Aging, caregiving and the journey through the second half of life

The Task of Being Remembered

February 9, 2016

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When understood as a psychological developmental task, it’s not surprising that legacy insists on being addressed, either consciously or unconsciously. Yet because seniors are old doesn’t mean they understand this process. When faced with it, most people do not have…

Never Good Enough

February 4, 2016

This article is especially useful for unloved daughters in caregiving roles with their aging mothers. It offers compassionate and effective strategies that help unwind the toxic residue of never being good enough… Unloved Daughters: 7 Strategies for Dealing with the…

Unclaimed

January 25, 2016

This moving story from NPR is about teen volunteers in Boston who serve as pallbearers for those who have died alone and become officially “unclaimed.” Their graveside memorial includes these words: “He died alone with no family to comfort him.…

How do you start the conversation about finances with aging parents?

January 9, 2016

1. Begin the conversation with a clear acknowledgement that you understand that control is critical to their wellbeing and you fully support their need to have it. Care giving conversations can quickly turn threatening to older adults who are hypersensitive…

Caregiver Dilemma: Moving Beyond the Wake Up Call

January 2, 2016

Popular media is abuzz with wake up calls for adult children. Framed as warnings, they detail the impending crisis that comes with caring for aging parents. While provoking anxiety and concern, they are ineffective as a call to action. It’s…

Losing Your Way…

January 1, 2016

Caregivers are always beginning a new. It comes with the work. Time and again they are knocked off their balance point and scramble to find a way to get back up. The art of caregiver recovery is made easier with…

Crossing the Eighty-Something Frontier

December 19, 2015

We all hope our aging parents will be robust and independent as they navigate their eighties. Some will, but the majority, nine out of ten, will not. They will become frail or suffer from dementia. They will wind up not…

A New Dilemma of Aging: Nursing Homes Refusing To Admit Obese Patients

December 16, 2015

This article is a bellwether warning for older adults about who may and may not be offered a bed in a nursing home in a society with an epidemic morbid obesity. As the authors summarize: “Obesity is redrawing the common…

Exhausted Caregivers

December 14, 2015

Back in July of this year, I posted an article about exhausted caregivers due to decision fatigue. A reader asked me compress the article into a mind map. Here is the PDF version Here is the original article…

A Few Words of Advice on Choosing a Retirement Community

December 10, 2015

When considering a retirement community, most potential residents and their families inquire about: 1. Types of accommodations (independent living, assisted living). This should also include information about the community’s financial strength. 2. Amenities (wellness resources, enrichment programs). This should also…

Second-Half of Life Blog