The Other Side of 50
Andrea Gallagher, President of Senior Concerns, authors a bi-weekly column for the Thousand Oaks Acorn titled “The Other Side of 50,” focusing on life planning, positive aging and Boomer transitions.
COVID creates tough ethical calls for care
There’s no debating that seniors are most at risk during this pandemic. While COVID-19 deaths have spanned all age groups, the hardest hit has been the 65-and-older population, which accounts for over 80% of the U.S. death toll from the disease. A friend offered her opinion that this pandemic may [...]
How do you deal with opposing views?
I’ve never enjoyed confrontation. I’m happiest when everyone is getting along and working toward a shared goal. And believe me, that happens a lot—although it’s hard to discern that if you scan the media these days. So many topics are polarizing. It’s hard to have a conversation without something coming [...]
What should we expect from our doctors?
What are our expectations when we visit our doctor? Do expectations differ with age? I pondered this question recently after an unsatisfactory visit to see a medical professional. Two years ago, I had a problem that landed me in the emergency room. A specialist physician was called in to perform [...]
Suggestions for keeping holidays special at a distance
Many of us will be missing our loved ones this holiday season. In normal times, with busy schedules and families scattered across the country, holidays may be one of the few times families spend together. We look forward to these special occasions all year long. These visits help to strengthen [...]
Assessments offer clarity in uncertain times
Barbara’s parents, like many seniors in their 80s, are trying to keep from contracting COVID-19 by isolating at home. To keep fed, they signed up for the governor’s Great Plates program, which delivers two restaurant-quality meals per day; other groceries are ordered online by their daughter. In normal times, Barbara, [...]
Job searching in the age of COVID is a whole new ballgame
As of September 2020, almost 13 million people in the United States were unemployed. Of course, a great deal of the job losses can be attributed to COVID. I’m sure any one of us, including me, can name multiple people we know who are out of work as a result [...]
Influential older voters have much to consider
Why do seniors turn out to vote more than any other age group? Older ad