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Tips for Talking Health and Finances with Parents

Sooner or later, adult children need to talk to their aging parents about their medical, financial and legal affairs. You are probably saying to yourself, "How about later?"  While it may not be the easiest conversation, the inescapable truth is that the responsibility for parents' care, ensuring that their wishes are carried out, and the disposition of personal affairs will ultimately be yours. Before you choose to wait just a little longer, here are seven tips for successfully approaching these sensitive private matters

ElderChicks: Comments from "Life Masters"

When you read the new blog, ElderChicks.org, the words "feisty", "funny", "smart", and "creative" will immediately come to mind to describe the women who are sharing their ideas and experiences. Created by two septuagenarians, this blog is a "virtual community of women living full lives and adapting to the rapid changes in the world, well past the time their parents would have imagined." Check it out... and join the conversation.

If Mick Jagger Can Do It...

The term "ageism" was coined in 1968 by Robert Butler, a gerontologist who wanted to call attention to the way society discriminates against the old. While he was a great example of the productivity, vigor, and intellectual curiosity of many older adults (working until 3 days before his death at 83), he would not have been a fan of those who think successful aging is acting 20 at the age of 65. This New York Times article questions whether being as active as you once were is the best measure of successful aging.

"Getting Around Guide" Now Available

You know all about the health benefits of walking...gas prices keep rising...and what about that bike sitting in your basement? Isn't it time to give it a whirl?  Coming of Age founding partner, AARP, is now offering the "The Getting Around Guide" to help you put your knowledge and good intentions to use by encouraging walking, biking, and taking public transportation -- with additional information on alternate methods of getting around. To order a copy, call 1-888-OUR-AARP or click here for an online copy.

Never Too Old for Creativity

In this commentary in the New York Times, the author reflects on his interest in "late bloomers" whose creativity has peaked in their middle to late age. He offers a number of compelling examples: Filmmaker John Huston, Actor/Director Clint Eastwood, Senator Ted Kennedy, and author Joan Didion, to name a few. This homage to second-act aces inspires ... and confirms what we know about how experience, constant experimenting, and perserverance can help creativity emerge during all stages of life.

Show Me the Newspaper!

More than 25% of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to new research by AARP. And almost half of those 50 to 64 say that they feel very comfortable using the Internet. Social networking is "in" with the older set, especially boomers. But, some habits die hard.  Print newspapers and magazines are still the preferred source for news for this population with only one percent reading blogs.

CNN Recognizes People Making a Difference

CNN is looking for "everyday people who are changing the world" to be recognized by its 2010 CNN Heroes award.  People are asked to nominate someone they know who is doing something extraordinary to help others. The top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel, will be honored at an All Star Tribute hosted by Anderson Cooper and introduced by a celebrity presenter. They will each receive $25,000, with $100,000 going to the winner. To learn about one of last year's winners, click here. Nominations must be submitted by August 1st. 

Don't Worry, Be Happy

A large Gallup poll has found that by almost any measure, people get happier as they get older... and researchers are not sure why. This New York Times article examines the study and provides an overview of how people view life from 18 through the 80s. Life is at a high at 18, with happiness dropping through the middle years, only to rebound from 50 on. For people under 50, thinking about getting older is starting to look better!

Older Models Are In Fashion

If you ever considered being a model, now may be your time! With people 50+ looking younger, vital, and representative of a growing number of customers, there is a market for healthy, dynamic mature adults who can proudly wear their wrinkles and flaunt their age for a salary. Not only is this job good for the pocketbook, it's great for morale. Click here to learn more...

What's Up with Long-Term Marriages?

The announcement of Al and Tipper's separation has disturbed many age 50+ couples: is divorce rampant among the "long-married?" What does this mean for me; for my parents?  Statistics cited in this New York Times article show that the bulk of divorces in the United States are still between couples married 10 years or less.  But, a greater number of splits in the 40-and-more-years together crowd may be the result of this cohort's good fortune -- being healthier and more active, and unwilling to stay in a bad marriage when there are decades of good years left.