Back to the project this morning (ugh). But turns out I’m not the only one thinking about the differences in work-brain and retired-brain. From today’s NY Times:

For the millions of Americans who retire each year, stopping work might seem like a well-deserved break. But it can also precipitate big changes in brain health, including an increased risk of cognitive decline and depression.

Before retiring, you’re getting up in the morning, socializing with co-workers and dealing with the mental challenges of your job, said Ross Andel, a professor at Arizona State University who studies cognitive aging and retirement. “All of a sudden, after 50 years, you lose that routine.”

There’s this idea that the body and brain adapt when they’re “no longer needed,” he added. “That’s when you see the deterioration and its natural response to inactivity.”

Yeah, that sounds about right. The article also talks about “finding a purpose”, which is central to my current mindset.

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In political/economic news, the US dollar has fallen to a three-year low relative to other currencies, and the stock market took another big dive today, falling to ~38,000. The market was at 45,000 at the beginning of Trump’s term, thanks to a wonderful economy in 2024. We’re down 15.5% since then, so thanks MAGA. And it’s clear that there’s more bad news coming, with Trump-induced tariffs and DOGE-driven mass layoffs of federal workers. This is the worst economic self-inflicted wound in US history.

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There was some drama in my neighborhood on Easter. About a mile from the KY house, Louisville police shot and killed a man. Sorry to hear that, but happy it wasn’t any closer to us. The blocks around our place are quiet and boring – just the way I like it.