Gazette Mature Lifestyles

Recently I asked several online AI apps the question, “What matters most?” The answers varied slightly, and acknowledged individual preferences, but what was consistently first in each listing of options were mentions of connections and relationships. I like those words. Connection is from the Latin connexionem meaning “a binding or joining together.” And relationship means…

The next time you are in a store, park or crowded room, look around. Chances are there is someone nearby that is living with diabetes. That is because approximately one in eight people in the U.S. have the disease. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, occurring when the pancreas…

 Everyone knows someone who has had a colonoscopy and heard the stories about the preparations. Wouldn’t you rather have a day or two of the prep than months of cancer therapy? Colorectal cancers are the second leading cause of death in the U.S., but according to the American Cancer Society, colonoscopies reduce the number of…

I recently facilitated a class at a retirement community around the topic of awe. When I asked for examples of awe experiences, tears came to my eyes multiple times as participants talked about how they felt when they saw newborn babies, watched their children get married, visited beautiful spots in nature, spent time with animals,…

STATE COLLEGE — It’s time to change the conversation about menopause — again. But this time, with a little more depth, a little more connection, and a whole lot more honesty. Pause Party Remix — Menopause Reimagined will take place on Monday, April 27 at the Innovation Hub (Room 603) in downtown State College. The…

Many seniors ages 60 and older have special physical and mental health needs. While some people suffer from dementia and cognitive decline, others face life changes that can lead to grief, depression, anxiety and loss of independence. Often seniors can benefit from mental health services provided by geriatric behavioral health experts. “While certain situations such…

When my husband was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last summer, I learned a lot about how people respond to that dreaded “C” word. Most reacted in one of two ways: either they told us how sorry they were; or they tried to encourage us by mentioning the advances in various cancer treatments. When people reacted…

“To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.” This line from Scottish poet Thomas Campbell’s poem “Hallowed Ground” is one I’ve often quoted. I like how it conveys the message that physical death does not take away the essence of a person. I like how it sends the message that it’s okay…

YORK – The state Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Aging, State Police, Insurance Department and the American Automobile Association recently shared safe driving advice and resources available for older Pennsylvanians with residents at the White Rose Senior Center in York. “Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age, especially as friends and families gather to celebrate…

Messages about light and darkness keep appearing in my inbox these days. This is the time of year when holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrate light and often incorporate the light from candles.  And the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, which means that it is as dark as it’s going…