Aging Well in the Gorge January 12th 2022
What don’t you want to talk to your children about? I mean besides sex. How about money. This was pointed out by Rodney A. Brooks in his article “Family and Finances: Avoiding ‘The Talk’?”. He shares the advice of financial planners who believe older adults need to discuss their finances with their children. And children […]
Aging Well in the Gorge January 5th 2022
Wow. It’s a new year and I’m still writing this column! I know some of you have heard I’m retiring as Director of the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. But retirement can be seen not as a time to withdraw, but a time to reprioritize what is important. In my case, working is still a priority, although part-time, but has moved down the list behind enjoying more time with my wife, reading more – especially the three books my children recently gave me, traveling, (Although when working I had the […]
Aging Well in the Gorge December 29th 2022
As 2021 comes to a close, I am reminded this journey of ours is not about living longer. It is about taking care of ourselves and others so we can gracefully live the rest of our lives with courage, compassion, and meaning. With that in mind, I would like to share again this year, the […]
Aging Well in the Gorge December 22nd 2021
There are many excellent centers and meal sites for older adults on both sides of the river, but I’ve heard many folks avoid places for older people. But why? Is it a fear of catching some kind of “old age” contagion causing you to lose your cognitive abilities, balance, or sense of humor? It’s just the opposite! Centers and meal sites offer opportunities to socialize, exercise, and share stories both funny and sad. Okay, there are canes and walkers, but […]
Aging Well in the Gorge December 15th 2021
How many times have I been told what is good for me, but I still don’t do it? For example, I know I shouldn’t eat that second bowl of ice cream. (I probably shouldn’t eat the first bowl, but you can only do so much!) Or eat that candy bar because it’s high in sugar. Or that piece of pizza that is low in sugar, but high in sodium. So what can I eat? I know – vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats […]
Aging Well in the Gorge December 8th, 2021
During this time of the year, why would I write about the difficult subject of grief and loss? Isn’t this the time to enjoy the Christmas decorations, the “Merry Christmas” greetings, and singing Joy to the World? loss? Yes, but the loss of a loved one can be particularly challenging during this season when memories of Christmases together come flooding back, along with all the conflicting questions […]
Aging Well in the Gorge December 1st 2021
During one of my regular ZOOM chit-chats with my sister (you know – football, the weather, kids, latest aches and pains) she threw me a curve when she asked “What have you learned from working at the Senior Center? What immediately came to mind was to stay socially connected and keep moving. Good advice, right? […]
Aging Well in the Gorge November 24th 2021
Well, it’s the beginning of the holiday season – when we enjoy the company of family and also gain seven pounds by the start of the New Year! But while visiting with parents, children, grandchildren, or all three, it can be difficult navigating around and through past hurts and slights that are brought to family […]
Aging Well in the Gorge November 17th 2021
Okay, I admit it. I have hypochondriac tendencies. I’m always asking myself if this dark lesion or sharp pain or tiredness is a sign of something serious; and whether I should make an appointment with my primary care provider? And then when I do, they relieve my immediate concern for the visit but during the […]
Aging Well in the Gorge November 10th 2021
You’ve heard the condescending stereotypes about older adults. We’re frail and tired, a drain on society, poor memories, set in our ways, uninterested in new technologies (most older adults own a smartphone! But do we have to be on it all the time?), unable to make important decisions, and contribute little to our communities. To […]