The Bureau of the Census in Washington DC states that the group known as the elderly population or the sixty five (65) and older crowd is also becoming the fastest growing people in the United States of America. They are also becoming the most targeted people to be abused, financially, physically, mentally, sexually, and emotionally. What can be done to protect this vital group?

As 2011 closes and we prepare to welcome 2012, “New Years Resolutions" will be a hot topic. For some these are simple tasks we wish to accomplish, but for others, these take on a transformative tone, offering a chance to get a fresh start.

One of the great attributes of life is the freedom to choose. When I was a young woman my father would always remind me that the things I do and say are decisions that I am making for my life and that those decisions would shape my future life, both positively and negatively.

When we love requires the assistance of a caregiver who is the first person that comes to mind? A family member, a friend or a trained paid caregiver?

Why would someone choose a specific family member or friend to be a caregiver for a loved one? Could it be because he or she is the person that is most available, or because that is the person we believe is most qualified to be the caregiver? These are questions those of us who maybe given the responsibility of overseeing the well being of a loved one who may require the services of a caregiver.

One of the great gifts of life that a person can have is the freedom to choose. When I was a young woman, my father frequently reminded me that the things that I do and say are decisions that I make for my life and that those decisions will shape my future life either positively or negatively.

This week we heard the story of Diane Nyad swimming from Florida to Cuba. What was striking about the story is that at 60 years old she decided to fulfill a dream that she had not been able to accomplish when she was thirty years old. Diane didn't let age define her. She believe that she could accomplish her dreams and put together a team who would help her to prepare for her mission.

Millions of people around the world have lived for half a century or more. With more and more people living longer, why does our society refer to people over 60 years of age as old people? The Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines the word old as “dating from the remote past, ancient, outdated” and the word elderly as "rather old."

When you consider the vast number of people over sixty years old that continue to successfully contribute to the world, how can they be considered old or elderly?

Today I'm coining a new phrase: “Pick Your Pain.”

When I was just a little girl of about five or six years old I asked my father, why bad things happen to nice people?

My father responded by saying that, "Bad things don't exist for those who can find the good in any situation. Obstacles are just stepping stones to success. Always remember that a little rain storm will enter your life at some point, just keep your umbrella handy and let the rain wash your tears away."

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also.
  ~Proverbs 31:25-28