In the past few years, I wrote several essays related to changes that aging brings. I anticipated many of these, like changes related to my health, and welcomed others, like having more free time for activities that I care about. But I am also finding some unexpected changes that require adaptations, and even challenge someContinue reading “Unexpected Changes That Aging Brings”
Author Archives: sherryderen
Congratulating Myself
After retiring from my career as a research scientist, I looked forward to having more leisure time to do some things I was always too busy to do while working. My days filled up quickly, and despite there being times when I had to do things I didn’t really want to do – like doctor’sContinue reading “Congratulating Myself”
Wandering Outside of My To-Do Lists
I make daily to-do lists. I write my list on a little pad after breakfast each morning, and it serves as a guide for the day. Activities are listed with approximate times, and include errands, like going to the bank, and social plans, like meeting a friend for lunch. Some activities, like writing and goingContinue reading “Wandering Outside of My To-Do Lists”
Pro-aging
I am concerned about changes I experience in my body as I get older. I stopped coloring my hair a few years ago, and the gray has taken over more territory. The cute wrinkles in the corners of my eyes are no longer so localized, or so cute. When I go to the gym, IContinue reading “Pro-aging”
Averages May Not Apply to Me
In my professional career as a research scientist, it was important that I know something about averages. When I conducted studies and collected information on many people, averages were helpful in describing the group as a whole. But I also learned that an average for a group often doesn’t apply to a single person’s circumstances.Continue reading “Averages May Not Apply to Me”
Pages In-Between
A few days ago, as I opened my journal to continue my daily entries, I realized that several weeks ago I had skipped two pages. I think these pages must have somehow stuck together. There they were- blank pages, sitting in-between pages I had written on, about days that were already in the past. IContinue reading “Pages In-Between”
I’m Not As Old As I Used To Be
When I turned 65 I knew I was officially considered a senior, yet I didn’t feel old. I was still fully engaged in my career and had no plans to retire any time soon. Now that I am retired and approaching another birthday, I decided to look into the distinctions in ages that are madeContinue reading “I’m Not As Old As I Used To Be”
Sandwich Generation
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”
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”
Reflections on Aging 