Dr. Kevin Poupore - August/September 2023

Color Outside Life’s Lines

Think outside the box — and travel there too. Traveling is more than fun; it’s great for inspiring creativity. In fact, a historical study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who travel have more creative success, perform better on divergent thinking tests, and are generally more open-minded. The trick with thinking and traveling outside the box doesn’t always need to be about going to far-off lands with another language. Sometimes, it’s just about trying that new deli that opened down the block, going to that flower show on the other side of town, or even trying to bake bread for the very first time. The goal is to expose yourself to any new experience and view it with a childlike wonder. Worry about nothing other than having fun! Use what you know to make something new! As we age, we collect a lifetime’s worth of valuable knowledge, but just having information isn’t creative. Combine your wisdom with family recipes, knitting, sewing, or woodworking to develop a brand-new creation! Seek new perspectives. If you do the same thing every day and only surround yourself with like-minded people, you’ll never be exposed to new ideas. The trick to inspiring creativity in your life is to see the world in a different way. You can do that by reading literature, talking to people, and listening to media that challenges your ideas.

When considering the key factors in active aging, most people talk about things like diet, exercise, and social connections. And while these things are all important, some studies show that engaging in creative activities can also lead to greater longevity. To many people, “creativity” sounds like something you do with a paintbrush or pencil, but according to University of Connecticut professor James C. Kaufman, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can find creativity in everyday tasks like parenting, yardwork, or even talking with friends — you just have to know where to look! So, if you’re looking to reignite your creative spark and live longer as a result, here are three ways you can bring more creativity into your everyday life. How Creativity Helps You Live Longer

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Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

“That’s the president of Notre Dame, Theodore Hesburgh!” If you didn’t know, Theodore Hesburgh was an advisor to many U.S. presidents, including Kennedy and Eisenhower (and MANY more); he also marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. So, it’s not an exaggeration to say he was famous and I didn’t even know his name! I forged ahead, and Notre Dame quickly became part of the fabric of my entire life. Since graduating, our family has gone to many football games. Even Mindy is a rabid fan now. I knew she was hooked when she ran across campus to grab the Leprechaun and drag him over to our young daughters for a picture! My younger brother Barry followed in my footsteps and went to Notre Dame, as did my daughter Kelly who became part of The Band of the Fighting Irish. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a die-hard Notre Dame fan, and my love for the school has permeated every aspect of my life. It’s incredible to think about how the decisions you blindly make based on intuition alone as a young adult can impact your life and generations after you. And at the end of it all, I’m so glad I followed my intuition and became part of The Fighting Irish! –Dr. Kevin Poupore

Inspired by FoodAndWine.com

Ingredients • 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar

• 2 tsp honey • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets

Directions 1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.

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