The hottest Aging Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Loneliest Decades of Our Lives

Culture Study • 4988 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Community Loneliness Social Trends Aging
  1. Many people experience a drop in friendships during their late 20s to 40s. This period can feel lonely as work and family take up most of our time.
  2. Older adults tend to have more close friends, possibly because they have more time to socialize and engage in community activities. They often bring a practiced understanding of building and maintaining friendships.
  3. Prioritizing friendships can be tough in today's busy world. It's important to recognize this struggle and find ways to make time for friends and community, even amidst life's other demands.

Runners I Know: Nancy Martin

Running Probably • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Aging Nutrition Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Staying active as you age is really important. Nancy believes that if people moved more when they were younger, they would have better mobility as they get older.
  2. You can adapt your exercise routine to fit your abilities. Nancy shows that even if you give up certain activities, you can find new ways to stay active, like walking or doing water aerobics.
  3. It's okay to make adjustments and acknowledge your limits. Nancy emphasizes that you should keep moving and adapt to your current abilities to stay healthy.

'Aging is another word for living'

What Do We Do Now That We're Here? • 4220 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Mental health Parenting Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Aging should be seen as a natural part of life, not something to fear or fight against. Embracing the changes can lead to more joy and freedom.
  2. Taking short breaks for self-care can really improve your mood and relationships. It's important to carve out time for yourself, even if it's just a little.
  3. You don’t always have to keep your options wide open. Sometimes, making firm choices can lead to more happiness rather than feeling stuck in endless possibilities.

Friday Thread: Later Loves

Culture Study • 3244 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Personal Stories Aging Experiences
  1. Life is long, and there are many chances to find love at different stages. People can experience deep connections even after major life changes.
  2. It's refreshing to step away from society's relationship expectations. This freedom allows individuals to explore love on their own terms.
  3. Hearing stories about second and third loves can be inspiring for those in later life. It shows that love can come in many forms and at any age.

Friday Thread: How Are You Planning For Your Senescence?

Culture Study • 2321 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Retirement Wellness Relationships
  1. It's important to think about how you will take care of yourself as you get older. Planning for your elder years can help ease worries and create a sense of security.
  2. Many people learn valuable lessons from watching loved ones age. These experiences can guide how we approach our own aging.
  3. Retirement planning is a common concern. It's good to think about your financial future and make a plan so you can enjoy your later years.
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Free Press LIVE: My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Then She Got Better.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 839 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Patient Care Aging Psychology
  1. Misdiagnosis in healthcare can lead to unnecessary grief, as seen in one family's experience with Alzheimer's. It highlights how important it is for doctors to view patients as whole individuals rather than just a set of symptoms.
  2. Many people relate to the struggles of misdiagnosis and want to share their stories. This shows that there is a larger conversation around the issues in the medical system that need attention.
  3. Connecting with others who have faced similar health challenges can provide hope and community support. There is a need for open discussions about healthcare and the potential for better outcomes.

Dude, where's my bigot?

Situation Normal • 109 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Discrimination Aging Hollywood Society
  1. People can often bring personal complaints and biases into casual conversations. It's surprising how quickly a simple chat can turn into a discussion about racism and discrimination.
  2. Maintaining professionalism can be challenging when faced with someone's offensive views. Sometimes, it's better to politely disengage than to confront someone who's unlikely to listen.
  3. Humor and absurdity can be found in daily life, even in uncomfortable situations. Finding ways to cope with odd interactions can help you deal with them better.

Reverse 20 Years of Heart Aging

Neuro Athletics • 44 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Nutrition Mental health Preventive Care Aging
  1. As we age, our hearts lose flexibility and strength, making us more at risk for heart diseases. Staying active is crucial to keep your heart healthy.
  2. To protect your heart, aim to exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Doing less means you might not be doing enough for your heart's health.
  3. A structured exercise routine can actually reverse some effects of aging. Following a specific workout plan can help your heart function like it did years ago.

Samwise's Blood Test: A Wake-up Call

Tom Ryan, Author • 11891 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pets Emotions Aging Gratitude Reflection
  1. Age affects dogs faster than humans, leading to a realization of limited time for trips and adventures.
  2. A dog's aging process can serve as a reminder to cherish the present moments and appreciate the time spent together.
  3. The bond between pets and their owners deepens with time, creating concern for the future and the inevitable challenges it may bring.

Every kid deserves an Aunt Bobbie

The Watch • 1178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Relationships Aging Personal Growth Family
  1. Every kid needs someone outside their family who believes in them. This support can help them feel valued and understood.
  2. Having a close relationship with a quirky and caring mentor can enrich a child's life. These special people can inspire us and create lasting memories.
  3. Even if you don't have kids, you can still make a positive impact on younger generations. Being a supportive figure can make a difference in their lives, just like Aunt Bobbie did.

I'm a neuroscientist. Our presidential candidates have shrinking prefrontal cortexes.

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24116 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Neuroscience Aging Health Science Government
  1. Neuroscientist claims both presidential candidates show signs of shrinking prefrontal cortexes due to age-related cognitive decline.
  2. There is ongoing debate about the cognitive health of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, reflecting concerns about their ability to lead.
  3. Science suggests that aging impacts cognitive abilities, including executive functions, which are crucial for effective leadership roles.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Aging Health Technology Society Politics
  1. There isn't a single fix for aging; it's a complex issue that requires addressing many changes in the body. Solving one part of the problem might only add a few years to life expectancy.
  2. If people lived for centuries, they might change careers or take more leisurely paths in life. This could lead to many people retiring early, but society still needs workers for essential tasks.
  3. Without aging, older politicians could hold power indefinitely, affecting society's decision-making. This might lead to less innovation and a government influenced more by the old than the young.

Expiration Dates

The Audacity. • 8726 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Self-Acceptance Women's Health
  1. The article discusses the impact of aging on women and appreciating one's skin as they grow older.
  2. The post is by writer and illustrator Aubrey Hirsch, living in New York, with work featured in various publications like The New York Times and TIME.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with options to subscribe and sign in for access.

Life in My Seventies, Study: Billionaires Not that Smart, Study: Loneliness as Dangerous as Smoking, NBA Social Justice Champion Finalists, Elon Gets It Wrong (Again), Joan Baez Sings, and More

kareem • 7350 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Loneliness Health Studies Joy Cognitive abilities
  1. Living in the Red Zone brings uncertainty about the future, but focusing on daily joys is key.
  2. New study shows that being a billionaire doesn't equate to higher intelligence compared to lower-paid individuals.
  3. Loneliness is highlighted as being as dangerous as smoking, emphasizing the importance of social connections for health.

An Ode to Age

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 599 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Nature Family History Environment
  1. Aging can be appreciated by looking at both people and nature. For example, the author's mom turned 90, which is an incredible milestone.
  2. Many local marine animals, like rockfish and orcas, have long lifespans and play important roles in their ecosystems. Their age brings wisdom and stability to their communities.
  3. Trees and geological formations in the region can be thousands, even millions of years old, showing us that age contributes to resilience and strength in nature.

Why Shorter People Live Longer (and How Muscle Changes the Game)

Neuro Athletics • 17 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Fitness Nutrition Longevity Strength Training
  1. Studies show that shorter people tend to live longer because they have lower levels of growth hormones that speed up aging.
  2. Keeping muscle mass is super important for living a long and healthy life, especially for women aged 45-55, but many are told to prioritize cardio instead of strength training.
  3. To age well, it's important to balance protein intake, resistance training, and fasting rather than simply cutting down on protein and exercise.

I am aging at only 2/3 the normal rate!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1358 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Longevity Fitness
  1. The individual shared exciting results from the DunedinPACE aging test, showing they are aging at 2/3 the normal rate.
  2. The DunedinPACE aging clock is considered highly reliable compared to other available options, and is the clock used for the Rejuvenation Olympics.
  3. To achieve top rankings in the aging test leaderboards, multiple tests over six months are required, and the individual plans to provide more detailed analysis of their results.

Chip Conley Wants You To Love Getting Older

Changing The Channel • 1096 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Happiness Self-care
  1. Life truly begins at 50, according to Chip Conley, as everything before that is just a dress rehearsal.
  2. Despite negative messages about aging in our culture, getting older can bring increased happiness and excitement for the future.
  3. Unlearning toxic social conditioning around aging is essential, especially with industries that profit from instilling fear of aging.

Ways Of Flourishing

Adjacent Possible • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Longevity Aging AI Impact
  1. Human life expectancy has greatly improved in the last century, doubling from around 35 years to over 70 years. This shows how much we have advanced in health and longevity.
  2. Flourishing isn't just about living longer; it's about building meaningful connections across generations. These relationships enrich our lives and help transfer knowledge and wisdom.
  3. With the rise of AI, we are facing rapid changes that could compress decades of progress into just a few years. This raises important questions about how we can adapt and ensure positive outcomes for both humans and AI.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fertility Marriage Parenting Demographics Aging
  1. Women are most fertile in their late teens, and the decline in fertility happens steadily between ages 20 and 40. It's important to understand this to make informed choices about family planning.
  2. Many countries are experiencing lower birth rates, and this trend is not just linked to economic factors. It's happening in places where we might not expect it, showing that fertility is a complex issue.
  3. Marriage is changing, becoming less common and often entered into later in life. This shift affects when couples start having children, which can contribute to declining birth rates.

The Chuck-It List

DruGroup • 179 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Personal Growth Life Reflection Humor Lifestyle
  1. Instead of a bucket list, consider creating a 'Chuck-It List' to identify things you no longer want to do. This helps you focus on what really matters as you get older.
  2. Aging brings a realization that some dreams may not come true, but that's okay. It's normal to let go of things that no longer fit your life or interests.
  3. It's important to prioritize your time and energy wisely. Don’t waste them on activities or responsibilities that don't bring you joy or fulfillment.

Conversations with women (over 40): no longer Accidental Icon, Lyn Slater

The Shift With Sam Baker • 678 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Identity Aging Writing Podcasts
  1. Lyn Slater discusses the importance of aging and embracing identity in her new book 'How to be Old'. It's about being comfortable in your own skin at any age.
  2. There is a shift in society where young women are interested in truthful conversations about aging and challenges that come with it. They want honesty and realism rather than idealized versions of aging.
  3. As older women, there is a responsibility to speak truthfully about the positives and challenges of getting older. It's about remaining optimistic while acknowledging the serious aspects of aging and life changes.

Why Biology and Cancer?

Solve Cancer in 365 days • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Biology Cancer Research Aging Health Systems Wellness Practices
  1. Aging and illness like cancer are tough realities that many people face in life. There's a strong desire to find better solutions to these problems.
  2. It's important to seek meaning and purpose in life beyond just money and status. Finding something impactful can reignite passion and motivation.
  3. Learning about biology and unconventional approaches to it can open new pathways to understanding health issues. This exploration could lead to breakthroughs in how we view and treat diseases like cancer.

Welcome to the age of the late bloomer

The Common Reader • 1346 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Talent Success Creativity Equality
  1. Older individuals are demonstrating remarkable capabilities and contributing significantly in various fields like politics and work, highlighting the value of skills and experience brought by older people.
  2. Late bloomers are becoming more common, with individuals achieving success and recognition later in life, showcasing that age is not a limiting factor for pursuing passions or making significant contributions.
  3. Embracing and celebrating both young talent and older individuals can enrich and diversify achievements and contributions in society, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent across various age groups.

50something woman leaves the house without makeup shocker!

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1058 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Makeup Aging Self-Acceptance
  1. Leaving the house without makeup, especially as a woman over 50, can be seen as an act of courage and rebellion against societal beauty standards.
  2. As people age, their attitude towards makeup and beauty standards may shift, with some choosing a more minimal approach or opting to prioritize comfort and self-acceptance.
  3. The discussion around makeup, particularly going makeup-free, extends beyond just a fashion trend and can signify a larger movement towards women feeling empowered to embrace their natural beauty.

Friday Q&A: insomnia; full-body MRIs; aging & acceptance; & "normal" vs. worrisome pain

Are You Okay? • 639 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Insomnia Aging Acceptance Pain
  1. Improving sleep hygiene can help with insomnia more effectively than relying on medications. This includes optimizing environmental, behavioral, and psychological factors for better sleep.
  2. Full-body MRIs as a health screening tool may not have sufficient evidence backing their utility.
  3. Prescription medications for sleep should be used cautiously due to risks of addiction and side effects. It's important to balance risks and rewards in using such medications.

Attack of the 50something women

The Shift With Sam Baker • 838 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music Feminism Media Aging Gender
  1. Women over 50 are showcasing their skills and confidence in various fields, challenging the notion that they should be invisible.
  2. Prominent female figures like Sharlene Spiteri, Cate Blanchett, and Jo Whiley are inspiring with their energy and talent at ages 54-57.
  3. The growing visibility of women over 50 in media, entertainment, and other industries may signify the start of a movement towards inclusivity and recognition.

Your weekly links and recs round-up #37

The Shift With Sam Baker • 379 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Relationships Aging Friendship Self-Improvement
  1. The post is a weekly roundup featuring interesting articles on various topics like moving on from chapters in life, divorce stories, resilience, friendships, and interviews with experts.
  2. The content includes thought-provoking pieces on caregiving expectations, being an old friend, and insightful discussions on marriage, divorce, and aging.
  3. The subscribers get access to a curated collection of readings on diverse subjects, as well as exclusive content reserved for paid subscribers.

Reframing Aging

Changing The Channel • 817 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Mental health Well-being
  1. Aging is often viewed negatively in American society, with emphasis on trying to 'stay young' and a lack of respect for elders' wisdom.
  2. The Modern Elder Academy in Baja, Mexico focuses on helping people navigate the second half of life.
  3. There's an emphasis on valuing the wisdom of elders, a concept that is often overlooked, particularly by white individuals.

Friday Q&A: a mental health roundup

Are You Okay? • 539 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Aging Anxiety Alcohol Trauma
  1. As people age, they may encounter different life changes and challenges that can contribute to feelings of anxiety, such as health issues, social isolation, and economic worries.
  2. Anxiety is a complex condition influenced by genetics, life experiences, health status, and lifestyle choices. Seeking help from medical professionals and engaging in self-care practices can help improve overall mental health.
  3. Despite alcohol temporarily reducing anxiety symptoms for some individuals, there is a connection between alcohol and anxiety, especially in those with a family history of alcoholism and anxiety disorders.