A recent study found that people over 40 years old perform the best when they work only three days a week.

The study conducted by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research concluded that working up to 25 hours per week increased cognitive functioning among middle-aged adults. On the flip side, performance decreased when the work week went beyond 30 hours due to overload, fatigue and stress.




The study involved a series of cognitive tests in which 3,000 Australian men and 3,500 Australian women were analyzed and their working habits surveyed. Participants were tested on their ability to read words aloud and to recite lists of numbers. Reading measured the “knowing” part of their ability while reciting lists of numbers measured the “thinking” part of their ability; executive reasoning, abstract reasoning and memory.

Researchers found that those working 25 hours a week performed best while those working 55 hours a week had the worst results, which were even lower than unemployed participants.

Professor Colin McKenzie from Keio University said in an interview that, “Many countries are going to raise their retirement ages by delaying the age at which people are eligible to start receiving pension benefits. This means that more people continue to work in the later stages of their life.”

“The degree of intellectual stimulation may depend on working hours. Work can be a double-edged sword, in that it can stimulate brain activity, but at the same time long working hours can cause fatigue and stress, which potentially damage cognitive functions.”




“We point out that differences in working hours are important for maintaining cognitive functioning in middle-aged and elderly adults. This means that, in middle and older age, working part-time could be effective in maintaining cognitive ability.”

While results can vary between countries, it’s important to note that stress and fatigue cause mental declines, and if you’re over 40 it might be a good idea to be mindful about how much you choose to work each week. With governments pushing for higher retirement ages before they start giving benefits, studies like this are very important to take into consideration as the mental health of aging individuals is of utmost importance. Taking care of its citizens will save any given country more money than delaying the release of its benefits, so we hope a healthy balance will be achieved.

Sources:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/workers-over-40-perform-best-with-three-day-week-25-hours-melbourne-institute-study-a6988921.html
http://seizepositivity.com/people-aged-40-work-3-days-week/
https://www.selfdevelopshop.com/people-over-40-work-3-days-week-experts-claim/

An 80-year-old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45-year-old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The Father asked his Son, “What is this?” The Son replied “It’s a crow”. After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, “What is this?” The Son said “Father, I have just now told you; ‘It’s a crow’.” After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son for a 3rd time, “What is this?”




This time, an expression of irritation was felt in the Son’s tone when he said to his Father, “It’s a crow, a crow!”. A little more time went by, and the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, “What is this?”

This time the Son shouted at his Father, “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times, ‘IT IS A CROW!’. Are you not able to understand this?”

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary:

“Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child”.

While the little child asked him 23 times “What is this”, the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times, yet when today the Father asked his Son the same question only 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.




So..

If your parents attain old age, do not be quick to criticize them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gentle and caring word, be calm, accepting, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents. From today, say this out loud; “I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered me with their selfless love.”

“They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in society today. I will serve my old parents in the BEST way. I will speak only gentle and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave.”

Share with someone you love today.

Your Romance Of 2018;

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This year will be the final one in which you take a casual approach to your romantic relationships. 2018 is the year where you really discover the value of being deeply intimate and passionate with someone on an emotional level. This coming year will be your moment to shine. It is likely you will meet someone new or will get more serious with your current partner, and this will make you want to get really serious about falling in love. A Mars-Uranus square brings a few obstacles in May, but you can overcome them by remembering to take time for yourself to relax and recuperate. Venus and Mars turn up your romantic heat in September, so what happens now can have long lasting effects. Staying focused on what’s important to you in terms of love and balance can have the best effects, especially if you figure these things out before you step into a relationship.

Taurus (April 20 – May 21)

2018 is an interesting year for you. Large steps forward in your romantic situation aren’t necessarily in the forecast. Your desire for freedom, space and independence reduce your desire to be committed to anyone just yet. But growth is on the horizon, and as you learn to let your guard down, you also learn to let love in. This year has the potential for you to begin welcoming more people into your life than you have in the past, and this new way of relating just might warm your heart. A Venus-Uranus trine in July brings something unexpected but happily received into your life. It could be an important conversation with a former or future lover. Venus is retrograde in October, and past romantic interests may come back, but make sure you are very clear of their interests. It may be a time for closure rather than continued passion, as they may be holding you back from the one that’s meant for you. Keep your goals close to your heart and stay true to your purpose.

Gemini (May 22- June 21)

You are going to uncover a whole new side of love this year, one that is considered to be of utmost importance – the love for one’s self. In 2018, you realize the fruits of giving yourself real love, coming from a place of purity in the heart. This causes you to feel more comfortable being alone, whereas in the past you had difficulty when you weren’t surrounding yourself with people. Use this inner calling of love to bring self-compassion to your vulnerable parts, and when they begin to heal and open up, you’ll become a stronger person who is capable of independence, that can grow into interdependence in a healthy relationship. The Gemini Sun conjoins Mercury in June, bringing your mental ability to the next level. Your level of charisma gets you dates easily at this time, and coupled Geminis should look to have a few more exciting dates with their partners.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Your sign is one known as one of the more emotional signs of the Zodiac. Your sensitivities, while valuable to your life’s purpose, have also allowed you to carry around heavy emotional wounds much of the time – especially the wounds inflicted by past relationships. The energy in 2018 is one of empowerment where new and healthy habits are able to give you the strength and courage you need to let go of certain pieces of emotional baggage. You will finally be able to explore new relationships free from the emotional constraints of past relationships. The supermoon in January brings a wonderful and positive energy of love into your life, and Venus in May brings out your most nurturing and caring attributes. A moon-Saturn square in September brings some challenges as you need to reflect on past relationships and to learn some important lessons from them.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

A partial solar eclipse during the Aquarius new moon in mid-February is an ideal time for romantic do-over, do not waste this opportunity to right a past wrong. While it’s difficult for the king of the jungle to apologize, it’s often necessary; none of us are perfect. Take a moment to see past your well-known greatness and reflect a bit on past situations from your relationships, on what worked and what didn’t, what could you learn or improve on from these experiences. You also feel a strong desire for freedom and the pure, inhibited right to be you, so for single Leos this might be a time to let yourself shine, and to stray away from those who dull your bright dazzling light. Coupled Leos will likely desire some extra freedom and privacy as well, which can be attained through healthy communication and balance with your partner. When Venus enters your sign in June romance become playful and fun again, and a sun-moon fire trine at the end of November reminds you not to take yourself so seriously.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

While a practical and seemingly rigid person at times, this year signals the importance for you to find the best balance between work and play. 2018 holds many opportunities for this prime balance of joy if you don’t shrug them off as nonsense, Virgo. A full moon in your sign that begins in March highlights the differences between emotion and practicality, and the importance of the mind-body connection. Maintain the trust of your loved ones by keeping their secrets in May. When Venus come through your sign in mid July, love and romance are in the air. This energy will push you to express your love more openly, so don’t overthink it and be willing to follow your heart a little more. September brings you back to the facts and to logic, if things aren’t working, you know how to analyze and report on it. But try to remember, knowing the path is not the same as walking the path. Reading a book on sailing a boat is not the same as sailing itself. Spend more time learning about gentle and loving ways to communicate your brilliant ideas that your partner can actually hear, rather than just “being honest” after a partner makes a mistake or gets emotional. If you can lighten up a little and not take the small stuff too seriously, your love life will become a great and stable joy.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your romantic life in 2018 could be one that helps you grow in ways you’ve deeply needed. Personal growth is this year’s theme, so take a good attitude and be ready to enjoy the benefits it provides. The Venus-Pluto square at the end of March acts as a potential barrier to romance, and could represent a struggle to maintain a form of power in a relatively new romantic relationship, or an existing long-term relationship could have difficulties if the two of you cannot loving listen to each other’s needs. Forgiveness can be your best friend if you truly want to make a relationship work. With Venus arriving in early August, you feel heart-centered and are full of dignity and grace. As a Libra, you expect your partner to follow the rules, and their behavior is sometimes the most important thing on your mind. Make sure that your desire for style doesn’t cause you to lose the substance. Outer appearances aren’t always as important as inner feelings, so tolerate some embarrassment and mistakes from time to time for the one you love. Remember that the real meaning of love, is acceptance. Single Libras will likely be searching for a perfect person to attend important social events with them. A gentle Venus-Mars trine in November brings forth a balanced atmosphere to grow a new or existing relationship, where both of your needs are working together harmoniously. Your beauty shines this month, so let it shine!

Scorpio (October 23 – November 22)

2018 is the year for you to finally open your heart to the idea of real love. You become ready to commit to another person, and as they say, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. A Sun-Venus-Pluto connection in January could have wonderfully transformative effects on your close love relationship, but you need to be willing to open your heart a bit more each day to allow the magic to happen. Suspicion is something you need to work past, so try to trust love one more time, and always one more time. Invest your time in enough communication with your partner so you feel safe through understanding. Make up your mind about what you want and be open about it with your partner, don’t keep them in the dark about your feelings. Venus and Pluto bring passion into your life in June, and your partner is extra excited to be around you during this time as your levels of attraction are at a yearly high. Mercury joins your sign in October, giving you the desire for deep conversations and genuine honesty. While you want direct conversations only at this time, take the middle route and learn some effective communication techniques with your partner such as ‘non-violent communication’ to ensure that you and your partner are taken care of. Only those who spend the time building healthy relationship habits will maintain the joys of a healthy relationship.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21)

2018 is a time of great learning for Sagittarius, and also one of great adventure. As you love to travel, opportunities are abundant, just remember to spend some time this year to reflect on what your adventures teach you about life. Listen to the quiet voice of love in your heart when it comes to relationships. You can be known to be restless at times, and if you’re single that’s okay, but those who are with someone may give off a suspicious vibe if you aren’t being open and honest enough with your partner. Stay true to your own course, but be sure to keep your partner in on what’s going on too. Jupiter brings stability to your relationship in July, and those who are single have great luck in the dating arena. A Mercury retrograde in November gives you an opportunity to reflect on your recent experiences and to right any wrongs. Make sure to solve any issues as quickly as possible, so that they don’t linger into the future.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)

This year can work wonders for you if you devote yourself to structure, discipline and hard work. What you put in, will come back to you multiplied. Keep your eye on the prize, and remember to stay kind along the way. Saturn turns retrograde in your sign in April, helping you to discern between what is true and what is not. You can easily see what works and what doesn’t. Apply these lessons to a current relationship and wonderful results can follow. As Venus enters in July, romance levels dip slightly. Routines can often drain passion, so remember to spice things up a bit. Go see a new movie, or try something new as a date idea with your loved one. October has some obstacles with Venus retrograde bringing possible jealousy. If you’re single, look for a partner who wears their heart on their sleeve, because you’re too perceptive to tolerate anyone who engages in dishonest or manipulation. You have the chance to start a new relationship if they can get past your strict requirements.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)

2018 is a year for you to get a bit deeper emotionally, and what you find within your heart may be a bit of a brilliant surprise for you. Venus enters your sign in January, so all forms of love are on your side. Excitement is attracted to you, and can conflict with your desire for freedom. The intensity of a relationship could cause some tension as you need both your alone time as well as time with your partner. The full moon on your sign at the end of July is stronger because it is a total lunar eclipse, bringing surprises to your life. You may have to tie up some loose ends before you can move on. November brings a Venus-Mars trine which has balance return to your life. You can be gentle and direct within a relationship, and also open to new things. If you’re looking for a partner, casual places will be your best bet to find a complimentary Aquarius, Libra or Gemini.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Your compassionate nature which always has you doing for others, is being brought to include yourself in 2018 Pisces. You learn that by loving yourself, you actually grow your ability to love others. You yourself deserve as much love as everyone else does, so don’t ever forget that. Venus joins Neptune in February bringing the strongest romantic energy of the year. Being creative, positive and passionate are the keys to fully enjoy this time. Take a long walk on the beach with a loved one, spend a quiet night getting to know someone, love is very spiritual for you during this time. A Venus-Neptune trine in June brings a similar effect, but with more of the energy being directed towards tenderness and compassion. Building intimacy through relaxing with a partner is very enjoyable at this time. Your year continues to go well as luck follows Neptune into your sign in August, bringing you unexpected gifts and fortune. You may feel a certain optimism about dating that you haven’t felt in a long time. Don’t settle for less than you desire, there is a wide world out there and what you are looking for is looking for you.

Source:

https://www.astrology.com/us/horoscope/yearly-overview-2018.aspx?when=this-year&sign=cancer

Scotland’s oldest woman, Jessie Gallan, shared her secret to living a long, happy and healthy life in a recent interview. She revealed two secrets which are both simple and even a little amusing.

If you want to live a long and healthy life Jessie says, then eat porridge for breakfast every day and most importantly, start avoiding men.

Read Below To See Why This 109-Year-Old Woman Says Her Secret To A Long Life Is Avoiding Men

Jessie was born in a small two room farm cottage at the beginning of the 1900’s, and she slept “top-to-tail” with her five other sisters and one brother on a mattress made of straw.
Her initial secret which she revealed when she turned 108 was eating porridge daily, grains which are ground down and boiled in water or milk (oatmeal is a porridge), but on her 109th birthday she added staying away from men for those seeking longevity.

“The secret to a long life has been staying away from men. They’re just more trouble than they’re worth,” Jessie said in an interview.

She reported that she also, “made sure that I got plenty of exercise, eat a nice warm bowl of porridge every morning and have never gotten married.”




The vibrant and slightly humorous 109-year-old has been independent her whole life. She had worked hard ever since she was a teenager; leaving home when she was only 13 and earning a living on her own. Since her teenage years began she has been working and decided to never marry.

“I worked hard and seldom would I ever take a holiday,” Jessie said.

“She’s absolutely amazing,” a caregiver at Jessie’s nursing home said.

A national survey of people who are over 100 years old was done in the United States, and it found that the study showed the secrets to long life include plenty of time with friends and family and a commitment to fitness.

See Also: The Kind Of Woman You Are According To Your Sleeping Position

Get to know Jessie in the video below.

https://youtu.be/RAJwZAo1-2s

The health benefits of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar mixtures are seemingly endless, and studies are showing that it is a valid way to help lose weight.

Weight Loss

The acetic acid found in vinegar is the main ingredient found in Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) that helps our bodies to shed extra pounds. It helps to prevent the buildup of body fat and also fat around certain organs.

Studies conducted by both the Central Research Institute in Japan (2009) and Johnson & Buller (2005) proved that consuming just a small amount of vinegar each day can help reduce weight.

They recommend taking just one tablespoon (15ml) a day mixed with either water, apple juice, or a drink of your choice to begin experiencing these benefits.

Lowering Cholesterol

A study conducted by Panetta found that drinking two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar daily did in fact lower cholesterol levels in participants.

Consider adding a daily mix of ACV to your diet and make sure you are taking care of your health for the long-term.

Fighting Diabetes

Fasting glucose levels can lead to type two diabetes, and a small study done in 2007 found that taking Apple Cider Vinegar before sleeping helped to reduce these glucose levels in participants.

Diabetes is also often associated with being overweight, so learn to enjoy the slight taste of ACV in your apple juice each day and keep yourself safe from Diabetes at the same time.

https://www.facebook.com/UnderstandingCompassion/videos/1065165906956748/

Lowering Blood Pressure

Iman (2005) reported that Apple Cider Vinegar, “oxidizes and thins the blood, which is important in preventing high blood pressure.” Keeping blood pressure low is important in preventing heart disease and strokes.

Healthier Hair

Apple Cider Vinegar can also help make hair appear shinier, become stronger and can improve the hair’s texture.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a cost effective way to stay healthy, and if you haven’t tried taking it yet, or haven’t been for a while, remember to add some to your diet this week and take care of your beautiful self.

See Also: How To Clear Out A Sinus Infection Within Minutes With Apple Cider Vinegar!

You are loved.