Married? Widow? Whatever

I was sitting in the office of a new doctor, which is to say, I was filling out a lot of paperwork. There were blank boxes that required my health insurance information. Columns of medical conditions that required Yes/No responses to document my health… Continue reading

Is There a Movie Audience Age Gap at the Oscars?

After years of declining ratings and a series of botched proposed changes to the ceremony, the Oscars, airing Sunday, February 24, are desperate for some attention. But where will that attention come from? As an NPR film critic who watched some of the … Continue reading

Speaking Her Students’ Language

My career has been a series of starts, stops and turns. In my 20s, I aggressively pushed myself toward success as a journalist for trade and consumer publications. By my early 30s, I poured my energies into being an occasional freelance writer and stay… Continue reading

Have You Hugged a Donkey Today?

You’ll find most horses and donkeys on a ranch or a farm, but it’s possible that you may also see them visiting nursing homes, senior living communities and even schools. As the benefits of equine therapy are becoming more widely known, more people are… Continue reading

Today’s Boomer Dress Code for Women: Subtle Style

On the Lifetime reality show Married at First Sight, contestants trust Pepper Schwartz enough to allow her to choose a spouse for them. The noted sociologist, bestselling author and relationship expert has plenty of confidence about pairing strangers f… Continue reading

Next Avenue Readers On What Love Looks Like

Unexpected love, unplanned separation and the caring bonds created by family are just some themes of the love stories shared recently by Next Avenue readers. We received many lovely contributions, more than we are able to spotlight here, so thank you t… Continue reading

Next Avenue Readers Tell Us What Love Looks Like

Unexpected love, unplanned separation and the caring bonds created by family are just some themes of the love stories shared recently by Next Avenue readers. We received many lovely contributions, more than we are able to spotlight here, so thank you t… Continue reading

My Love for a Little Red Miata

(Editor’s Note: Last year, Next Avenue featured a story on the Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops, based in Louisville, Ky., called  Where Older Adults Write Their Own Stories. One of the writers profiled was Judith Conn. In honor of Valentine’s Day, … Continue reading

After 50, Attitude Is Everything

(Editor’s Note: In  50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, author Maria Leonard Olsen explores ways women can reinvigorate their lives and write new chapters. She tried 50 things in the year she turned 50, in a quest to find joy and auth… Continue reading

Switching Roles in Retirement

Recently, packages that I hadn’t ordered began arriving at our doorstep. A digital kitchen timer, a set of measuring spoons, a vegetable peeler. It’s true our ancient kitchen tools have seen better days, but I never thought of replacing them until my h… Continue reading