9 Tips to Improve Longevity
Experts share nine things to do in midlife (roughly defined as ages 40 - 60) to increase lifespan and health span. These include: maintain and expand personal relationships (social interaction is a critical wellness intervention); eat fermented foods to help control inflammation—a major contributor to many age-related illnesses; and get the shingles vaccine, which has the added benefit of protecting against dementia. See the full list at the link provided below.
Talk to a Stand-In Grandma!
The Grandma Stand, a charming purple booth, pops up in various locations throughout New York City. Staffed by wise and welcoming grandmas, this mobile stand offers passersby an opportunity for conversation, connection, and comfort. Watch a heartwarming segment on the Today show, where volunteer grandmas share their sidewalk counsel with the community.
Grey Matters 7.31.26
Each month, we come across thoughtful articles, compelling research, inspiring stories, and practical resources that deepen our understanding of aging well. Some we share on social media. Others are recommended by members of the Geritas community. All are worth passing along.
Beginning this month, we're bringing them together in one place.
Who Will Care for Our Elders?
The senior-living industry, already grappling with a severe staffing shortage, is facing further challenges due to the current administration’s draconian immigration policies. Millions of immigrants—both eligible and undocumented workers—fill essential elder-care roles in the U.S. As they are forced out of these critical care positions—particularly as the population of Americans 65 years of age and older continues to expand—the crisis will only escalate.
What is a Dementia Directive?
Developing dementia is one of the greatest fears of growing older. Having advance healthcare directives, a healthcare proxy, and documenting end-of-life wishes should be standard practice for every adult.
However, traditional advance directives may not be enough. Dementia directives—while not legally binding—can provide additional guidance about a person's preferences at different stages of the disease. This can help families and caregivers navigate extraordinarily difficult decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
Follow the link below to read the WSJ article on what dementia directives are, why they matter, and to access free online templates.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Dementia Care
Is it ever acceptable to lie to protect the people you love? It's just one of the many heart-wrenching ethical dilemmas that dementia care presents.
As the WSJ article notes, thoughtful planning for one's later years can help mitigate some of these challenges. But planning alone isn't enough. As the U.S. population ages and people live longer, we also need a broader range of housing and care options.
Perhaps if more innovative and appealing models were widely available—such as friend compounds, intergenerational communities, and dementia villages—more people would choose to make the transition earlier. Doing so could ease the burden on loved ones while helping ensure greater safety, dignity, and quality of life for those living with dementia.
Gramping: The Travel Trend Bringing Generations Closer
No doubt you’ve heard of glamping. But how about gramping? This travel trend—part of the growing movement known as skip-gen travel—brings grandparents and grandchildren together for a camping trip or shared adventure, without parents in tow. More than a getaway, these experiences create meaningful connections, strengthen bonds across generations, and build memories that can last a lifetime.
Read more about the benefits of gramping at the link below.
Grey Matters 7.2.26
We received such an enthusiastic response to our Summer Culture Issue that we decided to come back for an encore.
And while reading your thoughtful feedback, we realized we left out one essential category: music.
So, thanks to contributions from the Geritas community (and a little editorial hindsight), we’ve added some recommendations for your listening pleasure, as well as another round of books, film, podcasts, and experiences for your summer enjoyment.
How to Stay Stronger Longer
Age-related muscle loss—known medically as sarcopenia—is common and often begins as early as our 40s. However, it doesn’t have to be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. There are proven strategies for building and maintaining strength over time by ensuring that muscles are properly challenged, fueled, and given adequate time to recover.
Follow the link below to learn four actions you can take to maintain and even increase muscle mass as you age.
Grey Matters 6.19.26
There are plenty of reasons to make time for art this summer. And a new one just joined the list.
We’ve long believed that art nourishes the soul. Emerging research suggests it supports the body, too. A recent study from University College London found that engaging in arts and cultural activities may help slow biological aging, with benefits comparable to physical activity.
That doesn’t mean replacing your walk with a museum visit. But it does reinforce something we’ve suspected all along: meaningful engagement matters.
So consider this your summer invitation. Read. Watch. Listen. Wander. Press play. Visit the exhibit. Stay for the conversation.
Here’s what’s currently in our queue.
Reverse Aging Drug Injected into a Human Being for the First Time
After years of promising animal studies, the first human has received an injection designed to partially reset aging cells. Somewhere, at least a few older adults are thinking, “So… do I still have to stretch before tennis?”
Given the early stage of this experimental therapy and the fact that it’s not yet ready for primetime, we’d say keep going with the strength and fitness training.
Can Art Benefit Aging? New Research Says Yes
We’ve long believed that art nourishes the soul. Now new research suggests it may benefit the body as well. A recent study from University College London found that engaging in arts and cultural activities can help slow biological aging and offer benefits comparable to physical activity. Study co-lead Feife Bu said the findings highlight the importance of including the arts in public health strategies and investments.
Read more about the study below and tag your favorite arts organizations/artists in the comments!
Meet Diana Fitzpatrick
Elite athlete, former attorney, and mother of two, Diana Fitzpatrick, 68, brings rigor, empathy, and intelligence to everything she does. Her accomplishments are extensive: a three-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier (with a personal best of 2:37:32), an age-group record holder at the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run (set at age 60), and a two-time winner of the famed Dipsea Race, among many other honors and achievements.
A priority for Diana is giving back to the running community. As the first female president of the Western States Endurance Run Foundation, she helmed a number of groundbreaking policies around diversity and inclusion. She also coaches the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s 1000 Mile Club, featured in the acclaimed documentary 26.2 to Life.
Strategies for Longer, Healthier Lives
Join the Buck Institute–in person or via Zoom–on May 6 at 11am PT for the seminar, “Scientific Wellness to Unlock Longer, Healthier Lives.” Through big data, AI, and other advanced tools, Dr. Nathan Price is developing tailored strategies to support individual longevity. Follow the link below to register for the event.
Food for Sleep
In our recent sleep series, we discussed how when you eat can impact your restfulness. However, we didn’t delve into how what you eat can also affect your sleep quality. According to nutrition experts, certain foods can subtly support a good night’s rest (in conjunction with appropriate timing). These include: kiwi, turkey, eggs, tart cherries, milk, bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, and walnuts. Read the “Food & Wine” article to learn more.
Embracing “Nonnamaxxing”
Is living like an Italian nonna—or grandmother—the way to maximize longevity? This wellness trend is gaining popularity among people of all ages, and suggests some very sensible advice, including: lean into aging, live mindfully, connect with community, and eat seasonally. Nonna sa tutto! Lo adoro!
Grey Matters 4.14.26
Hello Friend,
First, thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Sleep Poll. As you know, sleep has come under intense focus lately—arguably becoming today’s wellness obsession, rivaling even daily protein intake.
While this attention is warranted—quality sleep is strongly linked to longevity and reduced cognitive decline—there’s an important paradox: thinking too much about sleep can actually make it worse.
Get a Dog, Live Longer?
Studies show that having a pet, particularly dogs, can lead to longer, healthier (and, of course, happier) lives. Some thoughts as to the reason: increasing physical activity, improving mental well-being, and supporting social connection.
It Takes Two to Tango–and Help Patients with Parkinson's
Tango, the national dance of Argentina, is based on precise movements, balance, mobility. The same sort of things for which those with Parkinson’s seek therapy. And now, the danceform is being used for exactly that. A hospital in Argentina is bringing patients together to practice tango as a way to model movement in everyday life, while delivering the side benefits associated with socializing and music.
Grey Matters 3.11.26
Hello Friend,
In our last issue, we explored the Physical and Digital layers of today’s sleep stack.
Now we turn to the categories that generate the most discussion—and occasionally, the most controversy:
Drugs & Supplements
Mental & Viral Hacks
You may recall that Part One focused on environment and awareness. Here, in Part Two, we explore biology and psychology.
Read on to discover what we observed….
[Geritas content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.]