May/June 2021

Over the past century, much of our society has evolved attitudes and language related to aging that emphasize loss and decline rather than growth and possibility. That is tragic. But it’s also not my problem.  What is my problem is the set of personal attitudes I develop about my own potential — despite my age — and the actions that I take to make the very most of each and every day of my life.  How do I look beyond the limitations to see the possibilities? Am I in it for life — all of it? ...

Like a lot of things about this year, the outdoor concert landscape is a good news/not-as-bad news situation. Here’s what we mean: some of the mainstays are back, although in different formats and with limits on seating, spacing and the usual pandemic-driven precautions. Some are virtual while others are simply canceled. ...

Before couples remarry, they should have a realistic plan for dealing with elderly parents, adult children, friend groups, and how and where to spend their holidays. You don’t want the comment, "I didn't know you felt that way" to surface later. ...

The first decision to navigate is where to live. Mine, yours or ours? Is it best to sell both homes and purchase one together? Of course, the financials need a deep dive, and having a financial planner involved is a vital piece to the puzzle.  ...

In the old days — like 15 years ago — mainstream celebrities appeared in television commercials endorsing beer and insurance. They used their fame to “influence” viewers to buy these brands.  Today, social media celebrities do the same thing on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, blogs and more. They develop followings from hundreds to millions. They share information about food, travel, fashion, arts, crafts, product trials, opinions and outright product endorsements. These folks are called “influencers” because their followers are “influenced” by what they’re reading or viewing.  ...

In her previous novels, Paula McLain described real women who lived life to the fullest. Her wildly successful “The Paris Wife,” a book club favorite, focused on Ernest Hemingway’s first spouse, Hadley Richardson, and the bohemian existence the pair embraced. ...

Before you rush into the heat of the moment with either advice or action that was neither requested nor appreciated, wait for a time when heads are calm and tempers are cool. Then bring up the incident(s) that trouble you. ...

When you first took on the role of executor, you were probably more focused on the honor than on the responsibilities, being recognized as the go-to person in the family making things right. Perhaps you were the one to resolve difficult issues in the past, but you should know that being an executor is different, especially when there is a surviving spouse.  ...