Earlier this year, as thousands of older nursing home residents were dying of COVID-19, I wrote a post about how Americans view older adults. One of the things I noted is that Americans generally have a negative view of aging and the aged. We view aging as being synonymous with decline and apply a number of negative stereotypes to older … [Read more...] about How to Have a Positive Mindset About Aging
Reflecting on Life
7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
In Ecclesiastes, a short book in the Old Testament, a wise teacher states that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The longer I live, the more I see this statement validated. For example, four years ago I shared tips for having respectful conversations about politics because the political scene was volatile, with candidates … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
How to Avoid Falling for Urban Legends, Rumors, and Conspiracy Theories
The spread of misinformation is not a new phenomenon. However, because we have access to multiple tools (email, text messaging, social media, etc.) that quickly spread messages to numerous individuals, urban legends, rumors, and conspiracy theories spread more quickly and reach more individuals than they used to. These forms of … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Falling for Urban Legends, Rumors, and Conspiracy Theories
The Most Wonderful Things About Summer
Given the unexpected and challenging things we are facing this year, I have even greater appreciation for how the change in seasons provides stability. We’re still about a week from the official start of summer, but I’m thinking about it today. In many ways, summer can be miserable around here. I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, so our … [Read more...] about The Most Wonderful Things About Summer
Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
My husband and I have reflected several times over the last few weeks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a magnifying glass over numerous issues we have in our society. The pandemic hasn’t caused these issues, but it certainly has highlighted them. Among these issues is the way Americans perceive and treat our elderly. COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
We’ve had such a mild winter around here that I’m not particularly eager for spring’s arrival. Nevertheless, it’s about to begin. Like each of the other seasons, there are a number of unique things about spring that make it special. I’m going to enjoy these things, even if I feel unprepared for the warmer weather. The best things about … [Read more...] about The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
Why Do the Deaths of Public Figures Touch Us Deeply?
A few weeks ago my husband and I were watching the news. One of the main stories was the death of Kobe Bryant. As we watched video of fans placing flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, etc. at makeshift memorials for the famous basketball player, my husband asked me a really interesting question. He asked why people were so affected by his … [Read more...] about Why Do the Deaths of Public Figures Touch Us Deeply?
2019 Year in Review
I often hear folks say that time passes more quickly as they get older. I’m convinced this is true! It feels to me that every year flies by more quickly than the last. Somehow we’re at the end of 2019! I’m taking a few minutes to reflect on this past year. Winter As happens pretty much every year, I started the New Year with many … [Read more...] about 2019 Year in Review
