A retired English teacher, Ann Marie Mershon lives on a lake in northern Minnesota with her husband, Jerry, and their two dogs. She’s published three books as well as numerous articles and columns. You can read about her years of teaching in Istanbul on her blog http://amershon.edublogs.org

Latest Posts By Ann Marie Mershon

2 weeks ago

Change That Behavior – Choose a Reward That Stimulates Positive Change After 60

Have you kept your New Year’s Resolutions? According to the U.S. News and World Report, 80% of resolutions fail by February, most by January 12th. Really. Year after year, I resolved to start my day with a series of morning stretches and exercises…

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5 months ago

10 Tricks to Squeeze Exercise into Your Day in Your 60s

Would you rather read a book than take a walk? Do you prefer cooking to working out? Well, you’re not alone. We all know exercise is important for our health, yet only 20% of the population get regular, adequate exercise…

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6 months ago

Swap Seasonal Stress for Serenity This Holiday Season

Age has taught me a lot, and the wisdom I’ve gained helps me cope with stress. I’m more accepting of other people’s shortcomings, and perhaps I’m even more tolerant of my own (and believe me, I have them)…

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7 months ago

One is the Loneliest Number – But Cohousing Can Be a Great Solution

Lonesome? Well, join the club. More than one in three adults over 45 is lonely, according to a survey by AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons. Are you one of them? As people retire and spouses, significant others…

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8 months ago

I’ll Take Mine Black: A Coffee Adventure for Mature Women with Strong Hearts

“I love coffee, I love tea. I love the boys, and the boys love me.” I chanted that silly jump-rope jingle hundreds of times on the Oak Knoll Playground, certain that I’d never acquire a taste for either coffee or tea. Little did I know…

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9 months ago

6 Ways Adopting a Pet Can Improve Your Live as an Older Woman

I’ve always loved dogs, but allergies in the household kept me from having one. After a painful divorce 18 years ago, I decided to buy a little non-shedding poodle/terrier. On the way home from the pet store I tried out a raft of names…

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9 months ago

A Look at Arthritis: Understanding, Combating, and Coping

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and it refers to a group of more than a hundred rheumatic diseases that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There are two major types of arthritis: osteoarthritis…

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12 months ago

Do You Avoid Doctors? Which of These 6 Excuses Fit You?

I actually like seeing Dr. Delfs. Because I see her regularly, she knows me and shows an interest in both my life and my health. She makes me feel better, emotionally and physically, when I visit. Well – usually. I’ve just learned that…

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1 year ago

Discover Qigong to Combine the Benefits of Fitness and Massage

In the past, I’ve watched a small group of men and women leave our local YMCA’s Qigong session with serene smiles on their faces. One woman explained to me that it was an Eastern practice like yoga or tai chi. Sadly, back then I didn’t have time…

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1 year ago

4 Easy and Achievable Practices to Guide You to a Longer, Healthier Life

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” – Frank Lloyd Wright. I agree. My life seems to improve as I age. In spite of my wrinkles, sore knees, and digestive issues, I’m happier. Could it be about increasing wisdom? Whatever the cause, I want more. I want a long life…

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