When was the last time you intentionally stepped outside just to feel the sunshine on your face? As the days begin to grow longer and warmer, spending time outside is one of the simplest ways to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
There is strength in a community when its citizens give back through volunteerism. Not only is it good for the community, but it’s also beneficial for the person who gives back and donates their time. This is especially true for older adults who give their time and talents.
As we age, our bodies change, and we might start to feel pain in places we may not have before. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 4 people have been diagnosed with arthritis (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db497.htm).
As we age, we watch our hair turn gray and the wrinkles appear, as if our mirrors have quietly switched to “high-definition honesty mode.” It’s a process we observe over decades, one strand, one line, one mysterious ache at a time.
Aging has a way of quietly rearranging our lives.
During his whiteboard talk for The Physics in Aging Biology Workshop, he demonstrated how cycles of exercise (stress) and rest teach the body to adapt, making it stronger and more resilient. Exercise works by briefly stressing the body, causing small amounts of muscle damage. The body then repairs itself, becoming stronger and healthier; this same process can boost overall longevity and well-being.
I returned home from work tonight, and before making dinner, I opened the freezer, slipped out a half-gallon of my favorite ice cream, and dished out a small bowl. I stood in front of the heater, savoring every spoonful of peanut butter and chocolate chips while feeling the warmth from the fire on my backside and toes.
