If stars always shine, can we keep sparkling in an aging world? Published on November 16, 2012by Rita Watson in With Love and Gratitude There has been talk these days in San Diegoabout the relationship between the recent solar eclipse, the earth’s magnetic field flip-flop, and forgetfulness. While many of us would like to point to atmospheric conditions…
Boost your brain chemicals for a happier New Year
A young relative sent me a text at the beginning of December that gave me a new perspective on the New Year. This is the year to make wish lists to boost the brain’s happy chemicals instead of resolutions that are too often doomed to fail. My niece was double-checking family addresses for holiday cards,…
Reignite romance in your life and in your home
Music may be the secret to romance in 2013. While women’s magazines keep touting unlimited ways to swing from chandeliers to spice up love and “50 Shades of Grey” became hot mommy porn, it is time to rethink romance. Here is promising news from a survey conducted by a music psychologist in London. It seems…
Baby Boomers: Start Turning Nursing Homes Upside Down/ Psychology Today
Today’s nursing homes are designed for fish not people. Published on January 7, 2013by Rita Watson in With Love and Gratitude If the generation that grew up with the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, and Woodstock is to live out the last chapter of their lives in nursing homes, then there will have to be some changes made. Whenever I…
Gerontological Society of America/ New America Media and Nursing Home contents
As a MetLife Foundation Journalist in Aging Program, through the Gerontological Society of American and New American Media — my articles published in the Providence Journal and Psychology Today are reprinted with artwork. Here are the articles on the NAM website in a format that is full of additional articles and resources by writers on…
Tools to build health and happiness in the holidays, Providence Journal
Tools to build health and happiness into holidays on Page H5 of Sunday, December 16, 2012 issue of Providence Journal In a season in which everyone is wishing someone a “Happy,” sometimes happiness becomes a challenge. We want to feel good in the presence of people we love, but we just cannot seem to find our smile. We…
Panic-attack research boost to Yale scientists, ProJo
Panic-attack research boost given to Yale scientists on Page D2 of Monday, December 10, 2012 issue of Providence Journal Panic attacks. The trembling, shortness of breath or severe chest pain often comes without warning. You can be at home alone, boarding a train, sitting at a meeting, or, if you’re a student, studying for an exam. Suddenly…
The Pope and the Nuns Square Off, The Providence Journal
Original posting: The Vatican and the nuns square off on Page F7 of Sunday, August 05, 2012 issue of The Providence Journal. I am updating to include a letter to the Editor from a member of the board of Voice of the Faithful, which somehow just crossed my desk. THE VATICAN is trying to rein in the nuns….
Nursing homes for Baby Boomers, ProJo, Editorial
Nursing homes for Baby Boomers on Page F6 of Sunday, December 02, 2012 issue of Providence Journal – Sunday editorial page Nursing homes for Baby Boomers, Providence Journal, Dec. 02, 2012 RITA WATSON Nursing homes are often associated with the last chapter in people’s lives. But at least these days involved families make changes when they identify deficiencies…
Cognitive stimulation is vital for everyone, ProJo
Cognitive stimulation is vital for everyone as we age Rita Watson For most people today, the mind is so weary from information overload that forgetfulness is common. For others, memory decline is a frightening reality. Experts agree that it is important to promote cognitive stimulation as we age. One of the valuable points made regarding our…