As we age, many of us downsize. Our children are grown and out of the house with jobs and families

2020 was awful. 2021 wasn’t much better. What happens in 2022 is mostly beyond my control.

While the world moves

Silence is my friend. I can count on silence to support my calm and creative times. While classical music, soft

I’ve opted out of New Year’s resolutions for many years. It’s always felt they were a pebble in my shoe

We’re done. We’ve survived another holiday season. This season we saw a greater opening of activities and events than we

The week between Christmas and New Years means different things to different people. For me, the activities during this week

Guest Post by Margaret Stortz

I am convinced that we are far more durable than we think we are. All

When we’re young, it’s likely we view travel with enthusiasm and wonderment. We can strap on a backpack and head

Can you relate? I bought a humungous package of toilet paper which cost nearly $20, and it turned out to

I’m a beginner at getting old. That doesn’t mean I’m young old. I’m on the cusp of old old traditionally

We could ask… Can there ever be too much love brought to a heart that is broken because of loss…

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve downsized. My living quarters are much smaller, and I have a lot fewer possessions. I’ve

Yesterday afternoon I complained to a friend via e-mail about my morning’s work which included gathering financial information to give

This is the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of feng shui:

feng shui

/ˌfeNG ˈSHo͞oē/

noun

When you appreciate someone, something about them, something they create or the way they make you feel good, if you

What’s the age when a senior citizen should stop driving? Obviously, that’s a subjective question. I’ve known a couple of senior

Beating myself up for my mistakes is an art form, and I’ve perfected it over the years. Judging from conversations with

What is it? Do I have it? Can I get more of it? These are all questions I asked myself when

How are you doing? Fine? Better than fine?  Or perhaps worse?

It’s said that how you’re doing and how you feel

The animatronic age has passed me by. There’ll be no robot assistants or food servers in my house. I’m positive of

This post comes on the heels of a nap day. That’s right, I had a mid-morning nap and it sort

What are you waiting for?

We’ve all gotten advanced degrees in waiting these past 14 months, haven’t we? We’ve been

You may not agree, but I think cleanses or detoxes aren’t necessary for good health. If I want to clean

Creative endeavors can add to the happiness of our elder years.

Being engaged in hands-on creative activities can improve motor skills, strengthen

I had been formulating my list of places to visit after COVID for a very long time. That’s how I

Lines blur as we age, literally and metaphorically.

We belong in different places at different times in our lives. Where

Some people believe our sleep is less restorative as we age, that our REM cycles are shorter and more frequently disrupted.

There’s a great Kathy Bates movie where she’s walking through a department store and breezily swipes a tube of lipstick

Whether you’re Republican, Democrat, or Independent, political news is not, at best, informative. Generally, it’s a rehash of what one

Vulnerability is being open and exposed, taking chances. Vulnerability is saying:

“I’ll do it.”
“The truth is…” when what’s true for

Most older people handle things better than the younger generations.

While that’s a broad generalization, no apology for saying it will be

Here we are at the height of the giving/receiving season. Yes, it looks very different this year, but the concept

At a recent holiday gathering on Zoom, Dr. Chris Michaels asked attendees what their plans were after COVID. You know, that

A Thanksgiving like you’d never imagine. Will your festive dinner be shared with family and friends on Zoom or FaceTime

Many of you join me in feeling weary and overwhelmed with all that is taking place in our country. The

In the last ten years I’ve been feeling sorry for myself about not having any members of my family of origin

We live in a binary world – a stark and shrinking world — of on-off, yes-no, black-white, good-bad, and left-right. Thinking

In general, people aren’t great at simplifying their lives. Funny how sometimes the world simplifies it for us, like these

Pollyanna = a blindly optimistic person.

Perhaps you’ve heard of a “positivity bias” or the “Pollyanna Principles.” Pollyanna always looked

Where is that place that I can sit in the background but still be part of the celebration, part of

Wouldn’t you agree that now is an outstanding time to re-evaluate everything in our lives?

We have everything we need

As difficult as it may be to acknowledge right now, good things have come out of the current world upheaval.

One of my friends said recently in an e-mail, “If this is the hardest thing I face in my lifetime,

When I felt overwhelmed in my 20’s or 30’s, I would indulge in a cocktail before dinner or escape to

All the serious issues facing us personally and as a nation are very unsettling. Being stressed in response to these

I’m like a balloon that loses its air over time. At first taut, all filled up with positivity and the

What a bumbled mess it has been. Politicians’ egos preventing them from doing the right thing – over and over

I don’t know about you, but I sure miss hugging. My body craves that momentary connection with friends. Arms wrapped about

I’ve done more nesting these past weeks – making my spaces cozier, more enjoyable, and better organized – than at any

At this point in my life, I have known only a handful of people who were fearless. I have no

Virus or not, spring arrives this coming Thursday, the 19th at 11:50 p.m. EDT. Without diminishing the global effects of

There are millions and millions of articles about aging adults who wish they’d done something different earlier in their life. We

Feeling anxious because of the actions of people and entities you have little to no control over can be alarming.

What do you do when the desire to do something is greater than the ability to actually execute the thing? This

Step outside your comfort zone.

I wouldn’t have hesitated in my 20’s or my 40’s. I’m in my 70’s now and am

As we age, we’re admonished to live our best life — live and let go, be the thing that you

Thoughts on Miracles

When you pay attention, you can see evidence of miracles happening all around. A plane with mechanical problems lands

It’s pretty easy to go to Macy’s or Costco or Target to purchase special gifts for friends and loved ones

On the fourth Thursday in November, we go around the Thanksgiving table and each of us shares something we’re grateful

A pattern of fire sparks coupled with winds and fueled by abundant, parched greenery has made the fall months, especially

Sometimes when I attend a social function it takes me a day or two to recover. It could have been

As we age, our world shrinks a little. Instead of looking ten yards ahead, we’re more focused on exactly where

There’s no escaping the inevitable, that we’re all dying from the day we are born. But in my opinion, it’s

Is self-esteem still important by the time we hit out senior years? Shouldn’t we be there already? Do we continue

We’re too deep into summer/early fall to call this list great books to take to the beach. Nonetheless, these are engaging

The key to old age is the ability to adapt. It’s as simple as that.

Without the ability to change

Empathy = comforting = compassion = sympathy = warmth = being there for someone = being there for ourselves

Smart phone apps have become an integral part of everyday life. They exist for everything from shopping to voting to banking

Do you agree that one of the most important contributions elders can make to society is to inspire others? Why

Sorry, but the news isn’t good. Alcohol generally creates more problems for us as we age.

I never was a huge

Gracias. Merci. do jeh, daw-dyeh. Grazie. Danke sehr.

Thank you!

We learned as small children to say these words when something

*singing* “… School’s out for summer!” Remember this Alice Cooper ditty, “School’s Out”? This song was such a mega hit

What is your elasticity?

How quickly do you spring back from situations? Given the proper skills, we have the capability

At seventy-one, I think more about death than I did when I was in my forties. I try not to

What is hope? Hope is that feeling of trust … trust that things can be better.

Hope is age-less, timeless,

If winter sends the message that it’s time to slow down, spring sends the message that it’s time to take it

Tomorrow is going happen whether we’re here or not to see it roll around!

Tell me something I don’t know. Just

Up until recently, the dominant stance on elders in our community being isolated by circumstances of their physicality, or simply

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

If you’re of a certain age, you probably read that title as a section on

Have you ever happened upon a Facebook/Instagram/”Name Your Social Media Guilty Pleasure” video of someone getting their long, glossy, blond

Compassion is powerful. It does not always come naturally but can be learned easily.

Compassion can be a practice. Holding “space” for

This is one day that is given to us. It is one day, it is a gift.
Merry

I’m a huge fan of lists:

~Ten ways to become more spiritual
~Seven paths to a happier adulthood
~Five things to

We spend more social time with friends and family around the holidays. Lots of us have been known to worry

When I reflect on the past seventy years, there are things I never thought I would experience. I couldn’t imagine,

Facts, reality – these are what truth is.

We all know what reality is, however, we’ve seen in the news over

Did you know that the time-honored song “Amazing Grace” was written by a man whose career involved shipping slaves from

Comfort is that thing – bed, chair, shawl, bunting, pet, book, photographs, sound, or food — that brings physical ease

Avoiding some tedious paperwork? Been putting off tidying up the backyard? Never got around to signing up for that class

Do you think being wise is the same as being knowledgeable? Knowledge is only one half of the equation. A

Today is National Senior Citizen’s Day!

Every year around this time, I post that statement.

It’s true. This Day, which came into

How willing are you to be vulnerable in the desire to get what you want? It totally depends on how

When I’ve had a few rough days, days where my mobility is more limited by arthritis pain, or by sadness

Is there a morning that you woke up and said to yourself, “Wow, my life is significantly more than half

I love to read, and I’m curious to know what celebrities and other notable people are reading. Where, if anywhere,

Truly gifted is the individual who can see beyond the routine, beyond the mundane and beyond the obvious. We are

It’s time we asked the question:  Who gets the money?

I’m referring to the money in the tip jar and the

Trust is gold. It’s the invisible commodity that is treasured above so much else in the material world.

As babies, being

Old people are irrelevant.

That’s a prevailing attitude, especially among younger generations.

It used to be that elder statesmen and community members

Do you know what your destiny is? Do you know who has control over your destiny? Is it outside forces

Now and then I have a less than glorious day and no unhealthy addictive habits – fast food, cocktails or

Are you ready to forgive the atrocities in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and many other places in the world?  How about

“I don’t have time.”
“I’ve got too much to do.”
“I’m way behind in my chores and other obligations.”
“I’d

I am a senior citizen. I am smart. I am not good in science. I am fun to be with.

Whatever

Whenever things turn sour, or I’m scared, depressed, sad or pissed off … whenever I feel lonely or missing a

The white is the purest of white; the love is the deepest possible felt; the scenery before us is the

Senior citizens are special; we have special needs. You can’t just stick us in front of the TV like a

Do you ignore the mess and sleep in, luxuriating in a jammies day? Do you hit the road, jostling in

Past Thanksgivings I’ve talked about all that I’m grateful for:  my kitty, Kali, friends, family, living in a beautiful place,

Five years ago I dipped my toe in the blogging waters with a little piece entitled Gratitude:  Your Most Valuable

Your heart rests at the core of how you are feeling emotionally. It oversees and directs actions in your body

I overheard myself say the other day, “Putting on my bra is my version of dressing up these days.”

While it

Have we gotten so out of touch with ourselves that we need a list compiled by some “authority” of the

Have you heard the story about the note left on the windshield of a car, displaying an appropriate placard, parked

I always like to acknowledge senior citizens and shine a spotlight on all they contribute to our world. At the same

I’ve been scolded on social media for complaining about something the reader considered “a first world problem.” In other words,

It’s easy to see the gorgeousness of the classic look of any of Audrey Hepburn’s black and white photos. It’s

Now more than ever.

On this July 4th we need to remember that our nation is more than one person, one

Having faith can be a bright tool in your basket of resources that helps you have a happier life. It’s

When was the first time you felt concern that you might be losing some of your brain power? For me,

Being present means living in the now. When you’re lamenting the past or worried about the future, you’re not living

It’s spring! And with spring comes glorious weather, patio parties, the daily hum of lawnmowers, the laughter of kids playing

You might think transformation is just a fancier word for “change.” There is a difference. Change has to do with

The word “coping” is often defined as dealing successfully with something stressful. Some of my friends think it means just

Learning to know you’re enough starts early in childhood. Many who never quite live up to their parents’ expectations grow

What do you do for fun? Do you watch or participate in sports? Do you garden or play cards or

We hear the word “commitment” frequently used relative to a person or a job or a specific action. The depth

Ahhhh, youth

Romantic love in my teens included the requisite racing heart, sweaty palms, and lots of day-dreaming. I hate to

Do you have an accidental collection?

I accumulate commuter travel mugs; I think I have at least seven, of which five are

Let me be clear, the conversation here is NOT intended to be about left or right, good or bad, conservative

This is the last birthday I’ll celebrate in my 60’s. It doesn’t feel any different than the years in my

Recently I posted thirteen things that can steal our happiness. Posting them allowed several more to bubble up to the

~ that early morning cup of coffee — delicious!

~ a good book (a couple I enjoyed this year were The Underground

Living in grace means living in a state of unconditional love for yourself and others. It is the acceptance of

Whether you voted for or against – and God I hope you voted! – it’s time to move on and

Don’t let anything or anyone dampen the joy and happiness you get to experience in your later years.

Here are thirteen

In a few days I will be celebrating four years that I have been posting this weekly blog. I have

I retired ten years ago, at the fairly young age of fifty-eight. I retired early for several reasons:  a brush

Three months ago I visited a medium, which I’m not normally in the habit of doing.

I neither believe nor disbelieve

Until I was diagnosed with breast cancer at forty-two years old, I had never considered my demise. Yes, I’d had

Had enough? Tossing in the towel? I get it; sometimes this whole aging thing is just too much!

Growing old can

I’m interested in appreciating the quality of my life. When I look around, I see examples everywhere of people who

Lately, on the periphery of my social circle, I’ve noticed a couple of scolding girls wagging their fingers at less-than-perfect

Some senior friends have shared activities that increase their happiness exponentially. These activities serve as good reminders especially when I’ve

Growing Up Patriotic

When I was eleven, my family lived in Hampton, Virginia. My father was a major in the Air

When I was younger, I didn’t change my behavior because I wanted to take better care of myself; I made

I get rattled when new information appears in my life about what the rest of my years are going to

At thirty and forty years of age, I didn’t think about the end. Now, at sixty-eight, I’m clearly aware I

At this point in my life, I have known only a handful of people who were fearless. I have no

Eighty-three-year-old author, Philip Roth says he’s savoring a gentler pleasure these days:  naps. “Let me tell you about the nap,”

“Time is tearing past us like giddy greyhounds,” says Anne Lamott, whose words are so true, especially for us senior

Did you do something new today, something you’ve never done before? Did your feet walk on a piece of the

Have you ever known people who characterize themselves as upbeat, positive, and happy but who consistently talk about the hassles

I’ve written about gratitude for years. I’ve discussed (harangued you with?) the myriad ways to express gratitude, be it in

How do you feel when you read an article that says, “Look stylish in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and, yes, even

Right before my birthday last week I thought about what I wanted. What would I wish for in terms of

It’s fun to recommend a well-written and interesting non-fiction book. The Residence, by Kate Anderson Brower, is a fascinating book about

I was nine years old when I learned the truth about Santa Claus.

With an older sister who loved to shatter

Here come the holidays, and it’s about this time that friends start asking, “So, what are you guys doing this

Retirement and being a senior citizen is all about relaxing and enjoying life more. It’s time to quit sweating the

For many years, society has said don’t trust anyone over 30.

The senior population has historically been shoved aside and told

It was my first experience with pandemonium.

When a girl started to sink down in the sea of hysterical humanity,

Contact Antonia at Antonia@TheJoyofAgingGratefully.com
 

97 Never Looked This Good

“Keep busy. Keep Useful.” This upbeat outlook on life keeps Hertzel Harrison active, involved and very

          [This is an outstanding post by Dr. Shemsi Prinzivalli that didn’t lend itself to being

          “You’re only limited by how many years you have on this earth.”  I overheard someone

          From the time I was about 4 until around 9 years of age it felt

      On April 12, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama, civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. participated in a peaceful

          You wake up one morning and all of a sudden you’re in your mid-50s and

          Two mornings ago Rod and I were in the car on our way to breakfast.

          When I can’t find it in myself to say the right thing – be it

          Dave Lambert is like most hard-working entrepreneurs in the U.S. today. His latest venture is

            My birthday is in two days. It’s one of those

          Each New Year I choose a quality that will be the focus of my

          It’s easy during this time of year to turn traditions and ways of doing things

          Over the weekend I went to the mall … to visit with Santa and let

          The holidays are just around the corner, and I don’t think it’s ever too early

          The mid-term elections are upon us, and one of the glaring take-away messages from any political election is the

          Two years ago today I created my very first blog post on Antonia’s Senior Moments. I can honestly say it’s

          I was reminded recently just how bad it feels to be unfairly judged. Let’s just say I did something.

           As we all know, time is more valuable than money, and you can always make more money but you

Click here if you have trouble viewing this video

Contact Antonia at Antonia@TheJoyofAgingGratefully.com

        Oh, how I wish I could get it right. How I wish I could just wake up one morning

          I have failed to live up to the basic standards for retirement living.

          There is a well-marketed attitude that we

          What would it be like if for one day, one 24-hour period, you only allowed goodness in your life?

          I’ve heard many of my friends talk about the emotional impact pets have had on their lives, especially since

          When something goes wrong, get over it.

          When disappointment pays a massive visit, get over it.

          My dad was a difficult man to love.  He was an alcoholic, verbally abusive, and madly in

          In her recent blog, Gretchen Rubin acknowledged that friendships were one of the most important elements to happiness. She

1) Ask for help

          Life is too short to spin your wheels trying

Click here is you have trouble viewing the video.

Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or
 

      It is my pleasure to share an excerpt from Dr. Chris Michaels’ exciting and inspiring new book The Power

 “A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”
                    Seneca,

        When I meditate, I use the phrase “all is well” as my

          I get a lot of flack for wearing nothing but black. I usually

Heart sayings:
                           ~take a comment to heart
                              ~feeling a heart connection
                            ~a bleeding heart
                              ~a heart-to-heart
                             

          Here comes another one of those subjects I’ve resisted talking about.  I’m nervous about what the smartest, most articulate way to

          In his press conference before Christmas, President Obama said he was looking to 2014 as a breakthrough year after

          It’s very simple. Nothing to research, nothing to buy.  Nothing to prepare to do. Nothing to cook or wrap

          I’ve been moping around the last few years blithering about being the only member left of my family of

          I’m on so many lists and receive so many e-mails about important social and civic activities. When General Foods

Elder Haiku II

Stuff to do,
then again,
What’s

          Chances are if you read blogs, you’re a reader of other stuff and perhaps you’re also a writer. Today

[Originally published March 10, 2013)

          How many years have you said in October or November, “Ok, this year it’s going to be different. This

Happy Anniversary         
          It was one year ago tomorrow when I posted my first piece for Antonia’s Senior Moments.

          Did you know that humans are the only animals whose brains are known to atrophy as we get older?
Read More »

What I Love About Fall

          I wonder if what I love about fall, you love about fall. I’m not a

          The sunnier side of my personality and probably the private side too told me not to write about my

I Remember…

          When I close my eyes I can recall the feel of the hard cement floor under my thin

          As peculiar as this might sound, I was recently inspired by the selection of lettuce at the supermarket: Boston

What Do You Remember?         

          You know how I love books. I think of the brain as the Library of

          Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of the civil rights March on Washington, and this morning I again listened to Martin

          You might be just as wooly-minded as I was to learn that tomorrow is National Senior Citizen Day. I’d never

          There are a few things I could have done when I was younger that I don’t think I could

A Review

         When I’m not sure exactly where I want to go, I just Map Quest or Google Earth the

          Current events have enabled us to view the depths to which people are willing to go for the good

Growing Up Patriotic

          When I was 11, we lived in Hampton, Virginia. My father was a major in the Air

          It can happen to anyone. One day you’re on top and the next day you’re scraping the bottom of

          Being smarter than when I was younger is one of the main things I like about getting older. All those life

          Great spiritual leaders share a common calling: to wake up their students. Using words such as “enlightenment,” “salvation,”

          It’s normal as we age to experience some memory loss. This is due to decreases in neurotransmitters or the

          I have a magic basket. It is filled with fun activities. Some of these activities cost money and many

 
     Let’s say you’re one of those seniors who has resisted the march of technology. Let’s say you eschew

          For many years, society has said don’t trust anyone over 30. And even though those over thirty make up

          Valentine’s Day is day after tomorrow. I wish you could feel the huge pause after I type that first sentence.

          I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life. George Burns
Read More »

           It seems fortuitous that I chose Tuesdays as the day of the week I would publish new posts here

          It’s not so much about making resolutions, resolutions which I’ve historically only been able to keep for about a

          I live in Santa Rosa, California, which is the county seat of Sonoma County, a 1,768 square mile community

          It’s officially THE shopping season. I probably don’t need to tell YOU that. Heck, half of my friends have

          I don’t think I’m a fabulous friend, but I’m a better friend than I used to be. Do you

I’ll bet you’re thinking I’m going to present some lengthy and detailed diatribe about a manner of garnering, investing and

It’s legal, low calorie and laudable. It costs nothing. It remains quiet when ignored but blossoms when revealed. It can