Category Archives: happiness

To Be In Awe

Thanks to Diane S. What gives you a sense of awe? You might imagine standing on a wide-open plain with a storm approaching, or holding the tiny finger of a newborn baby. That word, awe – the feeling of being … Continue reading

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The Story Bench

Ed note: An affable friend of mine had this terrific idea – a Story Bench. Here’s Dr. Bill explaining his socialization project. Something similar is discussed in a wonderful podcast on Hidden Brain–talking to strangers on a train.

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The Science of Love

John Gottman is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Washington where he founded ”The Love Lab” at which much of his research on couples interactions was conducted. World-renowned relationship expert John Gottman set forth to understand why … Continue reading

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When the World Feels Dark, Seek Out Delight

Ed note: Can we look at the delights in our lives? Our friends at Skyline? A smile from the staff? A greeting in the dining room? Some help with your computer? Coffee with a friend? A ride to an event? … Continue reading

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An Invitation to Gratitude: November 12-19

From Your Fitness and Wellness Subcommittee When: November 12th — November 19th Where: Note from our chaplain: Mayo Clinic psychologist Matthew Schumann reminds us that expressing gratitude is brings a host of mental and physical benefits: feeling thankful can– improve … Continue reading

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We Know the Cure for Loneliness. So Why Do We Suffer?

Ed note: Put B. sent me the article below and wrote the following. It raises important questions, particularly about the ease and convenience of dining together and meeting new friends over a shared meal. But is there even more we … Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Caregiving, Essays, happiness, Health | 2 Comments

If Loneliness Is an Epidemic, How Do We Treat It?

Ed Note: This article raises the question about our dealing with loneliness at Skyline–either our own or of others. If you have thoughts about this, please reply. Better yet speak to a member of the Caring Committee. By Eleanor Cummins and Andrew Zaleski … Continue reading

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Singing is good for you. Singing with others may be even better.

By By Alexandra Moe in the Washington Post (thanks to Joan C.) The choir met on Wednesdays in a London church, and if the Tube was on strike, it took Hazel Hardy two buses across the city to get there — … Continue reading

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Swingin’ on Friday night

Hope we have more gatherings like this at Skyline. Great to see so many there — both staff and residents and guests!

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Meditation and resilience – The Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain Media is an independent production company that aims to help curious people understand the world, and themselves. Our host and Executive Editor Shankar Vedantam has been reporting on human behavior and social science research for more than 25 … Continue reading

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How the Arts Can Benefit Your Mental Health (No Talent Required)

Drawing, music and writing can elevate your mood. Here are some easy ways to welcome them into your life. by Christina Caron in the NYT. Thanks to Marilyn W. When Dr. Frank Clark was in medical school studying to be a … Continue reading

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Seattle’s first affordable housing high-rise tower in 50 years welcomes its first residents (and it’s on First Hill)

Thanks to Mary Jane F. This week, people who used to live outside began moving into a new building on First Hill. It’s the first new affordable housing high-rise tower Seattle has seen in 50 years. It represents a different … Continue reading

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They May Be Just Acquaintances. They’re Important to You Anyway.

by Paula Span in the NYT Thanks to Marilyn W. The people at the dog park, the bank teller, the regular waiter — these casual relationships may be “weak ties,” but they’re also a key to well-being. Victoria Tirondola and … Continue reading

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Tracking King County seniors (and their brains) for clues to dementia and Alzheimer’s

You may have seen the article in the Seattle Times’ Pacific NW on Sunday, but if you missed it you can read it by clicking here! The ACT study reminds us to exercise, control diabetes and hypertension and to keep … Continue reading

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London Lonely Girls Club gains thousands of new members

Thanks to Pam P. By Jess Warren – BBC News Almost 20,000 women living in London have joined a club tackling loneliness since pandemic restrictions ended. Holly Cooke founded The London Lonely Girls Club on Facebook in 2018 after moving … Continue reading

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Skyline declares “No Memo Week”

Top level administrators have decided in the interest of transparency to forgo sending out opaque memos this week. Instead a number of new initiatives will take place with small focus groups interacting with leadership, such as: Resident satisfaction surveys with … Continue reading

Posted in Communication, happiness, Humor, Satire | 1 Comment

Hope you didn’t miss the show last night!!

NW Firelight Chorale: “Ain’t Misbehavin” (Naughty & Nice songs from the 20’s and 30’s) Here’s just a brief taste of the fun! Can’t wait for their next visit.

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Pioneers in Aging Series from the King County Library System

Here’s a link that will get you to the PIONEERS IN AGING series. The presentations are on Zoom but you will need to register separately for each talk, on Mondays at noon. April 24, Maria Kliavkoff, “Creating Compassionate Grief Communities” … Continue reading

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Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” – an anthem for retirement communities

Thanks to Bob P. for sending this along. Many artists have recorded this song. My favorite versions are those by Bob Dylan and the band and by Pete Seeger singing with a youth group. May God bless and keep you … Continue reading

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WE NEED MORE STORIES LIKE THIS

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

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Day 7 of the Happiness Challenge from the NYT: Keep Happiness Going All Year Long

By Jancee Dunn We have reached the seventh and final day of the Happiness Challenge! Congratulations on your efforts to take care of your emotional, psychological, and physical health by building and strengthening your connections. You’ve assessed your social universe, made … Continue reading

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Day 6 of the Happiness Challenge from the NYT: Don’t Cancel Those Plans

Ed note: This challenge takes only a little effort–and is so important for our health and happiness. What ways can you think of to improve our connectedness? Perhaps allowing more singles to walk in to the dining room for lunch … Continue reading

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Day 5 of the NYT Happiness Challenge: The Importance of Work Friends

Ed note: Although retired, many of us still “work,” that is, we volunteer on committees, in our faith groups or in the community at large. A friend found there will have common loves and interests–another step in personal happiness. It’s … Continue reading

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Day 4 of the NYT Happiness Challenge: Why You Should Write a ‘Living Eulogy’

By Jancee Dunn This is Day 4 of Well’s 7-Day Happiness Challenge. To start at the beginning, click here. For today’s exercise, we’re going to get vulnerable and tell an important person in our lives how we feel about them. “Think … Continue reading

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Day 3 of the happiness challenge: Small Talk Has Big Benefits

Often on my daily neighborhood walk, I pass a woman and her dachshund, who used to bark at me frantically. I found it irritating. One day, on a whim, I decided to go beyond our customary nods. I asked her … Continue reading

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