One of the most powerful tools for staying steady through the holiday season is a simple one: a list of your “NOPES.” These are the tasks, events, and expectations you are choosing not to take on. Those who struggle with holiday overwhelm often find that their calm doesn’t come from adding more—it comes from deciding what to release. Start by noticing what drains you. Think back to past Decembers: What left you exhausted? What raised your stress? Long shopping trips?…
Your brain is built for growth at all ages. By making small, joyful choices each day, you can boost memory, sharpen focus, and stay engaged in life. Think of these habits as your daily brain boosters — simple steps that will add up to lasting vitality. Staying vibrant and mentally strong can be easier than you think, and it begins with the choices you make today. Every day is a chance to strengthen your brain, brighten your mood, and add…
The truth is, what we have now is time — a precious gift to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly be present. Time to let each day unfold, to notice the moments that warm the heart, and to welcome the changes that come. Time to explore new ways of living, loving, and finding joy. This chapter is ours to shape, not by rewriting the past, but by creating something meaningful right here, right now. Time gives us the chance to:…
Add Life to Your Years: How to Improve Your Healthspan In the U.S., the average lifespan is about 76 years, but the average HealthSpan—the years you live BEFORE illness or disability—is only 63. That means the last 13 years of life are often spent managing chronic disease, pain, or loss of independence. But here’s the good news: you can take clear, powerful steps to improve your HealthSpan starting today. 1. Move Daily.Physical activity is the single most effective thing you…
Do you ever find yourself hearing a song and doing a little two-step? Dancing is one of the best ways for older adults to stay healthy—and it starts with the music. Music uplifts mood, reduces stress, and stimulates memory. It can ease loneliness, enhance social bonds, and even support cognitive health in dementia. Dancing to music brings joy, fosters connection, and encourages movement—promoting emotional and physical well-being. Benefits of dancing for seniors include: Just start—check the SCCL club list for…
Move the Horizon Closer: A Healthy Living Mindset As we age, it’s easy to find ourselves worrying about what lies ahead—declining health, memory changes, or simply the unknown. But a wise perspective can help us live better today: Move the horizon closer. This simple phrase is a powerful invitation to bring your focus back from the distant future into the present moment. Instead of projecting fears or fixating on what might come years from now, ask yourself: What can I…
In the world today, there is so much anger, distrust and suspicion. I am tantalized with the concept that good gossip is an instigator for both self-betterment and small inroads into our world today. “Good Gossip” is the art of spreading positive, affirming stories about others to build community, encourage kindness, and inspire connection. Unlike harmful gossip, which erodes trust and damages reputations. Good gossip uplifts and reinforces the values we want to see in our lives and in those…
Hidden Brain is a concept by research science, journalist Shankar Vedanta in his book Hidden Brain. It refers to the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. These are mental processes operating below the surface of awareness, influencing decisions, judgments, and emotions without you realizing it. Our brains constantly absorb information from the environment, much of it is processed automatically through shortcuts known as cognitive biases. These hidden mechanisms evolved to help humans make quick decisions in complex environments. Learning…