Coming to the point that you are able to confess to your faults, your errors, your inappropriate behaviors is a sign of genuine maturity.  Some, however, hang on to behaviors that are insulting, debasing, unkind, downright rude, and simply impolite.  The arrogance that comes with the latter is not a quality to be enjoyed or [...]

Frankly, in both mood and content it seems that most of what is seen, heard and experienced these days is shouting, negative, and full of mean despair. “This ain’t lookin good, Charlie,” said our little 7 year old nephew, Max, to his brother.

He was point on. The misery of our times among the millions unemployed and running out of unemployment compensation, the escalating numbers facing the loss of their homes going into foreclosure, the multiplied numbers of persons calling on the services of food banks and other helping agencies, the angry, uniformed and downright scary attitudes of mobs whose misinformation guides their behavior, all are reaching epidemic proportions.

Left to the devices of base human emotions and inability to reason, the situation will likely grow worse. Suspicion and paranoia are like swine flu, difficult to control, perhaps impossible to cure. Today’s festering animosity, particularly in crowds likely manipulated

Unless you absolutely, unequivocally, irreconcilably cannot avoid it, the answer is a big fat NO. All indicators suggest that psychologically and physiologically it is bad for your overall condition. Now, if the living situation in which a couple finds themselves is unbearable, abusive and holds no promise for change, then there may likely be no other option.

HOWEVER, pursue counseling before throwing in the towel. None of us realizes, when caught up in the throes of domestic turmoil, the advantages and assumptions that go with having a partner. Evaluate the pluses and minuses. Take into account your collective and individual issues. Discover what peeves and distresses you about the other and get it all out in the open. Discord once exposed and examined objectively may be seen for what it is, a need for some considerable change on the part of one or likely both.

This is among the hardest of aging issues to confront.   Getting to the point at having to commit a loved one to a Care Facility, however defined, is no small or simple undertaking.  When the individual makes the choice him/herself, it is, of course, a much easier proposition.  There is a well done movie which [...]

It is not yet too late, but rapidly becoming so, to plan for any fall and winter travel excursions you may have in mind. Already, the airline fares are increasing (Thanksgiving, of course has no bargains) and warmer climates will begin raising their rates. However, because of the decline in traffic to many vacation spots, it is timely to explore options which may offer significant bargains. The Caribbean is an excellent choice, post hurricane season. They ordinarily offer very inviting accommodations. With business down this is a good time to search out all kinds of tempting trips that give you extras for little additional costs. There is no immediate suggestion that prices are returning to previous high season rates.

Check not only with online services but deal directly with hotels, airlines, etc. to bargain for and likely get the best rates available. Drive for a bargain, stay in control, have a good idea what their bottom line will likely be. They have to make a profit, but they had rather have your business than an empty room or seat on the plane.

Weekends present an interesting dilemma for seniors.  Because it is the time most non retired people have a chance to choose to do the things that can’t do during the week, they crowd the streets, parking lots and aisles.  This suggests to seniors that avoiding major shopping excursions, whether grocery, big box, or other errands that could [...]

Visiting among the several generations in a family is almost like travelling to foreign countries where other languages are spoken. Communicating with a 90 year old is far different from doing so with a 15 year old. Blending conversations among generations which stretch from 10 or eleven to the mid nineties sometimes requires a language guide.

Spanning the generations in terms of language, perceptions, world views, willingness to venture into strange territory, sustaining a respectful dispostion are among the requirements to carry on a meaningful exchange. After all, persons in their teens are in the process of creating their catalogue of life experiences, their comprehension of what makes up the world, their view point regarding politics, history, the whole range of existential wonders that meet and greet everyone of us as we mature.

Preserving your assets is like canning on the farm.  Some, born before 1960, may remember their parents or grandparents, living on a farm, or in town with a large backyard garden, canning fruits and vegetables during and at the end of every growing season. My grandmother referred to canning as “putting up” food for the [...]

A relatively new twist on an inevitable practice has recently emerged. For some, there would likely be little to no consideration of switching from the tried and true (and quite expensive) practice involving a mortuary and all the trimmings upon death of a family member. A new practice is touted as the Home Funeral. To be sure it isn’t for everybody, but it does have some upsides which are worth considering.

In the traditional funeral, typically people pay for a funeral plan in advance (pre-need, it is called). The plan is to cover all the expenses of the funeral, unless the family chooses add ons at the time of the funeral. Of course, some families simply take money from the estate to pay for the funeral costs upon the occasion of death. Others, because of financial necessity, find themselves dividing the expense among the family.

Unquestionably there are numerous adjustments required of the retiree going into retirement. Seminars, free input from friends who have already done it, books, how to and what not to do guides, do it yourself counsel, on and on.

Now that several years have passed and the real impact of being retired has settled in upon you, what adjustments have been necessary, required, imposed? At first, with healthy retirement finances in a fairly good place, all seems somewhat like green lights ahead. Perhaps you have remained in a familiar location or chosen to move elsewhere, as to a “retirement community.” Maybe you have chosen wanderlust and have travelled all over the country or world.

Along the way regular mecical checkups have indicated a fairly good report. Maybe a sign here or a warning there, but nothing too serious.