Entertainment Review: Stephen

Deepa Gahlot
-
0
Entertainment Review: Stephen

A man, Stephen Jebaraj, walks into a police station and calmly confesses to the murder of nine women. Given his calm demeanour, the cops, led by Inspector Michael (Michael Thangadurai), bring in criminal psychologist Seema (Smruthi Venkat) to determine if he is truly a sociopath or a fraud. Going by the Liar’s paradox—if a liar says he is lying, can that be taken as the truth? Stephen even wears a sweatshirt that says, “Never lie.”

Directed by debutant Mithun, Netflix’s latest Tamil film Stephen, (dubbed in other languages and also subtitled) attempts to explore a serial killer’s psyche, starting its narrative where most conventional thrillers end: with a confession. Starring Gomathi Shankar in the titular role, the film presents itself as a mind-game between an unflappable, twisted ‘alleged’ killer and the psychiatrist tasked with evaluating his mental state. The premise is intriguing, and though most of the film unfolds through the interrogation sessions, it is engaging.

Stephen had a troubled childhood, with abusive parents (Kuberan and Vijayshree), who might have just flipped a switch in his brain that turned him into a psychopath. He is a complex character, who claims to have killed the women—all aspiring actresses– while the cops flounder about solving the case, and locating the bodies.

Director Mithun, who co-wrote the screenplay with the lead actor, effectively builds an uneasy atmosphere, with shadowy lighting, tight frames, and shifting timelines. Gomathi Shankar, in his debut role, plays Stephen with a weird, creepy intensity, without making any extra effort to look unhinged. The attitude that charmed the women, who ‘auditioned’ for him, turns menacing, sly or vulnerable during the questioning.

The film’s inventiveness and admirable ambition cannot keep it from sagging in the middle, before recovering eventually and coming up with a chilling climax. It is a cerebral crime thriller—a character study and police procedural– in which nothing is what it seems, with an unreliable narrator running rings around the cops, as a Ferris Wheel appears as a recurring motif. While Gomathi Shankar’s compelling performance anchors the entire two-hour runtime—he and director Mithun are talents to watch for. However, with a ‘to-be-continued’ flashing at the end, Stephen may just be overstaying his welcome.

Stephen

Directed by Mithun

Casat Gomathi Shankar, Michael Thangadurai, Smruthi Venkat and others

On Netflix.

Spot The Difference #174

Seniors Today Network
-
0
Spot The Difference #174

Find The Solution Here

Activities That Help You Maximise Your VO₂ Max

Seniors Today Network
-
0
Activities That Help You Maximise Your VO₂ Max

An evidence-backed explanation on why it’s important 

VO₂ max — the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise — is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health, cardiovascular resilience, and independence in older age. Research consistently shows that improving VO₂ max, even modestly, significantly reduces disease risk and enhances quality of life.

Below is a science-based explanation of why VO₂ max matters for seniors, plus the best researched activities to improve it.

Why VO₂ Max Matters for Seniors

  1. Strong Predictor of Longevity

A landmark study in JAMA (2018) analysing over 120,000 adults found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality, and this relationship is especially strong in older adults (Kodama et al., 2009; Mandsager et al., 2018).

  • Even a 1 MET increase in fitness (roughly equivalent to boosting VO₂ max by ~3.5 ml/kg/min) can reduce mortality risk by 10–15%.
  1. Better Cardiovascular Function

VO₂ max reflects how efficiently the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to the muscles. Studies show that higher VO₂ max is linked to:

  • Lower rates of cardiovascular disease
  • Improved stroke volume and blood flow
  • Reduced risk of heart failure (American College of Sports Medicine, 2022)
  1. Maintains Mobility and Independence

Research published in The Journals of Gerontology demonstrates that older adults with higher aerobic fitness maintain the ability to:

  • Walk longer distances
  • Climb stairs
  • Perform daily activities with reduced fatigue

Low VO₂ max in seniors is strongly correlated with loss of independence.

  1. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Improved VO₂ max is associated with lower risk of:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Cognitive decline (Harvard Medical School, 2020)

Activities Proven to Improve VO₂ Max in Seniors

  1. Brisk Walking

A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that brisk walking can improve VO₂ max by 8–15% in adults over 60 (Benavent-Caballer et al., 2015).

Best practice:

  • Walk at 60–75% of maximum heart rate
  • Include hills or speed intervals
  1. Cycling (Indoor or Outdoor)

Low-impact cycling is highly effective for older adults. Research from the European Review of Aging and Physical Activity shows that cycling improves aerobic capacity by 12–20% after 12 weeks.

Why it works:

  • Controlled intensity
  • Joint-friendly
  • Ideal for interval training
  1. Swimming and Water Aerobics

Studies show improvements of up to 15% in VO₂ max after 10–12 weeks of regular aquatic exercise, especially in adults with arthritis or mobility limitations (Colado & Triplett, 2009).

  1. Low-Impact Aerobic Classes

Structured, rhythmic aerobic exercise raises heart rate consistently. The National Institute on Ageing reports that senior aerobic classes improve:

  • VO₂ max
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Mood

Typical improvements: 10–12% after 8–12 weeks.

  1. Interval Training (Age-Appropriate HIIT)

Evidence from the Mayo Clinic indicates that HIIT can reverse age-related declines in mitochondrial function and improve VO₂ max by up to 20%, even in people aged 65+.

Simple HIIT example:

  • 30 sec brisk walking
  • 60–90 sec slow walking
  • Repeat 6–10 times
  1. Nordic Walking

Using poles activates the upper body, increasing oxygen use. A 2021 study found Nordic walking improved VO₂ max by approximately 16%, outperforming regular walking.

Additional benefits:

  • Better posture
  • Improved stability
  • Higher caloric burn
  1. Rowing

Rowing engages over 80% of major muscle groups. A study from Aging Clinical and Experimental Research showed significant improvements in VO₂ max in seniors after just 8 weeks of moderate rowing training.

Recommended Training Levels

International health bodies (WHO, ACSM) recommend:

  • 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or
  • 75 minutes of vigorous activity
  • Plus 2–3 sessions per week that elevate heart rate more noticeably

For boosting VO₂ max, interval-based sessions produce the largest gains.

Safety Guidelines for Seniors

  • Seek medical clearance before starting a new programme.
  • Begin gradually and increase intensity slowly.
  • Use supportive footwear or equipment.
  • Stop if you experience dizziness, significant pain, or severe breathlessness.

Scientific evidence is clear: seniors can significantly boost VO₂ max through accessible, low-impact activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and interval training. These improvements translate directly into better heart health, greater independence, reduced disease risk, and longer life expectancy.

And importantly — gains can be made at any age. It’s never too late to start improving cardiovascular fitness, But as always, check with your doctor before embarking upon any new activity.

How to Savour the Season and Still Feel Good

Seniors Today Network
-
0
How to Savour the Season and Still Feel Good

Celebrate smart with our easy doable tips

The festive season has a magical way of sweeping us up in excitement. Suddenly there are gatherings every weekend, dessert tables that somehow refill themselves, and relatives urging you to try “just one more bite.” It’s joyful, heart-warming… and a little overwhelming for anyone trying to stay healthy or mindful.

The truth is, celebrations aren’t the enemy. They’re meant to be enjoyed. But finding that sweet spot—where you can fully partake without feeling sluggish, guilty, or burnt out—can take a little intention. Here’s how to navigate the season with both pleasure and balance.

  1. Start With a Realistic Mindset

The festive season isn’t the time to chase perfection. You will eat differently. Your routine will wobble. And that’s okay.
Instead of aiming for strict control, aim for awareness:

  • How do I want to feel during and after this season?
  • What choices support that feeling?

A compassionate mindset encourages healthier behaviour far more effectively than rigid rules.

  1. Choose Your Indulgences with Intention

Think of indulgences like a budget—spend them where they matter.
If you adore your grandmother’s homemade dessert, enjoy it wholeheartedly. But if you’re mindlessly grabbing sweets at the office just because they’re there, pause.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this worth it?
  • Will I truly enjoy this?

You’ll be surprised how often the answer leads you to skip the things you don’t actually love.

  1. Keep Your Routine Anchors

You don’t need to stick to your full wellness routine, but keeping a few anchors will help you stay grounded:

  • Hydrate generously.
  • Eat balanced meals when not celebrating, so you aren’t overly hungry before events.
  • Move your body, even if it’s just a short walk between gatherings.
  • Sleep whenever you can—rest makes everything easier.

These anchors act like gentle rails keeping your wellbeing on track.

  1. Practice the “Pause Before Plate” Approach

Before filling your plate, take five seconds to check in:

  • Are you hungry, or just swept up in the moment?
  • Are you anxious, tired, or overstimulated?
  • Is something on the table calling to you—or are you piling things out of habit?

A tiny moment of mindfulness can prevent a lot of overeating.

  1. Create a Comfortable Pace

Festive eating is often fast eating—buffet rushes, quick bites between conversations, meals that blend into snacking.
Try slowing the pace:

  • Put your fork down between bites.
  • Savour flavours instead of inhaling them.
  • Take breaks between courses or servings.

Satisfaction usually happens long before fullness.

  1. Balance Your Plate (Without Being That Person)

You don’t need to announce your healthy choices. Quietly make them:

  • Half your plate colourful (vegetables, salads, fruits).
  • A quarter protein.
  • A quarter indulgence.
    It’s subtle, flexible, and keeps you feeling good without drawing attention.
  1. Set Soft Boundaries

You’re allowed to say:

  • “I’m full, but it looks wonderful!”
  • “I’ll take some home instead.”
  • “I’m pacing myself today.”

Most people will understand—and those who don’t usually forget within minutes.

  1. Stay Connected to Joy, Not Just Food

Festivities are about people, stories, rituals, humour, music, connection.
Shift the focus:

  • Start conversations.
  • Offer help in the kitchen.
  • Take photos.
  • Join the kids’ games.
  • Sit with someone you haven’t spoken to in years.

When joy isn’t centred on food, indulgence becomes more balanced by default.

  1. Forgive Yourself Quickly

If you overeat, it’s not a failure—it’s a human moment.
Drink some water, go for a walk, sleep well, and continue normally the next day.
One indulgent meal doesn’t undo your health; the guilt afterward does more harm than the food itself.

  1. Remember: Celebration Is Part of Wellness

A healthy life includes pleasure.
Celebrating with the people you love—sharing meals, traditions, and treats—is nourishment in its own way.

You’re not trying to survive the festive season.
You’re learning how to enjoy it fully while still honouring yourself.

Embracing December and Closing Out the Year 2025

Seniors Today Network
-
0
Embracing December and Closing Out the Year 2025

Let’s embrace December. Let’s acknowledge both the joy and the strain this season can bring — and find our own rhythm amidst it

December arrives with a familiar blend of sparkle and pressure. Fairy lights appear in windows, Christmas markets open, diaries fill with gatherings, and yet many of us also feel the quiet weight of the year settling on our shoulders. As 2025 draws to a close, embracing December means acknowledging both the joy and the strain this season can bring — and finding our own rhythm within it.

The warmth of celebration — and the reality of overwhelm

Festive celebrations can be uplifting: the glow of candles, shared meals, the comfort of old traditions. These moments remind us of connection and ritual — things many of us crave after a hectic year.

But December can also amplify stress. Gift-buying, end-of-year workloads, social obligations, and the pressure to be constantly cheerful can feel exhausting. It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly human to enjoy the season while also needing space from it. You’re allowed to step back without stepping out of the magic entirely.

Create pockets of calm amidst the festivities

You don’t need a grand escape to find balance. Sometimes it’s as simple as:

  • a quiet night in with a festive film,
  • a slow morning with no plans,
  • a walk through town just to admire the lights,
  • or choosing one celebration to attend wholeheartedly instead of five out of obligation.

Giving yourself these small pauses helps you stay present enough to actually enjoy the season — not just power through it.

Reflect on the year without adding pressure

December is a natural time for reflection, but it doesn’t have to feel like an annual performance review. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t finish, try looking at what you carried, created and survived.

Think back to the surprises, the challenges, the milestones you didn’t expect, and the resilience that brought you here. Every year shapes us in ways that aren’t always visible on the surface.

Let go to make space for what’s next

Amid the festivities, consider what you’d rather not take into 2026. That might be a stressful habit, a draining commitment, or even the pressure to please everyone during December.

Letting go can be as gentle as saying, I won’t hold myself to that anymore.
In releasing even one small burden, we create room for something better.

Honour your own style of celebration

There is no “right” way to do December. Some people love the buzz of parties and gatherings; others find joy in quiet traditions — baking, reading, crafting, decorating, or simply resting.

The beauty of this month lies in choosing what actually makes you feel festive, not what you think you should be doing. When celebrations align with your energy instead of draining it, December becomes far more meaningful.

Set gentle intentions for 2026

Rather than launching into strict resolutions on 1st January, let December be a time to think about the tone you want the New Year to carry.

Perhaps you want more balance, deeper connections, less hurry, more creativity, or simply more peace. Intentions give you direction without the pressure of perfection — a far kinder way to step into a new year.

December is many things at once: joyful, nostalgic, busy, emotional, brilliant, and sometimes overwhelming. But embracing it means recognising all those layers and allowing yourself to move through them in your own way.

As 2025 comes to an end, may your celebrations feel genuine, your reflections feel gentle, and your path into the new year feel hopeful and grounded.

Comprehensive ENT Care for Seniors

Dr Noor Gill
-
0
Comprehensive ENT Care for Seniors

On 29 Nov, 2025, Seniors Today hosted their weekly Health Live Webinar with a Senior ENT Surgeon, Dr Sanjiv Badhwar who spoke on and answered questions about Comprehensive ENT Care for Seniors. 

Dr Sanjiv Badhwar is Senior Director – ENT & Programme Head (Cochlear Implants & ENT Robotic Surgery) at the Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai. He did his MBBS from Armed Forces Medical Colleges, Pune. He did his MS ENT from the University of Mumbai. He has done fellowships and training from across the world. He spent time at the Indian Naval Hospital, Cochin as HOD of ENT. He has also spent time at INS, Ashwini, Mumbai. He has also had experience at Kokilaben hospital as Professor and Head of Department, ENT for 16 years. And now he is with the Max Health Care Group and working at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.

As medical professionals, there have been concerns with respect to hearing and hearing loss conditions, where it is considered as a stigma. However, it is something natural that happens as we age. 

At times, it is extremely difficult to get someone to accept that he/ she has hearing loss. And also accept that there are solutions available in today’s time.  Some of these can be non-invasive, others invasive- minimally so. And these solutions have been giving good results. 

Hearing loss is extremely important, since as you age and your hearing becomes impaired, so does your social communication.

This can lead to limited or complete loss of interaction with friends, limited contact and communication with family and kids away/ abroad- on the telephone. 

Modern medicine has shown that if you ignore hearing loss, dementia and early ageing sets in. 

Hearing loss in ability to hear as well as someone with typical hearing. This may be:

  • Mild 
  • Moderate 
  • Severe 
  • Profound 

“Hard of hearing” refers to hearing loss which normally ranges from mild to severe.

Hearing solutions for age related hearing loss includes:

  • Hearing aids: today we have hearing aids which are so small with AI, microchips which are not seen. Major problems associated with hearing aids include:
  1. Individuals don’t want the hearing aid to be seen.
  2. Changing the batteries of the hearing aids used to be a problem, nowadays we have chargeable hearing aids.
  3. Older generation of hearing aids used to amplify all sounds. Today we have digital hearing aids which amplify only the sound you need to hear, giving you a near natural hearing experience. 
  4. They do not restore natural hearing 
  5. Outcome varies from person to person 

Hearing loss is prevalent and underrated. 

Cochlear implants are done for children who are born without hearing. In this the mandate and a challenge is that the child should start speaking by the age of 5 years and go on to normal schools. 

There are also paediatric interventions.

Whereas, the maximum interventions are over the age of 70 years. 

If you have hearing loss, if you’re missing words- do NOT ignore it. Reach out to hearing professionals, reach out to ENT Surgeons, you are also welcome to Max Hospital which is a new jewel in western India. 

Deafness and hearing loss are widespread and found in all regions of the country. 

More than 1.5 billion people, nearly 20 % of the total global population, live with hearing loss. 

30 million of these have disabling hearing loss ie 5% of the world’s population are disabled so they cannot interact with their caregivers or their children and the society. 

It is seen that by 2050 there could be 700 million people with disabling hearing loss that is 1 in 4 people. 

Hearing loss take place due to the following reasons/ causes:

  • Ageing process 
  • Conditions like diabetes 

It is recommended that in a quiet society/ residential area the ambient hearing should not be more than 60 dB. However in our cities especially during festivals it is sometimes over 120 dB.

Hearing loss affects all age groups. 

  • 1 in 200 children 
  • 1 in 5 teens 
  • 1 in 5 adults 

Nowadays, you find people walking, exercising, sometimes even sleeping with AirPods- all these things are good in moderation, however excessive use of earphones, ear inserts, listening to loud music tend to damage your hearing. 

1 in 3 of the people over the of 60 have hearing loss. 

A recent study suggests for every 10dB loss in your hearing, the risk of Alzheimer’s increases by 20%. 

Hearing loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes. Once in every 2 years, if you’re diabetic you should visit your ENT specialist. 

Impact of hearing loss:

  • Communication loss, frustration and strained relationships 
  • Social interactions become limited 
  • Withdrawal from community 
  • Depression, anxiety. People who suffer from hearing loss are twice as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety
  • Cognitive decilen and dementia are 5 times more common 
  • Job impact 
  • Safety concern- falls are the number 1 cause for injuries in the elderly. 
  • Healthcare cost, more than 46% of healthcare cost is attributed to hearing loss 

Treatment options include:

  • Medical management- in cases of healing loss due to fluid collection in the ear, viral infections, other infections.
  • In cases of nerve loss or sensorineural hearing loss the mode of management includes hearing aids. Hearing aids amplify sounds customised to the nature of hearing loss. 
  • Severe hearing loss or loss of clarity of speech/ sound- cochlear implant is the treatment modality. The hospital stay after a cochlear implant surgery has been cut down to 1 day with the surgery taking 1 hour. 
  • The cochlear implant system has 2 parts- an external sound processor and an internal implant.
  • The sound is processed through the microphone present on sound processor and the processor converts those sounds into digital information. This information is transferred from the coil to the implant under skin. The implant sends electrical signals down to the electrode in the cochlea. The hearing nerve fibers in the cochlea pick up to signals and send them to the brain giving the sensation of sound.

A Day of Down Time and Fun

Seniors Today Network
-
0
A Day of Down Time and Fun

There’s a quiet kind of magic in taking a day just for yourself — a day with no rushing, no worrying, no long list of tasks waiting to be ticked off

Simple joy. Breathing space. Just you.

For many of us, life has always been full — full with responsibilities, families to raise, careers to build, homes to maintain. Today, the pace may have changed, but the heart rarely stops buzzing. That’s exactly why a “day of down time and fun” isn’t a luxury; it’s nourishment.

Here’s how such a day might feel.

  1. A Gentle, Slow Morning

The sun filters into your room, soft and golden, without the urgency of an alarm clock. No need to leap out of bed — let the morning meet you slowly.

Perhaps start the day with a warm cup of chai or tulsi tea, sipped on your balcony or by a window that catches the first breeze. Listen to the soft sounds of your neighbourhood waking up: the milkman’s scooter, a nearby temple bell, sparrows negotiating their day.

A simple breathing exercise or a few stretches — nothing strenuous — can coax your joints into motion. A senior from Chennai once said, laughing, “My stretches are less yoga and more polite negotiation with my knees.” That’s perfectly fine. The goal is comfort, not competition.

  1. The Joy of Pottering Around

There’s a lovely word often used in the UK: pottering. It means doing little things at your own pace — watering a plant, rearranging a shelf, wiping a favourite photo frame, checking a recipe book you haven’t opened in ages.

Pottering has no deadline. No right or wrong. It brings the small, satisfying pleasure of simply being present.

Small rituals like tending to tulsi, making fresh curd, or organising a spice box bring a sense of calm and identity. It’s not a chore; it’s heritage in motion.

  1. A Lunch That Makes You Smile

A fun day deserves a comforting, cheerful lunch — nothing heavy, nothing that needs too much kitchen duty.

Perhaps something nostalgic: lemon rice with roasted peanuts, a soft phulka with fresh sabzi, or a simple curd rice with a dollop of pickle. You could even treat yourself to a little something from your favourite local restaurant — a dosa, a cutlet, or a bowl of warm soup.

Eat slowly. Try not to multitask. Savour every aroma and every bite. Good food is part-healing, part-joy, part-memory.

  1. A Bit of Entertainment — Your Way

Fun means different things to different people.

  • A light comedy film from the ’70s or ’80s
  • A soothing bhajan playlist
  • An episode of an old radio show
  • Flipping through photo albums and revisiting stories
  • Calling a sibling or an old friend for a relaxed catch-up

If you enjoy puzzles, crosswords, sudoku or even colouring books — yes, adults can colour too — this is the perfect quiet activity for the afternoon.

The trick is to choose something that makes your heart feel a little lighter than before.

  1. An Evening Breathing Fresh Air

As the day cools, take a small stroll — even if it’s just inside your society or down your street. Evening air carries familiar comfort: children playing, women chatting on balconies, the smell of dinner beginning somewhere.

If stepping out isn’t ideal, sit by your window or in your verandah. Watch the sky change colours. Let your thoughts drift instead of marching.

  1. A Warm, Unhurried Night

End the day as gently as it began.

Maybe warm water for your feet. Maybe a soft shawl. Maybe a few pages of a book you love — R. K. Narayan, Ruskin Bond, or even a cookbook with sweet stories. Perhaps light a lamp. Quiet rituals help the mind settle.

Before sleeping, place a hand on your heart and acknowledge how good it felt to slow down. One senior from Pune put it beautifully:
“On days like this, I feel as though I’ve returned to myself.”

And that’s exactly what downtime and fun should bring — not the thrill of doing more, but the peace of being fully you.

A day of relaxation is not wasting time. It is restoring time — time for your mind, your memories, your spirit, and your body. Indian seniors have spent decades giving their energy to others. A day like this lets the energy gently flow back to you.

So take that day. Enjoy it. You truly deserve it.

The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo

Pankaj Singh
-
0
The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo

It is one of the most heart-rending and memorable photos of all time– ‘Napalm Girl’ or The Terror of War—in which a terrified girl is seen running, her clothes ripped off by a napalm bomb. For over 50 years, this photo, which came to depict the worst aspects of the Vietnam War, has been attributed to Associated Press (AP) staff photographer Nick Ut.  Now Bao Nguyen’s astonishing documentary on Netflix, The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo, presents a compelling argument that the person behind that iconic photo was Nguyễn Thành Nghệ, a local Vietnamese freelance photographer, or “stringer,” whose crucial contribution was allegedly erased by a white establishment

The documentary starts with the confession of Carl Robinson, a former AP photo editor in Saigon, who reveals his decades-long guilt over a deception he felt compelled to participate in. His testimony sets acclaimed war photographer Gary Knight and a small team of journalists on a two-year quest for the truth, hunting for the elusive “stringer” and forensically reconstructing the events of June 8, 1972, in the village of Trảng Bàng. The film is driven by a commitment to facts, even though it could be argued that, after so many years, how does it matter? Then again, is the truth time-bound?

The film’s central conflict revolves around the question of who actually pressed the shutter. The investigation questions the established narrative using a combination of witness testimony, photographic analysis, and forensic reconstruction by a team of French forensic experts. Employing advanced photogrammetry, they virtually recreate the scene based on all available images and footage from that day. Their findings, which map out the positions of the various photographers and the camera angles required for the shot, strongly suggest that Ut was unlikely to have been in the correct position to take that shot. Instead, the evidence points definitively toward Nghệ, who was on the ground that day working as a driver for NBC and selling his photos to the AP. The meticulous visual evidence, including the reconstruction sequences, is the film’s most compelling element, providing a convincing argument.

Nguyen traces Nguyễn Thành Nghệ himself, now an elderly man in poor health. His testimony, and that of his family, provides a moving account of a man who never sought fame but whose truth was overshadowed by powerful people. The simplicity of his claim, juxtaposed with the decades of recognition afforded to the credited photographer, lends the film a sense of delayed justice.

There is obviously racism at play here, so the documentary is more than a photo-credit dispute; it is also a critique of the unfair systemic imbalance in the global media field, particularly during the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese journalists, translators, and photographers—the “stringers”—were essential to frontline reporting, often risking their lives in a way their Western counterparts did not. Yet, as the film illustrates, their contributions were routinely marginalised in favour of Western staff photographers, reflecting broader patterns of racial and colonial bias, leading to this exploitation within the press corps. The film suggests that Horst Faas, the chief of photos at the AP’s Saigon bureau, may have deliberately misattributed the photo to Nick Ut, rather than give due credit to an unknown local stringer. So, a white journalist was assured a place in journalistic history, while the real contributor was paid $20 and forgotten. Sad and shocking.

Nick Ut, who helped save the injured Kim Phuc and has had since. a distinguished career, denies the film’s claims, and the Associated Press has conducted its own investigations, standing by their original attribution, though acknowledging new inconsistencies in Ut’s historical account. Taking serious note of the claims made by the film, the World Press Photo organisation, which awarded the photograph its highest honour, conducted its own independent review and temporarily suspended the attribution, acknowledging that Nghệ was better positioned to take the shot. This demonstrates the film’s success as a genuine act of justice for the actual photographer.

The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo
Directed by Bao Nguyen
On Netflix

What Your Favourite Colour Reveals About You

Seniors Today Network
-
0
What Your Favourite Colour Reveals About You

Most of us have a colour we instinctively reach for — in clothes, home décor, phone
wallpapers, or even the notebooks we buy. It feels comforting, familiar, right. But why?

Colour psychology, neuroscience and behavioural studies show that our favourite colours
aren’t random. They often reflect our emotional needs, personality traits, and even how our
brains respond to certain wavelengths of light.

Here’s what the science says — and what your favourite colour might be whispering about
you.

Why Colours Influence Us

Before diving into meanings, it's useful to understand the science behind colour preferences:

1. Colours Affect Mood and Physiology

Research shows colours can influence:

  • heart rate
  • alertness levels
  • appetite
  • emotional states

For example, blue light is known to calm the nervous system, while red increases arousal and attention.

2. Colour Preference Changes With Age and Experience

Studies from the University of Lausanne and Goethe University show that life events, culture, and ageing subtly reshape our colour choices. Seniors often prefer calmer hues — blues, greens, neutrals — because the brain naturally seeks emotional stability with age.

3. The Brain Links Colours With Meaning

Our memories shape our reactions. If you associate yellow with childhood sunshine, you’re
more likely to love it.
If red reminds you of stressful environments, you may avoid it.
In short, colour is emotional, cognitive, and deeply personal.

What Each Colour May Reveal About You

💙Blue — Calm, Thoughtful, Trustworthy

Blue is the world’s most universally loved colour — and with good reason.

What it indicates:

  • You value peace, stability, and emotional calm
  • You prefer thoughtful decisions over impulsive ones
  • You likely have a nurturing, reliable personality

The science:

Blue reduces blood pressure and signals “trust” in the brain. It’s why banks, hospitals and
tech brands use it heavily.
If blue is your favourite, you probably bring harmony wherever you go.

💚Green — Balanced, Kind, Growth-Oriented

Green is closely tied to nature and psychological restoration.

What it indicates:

  • You crave balance and dislike chaos
  • You’re patient, compassionate, and grounded
  • You thrive when helping or mentoring others

The science:

Green improves focus and reduces mental fatigue — one reason people working in nature-
rich environments perform better.
Favourite green people often make excellent listeners.

❤️ Red — Bold, Passionate, Driven

Red is the colour of confidence, energy, and action.

What it indicates:

You’re passionate, expressive, and not afraid to stand out

  • You enjoy stimulation and challenge
  • You have strong emotional intensity — you feel deeply

The science:

Red activates the sympathetic nervous system — increasing heartbeat and attention. People drawn to red tend to be action-oriented and competitive.

💛 Yellow — Optimistic, Creative, Warm

Yellow people are the sunshine in human form.

What it indicates:

  • You’re enthusiastic, playful, imaginative
  • You value freedom and self-expression
  • You’re naturally social and uplifting

The science:

Yellow stimulates the left side of the brain, associated with creativity and decision-making.
It also boosts serotonin levels.

🧡 Orange — Social, Energetic, Adventurous

Orange combines the passion of red with the cheerfulness of yellow.

What it indicates:

  • You love being around people
  • You have a youthful spirit and playful humour
  • You enjoy adventure, spontaneity, and variety

The science:

Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, boosting energy and enthusiasm.
Orange lovers are often described as life’s “spark plugs.”

💜 Purple — Intuitive, Deep, Emotionally Complex

Historically linked with royalty and wisdom, purple attracts introspective minds.

What it indicates:

  • You value meaning and depth
  • You’re intuitive, empathetic, and spiritual or philosophical
  • You often see what others miss

The science:

Purple stimulates the brain’s imaginative and contemplative centres. People drawn to purple often enjoy books, music, or artistic pursuits.

🩷 Pink — Gentle, Compassionate, Soft-Strength

Pink lovers are sensitive but strong.

What it indicates:

  • You value kindness, harmony, and emotional connection
  • You’re empathetic and protective of the people you love
  • You dislike conflict and prefer warmth

The science:

Pink is used in therapeutic environments to reduce anger and anxiety.
People who love pink often have a calming presence.

🖤 Black — Independent, Sophisticated, Strong-Willed

Black is powerful, elegant, and deeply psychological.

What it indicates:

  • You have strong inner strength
  • You value privacy and control
  • You’re thoughtful, analytical, and sometimes guarded

The science:

Black communicates authority and clarity. People who choose black tend to be decisive and
self-aware.

🤍 White — Organised, Pure-Minded, Peace-Seeking

White is often chosen by people who crave simplicity.

What it indicates:

  • You like order, cleanliness, and mental clarity
  • You value honesty and fairness
  • You prefer calm environments and minimal chaos

The science:

White reduces sensory overload and signals new beginnings.
Many people choose white during major life transitions.

🩶 Grey — Practical, Wise, Emotionally Balanced

Grey lovers often sit at the intersection of logic and emotion.

What it indicates:

  • You dislike extremes and value neutrality
  • You’re dependable, thoughtful, and calm
  • You think before you react

The science:

Grey is associated with emotional regulation — it neither stimulates nor depresses.
It is popular among people who seek balance and avoid drama.

🤎 Brown — Reliable, Grounded, Family-Oriented

Brown is earthy, stable, and comforting.

What it indicates:

  • You value tradition, security, and home
  • You’re honest, steady, and dependable
  • You enjoy routine and meaningful relationships

The science:

Brown activates feelings of warmth and safety in the brain.
People who love brown often make loyal friends and trusted confidants.

Does Your Favourite Colour Define You Completely?

No — but it offers valuable insights into your emotional world.

In reality, colour preference:

  • shifts with mood
  • evolves with age
  • changes with life phases
  • varies by culture and context

Still, your most consistent colour choice often reveals the emotional environment you
subconsciously seek.

Your favourite colour isn’t just a preference.
It’s a psychological fingerprint — a small window into your inner world.
And whether you choose calming blues, bold reds, nurturing greens, or elegant blacks, your
colour is telling a story about who you are, what you value, and how you navigate life.

Why Do Seniors Light Up When They Get Nostalgic?

Seniors Today Network
-
0
Why Do Seniors Light Up When They Get Nostalgic?

There’s something magical about the way a senior’s face softens, brightens, and sometimes
even glows when they talk about “the old days.” A familiar song from the 60s, the smell of
monsoon earth, an old tram ride in Kolkata, or the memory of a long-gone friend — suddenly their voice grows livelier. Their posture straightens. Their eyes sparkle with a mix of pride, affection, and wistfulness.

But why does nostalgia have such a powerful effect on older adults?
Science, psychology and lived human experience offer some beautiful answers.

Nostalgia Helps Seniors Hold on to Identity

As people age, the world around them often changes faster than they can keep up — new
technology, shifting social norms, even roles within the family. This can sometimes make
older adults feel a bit “out of place.” Nostalgia acts like an anchor.
Psychologists describe it as a self-continuity tool — a way of reminding ourselves who we
are, what we’ve lived through, and the values that shaped us.

For seniors, recalling their past achievements, relationships, and milestones reinforces a sense of identity that may feel blurred in the present.
In short: nostalgia reminds seniors, “This is me. I mattered. I still matter.”

Positive Memories Trigger Feel-Good Chemistry

Nostalgic reflection activates the brain’s reward centres. When we recall warm memories —
festivals, friendships, first loves, childhood homes — the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which lifts mood, and oxytocin, the “connection hormone.”

For seniors, who may experience loneliness or reduced social interaction, these natural
chemical boosts are incredibly soothing.

It’s why:

  • a 70-year-old can laugh like a teenager recalling college pranks,
  • Or feel suddenly energised narrating the story of how they met their partner.
    The brain literally lights up.

It Reduces Anxiety by Providing Emotional Safety

Growing older can bring uncertainty: health issues, loss of friends, shifting roles in the
family, children moving away.
Nostalgia acts as a psychological safe room — a place filled with certainty, warmth, and
familiarity.

Studies show that nostalgic memories:

  • lower stress hormones,
  • reduce feelings of isolation,
  • increase resilience during difficult times.

For many seniors, remembering “how we got through tough times back then” strengthens
their confidence in coping with challenges today.

Stories Give Life Meaning — and Seniors Have the
Richest Stories of All

Humans instinctively seek meaning in life, and storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we create it.
For seniors, every nostalgic memory becomes:

  • a life lesson,
  • a moment of pride,
  • or a chapter in their personal legacy.

Sharing these stories reminds them that their life has been full, colourful, and valuable.
It’s not just remembering — it’s affirming.
That’s why when a senior says, “In our time, things were different…”, it isn’t criticism. It’s
an invitation:
“Come listen to my life. It might teach you something too.”

Nostalgia Strengthens Family Bonds

When seniors talk about the past:

  • grandchildren learn where they come from,
  • adult children rediscover sides of their parents they never knew,
  • families gain continuity, culture, and a shared identity.

For many older adults, being listened to — truly listened to — makes them feel valued.
Seeing a grandchild’s fascination or a child’s smile when hearing an old story can brighten
their entire day.
Nothing lights up a senior quite like feeling connected.

Nostalgia Often Involves People They Loved — And Still
Love

Much of nostalgia is relational.
Seniors often recall:
 old neighbours,
 childhood friends,
 spouses who have passed away,
 mentors who shaped them.
These warm memories keep those relationships alive in their hearts.
When they speak of these people, the joy is genuine. It’s like meeting them again, for a
moment.

Remembering Their Strengths Makes Them Feel
Empowered

In ageing, some things naturally become harder — mobility may reduce, memory may slip a little, and dependency may increase.
But nostalgia brings seniors back to times when they were strong, capable, adventurous and full of life.

It reminds them:
 “I built a home.”
 “I survived hardships.”
 “I raised a family.”
 “I made it through.”
No wonder their face lights up — it’s pride.

Nostalgia Helps Combat Loneliness

Loneliness among seniors is extremely common.
Nostalgic reflection is known to increase feelings of belonging.
Recalling times filled with laughter, companionship, and shared moments helps fill the
emotional gaps of today.

Even private nostalgia (quietly looking at an old photograph or listening to a familiar melody) can bring comfort equal to a warm hug.

It’s Not Just Memory — It’s Emotion

One of the biggest scientific findings about nostalgia is that it is emotion-driven, not just
memory-based.
Seniors don’t merely remember the past — they relive it:

  • the smell of their mother’s cooking,
  • the sound of an old radio tune,
  • the thrill of their first job,
  • the excitement of early independence,
  • the closeness of family gatherings.

The brain processes nostalgia almost like a sensory experience.
That’s why the joy feels so real.

So Why Do Seniors Light Up?

Because nostalgia brings them:

  • comfort
  • connection
  • identity
  • pride
  • joy
  • meaning

It is the bridge between who they were and who they are today.
A reminder that their life has been rich, meaningful, and deeply human.
And perhaps most importantly…

Nostalgia is proof that they have lived — fully, deeply, beautifully.

1234...370Page 3 of 370