Applying Psychological Science, Benefiting Society
Have you heard of National Senior Citizens Day? If not, you aren’t alone. This holiday is not often listed on most, if any, calendars. There are usually no headlines or special sales or promotions that accompany this holiday. Why is National Senior Citizens Day virtually forgotten? Probably for the same reasons that led to its establishment in 1988 by President Reagan. Older adulthood is not universally celebrated and valued.
Exercise and competitive sports can feel like they are worlds apart, and if you’ve never considered yourself an athlete, it may feel like it’s too late to change that part of your self-concept. If you consider the inspirational work of master athletes, you realize that it’s never too late to become an athlete – and that finding your sport can bring a variety of physical and psychological benefits, including an opportunity for fun!
Reducing health disparities among older adults overall is a massive undertaking and managed healthcare significantly reduces time spent with patients. However, there are still small steps that providers and older adults themselves can take. Providers and older adults can talk to each other about barriers to receiving care, barriers to achieving healthier lifestyles, and their own values and beliefs.
As we age, it’s natural to worry about possible declines in our mental and brain health. Research shows that mindfulness can improve brain functioning, resulting in thinking and feeling better as we get older.
People over the age of 85 have more life satisfaction and less negative affect (in other words, less stress, anxiety, and depression) than people in midlife – as long as physical health and functioning are considered.
We all know that eating healthy is good for our bodies as we age, but did you know that eating certain foods may reduce your risk of dementia? Science shows some promising results. Recently, research on healthy aging has examined the relationships between diet, dementia, and cognitive decline.
By Sheri R. Levy, PhD, Ashley Lytle, and Jamie L. Macdonald (Stony Brook University, Psychology Department) Most people hope to live long lives, yet American culture is filled with negative images of getting older. Older adulthood is thought of as a time marked by deteriorating health, poor memory, low levels of activity, loneliness, and a […]
By Mark Brennan-Ing, PhD (Director for Research and Evaluation at ACRIA, Center on HIV and Aging ) When we talk about fully including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in society, marriage equality and broader civil rights protections dominate our discourse. However, equally important are the numerous health disparities they experience in later life […]
By Eden Gallanter & Sherry A. Beaudreau, PhD, ABPP Lifestyle plays a huge role in the quality of our memory and other mental abilities, especially as we grow older. Although there is no clear strategy to avoid Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of intellectual losses in old age, there is a great deal you can do […]
By Kimberly E. Hiroto, PhD (Clinical Geropsychologist, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Tacoma, WA) and Glenn Smith, PhD (Clinical Neuropsychologist and Elizabeth Faulk Professor and Chair, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida) The holidays are often about three Rs: relationships, reflection, and remembering. Research suggests that as we age our view […]
Psychology Benefits Society 