When I was born in the early 1950s, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was around 68 years. That number has risen steadily over the decades—today it’s about 78 for the general population, with women living on average to 81 and men to nearly 76. The gap between men’s and women’s life spans is…
Tag: aging
Today’s Trip to the Ophthalmologist
I am typing with dilated eyes – this should be interesting – after just returning from a trip to the cornea specialist who will be performing cataract surgery on my left eye in the next month or so. I had high hopes of getting those fancy lenses inserted that would correct my vision while fixing…
The Old Lady Emergeth
Tonight, we are supposed to go out to see my friend Judy’s son perform at a dance club at 11 pm. This is to debut his new album, one which he – Alexander – has been working hard on for a while now. I want to support this boy’s hard work. I want to support…
New Adventures or How to Age Gracefully
I have an ache in my right hip. I’ve had it a while. It feels as if my hip is inflamed. It doesn’t matter if I exercise it or not. If I sit in a certain position or walk in certain shoes, then I feel it. The question is whether this is just age or…
My Grandmother, Winnie Waugh
My grandmother Waugh was 4’10” tall and weighed about 210 pounds. She had a cane that she welded like a weapon and a temper that made you keenly aware of that cane. Winnie Waugh was her name, Mary Winifred Blackmon Waugh, and her father had fled from Mississippi after a bar room brawl. Her father,…
Attention Older Readers: I Need Your Advice
Okay, so it’s happened: I looked up and realized my kids have grown up. Yes, okay, so Sarah IS 29, Liz 26 and Rachael 20, but you don’t understand, I’ve been a Mother with a capital M for the past almost 30 years. And Ray has been a Father with the same focused interest. Alas,…
20 Minutes a Day 