Newest Blog Entries RSS

When we both made moves to new cities, we knew as writers our work was portable and that we’d easily adjust. And we have. But one item on our agenda that we had to grapple with, that caught us a bit off guard, was trying to find new physicians.The task can be daunting for the pool of practitioners, especially internists, is shrinking. Many are going the concierge route, are retiring or no longer take insurance, including Medicare. This is all happening at a time when we’re spending longer lives stressed out by the pressures of conforming to systems that don’t’...

Dementia is no laughing matter. We’ve dealt with the illness first-hand with members of our family and older friends. However, there are times when we wonder if we’re losing it. We think not but simply are showing signs of normal aging. It could be a lack of sleep, multitasking and overextending ourselves. Here are some signs that it’s time to slow down, focus on one and maybe two tasks at a time, stop beating ourselves up and consider trying our special remedies. Forgetfulness is often just stress. And you can always ask a very good friend to let you know...

Our country’s appetite for Thanksgiving and all the elaborate prep involved doth protest too much. You think, I want a meal that’s lighter and easier and won’t exhaust me for days ahead, the day of and afterward, when you barely can get out of bed. But, as we approach the national holiday, we know the heat is on. Will you be able to hold your head high if you make it easy on yourself? Holiday prep does not have to be backbreaking or for you to become a martyr. If truth be told, some Thanksgiving foods lend themselves to simple,...

Older Americans in overwhelming numbers say that they want to stay in their current homes and communities as long as possible. Who can blame them when moving is among the most stressful passages in one’s life. And it’s also expensive.But sometimes a move is necessary.Maybe you have too many steps and need one level, want to move to be close to family as you age or live in a warmer climate in a senior community. Perhaps you (or your partner) have an illness, are no longer ambulatory or have dementia and need an assisted living facility or, in severe cases,...

There’s enough unhappiness in this world without us adding to someone’s misery and stress. You have no control over how someone feels, you think. Not necessarily true. You can help change someone’s day from gloomy to grateful with a small--or big--dose of kindness. And it doesn’t have to cost you any money, just a little time and thoughtfulness. Yet sometimes some money can make it even sweeter. And if you’re the type to obsess about what to do, veering toward kindness, removes that debate. Just do it, we are both learning! To remind us to be kind-hearted, there is now...