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Who are the forgotten people, and where are the forgotten places? Recently, I’ve written about my experiences working as a speech/language pathologist in a remote city in upstate New …

Who are the forgotte…

Who are the forgotten people, and where are the forgotten places? Recently, I’ve written about my experiences working as a speech/language pathologist in a remote city in upstate New York.  When I first traveled to this small town, I made no secret of the fact that because it seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere, there was nothing there. It was winter; it was bleak, cold, and deserted. As the months passed, and I continued to travel there for work every few weeks for a week or so, I began looking for places to eat. On one particular night, when I saw my …

It occurred to me that celebrating Earth Day is a perfect conclusion to Stress Awareness Month. Beyond “celebrating” or remembering Mother Earth, the planet on which we all live…

It occurred to me th…

It occurred to me that celebrating Earth Day is a perfect conclusion to Stress Awareness Month. Beyond “celebrating” or remembering Mother Earth, the planet on which we all live and to which we are all connected by walking on the same ground, connecting with the Earth can be a great stress reliever. It’s all around us and literally, right under our feet.  When we breathe there is a free exchange of gasses: we take in oxygen and release the carbon dioxide molecules. Plants on the other hand, absorb the carbon dioxide and release the oxygen. This is o…

Can Stress Be a Killer? The short answer is Yes. But it doesn't have to be.However, understanding the factors that lead to stress on the body and ultimately negatively impact your wellbeing, can hel…

Can Stress Be a Kill…

Can Stress Be a Killer? The short answer is Yes. But it doesn't have to be.However, understanding the factors that lead to stress on the body and ultimately negatively impact your wellbeing, can help you find ways to respond to stressful situations that lessen or mitigate the impact.We all experience challenges that cause us stress. It is part of the human experience. They are common to each one of us at one time or another.Can you relate to any of them?You are a member of what is commonly referred to as the Sandwich Generation; literally sandwiched between job, family responsibilities…

These two ideas may seem diametrically opposed. However, as an allied health professional, it struck me that humor has often been the one thing that has gotten my colleagues and me through some of the…

These two ideas may …

These two ideas may seem diametrically opposed. However, as an allied health professional, it struck me that humor has often been the one thing that has gotten my colleagues and me through some of the most serious situations. Do you recall the 1998 film Patch Adams?It was based on the book Gesundheit, translated to mean “Good Health is a Laughing Matter,” about the physician Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. Though the film oversimplifies Adam’s philosophy and activism, it presents the healing power that humor can bring to a situation or condition.  …

For the past several months, I have been consulting as a speech/language pathologist at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in a small upstate New York town. Initially, it seemed like the…

For the past several…

For the past several months, I have been consulting as a speech/language pathologist at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in a small upstate New York town. Initially, it seemed like the building was in the middle of nowhere…a small town that had likely seen better days. However, after a time, I realized it was a short distance from the nursing home Dr. Bill Thomas transformed and chronicled in his book “Life Worth Living.” A nursing home that offered a quality of life and quality of care unprecedented before that time. A transformation where people were surrou…

While I’ve always appreciated that you can learn from others, and especially older adults, which was informed and punctuated by my entire professional career in long term care, a recent experien…

While I’ve alw…

While I’ve always appreciated that you can learn from others, and especially older adults, which was informed and punctuated by my entire professional career in long term care, a recent experience highlights that point. I’m especially happy to be sharing this first story during Women’s History Month. I’ve been covering at a small long term care facility as a speech/language pathologist in a very remote area in upstate New York. Actually, it’s practically in the middle of nowhere. In its heyday it was a town of approximately 10,000, but with migrating bu…

I was thrilled when asked to participate in an International Women’s Day event representing the United States for the G100. It took me some time to determine the content of my present…

I was thrilled when …

I was thrilled when asked to participate in an International Women’s Day event representing the United States for the G100. It took me some time to determine the content of my presentation, and even as I made the decision, I wasn’t completely confident how it would apply to the event or the significance of the day. After all, people often ask me how I went from being a speech/language pathologist in nursing homes to being an advocate and spokesperson for the quality of life and quality of care that our eldest citizens receiveand Coaching people to develop s…

The other day a business associate asked how long I’ve been in my profession. After a few moments of pondering, I was astounded by my response. I received my Master of Science Degree in 1974.…

The other day a busi…

The other day a business associate asked how long I’ve been in my profession. After a few moments of pondering, I was astounded by my response. I received my Master of Science Degree in 1974.Oh my goodness!!!! I’m having my 50th year anniversary. As our conversation continued, as I often do, I passionately described my big vision film project to address the important issue of improving the value we place on older adults which ultimately affects the care and treatment they receive. My associate didn’t miss a beat when he poignantly said, “50 years for a spe…

"What are you hoping for in 2024?"  Is it better health, more wealth, more opportunities, more fulfilling relationships?I revisited a blog I wrote this time last year entitled: Who do you want …

"What are you hoping…

"What are you hoping for in 2024?"  Is it better health, more wealth, more opportunities, more fulfilling relationships?I revisited a blog I wrote this time last year entitled: Who do you want to be in 2023?That blog came to me after a conversation with a business acquaintance who was going through a serious health crisis. I called him Ben. His attitude was so unbelievably positive, his energy upbeat, his voice strong, his fortitude and determination palpable; I could almost feel it through the telephone. It wasn’t false positivity; it was heartfelt and genuine. I could sense it…

This week while consulting in a nursing home located in a rural area quite distant from where I live, I found myself thinking of my ex-husband on a memory care unit in a nursing home. This made the we…

This week while cons…

This week while consulting in a nursing home located in a rural area quite distant from where I live, I found myself thinking of my ex-husband on a memory care unit in a nursing home. This made the week that much more difficult. It seems that everything I’m seeing I’m feeling more intensely, especially as it relates to the medical conditions of the patient’s admitted. Most of the patients admitted are, at the very least overweight; but the greatest number probably fall into the category of being obese, and many morbidly obese. I commented to one of the nurses who t…

The past few weeks have been difficult. While work travel was tiring it was the personal situation on top of it that became stressful and exhausting. A situation that millions of people are experienci…

The past few weeks h…

The past few weeks have been difficult. While work travel was tiring it was the personal situation on top of it that became stressful and exhausting. A situation that millions of people are experiencing each day. The interesting fact is that I’m not the direct responsible party, In actuality, it’s my daughter, a full-fledged member of the Sandwich Generation. For the past several years, my ex-husband, her father, has been in physical and cognitive decline. My daughter, age 43 with 3 children and demanding job responsibilities, has been the central figure in hi…

Are you preparing for the New Year beyond those pesky resolutions? If not, here are a few things to consider from an infographic I saw on Linked In. I think it touches on key areas that are…

Are you preparing fo…

Are you preparing for the New Year beyond those pesky resolutions? If not, here are a few things to consider from an infographic I saw on Linked In. I think it touches on key areas that are not always considered when looking forward to the year ahead. Each of these areas is also an important ingredient to health and wellbeing. It takes awareness and mindfulness, which are foundational to taking intentional action to make changes. Reflect and CelebrateWhat have you accomplished this past year?Celebrate your accomplishments and the milestones you’ve a…

One dose of happiness.Most people probably would say they want to be happy or could be happier. Not easily achieved in our stressful, busy lives. But an emotional or psychological desire, happiness …

One dose of happines…

One dose of happiness.Most people probably would say they want to be happy or could be happier. Not easily achieved in our stressful, busy lives. But an emotional or psychological desire, happiness is an important ingredient in wellness.The facts are that happy people can be more productive or effective in their daily work and personal responsibilities.But can you just choose to be happier? Probably not. It may take applying some strategies which also take some effort.SMILE: One important ingredient to becoming happier.Can you think of one of the most paintings of all times that depi…

What is a super ager anyway? I’m sure you or, have heard others, describe an older adult by saying “they are sharp as a tack.” These people may also be referred to as Supe…

What is a super ager…

What is a super ager anyway? I’m sure you or, have heard others, describe an older adult by saying “they are sharp as a tack.” These people may also be referred to as Super Agers, people who live well into their 80s, 90’s, and even past 100, retaining their memory, ability to think clearly, and continue to be vibrant, active, productive and energetic. This without over-the-counter drugs, supplements or pharmacologic interventions. As said in the November 2023 AARP magazine, “Super Agers live longer, live stronger and enjoy life more.”…

December 24, 2023This morning, I read a New York Times article about the latest unrest in Iran which began with a fish market stall owner 70 years of age. He’s affectionately nicknamed “Bo…

December 24, 2023Thi…

December 24, 2023This morning, I read a New York Times article about the latest unrest in Iran which began with a fish market stall owner 70 years of age. He’s affectionately nicknamed “Booghy”. The derivation of the nickname comes from times when Mr. Bana Motejaded walked amongst stadium fans with a megaphone to get them energized. Though “Booghy” is no stranger to inspiring crowds, and whether-or not it was his intention, he has ignited a wave of music, singing and dancing across the country. Waving his arms and gyrating his hips outside his fish market has beco…

To its credit, the television industry has made some strides depicting older adults with purposeful, active lives. They are not only appealing to the older demographic which represents a tremendous s…

To its credit, the t…

To its credit, the television industry has made some strides depicting older adults with purposeful, active lives. They are not only appealing to the older demographic which represents a tremendous share of the economy, known as the longevity economy, now valued at $7.6 trillion, but it's also an attempt to change our perceptions of older people.But, up to now, the commercials I have seen have missed the mark.Older adults who say they take an over the counter drug to keep up with younger folks gives the impression that are becoming more forgetful, less capable, less energetic. To me it on…

The other evening I was watching TV when I saw a commercial that inspired me to write this blog. The actor unzipped a body bag revealing what seemed to be an engine that died. The words he uttered str…

The other evening I …

The other evening I was watching TV when I saw a commercial that inspired me to write this blog. The actor unzipped a body bag revealing what seemed to be an engine that died. The words he uttered struck me, " If he only called Car Shield before his car broke down."This reminded me that for the past several years I have been using the car as a metaphor for the body. For the most part, we take care of our cars to ensure they are running at the optimal level. We complete oil changes on schedule, check tire air pressure and have tires rotated, fill our windshield and radiator fluids, etc.I…

Since doing my TEDx talk, I’ve had many conversations about aging, especially after people have listened to the talk. I’ve also had been asked back to help out in long term care environmen…

Since doing my TEDx …

Since doing my TEDx talk, I’ve had many conversations about aging, especially after people have listened to the talk. I’ve also had been asked back to help out in long term care environments in my capacity as a speech and language pathologist which prompted me to give even more thought to the topic.The word FEAR came to mind. Looking at the word I pondered what the letters of the word FEAR would represent as an acronym as it relates to aging. This is what came to mind:F. E. A. R.F. Loss of FreedomE. Loss of Employment, Enjoyment, EnergyA. Loss of AutonomyR. Loss of R…