Love Bonding: Building and Sustaining Relationships for Adults Aged 42-63
Recommended Books
- “The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner [LINK]
Synopsis: This book provides insights into the lifestyles and habits of the world’s longest-lived people, offering practical advice on how to incorporate purpose and healthy practices into daily life. - “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl [LINK]
Synopsis: Frankl’s seminal work explores how finding purpose through suffering and challenges can lead to personal growth and resilience, offering a profound perspective on discovering meaning in life. - “The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?” by Rick Warren [LINK]
Synopsis: Warren’s book guides readers through a 40-day spiritual journey to uncover their life’s purpose, helping individuals find direction and fulfillment at any stage of life. - “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up” by James Hollis [LINK]
Synopsis: This book addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of midlife, offering insights and practical advice on how to find deeper meaning and purpose during this transitional period. - “The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50” by Jonathan Rauch [LINK]
Synopsis: Rauch’s book explains the science behind the midlife happiness curve and provides practical strategies for finding renewed purpose and joy as one ages. - “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle [LINK]
Synopsis: Tolle’s book encourages readers to transcend ego-based consciousness and find deeper meaning and purpose through spiritual awakening and presence. - “The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life” by David Brooks [LINK]
Synopsis: Brooks explores the journey of moving from self-centered ambition to a life of deeper commitment and purpose, offering a roadmap for finding fulfillment in the second half of life.
Recommended Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) [LINK]
- Dosage: 1000-3000 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health professional” (Freeman et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 2006); “Fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid intake in relation to risk of major chronic diseases in men” (Hu et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002).
- Vitamin D [LINK]
- Dosage: 2000-4000 IU per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Vitamin D and the risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (Anglin et al., British Journal of Psychiatry, 2013); “Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of depression in older adults: a systematic review” (Okereke et al., American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2012).
- Probiotics [LINK]
- Dosage: 10-20 billion CFU per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Probiotics and mental health: a review of the literature” (Ng et al., Annals of General Psychiatry, 2018); “Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: Probiotics as a therapeutic strategy” (Bested et al., BioEssays, 2013).
- Magnesium [LINK]
- Dosage: 300-400 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial” (Barragán-Rodríguez et al., Magnesium Research, 2008); “Magnesium intake and depression in adults” (Li et al., Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2017).
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) [LINK]
- Dosage: B6: 10-20 mg, B12: 500-1000 mcg, Folate: 400-800 mcg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “The role of folic acid in the treatment of depression: a review of current evidence” (Almeida et al., CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2015); “Vitamin B12 deficiency and depression in older adults: review and update” (Meyerhoff, Current Psychiatry Reports, 2019).
- Zinc [LINK]
- Dosage: 15-30 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Zinc supplementation and depression in elderly patients” (Swardfager et al., Nutritional Neuroscience, 2013); “The role of zinc in depression: From diagnosis to treatment” (Siwek et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, 2013).
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) [LINK]
- Dosage: 100-200 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Support: “Coenzyme Q10 and aging: Clinical effects and mechanisms of action” (Hernández-Camacho et al., Ageing Research Reviews, 2018); “The effects of CoQ10 supplementation on health-related quality of life and symptoms of depression” (Young et al., Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2012).
Helpful Websites
- Greater Good Science Center – Relationships – Greater Good Science Center
- Synopsis: Provides research-based insights and practical tools to help adults build and maintain strong, healthy relationships, which are crucial for overall well-being.
- Psychology Today – Psychology Today
- Synopsis: Offers a wealth of articles and expert advice on building and maintaining healthy relationships, including strategies for improving communication and emotional connection.
- HelpGuide – HelpGuide
- Synopsis: Provides comprehensive guides and articles on mental health and wellness, including how to build and sustain intimate relationships and friendships.
- Mayo Clinic – Healthy Lifestyle – Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle
- Synopsis: Features resources on healthy living, including tips for fostering healthy relationships and improving emotional well-being through better lifestyle choices.
- Mental Health America (MHA) – Mental Health America
- Synopsis: Offers resources and support for mental health, including tips on fostering healthy relationships to enhance emotional and social well-being.
- American Psychological Association (APA) – American Psychological Association
- Synopsis: Features articles and resources on maintaining mental health and well-being, including strategies for developing and nurturing healthy relationships.
- National Institute on Aging (NIA) – National Institute on Aging
- Synopsis: Provides resources on healthy aging, including advice on maintaining social connections and building meaningful relationships to support emotional and physical health.
Insightful TED Talks
- The Secret to Desire in a Long-Term Relationship by Esther Perel
Synopsis: Esther Perel offers insights into maintaining desire and intimacy in long-term relationships, which can help individuals in this age group keep their romantic partnerships vibrant and fulfilling. - What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness by Robert Waldinger
Synopsis: Robert Waldinger shares findings from a long-term study on happiness, highlighting the importance of strong relationships for a fulfilling and healthy life. - The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Synopsis: Brené Brown explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections, which is essential for sustaining intimate and friendship relationships. - How to Fix a Broken Heart by Guy Winch
Synopsis: Guy Winch provides practical advice on healing from emotional pain and loss, helping individuals build resilience and maintain healthy relationships. - Connected, But Alone? By Sherry Turkle
Synopsis: Sherry Turkle examines the impact of technology on relationships and offers strategies to foster genuine, face-to-face connections, essential for meaningful relationships. - 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation by Celeste Headlee
Synopsis: Celeste Headlee gives practical tips on improving conversational skills, which can enhance communication and connection with others in personal and professional relationships. - The Secret to Giving Great Feedback by LeeAnn Renniger
Synopsis: LeeAnn Renniger discusses the importance of constructive feedback in relationships, providing tools to enhance understanding and intimacy.