Attitude determines how we manage the challenges of advancing age. It is an outlook that creates a posture in life. It deepens as time goes by and is manmade; not a gift of nature. Attitude is earned by honestly analyzing our reactions to people and events. This can teach us where and how we need… Read more »

The renowned astrophysicist, Carl Sagan, coined the expression, “The Pale Blue Planet” for our home in the vast universe. The future of our planet rests in our hands. Its health and wellness are our responsibilities. For astronauts, the view of earth is so spectacular that it can transform their perspectives on life and even draws… Read more »

Shay Moraga’s combat with the big C is being chronicled in Desert Health, and is a valuable contribution. Her cancer is now in remission, which is glorious news after all she has suffered. Her battle has been challenging. In addition to medical intervention, she prevailed with her courage, persistence, her love for life and always… Read more »

Years ago when Desert Health’s Publisher, Lauren, lost the horse she loved, it touched memories in my heart about the departure of an equine companion. Horses rank high as the most sublime of all animals, wild and domestic. These magnificent creatures combine strength with grace. Horses became a symbol of power and royalty. I expressed… Read more »

At no period in history have we experienced the galactic environmental and social changes of today. It is a natural consequence of our evolution. The times are fascinating and challenging. It is not surprising we can feel lost, stressed, and out of date. The speed of technology, access to knowledge, and instant communication are measured… Read more »

Life was simple in my early childhood. My retired grandparents’ small farm, east of Berlin, was my home in the turbulent years of 1932 to the 1940s. The village was surrounded by verdant farmland, managed forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, and crystal clear lakes teeming with fish. On our small piece of land my… Read more »

You have no doubt noticed that we live in chaotic, yet amazingly potent times. Our style and manner of thinking, acting and responding are undergoing a revolution. At no time in history has mankind experienced so many fundamental changes. A shift is underway as we try to function in a climate where everything is increasing… Read more »

No home is complete without the pitter patter of dog feet. Baxter and Jasper came into our lives three months ago. It took three days to learn their personalities, three weeks to adjust, and three months to become part of the family. After tragically losing Kayla, our beloved Irish terrier, I initially resisted any adoption.… Read more »

We had never seen a Tesla automobile, but its sleek design, understated elegance and electric motor caught our attention. Taking the Tesla for a test drive was a memorable experience. The auto handles like a dream. The acceleration is powerful and smooth. The interior is luxurious yet practical, and the electronics are state-of-the-art. Then we… Read more »

It is a privilege of advancing years to reflect on the memories of experiences to harvest insights that slowly deepen wisdom. Some of the wisdoms I know to be true are that animals are a rich part of our human lives. The study of that connection creates a growing fascination with the wonders of the… Read more »

“Dogs need just you and love, that’s all.” – Jennifer Westfield Two yellow Labradors took our senior neighbor for a walk every morning and evening. We waved and smiled but never met. With sadness I noticed lately, one dog was missing. Surely because of the dog’s age, the owner had to come to the mournful… Read more »

It is a common belief that as we age, our minds and bodies decline and life inevitably becomes less satisfying and enjoyable. Cognitive decline is inevitable, and work is less productive. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, we are all wrong. Certainly life gets better in many aspects as we get older. Our… Read more »

“Knowledge is powerful and self-education is the only education there is.” — Isaac Asimov We have all benefitted from the unprecedented advances in technology, planetary exploration, and medicine that have taken place during our lifetime. Between 1945 and 1971 there were many breakthroughs, and the progress has accelerated ever since. For us seniors, it is a… Read more »

Nutrition is vital, in the true sense of the word, at any age. Much is written about it and research published. My wife Carol and I attempt to keep up. The conclusions lead to individual choices: What makes sense for you? Are you willing to make a commitment for long-term goals? From personal experience it… Read more »

Exercise promotes health. It also makes us feel good. We should keep our body active. That is the theory. But doing so takes work and perseverance.  With advancing years, the degree of effort increases exponentially. What was easy when we were younger is now more challenging than we care to admit – and yes, often… Read more »

The desire to write can emerge in any phase of life, and it deepens as the years advance. As the decision to write is made and the process evolves, memories become a catharsis of remembrance and feelings. The experience is wonderful and expanding. Writing is a powerful tool for self-discovery and for learning in general.… Read more »

Stalingrad 1942 was one of the most savage battles in military history. My father, a reluctant German infantry soldier (the other option would have been execution) was wounded and sent back from the front. That saved his life and for me, the guide of my life. He never talked about what it was like. Except… Read more »