Keirō no Hi: Celebrating Longevity and Wisdom in Japan Each year, Japan celebrates Keirō no Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, on the third Monday of September. This national holiday honors the contributions and longevity of the nation's elderly and holds a unique place in
Mindful Aging Through Meditation In recent decades, meditation has moved from the realm of mystics and monks to a mainstream activity. Researchers at Harvard, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins have presented compelling evidence that meditation has far-reaching benefits, including improved physical health, mental focus, and emotional well-being.
Emotional and Health Benefits of Being Kind In an unfeeling world of winners and losers, the quiet power of kindness for seniors may seem like a quaint, old-fashioned notion. Yet, a simple act of kindness can be the most powerful way to improve the lives of
Aging in a New Light: How Culture Shapes Our View of Old Age Living to a "ripe old age" is an achievement. It can represent a lifetime of accomplishments and wisdom that is a badge of honor rather than a life stage to deny. In some
Aging from the Inside Out: Overcoming the Ego as a Key Obstacle In recent decades, depth psychologists and authors such as Connie Zweig, a leading expert on transitions in mid and later life, have focused on the experience of aging from within. They recognize the psychological
Continuing Care Retirement Communities CCRCs represent the best of the best in senior living. This rapidly growing model of care is focused on the "young, old" generation comprising older adults between the ages of 65 and 84. CCRCs offer a range of care options that have
Finding Joy in Aging In her insightful TED talk "Older People Are Happier," Laura Carstensen, a psychologist and director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, explains why older people are happier, wiser, and more energetic. Her work challenges common myths about aging and offers important insights
Okay, Boomer? The Problem of Ageism in America It's been called "the last taboo." Deeply rooted in the American psyche, age appears to be the last acceptable "ism" in polite society. The recent 200-page report on Ageism from the World Health Organization is unequivocal. It demonstrates
In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where the average income is modest by world standards, people live, on average, to age 85, which is among the highest life expectancies in the world. In comparison, Americans average 77 years, according to the latest federal census records. Why do Nicoyans
The Power of Marriage When seniors talk to young adults about major life decisions — such as careers, where to live, and who to marry — it's clear that many have thought deeply about their job aspirations and financial goals. However, surprisingly, few have considered how