One of the easiest ways to boost a child’s focus, memory, and emotional awareness is an old-school game most parents and teachers already know: Simon Says. Research in child development shows that this activity strengthens attention, working memory, self-control, and emotional intelligence. Here, we’ll cover how Simon Says works, the benefits for growing brains, and … Read more
Where do people in Philadelphia feel the happiest? A team of psychology students at Drexel University set out to answer that question, and the result is a unique map of the city’s most joyful spots. Their work, guided by Drexel’s Happiness Lab, shows that happiness often comes from everyday places right in the neighborhood. The … Read more
Sometimes the hardest part of exercise is finding the time. Between work, family, and everyday stress, long workouts often feel impossible to fit in. But what if just a few minutes of effort could deliver real results? A new study from researchers in China looked at sprint interval training (SIT) and found that even short, … Read more
According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness is the quality of our relationships. The nearly 80-year project has followed thousands of participants across different backgrounds, from Harvard undergraduates to inner-city residents and their families. The results consistently point to one truth: people who nurture close, supportive … Read more
Every five years, the federal government releases the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a document that shapes school lunches, food assistance programs, and nutrition advice nationwide. The 2025 edition highlights a familiar problem: most Americans eat too much of the wrong things and not enough of what supports long-term health. This year’s recommendations put a clear … Read more
Saying no to an invitation isn’t easy. You don’t want to hurt feelings, but you also need to set boundaries. Psychologists say there’s one phrase that works best when you need to decline without coming across as dismissive. Here, we’ll look at that phrase, why it softens rejection, and how you can use it in … Read more
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia often begin with small changes. A misplaced item, a forgotten word, or a shift in personality may not seem alarming on their own, but together they can point to something more serious. The Alzheimer’s Association stresses that noticing these changes early can help people get the care and … Read more
One of the biggest misconceptions about long-term relationships is that conversation eventually runs dry. Partners assume they’ve said it all, so words shrink to calendar reminders, grocery lists, and household updates, but that’s not what strong couples experience. Mark Travers, PhD, a psychologist who studies relationships, explains that the happiest partners don’t stop talking about … Read more
Most people assume gyms are the answer for staying strong after 65, but there could be another way. The most effective workouts for balance and fall prevention don’t happen only on treadmills or machines. They can also happen in the water. Warm-water pools create a unique setting where joints feel supported and every movement meets … Read more
Many adults in their 60s and beyond feel healthy and wonder if seeing a doctor regularly is really necessary. They may not take daily medications, and their last test results looked fine. Still, Mayo Clinic physicians stress that an annual visit can play a critical role in protecting long-term health. These check-ups are not just … Read more
The foods you eat aren’t the only things shaping how well you age. What you drink every day matters too. From gut health to bone strength, certain beverages can provide nutrients and compounds that help your body stay resilient over time. To sort the myths from the science, nutrition experts Adiana Castro, MS, RDN, and … Read more
Most people think they’re pretty good at talking to others, but conversations often fall flat. We interrupt, change the subject too quickly, or walk away before the exchange really gets going. Psychologists say one of the simplest ways to make a conversation click is also one of the most overlooked: asking questions that show you’re … Read more
A new study shows that people who consume under 1.5 liters of fluids a day trigger higher levels of cortisol, the hormone that spikes when we’re under stress. Elevated cortisol is linked to serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University found that hydration habits play a big role … Read more
After years of researching human nature, Gretchen Rubin has noticed that the small things often trip us up more than the big ones. The bestselling author of The Happiness Project has spent over a decade gathering what she calls “Secrets of Adulthood”, which are short truths that clarify why certain habits stick, why others fail, … Read more
If you’ve noticed people at the gym facing the other way on the treadmill, you might assume they’re doing it for attention, but trainers and sports scientists say walking backwards isn’t a gimmick. It’s an effective way to build strength, protect your joints, and even burn more calories. Researchers and coaches like Jack McNamara, a … Read more
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans over 65, often making everyday activities more difficult. While medications or physical therapy are common relief solutions, research points to another tool: diaphragmatic breathing. According to Mayo Clinic, training the body to breathe deeply with the diaphragm—not the chest or shoulders—can calm the nervous system, improve oxygen use, and … Read more
Most of us think living longer comes down to diet and exercise. Eat vegetables, avoid processed food, and stay active—that’s the usual advice. But one longevity expert says the way we eat matters just as much as what’s on the plate. Dr. Mohammed Enayat, physician and founder of HUM2N, a London-based longevity clinic, explains that … Read more
Almost two thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. For decades, scientists have struggled to explain this striking imbalance, often attributing it to age, hormones, or genetics. Now, a new study has revealed a different clue: the fats circulating in women’s blood. Researchers from King’s College London, led by Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, found … Read more
Parents often wonder if strength training is safe for children. The short answer is yes, but only when it’s done correctly. The approach for kids looks very different from weightlifting and requires careful guidance. According to Mayo Clinic, supervised strength training can support a child’s growth, confidence, and athletic ability. Parents need to understand the … Read more
After more than a decade researching happiness and human behavior, Gretchen Rubin has seen how small choices shape our daily lives. The bestselling author of The Happiness Project and host of the Happier podcast has gathered insights she calls “Secrets of Adulthood“—short truths that carry weight with time and practice. These lessons are practical reminders … Read more
When it comes to health, where you live can shape your habits just as much as personal choices do. That’s the message from WalletHub’s latest ranking, which compared more than 180 of the most populated U.S. cities. The study looked at four main categories—healthcare, food, fitness, and green space—to see which cities make it easier, … Read more
Ignoring some symptoms can come at a high cost. Emergency room doctors warn that suddenly being unable to urinate should never be ignored. This condition, called urinary retention, can signal a serious underlying problem that requires immediate medical care. Along with urinary retention, physicians point to other red flags that should prompt an urgent visit … Read more
Everyday habits may be quietly working against antibiotic treatments. According to new research, compounds as common as caffeine can interfere with how bacteria respond to these medications, making them less effective. The study, led by scientists at the University of Tübingen and the University of Würzburg, shows that dietary ingredients, prescription drugs, and even coffee … Read more
For more than a century, human life expectancy climbed steadily. People born in 1900 could expect to live about 62 years, while those born in the late 1930s often reached 80. Now, new research suggests that progress has slowed to the point where future generations may not see the same dramatic gains. A team of … Read more
New research shows that the intensity of training can shift the balance of bacteria in your digestive system, with effects that may influence recovery, energy, and even long-term health. A study from Edith Cowan University, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, examined how athletes’ gut microbiomes responded to high versus … Read more
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, but millions of people living with it don’t know they have it. A new global study reveals that nearly half of adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed, leaving them at risk for serious complications that could be prevented with early detection and treatment. The research examined … Read more
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, older adults were among those most at risk. Beyond the threat of infection, many faced strict isolation, loss of routines, and the challenge of staying connected while physically apart. Yet new research shows that many seniors not only endured these difficulties but also found ways to adapt and … Read more
Most people think of exercise as running, cycling, or lifting weights, but stretching is often overlooked, even though it plays a major role in keeping your body moving smoothly and your muscles working effectively. It’s also one of the simplest ways to release tension and ease stress. The Mayo Clinic highlights how stretching can support … Read more
Jennifer Aniston has long been admired for her healthy lifestyle and timeless appearance. At 55, the actress still manages to stay strong, active, and radiant without giving up the foods she loves. Her secret isn’t an extreme diet or a complicated plan—it’s a straightforward approach that almost anyone can try. The star of Friends follows … Read more
When it comes to healthy aging, how easily you move can say a lot about your shape. Experts say that one simple test, which requires no equipment and only a small space at home, can predict mobility, independence, and even longevity. It’s called the sitting-rising test. Doctors use it to gauge strength, balance, and flexibility … Read more