Tag: aging

  • Speedcubing: My Brain Needs All the Help It Can Get

    Speedcubing: My Brain Needs All the Help It Can Get

    Alright, I’ll admit it – my attention span is shot. I start one thing, get distracted by something shiny, and the next thing I know, I’ve fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole for three hours. So, when I heard about speedcubing being good for the brain, I thought, “My brain needs all the help it can get!”

    Now, I’m not going to lie, I’ve never actually solved a Rubik’s Cube. I mean, I’ve tried, but I usually end up just making it more of a mess. But apparently, speedcubing isn’t just about being the fastest (which I’m definitely not). It’s about challenging your brain, improving memory and focus, and maybe even feeling that “flow” state we all miss from our younger days.

    Brain Boost for the Forgetful

    Remember when we could remember everything? Phone numbers, song lyrics, where we left our keys? Yeah, me neither. But speedcubing supposedly helps with memory, and I’m all for anything that might help me find my glasses more often. Plus, it’s supposed to be good for problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, which, let’s be honest, could also use a tune-up. As the BBC points out in their article “Speedcubing: The retro hobby that can help boost happiness levels,” ย these cognitive benefits can have a real impact on our daily lives.

    The “Flow” State: Remember That?

    Remember that feeling of being totally absorbed in something, where time just flew by? That’s the “flow” state, and apparently, speedcubing can help you get there. I don’t know about you, but I could use a little more “flow” and a little less “where did I put my coffee?” in my life.

    Community and Competition (Optional)

    The cool thing is, there’s a whole community of speedcubers out there. You can find groups online, share tips, and even compete if you’re feeling brave (I’m not). But even if you’re just doing it by yourself, it’s still a fun way to challenge your brain and maybe even feel a sense of accomplishment for once. The “Senior Cubers Worldwide” online group mentioned in the article “Providing Opportunities for Seniors: The Caring Cubing Community Holds Second Class” sounds like a great place to connect with others who are embracing this hobby at any age.

    So, Should You Try It?

    Even if you’re as easily distracted as I am, and you’ve never solved a Rubik’s Cube in your life, why not give speedcubing a shot? There are tons of resources online, and who knows, you might even find it’s the perfect brain boost for us scatterbrained Gen Xers.

    Worst case scenario, you have a colorful cube to fidget with. Best case scenario, you improve your memory, focus, and maybe even find your keys for once. And hey, if you actually manage to solve the cube, you’ll officially be smarter than me!

  • Local Food Pantry Awarded $10,000 Grant from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation

    Local Food Pantry Awarded $10,000 Grant from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation

    Local Food Pantry Gets $10,000 Boost from Food Lion Feeds

    A Johnson City. TN food pantry has received great news. The Families Through Adoption, Adolescence, and Adulthood (FTAAAD) is getting a $10,000 grant. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provided the funds. This money will help them buy food and supplies. It will make a big difference for families in need.

    The Johnson City Press shared this story. It highlights how important this is for our community. FTAAAD helps many people. They focus on families with adopted children. They also assist foster families and grandparents in these roles.

    Food Lion Feeds is committed to fighting hunger. This grant shows that commitment. It will help FTAAAD stock its shelves. Families will have access to good food. They can choose from a variety of healthy options.

    “We are so grateful,” said an FTAAAD representative. This quote was in the original article. It shows how vital community support is. It helps in the fight against food insecurity.

    The full story is in the Johnson City Press. Find it here: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/food-lion-feeds-charitable-foundation-awards-10k-relief-grant-to-ftaaad/article_4d67a728-c925-11ef-b976-bfc5d35639c2.html

    Food Lion Feeds is making a real difference. This grant is a win for FTAAAD! They can continue their important work.

  • Antibodies in 2024: A Year of Breakthroughs in Aging and Beyond

    Antibodies in 2024: A Year of Breakthroughs in Aging and Beyond

    2024 has been a landmark year for antibody research, with exciting advancements that could revolutionize the way we treat aging and age-related diseases.

    Rejuvenating the Aging Immune System

    One of the most significant breakthroughs this year has been in understanding and addressing the decline of the immune system with age.  

    Researchers at Stanford University and the NIH made a significant breakthrough by using antibodies to rejuvenate the aging immune system in mice. By targeting specific cells that increase with age, they were able to rebalance blood-cell production and reduce age-related immune decline. This led to improved immune responses and reduced inflammation in the mice.  

    Targeting Senescent Cells

    Another promising area of research involves targeting senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing but remain metabolically active.  

    Velabs Therapeutics is pioneering the development of antibody drugs that can eliminate senescent cells. Their goal is to slow down the aging process itself and delay the onset of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and macular degeneration.  

    Promising Treatments for Age-Related Diseases

    Several clinical trials in 2024 explored the use of antibodies in treating age-related diseases, with Alzheimer’s disease being a notable area of focus.  

    Two promising antibody treatments for Alzheimer’s disease that emerged from clinical trials are donanemab and lecanemab. Donanemab targets the clearance of amyloid-beta plaques, while Lecanemab targets the clearance of soluble amyloid-beta aggregates. Both have shown positive results in clinical trials, reducing amyloid-beta plaques and slowing cognitive decline.  

    Beyond Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are exploring antibody treatments for other age-related conditions, such as age-related muscle atrophy.  

    Top 5 Uses of Antibodies as a Treatment

    Antibodies have emerged as a versatile tool in modern medicine, with the top 5 uses currently including:

    • Cancer
    • Autoimmune Diseases
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Organ Transplantation
    • Inflammatory and Allergic Conditions

    Conclusion

    2024 has witnessed significant advancements in the use of antibodies as a medical treatment, particularly in the field of aging and geriatrics.  

    While challenges remain in translating these findings into safe and effective therapies for humans, the advancements hold immense potential for improving the health and well-being of older adults.  

    Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this blog post is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.