Health

A hearty guffaw can provide healthy upsides for your mind and mood. Some people have the ability to laugh at anything funny, including themselves. If you’re like me and need to be reminded to lighten up sometimes, you’ll enjoy watching this video to learn more about the side-splitting upsides of laughter. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

It’s actually more of an eating plan than a diet, and its popularity has grown since the 1950s, when research found that people living in the Mediterranean region of the world were healthier than the typical American. In particular, people of this region had lower rates of heart disease, thanks to their predominantly plant-based diet of foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, plus regular physical activity. Salmon is one of the recommended foods in this eating plan, and in this Blackened Salmon With Vegetables recipe, a spice rub gives the omega-3-rich fish and accompanying veggies a nice kick. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

Happiness not only feels good — it may also be good for you. Why? Happiness is linked to better heart health and and even to increased longevity. So how can you enhance your bliss and your brain health? It’s often not the big things but the little ones that can bring you more joy. Want to learn more? Explore our interactive challenge, The Pursuit of Happiness, and learn about habits that experts believe may increase happiness — from connecting with others to practicing kindness. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

I have managed to stay fit and healthy despite challenges like having both hips replaced at age 60 and a heart valve replacement at age 64.My blog chronicles my adventures in rehab and staying active.https://bionicoldguy.blog/ The secret is a positive attitude and working around limitations.Because of the hips I had to give up running so I got intoin walking, hiking, bicycling and paddling. Rehab from the heart valve was tougher than expected because I got fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) as a side effect. But I gutted it out and an now fitter than ever and it feels great. My latest adventure is breaking my collarbone in a freak bike past (see the blog post "rehabbing, again!" for details). No problem- walking and stationary cycling for 6 weeks, then some work to get mobility and strength back on the right side. Onward!

It's impossible to stay healthy and to live receiving social security. What has happened with the United States, we the people and the taxpayers are the ones that kept America going for years. I forefathers wrote the United States Constitution to protect us and our freedoms. Why is the U. S. Government selling us out. Just look around you and what's happening with our country. The thousands of homeless citizens are not bad people. We have been forced on the streets and due to no fault of our own but the greed the business entities that the government is protecting. They don't follow the laws they get away with abusing and neglecting the seniors the elderly and are veterans and now they're attacking and discriminating against the disability families. We can't afford housing, food or transportation. We are the ones that have paid in with our taxes to keep this country running and they take our money and they're giving it away to other countries or to the immigrants that are here illegall

When was the last time you spoke with your best friend or friendly colleague? Did you know that deep connections — and the positive emotions they generate — may support your health? Read this article for more information on the health benefits of friendships. Learn more about the benefits of having good social connections, one of the six pillars of brain health. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

Do you know someone who is good with names or never forgets a face? Odds are, you perceived the person as charming, kind and genuinely interested in you. As with any skill that’s worth acquiring, practice may help you get better. To learn how the brain processes and recalls faces and names, try this interactive challenge from Staying Sharp. You can explore specific techniques and strategies that may help you get better with names and faces. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

Smells can stir our emotions and remind us of the past. From an approaching rainstorm to fresh-baked bread, smells can delight us, entice us and trigger memories. Why are scents so powerful? Watch this video from our new “Your Brain On” series to understand the unique way your brain processes smells. Find more great videos about the brain at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today. 

AARP is publishing contradictory "FACTS" about FruitSugar.The AARP "SugarQuiz" says,"Don't worry about natural sugar in Fruit."A recent AARP article says, "only certain/few Fruitscan be eaten without concern for SUGAR !!!"How about AARP address/correct the above ⁉️👀⁉️

Anyone else having to apply twice for benefits? Or apply then go through appeals process? Or resubmit requested documents only to be told they are now in receipt of docs but the deadline for submitting them passed long before the second request for them?  Anyone else feeling put off by their state departments?

You’re never too old to practice yoga. If you haven’t tried it yet, you may be surprised to learn that it won’t turn you into a pretzel shape. Simply put, it’s a combination of gentle movement, meditation and breath control and a wonderful way to destress. Learn more about the many benefits of yoga. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

Who knows, it might change your entire diet along with your notion of what is 'healthy food'. Try these great recipes for each meal of the day, starting with a bowl of plain Greek yogurt mixed with lots of berries, followed by a scrambled egg and whole-wheat toast. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more recipes with healthy ingredients.

I'm the family cook, and my husband and I are both active, fit, over 65's. When I study what experts say we should be eating, it's completely out of line with what we do eat as far as calories, protein, fat, and carbs. Are there any studies of fit active seniors that track what they actually eat? You'd need to account for male/female, age, height, maybe BMI and % muscle mass, and than track their macros. The readouts from our local gym say we should be eating more calories, and way more protein, but it would be tough given how much we already eat at a meal. Most studies are focused on making changes to diet for people who have problems and don't look at people who are getting it right. Comments?  

We all know that fruit is nutritious, but when was the last time you used fruit in a recipe? Check out these delicious bread and salad recipes: Blueberry-Lemon Zucchini Bread, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (yes, pumpkin is a fruit!) and Crisp Apple and Shrimp Salad. Find more great recipes at AARP® Staying Sharp®  an AARP member benefit, today.

Recently I have been talking with and unearthing interviews with shared housing advocates around the country. I live in Manatee County, which along with Sarasota County has seen increases in rent and reduced purchasing power. Locally, we have several authors and homeshare advocates who collaborate to elevate the practice of sharing a home. Recently I started a blogger site focused on interviews and thoughts about how shared housing can improve our ability to live independently longer, affect positive health outcomes, revitalize communities and the associated financial benefits.  I will post interviews and experiences related to all the ways we can thrive in our aging process through sharing. This is an audio file from a podcast I conducted several years about that features Marianne Kilkenny  https://theshareresource.blogspot.com/2023/04/interviews-podcast-rewind-marianne.html  The interview was held in 2012 with Marianne Kilkenny of Women for Liv

When life takes a challenging turn, it can be hard to take things in stride. Perhaps you're feeling persistently irritable (a frequent sign of depression) or experiencing the stress that often comes from caring for an elderly parent. Maybe your marriage is in a rut or you're grappling with a major life change, such as adjusting to retirement or an empty nest.   If you're feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or out of sorts, and it's taking a toll on your life, it may be time to turn to therapy to cope.Here are great suggestions to help you find the right therapist.   Do you see a therapist? How has it helped you?

Sunday, 10/10, is World Mental Health Day. Mental health affects all of us, and it has been especially important to take care of it as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. What helps you care for your mental health?   Having a healthy state of mind is just as important as having a healthy body. Start building the foundation for mental wellness today. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health information.    

There is plenty of research that exercise benefits the brain, but could having a healthy brain also push us to exercise? Read this article and learn what you need to know about how stimulating your brain may help you get off the couch. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

I have a long and painful story about my mother, now deceased as of 4/22/2023, who was financially exploited (qualifying as elder abuse) by AARP's United Health Care plans - both supplemental insurance and prescription insurance.  To whom in the system should I address my complaint?   Thank you, Dr. Shelley P. Caswell-Moore

I am reticent to bring this up because I noticed that the last thread on the topic of sex was permanently deleted.I don't know what happened there; maybe peeps were venturing out of the realm of what is mature conversation about a real subject in our lives. But, to be clear, what I want to talk about is sex, sexuality, intimacy, etc.  I don't want to share and I certainly don't want to hear about the personal sexual exploits of others'. I was thinking more along the lines of how the younger generation seem to be so comfortable with gender fluidity, almost like it's part of their culture.Or that I am Poly-amorous, what that means and, importantly, what it doesn't.  A lot of people carry understandable misconceptions about Polyamory and I am happy to answer respectful, non-intrusive questions to help clear that up.  For example: Polyamory means, literally, "many loves" not sex with anyone anytime, etc.  See swinging for that, I think.  Not sure. If

Head over to the Rewards forum for our April Ask the Fitness Enthusiast series, taking place now! Week 1 with Pahla Bowers is happening now. Pahla is answering your questions about How to Get Started and Stay Motivated. She will be here Monday, April 5 - Friday, April 16, 2021.   Learn and Earn! Ask our fitness enthusiasts about ways you can start new fitness routines and/or how to stay motivated! Earn 50 points awarded via code emailed to you after you participate by asking our fitness enthusiast a question (one entry per week given points).

Kicking off Fitness Friday a day early this week since tomorrow is the observation of 7/4. This week, all you need is a sturdy chair for this energizing stretching session in your home, guided by fitness expert Kathy Smith 💪   With AARP Rewards, you’ll also score points for your workout! Get started today.   Let me know what you thought of this energizing stretch session by hitting reply below and leaving a comment!  

I've been using the AARP Virtual Community Center for some good exercise and Zumba classes. They go at a good pace and are free.  What other options do y'all use?

Whole health includes mind, body and spirit. Each contributes to overall health and wellness. June is Brain Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore our Mental Well-Being challenges. It’s an assortment of interactive activities that focus on emotional health and well-being, building resilience and pursuing happiness. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

Five myths about nutrition Modern nutrition is a relatively new science and one that can feel uniquely personal. Each of us makes multiple food choices daily, and our beliefs about nourishment are often shaped more by popular culture than by science. We are especially vulnerable to food evangelists — particularly at the beginning of a new year, when we’re bombarded with messages about health and diet goals. Americans spend billions of dollars annually in search of the next weight loss miracle. The following are common nutrition myths that form the cornerstones of this lucrative market. Myth No. 1Sugar is addictive. Though people have used terms like “chocoholic” since the 1960s, language about food addiction has intensified in recent decades. Food Addicts Anonymous lists sugar, along with flour and wheat, as addictive in nature. People have written in the New York Times, Fast Company and elsewhere to raise the alarm about sugar as