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

The Developmental Agenda of Middle Age

May 29, 2014

The primary developmental theme of the middle years is an emerging crisis. Rather than a sudden occurrence, it is an incipient shift in complexity and tone. As such, the middle years usher in a higher state of volatility as a…

Beyond Loss: Grief vs Major Depression

May 17, 2014

With aging comes the loss of those who mean the most to us. There is no way to prepare for it. We are ambushed and swept away into grief and suffering. After some period of time, we slowly, unevenly crawl…

Caregiver Playlist

April 15, 2014

Below are the selections that make up the “Kind To Your Heart” playlist, a 40-minute mix of songs and instrumentals. The song’s lyrics give voice to the emotional challenges of caregiving. They also spell out the courage and profound love…

The Medical Journey of Aging Parents

March 9, 2014

We are not bystanders to the medical journey of our aging parents. No matter how daunting the language or specter of healthcare, we are obligated, to the best of our ability, to try and understand what we are being told…

The Social Fabric of Aging Parents

March 6, 2014

Preserving and nurturing social connections is vital to the well being of older adults. Families need to understand the scope and depth of an aging parent’s social network so they can coordinate their efforts to protect and support it. That…

Grandma Knutsen

March 2, 2014

This is my wonderful Grandma Knutsen who immigrated to America in 1892 from Norway. She was “processed” through Ellis Island on her way to the “new” Norway, Minnesota. God rest her heroic soul……

When Aging Parents Move In…

February 27, 2014

The desire to do the right thing begins with good intentions. Sometimes that is enough, but in most cases the burden of caregiving requires adjustments in perspective, language and behavior. While the predictable dilemmas of aging are unavoidable, understanding the…

Second-Half of Life Blog

The Developmental Agenda of Middle Age

Beyond Loss: Grief vs Major Depression

Caregiver Playlist

The Medical Journey of Aging Parents

Grandma Knutsen

When Aging Parents Move In…

Caregiver Support Lessons…

Dancing with Negative Feedback: Redirection and Resolution

The Car Front Mind Map