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
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
Our oldest daughter Danielle was married earlier this summer in Westport, Conn., a beautiful June day marked by celebration, heartfelt toasts and more than a few joyful tears. As the mother of the bride, I worked closely with Danielle and her now-husba… Continue reading
Many Next Avenue readers are, or will be, stressed, worried and anxious figuring out what to do with their parents’ stuff. We know this because our 2017 story, “Sorry, Nobody Wants Your Parents’ Stuff” is our most-read, most-shared piece. And it led to… Continue reading
(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
If your extended family went away each summer to a cabin by the lake, a beach house or another special destination while you were growing up, you probably have a stable of vivid childhood memories: Gleefully swimming, hiking and playing board games wit… Continue reading
Group texts are a fast way for family, coworkers or far-flung friends to share news and make plans. In case you’ve never sent or received one, a group text connects people with some kind of affiliation to each other in some way to get the same text mes… Continue reading
Caregivers, both professional and personal, often suffer from compassion fatigue — a syndrome also known as “secondary trauma stress.” But navigating any close, personal relationship also can lead to emotional stress and burnout. As a self-described fo… Continue reading
Divorce is painful, sometimes necessary and often expensive. Just ask Kathleen James of Downers Grove, Ill., who divorced at 50 and says she “woefully underestimated the expense.” These days, a traditional divorce for a couple over 50 (with a house, re… Continue reading
When I got married for the first time 15 years ago, at 47, people asked me if it was going to be difficult to adjust to marriage because I was “set in my ways” or “used to so much freedom.” Those comments were disturbing, but I shrugged them off as jus… Continue reading