$86…and change

end-of-life care conversations When you consider that death is the one commonality that all humans share, it’s perhaps surprising that this subject has been taboo for so long. But there are definite signs that the prevailing prohibitions about the d-word are slowly falling away, especially as the largest-ever cohort of people over 65 contemplate what … Read more

Take (care with) Your Medicine

Prepare yourself for the paper deluge! If you are a Medicare enrollee, you will probably notice an uptick in the amount of mail you receive during the next couple of months. That’s because we are about to enter that special time of year designated to be the open enrollment period for Medicare plans. Various Medicare … Read more

File Under…

My mother was a neat and organized woman. Once a year she took the time to sort through “important papers”, keeping those that were still relevant and tossing those that were outdated. She would also write out an inventory of her valued possessions and their current location. These inventive hiding spots included a coffee pot, … Read more

Re-framed, Re-thought, Repackaged

Changing How We Think About Aging Our story begins in September of 2012 in a large, impersonal conference room in Washington D.C. Representatives from eight of the country’s most influential organizations in the field of aging are taking their seats around the table. Thought leaders from The American Society on Aging (ASA), The National Council … Read more

Planted

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about where I live. I’ve always considered myself to be a bit of a nomad, having moved a fair number of times. “Bloom where you’re planted” is a sappy phrase that I’ve tried to abide by. I’d like to believe that I’m pretty adaptable to whatever environment I happen … Read more

Carolyn at 108

One week from today, my Aunt Carolyn will begin her 109th year of adventures. Beside the cake, candles and balloons, the inevitable question always accompanies the birthday celebration; “What’s the secret to living to be 108?” When confronted with this query, Aunt Carolyn usually gives a sly smile and doesn’t say a word. On occasion, … Read more

Making a List, Checking It Twice

As the year begins to wind down, it’s common to spend some time reflecting upon key events of the last twelve months. We think about the good and the bad and all the stuff in between and we look forward, with some combination of anticipation and trepidation, to starting again with a whole new set … Read more