What can older adults who have lost their closest friends and family members do as they contemplate the future without them? If, as research has found, good relationships are essential to health and well-being in later life, what happens when connections forged over the years end?

It would be foolish to suggest these relationships can easily be replaced: They can’t. There’s no substitute for people who’ve known you a long time, who understand you deeply, who’ve been there for you reliably in times of need, and who give you a sense of being anchored in the world.

Keep reading here. 

The bodies of people with mental illness could be biologically older than their actual age, according to a new study.

The new research suggests people with a lifetime history of conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders have signals in their blood that indicate they are older than their years.

For example, people with bipolar disorder had blood markers indicating they were around two years older than their chronological age, the study found.

Keep reading here. 

From “antiaging” face creams to wisecracking birthday cards about getting older to “OK, boomer” memes, the message is clear: Being old is something to avoid. Never mind that, if we have the good fortune to live a long life, inaccurate stereotypes about aging will harm all of us.

Ageism is defined as discrimination against older people because of negative and inaccurate stereotypes—and it’s so ingrained in our culture that we often don’t even notice. Most organizations now have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) departments to tackle issues such as racism and gender bias. Even in those departments, age bias is seldom on the radar. 

Keep reading here. 

When you think about the future, do you expect good or bad things to happen?

If you weigh in on the “good” side, you’re an optimist. And that has positive implications for your health in later life.

Multiple studies show a strong association between higher levels of optimism and a reduced risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cognitive impairment. Several studies have also linked optimism with greater longevity.

Keep reading here.