This trip around the calendar year, Easter shares its date with April Fools Day! That fact got me to thinking about this confluence of holidays, wondering about what that might mean. With these words comes my invitation for your thoughts on the subject. I really enjoy April Fools Day. Always have, always will—even into my later years. Show me a good prank—carefully chosen semi-sillinessMORE...
Previously I shared some thoughts about describing responsibilities as caregivers anticipate the needs of their frail elderly parents. In this entry, I approach the same question, this time from the viewpoint of an older adult who wants to invite adult children—or other caregivers—into a beginning conversation about my possible needs. The following personal observations and experiences come toMORE...
As you anticipate caring for a frail elderly person—or seeking care yourself—it may be wise to ask (and answer) the simple question, “Who will be in charge?” It makes sense to address this matter as part of elder care conversations now. Events in my life over the past two decades have sharpened that question and broadened possible answers. Consider this invitation to join in a two-partMORE...
One way some comedians can get you to laugh is by pretending to be angry. (Think Don Rickles or Lewis Black.) And it doesn’t take long for you to see through their faux-fury. You realize soon enough that part of their shtick is poking fun at anger itself. The joke is on perpetually angry people. It’s no joke, though, how you may being scammed by angry others. Not by those comedians. AndMORE...
Haven’t heard that one, hmmm? Perhaps because so much of the already-existing humor involving older folks is a lot more entertaining than this run-of-the-mill joke opener. In fact, you can enjoy older adult humor in daily newspaper comic strips—Brian Crane’s PICKLES () is my all-time favorite! Think of the working comedians who are themselves older adults. Comedic elder characters are a staple inMORE...
“If you see something, say something!” This mantra of public awareness and crime prevention spreads throughout our public spaces like an exclamation point that accentuates the other commandments of public virtue. Our society seems to agree: Alert citizens—including those of us are older—are watching AND are willing to raise their voices when they notice something that might be wrong. ItMORE...
At this time in life, I continue to seek profundity. In the ideas, thoughts and words that come my way, as well as the thoughts and words that I express. Perhaps you’ve thought the same: Wishing for spirituality, wisdom or life purpose that doesn’t float in the shallows of intellect, knowledge or honesty—like intellectual/spiritual flotsam and jetsam. Not always being satisfied with surfaceMORE...
It seems clear that tai chi is good for mind, body and spirit—especially for older folks who may not want to pump iron, run marathons or engage in other physical activity that might just be a little bit beyond their (physical) reach. What may be missing in these summary exhortations/invitations, though, are some further specifics about what tai chi does for someone who practices itMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.