Category Archives: Aging
Memory And Your Brain
You’re reading this on the internet—not cuddled up with a book or in the library studying for a test. You’re online. You’re gathering information. And the question scientists are wondering about is: will you retain what you read? Betsy Sparrow, assistant professor of psychology at Columbia says “Human memory is adapting to new communications technology.” [...]
Getting Better All The Time
Back in the days of Sgt. Pepper, Lennon and McCartney had it right when they said, ”You have to admit it’s getting better all the time.” If we all felt that way, we wouldn’t mind telling our age. How did you feel the last time someone asked how old you are? Let me take some [...]
The Eyes Have It
Aging is relative—a sliding scale that affects us each individually and personally. Gravity may coax parts of us towards Argentina, but some of us still feel as perky and vigorous as we did in our youth. With so many ways to improve our appearance or “cheat the system,” it’s getting harder to guess the age [...]
Good Times Ahead
It’s time to let go of 2010. As you look back, how was it for you? Are you remembering more stress and struggle than contentment and peace? If so, then maybe it’s time to take steps to find a more joyful life. Train your brain to momentarily let go of the burden. Think back to [...]
Add Years To Your Life, Life To Your Years
I’m absolutely charmed by the words of Esther Tuttle, “I am blessed and I’ve worked on it.” And Esther should know—living almost a hundred years has given her a chance to figure it out. Ah, out of the mouth of a “centenarian babe.” That may be one of my all-time favorite quotes. She’s fit and [...]
Catch a Wave
What’s a voxel? Google it. You’ll find that it’s the tiniest measurable amount of brain activity registered by an M.R.I. But the fun part is that googling just might get you more than the answer. (Keep those voxels firing while I explain.) The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry will publish in their upcoming issue what [...]
Living Well
Before Susan Boyle sang on “Britain’s Got Talent,” Simon asked her, “How old are you, Susan?” “Forty-seven,” she chirped. Groans and murmuring were heard all throughout the audience. They were expecting a much higher number—she had the face and countenance of a woman 15 years her senior. The topography of our faces and the shape [...]
Let the Rain Wash Away the Years
Remember when you were a kid–how special a rainy day was? There was nothing like tipping your head back and letting the raindrops pat your face. If you opened your mouth you might even be able to catch a few on your tongue. When, along the way growing up, did the rain become a hassle? [...]
Still a Roar at 94
The New York Times released a story in 2006 about Josephine Tesauro–a 92-year-old twin who still drove, played bridge, and lived on her own near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As part of a study on aging, papers and magazines around the world picked up her story. I followed it and after seeing a video of her online, [...]
Choose Your Friends Wisely
Half way though your box of popcorn, she dies in her true love’s arms while trying to run away from abusive parents. Glaring at the silver screen, the audience is breathless and silent watching the handsome actor in agony, crying as he holds her. If you look down the row from where you’re sitting you’ll [...]
