Newsletter Issue #6
In this issue, we take sleep advice from Goldilocks, go hobby shopping, and learn what the Japanese recommend you do in the woods...
You’re Never Too Young (or Old) to Pick Up a New Hobby
In the UK, someone retiring at 66 can expect, on average, another 20 years before shuffling off this mortal coil. You could, of course, spend those years doing a whole lot of nothing. But if that starts to lose its appeal, here’s a handy collection of ideas worth trying on for size.
I worked my way through the list and found quite a few that made it onto my own to-do list. Mind you, if I ever get round to number 17, there’s a fair chance Mrs D will break a rib laughing.
22 brilliant retirement ideas for any age
By Selene Nelson, Rest Less
“ A study carried out in 2022 found that spending time on hobbies was associated with lower symptoms of depression and a perceived increase in a person’s sense of health, happiness and overall life satisfaction.”
The Japanese Health Habit Hiding in the Woods
In Japan, it’s called shinrin-yoku. This surprisingly simple practice — also known as forest bathing — is attracting growing attention because spending quiet, mindful time among trees appears to do something modern life often struggles with: calming us down for a while.
Use this guide from the National Trust as your blueprint for zen, or at least an excuse for a nice walk in the woods.
A beginners guide to forest bathing
By National Trust
“Forest bathing or ‘shinrin-yoku’ was first developed in Japan in the 1980s, following scientific studies conducted by the government. The results showed that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve concentration and memory.”
A Sleep-Time ‘Sweet Spot’ Is Linked to Healthy Ageing, Study Finds
Turns out Goldilocks may have been the world’s first sleep scientist. New research suggests that healthy ageing is linked to getting ‘not too much and not too little’ sleep. If you’d prefer not to age like a forgotten banana, read on to discover the sleep-time sweet spot.
No, you don’t need 8 hours sleep a night — new study shows this is all the sleep you need for healthy aging
By Ruth Jones, Tom’s Guide
“Is it time to say goodbye to the ‘eight hour’ sleep myth? Regularly clocking up over eight hours of shut-eye a night might actually have a negative impact on your health, as a new study published in Nature finds it can accelerate markers of biological aging.”
From the Blog 📚
One Last Thing 👞
“The sum of the whole is this; walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with purpose.”
—Charles Dickens, Author
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. The needs of every reader are unique; please consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medication. Never ignore professional medical advice because of something you read online.