In November, I wrote about sarcopenia — muscle loss — and how it can negatively affect aging. This time, it’s about a second disease affecting older adults, osteoporosis — weak and brittle bones. These diseases can often occur together. When that happens, you can lose your independence — a major fear for seni...

The older I get — and I’m already pretty old — the more I think about transitions. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and don’t feel bad if you’re thinking about it, too. At our age, it’s important to understand that a transition is a word, phrase, sentence or group of sentences that relate a preceding...

One of the most lasting and wrenching transitions of my life was losing my brother Woody 30 years ago. I was 47 and Woody, my best friend and confidant, my ally, my teacher, was 54 when he died of complications from AIDS. Some of the light went out of my world. I always think of Woody at this time of year — h...

I’m so proud of our seniors, so many of whom showed up in the streets in front of the courthouse and elsewhere to participate in No Kings protests in 2025. We weren’t alone, but many of us were gray-haired and carried wonderful signs protesting the current political trends and violations of the rule of law. I...

“The old world is dying and the New World struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters.” — Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937), Italian communist imprisoned by Mussolini.

Too much global thinking without local knowledge, leadership and adjustment is failing us at home. It is way past time to expand our reliance on local community knowledge and action, particularly to improve local health care. One of the best examples of how local activism makes things happen is the 2024 reope...

To the Editor: As this New Year dawns, so also dawns that annual mental activity known as Making New Year’s Resolutions. For a number of years growing up, I would resolve to not get poison oak. It usually worked. Please allow me now to suggest a New Year’s Resolution for you to ponder and consider. It is call...

To John Heckel: I wanted to let you know how incredibly touched I’ve been by your columns about your caregiving journey with your wife, Janet. I’m moved practically beyond words at the love and strength you both share, and your commitment.

To the Editor: My fresh start and life-changing event started on the morning of April 25, 2024, although I didn’t realize it at the time. I became the victim of a violent crime when I was shot (twice) in the driveway of my home by someone completely unknown to me. I know how lucky I am to still be alive.

At the risk of causing a bit of depression I need to make a little confession Four days before I become six decades, I now will admit my memory fades, I’ve gained and lost a lot of my kin, I worry no one will call me cute again I am no longer considered a young girl, and my straight shiny hair is a dried up c...