If you met Jo today — lively, articulate, and still turning heads at 70 — you’d never guess that at 17 she was downing Ford pills by the handful to look like Twiggy. Everyone wanted to be Twiggy then — all coltish limbs and hollow cheeks. Jo, a sensitive, clever girl from an unhappy home, thought she might find calm […]
Why language matters when it comes to ageing, work and relevance Once upon a time, “retirement” was a goal — a finish line crossed and applauded, complete with a gold watch, a farewell cake and an awkward speech about “well-deserved rest.” But these days, the R-word feels less like a reward and more like a punishment — followed by a […]
Amy had always been mindful of her health. She ate as well as she could, cut back on treats, made time for walks, and even tried to get to bed earlier. But no matter what she did, her weight wouldn’t budge. It was frustrating — especially because she was doing everything right. After reading about how some medications can contribute […]
“I thought it was just her depression coming back,” said Liz, whose partner has lived with bipolar disorder for more than 20 years. “She was sleeping all day, getting confused about her tablets, and sometimes accusing me of moving things. I kept thinking, it’s another episode. But when she started forgetting where we lived, the doctor said it could be […]
When you hear that a loved one has a life limiting illness, take the time to find out what palliative care can offer — including the different ways it can be delivered. Palliative care isn’t only about dying. It’s about living as well as possible for as long as possible, with care that focuses on comfort, dignity and connection. Palliative […]
Recently widowed, 75-year-old Angelina had lived peacefully in her building for five years. She had made it her home. She loved the familiar faces, quiet routines, and a sense of belonging. It was her safe place. Then, one day, three neighbours — people she’d always greeted politely — crossed a line. They turned up at her door uninvited, saying they […]
Marnie is 62, sharp as ever, and still working in a tech company. She told me recently: “It’s like I’ve disappeared. In meetings I share an idea, and five minutes later someone repeats it — and everyone nods. It’s not nasty, just as if I’m less visible than I used to be.” Marnie isn’t alone. Recent Australian research shows this […]
When my aunt visited her dad one Saturday, he smiled at her and said quietly, “I’m not much longer for this world.” She laughed it off, replying, “Don’t be silly, you’ll be here for ages yet.” Less than two weeks later, he died. That memory stayed with her. How did he know? Was it intuition, a body’s quiet wisdom, or […]
(Honestly….the only thing that is tougher to swallow are his antiquated opinions). There’s a special moment at every family gathering: the roast is carved, the wine is poured, and Grandpa leans back in his chair, sighs, and says something that makes every Millennial and Gen Z relative want to slide under the tablecloth. He doesn’t mean harm. He’s just quoting […]
When someone in your family dies, things can be complicated—especially if you’ve been estranged. You may worry about whether you have a right to know what’s in their will, or how to even find it if you’re not in contact with the rest of the family. Here are some key steps: Find out if there is a will A will […]
