Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about the health and aging stories that really hit home for our Indian American community. In this roundup, I’m sharing the ones I loved most—stories that informed me, inspired me, and sparked conversations that got our community talking.
Practice Your Handwriting
Every month, I genuinely look forward to Mukund Acharya’s column. Somehow, he always finds a topic that speaks to us – well researched, thoughtful, and so timely for our community. One of the most quietly powerful articles this year was his piece about practising your handwriting. It reminded me how simple habits, like putting pen to paper can be a balm for both mind and memory. In a world where we type everything, this piece makes a compelling case that handwriting isn’t just nostalgic – it can sharpen cognition, support mental health, and even help slow cognitive decline as we age.
Men, This One’s For You
His other article about male friendships also struck a chord for me. It touched on something we rarely say out loud – how much men need meaningful friendships, especially as they age. Mukund wrote about it with such honesty and insight.
Language Barriers Cripple Sikh Immigrants’ Access To Healthcare
Tanay Gokhale’s groundbreaking series on how deeply language shapes a person’s access to care, dignity, and even survival really stands out for me. For many first-generation Sikh immigrants, navigating the healthcare system isn’t just confusing — it can be intimidating and sometimes nearly impossible. Tanay’s work reminded me that health equity isn’t just about having insurance or finding a doctor; it’s also about being understood. It made me think about the quiet struggles in our own community, especially among elders who rarely speak up. Highlighting this article feels important because it encourages awareness, empathy, and action around a challenge that quietly impacts many elders and families in our community.
When Success Isn’t Enough
On the other end of the spectrum, Jyoti Nadhani’s piece speaks to a reality for many of us in immigrant, high‑achieving communities. Our outward success doesn’t always translate into inner peace, emotional fulfilment, or meaningful connection. The article captures how even people who “have it all” – successful careers, stable families, mindfulness practices can still struggle with emptiness, burnout, or a sense of disconnection. It reminds us that true wellness isn’t just about achievement or productivity – it’s also about healing emotional wounds, nurturing relationships, and honoring our inner needs.
Indian Immigrants In Florida Are Growing Old In Ways Their Parents Never Did
A deeply thoughtful look at aging, Riya Sharma’s piece about what growing older looks like for our community in this country. This piece follows a generation of Indian Americans who built lives in the U.S. and are now navigating retirement, social isolation, cultural ties, and reinvention. It’s a story about belonging, dignity, and what home means as we age.
Chai & Chat: South Asian Heart Health
Heart health is an issue that disproportionately affects our South Asian community. Meera Kymal, India Currents’ Managing Editor, engaged in a YouTube conversation with Dr. Nirmal Joshi and Dr. Renu Joshi about their documentary The Brown Heart, which highlights the unique risks faced by our community. The discussion focused on understanding risk factors, the importance of early screening, and the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health. This episode received particularly strong engagement, reflecting our community’s keen interest in learning more and staying informed about their health and wellness.
Bay Area High Schoolers Struggle A Lot
On a personal note, I’ve written about many topics that not only educated me but also seemed to hit home with our readers. Mental health, especially among young people, is such a fragile and complex subject – it’s not easy to talk about, yet I’ve learned that healing only begins when we bring it into the light.
Beyond The Hot Flash!
For my fellowship with the Gerontological Society, I also found myself diving deep into conversations with doctors, researchers, and patients about perimenopause and menopause. Those discussions opened my eyes to how much silence still surrounds this natural phase of life. We barely talk about the emotional, physical, and social challenges women face. It is empowering when we finally do because it isn’t just about sharing resources and building awareness; it’s also about connection, validation, and the courage to face these experiences together.
Here’s to a healthy, happy, and meaningful 2026!