Monthly Archives: May 2013

Does It Matter If You Look Old?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Our appearance changes as we age (just not much if you’re Dolly Parton).  Most of us past midlife know we look different, but haven’t entirely made our peace with our changing looks.  Some wrinkles are OK, a little graying, but … Continue reading →

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Becoming Curmudgeonly: Progress Report

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

The Merrian-Webster Online Dictionary defines “curmudgeon” as “a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man.”  A particular passion among curmudgeons is to talk about the sorry state of the world today.  Things are not as good as they used to be, whether in the … Continue reading →

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Could You Be Happy With ALS?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Nancy Perry Graham of AARP wrote a few months ago about sustaining happiness in middle and late adulthood.  She asked three middle-aged or elderly friends who were clearly happy with life what each though was responsible for their positive mood.  As she … Continue reading →

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In case you’re wondering if you live on ….

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Originally posted on All those days that came and went …:
Dear Mom, In case you’re wondering how, or even if, you live on in our lives — I wanted to reassure you that the seeds you so carefully sowed all…

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“Wish I’d Had the Courage to Live a Life True to Myself”

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Bronnie Ware, a nurse who for years gave palliative care for terminally ill adults, has described the top five regrets that her patients expressed.  I wrote earlier about the regrets of older adults, so I was interested in the items on … Continue reading →

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Depression in Older Adults: Treatment

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

This is the last of a series of posts about depression in older adults.  The first post was on symptoms; the next two (here and here) were on causes.  This post is about treatment. Since depression in the elderly may be difficult to distinguish … Continue reading →

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Older Adults Month

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

May is Older Adults Month, per government proclamation.  This is a tradition; the site for the federal Administration on Aging states that “Every year since 1963, May has been a month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of … Continue reading →

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