Companionship

The novelist Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “Loneliness is and always has been the central and inevitable experience of every man.” While that may be true, and many, if not most of us, experience loneliness at some point in our lives, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy experience or one without…

If you know, you know. That is, if you’re a pet owner (dog, cat, or other), having a pet in your life is usually a non-negotiable, deeply pleasurable experience (while not denying the responsibilities of pet ownership). The dilemma is, for those of us getting on in years, owning and…

For many, the approach of Valentine’s Day does not necessarily include a romantic interlude with your honey, but rather an opportunity to express your love and affection for your “Galentine,” that is, a moment dedicated to expressions of love and gratitude for deep friendships. As Euripides once said, “One loyal…

It’s no surprise to learn that hearing loss affects many- if not most- as we get older. According to a recent article in the Annual Review of Public Health, the number of older adults who experience hearing loss, and the severity of that loss, can increase dramatically the older you…

There’s no doubt that today’s technology is a double-edged sword. It allows us to meet new people, sustain long-distance relationships, and explore new possibilities, all at our fingertips. Never before has such a breadth and depth of knowledge and opportunities been so accessible to so many. Yet at the same…

The headlines are jarring, heralding a crisis that already exists for all too many of us. Aging solo, whether you’re single, a widow or widower, divorced, without children or close relatives, or estranged from loved ones, is a tough row to hoe, especially as costs are rising, affordable and appropriate…