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WHAT AGE = OLD?

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we examine when old age really begins, learn about the Jersey Devil … and celebrate Lei Day today! Plus, meet the Tomb Diver!

An elderly Japanese man stretching up and to his left while standing before an olympic-sized pool

PHOTOGRAPH BY NORIKO HAYASHI, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Is it 62, the age at which the average American retires? And does that mean the aging button has been officially activated? A new study pushes the upward bounds of old age—or at least the age when people think old age begins.

But when does it begin, really? Is that notion of a more advanced age reflected in improved health—or is it rooted in society’s aversion to the term “old age.” (Above, a triathlete in training.)

Related: What your face reveals about your age?

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A Jersey Devil-like monster is portrayed in a 1697 illustration

ALBUM/AKG/LISZT COLLECTION

What’s with that Devil ... in Jersey? (A 1967 illustration, above, portrays the so-called Jersey Devil.)

Is long COVID forever? A new study has clues.

We know a lot about these legendary Greek warriors from mythology—but what about the real ones?

See which cities are becoming ‘climate havens’

There was only one way scientists could unlock this mystery of the famous Iceman. Take away his ice.

Should you be concerned about particles of bird flu in your milk supply?

Why cicadas are turning into zombies before they die

The treasure-hunting boom

Who was Mary Magdalene? Historians are still trying to figure that out.

20 stress-relief gifts for the frazzled friend in your life

MOST POPULAR

Justin Schneider, American tomb diver among the first to swim beneath a pyramid in Sudan

PHOTOGRAPH BY PYRAMID DIVE CLUB

The tomb diver: Our most popular story so far this week has been on Justin Schneider (pictured above), among the first to swim beneath a pyramid in Sudan. Underwater archaeology, he admits, “can be scary and uncomfortable.”

HAPPY LEI DAY!

Flower lei on a rock

PHOTOGRAPH BY HAUNANI MIYASATO

Throughout Hawai’i, leis (pictured above) are a long-held cultural tradition and talented local artists and cultural practitioners are keeping the craft alive, while staying true to its historic foundation and art form. This week, Hawai’i is alive with the diverse, elegant, and captivating flowers that make up leis as well as the equally varied and impactful stories behind them. Here’s how the celebration is happening.

Today’s soundtrack: E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina 'ole, Ledward Kaapana

We hope this newsletter brightened your Wednesday! It was curated and edited by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, and Nishita Naga. Know someone who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup. See you tomorrow!

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