mental health

Innovation in health care is happening all around us. Read our four main takeaways from HLTH 2019.

“How do you stay sane?”

The recent death of actor and comedian Robin Williams prompted much-needed public discussion about depression, which affects millions of older Americans — including many who face a number of common risk factors such as financial stress, decline in physical and cognitive health, and social isolation. Research has linked depression to poorer functioning, health status and quality of life among older adults. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify and treat depression in this population, a challenge that comes with a substantial cost.

The longevity capital of the world, as you may recently have read in the AARP Bulletin, is the Nagano region of Japan, where women can expect to live an average of 87.2 years and men an average of 80.9 years. Experts chalk it up to a healthy diet, regular physical activity, extended work years and aggressive government intervention.

A simple blood test that a researcher calls a "game changer" may be able to accurately predict whether older adults will develop dementia.

[ View the story "Susan Boyle: 'I Have Asperger's'" on Storify]

Who do you think is lonelier - adults in their mid to late 40s or adults age 70 and older? One might surmise that the older folks have experienced more loss of loved ones, diminished physical or mental abilities and/or are less active, which could lead to increased loneliness. Counter to what many people think, folks ages 45-49 are lonelier than those 70 years and older according to our research (43% vs. 25%, respectively). In fact, older people are happier than younger folks. In our recent happiness research, people experienced their lowest levels of happiness in their early 50s, and their happiness steadily increased with age.

Psychiatrists have long acknowledged that anger and irritability are classic symptoms of major depression in teens and children, but for some reason, prolonged adult crabbiness has been generally ignored.

Sure, those grandbabies are cute, but a close bond with your adult grandchildren can help reduce depression for both of you - and the closer the bond, the more antidepression benefits there are, a new study finds.

My husband knows not to talk to me before I have my first cup of coffee in the morning. Maybe not even until after the third.