SeniorTruth

Question: I recently read a number of ads and promotions about quick fixes to health problems. At age 74, I have osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, a heart condition and bad knees. Are these short-cut remedies of any value? 

Work experiences can serve as a starting point in creating that next chapter of life.  James Birren, the founder and former dean and executive director of USC’s Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center said it well, “You don’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you have been.”

Question: As a young retiree (56 years old and female) I am at a point of considering which way to go in my life.  Can you address some of the issues of being a young retiree?  We don’t exactly fit in with a lot of retiree and senior-citizen groups, but we do have things [...]

Question: I have been reading a lot about seniors working in retirement.  As a 72-year old educated woman with lots of skills, what do I need to understand about this new time?  I may need to return to work.  

Question: As a successful engineer, program manager and expert witness, I have always experienced excitement and pleasure from work throughout my life.  This past January, as a 70-year old woman, I decided to take a sabbatical (also known as retirement) from my consulting practice.  It has taken me eight months to clear my desk.  [...]

Question: My grandfather needed $2,000 cash, but couldn’t get to the bank. At my suggestion, he wrote a check out to me. When I got to the bank, the teller refused to cash it. Did I do something wrong?

Question: I am a full-time working woman in my early 70s, with gray hair and a rather robust figure. I feel that my young female office mates in their 30s and 40s are somewhat patronizing. When I wear something they consider fashionable, they make a big fuss – too big a fuss. I also feel [...]

Question: I just retired from a law practice and love every minute of my new freedom.  The daily tennis games, books groups and lunch with friends make this time of life just terrific.  My problem is that my husband, a small-business owner, won’t discuss any part of retirement.  He has made no plans and just [...]

This is one of those times when I come across a project that I believe is relevant to successful aging.  The subject is age and work.  The project is “Tapping Mature Talent,” a national effort to provide career and work opportunities for those 55 and older.  I am providing some training/education for the project. 

Question: I am 73 years old and suffer from arthritis.  The last thing I want to do is to have surgery or take lots of pills.  I’ve been reading about alternative medicine for pain and am not sure if it would be worthwhile or even safe?  Can you provide some information on this?