Okay, I give up. Everybody who recommends a regular exercise routine is right. I can’t deny it any longer. The body, nearing 71, must confess that walking regularly, preferably with the dogs in my case, doing a few stretching exercises every morning, finding some chores that give the body a challenge, these are habits that contribute to better health.

As difficult as it is, particularly for those of us who never had a weight problem, or whose body seemed always in reasonably good shape, or who had never undergone a threatenting illness or disease, by now no protests inveigh.

Increasing numbers of families are coping with invasion of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Insidious in its attack, often it begins subtly but its spread seems eventually to overtake everything in its path. It is a disease of loss while living. It is a separation from a loved one whose characteristics of personality and uniqueness are suddenly robbed. Forgetfulness is its mark, but more than that it is just the alien quality of lack of recognition of persons and things that is most devastating.

Repetition is another of its characteristics. In conversation, returning over and over to a comment made, a person mentioned, an event common to the circle becomes often necessary. Sensitive individuals do so without losing patience or correcting perceptions or becoming frustrated. The brain

Second guessing the audience that comes to this site is something of a conundrum. After all, the venerable AARP accepts members at age 55. Baby Boomers are included now as among those who are recognized as seniors. Persons retire as early as 50, some at 60, and so on. The characteristic cut off between yesterday and today for those who were achieving the goal of retirement had always been 65. No more. Now, categories extend, depending on those doing the defining, from as early as 45. The longevity of so many today carries the labeling from then to 100 and more. That represents a polyglot of ages, attitudes, dispositions, perceptions, backgrounds, and prejudices and persuasions.

A span of more than 50 years embraces all manner of agendas, needs, expectations.. How does one go

Classic is a favored word among us older types. We were part of that era when cars that would become classics made their first impressions upon us. Some of us have even read some classic literature as a part of our educational heritage. Some are collectors of classic art, while still others long for classic apparel , button down shirts, tweed jackets, bow ties and wingtip shoes.

Of course classic is more than what is worn or driven, it is also an attitude, a respectful sense of what is valued. Classic includes politeness, consideration, thoughtfulness, refinement, sophistication, courtesy, finesse, style, graciousness, sensitivity, mannerly behavior. It includes others, but you get the idea.

Being in the presence of classic seniors is an experience which can be likened to meeting a well known stage actor, a philosopher of repute who thinks before

This weekend the fun began. It was right there, the instant we picked up our two grandchildren (ages 15 and 16 ) and off we ventured to Kartchner Caverns, a pristine living cave in southeastern Arizona. Along the way we stopped for lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant in south Tucson. A treat as well. Our grandchildren are vegans and they have never complained about any restaurant or menu when we have been with them. They are healthy in mind and body. They keep us laughing.

The trip resumed toward our destination, only to find that the Department of Roads had decided to close all but a single lane to the southeast. It was a grueling trip, complete with detours taking us we knew not where. Our two best friends never uttered a protest. Just a question now and again, about our whereabouts. They handled the

For most of us who have lived into the retirement years, we are backed up by friends, old, more recent and even some forgotten. When loneliness sneaks in upon us, the wonder of the Internet allows for rediscovery of persons who were once very near and dear to us. Searching for them is part of the joy. Communicating with them, with hope that they will reply, is a treasure beyond imagination.

Going all the way back to high school and perhaps earlier, one may find persons whose contributions in friendship deserve recalling. It may be more difficult with females, who often undergo a name change upon marriage. Sometimes, however, they include their maiden name in the listing. Seek and you shall find.

The codger (aka senior citizen) was asked: what is the definition of apathy? His reply “I don’t know and I don’t care.” About sums it up for persons whose lives have melted into total routine. Where do we go from here? or, “is this all folks?” If so, there could be a lot of living years out there begging for something exciting, provocative and different. Maybe you believe that 60 is the cutoff time for seniors. I don’t think so. Maybe you believe the curtain slowly edges down on the stage as the years introducing retirement come on. Maybe you think that it’s just down hill all the way to death. What a lousy, defeatist view of what life brings as one grows older. It has to be better than that.

Among the contributors to illness and even death are “not giving a damn,” deciding that “life is a bore,” choosing only what is available, just “going along to get along.” My there are a lot of escape routes for

Between now and the next dozen years, one of the most critical evaluations and disciplines to be made with aggravating regularity includes creating an economic portfolio that will preserve assets and limit liabilities.

Goal one is to keep debt at an absolute minimum. What that really means is to avoid it altogether. Having limited liability means you are in control. If you charge anything, pay for it within the credit card time line to avoid any interest charges. Trust me, they want your business, and your use of the credit card makes them look good. Just don’t slip up.

Doing a visual inventory, without commentary, when you visit other homes is a good way to become sensitive to in home risks for older persons.

Upon entry, unobtrusively look around. Be aware of traffic flow, throw rugs, furniture or other obstacles which may trip up someone who is unsteady or lacking in quick observation. Is it relatively easy to find your way to the bath room? When there are there assistive devices near the toilet, bathtub and/or shower? Is the lighting adequate? Are there rugs which impede easy movement?

If dining, is the seating comfortable and accessible for an older person’s use. In the kitchen, are there lurking dangers that could create problems for an older person who lived there?

Maybe you think at your age that you know all there is to know about cultivating and nurturing loving relationships. Maybe, but unlikely. Maybe you have been in a relationship that you think you have perfected the particulars of keeping each other happy, of avoiding conflict, of enabling the best from and with each other. Maybe, but not completely. Maybe you have come to that mature moment in your life when tension has been conquered and disagreements have been quelled. Maybe, but you may want to look again.

If you have accomplished even one of the above, you have earned lots of credit . And, what’s great is that you can move on to the next level with greater ease and likelihood of success. Reviewing why you are together in a relationship is an important first step in determining how to keep tranquility and serenity a part of it. Needing to be correct or right about most issues is a destructive influence within a relationship. Learning to be able to back