Growing Old, Gracefully.

We Americans are talking less and less — almost 30% less over the last decade. The drop for youngsters is even more dramatic. My grandson told me speaking is going the way of the horse and buggy, and he informed me using very few words. This circumstance makes me almost …

All the famous publishing houses are clamoring for our book, “199 Things That Drive Aging People Nuts.” My guess is they will be offering us huge sums of advance payments. I can envision long lines of purchasers extending around the block at Barnes and Noble bookstores.    …

I invested four long days (sometimes enjoyable, sometimes not) reading the advice of popular experts on what goes into living a good life. A few authors stood out in my mind: Arthur Brooks (determine a clear purpose), Brené Brown (embrace vulnerability), Oliver Burkeman (let …

Billy’s parents bought a new icebox. It was delivered in a huge, brown cardboard box to their front yard. It was 1954 in Ames, Iowa, and Billy lived next door. We were excited about Billy’s parents’ purchase — not the icebox, but this new, humongous toy: the brown …

Full disclosure: A wee bit of poetic license has been incorporated into this post, but the bird’s-eye conclusion is rock solid. It was nice getting the old Hiram Scott Research Department back together to solve a major environmental concern.  INTRODUCTION Professors …