We often go through our day as if we are not actually alive in the present moment. We spend so much of our time thinking about the past or worrying about something in the future. Recent studies suggest that such chronic worry leads to three times greater chance of developing dementia.

Imagine a little container of sandy grit ("pounce") that was used centuries ago to prepare paper to make it smoother and easier to write on—simple, practical, and incredibly helpful.

How does a former U. S. Navy officer transition from tracking Soviet submarines around the depths of the Atlantic Ocean to writing about arcane pounce pots and researching healthspan?

While an engraved gold pen, a sterling picture frame, or a dress watch may be typical gifts for a graduate, if you want to strengthen your relationship and increase your longevity, consider gifting an experience instead. 

Researchers at the University of South Carolina conducted a literature review of the data from 106 other studies, while citing 150 research projects in their publication.  From this massive amount of data, they developed what they call the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) It’s not complicated, and simply boils down to this: What you eat absolutely affects both your physical and mental health. Certain foods are very  beneficial to our gut biome. Others are harmful.

Boosting our brain while we can, in as many different ways as we can, such as through creative pursuits like writing haiku, can help delay the onset of dementia and potentially avoid it completely. 

Because you can actively influence each of these five categories (unlike our inherited DNA, which we have zero control over), these will be five areas for you to personally take responsibility for to the best of your abilities and within your means. Even improving in just one category can have a profoundly positive impact on your life.

Up to 93 percent of your aging is influenced, not just passively through genetic pre-destiny, but actively through your lifestyle, thoughts, and environment. The Pounce Pot makes it easier and faster to learn the five essential actions that you can start now to power up your future self. Join our community for curated news and tips to achieve your five essential actions every week. Pounce on life’s possibilities!

What the heck is a pounce pot?!  Turns out, my 16 year old, Larson (“Mr. Metaphor”), the overflowing font of—shall we say—unique information, has the answer.

The research is urgent: use your brain or potentially lose it.

Staying Active seems easy, so why is it so hard?

What we “should” eat is such a complicated question.

Exploring the hidden powers within our bodies and minds.

Friendship is good for your health. Literally. 

Explore "Shaking Off Gravity" in our interview with author Lucinda Shirley. Memoir, poetry, & pro-aging wisdom for vibrant longevity.

Unless it's used to solve a problem or accomplish a task, worry is a waste of time and energy. Like a rocking chair, it gives a sense of forward motion but gets you nowhere.