Many years ago, I was part of what is called a “sandwich generation,” an expression generally used to describe people who are in middle age and have responsibility for the care of their children and their older parents. When I was in my 30s and 40s, I had two young children and an elderly motherContinue reading “Sandwich Generation”
Author Archives: sherryderen
Shopping Bag Fashion
I never considered myself to be a fashionista, that is, someone who is a follower of fashion. When I worked as a research scientist, I wore practical off-the-rack suits from department stores, and I liked comfortable clothes on weekends. During Hurricane Sandy, when I had to relocate for a few days and stay with familyContinue reading “Shopping Bag Fashion”
The Little Girl and the Beggar
In early January, with all the Christmas lights and decorations adorning the stores, I visited the Museum of Modern Art on West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue in Manhattan. After leaving the museum, I walked to 5th Avenue and then headed south, to get a bus to go home. It was a sunny,Continue reading “The Little Girl and the Beggar”
It’s About Time
Welcome to the beginning of my new Blog page “Reflections on Aging”. I decided that “It’s About Time” was a good title for the introduction to this new page, as it conveys two meanings, both of which have become important to me, with a growing sense of urgency. When spoken, “it’s about time” refers toContinue reading “It’s About Time”
Multitasking
The definition of multitasking is doing two or more things simultaneously. Some research indicates that multitasking reduces productivity; when attention is split between two or more tasks, quality may decline and there may be more errors. But I have found that there are some types of multitasking that can enhance pleasures and improve productivity. IContinue reading “Multitasking”
Resolutions for Life
There are several milestone points for me throughout the year, when I feel a need to reflect on the recent past and make resolutions for the future. These come up during specific months of the year: in December, as I contemplate the beginning of a new year; in July, around my birthday, and in September,Continue reading “Resolutions for Life”
E-ZPass
You have probably heard about E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection system that allows you to prepay tolls so you don’t have to stop at toll plazas. It is in place in much of the US. But this essay is not about a toll-paying system. It’s about something I have thought more about as I age,Continue reading “E-ZPass”
Birthing for Seniors?
My daughter is pregnant and will soon give birth to her second child. She is healthy, all seems to be going well in the pregnancy, and hopefully a normal healthy baby girl will soon join our family. I gave birth to two children many years ago. The pregnancies were normal, the children were healthy, andContinue reading “Birthing for Seniors?”
Flickering
After I got to 70 —the age, not the speed—on some days I feel all the expectations and fears about that age: Will the rest of my body start to deteriorate? Am I heading toward dementia? What is my purpose in life? Will I need to spend more of my time in the future asContinue reading “Flickering”
Joy from Nothing… and Everything
I learned something about feeling joy in the moment from my three-year old grandson Lucas recently. He’s a happy, active child, enjoys being and experiencing whatever he finds in life. He and his parents visited me for a weekend, and I saw so many moments of his fully enjoying life, I almost missed their meaningContinue reading “Joy from Nothing… and Everything”
Reflections on Aging 