Digital Puzzles and Brain Games: Are They Really Helping Your Mind?

Jason Entertainment, Health, Knowledge, Uncategorized

When it comes to staying sharp as we age, many of us are turning to brain-training apps and online puzzles. From Sudoku to memory match games, these tools promise to keep your mind young. But do they really work—especially for older adults or people with obesity-related cognitive concerns?

The Rise of Brain Games

Apps like Lumosity, Elevate, and BrainHQ are wildly popular with older adults. The pitch is simple: just a few minutes a day will boost memory, attention, and problem-solving. And who doesn’t want that?

For people managing obesity, brain fog can be an additional challenge—especially when combined with the natural aging process. So it’s no surprise these games seem like a smart, low-effort way to fight back.

What the Science Says

Studies show mixed results. Some research finds that brain games do help—but mostly with the specific tasks you practice. So if you’re doing a memory game every day, you’ll likely get better at that game. But whether those improvements translate into real-life memory (like remembering where you put your keys) is still up for debate.

That said, researchers have found that mental stimulation of any kind—puzzles, reading, learning a language—can support long-term brain health. It’s not magic, but it’s helpful.

Why It Might Matter More If You’re Older or Living With Obesity

Cognitive decline can happen faster when multiple factors overlap, like:

  • Age-related changes in brain structure

  • Sleep disturbances (common in both groups)

  • Chronic inflammation linked to obesity

  • Social isolation

Engaging your mind regularly helps offset these risks. Brain games can also promote daily structure, reduce stress, and increase confidence.

How to Get the Most Out of Brain Games

If you’re going to use them, make it count. Here are a few tips:

  • Mix it up: Play different kinds of games—word, logic, reaction time

  • Set a schedule: A few consistent minutes a day is better than a marathon once a week

  • Don’t go it alone: Invite a friend to play with or talk about your progress

  • Stay realistic: Think of brain games as part of your health toolkit, not a cure-all

Other Ways to Boost Brain Health

Looking beyond the screen? Try these alternatives:

  • Physical activity—Even a short walk boosts blood flow to the brain

  • Balanced nutrition—Omega-3s, antioxidants, and hydration matter

  • Sleep hygiene—A rested brain is a sharper brain

  • Creative hobbies—Painting, writing, and music stimulate the mind deeply

Final Thoughts

Brain games aren’t a silver bullet—but they can be a smart part of your brain health plan. For older adults or those living with obesity, mental stimulation is not just fun—it’s essential. So go ahead, tap into that word game. Just make sure you’re also moving, connecting, and nourishing your brain in other ways, too.

Today’s Older Adults: Healthier and More Active Than Ever

Jason Health, Well-being

Recent research reveals that today’s older adults are experiencing better physical and mental health compared to those from previous generations. A Finnish study compared 75- and 80-year-olds from the 1990s to those assessed between 2017 and 2018, finding significant improvements in various health metrics among the later-born cohort. ​

Key Findings

  • Physical Health: The later cohort exhibited better muscle strength, walking speed, and lung function, indicating enhanced physical fitness.​

  • Cognitive Function: Improvements in cognitive performance were observed, suggesting sharper mental faculties in today’s older adults.​

  • Mental Well-being: A decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in life satisfaction were reported among the recent cohort.

Contributing Factors

Several elements may contribute to these positive trends:

  • Enhanced Healthcare: Advancements in medical care and preventive measures have led to better management of health conditions.​

  • Improved Nutrition: Access to a variety of nutritious foods supports overall health and well-being.​

  • Increased Physical Activity: More opportunities and awareness about the benefits of staying active have encouraged regular exercise among older adults.​

  • Higher Education Levels: Greater educational attainment is linked to healthier lifestyles and better health literacy.​

Implications

These findings challenge stereotypes about aging, highlighting that older adults today are leading more active and fulfilling lives. This shift emphasizes the importance of societal support for healthy aging, including accessible healthcare, opportunities for physical activity, and community engagement.​

Conclusion

The trend of improved health among older adults is encouraging, reflecting the benefits of societal advancements and personal health practices. Continued focus on health promotion and supportive environments can further enhance the quality of life for future generations.

Should Older People Worry About Microplastics?

Jason Environment, Health

Microplastics—the tiny particles shed from plastics through degradation or wear—have been found in our food, water, air, and even inside human tissues. While concerns about microplastics are growing across all age groups, older adults may wonder: Should I be worried?

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are particles smaller than 5mm that come from sources like:

  • Broken-down plastic packaging

  • Synthetic clothing fibers

  • Personal care products (like exfoliants or toothpaste with microbeads)

  • Industrial processes

They can be ingested through food (especially seafood), inhaled from the air, or absorbed through drinking water.

Why Might Microplastics Matter More for Older Adults?

Although research on the long-term effects of microplastics is still emerging, some reasons older adults might pay closer attention include:

1. Age-Related Vulnerability

As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, and our bodies become more sensitive to toxins and inflammation. Microplastics may cause oxidative stress or immune responses—effects that could be more impactful in aging bodies.

2. Existing Health Conditions

Many older adults live with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung conditions. There is concern that microplastics may aggravate these conditions by contributing to inflammation or interacting with harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates (often present in plastics).

3. Exposure Over a Lifetime

Microplastics accumulate in the body over time. Since older people have had a longer life span of exposure—especially from plastic products that became common in the 20th century—they may carry a higher lifetime burden.

What the Science Says (So Far)

The scientific consensus is still forming. While microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, and placentas, the health impacts are not fully understood. Some animal studies suggest possible harm to organs, hormonal systems, and gut microbiomes—but translating these effects to humans, especially older ones, is still ongoing.

Practical Steps You Can Take

Whether you’re concerned or just cautious, here are low-effort ways to reduce your exposure:

  • Filter drinking water using reverse osmosis or carbon block filters

  • Choose fresh food over packaged items

  • Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers

  • Switch to natural fabrics like cotton and wool

  • Ventilate indoor spaces to reduce airborne particles

Final Thoughts

Older adults don’t need to panic about microplastics—but staying informed and taking simple steps to reduce exposure makes sense. Until more research is available, caution, not fear, is a reasonable approach.

Creating a Daily Routine That Supports Healthy Aging

Jason Health, Lifestyle

Aging well isn’t about defying the years—it’s about making the years work for you. The habits you form and the rhythm you create each day play a huge role in how you feel, think, and move. A daily routine, even a simple one, can support your health, lift your mood, and bring a sense of purpose and structure. It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency.

Why Routine Matters as We Age

Routine brings stability. As our bodies and lives change, having a daily rhythm can reduce stress, support cognitive function, and encourage healthy behaviors. It becomes a gentle structure that makes space for both rest and activity, meals and movement, quiet and connection.

Key Pillars of a Healthy Aging Routine

1. Start With a Morning Anchor
Begin the day with something grounding. This could be:

  • A glass of water and a short stretch
  • A warm shower and a nourishing breakfast
  • Sitting by a window with tea and a few deep breaths

A consistent start tells your body and brain: the day has begun.

2. Move Your Body, Gently and Often
Daily movement supports balance, strength, circulation, and mood. Consider:

  • A morning or afternoon walk
  • Chair yoga or tai chi
  • Light gardening or household tasks
  • Dancing to music you love

Even 10 minutes of intentional movement can make a difference.

3. Eat Regular, Nourishing Meals
As appetite and digestion change with age, it’s important to eat regularly—even small meals. Aim for:

  • Protein at every meal (eggs, beans, yogurt, chicken)
  • Colorful fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains and healthy fats
  • Hydration throughout the day (water, herbal tea, broths)

Eating by the clock can help, especially if hunger cues aren’t as strong.

4. Stimulate Your Mind
Keep your brain engaged to support memory, focus, and mental health:

  • Do puzzles or crosswords
  • Read a book or listen to an audiobook
  • Try something creative: drawing, knitting, journaling
  • Learn something new—even a small fact or word each day

5. Connect With Others
Loneliness impacts health just as much as physical conditions. Build in some form of social contact:

  • A daily phone call or text to a friend
  • Attending a community event or group
  • Sharing a meal with someone
  • Talking to neighbors or caregivers

6. Create a Calm Evening Wind-Down
Winding down in the evening supports better sleep and emotional well-being. Try:

  • Turning off bright lights an hour before bed
  • Limiting screen time at night
  • Doing something relaxing: warm bath, gentle music, light reading
  • Keeping a consistent bedtime

A Sample Routine

  • 7:30 AM: Wake, drink water, gentle stretch
  • 8:00 AM: Light breakfast and morning meds
  • 9:00 AM: Walk or light exercise
  • 10:30 AM: Brain game or creative activity
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch with protein and veggies
  • 1:00 PM: Rest or quiet time
  • 3:00 PM: Social connection (call, visit, chat)
  • 5:30 PM: Light dinner
  • 7:00 PM: Calm activity, soft lighting
  • 9:00 PM: Bedtime routine and sleep

Final Thoughts

A routine doesn’t have to be rigid. It should serve you, not the other way around. The goal is to feel steady, supported, and gently nudged toward what keeps you well.

What to Eat When You Don’t Want To But Should

Jason Food, Lifestyle, People

There are days when the thought of food feels like a chore. Not a craving, not a joy, not even a necessity—just another task on a long list of things you don’t feel like doing. This is especially true as we age. The body slows, the senses dull, and the appetite—once roaring and insistent—becomes quiet, sometimes silent. But even when food doesn’t call to you, your body still needs it. In fact, that’s when it needs it most.

The Quieting of Hunger

Getting older changes everything—including how we experience hunger. Taste buds fade. Smells become less vivid. Digestion slows. Hormones that regulate appetite shift. Medications might suppress it even more. Illness, grief, loneliness—they all play a role too. Meals that once made your mouth water can suddenly seem too much: too big, too bland, too effortful. But not eating has consequences, even when it doesn’t feel urgent in the moment.

Without regular, balanced nourishment, the body begins to lose strength. Muscle mass shrinks, energy wanes, the immune system falters. For older adults or people carrying extra weight, skipping meals can also mask malnutrition. You may not “look” underfed, but your cells can still be starving.

Eat Something, Even If It’s Small

When appetite fails, the goal isn’t to force a full plate. It’s to find gentle ways to nourish yourself. Little by little. Bite by bite. Think of food as medicine: small doses, taken regularly, to keep you well.

Start with what’s easy—food that’s soft, mild, comforting, or nostalgic. Think warm, familiar, and effortless. Avoid overwhelming flavors or complicated prep. The aim is nourishment, not perfection.

Simple, Gentle Foods to Eat When You Don’t Feel Like Eating

Soft proteins:

  • Scrambled eggs or egg salad
  • Cottage cheese
  • Greek yogurt (plain or lightly sweetened)
  • Tuna salad or soft cooked fish
  • Rotisserie chicken, shredded

Calorie-dense comfort:

  • Mashed potatoes with butter
  • Avocado on toast
  • Peanut butter on crackers or banana
  • Cheese slices or cubes
  • Smoothies with fruit, yogurt, and nut butter

Warm and healing:

  • Chicken or vegetable soup
  • Bone broth with noodles or rice
  • Oatmeal with milk and honey
  • Rice with soft-cooked veggies

Sips that nourish:

  • Protein shakes (store-bought or homemade)
  • Warm milk with cinnamon
  • Meal-replacement drinks like Ensure or Boost
  • Hot cocoa with full-fat milk

Sweet, if that’s all you can manage:

  • Pudding or custard
  • Applesauce
  • Soft fruits like bananas, peaches, or pears
  • Muffins or soft breads with jam

Tips to Keep Going

  • Eat by the clock, not by hunger. If hunger cues are unreliable, set small eating times: mid-morning, mid-afternoon, evening.
  • Don’t eat alone if you can help it. A phone call, a shared meal, even the TV can help make eating feel less like a chore.
  • Prep small portions. A whole plate might overwhelm you. A few bites on a small dish is a win.
  • Keep easy food close. Stock your fridge and pantry with grab-and-eat options. Don’t wait until you’re starving (or never hungry) to cook.

When you don’t want to eat, remember: it’s not about finishing a meal. It’s about feeding your body something. A few bites now are better than skipping altogether. Your strength, your clarity, your ability to move, to heal, to feel—all depend on those small acts of nourishment.

Even if your appetite is quiet, your body is still speaking. Feed it gently. Listen with kindness.

How to Read Food Labels

Jason Food, Knowledge

Walking through the grocery store can be overwhelming — especially with packages shouting things like “Low Fat!”, “Keto Friendly!”, or “Heart Healthy!” But not all labels tell the full story. If you’re trying to lose weight or simply eat better as you age, learning how to read nutrition labels is one of the most powerful tools you can have.
This guide will help you cut through the noise and make smart, confident food choices.

Start with the Serving Size

At the very top of the Nutrition Facts label, you’ll see the serving size and how many servings are in the package.

Why it matters:

If a bag of chips lists 150 calories per serving, but the serving size is only 12 chips, eating the whole bag might mean you’ve eaten 3 or 4 servings — and 600 calories!

Quick tip: Measure out serving sizes a few times to learn what they look like in real life.

Check the Calories

Look at the line that says Calories per serving. This tells you how much energy you’ll get from that serving.

For weight management: Aim for meals that are filling and nutritious without packing in too many calories. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are usually lower in calories and higher in nutrients.

Limit These Nutrients

Look at the nutrients that should be limited, especially if you’re managing weight, heart health, or blood pressure:
– Saturated Fat
– Trans Fat (try to avoid entirely)
– Added Sugars
– Sodium (Salt)

Too much of these can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and higher risk of heart disease — especially for older adults.

Goal: Choose foods that are lower in these ingredients whenever possible.

Look for These Nutrients

Next, look for nutrients you want more of:
– Fiber (keeps you full and supports digestion)
– Protein (supports muscle and helps with satiety)
– Calcium and Vitamin D (important for aging bones)
– Potassium (supports blood pressure and heart health)

Good pick: Choose foods that are high in fiber and protein, and low in added sugar.

Understand the % Daily Value

To the right of each nutrient, you’ll see a % Daily Value (%DV). This tells you how much of that nutrient one serving gives you compared to your daily needs.
– 5% or less = low
– 20% or more = high

Example: A soup with 25% DV of sodium in one serving is high in sodium.
A snack with 20% DV of fiber is a great source of fiber.

Don’t Be Fooled by Buzzwords

Food packaging often tries to look healthy even when the contents aren’t:
– “Low fat” might be high in sugar.
– “All natural” doesn’t mean low calorie.
– “Keto” or “gluten-free” isn’t always weight-loss-friendly.

Your best bet? Always flip to the Nutrition Facts and ingredient list for the real story.

Practice in the Store

Next time you shop, compare a few labels:
– Two different breads — which has more fiber and less sugar?
– Yogurt — which has less added sugar but still enough protein?
– Salad dressings — which is lower in sodium and fat?

You don’t have to be perfect — just more informed!

Final Thoughts

Reading food labels is like learning a new language — it takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel empowered to make better decisions for your body and your health.

 

Quiz: What Do You Know About Getting Older?

Jason Knowledge, Quiz

Let’s bust some myths, learn a few facts, and celebrate the journey of aging with this fun 10-question multiple choice quiz. Grab a pen or just keep track in your head.
Getting Older Quiz

Recipe: Easy Kedgeree with Canned Salmon

Jason Food, Recipes

Warm, lightly spiced, and deeply comforting, Kedgeree is a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Traditionally made with smoked fish, rice, and eggs, this British-Indian fusion meal has evolved over the centuries—and it’s super easy to adapt using pantry staples like canned salmon.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp mild curry powder (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 1 can (about 5–6 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
  • 2 boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

  • A splash of cream or plant milk for richness
  • Frozen peas for extra color and veg
  • A pinch of chili flakes if you like heat

Instructions

Cook the rice: Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Cook it according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat the oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1–2 minutes more until fragrant.

Add the salmon: Flake in the canned salmon and stir gently to warm through and coat it in the spices. (If using peas, add them here too.)

Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir gently to mix. Squeeze in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and warm everything through.

Top with eggs & herbs: Slice or halve your boiled eggs and place them on top. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley or cilantro.

Serve warm and enjoy with an extra squeeze of lemon or a dollop of yogurt if you like.

Why We Love It:

Packed with protein, omega-3s, and comfort

Flexible: great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Budget- and pantry-friendly

How to Walk with a Cane—and Not Feel Ashamed About It

Jason Health, Technology

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough love in the mobility conversation: the cane. For many people, using a cane can be a life-changer—it adds stability, reduces pain, and makes everyday movement more manageable. But despite all that, there’s often a cloud of embarrassment or shame that hangs over the idea of using one.

Here’s the truth: there’s no shame in doing what your body needs to feel supported.

If you’re considering using a cane—or already do—but find yourself feeling self-conscious about it, you’re not alone. But let’s reframe that mindset, one step at a time.

Why You Might Need a Cane (And Why That’s Totally Okay)

First things first: needing a cane doesn’t mean you’ve “given up” or “let yourself go.” People of all ages use canes for a wide range of reasons—chronic pain, injury recovery, balance issues, fatigue, joint problems, or long-term conditions like arthritis or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It’s not a failure; it’s a solution.

Think of your cane like any other health tool. Glasses help you see. Inhalers help you breathe. A cane helps you move safely. It’s that simple.

How to Use a Cane Properly

A lot of people don’t realize there’s a right way to use a cane. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Hold it on your stronger side. If your left leg is injured or weaker, hold the cane in your right hand. It might feel counterintuitive at first, but it helps balance your body better.

  • Step with the cane and your weaker leg at the same time. This keeps your weight distributed evenly and makes walking smoother.

  • Adjust the height. A cane should allow your elbow to bend slightly (around 15-20 degrees). If it’s too high or low, it can cause strain.

You can always ask a physical therapist for a quick walk-through to make sure your setup is right.

Tackling the Mental Hurdle: “What Will People Think?”

Let’s be honest: this is often the hardest part.

We live in a culture that idolizes youth, independence, and “pushing through.” That can make using a cane feel like a public declaration of weakness—even when it’s actually a smart, healthy choice.

Here’s the thing: people might look. That’s out of your control. But their assumptions don’t define you.

Instead of hiding your cane, own it. Make it a part of your look. Customize it, if you want—there are so many options now beyond the standard medical-issue styles. Wooden canes, patterned designs, even foldable ones for on-the-go use. Find one that feels like you.

Remind yourself: you’re using a cane not because you’re weak, but because you’re listening to your body. That’s strength.

Words of Encouragement

If you’re feeling nervous or embarrassed, that’s valid. Change is hard. But you deserve to move through your day with as little pain and as much confidence as possible.

You are not alone. More people use mobility aids than you think, even if they’re not visible in every social setting. And every time you walk into a room with your cane, you’re helping normalize something that absolutely should be normalized.

So take that next step—literally and emotionally—with your head held high. Your cane isn’t holding you back. It’s helping you move forward.