How to Plan a “Fun-er-al”
Thirty years ago, when someone asked me, “Do you have a plot yet?,” they were inquiring about the progress of my latest book. Today, they mean have I made funeral arrangements. The answer is NO! And I’m not alone. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA), assures us that we can—and should—plan our...
7 Reasons for Perpetual Lateness Syndrome…and What to Do About It
In the groundbreaking book The Silent Language, Edward T. Hall documents how our concept of time is an unspoken way that we communicate with each other. Although Hall was addressing cultural differences, we also have a personal time culture. How we approach time may change throughout our lives, including after...
Allying with Powerful Feminist Initiatives to Fight Ageism
I recently had the opportunity to ask Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist activist, about the nexus between ageism and sexism. My exact question was, “Do you think the same protocol that fought misogyny and advanced women’s rights can be used to fight ageism?” The 85-year-old Ms. Steinem derailed me...
My Birthday Blog—I’m Crying Because I’m Confused
“I’m confused”—that’s a line from the movie Moonstruck, said by the grandfather who is called “Old Man” by the family’s matriarch. The family is sitting around the table arguing about love, marriage, betrayal and change. The Old Man starts to cry. “What’s the matter Pop?” asks his son. Then the...
Why Won’t Mama Listen to Me?
Are you struggling to persuade Mom or Dad—or both—to move to a care community or accept aid at home? Are they resisting, arguing or simply ignoring you? Thousands of boomers are walking in your shoes. Half of all 60-year-olds have a living parent, usually reaching their late 80s and...
Coming of Age…Again–Will Co-Housing Help Retirees Retain Community?
Now that I’m past 70, I get weekly invitations to visit local assisted-living residences. I throw them out with a wistful feeling that I may need to visit one day. Recently, one of the invites had two words written in small print—“Resident Run.” That was all the hint I...
Will Scientific Breakthroughs Make Living Past 100 a Given?
Have you heard of life science? Life science is devoted to studying lifespan, including how and why we age. Life science researchers have already made discoveries that may end aging as we understand it today. But their studies are only effective if we follow their learnings and do what...
The Downsizing Chronicles: The Agony and the Ecstasy
Downsizing Guru Marie Kondo has got it wrong. She says you should touch everything you own and get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy. But for us folks of a certain age, the “joy-ploy” doesn’t always work. I recently hired a professional estate sale company, and although I got...
The Language of Longevity: Why Age Words Matter
In Marty, Paddy Chayefsky’s 1953 teleplay and later an Academy Award–winning movie, Marty’s mother and aunt complain that they are finished…washed up. What can you expect at 56? they lament. These women lived at a time when it was “justified” to feel “washed up.” What more could they expect in middle age? Times...
My Ultimate Secret to Beautiful Skin
It’s time to reveal my secret for vibrant skin that stays that way as we age. I must admit that I’ve been reluctant to devote a blog to the subject. I thought it was a bit frivolous. But the weight of public opinion has ruled against me. I’ve often...