Introduction Motivation: the magical force that gets us out of bed, compels us to work (sometimes), and convinces us that running on a treadmill for an hour is somehow enjoyable. Scientists and psychologists have long been fascinated by what fuels human behavior, leading to the development of several psychological theories of motivation. Some theories highlight biological needs, while others focus on social, cognitive, or emotional factors. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the major psychological theories of motivation, all while keeping things engaging, lighthearted, and, most importantly, digestible. The Evolutionary Perspective: Survival of the Motivated Let’s start where it all began—our ancestors. Evolutionary psychology suggests that motivation is deeply rooted in our survival instincts. If you’ve ever felt an uncontrollable urge to eat an entire pizza despite not being particularly hungry, blame your ancestors. Early humans had to overeat whenever food w...
Aging is a peculiar process. One moment you are sprinting through life with boundless energy, and the next, you find yourself arguing with the television because the news anchor seems too smug. As we grow older, our bodies change, our priorities shift, and, most importantly, our mental health becomes a matter of greater concern. In a society where youth is often celebrated, the mental well-being of older adults sometimes gets overlooked. However, maintaining mental health in old age is as crucial as remembering where you left your glasses (which, ironically, might be on top of your head). The Reality of Aging and Mental Health The elderly face unique mental health challenges, often stemming from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Common issues include depression, anxiety, dementia, and loneliness. Contrary to popular belief, sadness is not a natural part of aging, and mental health struggles in older adults should never be dismissed as "just part of...