sherryderen

Differences Between Actual and Felt Ages

Most older people think of themselves as younger than their age. I am in that group. And I’m also one of those older folks who are surprised when they glimpse themselves in a mirror or glass window. Who is that person? She couldn’t be me— she looks older than I am, and looks like myContinue reading “Differences Between Actual and Felt Ages”

Making a Difference

I always liked the phrase “making a difference,” and hoped that if I did my work conscientiously, I would be doing something important in the world and making a difference for others. As a research scientist overseeing behavioral research related to HIV and drug use, some of my projects contributed to knowledge about these importantContinue reading “Making a Difference”

Thankful that Nothing Happened

I am learning that sometimes I should be grateful that nothing happened. Let me explain. One recent week had many sources of distress. I thought I lost my building entry card, that has my photo on it and would involve cost and time to get replaced. I was annoyed. Also, I couldn’t access my MasterclassContinue reading “Thankful that Nothing Happened”

Late Bloomer

The expression Late Bloomer is used to describe someone who fulfills their potential later than usual. It can apply to an adolescent who goes through puberty later than expected, or a young adult who finds a career path later than his or her peers. It is rarely used for a senior… yet I believe thatContinue reading “Late Bloomer”

Half-birthdays and Other Opportunities for Celebration

As I get older, I want to find opportunities for celebration–—dare I say it—of me. Like most others, my life has been filled with moments of joy and feelings of accomplishment, and times of grief and feelings of self-doubt. I have decided to find ways to increase the times for celebrations. I’m sure the negativeContinue reading “Half-birthdays and Other Opportunities for Celebration”

New Year’s Irresolutions

Like many people, at the end of every year I start thinking about making New Year’s resolutions. Losing weight and exercising more are among the top two resolutions made by people in the US, and I have made them too, repeatedly. Sometimes I make specific plans for achieving them, like a diet or an exerciseContinue reading “New Year’s Irresolutions”

Senior Dating Advice

I am not on the dating market, as my husband Doug and I have been married for 44 years and hopefully will be together for years to come. However, in my observations of seniors I have become aware of some Do’s and Don’ts for those wishing to date. This may occur for seniors who areContinue reading “Senior Dating Advice”

Downsize-Upsize

I have associated the word downsizing with life changes, like a reduction in the number of employees in a business or moving to a smaller home. Both seemed like actions that could lead to reduced costs and greater efficiencies. But the benefits are not always so clear. Several years ago I moved from a four-bedroomContinue reading “Downsize-Upsize”

Comforts of Life

As I get older, I am more aware of my “comfort objects.” These are items that I am familiar with and that I know I like. They help me feel relaxed and calm, as if my needs, and any hurts, are being taken care of. I find that just their presence is comforting, providing solaceContinue reading “Comforts of Life”

Shooting for 90

I have always been a logophile, a lover of words. I enjoy word games, I like learning new words, and my profession, as a research scientist, involved lots of writing. But I recently discovered that some numbers are becoming important in my life, especially the number 90. When I was a student, getting a gradeContinue reading “Shooting for 90”