Think positively about aging for long life
People who tend to be more positive, optimistic and energetic as they get older are more likely to live longer and have healthier lives than those with negative thoughts about aging. A study published in February 2022 in JAMA Network Open found that the people with the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who were the least... READ MORE
Is it all in your head, or not identified yet?
The body and mind are intricately connected, and sometimes, this connection can lead to physical symptoms driven by emotional stress. These are known as psychosomatic disorders, and they demonstrate just how powerful stress, unresolved trauma and emotions can be in affecting our physical health. However, not all unexplained symptoms fall into this category. Some are the result of... READ MORE
Barley is a healthy, high-fiber whole grain
Barley, as a staple, is anything but basic. Native to Ethiopia and Southeast Asia, barley has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Since ancient times, it has been used for food — both human and animal — as well as tea, alcoholic beverages, medicine, and even as a standard of measurement. These days, we’re most likely to enjoy our barley in a meal of hearty stew... READ MORE
Ways to fight against winter depression
As winter arrives and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. “It’s a feeling of panic, fear, anxiety and dread all in one,” said Germaine Pataki, 63, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She’s among the millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Her coping strategies include yoga,... READ MORE
Snacking can be part of a healthy diet
Do you find yourself sometimes reaching for snacks instead of sitting down for a more formal meal? That’s not necessarily a bad thing. When snacking is done correctly, it can give you a boost of energy between meals, help meet nutrient needs for the day, and help keep hunger at bay to prevent overeating at the next meal. And managing your hunger can help you maintain a healthy ... READ MORE
Ways to get your doctors to listen to you
Dear Savvy Senior, How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions? —Dissatisfied Patient Dear Dissatisfied, Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors are nothing new. Many older patients feel... READ MORE
Tired after Covid? A healthy diet could help
Covid affects people in different ways. For some it’s fatal, while others experience no symptoms at all. Others struggle with autoimmune conditions and fatigue months after the infection has resolved — a condition known as long Covid. Now, there’s a new study for people over 50 who have felt tired for months after having Covid. The University of Maryland, with funding from... READ MORE
Sweet chili chicken with zucchini barley
Here’s a way to keep boneless, skinless chicken breasts moist and tasty. I brown the chicken in a skillet, cover with a sweet chili sauce and walnuts, then finish the cooking in the oven. That gives the chicken a nice crust, and the steam from the covered skillet keeps the chicken moist. I wanted to make barley for a side dish and created a way to make it in the microwave with... READ MORE
Key strategies to help improve memory
Q: I am experiencing more minor memory lapses. What can I do to help my memory? A: Keeping the brain as healthy as possible might help delay memory issues and other age-related brain changes. The best way to do that is by living a healthy lifestyle: exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking), giving yourself the opportunity to... READ MORE
Is there a wrong way, or time, to nap?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am retired, and although I generally enjoy less hectic days now, I keep busy. Part of my routine includes trying to squeeze in a nap on most afternoons. My wife tells me I'm doing it wrong because I often wake up groggy. Is there a wrong way — or time — to nap? A: Closing your eyes for a few minutes during your busy day may seem like a good idea. It can refresh... READ MORE
