Executive Mental Health

07/20/2026

With school out for the summer, many families are spending more time together, and for some, that means three generations under one roof.

A recent Psychology Today article explores the concept of parentification and how adults who took on caregiving roles early in life may find themselves navigating similar responsibilities years later as members of the "sandwich generation," caring for both children and aging parents.

Summer can make those dynamics more visible, but it also creates opportunities that are easy to overlook: grandparents passing down family traditions, grandchildren introducing new perspectives, and families making memories that span generations. Those everyday moments matter for children, for older adults, and for the relationships that connect them.

Read the full article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mental-health-of-girls-and-women/202607/parentification-and-the-emotional-sandwich

Women in midlife often find themselves sandwiched between kids and aging parents. Growing up parentified can add another emotional layer to that sandwich—one that may make it likelier to topple. Here's why.

07/16/2026

At 110 years old, Joseph Mery Arthur has lived through two world wars, raised 10 children, and is now the oldest reported man living in Canada. When asked the secret to a long life, his answer wasn't a specific diet or exercise routine. It was simply: "Be wise in life."

Every person who reaches this remarkable age has a different story, and there is no single formula for healthy aging. What stories like Joseph's remind us is that longevity is about much more than years. It's about the experiences we gather, the relationships we build, and the perspective that comes with time. Sometimes the greatest gift of aging is the wisdom that only life itself can teach.

Watch Joseph's story here: https://ottawa.citynews.ca/video/2026/07/10/110-year-old-quebecer-marks-major-milestone-birthday/

"The secret is to be wise in life," said 110-year-old Joseph Mery Arthur, the reportedly oldest known person living in Canada who celebrated his milestone on July 7, on his advice for longevity. Lola Kalder reports.

07/15/2026

This summer's heat is affecting more than our comfort: It may also be affecting our mental health. A new study highlighted by Earth.com found that longer heat waves were associated with an increase in mental health-related emergency department visits, with older adults among the groups most affected. While we often think about staying hydrated and avoiding heat exhaustion, it's easy to overlook the emotional and cognitive effects that prolonged heat can have, especially for people living with depression, anxiety, dementia, or other mental health conditions.

As temperatures continue to climb across many parts of the country, checking in on older family members, neighbors, and friends can be just as important as checking the forecast. Sometimes the best heat safety plan starts with a simple phone call. Read more about the study here: https://www.earth.com/news/long-heatwaves-may-trigger-more-mental-health-emergencies-with-one-group-hit-hardest/

A study of 2.6 million hospital admissions links prolonged heatwaves to rising mental health emergencies across four countries.

07/11/2026

At 72, grandma has finally walked across the graduation stage. Irma García had dreamed of earning a college degree for decades, but life had other plans. After moving from Puerto Rico to the U.S., she raised three daughters as a single mother, worked full time, and put her own education on hold.

This spring, she graduated from George Mason University. And says she's just getting started!

Stories like Irma's remind us that healthy aging isn't measured only by physical health. Curiosity, purpose, and the willingness to keep growing don't have an expiration date.

Whether it's returning to school, learning a new skill, volunteering, or pursuing a long-delayed goal, it's never too late to write a new chapter.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/abuelita-graduates-from-george-mason-at-72-fulfilling-decades-long-dream/4104764/

On Saturday, Irma Garcia, age 72, will walk the commencement stage at George Mason University and show that it’s never too late to earn a college degree.

07/10/2026

Can happiness become a habit? A recent Real Simple article featuring behavioral psychiatrist Dr. Jud Brewer suggests it can. The article highlights research showing that small, intentional actions like spending time outdoors, expressing gratitude, practicing kindness, finding moments of humor, or taking a break from digital distractions, can activate the brain's reward system and contribute to greater emotional well-being over time.

For older adults, these habits can be especially meaningful. No need for expensive programs or dramatic lifestyle changes, but rather just small moments woven into everyday life. Sometimes a walk with a friend, a phone call, or a few quiet minutes outside can do more for our well-being than we realize.

Read the article here: https://www.realsimple.com/daily-habits-that-will-make-you-happier-11965198

07/07/2026

The World Health Organization is updating its dementia prevention guidelines this month, and that's good news for everyone interested in healthy aging. As new evidence emerges, the recommendations continue to evolve. Some themes, however, have remained remarkably consistent: regular physical activity, cardiovascular health, quality sleep, hearing care, and staying socially engaged all contribute to better brain health over time.

We'll be watching the global webinar on 16 July 2026 at 3:30pm CEST which will reveal the updated guidance and key takeaways for older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Learn more about the guideline update here: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2026/07/16/default-calendar/webinar--launch-of-the-who-guidelines-on-risk-reduction-of-cognitive-decline-and-dementia--second-edition

Register here for the webinar here https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tVdHtox-TOGq93GOG2Djkw #/registration

07/07/2026

One question worth asking this July: Who still feels left out of the mental health conversation? July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, established to shine a light on the unique mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and other underserved communities.

Older adults often face additional challenges, including cultural stigma, language barriers, and fewer providers with expertise in aging and behavioral health. As our communities become more diverse, building culturally responsive mental health services becomes increasingly important.

Learn more about the observance and available resources from Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/

Each July, MHA is proud to recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Named in honor of teacher, author, advocate, and journalist Bebe Moore Campbell, this month is a time to focus on the unique strengths and challen...

07/02/2026

"I'm not a great runner. I'm just persistent." At age 80, Patty Hung recently completed her 40th Boston Marathon, extending her record for the most consecutive Boston Marathons run by a woman.

She began running in her mid-30s and has continued through injuries, personal loss, and the natural changes that come with aging. Her story is a reminder that healthy aging is about extraordinary milestones but maintaining habits that support physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being over time.

Whether it's running, walking, volunteering, or staying socially engaged, consistency often matters more than intensity. Stories like Patty's challenge outdated assumptions about what is possible later in life and reinforce that it's never too late to invest in healthy aging.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/aging-longevity/article/patty-hung-marathon-runner-22183907.php

A Bay Area runner is preparing for her 40th consecutive Boston Marathon. “She shows what a human body is capable of,” said a Harvard professor of human evolutionary biology.

07/01/2026

That one good deed you did for someone else can also do you a lot of good! A recent study published in Social Science & Medicine found that older adults who volunteered had markers of slower biological aging compared with those who did not volunteer. The association was strongest among retirees, suggesting that volunteering may help replace some of the structure, purpose, and social connection that often changes after leaving the workforce. While researchers caution that the findings do not prove volunteering slows aging, they add to growing evidence that staying engaged in meaningful activities benefits both mental and physical health. Whether it's mentoring, delivering meals, visiting a neighbor, or supporting a local nonprofit, giving back may be good for the community and for healthy aging as well. Read more here.
https://www.realsimple.com/good-deed-that-can-help-you-live-longer-11918368

A new study says that volunteering can actually slow down aging at the cellular level—here's what to know.

06/30/2026

Here’s a striking data point on aging: 89% of Americans say maintaining brain health is important. Yet only 9% say they know "a great deal" about how to do it. That was one of the most striking findings in the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts & Figures report. As interest in brain health continues to grow, so does the need for clear, evidence-based education. While no single strategy can prevent Alzheimer's disease, research continues to support the role of managing cardiovascular health, staying physically active, getting adequate sleep, remaining socially connected, and addressing hearing loss and other modifiable risk factors. Closing the gap between awareness and knowledge is an important step toward helping people make informed decisions about healthy aging. Read the full report here.
https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf