn’t just happen. It takes intentional behavior now to meet your goals for later life. Regardless of whether you’ve always exercised or you’re just getting started, it’s never too late to review what you’re doing to keep your body moving. Even a few hours of activity a week can help keep your heart pumping, preserve muscle, and steady your balance. There are three key types of movement to incorporate in your life: …
Thanks to longer lifespans, retirement isn’t a short chapter. It might be close to a third of your life! It sounds so inviting: Life as a blank canvas, with long mornings, travel—a new kind of “freedom.” In fact, many retirees find that once the structure of work fades, they feel surprisingly unmoored. After decades of purpose-driven days, the stillness can feel disorienting. It is not uncommon for retirees to report feeling caught between relief and restlessness, and even some depression.
It helps, then, to reframe this life stage not as an end, but a beginning. Whether you’re retiring solo or with a partner, take time to reflect not just on what has been left behind, but on what you’d like to step toward. Think about what excites you, what gives your life meaning, and what might bring new connections. …
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
What made you want to work in the field of aging? …
Research shows that many factors linked to dementia are within your control. While age and genetics play a role in developing the condition, lifestyle is a significant part of the puzzle. How you live today influences how sharp your mind will be tomorrow. …
With many older adults wishing to age in place, demand is growing for innovative housing options. An ADU—accessory dwelling unit—is a small, separate living space built on the same property as a single-family home. You may know them as in-law suites, granny pods, or casitas. ADUs offer flexible options as housing needs change over time. They can provide space to generate rental income, serve as a creative retreat, host visitors, or offer a private place for a caregiver. …
If you’re someone who plans ahead—you keep your finances in order, maintain your home, and map out your next chapter before embarking—you already understand the value of routine maintenance. The same principle applies to your health. And one of the determinants of health that’s often overlooked? The potential for chronic inflammation. …
The next time you renew your license, you may be required to take written and behind-the-wheel driving tests rather than mail a form. If this is the case, don’t panic or go into denial! Take some steps to get prepared. That way, you’ll go into the test knowledgeable and confident. And remember, preparing for a driving test isn’t just about passing—it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of others. It’s worth the time to plan thoughtfully. …
Looking for a way to connect with far-flung family? Consider a multigenerational trip. It’s a fun way to break from routine and deepen bonds by having new experiences together. Careful planning is the key to success when you’re mixing different ages, interests, and dynamics. Give yourself plenty of time to put it all together. Here are some tips from seasoned family travelers:
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Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or getting up tired. It’s about your brain waking you over and over again through the night to get you to breathe. Not only do you miss out on restorative sleep, but the multiple interruptions in breathing also put extra strain on your heart. That puts you at risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. And the poor sleep may cause fatigue, fuzzy memory, poor concentration, and feelings of depression. Luckily, there are many options for treatment to effectively manage this condition. …