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  As we age, ailments suddenly surface like ungainly weeds. Although we try to tamp down these non-life-threatening, sometimes odd, conditions and ailments with lotions, potions, OTC (over the counter) remedies, exercise, good eating and even Physical and Occupational Therapy, they pop up anyway, often out of the blue. There might be a slight slippage in our gait or maybe we limp because of arthritis in our knees, shoulders or hips. We might ignore the pain, take Ibuprofen or rub on Voltaren or Arnica gel on the sore spots. Can't take the pain any longer? We see a specialist who...

Want to feel good and do something positive? Become a mentor.  Mentors come in various guises. They might wear a baker's toque and apron, a first responder uniform or a stethoscope around their neck.  Or they might write on a chalkboard diagramming sentences, work in a lab to find a cure for cancer, carry a paintbrush and drawing paper, pluck a stringed instrument or bang a drum.  Those of us who have years of experience or skills that we can share with younger generations can be mentors. It is an important way to pass on our wisdom and make a...

    Travel is supposed to be relaxing, a time to get away from home. Peaceful. No pressure. A change of environment and a chance to escape the humdrum routines of daily living-work, exercise, doctor's appointments, cooking, cleaning, volunteering and other obligations. Most of us haven't been away for months or even years because of the pandemic. We desperately need some R & R. And yet...many of us opt to vacation with family which can mean multigenerational togetherness. Is this relaxing? Restful? Traveling en famille is a challenge when there are so many ages, different restrictions in food preferences, activity...

Our friends talk of moving as we age—downsizing, finding  a home on one level, relocating to be closer to their children and grandchildren, escaping the cold and shoveling snow, fleeing high real estate taxes, and more.  We may not be sure where and when we will go, but we know how to assess our needs and make the transition when we do, from prior experience and conversations with friends and family who’ve done so.  Here’s what we learned from our last moves, for Barbara 12 years ago this month (July) to a village where she knew nobody, and for Margaret...

It is axiomatic. When Noah took two of everything on his ark, it reinforced the notion that people should go in pairs. We agree. We live in a couples' society. It's great to have a significant other, plus a bestie or two. Scientists say it helps us live longer to have companionship and connections.  However, we have discovered from time to time, an outing alone can be rewarding, and a refreshing change of pace when all we pay attention to our own set of eyes and ears. We have found it incredibly healthy to do so and learn who our...