NEWSLETTER
As John walked down the street, he couldn’t help but notice the plethora of electric bikes whizzing by. It was as if the world had suddenly been taken over by e-bikes. John had been thinking about getting one for a while now, but as a senior citizen, he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to handle one of the more powerful models. Luckily, he soon discovered that there were a variety of e-bikes available that were specifically designed for senior citizens.
The first e-bike that caught John’s eye was the Pedego Comfort Cruiser. As its name suggests, this bike was all about comfort. It had a step-through frame, which made it easy for John to get on and off, and a large, padded saddle that provided plenty of support. The handlebars were adjustable, which allowed John to find the perfect riding position, and the bike had a powerful motor that made cycling a breeze. John could choose to pedal, use the motor, or a combination of the two, and he could easily adjust the level of assistance that the motor provided.
Next, John came across the Aventon Pace 350. This bike was sleek and stylish, with a lightweight frame that made it easy to maneuver. It had a powerful motor that could reach speeds of up to 20mph, but John didn’t need to worry about going too fast because the bike also had a set of powerful brakes. The saddle was comfortable, and the bike had wide, stable tires that made it easy to balance. One of the best things about the Aventon Pace 350 was that it had a range of up to 40 miles, which meant that John could ride for hours without needing to recharge the battery.
John also discovered the Raleigh Detour iE. This e-bike had a more traditional design, with a step-through frame that made it easy for John to get on and off. It had a powerful motor that could assist him when he needed it, but he could also choose to pedal on his own. The bike had a comfortable saddle and wide handlebars that made it easy for John to stay in control. One of the best things about the Raleigh Detour iE was that it had a range of up to 50 miles, which meant that John could go on longer rides without worrying about running out of battery.
Another great e-bike for senior citizens was the Electra Townie Go! This bike had a unique, laid-back design that was perfect for leisurely rides. It had a powerful motor that could help John reach speeds of up to 20mph, but he could also choose to pedal on his own. The bike had a comfortable saddle and wide handlebars that made it easy for John to stay in control. One of the best things about the Electra Townie Go! was that it had a range of up to 50 miles, which meant that John could go on longer rides without worrying about running out of battery.
Finally, John came across the Trek Verve+ 2. This bike had a sporty design that was perfect for more active seniors. It had a powerful motor that could assist John when he needed it, but he could also choose to pedal on his own. The bike had a comfortable saddle and wide handlebars that made it easy for John to stay in control. One of the best things about the Trek Verve+ 2 was that it had a range of up to 50 miles, which meant that John could go on longer rides without worrying about running out of battery.
John was amazed at the variety of e-bikes available for senior citizens. Each one had its own unique features and benefits, and he was excited to try them all out. After carefully considering his options, he finally decided on the Raleigh Detour iE. He loved the bike’s comfortable saddle, easy-to-use controls, and the fact that it had a range of up to 50 miles. He knew that this bike would be perfect for his needs, and he couldn’t wait to take it out for a ride.
The next day, John woke up early and headed out to his local bike shop to pick up his new Raleigh Detour iE. The shop owner helped him adjust the saddle and handlebars to fit his body perfectly, and he showed him how to use the bike’s motor and controls.
John was a bit nervous as he set out on his first ride, but he quickly found that the Raleigh Detour iE was easy to handle and incredibly comfortable to ride. The bike’s motor provided just the right amount of assistance, and he was able to ride for miles without feeling tired or worn out.
Over the next few weeks, John took his new bike out for rides every day. He explored new neighborhoods, visited local parks, and even went on a few longer rides outside of the city. He found that the Raleigh Detour iE was incredibly versatile, and he loved the fact that he could choose to pedal on his own or let the motor do the work.
As John became more comfortable on his bike, he began to notice how many other senior citizens were out riding their own e-bikes. He saw couples cruising along on their Pedego Comfort Cruisers, groups of friends racing each other on their Aventon Pace 350s, and individuals enjoying the laid-back design of the Electra Townie Go!
John felt a sense of camaraderie with these fellow riders, and he enjoyed exchanging tips and stories with them whenever he had the chance. He even started to lead his own group rides, organizing weekly outings with other seniors in his community.
Thanks to his new Raleigh Detour iE, John discovered a whole new world of freedom and adventure. He no longer felt limited by his age or physical ability, and he was able to enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a bike once again.
As he pedaled down the street, the wind in his hair and the sun on his face, John couldn’t help but feel grateful for the amazing technology that had made it all possible. Ebikes had opened up a whole new world of possibilities for seniors like him, and he knew that he would be riding for years to come.
In this engaging episode of TheHIPSenior Podcast, host Marianne Bailey sits down with Beth and Cheryl of Dababyboomers, two dynamic seniors who have been friends for decades. The pair reminisce about their first meeting as 23-year-old dancers, finding an instant connection and frequently crossing paths at auditions and events. Their shared love for dance and performance has been a cornerstone of their long-lasting friendship, and they reveal how their journey together has led to a fulfilling life in the entertainment industry.
As advocates for staying active and embracing lifelong learning, Beth and Cheryl emphasize the importance of trying new things, from exercise routines and dance styles to mastering new technology. Their thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for new experiences has helped them stay relevant and engaged in their careers. They share stories of their continued success in the acting world, with roles in both social media productions and on-screen appearances in TV and film.
In addition to their professional pursuits, Beth and Cheryl discuss the fascinating world of TikTok and its diverse content. They explain how they enjoy exploring different facets of the platform, finding entertainment and educational value in various areas. The duo encourages listeners to dive into the app, highlighting its potential to connect people across generations and promote creativity.
Finally, the conversation turns to the importance of acceptance and inclusivity, regardless of age. Beth and Cheryl urge others to appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from all walks of life. They emphasize that embracing diversity and fostering understanding can lead to a richer, more rewarding existence for everyone. Don’t miss this inspiring episode, packed with insights and anecdotes from two trailblazing seniors who continue to defy expectations and break boundaries.
Follow them on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube @Dababyboomers
Welcome to my newest column! An unofficial travel blog of somewhat interesting trips to somewhere somewhat interesting. I’m calling it Destinations2Di4. Journey with me on random day trips or week-long voyages. We’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants, small towns, big towns, small boats, big boats, small states, and big states all with a somewhat humorous state of mind.
Beautiful Beaufort by the Bay
My husband, Steve, awoke early one morning recently and pronounced it would be a perfect day for a day trip. Considering his last out-of-town adventure was an ambulance ride to Charleston followed by a few days in ICU at MUSC, I was more than happy to oblige. After all, knocking a few items off the bucket list is much more appealing than one of us trying our darndest to kick the bucket.
Typically, our day trips start with a hearty breakfast at a local dive, but since he sprung this on me last minute, I had no time to research tasty restaurants. That said, I poured up a Miralax Mimosa (1 part fiber powder to 3 parts Trop50) accompanied by a bowl of Aldi brand Toasted Oats with milk so skim even Manny the cat turns his nose up at it.
Following my dismal morning meal, I loaded up the CRV with a few bottles of water and Miss Daisy (aka Steve). He doesn’t really appreciate the new nickname, but since he cannot legally get behind the wheel for another 162 days (but who’s counting?), I’m his chauffeur. As the driver, I get to set the radio station, the volume, the a/c temperature, and the rules, which he grudgingly abides by or I’ll refuse to take him off-island to Lowes. I’m enjoying my role as Hoke Colburn.
Today’s journey will take us to Beaufort, which in South Carolina is pronounced Bew-Fert, while the same city in North Carolina is pronounced Bow-Fert. Either way, pot-A-toe or Po-TOT-o, the towns are named after the same guy. While we’ve never been to Bow-Fert, North Carolina, it was a bit too far for today’s day trip, so we headed up 170 to Bew-Fert. Despite previous visits, we had not taken a carriage ride tour or paid our respects at the National Cemetery so it qualified as a check box on the bucket list.
Like any good tourist 60 years of age or older, we first stopped at the Visitors Center to use the restroom (the mimosa worked!), pick up free maps, as many brochures as we could possibly carry, and purchase tickets for the carriage tour.
One thing I noticed when we settled in behind Maximus the Percheron was that he wasn’t nearly as stinky as the horses on Mackinac Island, but then again it was early in the day and there weren’t nearly as many carriages on the road. I also liked the fact that he wore a little hat with Steampunk goggles. I complimented his get-up to the trainer who explained it had been his Halloween costume and because he loved it so much, they let him wear it year round. Fair enough.
Charlotte the carriage driver started the tour by telling us a bit more about Maximus. He was 11 years old, weighed 2,200 pounds, and could pull five times his weight. At that moment, I mentally calculated how big everyone in the carriage was. It seemed close, so I’m glad we’d not indulged in biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast. That might have tipped the scales and stopped Max in his hooves. We also learned Max came from an Amish farm in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Proof that horses are as smart as humans. Most humans from Ohio end up in South Carolina at some point.
Charlotte the human tour guide informed us in her sugar-sweet southern twang that she had been born and raised in Beaufort. Her mama had been born in Bew-fert, while her daddy hailed from Bow-fert. The family ran the carriage business and by golly, she knew her business. Beaufort had been around since the Spaniards popped by in 1502. The city was founded in 1711 and she did her best to cover several hundred years of trivia in 60 minutes. She pointed out historical homes and historical facts, peppered with hysterical dad jokes (if you like that sort of thing, and I do). We passed the bust of Robert Smalls, the Rhett House Inn, The Castle (aka Hospital #6 during the Civil War) the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge (from the movie Forest Gump where he’s crossing the Mississippi. Who knew it wasn’t Old Man River, but the Beaufort River?) and Tidalhom (the setting of The Big Chill and The Great Santini, neither of which we’ve seen but are now on our Netflix/Amazon Prime list).
She explained live oak trees that have branches on the ground that rise up to the heavens are called angel oaks. While I knew why many Southern homeowners painted their porch ceilings blue, it was still interesting to hear her talk about blue bottle trees that also helped to thwart evil spirits. She pointed out that the ferns, plentiful on the porous walls, were known as Resurrection Ferns because they die back, only to come to life again.
Following the carriage tour, we stopped at Plum on the bay for lunch. Despite the name, there were no plums on the menu, but the chicken salad was filling and the grouper Po-Boy with fries did the trick for Dinky…er, Daisy. Once fortified, we worked off some calories by traipsing across the Richard V. Woods Bridge in search of the Mississippi River sign leftover from the Forrest Gump movie days. We didn’t find the sign but found a nice couple from Greenville who agreed to take our picture if we took theirs.
They were FG movie fans, too. And as luck would have it, later…much later…that same evening Forrest Gump was running for the 1029th time on one of the local TV stations. I couldn’t resist, so I stayed up later than I did on prom night in 1978 to watch the bridge scene. Steve asked me the next morning if I’d watched the entire show, but I had not. I simply couldn’t bear to watch Jenny die for the 1029th time so I called it a night at 2:35 a.m. and dreamt about our next adventure.
As it turns out, opinions are mixed. Some Irish people view the American St. Patrick’s Day parades as a fun and harmless way to celebrate Irish culture. They appreciate the enthusiasm that Americans have for the holiday and the effort they put into their celebrations.
Others, however, feel that the American celebrations have strayed too far from the holiday’s roots and have become overly commercialized. They view the parades and drinking as a caricature of Irish culture and feel that it’s disrespectful to the holiday and its origins.
One of the main criticisms that native Irish people have of the American St. Patrick’s Day parades is that they have little to do with the actual holiday. St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday in Ireland, marked by church services and a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage.
While parades have become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America, they are a relatively recent addition to the holiday. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers in the British Army.
But in Ireland, parades have only become popular in recent years. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin was held in 1931, and it wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s that parades became more common across the country.
So while Irish people may appreciate the effort that Americans put into their St. Patrick’s Day parades, they also feel that the parades are not really in keeping with the holiday’s roots and traditions.
Another criticism that native Irish people have of the American St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is that they focus too much on drinking and partying. While drinking has long been a part of Irish culture, it’s not the main focus of the holiday.
In fact, many Irish people don’t drink at all on St. Patrick’s Day. Instead, they attend church services or spend time with their families. While there may be some drinking later in the day, it’s not the main focus of the holiday.
So when Irish people see images of Americans drinking green beer and stumbling through the streets in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, they may view it as a caricature of Irish culture.
That being said, not all Irish people view the American celebrations in a negative light. Some see it as a fun and harmless way to celebrate their culture, even if it’s not entirely authentic.
In fact, some Irish people have even traveled to America to take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. They appreciate the enthusiasm that Americans have for the holiday and the effort they put into their celebrations. Sometimes they come to visit friends and family and end up staying for the occasion.
In conclusion, the native Irish people have mixed feelings about the American St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations. While some appreciate the effort and enthusiasm that Americans have for the holiday, others feel that the celebrations have strayed too far from the holiday’s roots and traditions.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how they want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you prefer a quiet meal with your family or a raucous parade with green beer and bagpipes, the most important thing is to celebrate Irish culture in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
Check out a live webcam of a pub in Dublin, Ireland: CLICK HERE
While cats and dogs are popular pets for seniors, there are other types of pets that can be just as rewarding and enjoyable. Here are five types of pets that seniors aged 50-70 should consider, along with links to websites for more information:
In summary, while cats and dogs are popular pets for seniors, there are many other types of pets that can be just as enjoyable and rewarding. Fish, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, and rabbits can all make great pets for seniors, and there are many resources available online to help seniors choose the right pet for their lifestyle and needs.
Click here to listen to this podcast:
Josh Pettit’s family has a heartwarming story of lifelong love and companionship. Bob and Betty, high school sweethearts from the Buffalo, New York area, met as fifth-graders and began dating in 1955. Betty became a devoted stay-at-home mom to their three sons, with Josh being the youngest, while Bob worked as a civil engineer.
After Bob’s retirement, the couple decided to travel around and live the RV life, enjoying the warm sunshine in Florida. But Betty’s health soon took a turn for the worse. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery, followed by the discovery of kidney cancer, requiring the removal of one-third of her kidneys. She also had a hip replacement and a few other medical procedures, which Josh believes may have sped up the onset of her Alzheimer’s disease. (See note below)
To ensure that Betty receives consistent medical care, Bob and Betty moved in with their youngest son Josh in North Carolina. It was a big change for the family, but they knew it was the right decision. Over time, they began to notice Betty’s memory loss, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. The family came together to provide the best care possible for Betty, with Josh taking on an increasingly important role in her daily care.
In this podcast, Josh shares with us the journey of caring for his mother Betty, including the challenges and joys of having his parents living with him, and how they manage to provide daily care for Betty. It’s a touching story of love, family, and dedication to a loved one in need. Click the play button above to listen to the full podcast and learn more about their heartwarming journey.
If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to resources like Teepa Snow (www.TeepaSnow.com) or the Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org).
Note:
There is growing evidence to suggest that anesthesia may accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in some individuals. Anesthesia is a type of medication used to induce a state of unconsciousness or sedation during medical procedures. While anesthesia is generally considered safe for most people, there is concern about its potential impact on brain health, particularly in those with preexisting cognitive impairment.
Studies have shown that anesthesia can trigger the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins can clump together to form plaques, which can disrupt the communication between brain cells and ultimately lead to cognitive decline. Anesthesia can also cause inflammation in the brain, which can further exacerbate the damage caused by beta-amyloid plaques. This inflammation can also trigger the release of free radicals, which can damage brain cells and promote cognitive decline.
A 2018 study published in the journal Neurology found that people who underwent surgery with general anesthesia were more likely to develop dementia within three years compared to those who didn’t have surgery. Another study published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy found that exposure to anesthesia was associated with increased beta-amyloid accumulation in the brains of mice. While these studies do not definitively prove a causal relationship between anesthesia and Alzheimer’s disease, they do suggest a potential link.
It’s important to note that not everyone who undergoes anesthesia will experience cognitive decline or accelerated progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, for those with preexisting cognitive impairment or a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, it may be wise to consider alternative approaches to anesthesia or to closely monitor cognitive function following a medical procedure.
Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the link between anesthesia and Alzheimer’s disease progression. In the meantime, it’s important for individuals and their healthcare providers to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of anesthesia and to take steps to minimize any potential cognitive impacts.
References:
Greetings, my beloved elders! Are you sick of the library’s weighty books and your inability to meet due dates? I’m here to put your mind at ease by introducing you to the fantastic Libby app.
To begin with, who or what is Libby? You can borrow digital books and audiobooks from your public library with only a few taps on your mobile device using the free Libby app. With Libby, you never have to worry about late fees or leave the house to return a book.
Let’s jump right into learning the app’s features. The first thing to do is get Libby from your device’s app store or Google Play. If you have a library card, you can sign in with it and your PIN once you’ve downloaded the app.
The lack of a library card is not a problem at this time. Go to the library and ask for one. It takes only a few minutes to set up, and it’s typically free. Some libraries even allow you to sign up online!
After logging in, you can begin searching for books. Use the search box up above to look for a specific book, writer, or genre. Choose from “New and Noteworthy” or “Classics Reimagined” to browse curated selections.
If you see a book that interests you, you can tap on it to learn more about it. You may find out about the book’s availability, read a synopsis, and even listen to a clip if the book is available as an audiobook.
Simply click the “Borrow” option if you’d like to borrow the book, if it isn’t already checked out. Once purchased, the book will appear on your “Shelf,” which can be accessed by touching the book symbol in the app’s bottom right corner. A book can be read or listened to from that point onward.
Put a hold on the book and Libby will email you as soon as it becomes available. So that you don’t miss out, you can choose to have the book immediately checked out to you when it becomes available.
Let’s speak about using Libby to read and listen to books now. When you select a book to read, you’ll be transported to the reading screen, where you can adjust the font size, background color, and other settings to your satisfaction. Reading themes like “Sepia” and “Night” are available, as are customizations to the font, spacing, and color palette.
You can control the playback of an audiobook by touching the play/pause button, or by using the scrub bar to advance or rewind the playback. If you’d like to quicken or slow down the narrative to fit your pace, you can do that, too.
Libby’s ability to automatically track your progress is one of its best features. A book that remembers your place in it will open to the last page you were reading when you pick it back up. You won’t have to worry about getting lost in an audiobook since it will pick up right where you left off.
Let’s discuss book returns now. A book can be returned by using the “Return” button from either the book’s details page or your Shelf. Don’t stress about returning books on time; Libby will handle it for you.
In conclusion, Libby is simple to use and provides a convenient method to read your favorite books without leaving the house or lugging along hefty volumes. To add to the convenience, Libby allows you to borrow an unlimited number of books at once, so you aren’t confined to reading just one at a time. Good luck with the reading!
There are several resources available to find the Libby app:
The rise of Amazon has fundamentally altered the retail sector. The way individuals shop and how businesses run have both altered as a result. But as the business has expanded, so have its expenses. Customers have noted that Amazon’s prices are constantly rising. When I first signed up for Amazon, it was $79.00. I noticed yesterday that my Amazon Prime membership had renewed at the hefty price of $149.00! We will examine why this is taking place and what options are available to those trying to cut costs.
Why is Amazon becoming more expensive?
The price of Amazon is rising for a number of reasons. The corporation has been making significant investments in its infrastructure, which is one of the main causes. This entails creating new technology, modernizing its distribution methods, and constructing new warehouses. The cost of all of these investments, which is passed on to the customer, is high.
The fact that Amazon is expanding into new markets is another factor contributing to price increases. Amazon also offers services like streaming video, music, and even groceries in addition to merely selling books and electronics. These new products demand more resources, which are once more charged to the customer.
Amazon also is constantly finding ways to increase their marketshare. Not only can you watch movies and listen to music as part of Primes, but have also added 1 hour delivery in some areas and one year of Grub Hub Plus service where you can receive food delivered from your favorite restaurants to your door at zero delivery fee (tip not included).
Finally, the price of Amazon is rising as a result of the company’s increased competitiveness. When other stores begin to catch up with their online offers, Amazon will need to make additional investments in order to maintain its lead.
More Options Besides Using Amazon
There are alternatives to using Amazon for individuals who want to cut costs. Here are several possibilities:
Buy local products
Shopping in neighborhood stores is one of the best alternatives to using Amazon.com. This not only helps your neighborhood, but it can be a terrific way to uncover unusual goods that you might not be able to purchase on Amazon. Additionally, many neighborhood stores have affordable prices, particularly for things like apparel and housewares.
Utilize different online merchants
There are numerous other online merchants who provide a large assortment of goods and affordable pricing. Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are a few of the most well-liked Amazon substitutes. These merchants frequently provide free delivery, which can be an excellent way to save money.
Utilize online comparison shopping sites
Use a price comparison website if you want to find the greatest value on a specific item. These websites give you the option to compare prices from many merchants in order to obtain the best deal. Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Shopzilla are a few of the best-known price comparison services.
Purchase used goods
Purchasing gently used goods is another option to reduce costs. Used goods can be found on websites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Craigslist for a fraction of the price of new goods. For even better prices, browse your neighborhood garage sales and thrift shops.
Think about recurring services
If you frequently purchase specific things on Amazon, you might want to think about joining a subscription program. For items like diapers, cleaning supplies, and pet food, many businesses offer subscription services. These businesses frequently offer discounts and free shipping, which can enable you to make long-term financial savings.
Conclusion
Although the price of utilizing Amazon is rising, there are other options. Buying gently used goods, using price comparison websites, shopping at nearby stores, shopping at other online retailers, and subscribing to services are all excellent ways to cut costs. You can still buy the items you need without going bankrupt by looking at these alternatives.
Seniors aren’t the only ones who find listening to podcasts to be a fun pastime. For older folks, podcasts have a variety of advantages, including entertainment, education, social interaction, and mental stimulation. This article will talk about the benefits of podcasts for older people and why they should listen to them.
Podcasts provide an easy-to-use and accessible type of entertainment, which is one of their key advantages for senior adults. Podcasts can be downloaded and listened to at any time on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. As a result, seniors can listen to their favorite podcasts while traveling or unwinding at home.
Also, a variety of informative and educational content is available on podcasts. Podcasts cover a wide range of subjects, including current affairs, news, history, science, and technology. This means that seniors can benefit from the ease of being able to listen to podcasts at their own pace and on their own schedule, while simultaneously learning something new and staying informed about the world around them.
Podcasts can enhance senior folks’ mental stimulation and cognitive performance in addition to giving enjoyment and education. Listening to podcasts on news, current events, and other subjects that call for analysis and critical thought help keep the mind engaged and alert. Seniors who may be at risk for dementia or cognitive decline can significantly benefit from this.
For senior folks, podcasts can help foster a sense of community and social connection. Podcasts often have interviews and debates with professionals, authors, and other interesting guests that seniors can use to learn from and talk to people from all walks of life. Also, podcasts sometimes include live calls and listener responses, which can make seniors feel like they are part of a community and that they belong.
Seniors can stay in touch with their loved ones and friends by listening to podcasts. A variety of podcasts are available for sharing and discussion, giving seniors a means to stay in touch with their loved ones and stay involved in their interests and hobbies.
Seniors should exercise caution while choosing podcasts to listen to because some of them may include material that isn’t suitable or secure for them. Seniors should be mindful of the volume when listening to podcasts because loud music might damage the ears.
Finally, podcasts are a fantastic method for senior folks to keep informed, engaged, and mentally active. From entertainment and education to social interaction and mental stimulation, podcasts provide a wide range of advantages. Also, they can enhance cognitive performance and foster a sense of connection and community. Podcasts are a practical method to keep connected and interested because they can be downloaded and listened to at any time on a variety of devices. They can also be a fantastic tool for seniors to maintain relationships with their loved ones. Seniors should use caution while choosing podcasts to listen to and pay attention to the loudness while doing so.
Laura Lyster-Mensh is a death doula who has proposed a unique idea to the Congressional Cemetery. She asked if she could be their death doula for a year and provide death education and awareness work to the community. To her surprise, they said yes! This opportunity has allowed her to spread the message of “Death Positivity” and help individuals plan for the inevitable.
Every Saturday morning, Laura hosts activities for people in the community at the cemetery. These activities are designed to encourage positive thinking about death and help individuals make their end-of-life wishes known. One activity that Laura is particularly proud of involves the Threshold singers of Washington DC. These singers come in and perform a song bath for attendees, who recline in zero-gravity chairs as if they were dying. This moving experience has touched many individuals, ranging from young people to the elderly.
Laura has noticed that the majority of attendees are women. She agrees with me that women are natural planners and that it’s important to support individuals as they plan for their end-of-life care. Unfortunately, many seniors die alone, without family or friends to support them. By providing death education and awareness work, Laura hopes to change this.
One of the activities Laura has organized is a “Write Your Own Obituary” event. She encourages individuals to write their own obituary so that their family members don’t have to worry about remembering details like family member names and relationships. By updating their obituary every year, individuals can ensure that their wishes are known and that they will be remembered as they wish to be remembered.
Laura recommends the podcast called Dying Kindness, which is about being kind to those who will be taking care of things after you’re gone. This podcast is an excellent resource for individuals who want to learn more about death education and awareness work.
Another activity that Laura has organized is a game called Death Deck. This game features questions that are not normally asked at the dinner table. However, by initiating conversations about death, individuals can learn more about each other’s wishes and gain a better understanding of how to support one another.
Laura is grateful to the Congressional Cemetery for being so open and accepting of her ideas. The cemetery has been around since 1807 and is the final resting place of many presidents and famous people. By hosting these events, Laura hopes to encourage individuals to see death as a natural part of life and to help them plan for their end-of-life care.
In conclusion, Laura Lyster-Mensh is a death doula who is making a difference in the community by providing death education and awareness work. Through her work at the Congressional Cemetery, she has been able to spread the message of “Death Positivity” and help individuals plan for their end-of-life care. Her activities, such as the Threshold singers and the “Write Your Own Obituary” event, have touched many individuals and helped them gain a better understanding of death. By promoting death education and awareness work, Laura hopes to change the way society views death and help individuals live their lives to the fullest until the end.
