Older adults were happier around other people than alone

1In mice, muscle wasting began to reverse when a fat molecule was restored

The problem. Many people lose muscle strength as they get older, and that can make daily life harder. Scientists are still learning what happens inside ageing muscle.

What they found. In mice, low levels of a fat molecule called cardiolipin made muscle switch to slow-twitch fibres. These fibres trade some power for protection. Bringing cardiolipin back to about two-thirds of its normal level began to reverse muscle wasting (muscle loss). Human samples showed only that cardiolipin falls with age.

“The fiber switch is not the muscle failing, but the muscle trading power for protection.”

Fabian Finger, Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen

Try this. Look up one thing you assumed about how muscles age, and see what researchers actually know about it.

How sure is this? This work was done in mice. It is not yet known if it helps with ordinary muscle loss in people.

Source: ScienceDaily¹

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2Older adults felt happier around other people than alone

The problem. Many older adults spend time alone, and it is not always clear what kind of company helps mood most. Friends or family are not always nearby.

What they found. Researchers followed 352 older adults in Chicago. Over three one-week periods, they got phone messages five times a day. Each time, they said what they were doing and how they felt. They felt happier around strangers than alone, and happiest with friends or family plus other people nearby.

Try this. Take a book to a park bench, a library or a cafe. Sit among other people for a while and notice your mood.

How sure is this? This study watched people over time. It shows a link, not proof, and it covers older adults in one city only.

Source: Psychology Today²

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3A writer found that feeling first and naming later showed her more

The problem. When people feel something strong, they often rush to call it anger or worry. That quick label can hide what is really going on inside.

What they found. A writer describes pausing before naming a feeling and asking what the sensation actually feels like in her body. She says this helped her notice more of what she felt and slowed her urge to explain it. She adds that names for feelings still help sometimes.

Try this. Next time you feel tense, pause and notice where in your body you feel it. Then decide what to call it.

How sure is this? This is one writer's personal experience, with no data. She also says a physical symptom can need a doctor.

Source: Psychology Today³

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4A lecturer says hazing new workers is not the same as training them

The problem. Starting a new job is stressful, and some workers face hazing (rough treatment of newcomers) that gets passed off as normal. It can be hard to tell the difference.

What they found. A business lecturer argues that hazing differs from normal new-job discomfort in three ways. It teaches nothing, it is done in front of others, and it tests power. She suggests managers give newcomers a clear plan for the first four weeks, with regular check-ins.

Try this. Think of one person who helped you learn something new, and send them a short thank-you message.

How sure is this? This is one expert's opinion, not a new study. It offers a useful way to think, not proof.

Source: Psychology Today⁴

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