Tag Archives: older adults

Preparing for an Aging Population

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

A recent USA Today article by Sharon Jayson considers whether the country is prepared for the tremendous increase in the number of seniors that will occur in the next few decades.  Not surprisingly, Jayson concludes:  “Despite some pockets of progress, … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“I Wish I Didn’t Work So Hard”

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Earlier I described the list of top regrets of the dying compiled by former hospice caregiver Bronnie Ware.  In that post I considered the first such regret, namely that many dying people wish they had lived a life true to themselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Psyche | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spirituality for Life’s Second Half

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

A book that I’ve been reflecting on since reading it a few months ago is  Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr.  We humans think about and experience spiritual realities differently as we mature, and Rohr offers a valuable perspective … Continue reading →

Posted in Psyche, Resources, Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Medicare Options

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

As I recently wrote, I am now covered by Medicare.  Lou Wislocki of Wislocki Insurance did an excellent job of teaching me the ins and outs of the Medicare program.  I asked him if he would be willing to provide a summary … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Older Adults Are Entering Psychotherapy in Larger Numbers

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

For years, the mental health community has viewed older adults as being unwilling to enter psychotherapy for emotional problems.  The thinking has been that greater receptivity would only occur when baby boomers entered older adulthood in large numbers.  However, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Psyche, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Interview: Pastoral Care for Older Adults

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Because of their health problems and limited mobility, my parents haven’t been able to attend their church for several years.  I have been impressed by how effectively the church—LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, in Grand Rapids, Michigan—has provided pastoral care … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources, Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Caregiver Guilt: It’s Not All Bad

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

It is common for adults who provide care for family members to experience guilt.  I talked recently to Jeannie, a woman who assists with cooking, managing medications, and shopping for her octogenarian mother.  As she got ready to leave her … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, Psyche | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Getting Medicare: The Boring Details

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

I am covered by Medicare insurance as of today.   Last year, I quit my full-time position as a faculty member at Methodist University, and thereby lost my health insurance.  I could have continued with the Methodist U. plan using COBRA, (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation … Continue reading →

Posted in Body, Culture | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Body, Culture, Relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Culture, Psyche | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments