Strengthening Friendships, Benefits of Sauerkraut and More

Issue 3 | April 25th, 2025

Good morning! It’s Friday, April 25th, and I’m laughing at a greeting card I picked up in Greenville, S.C.: “Please be patient with me. I’m from the 1900’s.” Wait…what? SMH because it’s impossibly true.

Laugh as much as you can this week, and try at least one of the essential actions below. Hopefully all five.

Like what you see? Share this email with your favorite people. Let’s pounce on life’s possibilities together!

1. Boost Your Brain

As this article reports, we don’t have the “exact recipe” for what behaviors will be best for us to prevent dementia, but researchers are pretty dang sure about most of them.

It’s certain that learning something new is quite beneficial. Make it a point this week to take a deep dive into any topic you’re interested in. Bonus points if you take a live class or attend a lecture with other people.

2. Connect & Thrive

Doesn’t it seem like women collect and nurture friendships, but it’s so much harder for men? This interview explains how friendship is based on a relationship between two people, but men often socialize in groups.

This week, why don’t you make plans to hang out one-to-one with a friend? Strengthening friendships that will last for decades is vital to your healthy aging. Learn more ➜

3. Harness Hidden Powers

The 1440 newsletter is my favorite for daily news highlights; however, they also publish very thorough explanations of dozens of topics. You’ll need some time to read this section about gut biomes, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’d like to understand more. Come back to it later, perhaps.

I’ll be writing about the gut biome in the Harness Hidden Powers section of The Pounce Pot Post, but even if you’re a microbiome novice, don’t let that stop you from taking action to improve yours.

It’s easy to start. Try adding a tablespoon of good ol’ sauerkraut to your lunch this week. Learn more ➜

4. Fuel Your Journey

Do you know why bananas seem to stay the same unreasonably low price year after year? (scroll down for the answer) Along with bananas, this helpful article lists 27 more foods that are both inexpensive and good for you. Maybe not quite as budget-friendly as bananas, but still worth investigating.

5. Stay Active

You’ll hear me say this repeatedly: It’s not too late (and it’s never too early) for you to add physical activity to your week. As this informative article explains, “Aging is inevitable. Physical decline isn’t.” Start with walking, and we’ll talk soon about how to build on that. Read more ➜

POUNCE PICK OF THE WEEK

Helen B. from Murrells Inlet, S.C. sent in her wonderful Boost Your Brain haiku.

Thanks for taking the challenge, Helen! Great job working your brain (composing an original poem in a 5-7-5 pattern) while simultaneously doing something physical (writing with your non-dominant hand). That’s the way to pounce on it!

I’m really enjoying reading the haiku everyone is writing and sending in. Y’all inspire me!

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Join other curious readers seeking a healthy path toward vibrant longevity and an active pro-aging attitude. Sign up here to pounce on it!

Thank you for reading this issue of The Weekly Pounce. I’m delighted to welcome you into our growing community of Pouncers! Hit reply and let me know what topic you’d like to explore. This issue was written and edited by Laura Lee.

Missed last week’s issue? Read it here.

Answer: It’s a combination of numerous economic and supply chain factors, but basically bananas remain so inexpensive because of their extremely short shelf life. Learn more ➜

The information in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to share the latest research and insights, this information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider before making major changes to your health regimen, and never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

The Weekly Pounce newsletter occasionally shares recommended products and books which may earn a small commission on sales at no cost to you. Purchasing products through these links keeps this website live and supports our mission. Thank you for forwarding this email to your favorite people.