There are many ways to make your mark, even in the bonus years

The psychologist Carl Jung wrote, “A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species.”  He goes on to say, “The afternoon of life must have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage of life’s morning.” For…

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What about a Caregivers Corps to help neighbors to age in place

Unabridged from my Bonus Years column in the Lifestyle section of The Sunday Capital, Annapolis, Maryland Remember the old cartoon showing the engineer proudly holding his diploma and flanked by his parents on graduation day?  The caption says, “Five years ago I couldn’t spell engineer, but now I are one.” Well that same kind of thing happened to…

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Creating age-friendly workplaces to retain later-life workers

Many of our stories focus on later-life Annapolitans who are continuing work into their bonus years – whether it’s paid, volunteer, Samaritan or enrichment kinds of work.  We do this for two reasons.  First, research shows that continued social engagement is the most important predictor of successful aging, and work is sure-fire channel for social…

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Woodworking, water colors and a pick-up truck: How lifelong attitudes and practices shape encore careers

Unabridged from my Bonus Years column in the Lifestyle section of The Sunday Capital, Annapolis, Maryland History’s view of Calvin Coolidge, the conservative Republican who served as the 30th president of the US, is enjoying a renaissance. It began with the presidency of Ronald Reagan; it continues with biographer Amity Shlaes’ new book, “Coolidge,” published last month by…

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It’s never too late to “refresh,” to be what you want to be

Unabridged from my Bonus Years column in the Lifestyle section of The Sunday Capital, Annapolis, Maryland During the past two weeks I’ve had conversations and email exchanges with several later-life readers who are embarking on new careers.  One had worked 43 years for a large institution with mandatory retirement, and regretted having to step down.  He said, “I’m…

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