Emotions and Mental Health

Keeping your mind sharp after 60 is one of the biggest health challenges today. Alzheimer’s disease affects about one in three adults over 85, and even those without dementia often notice memory decline with age. But scientists have found that one specific activity can improve memory and even slow cognitive aging. The Synapse Project, a … Read more

Happiness is something we all chase, but its meaning is often misunderstood. Many people tie it to money, status, or fleeting pleasures, but researchers in psychology show it goes deeper than that. According to Arthur Brooks, professor at Harvard and expert in the science of happiness, fulfillment comes from habits that shape meaning, connection, and … Read more

For stress relief, researchers say there may be a better option than intense workouts. Dancing, an activity often seen as entertainment, shows strong benefits for mental health, emotional regulation, and resilience. A recent study published in Psychology of Sport & Exercise by a team from the University of Surrey found that dance lowers stress levels, … Read more

Some hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. For many older adults, one pastime in particular has been shown to boost memory, keep the mind active, and spark meaningful conversations: collecting. Whether it’s antique clocks, porcelain vases, vintage coins, or rare books, this pursuit combines curiosity, history, and creativity in a … 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

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

Smartphones are now part of everyday life, but the age when kids first get one may matter more than parents think. Psychologists are raising concerns about the link between early smartphone ownership and long-term mental health. The question is no longer just about screen time—it’s about timing. Parents often wonder when is the “right” age … Read more

Staying mentally sharp past 70 doesn’t involve only a healthy diet, exercise, or crossword puzzles. One of the strongest predictors of brain health in older adults is making meaningful connections. Research shows that strong social ties help protect against memory decline, dementia, and age-related cognitive changes. Here, we’ll explore the relevance of meaningful relationships for … Read more

Getting older brings many changes, and many of them aren’t easy. Retirement, health issues, or the loss of close friends and family can affect how you feel emotionally. Paying attention to your mental health is just as important as caring for physical health. There are clear, practical steps you can take to protect your mental … Read more

Demi Moore is stepping into her 60s with a perspective that feels both grounded and forward-looking. At 62, the actor says she’s living through the most exciting stage of her life, balancing a thriving career, the joy of being a grandmother, and a mindset that prioritizes presence over pressure. Her outlook isn’t built on routines … Read more

As people get older, it’s normal to notice changes in how quickly the brain processes information. Forgetting a name or taking longer to recall a word happens to most adults. Researchers emphasize that these shifts don’t mean cognitive decline is inevitable. One of the strongest protective factors is keeping the mind active, and everyday hobbies … Read more

Living with arthritis can make even simple daily tasks challenging. For those dealing with its symptoms, there is a traditional craft that offers both relief and a way to stay active: bobbin lace. This centuries-old art uses fine threads, wooden bobbins, and pins to create intricate patterns. It’s gentle on the joints, and it keeps … Read more

If you’ve ever felt your mood lift after spending time with a close friend, you’re not imagining it. Research shows that the quality of our friendships is one of the strongest predictors of happiness. While many habits can improve well-being—exercise, healthy eating, or meditation—science points to one that stands out: nurturing meaningful friendships. In fact, … Read more

Getting older often means seeking new ways to stay active, connected, and mentally sharp. Many seniors try puzzles, fitness classes, or book clubs, but there’s one activity that combines brain training, social connection, and even better lung function: choir singing. As reported in a study published by the NIH, singing in a choir combines cognitive, … Read more

Retirement often raises a big question: how can you keep your mind active? Research points to one habit that can be of great help: continuing to learn new things. Studies show that taking on new skills or hobbies helps the brain build fresh neural pathways, strengthening memory, focus, and problem-solving. Here, we’ll explore why learning … Read more

Retirees in their seventies often say they still feel mentally sharp and notice better memory, crediting simple routines they’ve practiced for years. Experts confirm that these everyday habits aren’t just anecdotal—science shows that consistent lifestyle choices can have a lasting impact on how the brain ages. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 6 million Americans … Read more

Smartphone apps and computer games that promise to “train your brain” are everywhere. They claim to boost memory, sharpen focus, and even slow cognitive decline. For older adults looking to stay sharp, this sounds appealing. But do they really work? The short answer is not as much as the marketing suggests. Harvard researchers and other … Read more

Anxiety often shows up as racing thoughts and constant “what ifs”. These thoughts can spiral into worst-case scenarios that feel overwhelming and impossible to escape, but psychologists say one simple phrase can cut through the noise and bring a sense of calm almost instantly. The psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein explains that asking yourself “What is the … Read more

Some people prefer quiet evenings with a book or a solo walk over crowded bars or nonstop social events. This preference for solitude isn’t necessarily a sign of being antisocial. Psychology suggests it can indicate strengths in thinking, emotion, and self-management. Researchers differentiate between loneliness—a painful sense of isolation—and voluntary solitude, which can be restorative … Read more

Sudoku, crosswords, and board games are the usual recommendations for seniors to keep the brain active, but there’s another lesser-known hobby that’s not played on paper or with cards. It’s a three-dimensional option to sharpen memory and concentration. 3D puzzles combine tactile movement, visual processing, and problem-solving in one entertaining challenge. Here, we’ll look at … Read more

Staying mentally active during your retirement years is just as important as keeping the body moving. Hobbies that engage the hands and the mind can provide stimulation while also offering relaxation. One activity, in particular, is once again becoming popular among older adults for this purpose: cross-stitch. In the sections ahead, we’ll look at what … Read more

Puzzles keep your mind busy, and gardening gets you outside, but there’s one quiet, hands-on hobby that has been proven to calm the nervous system, ease tension, and bring a steady rhythm back to your day. And it’s been around for generations. We’re talking about knitting. Whether done with needles, a crochet hook, or a … Read more

Reading clubs, crosswords, and puzzles get a lot of credit when it comes to keeping the brain active. But there’s another hobby—less talked about—that also supports focus, memory, and fine motor coordination. It’s relaxing, creative, and easy to learn at any age. We’re talking about crocheting, an activity that engages your hands and your mind … Read more

Staying mentally sharp after 65 can involve different activities, from doing crosswords to physical exercise. While walking and gym workouts help, there are other hobbies you can try out to keep your brain engaged, and one of the top ones is language learning. A growing number of older adults are picking up new languages not … Read more

Staying socially connected is important at any age, but especially after 65. Many older adults face isolation due to mobility changes, loss of loved ones, or simply fewer day-to-day interactions. While book clubs, volunteering, or church groups can help, the National Institute on Aging suggests something less expected: learning how to use email or social … Read more

For years, daydreaming was seen as a waste of time, something that we should snap out of. But psychologists and neuroscientists are now seeing it differently. New research shows that letting your mind wander may do far more good than harm. Daydreaming is not the same as zoning out. It’s when the brain slips into … Read more

When it comes to keeping the mind sharp in retirement, there are several widely recommended hobbies, including reading, dancing, and gardening. Research suggests there’s another hobby that may be even more effective at helping older adults maintain cognitive function. A study found that learning new, mentally demanding skills—like quilting—can boost memory and thinking in adults … Read more

When Charity Kreher and her husband decided to move their family from Oklahoma to Puerto Rico, they were expecting a change, not just in scenery, but in their day-to-day lives. They traded a large suburban home for an apartment in San Juan, unsure of what would come. Six months in, the shift in lifestyle has … Read more

Brain games and puzzles have long been a go-to way for older adults to stay mentally active. Sudoku, chess, and crosswords all have their benefits. But there’s another option that offers more than just mental stimulation. It involves creativity, hands-on learning, and a surprising level of fun. It’s STEM robotics. While it may sound like … Read more