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Late Life Journey
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What Loss Asked of Me - A Personal Story of Letting Go
From the start of my life on this earth, I moved through the world with abandon - running, skipping, playing hard in competitive sports, my body a willing and able partner in all of it. As the years passed, I slowed, but traded speed for something deeper: long solo hikes into the natural world, ten, twelve, fifteen miles at my own pace, in my own silence. These were not just walks. They were my reset, a way of returning to quiet and listening more deeply. I felt invincible i

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Jun 274 min read


What Remains
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts of growing older is discovering that while much of what we accumulated eventually fades into the background, what remains alive within us are the people we loved, the animals who shared our lives, the strangers we reached out to, and the ways we cared for the world around us.

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Jun 252 min read


Loss and Transformation
When we talk about aging, we often hear and, or use the word loss. Sometimes it is a big loss - a spouse, child, or a serious debilitating change of health. But, for many of us, as we live longer into each decade, it is not the big losses, it is the slow accumulation of small changes: Energy shifts and changes because of changes in health and vision, hearing, mobility, illness Loss of a role you once had that gave meaning -Leaving your long time home and moving into communit

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Jun 12 min read


What Matters Most?
Knowing what MATTERS most can really help your loved ones know what to do, and their knowing what matters. most is a gift becuase when they need to interact with the medical team, you are not left "not knowing", and only guessing or taking the medical suggestions or recommendations, when maybe that is NOT what your loved one really would want . Take time to have the sometimes more challenging discussions with your loved one way before the time comes. This is very important

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
May 223 min read


Power of Knowledge: The Importance of Preparation in Aging
Life is moving along fine enough. And then—suddenly— often at a time when we are not prepared to deal with it, someThing happens. And....not according to our plan. As the old adage reminds us: “Life happens while we are busy making other plans.” We don’t tend to spend much time thinking about what we don’t know. And in many ways, that makes sense. But when it comes to growing older—our health, living arrangements, finances, and the important documents that guide our care and

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Apr 193 min read


The Quiet Vulnerability of Aging
There is a kind of vulnerability that comes with aging that is not often spoken about directly. It’s not just about illness, or needing help, or even loss—though all of those are part of it. It is something more subtle, and often more personal. It is the growing awareness that life is changing in ways we cannot fully control. As you grow older, your body changes. Strength shifts. Balance becomes less certain. Hearing and vision change. There can be cognitive changes. Social c

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Apr 143 min read


YOUR ADVANCE DIRECTIVE for HealthCare: Choosing a HealthCare Representative
Your advance directive can be helpful to your physician and others close to you when they must make choices on your behalf. The representative you name in your medical power of attorney has the power to advocate for your medical wishes and make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Apr 83 min read


Navigating the Reality of Aging in Place: Is It Achievable or Just a Dream?
Aging in place is a goal shared by nearly everyone who plans for their later years. The idea of staying in your own home, surrounded by familiar things and memories, is deeply appealing. Yet, the reality often clashes with this vision. Many people want to age in place, but few have the resources or support to make it practical.

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Apr 84 min read


Long Terms Care Plans: Why an Imperative?
Sometimes, the idea of planning for the future can feel distant or even uncomfortable. But starting with small, manageable steps can make a big difference.

Debra Lyn Johnson, MA
Apr 14 min read
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