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Irish Researchers Reveal “Stevie II” Robot to Combat Loneliness in the Elderly
Stevie II is an upgraded version of its predecessorA team of researchers from Trinity College, Dublin, revealed a new version of their “Stevie” robot last month. Its main function is to interact with seniors and to provide a level of support for those living in both care homes and by themselves. Loneliness among the elderly is a common and growing concern around the…
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Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?
The United States (and the world) is lagging in infectious disease readinessAt least every couple of years it seems there’s a big news story about some sort of exotic virus making the rounds far across the globe somewhere. We hear about awful things like Ebola and Bird Flu spreading in other counties, but most of us don’t think twice about it unless we have travel plans.…
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Our Monthly Tip: Create a Memory Garden
Simple or lavish, a memory garden sows the seeds of a bond still sharedOur Tip of the Month A memory garden is more than a tribute to a loved one who has died. It is a gift to yourself as well. Unlike standing by a gravesite, the time you spend in this outdoor space — usually just steps away from your front or back door — can soothe…
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What is Complicated Grief? (Interview)
An interview with Dr. Katherine Shear, Founder of Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia School of Social Work, Part OneAn internist and psychiatrist, Dr. Kathy Shear is widely recognized for her work in bereavement studies. She has developed a targeted psychotherapy, Complicated Grief Treatment which has proved to be efficacious in three different trials. Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Melissa Gouty: Thanks, Dr. Shear, for talking with me…
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“Almost Everything”
In this book, Lamott offers “notes on hope” for troubled timesAnne Lamott’s essays on life (and death) in “Almost Everything” sound a bit like Ensign Nellie Forbush’s self-proclaimed cockeyed optimism amidst perilous times in Rogers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.” Just as World War II endangers the lives of nurse Nellie and her cast members in the classic musical, Lamott repeatedly wonders if she might wake…
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African American Revolutionary War Veteran James Robinson To Be Honored In Special Ceremony
He will receive military honors 151 years after his deathFans of military and American history will certainly enjoy this story. Pvt. James Robinson, a man born into slavery, will finally be properly honored for his military service 151 years after his death. The ceremony will take place June 22 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. Members from two lineage societies concerned with historic wars…
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Facebook Learns to Deal with Grief
With the number of users who have died rising, Facebook is taking steps to be more responsive to the needs of friends and family left behindSince its launch 15 years ago, Facebook has become a primary means of keeping in touch for friends and family in the digital age. It reminds us of birthdays and special events, makes it easy to organize groups, allows us to track down old friends, and does lots of other algorithmic gymnastics to make staying…
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“Rainbow”
An uplifting ballad about the possibility of healing after life deals us a blowEvery once in a while, a song comes along that tugs at my heartstrings with such force that I wonder what it is about it that resonates so deeply with me. Usually, after thinking about it, I find that it’s because the song evokes a memory — perhaps a long forgotten one — of a…
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