Laura Silverman
Verified
As seen in:
Country & Town House,
Saga Magazine,
LinkedIn,
The Waterstones Podcast,
MSN Australia,
MSN UK,
The New York Times,
Yahoo Life,
Daily Mail,
HuffPost,
The Independent (UK),
The Telegraph
and
Covers:
theatre, newspapers, pop music, media, film, biographies, books, music, novels
Assistant iPad Editor, The Telegraph. I am also a freelance arts writer
Articles by Laura Silverman
Why later life is the perfect time for an adventure
By Laura Silverman | Published - 9 Nov 2026 Fancy following the Silk Road through Uzbekistan, sailing past icebergs in Antarctica or hiking the mountain trails of the Dolomites? Adventuring in later life is more popular than ever, with age no longer a barrier to broadening our horizons.
Does your dog really know when you’re sad, stressed or angry?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 27 Oct 2026 Dog owners often swear their pet knows exactly how they feel. Now scientists tracking dogs’ brain activity as they looked at human faces have found that owners may be right at least some of the time. In a small 2026 University of Vienna study, researchers scanned dogs as they looked at photographs of unfamiliar people. In one experiment, dogs saw happy and neutral faces. In another, they saw happy, sad, scared and angry ones.
How to keep your pets safe and calm during fireworks
By Laura Silverman | Published - 23 Oct 2026 Bonfire Night may be fun for us, but for many pets it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. In a 2025 Savanta poll for the RSPCA, 60% of dog owners said that their dog had been negatively affected by fireworks. “Our pets may feel overwhelmed by the whole sensory experience: the bangs, high-pitched whistles, flashes of light, vibrations and unfamiliar smells,” says Zita Wells, owner of Pet Patrol 365, a pet care service.
Tap, filtered or bottled water: which do the experts really recommend?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 1 Oct 2026 You may have drunk tap water for decades without a second thought. Then you move house, notice a chlorine taste or read about “forever chemicals”. Would a filter help? Is bottled water healthier? Drinking enough matters more as we age. Our bodies hold less water and our sense of thirst can weaken, says Dr Sammie Gill, registered dietitian and senior nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation.
Should you let your dog or cat sleep in your bedroom?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 29 Sep 2026 Sharing a bedroom with your dog or cat is one of the few things that divides pet owners. While some wouldn’t dream of shutting their companion out at night, others argue it’s unhygienic and would never allow their pet into the bedroom. So is sharing your bedroom with your dog or cat good for you? We asked sleep experts, animal behaviourists and health specialists to weigh up the pros and cons.
6 food combinations you should avoid – and what to eat instead
By Laura Silverman | Published - 22 Sep 2026 Some healthy-sounding foods make surprisingly bad company. Combine them in the same meal and your body may absorb less of some vitamins and minerals than you expect. That’s because some compounds in one food can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients from another, while certain combinations can help the body absorb nutrients more effectively, says nutritional therapist Julie Gough.
Behind the Scenes as a Non-Alcoholic Drinks Judge at the Zero Proof Choice Awards Original
My second year in a row judging The Daily Pour’s Zero Proof Choice Awards. The second annual Zero Proof Choice Awards and first annual Water Choice Awards took place on Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, respectively, both put on by The Daily Pour! If you’re just discovering Zero Proof Nation by Laura for the first time, here’s the gist: I write about global non-alcoholic beverage culture from the perspective of someone who’s been alcohol-free almost two decades.
The foods you should wash – and those you shouldn’t
By Laura Silverman | Published - 3 Sep 2026 Washing food seems like common sense. Yet it can either remove surface contamination or splash harmful bacteria all over your sink, hands and worktop. “There is still so much confusion around what we should and shouldn’t wash,” says food-safety consultant Sylvia Anderson. “Many of us have grown up with certain habits in the kitchen and naturally assume that washing something makes it cleaner and therefore safer.
How to travel with your dog: 10 expert tips for a stress-free trip
By Laura Silverman | Published - 1 Sep 2026 Holidays and days out are so much more fun when our dogs come too. In fact, leaving them behind can feel like a family member is missing. But travel, no matter what the distance, can be stressful for some of our four-legged friends. While some happily jump into the car, others can become anxious long before the journey begins.
7 surprising health benefits of wearing a fitness tracker
By Laura Silverman | Published - 31 Aug 2026 You don’t need to be an elite athlete to benefit from a fitness tracker. They’re useful for anyone wanting to monitor and improve their health, especially as we age. The latest watches, bands and rings don’t just measure steps and sleep – they can also detect falls, spot changes in our health and improve sleep.
Is your dog obsessed with their ball? 7 warning signs
By Laura Silverman | Published - 30 Aug 2026 Does your dog stare at the cupboard where the tennis balls are kept? Follow you around with a ball in their mouth? Or refuse to stop playing fetch, even when they’re exhausted? While many dogs love a game of fetch, experts say some become so fixated that they become “ball junkies” – struggling to switch off. In extreme cases, they may ignore food, rest and even injury in pursuit of one more throw.
Which milk is healthiest? Cow's, oat, soya and almond compared
By Laura Silverman | Published - 24 Aug 2026 Once there was just milk, delivered to your doorstep or drunk at school from small glass bottles. Then came the choice of skimmed, semi skimmed or full fat. Fast forward to today and our supermarket shelves are brimming with a huge variety of different types of milk – oat, almond, soya, coconut and pea alternatives alongside our traditional choices. But are any of them actually healthier than the others? The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
UK salmonella outbreak: are eggs safe and should you be worried?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 24 Aug 2026 The same strain of salmonella has now affected more than 200 people across the UK. Investigators have identified imported eggs used in restaurants, cafés and other catering businesses as a potential source, but the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected. “Older people should be aware rather than alarmed,” says Dr Damien Tully, associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Cats or dogs: which is smarter?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 23 Aug 2026 Ask a dog owner which pet is smarter and they’re unlikely to hesitate. Ask a cat owner and you’ll undoubtedly get a very different answer. Dogs learn commands, carry out complex tasks and work alongside humans in everything from policing to mountain rescue. Cats, meanwhile, manage to manipulate us into opening doors and appearing with treats, and somehow always get their own way. Dogs vs cats – which is smartest?
Thunderstorm asthma: what is it and who’s at risk?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 18 Aug 2026 Warm, muggy days, high pollen and rumbling thunder are all familiar features of a British summer. But occasionally that combination can trigger a sudden surge in wheezing and breathlessness known as thunderstorm asthma. UKHSA’s Adverse Weather and Health Plan for England was updated in April 2026 to include thunderstorm asthma as an “additional hazard”. The move comes amid growing evidence of the risk.
Oranges vs satsumas vs clementines: which is healthiest?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 18 Aug 2026 According to recent YouGov Ratings data, tangerines are Britain’s second-most-popular fruit (strawberries top the poll), with clementines coming in at number 11. Oranges and satsumas do not even make the top 20. Many of us, however, might struggle to tell a tangerine from a clementine, let alone explain how they differ nutritionally from a satsuma, orange or easy peeler.
How to take better photos of your pet: 10 expert tips
By Laura Silverman | Published - 23 Jul 2026 Your camera roll can reveal a lot about you. A recent poll of 2,000 pet owners found that they had more pictures of their cat or dog on their phone than they did of their partner, friends or relatives. But for most of us the majority of those images aren’t as good as we’d hoped they would be. We all want to capture those precious moments, our pet’s unique character or images of us with them. But when we look at the results they haven’t quite worked out.
Why losing a pet hurts so much – and how to cope
By Laura Silverman | Published - 21 Jul 2026 Losing a pet can be devastating. In a study by Maynooth University in Ireland this year, one in five people who had lost both a beloved pet and a person said the pet’s death was their most distressing bereavement. “Looking from the outside in, it can be hard to describe the connection that we feel with our pets,” says psychotherapist Georgina Sturmer.
How to heatwave-proof your home: 8 upgrades worth considering
By Laura Silverman | Published - 20 Jul 2026 Heatwaves used to be a sweaty novelty. Now they’re a fixture. While most of our homes aren’t designed for extreme heat, there are ways to make them more comfortable. “Lots of the most effective retrofit measures create a thermal barrier to stop heat getting into your home,” says Ellora Coupe, renovation expert and founder of Her Own Space, a platform for women retrofitting their homes.
Is your pet too attached to you?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 14 Jul 2026 Pets who pad after you from room to room or block the door as you leave might seem blissfully devoted, but experts say they may be overly anxious. “Your pet should feel safe both with you and without you,” says Zita Wells, owner of Pet Patrol 365, a pet care service. “Healthy attachment is about balance.
5 surprising health benefits of owning a dog or cat
By Laura Silverman | Published - 26 Jun 2026 Many pet owners feel instinctively that owning an animal is good for them. Looking after a dog means you have to go for regular walks. Looking after a cat means you have frequent company. Even rabbits and hamsters can make great companions. Experts often reach a similar conclusion.
Can playing tennis really help you live longer? What the science says
By Laura Silverman | Published - 20 Jun 2026 As Wimbledon returns, playing tennis might feel like an appealing way to spend the summer – but it could also be one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. You may not have Novak Djokovic’s flexibility or Aryna Sabalenka’s power, but the health benefits of tennis could be far greater than you might think. According to science, tennis may be one of the best activities we can do for our health.
8 historic British laws you can still get fined for breaking today
By Laura Silverman | Published - 20 Jun 2026 Britain is a proudly eccentric nation. We run marmalade competitions, skip around maypoles and hold on to laws that have lingered for centuries. “Times change, but laws do not always change with them,” says Professor Ian Williams, tutorial fellow in law at St John’s College, Oxford, and editor of the Journal of Legal History. 8 historic laws that could land you in trouble “Changing the law takes time and energy.
10 everyday sayings that could be ageing you faster - which ones are you guilty of?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 15 Jun 2026 This year, researchers at Yale University found that older people can become healthier with age. Nearly half the 11,000 over‑65s they tracked walked faster or scored more highly in cognitive tests over 12 years. The common thread was mindset: those who felt broadly positive about ageing fared better.
What your sleep reveals about your health
By Laura Silverman | Published - 9 Jun 2026 Our sleep changes as we get older. According to the charity The Sleep Foundation, over 65s benefit from seven to eight hours’ sleep, slightly less than the seven to nine hours recommended for younger adults. Many older people find the quality of their sleep changes more than quantity. “As we get older, our sleep can become lighter and more fragmented, with less deep sleep,” says Maryanne Taylor, founder of The Sleep Works.
How much exercise does your dog really need?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 9 Jun 2026 For dogs, exercise is far more than a workout. It’s also mental stimulation and time to socialise. “Exercise is the joy of a dog’s life,” says Aideen O’Connor, senior vet at Dogs Trust. Dogs need exercise to strengthen their heart, build muscle to protect their joints and keep their weight in check. “Too little exercise and they might also not get enough sleep,” says O’Connor.
How to tell what your dog is thinking
By Laura Silverman | Published - 5 Jun 2026 We like to think we know our dogs. We feed them, walk them, play with them and often sleep beside them. But many of us miss or misinterpret signs and signals that could tell us what they’re thinking and feeling. “Human perception is not great compared to a dog’s perception,” says Paula Stewart, animal trainer and director of The Animal Talent, an animal model and acting agency. “Dogs sense our emotions. They can read subtle body language.
Should I still take omega-3 supplements?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 5 Jun 2026 People first realised the health benefits of omega-3 in the 1970s, when scientists studying Greenland’s Inuit population found that their fish-rich diet was protecting their hearts. Later research found the same fats also supported brain health. But now, a new study from researchers in China has suggested omega-3 supplements may be associated with faster cognitive decline in older adults.
The hidden signs your pet is ageing
By Laura Silverman | Published - 16 May 2026 We often assume that our pets will slow down as they get older. They might tire quickly on walks, hesitate before they leap onto the sofa or start to look a little scruffy. Often, we can do small things to help, especially if we notice signs early. “Not everything is curable, but there are ways to make animals more comfortable so that they can lead happy, interesting lives,” says Roisin Bolger, a vet at the animal charity Blue Cross.
The everyday foods that could be making your arthritis worse
If you suffer from arthritis, you may well have ingredients in the kitchen that could help – and others that are making it worse. “What you eat can’t cure arthritis, but it can definitely make a difference,” says nutritionist Kathleen Cornmell. “Arthritis is an inflammatory condition, so you need to avoid food that could cause more inflammation and eat food that will strengthen your immune system.” A well-functioning immune system can help keep inflammation under control.
Can ready meals ever be healthy?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 12 May 2026 More than three in ten of us eat a ready meal at least once a week, according to a 2025 poll by Censuswide. Many of us know they aren’t always good for us.
The 5 signs that reveal your cat is bored – and what to do about it
By Laura Silverman | Published - 7 May 2026 Cats are known for being independent. Leave them to it, we think, and they’ll be fine. Yours might sleep most of the day or they might prowl the kitchen counters, knocking things off shelves for no apparent reason. But excessive sleep and low-level chaos aren’t inevitable cat behaviours, say experts. They can be signs of boredom. “Boredom is becoming a bigger problem,” says Dr Madeleine Totham, a vet and cat behaviourist.
Why am I so tired all the time?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 5 May 2026 You’ve had a decent night’s sleep, or you thought you had. But come mid-morning, your muscles feel weak and your head feels foggy. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One in five of us report general fatigue, according to recent analysis, with one in ten suffering from fatigue that lasts more than six months. “People come to see me about unexplained tiredness all the time,” says Dr Nicola Harrison, a private GP in London.
Who will care for my pet after my death?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 16 Apr 2026 Even the most practical among us might not like to think about what will happen to our pets if they outlive us. Perhaps we imagine it won’t happen. Or we just hope for the best. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, an organisation for lawyers who support older people and those in vulnerable circumstances, recently revealed that only 23% of pet-owners aged 55-65 and 12% of those aged 65-74 have included their pet in their will.
A 27-year-old woman, 27 million viewers and a thousand-year-old ceremony - this is why Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 was the most famous royal event in history
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was the most British of days: a day of glory and spectacle, steeped in tradition and uniting the Commonwealth. And it rained. The day was 2 June 1953, the new Queen Elizabeth II had acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952, when her father, King George VI, passed away. The coronation, following a period of mourning and meticulous preparation, marked the occasion.
How to care for your pet as you get older
Many animal lovers worry about caring for a pet in their later years. What if they lack the strength to walk Fido? Or the dexterity to groom Fluffy? Who will look after their little one if they go into hospital? These concerns can put people off getting a pet altogether. You might be able to ask a friend, relative or neighbour for help. But not everyone has that support. Fortunately, there are solutions.
Your complete spring vaccinations guide
By Laura Silverman | Published - 30 Mar 2026 The Covid-19 spring vaccine campaign runs from 13 April to 30 June 2026. You’re eligible if you are 75 and over, live in a care home for older people, or if you are aged over six months and have impaired immunity. Last year, people were slower booking their jabs than they were in 2024. But Covid often spikes in the summer, so it’s important to get the vaccine if you’re eligible.
The Comeback am 29. März 2026 um 21:05 Uhr auf Sky Showcase
Endlich: Ex-Serienstar Valerie Cherish spielt in einer neuen Sitcom - die aus der Feder einer künstlichen Intelligenz stammt. 3. Staffel der selbstironischen Comedyserie mit "Friends"-Star Lisa Kudrow.
The 6 best dog breeds for older people
By Laura Silverman | Published - 19 Mar 2026 Getting a dog later in life can be hugely rewarding. You’ll have a constant companion, a reason to escape the house every day and a new social network of other dog owners. It may benefit your wellbeing, too. Studies suggest that owning a dog may support brain health, while regular walks can improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls as we age. But getting a dog is a long-term commitment.
How to tell what your cat is thinking
By Laura Silverman | Published - 16 Mar 2026 From the Cheshire Cat to Macavity the Mystery Cat, felines are known for being enigmatic. They may appear silently beside us, stare into the distance and slink off abruptly for no apparent reason. They are, we might sigh, inscrutable. Yet behaviour experts say our cats are constantly displaying signs indicating exactly what they’re thinking and feeling – we just ignore or misinterpret the cues.
Meningitis: what are the risks and should you be worried?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 14 Mar 2026 The meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent has prompted understandable concern, particularly among parents and grandparents with family in the area. Several cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed. The cases have been caused by group B meningococcus (MenB). It’s a serious illness that can escalate quickly. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called the outbreak “unprecedented” in how fast it has spread.
Two New Seasonal Irish Brews For St. Patrick's Day
With a solid lineup of flagship brews, Athletic Brewing Co. is always doing something different like new seasonal releases, pilot brews for monthly subscribers and collab brews with aligned celebrities. While Athletic has their year-round All Out Extra Dark and their seasonal release, Lodge Life (see my reviews to both here), their nitro-infused Emerald Cliffs is a brand new seasonal addition to the lineup, along with their Irish Red.
Is being too clean bad for your health?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 6 Mar 2026 Do you worry about catching a cold, coming down with a nasty bout of flu or contracting norovirus? Your instinctive response might be to clean everything in sight, but experts say that’s not the way to do it. We asked them what will actually make a difference. Hold the bleach and read on. Why dirt makes us recoil Humans are hardwired to dislike dirt, says Professor Sally Bloomfield, a leading expert on hygiene and infection prevention.
The secret to longevity: the science behind a long life
By Laura Silverman | Published - 3 Mar 2026 There might not be a single superfood, magic workout or perfect bedtime that guarantees a long, healthy life. However, two new studies suggest that small, repeated tweaks to what we eat, how we exercise and when we sleep can, over time, make a sizeable difference to our longevity. Dr Rini Chatterjee, a doctor who specialises in longevity, explains what these two studies found, and how we can apply the changes to our own lives.
Why your postbox could be going digital
By Laura Silverman | Published - 25 Feb 2026 The design of our trusty red postboxes has remained largely unchanged since Victorian times. Their cylindrical bodies, domed heads and narrow mouths are familiar fixtures on our streets. Now, though, many of them are being converted for the digital age. The new boxes have a parcel drawer just below the letter slot, and peaked roofs with solar panels. Here, we explain what the upgrade means for you. Where are the new postboxes?
Are you stacking your dishwasher all wrong?
By Laura Silverman | Published - 19 Feb 2026 Many of us load the dishwasher on autopilot: plates here, mugs there, one last pan balanced on top. If the machine doesn’t judder to a halt mid-cycle, we assume we’ve done it right. But experts say our everyday loading habits could be destroying our dishwashers and costing us hundreds of pounds.
Some Good Clean Fun by Sarah Kate
mediaphotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus Why are stouts such a big deal in Ireland? The origin story* of what we now know as a stout beer takes us on a few twists and turns before landing in Ireland. We begin this lesson in un-drunk history in the UK, traveling back several hundred years to the Middle Ages. Then, “stout” meant “strong” (as in a higher ABV) and the word could apply to any color or type of beer: you could ask for a dark stout or a pale one, like an ale. Their common thread?
Years Belgian Wit Review | The Daily Pour
Bottler Pilot Project Brewing ABV 0.5% Age NAS Price $1 to $29.99 Years Belgian Wit is a non-alcoholic Belgian-style wheat beer produced by Years Beer and brewed at Pilot Project facilities in Chicago and Milwaukee. It features Belgian wit characteristics with orange peel and coriander spicing, hazy appearance and less than 0.5% ABV. The beer is made with Lake Michigan water and sells for around $13.99 per six-pack.
Alcohol-free is no longer a trend. It's a business strategy. 🍻 What started as “sober curious” has evolved into something much bigger. Leaders and consumers alike aren’t focused on what they’re… | Elisette Carlson | 25 comments
I love your point the the shift is about performance, not restriction. I still love the art of crafting a cocktail but I am more mindful of how often (and how many) full proof cocktails I consume. I love Ghia when I want a bold, earthy or bitter NA drink that feels like cocktail.
A Guide to Dry January 2026: 6 Tips to Make the Month Enjoyable and Stick With It
I was only 24 years old when I quit drinking in 2007, long before sober curiosity got trendy and “Dry January” was a glimmer of an idea in anyone’s mind. It felt impossible to fathom any kind of social life without alcohol, so enmeshed in the social fabric of our lives drinking (booze) had become. People weren’t talking about sober curiosity yet — after all, author Ruby Warrington wouldn’t coin the term “sober curious” until 2015.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Laura
Contact Laura, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack