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Volunteer to Give Your Brain a Boost

April 15–21, 2018 Is National Volunteer Week We honor our volunteers in April and all year long. Older adults in particular are stepping up to help out where they’re needed—in schools, museums, social services agencies, in scouting, in hospitals, for cultural organizations and faith communities. At The Alden Network, we value our volunteers and appreciate… Read More

Preserving Our Sense of Purpose

Why do we exist? What responsibility do we have to the people around us and those who’ll come after us? Does it actually matter to sit with these big questions? These might sound like questions for philosophers, but they’re exactly the kind of thinking that people with a strong sense of purpose engage in regularly…. Read More

Is It Normal Forgetfulness or Something More?

Misplacing your keys. Blanking on a name you know perfectly well. Walking into a room and forgetting why you went there. These moments happen to all of us. But for older adults, they can trigger an unsettling question: Is this just getting older, or is something wrong? The answer is usually reassuring, but it’s worth… Read More

Finding Meaning and Purpose After Leaving the Workforce

Stepping away from your career represents one of life’s most significant transitions, comparable to completing your education, getting married, or welcoming children into your life. This pivotal change often reshapes family dynamics and can profoundly impact how we view ourselves and our place in the world. Consider how social interactions typically unfold—when meeting someone for… Read More

Seniors Can Thrive in Long-Term Care

A move to a long-term care community is a big transition. Many seniors worry that leaving their home means leaving behind friendships and independence. But for many residents, the opposite turns out to be true. Long-term care can open the door to new relationships, social activities, and a renewed sense of belonging. Researchers recently confirmed… Read More

A Prescription for Friendship: Why Staying Social is Essential for Healthy Aging

Could a prescription for friendship help older adults? A new book by Jeffrey Hall, professor and director of the Relationships and Technology lab at the University of Kansas, offers science-backed reasons to make socialization an everyday intentional habit in our lives. Hall and co-author Andy J. Merolla build on decades of research into socialization and… Read More

Chasing Curiosity as We Age

Curiosity is often seen as a trait of youth, but it is just as important—if not more so—as we age. Staying curious has numerous benefits for older adults, both mentally and physically. Fortunately, there are many ways to cultivate this vital trait throughout life. The benefits of curiosity in aging It promotes cognitive health. As… Read More

Celebrating Healthy Aging!

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the positive aspects of aging and to celebrate the journey of growing older. Aging is often viewed through a lens of decline and loss. “Anti-aging” is a marketing buzz phrase that suggest aging is a process we should spend money and energy to stop or… Read More

8 Great Ways to Protect Your Brain

“Wait, what did I come into the kitchen to get? Where are my car keys? Oh, I can’t believe I misplaced my glasses again!” When it comes to aging, memory loss is a common concern. We may wonder if it is a regular sign of getting older, or something to be concerned about. Fortunately, it’s… Read More