Getting Older

“When will Mommy come, Grandma?” my granddaughter used to ask several times a day when she was little. At first, I assumed she missed her mother. I’m sure that was true some of the time, but usually she didn’t seem sad…

Having a conversation about preparing for aging with mom or dad can be challenging. Heck, having them with a spouse is not a breeze either. Topics like finances, insurance, wills, estate planning, living situations, care and treatment plans…

A few months ago, my husband was approached by a young researcher, doing a study on the frail elderly and clearly keen to approach all such people with the right attitude. Yet once you have the need for a particular ‘attitude’…

Shopping for long-term care insurance can be a complex process. There are many “moving parts,” so consumers need to educate themselves on finding the right policy for their situation. Think carefully about what you want out of a long-term care…

As a 66-year-old woman, I’m facing the challenges all aging women face – not only the physical challenges caused simply by wear and tear, but emotional ones that have to do with getting older in a world where aging stigma exists…

Not long ago, my husband said rather casually to me, “I wish I knew when I was going to die.” An important wish, indeed. He is 81. But his concern was neither spiritual nor existential. He was wondering whether it was worth his while to have a knee…

There is a certain ripeness that comes with age that can only blossom when nourished properly, inside and out. Apart from having a grateful, loving mindset every day despite life’s numerous challenges, and a vital body to support our adventures…

A stay in the hospital can be confusing, scary and painful. When an older adult is seriously ill, or after a medical emergency, they need extra support during their hospital stay…

What now seems like a lifetime ago, I was a volunteer for a homeless shelter located in a questionable area in downtown Portland, Oregon. Recognizing the possibility that I could get robbed, it was my naïve habit to put my purse in the trunk…

In a previous article, we discussed the definition of frailty, how it affects us as we age and the very important symptom of muscle mass loss. Here, we’ll talk about muscle mass, what to look for, and how to reverse its loss. We will also discuss…