How to get the real stuff — without being ripped off — whether you shop in the UK or North America A few days ago I went down a rabbit hole after reading an advertorial trying to sell me "special Sardinian olive oil" for a premium price, claiming it was the secret behind why people in Sardinia live so long. I did some proper research. The good news: the health claims around olive oil are surprisingly solid. The bad news: the olive oil on most supermarket shelves is not what you think it is. And the premium-priced "special" stuff? Sometimes worth it, often not. Here's everything you actually need to know. Why Olive Oil Genuinely Matters (Especially After 50) Let me start with the science, because it's more impressive than most people realise. A major Harvard study followed 92,383 adults for 28 years and found that replacing just 10 grams per day of butter, margarine, or other animal fats with olive oil was associated with an 8–34% lower risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, and other causes. The landmark PREDIMED trial — which followed 7,447 participants over five years — found that a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil produced a 30% reduction in major cardiovascular events. The American Heart Association reports that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day may lower heart disease risk by 14%. The FDA has even approved a qualified health claim on olive oil packaging for its potential to reduce coronary heart disease risk. These aren't fringe studies. This is some of the most robust nutritional science we have. For those of us over 50 specifically, olive oil's anti-inflammatory properties are particularly relevant. Chronic low-grade inflammation is the common thread running through heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and arthritis — all conditions that become more common as we age. The polyphenols in good olive oil help address this directly. The Sardinia Connection: Real, But Not the Whole Story

In this week's supplement we look at curiosity and why it isn't just being nosey. We also include all of the favourite features like our Sunday Inspiration, and the start of a new feature in the classroom called the Better Life Collection. This will grow into a growing library of journals, planners and workbooks designed to help you enjoy a happier, healthier and more independent life after 50. Check out this week's supplement in the classroom.

In this week's supplement we consider life and in particular what makes a good life. Does life just happen to us over which we have no control or can we create our own life. The TED talk this week is about happiness. Robert Waldinger discusses lessons learned from the longest study on happiness - 75 years long and still going. The conclusions will probably surprise you. Check it out in the classroom and leave your thoughts and comments below.