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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Originally a Shinto purification ritual, the concept of misogi (pronounced mee-soh-gee) has evolved in modern times to mean an intense physical or mental challenge designed to test limits and inspire inner strength.
If you decide to pursue a misogi, here are some ideas to inspire your personal and year-defining quest.
A transplant to NYC by way of London, Davor is a teaching artist with a colorful background of moving fluidly between stage and classroom. And though he doesn’t own up to it in his bio, he’s a walking encyclopedia of show tunes and factoids for any musical that has hit the Broadway stage.
From her upbringing in rural Connecticut, to the executive hallways of NY and LA, and now back to bucolic environs, Jenness Brewer’s latest act is the culmination of all that came before. She brings her love of land, art, fellowship, and family together in beautiful and unexpected ways.
June Squibb, 95, knows how to play to her age–and defy it. Last week, I saw a screening of her new movie Eleanor the Great, directed by Scarlett Johansson. Squibb plays Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman living in Florida, who loses her best friend and is then pressured into moving back to New York City to live with her daughter, played by Jessica Hecht.
As she wrestles with the dueling factors of being treated like an incapable old woman by her daughter while still, as she puts it, feeling like the same person she’s always been, she stumbles on an unconventional way to memorialize her dear friend, which stirs up a bit of trouble.
Along the way, the movie shines a light on the beauty and mutual benefits of intergenerational friendships.
Squibb, who has no plans to retire, (you might remember her from the movie Thelma in 2024) will also be hitting the stage on Broadway in December, starring alongside Cynthia Nixon in Marjorie Prime. Learn more about Squibb’s career at E!News.
“This seems less like a twilight thing and more like a ‘go girl, kick ass’ thing—which is good because I’m not done.” Jane Fonda, longtime aging well champion, at age 87, strongly declaring she still has plenty to do, upon accepting the Life Achievement Award at the 31st Annual SAG Awards on Sunday night.
Fonda also noted she did one of her most successful movies in her 80s and predicted she’ll be doing her own stunts in action movies when she’s in her 90s.
Her fiery and inspiring speech challenged the status quo. As the New York Times quoted Fonda, “...We are in our documentary moment. This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.”
Blondie frontperson Debbie Harry, the iconic rock and roller of the 1970s and 80s (and beyond) doesn’t seem too different these days from the person she was back then: bold, brash, and full of vitality. She is currently the focus of Gucci’s Cruise 2025 collection, which was shot by photographer Nan Goldin for the We Will Always Have London campaign. To catch up on more of what she’s up to, follow the link below to The Times.
While the music industry may skew young, there’s one sector of the profession that’s a surprising exception. Many of the industry’s most valued roadies, including equipment and sound technicians, are well into their golden years (despite the long hours and physical demands.) Read about how some of music’s most legendary artists depend on these experienced employees to keep them rocking and rolling all night.
More than a third of the awards given out at the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5, went to individuals over the age of 50.
The oldest to bring home an award: Jean Smart, 73, known as the sassy and savvy Deborah Vance in Hacks, won for Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy.
Demi Moore, 62, who spoke of the double challenge of aging as female, won for Best Actress, Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for her role in The Substance. In her acceptance speech, Moore talked of having been “doing this” for more than 45 years without winning anything. She also talked about a producer telling her 30 years ago that she was “a popcorn actress,” a comment that she says corroded her over time, leading to a crisis in confidence that nearly convinced her to put herself out to pasture a few years ago. Until a certain script found her. Follow the link below to hear her acceptance speech.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th, was 100 years old–a milestone age not achieved by just anyone. To look at the lynchpins of his long and active life, Fortune spotlights Carter’s three strategies for longevity. Read on to see how fitness, love, and community factored in.
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.
The sixth annual Century Summit will be held February 17 & 18, 2026 at Stanford University and online (the virtual platform is free for all participants). This year’s program will focus on how to develop and support professionals across extended career journeys as we live longer and healthier lives. One key question to be addressed: How can we ensure that opportunity is not limited by age? Follow the link below to find out more.
Join Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, author of the newly released book, “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life,” for an honest and refreshing discussion on what really matters for living better and longer. The conversation will take place, January 7th @ 7:30pm ET, in person at the 92nd Street Y, New York, and online. Follow the link below for more information and to register.
The 4th annual Longevity Summit, “The Future of Medicine: Eliminating Diseases of Aging,” is taking place December 9-10 at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA. Speakers will be sharing advancements in the longevity field, with representatives from biotech companies, hospitals, investment firms, and academic institutions. The program is both in-person and online. Learn more and register by following the link below.
Join Mount Sinai medical experts for an online conversation on “Protocols for Living Better, Not Just Longer: The Science Behind Longevity and Healthspan.” Part of 92NY’s Spark Your Health Talk Series, the program will take place November 5th at 7pm ET. Read more about the virtual event and register by following the link below.
Join the American Society on Aging for a conversation with Kristin Dahlquist, DSW, MPH and Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD on planning for the costs of long-term care. This is particularly important as proposed cuts in Medicaid funding could place a significant financial burden on states and individuals. Sign up below for the free webinar on October 1.
Tomorrow! Join the Stanford Center on Longevity for “A Conversation with Kerry Burnight,” author of “Joyspan. The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half.” The webinar will take place August 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Register through the link below.
Become a Citizen Archivist! If you’re of a generation that can read cursive (a vanishing skill as penmanship is no longer taught in many schools), the National Archives Catalog needs your help. Millions of documents written in longhand—ranging from JFK assassination records to case files on UFO sightings—need to be transcribed and tagged. Learn more, and how to get started at the link below.
Attend the Stanford Center on Longevity’s second annual healthy aging conference, May 5, 2025 (in-person and via Zoom). Leading experts on nutrition, fitness, social connection, health tech, and wellness, will share the latest research, innovations, and best practices to support a longer, healthier life. For more information and registration details, follow the link below.
Hang out with the indefatigable Janet Fonda
Bring generations together to build community
Save Democracy (while having fun)
Get the story