What if your morning cup of coffee could help you feel a little calmer before you even drink it? For many adults over 50, morning coffee is more than just a daily habit. It’s a comforting ritual — a quiet moment before the day gets busy. And new research suggests that simply smelling freshly brewed coffee may help improve your mood. Can the Smell of Coffee Help You Feel Better? A small study published in the journal Nutrients examined 20 healthy adults between the ages of 20

Do you ever feel sleepy in the afternoon and wonder whether taking a nap is a good idea? You're not alone. As we get older, getting a good night's sleep can sometimes become more challenging. A short daytime nap may help you feel more alert, think more clearly, and remember things better. But here's the catch: how long you nap can make a big difference in how you feel afterward. 1. A Short Nap May Help You Feel More Alert Feeling tired in the afternoon can make even simple ta

As we get older, it's normal to think more about protecting our memory, keeping our minds sharp, and staying independent. A recent study has raised an interesting question: Could two common minerals—magnesium and calcium—play a role in how well our brains function as we age? The answer isn't as simple as taking a supplement. But the research offers one more reason to pay attention to what you're getting from your diet. What Researchers Found Researchers studied 1,220 hospital

For millions of Americans, coffee or tea is part of the morning routine. But new research suggests there may be one simple habit worth changing: how hot you drink it. A large study involving nearly 1 million adults in the United Kingdom found that people who preferred their tea or coffee very hot had a substantially higher risk of developing one particular type of esophageal cancer. The important point: Researchers are not saying you need to give up coffee or tea. The concern

A long drive can be tiring at any age. As we get older, it’s especially important to recognize when we’re too tired to drive safely. Drowsy driving can slow your reactions, affect your judgment, and make it harder to stay in your lane. The safest approach is simple: if you’re struggling to stay awake, pull over and rest. Here are some common myths and facts every driver should know. 1. MYTH: Driving tired is safer than driving drunk FACT: Being extremely tired can seriously a

You probably don't give much thought to what happens in your brain when you use the bathroom. But your brain and digestive system are actually communicating the entire time. And that may help explain why you can feel so much better after having a bowel movement. Your Brain and Your Gut Are Connected Your digestive system has a remarkable network of more than 100 million nerve cells. This is called the enteric nervous system, and it constantly communicates with your brain. One

Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you went there? Or read the same sentence several times without remembering what it said? You might blame these moments on getting older. But sometimes, the real problem is not getting enough sleep. Sleep does much more than give your body a chance to rest. While you sleep, your brain helps organize memories, regulate emotions, and restore your ability to focus. Here are six signs that your brain may be asking for more sleep. 1. You

As we journey through our golden years, maintaining our independence and a sharp memory is a top priority for nearly everyone. We all want to remember our grandchildren’s names, recount our favorite life stories with clarity, and navigate our daily routines without missing a beat. While the natural aging process brings changes, getting older does not mean cognitive decline is inevitable. In fact, recent groundbreaking health insights have shifted how medical professionals vie

Have you ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, reaching for cookies, chips, ice cream or another favorite treat — even though you aren't really hungry? You're not alone. Food cravings happen to almost everyone. And according to registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition expert Joy Bauer, a craving isn't always a sign that your body needs food. Sometimes, your mind is asking for a reward, comfort or a distraction. The good news is that you don't have to fight the craving

Have you ever sat down to relax at the end of the day, only to start thinking about all the things you still need to do? Maybe you need to call your doctor, clean out a closet, return a phone call, make an appointment, fix something around the house, or finally sort through that stack of papers. None of these tasks may seem especially difficult. Yet somehow, they keep popping into your mind. That constant mental nagging can be exhausting. Psychologists have a name for these u

Who says you have to stop learning when you retire? In fact, your retirement years can be the perfect time to discover new interests, pick up forgotten hobbies, and finally learn the things you never had time for before. You don’t have to go back to school or spend hours studying. Learning can be as simple as trying a new recipe, figuring out how to use your smartphone, learning a few words in another language, or discovering how to grow tomatoes. The goal isn’t to become an

If you’re over 50 and finding that sleep isn’t quite as easy as it used to be, your bedroom temperature may deserve a closer look. A recent study suggests that sleeping in a room that’s too warm may put extra stress on the body—particularly as we get older. Researchers studied 47 adults age 65 and older and monitored their heart activity while they slept. They also tracked the temperature in each person’s bedroom. The finding was interesting: when bedroom temperatures rose ab

A restless night is easy to dismiss. Maybe you woke up several times, got up earlier than usual, or simply couldn’t fall asleep. Every once in a while, that’s normal. But when poor sleep becomes a regular pattern, the consequences can go far beyond feeling tired the next morning. Sleep plays an important role in the brain, immune system, metabolism, heart, and hormones. For adults, experts generally recommend about 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. And after 50, getting enough q

If you enjoy eggs for breakfast, there may be another reason to keep them on the menu. A new study of nearly 40,000 adults age 65 and older found that people who ate eggs regularly were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease during the study period. Those who ate five or more eggs a week had a 27% lower risk compared with people who reported never eating eggs. But there’s an important catch: the study does not prove that eating eggs prevents Alzheimer’s. It found an assoc

Forget the myth that memory loss and mental decline are simply unavoidable parts of getting older. While your brain naturally changes with age, research shows that many daily habits can help you stay mentally sharp well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. The key isn't finding one magic "brain game." Instead, experts say a combination of physical activity, lifelong learning, quality sleep, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices gives your brain the best chance to stay

For years we've been told that every new health breakthrough would come from an expensive prescription or the latest miracle supplement. Sometimes, though, science ends up confirming what previous generations practiced without thinking twice: eat real food, stay active, and take care of yourself before problems begin. A new study examining more than 2,000 older adults suggests that people with higher levels of vitamin C in their blood tended to have healthier brain structures

When you've been around for a few decades, you learn something simple: life runs better when you have a routine. Our grandparents didn't need life coaches or productivity apps to tell them when to work, rest, or take care of themselves. They paid attention to what worked. Modern research has caught up with a lot of that old-fashioned wisdom. Here are a few practical ways to make better use of your day without turning your life into a science experiment. Step on the Scale Midw

As we get older, we tend to pay more attention to the habits that support healthy aging—eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and keeping up with regular medical care. But growing evidence suggests there's another factor that deserves attention: the people we spend time with. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who regularly deal with individuals who create conflict, add stress, or make everyday life more

When I was growing up in the 1980s, nobody needed a social media influencer to explain what healthy living looked like. We ate dinner around the kitchen table, spent our evenings outside instead of staring at screens, and our grandparents passed down practical wisdom that had worked for generations. Somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that every problem required a new pill, a complicated diet, or a government-approved program. Meanwhile, chronic illness has become

Many of us start paying closer attention to our health after 50, especially when it comes to keeping our minds sharp. The good news is that healthier eating habits can improve brain function. The less encouraging news? New research suggests that years of eating a diet high in sugar may leave behind changes that aren't completely reversible. Researchers reviewed 27 animal studies to see what happened when rodents switched from unhealthy diets to healthier ones. While memory im

Most of us think of brushing and flossing as ways to keep our teeth healthy and our smiles bright. But growing research suggests that good oral health may also play an important role in protecting brain health as we age. Scientists are increasingly studying the connection between gum disease and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. While researchers have not proven that gum disease causes Alzheimer's, evidence suggests that chronic inflammation and harmful bacteria in the

In a culture that rewards productivity and efficiency, play can start to feel indulgent. But experts suggest the opposite is true: Play is a key part of how we regulate stress, build relationships, and stay mentally flexible over time—and it’s something adults never really outgrow. Here’s what play looks like in adulthood, and how to bring more of it into your everyday life in ways that support your mental health. What Counts as Play in Adulthood? One of the biggest misconce

When it comes to health benefits, eggs have had a fluctuating reputation over time. For years, a belief persisted that their high content of dietary cholesterol might negatively affect cholesterol levels in the human body. More recent studies, however, argue that dietary cholesterol from moderate egg consumption does not contribute to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol in the human body and thus does not heighten heart disease risk. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that

The sudden, urgent need to pee the moment you arrive home is a common phenomenon known as "latchkey incontinence." It is not a medical condition, but rather the combination of neurological (brain-related) and behavioral (conditioned) responses that allow you to hold it in until you are within reach of a toilet. How the Brain Controls Urination Urination is not a reflex—it's a carefully regulated process in which the brain constantly monitors how full your bladder is and decid

It’s not often that something simple, cheap, science-backed and easily accessible trends on social media. Against the odds, #WaterTok is all the rage right now, and as a registered dietitian, I’m not mad about it. Yes, it annoys me that there are influencers trying to sell you expensive electrolyte powders that you don’t need. (Don’t even get me started on the fact that one of the most popular powders contains 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is almost half the recommended d

Stress Long-term stress floods your body with cortisol, a hormone that plays a part in your fight or flight system. In order to refuel your body after a stressful encounter, cortisol makes you want to eat more. If stress is a near-constant state for you, those cortisol levels stay up and keep you reaching for the snacks. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Binge eating disorder (BED) is a category used in diagnosing eating disorders. It describes ongoing sessions of eating more food

You may fall asleep occasionally when you sit down if you don’t get enough high quality sleep. Falling asleep regularly when you sit down, however, may be a symptom of a sleeping condition that could require medical attention. Is falling asleep when sitting down a sign of a sleep disorder? Falling asleep regularly when you sit down may be a symptom of hypersomnia, a sleeping condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. According to the United Kingdom’s National He

Think about the last time you felt embarrassed over a simple mistake—maybe you tripped over a crack in the sidewalk or forgot the name of somebody you’d met before. Did you skulk off in humiliation, kicking yourself over the faux pas? According to a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , you’re better off shirking that sense of shame. What the Study Found Over the course of six online experiments, a total of 3,000 participants were asked

About Personality It's all the ways you think, feel, and act -- it's what makes you, well, you. It's your habits, quirks, and how you react to the world around you. Even though your moods change and you learn and grow over the years, there's still a certain you-ness to it all. But some health conditions can affect your personality and make you act in ways that are out of character for you. Alzheimer's Disease This illness affects your thinking, judgment, memory, and decision-

Fridge Smarts The fridge is the true workhorse of the kitchen — and many of us neglect it. Improper use and lack of care can lead to messes, wasted energy and even foodborne illnesses. While each fridge is a little different, here are some universal do's and don'ts to keep your fridge (and the food inside it!) in tip-top shape. Do Take Your Fridge's Temperature Keep the fridge set at a chilly 40 degrees F or below to slow harmful bacteria growth and keep your dinner leftovers

Also known as emotional eating, stress-eating involves using food as a coping mechanism to help you feel better. Typically, it has nothing to do with physical hunger and everything to do with soothing or suppressing uncomfortable feelings and situations. If you’re using food as a way to manage stress, you might be wondering why you want to eat when you’re stressed, how you can stop stress eating, and what you can do to reduce stress instead. Read on to learn why you eat when

Whether they’re hyping magnesium-based products like the “sleepy girl mocktail” or pink lemonade-like drink mixes, wellness influencers are adding to the longtime buzz around taking the mineral for sleep benefits. But do these supplements work? “Magnesium is actually an essential mineral that is needed for more than 300 processes in the body,” said Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian in New York City. “We need to get it from our diet, or supplements if we can’t get enou

One thing the pandemic made clear is that grocery store employees are essential—not just to the economy, but to daily life. They keep shelves stocked, organize fresh produce and, in many stores, prepare everything from butchered meats and fresh seafood to baked goods and ready-to-eat meals. It’s safe to say most of us rely on grocery store employees to help keep our kitchens running. For shoppers, a trip to the grocery store is a straightforward, weekly activity. Many of us a

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Most people need 7 to 9 hours. Here are five reasons why getting more sleep can help support your body and mind. 1. May help you maintain or lose weight The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that adults get 7 or more hours of sleep per night. A 2020 analysis found that adults who slept

What Is Mental Exhaustion? It’s kind of like physical tiredness, except it’s your mind instead of your muscles. It tends to show up when you focus on a mentally tough task for a while. You might also feel this kind of brain drain if you’re always on alert or stressed out. Your job, caring for children or aging parents, and other things can lead to mental exhaustion. You’re Angry or Impatient Mental fatigue can put you in a bad mood. You may be short-tempered or irritated, sna

The evidence is irrefutable — a pile of drool atop a drenched spot on your pillow. As you awake with a start, you might even wipe that bit of spittle still dangling from your mouth. Drooling can be embarrassing, especially if you’re waking up to a newly minted lover beside you. But if you’re sleeping alone or next to a seasoned partner who isn’t disturbed by bodily functions, experts say it’s not a big deal — unless it’s a frequent occurrence. “Everyone drools at one time or

Whether you’re reading about treatment outcomes or simply trying to find a healthy diet plan, it can be hard to know if you can believe what you read on the internet or social media. No information you find online can replace a medical professional’s advice. But most healthcare professionals welcome you doing your own research and bringing it into the clinic to discuss. In fact, it’s always a good idea to ask them if your online searches have landed on trustworthy sources. Yo

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods while you’re sleeping. People with sleep apnea don’t take in enough oxygen. This causes them to gasp and often wake up. In many cases, people are unaware that they’ve stopped breathing, and believe that their sleep cycle is normal. Sleep apnea can sound like snoring. Sleep apnea can cause a number of health complications besides leaving you more tired in the morning. If left untreated, this sleep

Overall nutritious eating is well-associated with sleeping better, but some individual foods can make a difference as well. Certain foods can interact with the hormones that are responsible for regulating sleeping, making them more effective. Other foods can interfere with a good night's sleep. 1. Pistachios Pistachios contain the sleep hormone melatonin. They are also high in vitamin B6 (one ounce contains about 25% of the daily value), which is necessary for the production

Something unusual and exciting has been happening in Alison Lundberg’s household lately: Her landline has been ringing. There’s “an actual thrill that runs through our household when the phone rings,” said Lundberg, a San Diego-based communications executive. Part of the reason is that her family has no idea who’s calling since they don’t have caller ID. It had been decades since Lundberg had a landline. She got one recently to protect her 4-year-old daughter, Ava, she said.

When was the last time you tried something new? The idea might sound scary, but novel experiences can do wonders for your personal growth. It can also challenge you—in a good way!—and help you learn about your thoughts, strengths, habits, and emotions. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with familiar experiences, like regularly visiting a coffee shop or cooking certain meals. Such habits can establish routines and make us feel safe. But there’s also value in switching

While many factors may contribute to feeling tired all the time, certain nutrient deficiencies may also play a role. Vitamins and minerals support a variety of body functions, and having too little of some of them can impact your energy levels, making it harder to get through your day. 1. Magnesium Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in many chemical reactions throughout the body, including those that create energy. Magnesium also helps regulate your nervous system, k

Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. Even if you didn’t fall in love with reading as a kid, it’s never too late to start. Reading can even be a form of therapy for improving well-being. Bibliotherapy is a complementary therapeutic tool for emotional release and reduced stress and anxiety. Here’s how reading books can change your brain — and your body — for the better. Strengthens the brain Reading involves activi

Staying hydrated is critical for feeling good and operating at your best. Given that the body is made up of an average of 60 percent water (though this amount varies from person to person), it requires H20 to function on numerous levels. You need more than two hands to count the number of awesome things water does within your body, but some of its main jobs include removing waste and toxins, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and improving cellular, tissue, and

Full-fat dairy is having its day in the sun. After years of promoting low- or no-fat options, new dietary guidelines now recommend choosing full-fat dairy, although still advising people to keep saturated fat under 10% of their daily calories. Amid the push for full-fat dairy, a recent study in the journal Neurology linked eating high-fat cheese and cream to a lower risk of dementia. The findings have drawn media attention, in part because health experts rarely highlight the

Scientists have discovered that poor sleep can limit the brain’s ability to clear toxins, raising the risk of dementia. A study — published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association — analyzed MRI scans from 40,000 adults in the UK Biobank, focusing on the glymphatic system. In a healthy brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and flows through the glymphatic system, collecting waste and toxins and clearing them out of the brain. Researchers a

Some foods are better than others at boosting memory and cognition. While it probably isn’t surprising that a not-so-healthy diet isn’t good for brain health, there’s new research exploring which foods can help protect the brain from dementia. Think you’re too young to worry about dementia? Think again. “Brain healthy habits are best started early,” says Jessica Caldwell, PhD, director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic. “Th

How To Eat With Your Mental Health in Mind While food certainly isn’t the be-all and end-all of health and wellness, what you eat has a big impact on both your physical and mental health. There’s so much talk about how different foods can impact your heart health, digestive health, energy levels and disease risk. What we don’t talk about quite as much is the role that food can play in your mental health and mood. Getting adequate nutrition helps brain function by supporting t

Snack on a Salad Leafy veggies like spinach and kale give you a vitamin B boost. Vitamin B is a part of your cells’ energy-making process. Guzzle Water If you’re feeling droopy, you might need to drink more water. One sign of dehydration is fatigue. Step Outside Not only will a change of scenery and some fresh air wake up your senses, the sun will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Try to get at least 30 minutes a day of natural sunlight -- an hour if you have insomnia. Exe

Short-term memory loss involves forgetting recent events, conversations, or information soon after they occur, usually within 30 seconds. It may stem from causes like sleep deprivation, stress, or even be an early sign of conditions like Alzheimer's, but it doesn't automatically point to serious health issues. What's Considered Short-Term Memory Loss? Short-term memory involves recalling things from the last 30 seconds. For example, you might decide to write a letter to a fr