Talkin’ ‘Bout A Revolution…The Gray Divorce

You have probably heard the United States has the highest divorce rate in the world. An estimated 45% of marriages are expected to end in divorce. We’ve seen this up close through our 15-year-old son’s friends, who are only available to “hang out” on alternate weekends and often spend holidays away from their school and neighborhood friends. But, these are … Read More

Are You Playing It Too Safe?

A friend and I recently discussed the ‘fears’ we have acquired that we didn’t have when we were younger. For example, one person said she would no longer play softball in fear of getting hit in the face with the ball. This person was a good athlete and probably got smacked in the face with a ball more than once … Read More

What Is A Living Will And Why You Should Have One

People tend to avoid talking about certain things such as … death. It’s going to happen sooner or later folks, so no point in skirting the topic. Do you have a living will? Perhaps you don’t know what that is. It’s time you figured it out. A living will takes the burden off family members in regard to making monumental … Read More

Letting Go Of The Reigns

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. – Dr. Seuss Great advice from someone who really knew how to make people smile. As I help my firstborn child prepare for her freshman year of college, I’m trying to take this advice to heart. But, I must admit, there are times when this is much easier said than done. … Read More

Pets: A Good Or Bad Idea?

Are pets – dogs and cats— beneficial to elderly people? Some would say ‘Yes’ while others would respond with a resounding ‘No!’ Pets require care and some supervision, which might prove difficult for someone who isn’t very ambulatory. And then there is the ‘falling over the pet’ syndrome, which most pet owners have experienced at one time or another. While … Read More

Are You Too Old To Travel? Are You EVER Too Old To Travel?

You finally have some discretionary money. The house is paid off, the kids are through college and you and your partner are tired of staring at the four walls or you, a single man or woman, want to hit the road, maybe with a friend or, bravely, alone. You are considering travel. Where? That remains to be seen. How? You … Read More

Ready To Jump Into The Dating Pool? Yes? No? Maybe? Never?

Dating. Does that word itself, let alone the thought of actually doing it, make you cringe? You are in good company. Naturally, there are exceptions to every rule but many older people wince and recoil when the topic of dating comes up. Divorces occur, people are widowed, and there you are: Old enough to vividly recall the assassination of JFK … Read More

Life After Retirement: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

One acquaintance of mine refuses to use the word ‘retirement.’ Instead says he’s in a ‘New phase of life,’ afraid he will jinx himself if he vocalizes the term ‘retirement.’ He fears he will suddenly drop over dead if word gets out he’s (Sssshhh) retired. Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time. People work for years and years, retire and … Read More

Want To Grow During Menopause? Go To Camp.

Initially, an article about a “growth camp” for menopause made me want to laugh. Maybe you have memories of going to summer camp or are in the throes of planning your kids’/grandkids’ summer experiences. But, is camp what you conjure up when you take a minute to consider how you want to go through menopause? Not me. First of all, … Read More

The “Sandwich” Generation

Here’s the scenario: A 56 year old married woman, who works fulltime and is the mother of a college student and a teenager, must care for her 90 year old widowed father, who still lives in his home. He is at the mercy of others to help maintain his independence. The ‘others’ amount to the daughter, the only nearby child. … Read More