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The Hidden Epidemic: How Loneliness and Isolation Affect Aging Loved Ones As our loved ones age,…

The Hidden Epidemic:…

The Hidden Epidemic: How Loneliness and Isolation Affect Aging Loved Ones As our loved ones age, they may face new challenges that impact their well-being. Among the most overlooked yet serious concerns are loneliness and social isolation. While these issues may seem like mere inconveniences, research shows they can have profound effects on both physical and Mental Health. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life fo…

Dating, Intimacy, and Aging Dating, Intimacy, and Aging: Embracing Love and Connection at Every Stage of Life …

Dating, Intimacy, an…

Dating, Intimacy, and Aging Dating, Intimacy, and Aging: Embracing Love and Connection at Every Stage of Life  As we age, society often sends the message that dating and intimacy are behind us—but nothing could be further from the truth. Love, connection, and intimacy remain vital components of life, regardless of age. In fact, exploring romantic Relationships in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can pro…

Pay Attention to Red Flags As our population ages, it's essential to understand and address elder maltreatment, a serious issue that can t…

Pay Attention to Red…

Pay Attention to Red Flags As our population ages, it's essential to understand and address elder maltreatment, a serious issue that can take many forms, from physical abuse to neglect and financial exploitation. At the same time, supporting the autonomy of older adults is equally vital. But where do we draw the line between respecting personal choices and recognizing signs of abuse or self-neglect? This delicate balance requires careful consideration, compassion, and timely intervention. …

  No one wants to talk about aging, I get it. While I …

  …

  No one wants to talk about aging, I get it. While I understand the reluctance, I also know that eventually, you will be forced to face the fact that you are growing older. Aging is inevitable, and we’re all heading in the same direction. Some paths are smooth, some bumpy, and for others it feels like you’ve been thrown off a boat without a life preserver.   …

Join me as I delve into the rich tapestry of life experiences shared by older adults. Through heartfelt interviews, I uncover tales of resilience, wisdom, and triumph. Each story is a testament to the…

Join me as I delve i…

Join me as I delve into the rich tapestry of life experiences shared by older adults. Through heartfelt interviews, I uncover tales of resilience, wisdom, and triumph. Each story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, offering insights and inspiration for all generations.

New Title I’m April Ibarra. Gerontologist and speaker and Aging Advisor know for my sassy approach to aging. …

New Title …

New Title I’m April Ibarra. Gerontologist and speaker and Aging Advisor know for my sassy approach to aging. I first fell in love with older adults when I was nineteen years old and began teaching Exercise classes in a Nursing home. My entire career has been dedicated to helping others age well and now I that I am an older woman I am even more determined to help others on their journey. …

Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation H…

Contact me …

Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation Helpful Resources: Long-Distance Caregiving: How Can I Help if I’m Far Away? | National Institute on Aging Handbook for Long-Distance Caregivers - Family Caregiver Alliance

When Your Aging Loved One is in Crisis When an aging loved one experiences a crisis, it can be a stressful and overwhelming time …

When Your Aging Love…

When Your Aging Loved One is in Crisis When an aging loved one experiences a crisis, it can be a stressful and overwhelming time for families. Whether it’s a sudden health decline, an unexpected hospitalization, or a significant change in their living situation, knowing how to respond effectively is crucial. A care manager can provide invaluable support during these challenging times, ensuring that your loved one receives the best possible care while helping to alleviate the stress on family members. …

A Guide for Families As our loved one's age, navigating the complexities of their health and well-being can become increasingly challengin…

A Guide for Families…

A Guide for Families As our loved one's age, navigating the complexities of their health and well-being can become increasingly challenging. From managing chronic conditions to ensuring they receive the best possible care; families often find themselves in need of guidance and support. This is where a care manager can make a significant difference. Key Challenges Families Face Ma…

Your Aging Advisor Can Help As our loved one's age, family dynamics can become more complex. Balancing the needs and preferences of aging …

Your Aging Advisor C…

Your Aging Advisor Can Help As our loved one's age, family dynamics can become more complex. Balancing the needs and preferences of aging family members with those of other family members often requires careful navigation and support. An Aging Advisor can play a crucial role in facilitating this process, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met with compassion and understanding. Understanding Family Dynamics …

Key Aspects of Aging in Place Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live in their own homes and communities safely, inde…

Key Aspects of Aging…

Key Aspects of Aging in Place Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live in their own homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. This concept emphasizes maintaining one’s quality of life and independence while staying in familiar surroundings. Key Aspects of Aging in Place: Safety …

Sex and the City In 1998, the world met four extraordinary women: Carrie Bra…

Sex and the City …

Sex and the City In 1998, the world met four extraordinary women: Carrie Bradshaw , Samantha Jones , Miranda Hobbes , and Charlotte York …

A Love Letter to Pablo Once upon a time, in the autumn of life, I found myself standing at the crossroads of love. Divorced twice, I carri…

A Love Letter to Pab…

A Love Letter to Pablo Once upon a time, in the autumn of life, I found myself standing at the crossroads of love. Divorced twice, I carried the weight of past heartaches and the wisdom of years gone by. But at 50, something shifted within me. I was ready to embrace love once more, not as a desperate seeker, but as a hopeful wanderer. In the digital realm of match.com, I stumbled upon Pablo. His profile didn’t set my heart racing, but I decided to give it a chance. Af…

It was 1983 and I was smoking a cigarette and pounding beers with my friends while I perused the want ads looking for my future. At nineteen my life was a blank slate and anything was possible. My fut…

It was 1983 and I wa…

It was 1983 and I was smoking a cigarette and pounding beers with my friends while I perused the want ads looking for my future. At nineteen my life was a blank slate and anything was possible. My future was unclear but I knew I didn't want to be a career waitress like Donna, my Mother. There were several other jobs I knew I didn't want which included maid, custodian, factory worker, bank teller, and meter maid. John, my stepfather, suggested the meter maid option. He encouraged me to take a civil service test and apply for a solid and secure job. I didn't do well on the test and I was relieve…

My husband had been planning his Retirement for about a year. After thirty-three years of successfully climbing the corporate ladder he was carefully planning his exit. His last assignment moved us to…

My husband had been …

My husband had been planning his retirement for about a year. After thirty-three years of successfully climbing the corporate ladder he was carefully planning his exit. His last assignment moved us to Cape Girardeau, MO and it nearly killed both of us. Me from the sheer desperation of small time life and him because the work pressure and corporate dynamics wore him to the ground. We escaped back to Cincinnati last year and I was thrilled when he announced he would retire June 30, 2023. I planned to keep working with the end goal of joining him soon. I fantasized about freedom and the ability t…

Psycho pal for life! One of the greatest things about being a woman is friendships. Not just acquaintances but deep, intense and …

Psycho pal for life!…

Psycho pal for life! One of the greatest things about being a woman is friendships. Not just acquaintances but deep, intense and personal relationships with women who often know you better than yourself. Those women who hold you up, put you in your place, and make you belly laugh so hard that your sides hurt and you pee yourself. Those are my people. Those are my pals.  I just finished watching Firefly …

I was never the type of woman who longed for children, and I never understood the incredible lengths some women go to just to have their own child. It’s admirable but it was never my path. To be hon…

I was never the type…

I was never the type of woman who longed for children, and I never understood the incredible lengths some women go to just to have their own child. It’s admirable but it was never my path. To be honest, I never really thought about children because I was way too busy surviving. Working, scraping, and trying to get ahead. I knew I wanted more in life than what my young realities offered, and I was willing to hustle to push forward. At seventeen I ended up pregnant and alone and that same month I found out my biological father wasn’t the man on my birth certificate. Instead, my real father h…

Not the gift I expected for my fifty-ninth Today I celebrate my life. Fifty nine years ago my mother Donna arrived at Mercy hospital in a …

Not the gift I expec…

Not the gift I expected for my fifty-ninth Today I celebrate my life. Fifty nine years ago my mother Donna arrived at Mercy hospital in a taxi. No husband or insurance. No prenatal care and apparently no plan. Maybe I started living in survival mode the day I was born. I had a mother with no plan and a father who was nowhere in the picture. Reflecting back it’s no surprise I became a fighter.  Each year on this date I take time to reflect on where I’ve been and pause to …

I’ve always been fiercely independent and I don’t intend to change. Not now and certainly not as I grow older. I like being in charge of my life, …

I’ve always been f…

I’ve always been fiercely independent and I don’t intend to change. Not now and certainly not as I grow older. I like being in charge of my life, don't you? When I was young my circumstances forced me to fend for myself and I am thankful for that. It made me strong and capable. These are two characteristics that I have found very useful in life. I have however learned to appreciate the kindnes…

I was way behind on the Yellowstone obsession but I made up for that over the holiday season. Th…

I was way behind on …

I was way behind on the Yellowstone obsession but I made up for that over the holiday season. Thank you everyone for insisting that I get on board and binge immediately. It took me a few episodes to get hooked, but I realized this is not a show you passively watch while scrolling online. You have to spend time with the characters in the beauty of Montana, a place I need to see before I die. Now I see what all the fuss is about. I was com…

A Boomer's Point of View Little Whiners I was listening to Meg…

A Boomer's Point of …

A Boomer's Point of View Little Whiners I was listening to Megyn Kelly today. She hosts a talk show and podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show , that airs live daily on SiriusXM. (She is one of my daily sources for what’s going on in the world.) She wasn’t shy about her irritation with a group of NYU students who apparently complained that their organic chemistry professo…

A guide for women of all ages I got divorced for the second time in 2000, and Sex and the City became my guide to navigate being…

A guide for women of…

A guide for women of all ages I got divorced for the second time in 2000, and Sex and the City became my guide to navigate being a single woman in her forties. I don’t remember dating much when I was younger (I was too busy trying to survive), but I made up for that in my forties. From an early age, I was boy crazy and I still am. I remember my first crush in the 4th grade. Ricky Cannon was sweet and funny. A combination I’m still a sucker for. I remember holding hands at the movie theater. I was smitten and that’s h…

Simple moments in a noisy world Magical Excursions I was on a flight to …

Simple moments in a …

Simple moments in a noisy world Magical Excursions I was on a flight to California when I discovered the film A Love Song . Four hours with no distractions or interruptions is a rare treat for me, and being stuck in the clouds always makes me reflective. I can be romantic that way. I am normally in constant motion so being forced to sit allows me to spend time in my head. A da…

How I met my father   I first heard about PK (Paul Kenneth) Hubbard when I was seventeen and pregna…

How I met my father …

How I met my father   I first heard about PK (Paul Kenneth) Hubbard when I was seventeen and pregnant. I was heading into my senior year of high school with a broken heart and a big girl problem. Finding myself pregnant was devastating, but the real kick in the head came when I learned that PK was my biological father and he had just died in a car accident. Growing up I was told that my father was William Carpenter, a soldier who died in the Vietnam war. Husband to Donna and father to Jeff and …

And Life Will Be Gravy I was a people pleaser for most of my life. As a young woman I thought it was an admirable trait but in my fourth d…

And Life Will Be Gra…

And Life Will Be Gravy I was a people pleaser for most of my life. As a young woman I thought it was an admirable trait but in my fourth decade of life I realized it was a disease that was slowly killing me. The disease to please. It was a learned behavior that was handy for growing up with an alcoholic mother who had a quick temper and short fuse. But, after marrying another alcoholic, I finally acknowledged my own illness. My choices had contributed to my disastrous state of mind and I had to rescue myself.  …

Enjoy Life While You Can Just Passing Through   …

Enjoy Life While You…

Enjoy Life While You Can Just Passing Through   If you are like the millions, including myself, you may have seen the last episode of This is Us . I was in the midst of moving, hopefully for the last time (ok maybe not the last time, but hopefully not for many, many years). I have moved seven times in the last ten years and I am r…

An ENTJ falls in love and moves to Missouri I had never heard of Cape Girardeau, Missouri until Pablo asked me to marry him. I …

An ENTJ falls in lov…

An ENTJ falls in love and moves to Missouri I had never heard of Cape Girardeau, Missouri until Pablo asked me to marry him. I was in love and even though it wasn’t the first time, I was certain he was the real deal, and the man for me. One month after we met, he asked me to take the Myers-Briggs assessment. I had done a million personality profiles during my sales career to assure I was the right candidate for the jo…

Am I the only one struggling? Can I be honest?   I remember…

Am I the only one st…

Am I the only one struggling? Can I be honest?   I remember exactly where I was when Elvis died. I was thirteen years old, and I didn’t have a strong opinion on Elvis, but in 1977 his death was a huge deal. For a moment, the world stopped as people mourned and memorialized the legend. I clearly remember where I was the morning of September 11, 2001. Who doesn’t? I was working at Deaconess Hospital hosting an educational forum for health care professio…

We all need a little hard truth in our life I’d never heard of Dr. Laura until the night she guided me from Missouri to Cincinnati. I ha…

We all need a little…

We all need a little hard truth in our life I’d never heard of Dr. Laura until the night she guided me from Missouri to Cincinnati. I had received an eerie and surprising call from my stepfather John. He was frantic, his voice was haunting, and he frightened me. I was planning a trip home to celebrate Donna’s (my mother) birthday in a week, so I was shocked by his call. He pleaded for me to come home. He told me he couldn’t take care of my mother anymore and wanted me to find a nursing home for her right way. I didn’t bother…

How will you celebrate your life this year? Fifty-eight years ago, my mother (Donna) took a cab to Mercy hospital because she was having a…

How will you celebra…

How will you celebrate your life this year? Fifty-eight years ago, my mother (Donna) took a cab to Mercy hospital because she was having a baby and walking wasn’t an option. No one in our family had a car which didn’t matter because she never learned to drive. Yellow cab to the rescue. When I was younger, I used to tell people that I was born in a taxi. I don't know why I liked that lie because my start in life was already interesting without exaggerating. Donna didn’t have a husband or a doctor. There was no prenatal care, ba…

"Your learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together." Anthony Bourdain  It was Friday night and I had an hour to transform mys…

"Your learn a lot ab…

"Your learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together." Anthony Bourdain  It was Friday night and I had an hour to transform myself from my day job to my next job. I fixed my makeup, sprayed up my hair and put on my uniform; black velvet shorts, suspenders, large silver hoops, boots and black stockings. I didn’t work at TGIF and I wasn’t a hooker. I was a waitress at Jakes Great America Cafe, a local Cajun café. Jakes was a local spot and the food was a whole lot better than its strip mall appearance would lead you to…

At eighteen I had no plan and this totally shocks me. How in the hell did I get to my high school graduation, class of 1982 with no plan? That’s just not like me. I don’t even remember what I was …

At eighteen I had no…

At eighteen I had no plan and this totally shocks me. How in the hell did I get to my high school graduation, class of 1982 with no plan? That’s just not like me. I don’t even remember what I was thinking that last year of high school. I imagine I was on auto pilot, putting one foot in front of the other until I was out the door. I know I wasn’t thinking of the future. I had no role models to follow, no mentor to show me the way, and no clue what was ahead of me. I was not prepared. I had been taking care of myself since I was twelve and it never occurred to me that I should be planning …