Author - The Durango Herald

Too many doctor appointments, too little time

Most of us have fairly good health care here. It may feel inadequate sometimes, or too expensive, or hard to get into the doctor we would like to see, but compared to most of the world, I am...

DATE: May 2, 2025 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Elders doing what we can during this unsettled time

I’ve recently been to a couple of Indivisible meetings and some protest marches downtown in reaction to what’s going on in Washington, D.C. There are so many elders at these happenings. At f...

DATE: Apr 2, 2025 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Old age, and old, old age

Human development is so interesting. I’m seeing many more unfolding details at this end of life, now that I’m there. And lately, I’m seeing a whole other level of old age, a distinct differe...

DATE: Feb 26, 2025 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

There are so many layers and expressions of grief

Interesting times, to say the least. So many people are going through various stages and shapes of grief. Grief for loved ones, grief for what could have been, grief for homes burned to the ...

DATE: Jan 29, 2025 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

We need to have our DNRs ready and available

Dying is difficult, we need to get our paperwork in order beforehand. Among the important directives we must all do before we die (living will, medical power of attorney, durable power of at...

DATE: Jan 3, 2025 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

We cannot close our hearts

My side lost. “I must close my heart in order to witness all the atrocities to come,” was my first reaction Wednesday morning. And fear. Fear of loss of so many things that are important to ...

DATE: Dec 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Welcoming in all that old age includes

As we age into our later years, it seems there are more and more difficulties to face. Friends are ill or dying or moving away, we are having an increased number of trips to all kinds of doc...

DATE: Oct 6, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

We’re making some progress!

The Colorado End of Life Options Act/Medical Aid in Dying, enacted in 2017 allows an eligible terminally ill person with a prognosis of six months or less to live, to request and self-admini...

DATE: Aug 29, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Narrowing and simplifying in our later years

A dear friend I’ve known for 30 years has moved to Santa Fe and now no longer answers his phone. This is the only way I have to connect with him, and now what? His partner says it’s just too...

DATE: Jun 5, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

A conscious and loving approach to death and dying

My friends Christine and Helen are death doulas. They are nonmedical professionals who provide emotional, spiritual and informational support for those nearing the end of their lives, and al...

DATE: Apr 9, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Another layer of cleaning out

I’m trying to clean out a bit. My house feels cluttered and it’s a good winter project. As I age, it feels good to not leave all this for my kids to deal with when I die. My house is small, ...

DATE: Mar 3, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Friendships changing as we age

It’s interesting how some friendships have withstood time just as strong as they ever were, and others have faded away. Some old friends have moved, some have died. Others are just not reson...

DATE: Feb 4, 2024 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging