SeniorTruth

I would like to share some thoughts as a result from participating in the AARP conference Work@50+ recently held at the Long Beach Convention Center. The attendance was exceptional  – 1,000 people with at least three quarters of them looking for work. It’s one thing to read the unemployment figures to be well informed. It’s [...]

Sometimes we become what we believe, particularly when it comes to aging. Studies have shown that older people who believe in negative stereotypes about aging tend to fulfill them. Dr. Walter Bortz, II, a noted Stanford geriatrician writes about aging as a self-fulfilling prophesy. As part of an initial assessment of his older patients, he [...]

Question: I am 55 years old and thinking about my retirement. Given my projected income, I will have to depend on Social Security to some extent. What are the basic facts and will it be there for me? My friends doubt it. – J.D. Dear J.D.: This topic is a hot one that won’t go [...]

Question. I was the executive director of a nonprofit organization and retired two years ago.   Since then, I have taken up photography and just love it. Yet, there are too many times when I feel guilty for not being productive.  Is this just part of the retirement process?  How do I let go of the [...]

Question. I am 59-years old and in the process of modifying my financial plan for retirement.  I have no idea how long I will live.  How do we go about making some best guesses?  Do I base my calculations on the age of my parents who both are in their 8os? Answer.  If we only [...]

Question: I am 65 years old and have just been “excessed” from a school where I have been for 31 years.  I am restless while feeling pressure from my friends who tell me I should just get another job or formally retire.  Although I can afford it, I don’t want to retire and not sure [...]

Question: I am a 49-year-old man and am reacting to some negative things happening all around me. I have aches and pains and recently had to go to the emergency room. My girlfriend’s father just died and my father just had major heart surgery. And some of my friends are facing life-threatening illnesses. It all [...]

Question: I am one of those experienced workers you write about with over 24 years of sales background. I have made 24 applications for jobs and nothing.  I patronize stores and see gum chewing, inexperienced, unkempt, cell-phone talking sales associates.    I find that if you are well-spoken, neat, trim and pass all of the tests, [...]

Question: I am part of a book group of couples who are their late 60s and 70s.  Some members are upbeat about aging; others are rather down on it.  The subject of getting old seems to come up regularly.  Is there a consensus on the benefits of aging?   

Question: I am a single woman close to 70 who is considering dating again after many years.  I wonder about what to expect now, aside from the likelihood of a partner taking Viagra?   Should I just assume that at my age, the game is over?