The Joys of My Hipster Dog Park

I was new to a transitioning Washington, D.C. neighborhood when I adopted two rescue puppies in 2015; Tennessee Williams and Hudson River were their formal names. They found a home with me in my urban oasis, a quiet enclave in the District, lined with … Continue reading

A Conversation About Dating in Midlife

Dating in midlife and beyond is daunting, especially for someone who hasn’t done if for a while. However, for both newbies and longtime singles, there are skills, strategies, tips and techniques that can help ease what can be an awkward experience. Bef… Continue reading

Addressing Loss on Social Media

When Carla Sofka’s mother died just before Thanksgiving 2017, Sofka didn’t immediately post the news on social media. She was busy planning the funeral, making travel arrangements and getting an obituary ready for the weekly newspaper in her mother’s c… Continue reading

Remembering Woodstock 50 Years Later

“There we were all in one place/A generation lost in space …” Don McLean, “American Pie”  “Judy Blue Eyes,” “Somebody to Love,” “With a Little Help from my Friends”— I’ve been singing these and other late-1960s songs over and over, to memorize the harm… Continue reading

Creating a New Life as a Widow

After losing my husband 10 years ago, I joined a bereavement group. At the final session, a few of us decided to meet monthly for lunch. Perfect for me, because for the first time in my life, I had no friends who lived nearby. I’d just left an all-cons… Continue reading

It’s Never Too Late to Learn How to Ride a Horse

Have you always dreamed of riding a horse, maybe even owning one? Do you finally have the time and money to turn your dream into a reality? Whatever your age, it’s never too late to slip your foot into a stirrup and mount up. Burt Schwab, 61, of Middle… Continue reading

Delivering Healthy Options to Food Deserts

(Editor’s Note: This month, Next Avenue will be focusing on healthy food options, community gardening and other topics in a series of four stories, “A Healthy Harvest.” This is the first in the series.) In many large cities across the country, it seems… Continue reading

OPINION: Don’t Call Me ‘Young Lady’

The strapping blond’s smile glinted as he handed me my boarding pass and luggage sticker. “There you go, young lady!” I gritted my teeth. Paused, holding the tip. “Look,” I said, “that doesn’t apply.” His mouth opened, but I went on: “Wait, no, I know … Continue reading

Overcoming Intimacy Challenges After 50

(Editor’s Note: In April, we asked Next Avenue readers to submit their questions about dating and relationships after 50. We received many thoughtful inquiries that touched on a wide range of topics. This story is another in our six-part series called … Continue reading

An Artist Displays ‘Serious Whimsy’

Part of the VITALITY ARTS SPECIAL REPORT A rooster sports a tower of vegetables on his head; a deer is adorned with Jack-in-the-Pulpits; blue jays and robins don weedy fascinators; a cardinal goes undercover in a mask made from seeds; a lamb is outfitt… Continue reading