In recent years, gratitude has gained attention not just as a feel-good practice but as a powerful tool for improving mental health, especially among older adults. Research supports that gratitude has the power to heal.
Discussions on healthy aging often focus on eating right and staying active, but equally important is staying socially connected. Strong social ties improve mental health, reduce the risk of depression, ease loneliness, and even extend life.
Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct a study on aging in place in extremely rural settings in Wyoming, also known as frontier areas. Aging in place refers to the ability of people to safely remain in their homes and/or communities as they get older and is often the preference of older adults.
Did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month? According to the American Diabetic Association, the figures below depict a bleak picture. Diabetes remains a significant public health concern.
It’s essential to stay hydrated as temperatures climb. Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things people can do to prevent heat-related illness. As a person loses fluids, dehydration occurs. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious health conditions that can be avoided.
The traditional image of retirement—days filled solely with leisure and relaxation—is being redefined for a growing number of older adults across the nation, Wyoming included. Many individuals are choosing, or needing, to remain in the workforce well past the “traditional” retirement age of around 65. This isn’t just a passing phenomenon, it’s a culture shift driven by economic realities, personal fulfillment, and evolving demographics.
© March 2025
