Aging
Emotional Well-Being and Aging: How Older Adults Can Thrive
Many people assume that as we age, our emotional well-being must inevitably decline. However, new research suggests otherwise, as reported by CNN. A large study of more than 8,000 older adults found that even those whose health or well-being was poor at the start were able to regain strong emotional and physical health within three years. This finding challenges the common belief that aging only brings losses. It shows that recovery and growth are possible later in life. The study, published on September 24 in the journal PLOS One, was a secondary analysis of data collected from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. “These findings apply to older adults aged 60 and over who are not currently in optimal health or well-being,” said Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study’s senior author. “The study offers hope and practical insights for older adults, caregivers, and policymakers by showing that with the right supports and lifestyle choices, many older adults can regain a high level of well-being even after experiencing sub-optimal well-being.” Researchers define optimal well-being as a balance of social support, positive attitudes toward aging, physical and mental health, life satisfaction, and independence in daily activities. The results offer hope that older adults can rebuild both emotional and physical strength, even after difficult periods. Why Emotional Well-Being Matters as Much as Physical Health Conversations about aging often focus on physical health—diet, exercise, and chronic illness. But this study shows that emotional health is just as vital for longevity and quality of life. Older adults who began the study with strong emotional well-being were nearly five times more likely to achieve overall good health after three years. This means that mindset, resilience, and emotional stability have measurable effects on how people age. (MORE NEWS: Smart Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment Success) Emotional well-being is also closely tied to lifestyle. Supportive relationships, regular exercise, quality sleep, and social activity all promote better health. Without emotional balance, even the best fitness or diet plans can lose their impact. Because many older adults face challenges such as loneliness, changing roles, and physical decline, supporting emotional resilience is key to thriving later in life. How Older Adults Can Regain Well-Being Experts point to several ways older adults can strengthen or restore their emotional health. These methods are practical and supported by science. Cultivate Strong Social Connections Social support plays a major role in emotional wellness. Staying in touch with family, friends, and community groups helps prevent loneliness and promotes a sense of purpose. Even short daily conversations can make a difference. Feeling connected to others boosts mood and motivation. Keep Moving Every Day Physical activity benefits both the body and the mind. Gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, or light strength training can improve mood, sleep, and energy levels. Even small changes—like taking the stairs or walking a few extra minutes—add up over time. Movement helps older adults maintain strength and independence. Make Sleep a Priority Good sleep is essential for emotional balance. Poor sleep can cause irritability, fatigue, and anxiety. Setting a regular bedtime, limiting caffeine, and creating a calming bedtime routine can lead to better rest and stronger emotional health. Think Positively About Aging A positive mindset can change everything. Older adults who see aging as an opportunity for learning and growth tend to feel more satisfied with life. Practicing gratitude, focusing on what’s going well, and celebrating small victories can all shift perspective and increase happiness. Avoid Harmful Habits Healthy choices protect both emotional and physical well-being. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a balanced diet all support the body and mind. These small but consistent actions can prevent disease and improve overall mood. Find Purpose and Meaning Having a sense of purpose is one of the strongest predictors of emotional health. Engaging in hobbies, volunteering, mentoring, or creative pursuits gives life structure and meaning. Doing things that matter—no matter how small—helps older adults stay motivated and optimistic. Barriers and Important Context While the findings are hopeful, it’s important to remember that not every older adult has the same resources. Access to health care, income level, and community support can all affect recovery. People living alone or managing chronic illness may face bigger challenges. Yet the research still found that even those with serious pain or limitations were able to regain emotional and physical wellness. This shows that improvement is possible for nearly everyone. (MORE NEWS: YIKES! Diet Soda Gets More Bad News) The study also looked at patterns over time rather than testing specific treatments. It didn’t prove that one behavior alone causes recovery, but it highlighted a combination of factors that work together—emotional health, social support, and lifestyle choices. A Simple Roadmap for Emotional Renewal Older adults and caregivers can follow these practical steps to support emotional well-being: Reach out to friends and family regularly. Social connection reduces stress and boosts mood. Move your body daily. Gentle exercise keeps you strong and helps you sleep better. Create a calming bedtime routine to improve rest. Keep a gratitude journal or reflect on what went well each day. Engage in meaningful activities like volunteering, gardening, or art. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to maintain energy and clarity. Ask for professional help if you struggle with sadness or anxiety. Counseling or group support can make a real difference. Believe that positive change is possible. Research proves that emotional recovery can happen at any age. Conclusion: Aging With Hope and Intention The main message from this research is clear: emotional well-being in later life is not fixed or destined to fade. Many older adults who started out struggling regained high levels of health and happiness within a few years. That recovery highlights the power of resilience, community, and healthy habits. Because emotional wellness can improve with effort, it’s never too late to take action. By building strong connections, staying active, maintaining a positive mindset, and finding purpose, older adults can experience renewal and joy well into their later years. Aging is not an ending—it’s an ongoing opportunity…
LSU Tiger Marching Band Embraces 66-Year-Old Newcomer
A Lifelong Dream Realized Saturday Night Lights look a little different for Kent Broussard. At 66, he traded retirement for rehearsals. The retired accountant became the oldest member ever of the LSU Tiger Marching Band. His story proves that dreams don’t have an expiration date. Broussard was just 9 years old when he started admiring the Golden Band from Tigerland. He imagined himself marching with them but never had the chance. After retiring in 2023, he chose to make it happen. He enrolled at LSU as a student and prepared for the demanding audition process. Training Like a Student Half His Age Joining the marching band was not easy. The group accepts only 325 members each season. Every candidate must pass a rigorous audition. Age offers no shortcuts. Broussard trained for months—running 25 miles a week and lifting weights. He practiced music daily and even managed a full class load to qualify for membership. His dedication worked. He secured a spot and proudly joined the ranks of the Tiger Band. First Steps Onto the Field His debut came during LSU’s football home opener. The halftime show featured music from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Broussard marched in perfect time, weaving through complex formations. (MORE NEWS: Diet Soda Speeds Brain Aging, RFK Jr. Targets Additives) The crowd noticed. Fans cheered as he performed. Cameras zoomed in, and his smile lit up the Jumbotron. For Broussard, it was a moment years in the making. LSU band member Kent Broussard shows it’s never too late to make your dreams come true 🥹💜 pic.twitter.com/nEcenBaAZb — ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 7, 2025 The Tradition of Victory Hill Perhaps the most emotional moment came before kickoff. LSU’s Victory Hill is one of the school’s most beloved traditions. The band, football team, coaches, and Golden Girls parade into the stadium while fans line the street. Broussard walked that hill for the first time, tuba in hand. He described it as one of the most joyful experiences of his life. After decades of dreaming, he finally lived the march he had only watched from the sidelines. Family Reaction and Support Speaking to CBS, Broussard remembered how his wife Cheryl, laughed when he revealed his dream of marching with the band. She recalled: “At first I was like, ‘Do they have like a senior band? I mean, I wasn’t sure what he was exactly talking about. And it was the real band.” Once she saw his determination, she supported him fully. Her laughter turned into pride as she watched him perform. For his family, his achievement is more than music. It is a lesson in perseverance and courage. 66 year old LSU freshman “Tiger Tuba Kent” gets a standing ovation from the crowd 👏 pic.twitter.com/9So93dJ3Ci — Baton Rouge BKM (@BatonRougeBKM) September 7, 2025 Meeting the Standard The LSU Tiger Band holds all members to the same expectations. Director Simon Holoweiko made it clear: no breaks and no special treatment. Every marcher must meet the high standard of the Golden Band. Broussard embraced that challenge. He kept up with rehearsals, drills, and long hours in the Louisiana heat. His success came not from exceptions but from effort. Words to Live By Asked about his journey, Broussard offered wisdom in two simple phrases. “People retire. Dreams don’t.” And, “Your only failure is not trying.” These words resonate beyond the stadium. They serve as motivation for anyone hesitating to pursue a long-held goal. A Legacy of Music and Dedication The Golden Band from Tigerland is more than halftime entertainment. It is a living tradition, founded in 1893. The band plays at every home game, bowl game appearances, and one away game each year. Its marches and music are etched into LSU culture. By joining at age 66, Broussard added a unique note to that history. He became proof that the band’s spirit welcomes all who meet the challenge. Lessons for Everyone Broussard’s story carries lessons far beyond Baton Rouge. It shows that age cannot silence ambition. It proves the value of discipline, preparation, and passion. And it reminds us that the first step—no matter how late—is always worth taking. (MORE NEWS: Insurance Drones: Hidden Home Inspections Spark Backlash) Many people retire and wonder what comes next. Broussard answered that question with a Tuba and a dream. His journey encourages others to think bigger, to try harder, and to believe it’s never too late. Marching Into the Future Now a student once more, Broussard balances classes with rehearsals. He attends lectures, studies for exams, and performs on game days. His journey continues every week as he steps onto the field with his fellow band members. For him, retirement didn’t mean slowing down. It meant starting fresh. It meant proving that determination can rewrite the script at any age. Kent Broussard’s story is not just about music. It is about courage. It is about resilience. And most of all, it is about holding on to a dream until the day you can finally make it real. Forget the narrative. Reject the script. Share what matters. At The Modern Memo, we call it like it is — no filter, no apology, no corporate leash. If you’re tired of being lied to, manipulated, or ignored, amplify the truth. One share at a time, we dismantle the media machine — with facts, boldness, and zero fear. Stand with us. Speak louder. Because silence helps them win.