A three-year study at Illinois University and Rush University is working on software that will be used in robots that will allow the elderly to communicate both verbally and non-verbally, using gestures and touch. The goal is to help elders remain independent and live in their homes. The robot will be able to do every day chores such as cooking or making the bed.

Read more about the exciting field of robotics.

Taizo a friendly, almost cuddly looking robot is designed to encourage the elderly to exercise. Taizo can make about 30 different moves. He is designed to demonstrate the exercises while sitting on a chair.

Learn more and see how cute he is.

Robot nurses could reduce $2.2 trillion of the US GDP spent on health care each year. A nurse robot could act as a proxy for the doctor and could perform minor “exams”, make diagnoses and help remind patients when to take their medications. They could also help with household chores. 

Learn more about what else they can do and when they might be available.

Researchers in Israel have discovered that elders even in their mid to late eighties can benefit from a modest exercise program. The study followed 1861 participants over 18 years. Of the 512 deaths, slightly fewer than 7 per cent of the active participants who were 85-years old died by the age of 88 versus 24 per cent of those who were inactive. Active was defined as getting four or more hours of exercise a week which could be divided into several 15-minute strolls a day.  Similar to findings in younger age groups, active octogenarians reported less depression and loneliness and demonstrated a greater ability to perform daily tasks. Learn more about this study

The Mediterranean diet consists of:

• Lots of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Low to moderate amounts of dairy products, fish and poultry; red meat is rarely eaten
• No more than 4 eggs a week, with some advocates recommending that eggs be avoided all together
• Wine in moderation

Read the latest study on the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

Joan Borysenko is one of the pioneers who established that there is a relationship between the mind and body and that stress can take a toll on our physical health, in particular if the stress is chronic. She has written numerous books, has produced CDs and has a newsletter. Her Web site is a wonderful resource for those who want to understand and learn more about the intersection of mind/body science, positive psychology, and spiritual exploration.