This is a reading of an article written by Michael C. Patterson for the magazine 3rd Act: Aging With Confidence.  It explores why humor and mirth exist and how they strengthen our brains and minds.  

According to researcher Becca Levy of Yale, current social trends should indicate that ageist attitudes would be on the decline. There is evidence, however, that the opposite has true. Ageist attitudes are worse and more pervasive now than they were two centuries ago. Why should that be the case and what can we do about it? 

Art Kempf struggled with dementia and a loss of meaning until Roger and Art’s wife got him to a wear his navy uniform at a Tommy Dorsey concert during their salute to the military. Art’s patriot salute to the music transformed him and the people around him.  

Like the memory mining techniques, people’s reminiscences and reflections about their past lives can suggest topics for activities that help them to engage more fully with their present lives. 

In this Science Update episode, MINDRAMP reviews two new research reports. One adds to our understanding of why what is good for the heart is good for the brain. The second piece of research reinforces the evidence that higher levels of education provide protection against cognitive decline, even across racial lines.   

This episode explores a number of techniques that help you tap into people’s memories and reflections about past passions that, once rekindled, have the power to renew people’s spirits and get them re-engaged with the present. 

In this episode, we ask you whether you want to live to be 100 years old? Your answer tells you something about how you think about old age. Qualongevity is the term that describes not only living long, but also learning to live well as we age. We explore both aspects of this concept - longevity and quality of life. 

Hiram was remote and withdrawn until Roger did some "memory mining" around their shared passion for baseball. As Hiram reminisced about his past a fascinating story about his past were revealed.

Roger Anunsen shares his thoughts about the brain health benefits of learning to savor life’s simple pleasures. 

The simple act of watching a sunset was made special by encouraging mindfulness and being open to awe. 

The Drag Race was a complex activity with many moving parts. But, activities don’t have to be complex to be successful. Often the simplest of activities can have a profound effect on participants.  

Every activity involves a beginning, a middle and an end. We often make full use of the activity time but fail to exploit the engagement opportunities available during the preparation stage and the afterglow stage. Learn how to milk all of the benefit you can out of your activities. 

Roger Anunsen’s most effective programs started with a focus on the specific needs of a single individual and then expanded to engage and involve a much broader community. 

Art Fiskitjohn was grumpy and withdrawn until Roger casually mentioned to him that Marge claimed she could beat him in a scooter race.  Learn how a community became energized around a drag race between three older residents of an Assisted Living Facility.