We’ve all read the stories or had a personal experience with not being allowed to see loved ones who are in the hospital, a nursing home, or assisted living facility. Especially heart wrenching is not being able to gather around when a loved one is dying or to honor them afterward.
Most of the time I think I’m doing ok, even better than ok. I don’t really mind staying home and have plenty of projects to keep me busy and opportunities to connect with other people. But out of the blue, I can suddenly feel almost overwhelming sadness and despair. One minute the sun is shining and the next, it’s a downpour.
Bill Saltzer lives in Maine and the rest of his family is scattered around the country. Seeing each other in person was already difficult. but because of COVID-19, it’s now an impossibility. His son tells about the challenges of trying to stay connected.
Everybody has a story to tell about how they are coping with the pandemic. This one comes from my brother-in-law Russ, who writes that among other things, riding his bike and creating art help keep him on firm ground.
My nephew and his family live in New York City, where streets usually crowded with vehicles and people are now empty and quiet. They’ve been isolated at home for several weeks now, with no end in sight. Their usual routines don’t work anymore, so together, they’ve built some new ones.
She’s got a lilt in her voice and a twinkle in her eyes. The time flew by as I sat and talked with Ann Quinlan for the latest conversation about aging. She’s certainly not going to let a few decades (like about eight) get in the way of her enjoying life to its fullest. Settle in for some stories.
When World War II ended, Alma Thomas was living and working in New York City. While she didn’t witness the iconic picture of the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square, she says everyone was celebrating and hugging each other. She moved from New York to Maine and later traveled around the world with her late husband. Now Alma is 96 and back in Maine with lots of stories to share with us.
It may be a cliché, but life does have its ups and downs. That’s certainly been true for Loring Newcomb, who prefers to be called Bob. He says if he could go back in time, he might change a few things. He’d change some things right now, too. At 94, he’s pretty active, but he says he’s often lonely. Hear Bob’s story in the latest episode of Conversations About Aging.
Lavon Harris is grateful to have lived as long as she has — 100 years!
She considers herself healthy, happy, and also sad because you can’t live without some sadness in your heart. She shares her joys and her sadness in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude for all that we have. To enjoy a feast of food and loved ones. BUT too much food, too much family, and too little activity can make us feel just the opposite. Here’s some expert advice for surviving the day and the rest of the holidays.
