The Annals of Internal Medicine just published the results of a new trial that provides evidence that storytelling is not only an enjoyable pastime, but shows promise as way to decrease high blood pressure. And for at least one group of patients, listening to personal narratives worked as effectively as additional medications. The researchers studied 300 African-American patients who lived in urban areas, had hypertension, and viewed videos every three months of other patients telling their personal stories. This is a story with a happy ending!

Boomers are the fastest-growing demographic at U.S. divinity schools, according to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The under-30 crowd may still be the largest cohort of students, but the 50 and older group has grown from 12% of students in 1995 to 20% in 2009. Are boomers finding religion?  Or are there other reasons for this encore career choice? By the way, this article is written by Melba Newsome, the nationally-recognized author of "Work Gives Meaning to Life," a chapter in the new Coming of Age e-book, The Age for Change.

The stories, photos, and other memorabilia that capture the daring and skill of the determined young African American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airman who served valiantly in World War II, have recently found a home at Temple University. To preserve their rich legacy and mark Black History Month, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. donated its archives to the university's Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. Plan on visiting this world-class display.

If you are a boomer, it's time to start thinking about how you'll convert decades of savings into a lifetime stream of income and to consider which accounts to tap first. Different sources of income have different tax consequences. Withdrawing funds in the most tax-efficient way will not only minimize your tax bill but could also make your savings last longer. To learn how to approach your nest egg with tax implications in mind, click here.

On February 23rd, representatives from the Philadelphia Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, an affiliation of social service, government, and law enforcement agencies dedicated to combating the issue of human trafficking in the Philadelphia area, will be speaking at a Women’s Way-sponsored event. This coalition has created a network of agencies to assist victims and provide a wide range of services. Join men and women of all ages at L’Etage, 624 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia at 6-8 p.m. for this discussion. To RSVP, email cgalbally@womensway.org.

Dr. Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize winner in Economics and Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs Emeritus at the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs at Princeton University, is a world-renowned commentator on the economics of human behavior. On February 24th, he will be speaking on "Intuition: Marvels and Flaws," 4:30 p.m. at Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St., Philadelphia. An innovator, a mentor and an educator, Kahneman's work has challenged age-old concepts and developed new avenues for study. Contact: events@sas.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-5162. FREE.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) “Growing Healthy with the Flower Show," a great way to combine health and beauty, will take place on Monday, March 7, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 Arch St., Philadelphia. The senior wellness event includes a health fair, free screenings, healthy snacks, gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, and more. Tickets are $10 (a $35 value) and include a one-time admission to the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show: March 7 through 13. Participants in the wellness event must be 60 or older and must purchase tickets in advance. To register, call (215) 765-9000 ext. 5055.

For those who are running...or thinking of starting...a social enterprise, nonproft, responsible business, project, or organization aimed at making the world a better place, Greater Philadelphia Social Entrepreneurs has a Meet Up for you!  Learn, share, and network at their next meeting, Wednesday, February 23rd from 6 - 8:30 p.m., 50 South 16th St., Suite 3200, Philadelphia. Garret Melby, CEO of Good Company Ventures, will answer questions and discuss what it takes to fund and grow a socially responsible start up. Light fare. Click to sign up.

Benevon will sponsor a free introductory session on "Creating Sustainable Funding for Your Nonprofit" on Tuesday, March 29th from 2-4 p.m. at TCC Group, Suburban Station Building, One Penn Center, 1617 JFK Blvd. in Philadelphia. Those attending are encouraged to bring at least two leaders to the presentation, such as board members, the CEO, or the development director. Registration is required; click here or call (206) 428-2150.

In an effort to protect elderly women from abuse and domestic violence, the U. S. Department of Justice is making available $3 million for organizations working with seniors. The program, "Enhanced Training and Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women Later in Life" will be overseen by DOJ's Office of Violence Against Women. Applications are due by March 30th, but a letter of intent needs to be filed by March 2nd. To learn more, click here.

The National Museum of American Jewish History has an opening for a Floor Coordinator who will be responsible for overseeing daily floor operation and all aspects of the visitor experience, ensuring that excellent customer service is provided to all guests, and that visitor entrance and flow are as smooth as possible. This is a full-time position, working a regular Wed-Sun schedule, including holidays and some evenings. Immediate availability. To learn more about this job, and to apply, click here.

Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), a nonprofit that works to improve maternal and child health and well-being, is seeking a self-motivated individual to fill a position in its MOMobile program. The Advocate will conduct home visits with pregnant and new mothers to provide education on health-related topics, parenting, and prenatal care. Interest in maternal and child health and ability to work in a team environment desired. High school diploma and valid driver’s license with clean driving record required. To learn more about this position,

The School District of Philadelphia needs YOU to join one of its School Advisory Councils. The Councils will include parents of children already attending the recently identified Renaissance Schools, as well as students, community members, community organizations, and others. To learn what the responsibilities are and which local schools are involved, continue reading...

Surrey Services for Seniors, a nonprofit with sites in Berwyn and Broomall, PA, serves almost 3,500 older individuals annually. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate the drama and antique clubs, shop for homebound elders, drive seniors to medical appointments, do minor home repairs, and make daily check-up phone calls to clients. If you are interested in joining the Surrey team, contact Linda in Berwyn at (610) 647-6404 or Susanne in Broomall at (610) 544-1770. Opportunities are available on both a regular (weekly/bi-weekly or seasonal) and flexible basis.