Anxiety Is Another Stage of Grief

(This article is excerpted from Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief by Claire Bidwell Smith.) What is anxiety? Where does it come from, and how can you gain control over it? And why is it so frequently spurred by the loss of a loved one? These are ofte… Continue reading

The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for Older Adults

I am sitting comfortably in my chair taking a course on mindfulness and meditation. Like those around me, I want to cope better with stress and feel more relaxed. But more than that, I am intrigued by my fellow “students.” After all, an assisted living… Continue reading

How to Cope With a Parent Who Hoards

The pain and frustration are palpable. “I hired a maid… [My mother] didn’t talk to me for months. I filled two construction dumpsters full and there was still 2,400 square feet left to clean up. Eventually the maid quit when my dad berated her for thro… Continue reading

Next Avenue Readers Find Happiness and Connection in the Arts

“Because it makes me happy.” This was the top response to a question in a recent Next Avenue Vitality Arts survey on why our readers value participating in a favorite pursuit geared toward the arts. With the 10-question survey, posted in August on the … Continue reading

The End-of-Life Care That Veterans Need

(Editor’s note: This story is part of a special report for The John A. Hartford Foundation.) Every veteran is unique, with a lifetime of memories, stories and achievements. At the same time, veterans share a common experience regardless of when and whe… Continue reading

The Best Way to Improve Brain Health

(Advances in science and public health are increasing longevity and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world. In a series of interviews with the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, 14 visionaries will be revealing exciting… Continue reading

Preparing for the Financial Shocks of Widowhood

After reviewing a new survey of widows from Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, I’m worried about the wives of America, or more specifically the wives who, sadly, will likely one day experience the financial shocks of widowhood. Women are more than three times… Continue reading

The Calming Effect of Therapy Chickens

Chickens. They’re an important part of the agricultural economy, as well as our food chain. But to many people, they’re much more than a main course at dinner. Today, chickens are being widely used as therapy animals across the United States, Canada an… Continue reading

What Is the Effect of Exercise on the Brain?

(Editor’s note: This podcast is from The Not Old – Better show. ) Today’s show is part of our Fitness Friday series, and it’s another great one in our Fitness Friday series. We’ll be hearing from returning guest, Sabrena Jo, who’ll join us in just a mi… Continue reading

The Letters of Love Program for Older Adults

With all the pressures today’s teenagers experience around academic work and  extracurricular activities, while keeping up a social life, it’s truly remarkable to come across a young person who is not only running his own nonprofit and taking the time … Continue reading