Blog
A Slice of Lime
I am in the emergency room talking with a frail older woman. She has hurt her back and is also having difficulty breathing. Her skin is the color of the sheets. A respiratory therapist puts Read more…
Aging in Society
Heart Speak
Last week I was invited to speak about death and dying to a group of young people (all under the age of 35). I had thought that younger people would not have so much experience Read more…
Blog
Meeting it Head On
A few years ago, I met an older man, a southern gentleman. We connected. But he told me, “You are a Buddhist. I would never use your services!” I was silent for a moment as my Read more…
Blog
Breakfast, a Book and a Broken Heart
“I just want a little bowl of cereal for breakfast,” an old woman says as she sits down at her breakfast table. She forgets, though, to let you know what goes with her cereal. Next to Read more…
Aging in Society
Conversations about Death and Dying
The other day I chatted with two friends. One mentioned a phenomena that is racing around the country called “Death Cafés.” The other friend asked, “Oh, is that where you go to kill yourself?” Then Read more…
Aging in Society
Reintegrating Our Elders
The following story was submitted by Annie in response to an article which I wrote for the Shambhala Times called “Receiving the Goodness of Our Elders.” Annie says: “I remember very vividly one of the Read more…
Blog
A Watchman, a Spy, and the Wisdom of an Elder
Spying is big these days. Bigger than looking for wisdom. But in my work with older people, I often get to do both. As Bob Atchley tells us, “ordinary sages” are all around. And this Read more…
Blog
The Worthiness of Our Elders
I’ve been away from writing for too long. But it was for a good reason. I was attending the wedding of my son, a happy time which made me think once more, “There is something basically Read more…
Blog
Not Rocket Science, But …
“If we can’t be where we are, we can’t feel. If we can’t feel, we are unable to appreciate and care, and our most human trait—the yearning to connect —-is confined. We are like a river that is Read more…
Aging in Society
Receiving the Goodness of our Elders
“Kindness cuts through isolation, fear, and aggression. All of us can remember moments of kindness that changed our day, at least—-and maybe our lives. When we relegate kindness to mere social courtesy, we are handicapping Read more…