When we see someone using a cane or walker, the stigma associated is often “old, slow, and feeble minded.” When we hear someone is living with dementia, we automatically focus on what has been lost versus what is possible with what remains. No one wants to eat the doughnut because of the hole; the hole […]
Category: Embracing Aging
COVID’s Impact on Isolation
Covid-19 brought an urgency and increased focus to the problem of social isolation. So it was no surprise to Embracing Aging that connectivity was a common theme from our January 22nd online session titled, Let’s Talk Aging. In a robust exchange of ideas, participants cited fear, accessibility, and motivation as barriers to engagement of older […]
Start Recording!
There is power in hearing someone’s story. Stories help connect people because they provide a glimpse into one’s life. They offer perspective, build understanding, and can help change hearts. Conversations are gifts. Yet sometimes in the busyness of everyday life, we do not take time to engage in meaningful discussions. This is especially true for […]
When You Help Others, You Help Yourself
Wonderful gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are actual products, other times not. I find gifts related to experiences, memories, and inspiration the best ones to give and receive. Earlier this month I got such a present, while interviewing Donald and Edna Sterner in an Embracing Aging session titled, The Gift of […]
Life is Not Static
“Life is not static. It is always in motion, swirling, changing, evolving, dancing, flowing.” These are the words Joel Conway says about aging. He shared this, along with other inspirational advice, during a virtual Embracing Aging session titled, Just a Regular Guy Talks Aging. His words struck a chord with me. Growing older brings changes […]
Finding Beauty in Imperfection
Wabi–sabi is the Japanese concept that encourages people to accept the beauty of flaws and rawness in natural things. Instead of striving for perfection, this belief embraces letting things grow and progress as is, without refinement. David Kalinoski, Associate State Director, AARP-PA, referenced this concept in an interview with me during an online Embracing Aging […]
Using the Word “NO” to Get to the Word “YES”
I’ve always found it rather ironic that saying the simple two letter word “NO” can be one of the hardest things to do. It can surface feelings of guilt, the fear of offending others, and the concern of missing out. Not saying “no” leads to over-booked schedules and calendars filled with “things we should do”. […]
It’s Okay to Try!
While growing up, I often heard the words “it’s okay to try”. In fact, my parents were so supportive of me dabbling in new interests that in retrospect, they may have felt like a pinball bouncing from lever to lever. Don’t misunderstand me. We didn’t have the means for travel, private lessons, and luxury purchases. […]
Be BOLD in Your Aging!
The cover of the October 2020 issue of Better Homes & Garden magazine caught my attention. First, because of its different take on decorating a pumpkin and second, because of its messages, “be bold”, “spice up your fall routine”, and “put a new spin on favorites”. It resonated with me because it aligned so well […]
I Bet You Were Good Looking When You Were Young
“I bet you used to be really good looking when you were young”, was a comment made to Glen Dunbar by a younger woman at a party. Glen was in his fifties. Today, Glen is in his seventies, and that exchange still resonates with him. In fact, Glen shares that last year, a relative in […]
