Meet Sconnie, my 10-year-old Norwich Terrier and the absolute boss of our household. She’s got some very important jobs, you know. House manager extraordinaire – letting us know precisely when it’s bedtime (no arguments allowed!), vigilant critter patrol in the yard, and my personal walking coach, always ready to nudge me out the door.

I’ve had a dog by my side my entire life. The thought of coming home to an empty house, without that enthusiastic greeting and wagging tail, is simply unimaginable. And while my heart aches at the thought of not having another furry friend in the future, I know Sconnie is likely my “last” dog.

As we get older, that word “last” starts creeping into our vocabulary. The last car, the last big vacation, the last family reunion… and for pet lovers, the last dog. It’s a bittersweet realization. While I’d love to welcome another pup into my life someday, I have to be realistic about the future.

My mobility and health are uncertain at this stage of my life and the most loving thing I can do for a dog is to ensure they have a stable, forever home. The thought of my dog ending up in a shelter or having to adjust to a new family because I could no longer care for them is heartbreaking.

So, I’m cherishing every moment with Sconnie, my loyal companion, my furry shadow, and my last dog. She’s more than just a pet; she’s family. And I’m grateful for every day we have together. hashtag#doglove hashtag#norwichterrier hashtag#lastdog hashtag#seniordog hashtag#mansbestfriend hashtag#petstagram hashtag#dogsofinstagram hashtag#grateful hashtag#adoptdontshop (Even though Sconnie is my last, I still believe in adoption!)

Ageism has become a hot topic these days, with many voices expressing
frustration about how older adults are treated unfairly. But here’s a question: Does playing the victim and feeding the narrative that older adults are entitled actually help anyone? Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. If anything, it makes older adults appear helpless and perpetuates negative stereotypes.

At 79, I live a very active life despite having faced significant health challenges. I’ve battled a rare form of uterine cancer, breast cancer, and kidney disease. Both of my knees have been replaced—a painful recovery process, but one I conquered. Today, I’m back in the gym working out every day, pain-free.

Having spent much of my career working in the aging network, I’ve seen firsthand how harmful prejudice and discrimination of any kind can be—especially ageism. It bothers me deeply to see this bias against older adults.

Let’s face it: once we pass our 60s and move into later years, it’s natural for our proverbial “check engine light” to come on. Our bodies may slow down, and challenges may arise, but that doesn’t make us victims or entitle us to special treatment.

I don’t see myself as a victim of ageism. Instead, I embrace my age and recognize that I’ve simply finally accepted that I am a senior citizen and damn proud of it.  At this stage of life, I don’t feel I’m entitled to anything I haven’t earned or paid for. For example, all of us who’ve contributed to Social Security have earned the right to benefits when we reach retirement age. Similarly, Medicare provides vital health coverage after age 65, which we often supplement with additional policies we purchase.

Despite my health challenges, I remain positive and happy. I am especially proud of the fact that when, at age 74, I co-founded My Future Purpose, a company with my colleague Joyce Cohen, that helps individuals discover what’s next. I’ve continued to do meaningful work ever since. I refuse to let ageism define me or my life.

Ageism only holds power if we allow it to. Instead of framing older adults as victims, let’s focus on what we can do and the value we continue to bring to the world, regardless of our age.

So here’s my invitation to you: Share one way you are redefining retirement, pursuing a second act, or embracing life with renewed energy.

Let’s break this down for a second. Would someone say that to a 30-year-old? Nope. Once you hit a certain milestone, it’s like people suddenly feel compelled to grade you on a curve.

And let’s be real—what they’re really saying is, “Wow, I thought you’d look much worse by now.” 

Here’s my favorite way to respond: Flash your brightest smile, stand tall, and say, “Oh, I’ve always looked good, but thank you!”

Because beauty isn’t about age. It’s about confidence, charisma, and maybe just the right lipstick. 

So the next time someone gives you that backhanded compliment, own it. After all, we’ve earned every laugh line and every sparkle of wisdom. And guess what? We’re rocking it. 

They say laughter is the best medicine—and I couldn’t agree more! My dear friend and business colleague, Joyce Cohen, and I have shared so many laughs over the five years we’ve spent building My Future Purpose together.

Sometimes, we laugh so hard that our stomachs ache, tears stream down our faces, and yes, occasionally, we leak.It’s one of those surprises they don’t warn you about with age!

Let’s be honest—have you ever laughed, sneezed, or coughed so hard that it happened to you too?

But here’s the thing: we’ve decided to embrace life’s leaks with humor—and maybe a little extra protection!  Because, at the end of the day, laughter keeps us connected, resilient, and ready to tackle anything.

What’s your most memorable laugh-out-loud moment? Let’s share a smile today!

New Year, New Jeans? Let’s Talk About Size!

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I have a question for you: how many jean sizes are in your closet? Are you rocking the “fat,” “medium,” or “skinny” fit these days?

For some context, the average waist size for a man in the U.S. is 39.7 inches. According to a study the average woman in the US is a size 16.

Are you feeling comfortable with your current size, or are you part of the growing group—1 in 8 Americans—currently using GLP-1 injections to manage weight or health goals?

No matter where you are on your journey, the new year is a great time to assess, reset, and focus on what makes you feel your best. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s spark a conversation about health, confidence, and embracing the changes life brings!

Here’s to a year of wellness and self-discovery!

I just turned 79, I’ve been reflecting on the joys, surprises, and yes, the challenges that come with aging. But here’s the thing: every wrinkle has a story, every ache a lesson, and every gray hair (or in my case, white!) a badge of honor.

I’m setting out on a new journey to become an influencer on aging gracefully. I want to share health tips, funny moments, and the unexpected surprises that come with growing older. More importantly, I want to talk about what we all share as we age—the common threads that connect us and the little things that make us laugh, cry, or shake our heads in disbelief.

Let’s start a conversation! What’s one surprising or funny thing you’ve noticed as you age? Share your story—I can’t wait to hear from you.
Here’s to embracing every stage of life with humor, grace, and a touch of wisdom!