Healthy Living

In our screen-dominated world, a night of old-school games — like board games and charades —  is a refreshing change. This retro entertainment is enjoying a revival, and it's great for your brain, combining learning, thinking and social interaction. Host a game night with friends and family for games, laughs and fun. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Your brain's health and vitality are crucial for your overall well-being. Discover seven top nutrients for brain health and find out which foods to include in your diet. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

[Tuesday 9/3/24] Any OTHER pre-diabetic folks out there?  🤔 Thanks,Nicole  👵  (Healthy Living Forum)

We often lose touch with people we care about, but it’s never too late to reconnect — and it’s beneficial. Maintaining social connections can help you avoid loneliness and isolation, which are linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia and early death. With smartphones and social media, staying in touch is easy. Thinking about a friend you haven’t talked to in a while? Reach out today. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

On the serious side, a friend from Nashville sent me this: Air Quality Alerts are in effect for multiple Middle Tennessee counties on Monday for ground-level ozone.Those with respiratory and/or cardiovascular health ailments will want to limit time outdoors. Dangerously hot weather returns to the Midstate this week. Several days have a chance of hitting 100 + degrees in Nashville. With the humidity rising, “feels like temperatures” will be a few degrees higher, as the heat index likely well above 100-105 + degrees. Dangerously hot weather On the ‘less’ serious side, the CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE 7-Day Forecast & Daily Planner...TELLS A SLIGHTLY SKEWED STORY.....(obviously from another week)....LOL!CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE LOL! .....(obviously from another week) So next time you’re being a bit too hard on yourself...(or to loved ones)...remember,....even the best ‘experts’ make mistakes too! In the areas experiencing the dangerous heat waves....be sure to limit

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! LISS Cardio: A Joint-Friendly Workout With Great Health Benefits for Older Adults. Low-intensity steady-state exercise gives HIIT, high-intensity interval training, a run for its money — at a slower pace that makes sticking with it easier. By Michael Schroeder, AARP. Published August 23, 2024. No pain, no gain? Go hard or go home? More like slow and steady wins the race. At least that’s the case for many — if not most — older adults looking for an exercise routine they’ll actually stick with to boost cardiovascular and overall health. Experts say low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio ­— which could be anything from brisk walking or biking to swimming — could be that answer for many age 50 and older. Plus, the more relaxed, steady approach typically sidesteps risks ranging from joint sprains, strains and bone fractures to exercise-induced heart attacks linked with jumping into higher-intensity activity. https://

Eat well. Exercise regularly. Your daily actions add up, and following six key habits can support brain health. Learn more about incorporating these habits into your daily routine. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

I cannot find a forum to discuss issues related to the governance of the USA and the election we're soon having. Is it I who can't find it? Or is it AARP that isn't providing it? If the latter, shame on AARP!

Even if you don’t garden, you can enjoy fresh produce this summer. Many communities have farmers markets where growers sell their produce. Some grocers partner with local farmers to stock fresh items. Plus, some farmers offer “pick your own” opportunities during peak harvest times. Wherever you shop, find plenty of healthy recipes here. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

We all know sleep is beneficial. But do you know why? Or how to prioritize it and overcome barriers to a good night’s rest? Take our new sleep challenge and read up on why sleep is a cornerstone of good health — including brain health — and how you can make it your superpower. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Health and Wellness Apps: Considerable Use Among Older Adults But Room to Grow. By Brittne Kakulla, AARP Research. Published July 26, 2024. While many Americans age 50-plus say they’re reasonably tech savvy, many aren’t leveraging the full value of apps that can improve their physical and mental well-being. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/prevention-wellness/health-app-users/

💥June 10, 2021💥 ASK FOR A HELP TIP FORUM Hey All! Been spending way too much $ on battling the nasty smoke smell from my wonderful neighbors who luv to smoke indoors although they have been told by office not to. The apartment buildings are over 30 years old and trust me, way too many holes for smoke to be shared. 😱 I am very allergic to this smoke. 😭 Anyone else? If yes, how do you either cancel out or reduce your exposure? Lol, I plan on moving to be nearer to my only child but until this happens, over it. 😤 It feels like I have returned to work, no longer retired with my frequent need to use air fresheners designed for smoke removal. 🙄 Way too hot to leave my window open (Studio Apartment with one window). Lol, trying to stay out of jail for killing my neighbors. 🤣😂 But some days it is tempting!!! Thanks all, Angela 😁

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 9 Surprising Things Your Hands Can Tell You About Your Health. These surprising health clues are within your grasp, if you know how to recognize them. By Beth Howard, AARP. Published July 24, 2024. Hands are, by definition, pretty darn handy. But one of their hidden talents is divulging potentially subtle health problems that need a doctor’s attention. Here are nine things your hands and fingers may be trying to tell you. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2024/what-hands-say-about-health.html

Tired of the same old meals? Explore diverse recipes with healthy ingredients, like our budget-friendly quick lentil salmon salad. Not a fan of salmon? We have recipes for everyone, including meat lovers, vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. Expand your cooking repertoire today! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more delicious recipes.    

From early life, a healthy brain relies on relationships. Whether it’s with lifelong friends or new neighbors, staying socially connected can have unexpected benefits. Research indicates that social connection and engagement may reduce the risk of dementia and support better brain function. Read this article to better understand how social connection may support cognitive function. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

from Yoga Journal:just Google this:“Yoga for Seniors: A Sequence to Help with Your Mobility”Try this practice, which emphasizes joint health and offers movements that can be incorporated into your daily life, to help maintain or improve mobility and stability for healthy aging. ++++And, of course, have any exercise routine first approved by your doctor, even if it is gentle exercise from something like Yoga or Tai Chi… also good for seniors - Tai Chi. Can also look up under "Gentle Yoga"

"Power Couple Finds New Ways to Stay Fit After 50"  This is one of my favorite AARP health and fitness videos! hth

Would you like a healthy life style that promotes a lower carbon footprint.  Cycling, whether traditional or ebikes, has amazing physical and mental benefits.   In Portland OR the number of seniors on bikes is amazing and growing all the time.  Look at the Netherlands' bike population.  Young to old, all on bikes and living healthier and long. Come on, you'll love it!

My regular health care provider (an MD) is on vacation. I got to a very large practice that is part of a large hospital and the family medicine department is spread out over about 6 different locations in various towns. The Nurse Practitioner I saw was angry when she came into the room. I have never met her before. She proceeded to be angry (about something) during the visit but I tried to let it go. At one point she said I was going to need an ultrasound and said "You are going to need bloodwork before you get the ultrasound because of your age. Younger people don't need it". I was wondering why she put it that way. I was waiting for her to explain..and you need it because of your age because..., but she didn't. So it was then that I asked her why because of my age did I need it but a younger person didn't. She did answer but answered in a manner where she was annoyed I had asked.  But it was more than that. She was simply angry about something and taking it out on

If you don’t have access to a local gym, don’t despair. Even if you do, sometimes the weather keeps you stuck at home. What to do? Staying Sharp offers a collection of exercise videos and aerobic workouts that you can use to stay fit from the comfort of home. Explore AARP® Staying Sharp®  for more brain health tips and resources.

This is a referral to an AARP link, but I tried it both broiled & baked, and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd share. https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/recipes/balsamic-marinated-chicken/   

 World Mental Health Day (10 October) is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. [source: Wiki] World Mental Health Day  [source: World Health Organization/W.H.O.]  'When talking about suicide, avoid using these words'If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. [source: CNN] Remember, you are enough!  👉😌👈  So, take care of yourself! 

Ever get tired of eating the same food staples? Did you know that even small changes to your diet may support your brain health? Good nutrition is essential for optimal brain function, and research has found that certain plant compounds, amino acids, vitamins and minerals found in food can help protect memory, regulate emotions and control blood sugar. Read this article to find out which six foods you should add to your grocery list. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Discover the social benefits of pet ownership. Pets aren’t just companions; they’re social catalysts that can help you form new connections and friendships. Read More. Explore AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health tips and resources.

One of the common tactics of perpetuating antisocial values and behavior in our culture is the use of the rhetorical phrase "Grow up" or "Oh Grow Up".  Hopefully reviewing this material will provide a more meaningful understanding what it truly means to Grow Up.Including a couple of links to information about Mama Bears in this post.  Maybe folks will find some inspiration in them.  Mama Bears on POV  Mama Bears Home Page  These brave people are one example of the many who are seeking redress of the many antisocial values that infect human cultures.  Everything from concerns about AI to Gun Violence, Anti-Vaxers, Sudan and Ukraine is a product of a culture embracing rather than growing beyond our antisocial mistakes of the past. P.S.  This time of year is accompanied by persistent sleep disruption for me so I hope this doesn't sound too cranky...please checkout the links it really is an amazing record of prosocial personal growth.