If I told you that a key to happiness would be to give away money, would you believe me? 

Researchers recently gave a group of volunteers $5 or $20 each. Half of the group was told to spend the money on themselves and the other half was told to spend it on others.  Regardless of the amount, the volunteers who spent money on themselves reported an insignificant boost in happiness, while the people who spent money on others felt much happier.

Hebrew SeniorLife Home Care specializes in the care of older patients, and in my experience, the majority of my patients experience some degree of pain. It can range from mild, daily arthritic discomfort and stiffness to severe pain associated with surgery or trauma such as a fall, and in some cases, a disease like cancer or diabetes. Whatever the cause or level of severity, pain can cause a ripple effect that touches relationships and profoundly affects an individual’s quality of life.

Nothing can take the place of human touch when it comes to patient care. For those of us in home care, technology does not replace direct patient contact, but rather serves as a powerful ally. I like to say that technology known as telehealth enhances my team’s intelligence.

Hebrew SeniorLife and Harvard University joined with NBC correspondent and former “Today” show host Meredith Vieira to present the first annual Harvard Alzheimer’s Symposium on Saturday, September 28 in recognition of the Harvard College Alzheimer’s Buddies program.

Ida Tatelbaum had never touched a paintbrush before she moved to Orchard Cove in 2009. “I was a tennis player and an active person, but I just didn’t consider myself creative,“ she said. And then one day shortly after she moved in, another resident invited her to join a class to make a hand-painted silk scarf. Ida initially thought “no way” but, because she has always loved wearing a lot of color, she reconsidered and joined in.