It may not come as a surprise, but the statistics are nonetheless distressing. In a new national poll of adults ages 50-80 from the University of Michigan, one in three respondents admitted they feel a lack of companionship and many also conveyed a feeling of social isolation. Women were especially prone…

Don’t Ask Me How Old I Am   In my head, I am 35 years old. My birthdays tell me otherwise, as do the ages of my son, granddaughter, and grandson. But I no longer deny aging -I did for a long time and will continue to wrestle with aids…

What Will I Be When I Grow Up?   Recently, a 101-year-old woman died, the next-to-the-last survivor of the British Air Transport Auxiliary of World War II. She flew Spitfire fighters into battle areas. Her obit reminded me of my earliest vocational aspirations. I sometimes wonder what and where would…

Taking Care Of Myself   As my recent annual medical check-up was ending, my longtime personal physician stood up to shake my hand. I panicked. “You’re not thinking of retirement?” I asked. “No, I just want to congratulate you for the excellent care you take of yourself.” Startled, I asked…

Help Wanted: A 10-year-old Computer Guru By Alice Herb   I don’t know about you but I know I’m not stupid. I have a law degree and a master’s in law. I’ve sold insurance, practiced law, was a TV news and current events producer, director, writer, and transitioned into bioethics….

Jiminy Cricket And Me By Alice Herb   Remember Jiminy Cricket? I first encountered him when I was about 8 years old when I read the story of Pinocchio and then saw the film. You probably have to be my age to know who he is. He was Pinocchio’s conscience….