Months ago, I extolled the value and virtues of a web site, www.nextavenue.org, that speaks to the realities faced by older adults. Here I want to repeat those positive feelings, and to invite you once again to consider how this unique web site might add to your well-being.
To repeat some background, Next Avenue is associated with Twin Cities Public Broadcasting in Minnesota. The organization characterizes itself as “public media’s first and only national journalism service for America’s booming older population. Our daily content delivers vital ideas, context and perspectives on issues that matter most as we age.”
My assessment of that description is that Twin Cities Public Broadcasting is being modest about its excellence. I’ve looked at scores of web- and print-based services and sites where the well-being of older adults is their stated mission. None come even close to the ways in which Next Avenue actually provides that assistance!
As a subscriber, I am always amazed at how almost every article seems to fit the realities that I regularly face. The coverage of possible subjects is broad and specific at the same time. As an aggregator of gerontological practical wisdom, Next Avenue finds practitioners and authors whose perspectives are up-to-date, whose advice is well-researched and whose tone is always hopeful and encouraging.
One important feature of the web-site: It’s written for both older adults and their caregivers. My quick estimate of the content I’ve seen over the years is that the majority of the content is aimed at family members and others who want to care for loved ones wisely. The authors at http://www.nextavenue.org seem always to be thinking at the front edge of older adulthood. No warmed-over ideas here!
To be truthful, there have been many moments in the writing of my blogs where I’ve wanted to tell you something like, “Hey, enough about my thoughts. If you really want to dig deep into this matter, visit www.nextavenue.org.”
Are there spiritual over- or under-tones in the writing? Sometimes yes. Those ideas and ideals are often implicit as Next Avenue writers do their best to dig into matters more personally. Intellectual and emotional honesty are hallmarks of their work.
I don’t want you just to take my word on this, though. Click on one of the links I’ve inserted into this blog and spend time scrolling through the articles that are posted there – new ones are added every day! Pick a subject that seems close to your experience—or your heart—and consider how the writer’s viewpoint could be useful to your life right now. (Or just click on this recent article about “living memorials”– https://www.nextavenue.org/tributes-before-loved-ones-die/.)
Once you’ve seen the value of www.nextavenue.org for your life, consider subscribing—it’s free—and supporting this organization’s work.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
