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Elderhood: A Geriatrician’s Eyeview

Geriatrician Louise Aronson set out to write a book that promises to “look at old age in new ways.” But the first challenge, she explained recently, was the title she chose. “I wanted to call it ‘Older,’” she says. “But then a woman in the publishing industry took me aside and said: ‘I think you […]

When the Caregiver Is the Lonely One

Lonely man sitting on stairs

Potential perils of seniors suffering from loneliness are now well documented and well trumpeted. For older people, being lonely and isolated is akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, they say. It increases the risks of heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure — and can even hasten death. A fact less pondered: Unpaid family caregivers […]

When Disaster Strikes: Readiness for Seniors

Wildfire

In November 2018, the town of Paradise in northern California (population 26,218), known for its physical beauty, friendly residents, prolific fruit crops, and annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, was decimated by the deadliest fire in the state’s history. Nearly 100 people died in the so-called Camp Fire; their average age was 71 — and city officials […]

The Look and Feel of Downsizing

When it comes to choosing where to live as we age, the world seems to be divided into two camps: those who swear they want to be carried out of their homes feet first, and those beckoned to entertain other options. My husband and I recently became the entertaining types. There are only two of […]

Dying Without a Will

Last will and testament document with brown pen on desk

Three months ago, a very close friend was running four miles a day. Two months ago, he was diagnosed with a “rare and aggressive” form of cancer. Two weeks ago, he began chemotherapy. Two days ago, he died of a heart attack at the age of 69. My dear friend led a very responsible life […]

Making Transportation Age-Friendly

Driver Helping Senior Couple Board Bus Via Wheelchair Ramp

Updated December 2025 The World Health Organization launched the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative in 2006, with the laudable goal of making communities throughout the world accessible and safer for seniors. The first step was to gather information from older residents, service providers, and other groups from a total of 33 cities worldwide. They identified eight key […]

Creator, Steward or Consumer?

Updated December 2025 You have heard the old adage “Rags to Riches to Rags”, or “Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in three generations”.  It is not just a dynamic of western culture; it is actually an old Chinese proverb “Rice paddies to Rice paddies in three generations.” Breaking down the saying (1) The first generation strives to […]

The Age-In: A Flashback in Learning About Aging

Older couple on a couch

The Age-In. It was something of a flashback — modeled after the Teach-Ins of the 1960s, which were characterized by peer-to-peer talking and listening sessions rather than the more formalized “I’m-gonna-lecture-and-you’re-gonna-listen” teacher/student set-up. The event commemorated the 10-year anniversary of At Home With Growing Older, a group with a diverse membership of architects, advocates, social […]