If your family tree includes estrangement from adult children, seemingly genial conversation can feel like a punch in the gut. What do you say if you haven't talked to your adult child in months or years, and how do you say the choice was theirs, not yours? ...

Every day is bird day when you get down to it. Just look outside and you'll see what we mean. Birds are everywhere, even during winter's bitter cold, bringing a bit of color and occasional mayhem to our parks, backyards and birdfeeders. ...

We named Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine after our target audience: Baby Boomers. But what's with Millennials, Gen X, Generation Alpha and others? Here's what all those letters and names mean. ...

You've still got time to catch holiday light displays, but don't wait too much longer. Many come to an end this week. Here's a rundown on where to see some of the area's best holiday light displays. ...

Older drivers typically take fewer risks while driving than younger drivers, but they are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash due to age-related fragility. A few simple tips can keep you safe behind the wheel. ...

It may seem impossible to maintain healthy eating habits over the holidays. But here are some tips to avoid overeating, including not skipping meals, according to a Cleveland Clinic registered dietician. ...

Worth Noting
Compiled by Estelle Rodis-Brown and Marie Elium

 

Breaking Records at 100
Dr. Howard Tucker Shows Us How

Making it into the Guinness World Records could be a dubious achievement, but in Dr. Howard Tucker’s case, it’s a remarkable claim to fame. The Cleveland neurologist has been practicing medicine since 1947, with no plans to quit.

At over 100 years old, Dr. Tucker is officially the oldest practicing physician in the world… seeing patients twice a week and teaching medical residents at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in downtown Cleveland. 

A Cleveland native, Dr. Tucker was born on July 10, 1922. After being raised during the Great Depression, young Howard earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He would serve again in the ‘50s during the Korean War as the Chief of Neurology for the Atlantic Fleet. 

Apparently undeterred by difficult tasks, Dr. Tucker also holds a law degree (passing the Ohio Bar Exam in 1989 at age 67 as possibly the oldest person in the USA to do so). An avid skier and climber, he was once airlifted off a mountaintop in the Alps and has survived both COVID-19 and a broken neck.

But never down for long and ever a man of the moment, he is now an emerging TikTok star and the subject of an upcoming feature-length documentary, “What’s Next?” 

When the Guinness World Records asked if he would ever retire, Dr. Tucker’s response was swift: “Gosh, no. I believe retirement is the enemy of longevity. Even in my younger years, I never once contemplated retirement.”

How does he do it? Adaptability is key. Dr. Tucker says that he works hard to master technology so he can care for patients and teach medical residents. 

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Palliative care and hospice care both focus on a patient’s needs and their quality of life. Palliative care manages treatment and other needs. Hospice care focuses on the period closest to death. Understanding the differences between the two can help someone decide what level of care is best. The care can change based on health changes. ...