When we started working, we probably didn’t think much about retirement or Social Security beyond the regular Social Security deductions from our paychecks. The exception might have been when our parents talked about it as a “safety net,” monthly payments that, together with pensions and savings, would support our retirement. Then, and now, the safety […]
Being a caregiver to someone with dementia can be very challenging, especially if it’s hard to make conversation or to just feel like you’ve connected with the one you are caring for. What happened a few minutes ago, or even a few seconds ago may be lost to your elder, but some things remain even […]
Even though your digital assets are pretty much immortal — even material you think you deleted — a few websites have tackled the issue of how to handle your digital accounts when you die. That means that some website managers have at least begun to address the issue of handling the accounts of those who […]
As mortals we all recognize we will eventually pass on and be survived by family and friends. We also all recognize that shortly after our passing, our home, our physical possessions and our financial assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries we’ve named in our Will or Trust, or for those who haven’t bothered to […]
The Transforming Aging Summit, a three-day virtual event held recently, made the heady promise of delivering teachings and practices to inspire listeners to “age with grace and positivity and create a meaningful legacy for generations to come.” Organizers of the event at The Shift Network did not cop a Pollyannish pose when mulling the realities […]
If you’ve ever been involved in creating final arrangements for another person—making decisions about transporting and burying or disposing of the body, choosing a container or casket, planning a service or ceremony—you know there can be a lot of calls and judgments to make at a difficult time. You might also have had the cringe-making […]
Tunnel vision is common among caregivers. We often think we have to carry the whole job alone even when we’re feeling tired and overwhelmed. We don’t consider the risks of not caring for ourselves. We can do it. We’ll make it through. Hello! Caregivers often suffer from serious illnesses and stress that turns to depression. […]