Category: Aging

Gratitude May Help Older Adults Live Longer

July 12, 2024

July 3, 2024 -” Experiencing gratitude may help older adults live longer, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study was published July 3 in JAMA Psychiatry”.

“Prior research has shown an association between gratitude and lower risk of mental distress and greater emotional and social wellbeing. However, its association with physical health is less understood,” said lead author Ying Chen, research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology. “Our study provides the first empirical evidence on this topic, suggesting that experiencing grateful affect may increase longevity among older adults.”

Read the entire article here.

An Early Documentary About Martin Scorsese, 81

July 11, 2024

As a fan of Martin Scorsese, I found this short documentary about him on You Tube. The film was shot around 1990 in his New York City office, and at his parents’ home in Queens.

Italian-American film director, Martin Scorsese was born on November 27, 1942 in the New York City borough of Queens. He was almost 49 years old when this documentary was filmed.

Here he discusses filmmaking from his office. His poodle sleeps on the couch. He says that its presence helps to calm things down. Toward the end of the film, his parents, Catherine and Charles appear . His mother prepares a meal.

Scorsese sits down with them to enjoy a dinner of ravioli, mozzarella, wine, and bread. They are not worried about calories, but really enjoy Italian homemade cooking.

The best part of this film is the director enjoying the company of his parents, their down-to-earth conversation, and the close-up of the ravioli. His mother, Catherine talks about her role as an extra in many of his films.

Martin Scorsese is now 81 and is still working.

The title of the film is called “The Scorsese Machine”. Here is the link to the video on You Tube.

At 93 Britain’s Oldest Farmer Has No Plans To Retire

July 11, 2024

An article published on July 9, 2024 in The Outlook, features a story about Fred Campling, Britain’s oldest farmer. Fred works 5 days per week running a sugar beet and haulage farm in the village of Sutton St. James . The article has a photograph of Fred wearing his red farmer overalls.

“The farmer, who starts work at 6AM, and clocks up at least 66 hours a week, has never had a day off sick during his 79-year career. On Saturday, July 13, Fred, who has lived through 21 Prime Ministers, five monarchs and two world wars, will celebrate his 93rd birthday”. Read the entire article here.

Exercise Classes Decrease Lonliness and Social Isolation In Older Adults

July 10, 2024

This article from News-Medical.net, addresses the physical and emotional importance of older adults participating in group fitness classes. Taking regular exercise classes prevents lonliness, that may lead to depression, anxiety or losing the will to live.

“Older adults who joined group exercise classes experienced decreased loneliness and social isolation, according to a new Cedars-Sinai study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic. The classes have continued virtually since March, and early results suggest the online versions are also effective”. Read the full article here.

How Adults 65 And Older Can Stay Safe During Extreme Heat and Humidity

July 9, 2024

This article presents Guidelines from The Center For Disease Control about the risks of extreme heat to older people, and precautions they can take to protect themselves from the onset of heatstroke. Read the entire article here.

  • People aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems.
  • If you’re an older adult or a caretaker, review this page for information on how you or the person you’re caring for can stay safe during the heat.Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
  • They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.