We previously wrote about the importance of rejecting internalized ageism, and how negative attitudes about aging can become self-fulfilling prophecies. For instance, telling yourself “I’m too old for that” in the face of certain activities can prevent you from reaping the brain-boosting benefits of trying new things. And experts suggest there are quite a few other reflexive cliches around aging that we should rethink as well — including some that might surprise you. Learn 11 more ageist phrases you should consider removing from your vocab.
— the Nice News team
Featured Story
Are You Embracing a “Soft Life”? The Popular Trend That’s Worth Making Permanent
FG Trade—iStock/Getty Images Plus
If you’re looking at the social media feed for #softlife, you might assume the trend is all about curating aesthetic peaceful experiences: With nearly 200 million views on TikTok, the hashtag is populated with videos of people enjoying things like candlelit baths and working by the gently lapping ocean. But truly embracing a soft life has nothing to do with appearances.
Though it began popping up on social media in the early 2020s thanks to the Nigerian influencer community, its roots go back much further, to a movement that focuses on claiming spaces of healing and softness for Black people, especially Black women.
Its recent surge in popularity is partly a response to the hustle culture of the 2010s, Stephanie O’Dea, author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World, told Nice News in an email. “We’re constantly surrounded by messaging (both on and offline) that tells us we should always be doing more, achieving more, and becoming more,” she said. “No matter what we accomplish, it can feel like it’s still not enough.” Click below to learn how to combat that mentality by cultivating a soft life for yourself.
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver. Caring for a parent or loved one is an act of love, but it’s also filled with responsibility, big decisions, and the overwhelming desire to make sure they’re safe, supported, and happy.
A Place for Mom helps families navigate those moments with compassionate, practical guidance. The Senior Living Advisors can help you recognize signs that additional care may be needed, approach tough conversations with your loved one, and compare local senior living communities that match your needs and budget.
You’ll also find helpful tools and resources on topics like paying for senior living and planning a smooth transition. The goal is simple: to help families move forward with clarity and confidence. Best of all, this personalized guidance is offered at no cost.
World’s Oldest Oak Gets Shielded From California Development Project
Sefa Degirmenci—Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The tree above may look more like a shrub to you. It’s only about 6 feet tall, but it is rather wide, spreading out nearly 80 feet in Southern California’s Jurupa Valley. And it holds a very special distinction: It’s the world’s oldest oak.
At 13,000 years old, this colony of Palmer’s oak, dubbed the Jurupa Oak, has survived through the era of woolly mammoths and the end of the Ice Age — and now it also seems to be in the clear of a construction project that threatened its existence.
After around 18 months of negotiations, developers and conservation groups agreed to establish 54.7 acres of protected open space around the tree. Additionally, the development’s border will be set back 1,000 feet from the oak, more than doubling the previously suggested 450 feet. This buffer addresses fears that construction encroachment would potentially kill the tree, which relies on a deep, widespread root system for stability and water.
“I’m relieved that we can steer development away from an oak that’s so special it can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” Aruna Prabhala, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “Our goal was to minimize risk to the Jurupa Oak and this agreement does exactly that while also making it easier for hillside animals in the region to roam and thrive.”
Humanity
Artist, 87, Turned His Town Into a “Safari” With Hundreds of Animal Sculptures
William Dax / SWNS
Residents of Totnes, England, don’t have to go far to experience a safari — they can see an array of exotic wildlife just by driving through local streets. That’s thanks to artist Malcolm Curley, who’s installed over 300 handmade animal sculptures in and around town.
Following a career as an engineer and metal fabricator, the 87-year-old began sculpting as an outlet for his creativity. When Curley moved to Totnes from Bristol, he created a sculpture in a tree in his garden, and quickly began receiving requests from neighbors.
“When I retired, I needed something to do,” he told SWNS, adding, “My neighbor wanted a little pony for her granddaughter, and I made that one — and from then on, they’ve just spread around. They’re in all the villages around here now.”
Curley’s animal-themed sculptures can be spotted lurking in gardens, hanging in trees, and hiding in bushes, prompting one neighborhood to refer to its collection as the Bridgetown Safari. The artist refuses payment for his sculptures, which are crafted mostly from recycled materials, instead asking recipients to donate money to a nonprofit of their choice. Check out more photos.
Culture
America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2026 Symbolize Equality for All
Photo courtesy of The Conservation Fund | Jay Brittain
With the United States’ 250th anniversary just over six weeks away, it’s a landmark time for the nation — and the National Trust for Historic Preservation is honoring the milestone with this year’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Announced Wednesday, the 2026 sites reflect the Declaration of Independence’s principle that all people “are created equal.”
Among the places recognized are Alabama’s Ben Moore Hotel (pictured), California’s Angel Island Immigration Station, and Massachusetts’ Swansea Friends Meeting House. They’re all crucial parts of the American story, but they’re also suffering from things like intentional neglect, poor development planning, and deterioration.
“These historic places helped define, or redefine, the nation’s fundamental values of equal opportunity, religious freedom, self-governance and voting, immigration and citizenship, freedom of expression and assembly, and equal access to justice,” a press release reads.
So to help protect them and share their stories for years to come, the org has awarded $25,000 to each site, which, along with the visibility generated from the recognition, will kickstart local efforts to save these places for good. See the 11 sites and learn about their history.
Like many kids, Isaac Fitzgerald was fascinated by Johnny Appleseed, who set out on foot from Massachusetts to plant apple trees as far west as Iowa. For the Boston-born Fitzgerald, though, the intrigue hit closer to home: He has family ties to Appleseed — real name: John Chapman — and his father used to regale him with stories about the near-mythical figure. In his new book, the writer chronicles his yearlong journey tracing Chapman’s steps, blending personal history with American history in this moving travelogue-meets-memoir.
Talk about rejecting (the aforementioned) ageist stereotypes: Sir John Tusa — a British journalist and former managing director of the BBC World Service — is proving that not only can 90-somethings host podcasts, but they also make great guests. On the wide-ranging interview series, Tusa invites other successful nonagenarians to discuss their diverse life experiences and share insight for our modern age. Episodes include topics such as how happiness is measured and whether fun is equally important to hard work, as well as conversations about what it was like living through major historical events.
This Week in History
The First “Star Wars” Opens in Theaters
May 25, 1977
Screen Archives/Getty Images
On Memorial Day Weekend nearly half a century ago, American moviegoers were introduced to a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV — A New Hope) opened in theaters. The film ushered in a new era of cinematic special effects and birthed a franchise that’s still propagating today.
Written and directed by George Lucas, it turned stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford into household names. Interestingly, though, James Earl Jones requested his voicing of Darth Vader go uncredited in a sign of respect to David Prowse, who wore the suit (read the story behind that here). Star Wars went on to win seven Academy Awards at the 1978 Oscars, including one for John Williams’ unforgettable score. Watch the original trailer.
Avoid the Afternoon Slump With Organixx
It’s 2 p.m., and once again, you can barely keep your eyes open. You’re slamming coffee, splashing water on your face, eating candy — doing whatever you can to stay awake. The problem may not be late nights or a busy schedule, but a simple mineral deficiency. Organixx Magnesium 7 is the complete solution, with seven highly absorbable forms of magnesium that target every pathway your body uses for relaxation and recovery.
“Growing older gracefully means having a keen curiosity about learning things about the world that you didn’t know yesterday, no matter how many yesterdays you’ve had.”
No comments:
Post a Comment