SeniorTruth

Dear Readers:

This week’s column focuses on growing older in a large context. The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank, published a research report in July 2009 on “Growing Old in America: Expectations vs. Reality.”  The report concludes that growing old isn’t as bad as people think.  However, at times, it’s not quite as good. Read more »

Question: On April 3 I turned 80 and find that I am not taking “old age” very well.  I should be lucky because I went to school to learn to use my cell phone and also learned how to text.   But the number “80” scares me to no end.  Thanks for listening.         Read more »

Question: My 83-year old mother took a serious fall in the street that landed her in the emergency ward, intensive care, the regular hospital and finally in rehabilitation.    She is a fiercely independent fabulous lady who walks two miles a day, takes classes at a university, drives and goes to movies, the ballet, museums and more.  I recently told her that she is doing too much.  I think she fell because she was fatigued, even though I cautioned her that she needed to slow down.  At what point do you take over for an older parent?  I feel somewhat responsible for her fall.            Read more »

Dear Readers:

We have reason to celebrate.  We are living in a time of extraordinary opportunities to age successfully. Here is a confession:  I did not invent the concept “successful aging.”  Read more »

Question: I recently retired as an occupational therapist.  It’s work that I always have loved.  I now am a full time nanny to my darling baby granddaughter.  My daughter and her husband can afford child care but feel more comfortable with me.  I am just sorting out my own transition and really did not envision this full-time role.  How does one change this situation without guilt? Read more »

Question: I am 80 and my husband is 85.  If I should survive my husband, I do not know where I would live.  I cannot imagine living alone in my home.  Being with people and feeling engaged is extremely important to me.  I am a vibrant type of lady.  What are my choices?      Read more »

Question: My 66-year old husband is thinking about retirement.  As owner of a small high-tech company, he has worked hard for the past 40 years.  I am 53 and fear that he will retire at a time when I would like to return to school for a second career as a chaplain.    We’ve had a rather traditional marriage.  How do I begin the conversation to discuss that we may be in “different places” as his retirement age approaches?  Read more »

Question: I am a 66-year-old female theater producer who was active in the women’s movement in the late ‘60s.  My success has been directly influenced Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem and others.  I know the “up” sides of the women’s movement.  Have there been any down sides?  Just curious.  Read more »

Question: My wife and I are in our mid-60s and own a small business.  We’ve worked hard all of our lives so we could retire and do what we wanted to do.  We now have full custody of our two grandchildren, 7 and 10 whom we love.  We are committed to provide the best life for them.

The tough part is managing our energy, time, money and the business — and giving up plans we had for our future.  How can we deal with this in the best way?         Read more »

The Aging in America conference captured what’s new in the field of aging.

Sponsored by the American Society on Aging and the National Council on Aging, the conference drew 3,000 professionals wanting to gather new information, connect with colleagues, and forge new professional relationships with the intention of creating better environments, services and policies on behalf of older adults in America. Almost 700 sessions were offered. Read more »