When I worked as a research scientist, one day I had some problems synchronizing my iPhone and my desktop computer, so I called the IT service at my College. When the young man who came to help me started checking my iPhone he said “you’re three versions behind.” Although I had upgraded with a newContinue reading ““You’re Three Versions Behind””
Author Archives: sherryderen
Who IS That?
As I passed the full-length mirror on the street, and saw a graying, stocky woman, I knew it was me- but didn’t fully believe that. Who IS that ? I wanted to ask. How could that be me? And I remembered how I thought of older people when I was young. And some of theContinue reading “Who IS That?”
Me Competitive?
I never felt competitive when I was in school. I studied hard and worried about my grades, and I usually did very well on tests. I didn’t feel competitive in sports either. I remember playing ping pong and tennis with my family, but I was a middling player, so I never aspired to be aContinue reading “Me Competitive?”
Memories: Remembered and Forgotten
Memory loss is a natural part of aging, and for most people it starts in the 50s. When I think of happy or pleasurable times in the past- whether with family, friends, or at work- I feel suffused with warmth and a sense of gratitude. Being able to talk about the memories with those whoContinue reading “Memories: Remembered and Forgotten”
Gender Differences Part II: Observations on Behaviors
In a previous blog entry, I wrote about gender differences in sensory capacities- vision and hearing. I knew it would be the first of several entries, because there are gender differences in other areas too, like some behaviors at home and on the road: Finding abilities Stories about primitive societies refer to gender differences inContinue reading “Gender Differences Part II: Observations on Behaviors”
Youthful and Useful: Changes in Meaning Over Time
I did it! After having my hair colored for many years, I am letting my gray hair grow in. When a few gray hairs showed up near my temples, I thought it looked attractive, and contrasted nicely with my dark brown hair. My friend said it looked like the gray was providing a partial frameContinue reading “Youthful and Useful: Changes in Meaning Over Time”
Testing: From Birth to COVID
The Apgar test for newborns wasn’t developed until after I was born. I’m sure if it were in use at that time, I would have worried that I might not do well. I always worried about how I would do on tests. Throughout my school career I studied hard, often cramming the night before anContinue reading “Testing: From Birth to COVID”
Props for a Closing Window
I started thinking about aging when I was in my 50s. What would I do once my children left home? How would I spend my time when I stopped working full time and my career ended? What would provide meaning in my life? I didn’t worry too much about it then because my life wasContinue reading “Props for a Closing Window”
The Time of My Life
As a verbophile, a person who loves words, I often enjoy thinking about words or expressions with multiple meanings. There are some expressions that change in meaning as I get older. The time of my life is a phrase that I think a lot about now. I am in the time of my life whereContinue reading “The Time of My Life”
Postponement Strategies
During my 50 year+ career, I was always task-oriented, whether there was a project at work to finish, or household chores to do. Time seemed, and was, very limited. There were always multiple tasks waiting to be done, so I worked hard to get each one completed as best and as quickly as I could.Continue reading “Postponement Strategies”
Reflections on Aging 