Our Community Blog
A Collector’s Dilemma: Balancing the Past, Present and Future
Have you ever thought about all the objects you own – and why you keep them? At different times in our lives, most of us sort through, re-arrange and discard old things to make room for new. Researchers say we practice “mastery of possessions” in order to gain a sense of control over our lives.
The Joy of Volunteering to Visit People With Alzheimer’s
I arrived for my first half day of volunteering to visit three ladies with Alzheimer’s at Brookdale Senior Living’s Clare Bridge memory care facility near my home in Overland Park, Kansas. Carolyn, my first lady to see, was sitting in the lobby with three other residents. I went up to her, introduced myself, and told
Hearing loss – America’s Silent and Growing Epidemic
Hearing loss is America’s silent epidemic. It can have a more negative impact on the quality of life than obesity, diabetes, strokes or even cancer. Yet according to an AARP survey, more people report having gotten colonoscopies than hearing tests. Hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, falls and depression. It is also a
In Search of Wise Role Models
Now that I’m in my 60’s, I have been feeling the need for better role models – truly wise people who serve as guides for how to live consciously and sustainably on planet earth. In our digital age, when news, opinions and images from around the world are available 24 hours a day, more people
The Caregiver’s Bill of Rights
While being a caregiver for a loved one can be rewarding, there are times when caring for another can be trying and stressful. As a caregiver, you are important, so take the necessary time to care for your own well-being. Caregivers do have rights – lots of them. I have the right: To take care
Bank Support
Test your knowledge about banking! What is a trust checking account and how do you open one? What happens when your account goes negative? How can you deposit a personal check from another person into your account? For quick answers to these pressing questions, learn more from Alex, your banking expert. Question: What is a
A Hug Says It All – 5 Reasons to Hug Your Loved One as Often as Possible
One day when I was at a care facility visiting my loved one, one of the best aides in the whole place—Angel—dropped by. “I was just wondering if you need anything,” she said. What a wonderful facility, I thought. Then she sat down beside him on the sofa and put her arm around his shoulder.
A Smile Can Change Everything: Research Proves It!
Yesterday when I was making a deposit at the bank, I was lost in thought as I approached the teller. And it was not the most pleasant thought either. I must have had an unhappy look on my face. I was caught by surprise when the teller smiled at me and asked in a cheerful
Storytelling And The Pipe Of Peace
“But how could you live and have no story to tell? Fyodor Dostoevsky, “White Nights” “It’s like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.” Patrick Rothfuss, Author “Before talking of holy things, we prepare
The Spirit Of Christmas
This year, more than any year in memory, I am looking forward to the emotions of Christmas. The familiar mix of carols, laughter of grandkids, trees, festive food, presents, Santa on every corner, and the warmth of peace on earth and goodwill toward others. ….I awake from my daydreaming and know it is not to