There is an interesting 6-week program on the National Geographic channel called Breakthrough. In the “Age of Aging” episode, we get a peek into new science that could slow the aging process by delaying or preventing chronic conditions often associated with aging. The takeaway message: aging is modifiable. Ron Howard narrates the journey of a group of experts, starting with their …
People with children can look to them to measure how fast time passes. For me, it’s technology. Without a kid to remind me of the years flying by, I can sense accelerated change through the tech I use. When I was a kid, we had a big black-and-white television that sat inside a huge wood console alongside a record player and …
There are many things we can do to enhance our well-being and improve (or at least maintain) our health as we age. After all, how we age depends primarily on our behaviors, habits, and lifestyle. One important part of our daily lives impacts us in so many ways that it deserves serious consideration. I’m talking about sleep. Our culture celebrates the …
When there is a frightening event like the attacks in Paris two days ago, I find myself doing what I do when tragedy strikes closer to home. After I hear that a loved one died or a bad diagnosis is received, my first reaction is shock. That is followed by deep sadness and a sense of helplessness. But I don’t stay …
You’ve probably heard of Ashton Kutcher, the actor who replaced Charlie Sheen in the TV show “Two and a half Men” and was formerly married to Demi Moore and recently married Mila Kunis. I want to introduce you to another Ashton (this one’s a woman). Ashton Applewhite is an anti-ageism writer and activist. She writes a thought-provoking blog called This Chair …
When we conjure up an image of what it’s like to be living at an advanced age, too often that image is clouded by thoughts of decline and limitation. Too often we are restricted in what we imagine is possible. I encourage you to break through that narrow view by seeing the incredible things people are doing—at every age. The more …
As the youngest of three daughters, I have always looked forward to growing older. When my sisters got to stay up and watch “The Twilight Zone,” I was upset that I had to go to bed. Once they got their driver’s license, I grew impatient for my turn. Now I find that wanting to be older than I was has actually …
The song “Do Your Thing” has been produced by many artists with a variety of lyrics and music. My favorite version came from Isaac Hayes (with an incredible guitar solo). His rendition became part of the soundtrack of my early campus life. The message persuades listeners to step off of the rigid path laid out by society and find what works …
Years ago I had a newsletter that I gave out to audience members. It was printed on glossy 17 X 11 paper that was folded in half to make four pages. There was a main article, a letter to the reader, a shorter piece or quiz or list, and news about upcoming events. I handed it out at speaking engagements and …
Last week, I gave a talk on the power of belief to the Greater Atlanta chapter of the National Aging in Place Council. My message was based on numerous studies and books I have read on the subject. Here’s one such book I found interesting. In UP: How Positive Outlook Can Transform Our Health and Aging, Dr. Hilary Tindle describes how …
