The Last Intimate Thing

By Melanie Davis, PhD, CSE I listened to a program recently about end-of-life choices — not about healthcare options but rather about the real end — the choices  for body disposition. Familiar only with traditional cremation and burial, I was surprised by the number of other options today — green burial (sans embalming, shroud instead of coffin), green cremation (better smokestack filters, no pine box); freeze drying, a process that...

Reflections on Mature Sexuality

By Melanie Davis, PhD, CSE I don’t often write poetry; most of my writing involves workshops, lectures, and lesson plans. Once in a while, though, I am moved to write a poem. I wrote this one in 2006, and it wasn’t until I re-read it recently that I realized how closely it suits my current work in sexuality and aging.  I offer it to you in hopes of inspiring you to reflect on your own maturing sexual nature. Kissing You I don’t remember...

The Times, They are A-Changin’ (Bob Dillon, 1970)… or Are They?

By Katherine Forsythe, MSW (www.getasecondwind.com www.katherineforsythe.com ) Recently, I lost a good friend, Clyde Miller, MD (psychiatry), who spent much of his professional life campaigning for the sexual rights of older adults. He was 93 – and still seeing patients – when he died. His wife graciously gave me his professional scrap book of articles and notes about sex and aging, hoping that I and my colleagues might build on his work and...

On Going Gray

By Carolyn Cooperman Despite my feminist leanings, the decision to let my brown hair grow in gray took me about 30 years to make.  Most of the women in my age group still rinse, dye, or streak regularly.  You can even find women in nursing homes who still color their hair.  I eventually met the challenge, and here are some pleasant memories of the experience. My young grandson, in his wisdom, simplified the process.  “You still look the same except...

The Trash Truck Came Today

By Constance M. Bowes, PhD The trash truck came today and took away my old sofa.  I had tried to give it away, but had no takers. I then arranged to donate it, picturing a young couple getting a good find for their starter apartment.  The Salvation Army came with their truck and refused to take it because “there was a slight stain” on it; what a wonderful sofa—aging, but in excellent condition–a warm and cozy retreat for a young couple...