Columns
December 2009
Perspectives On Aging
The Many Hidden Treasures Immigrants May Discover in America
There are many reasons why people from all over the world immigrate to the U.S.A., some for economic reasons, looking for jobs and riches, others for political exile, as this is the cradle of democracy. They usually... Read More
November 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Teaching, a Noble Profession
I write this article in honor of my granddaughter, Jade, a senior in college who will soon earn a degree in education. She is the prototype of what a teacher should be. She will follow the steps of her aunt Sara, who... Read More
October 2009
Perspectives On Aging
How Cuban and American Cultures Influenced my Life
As a prominent Spanish philosopher once said, "Man is a product of himself and his circumstances," which is a way of saying that both genes (nature) and environment contribute to shape our lives.Waves of... Read More
September 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Understanding Your Adolescent Grandchild
Adolescence is a difficult stage of life. On occasions, it is not easy to understand or tolerate their unpredictable behavior. They are, after all, a mass of contradictions, having attachment to their parents and at the... Read More
August 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Behavioral Styles of the Old
As we grow in years, certain types of behaviors make themselves present or become more prevalent. A few are desirable, but others are not. By becoming aware of them we may find ways to enhance the "good ones"... Read More
July 2009
Perspectives On Aging
The Age of Anxiety
It is often said that we now live in an age of anxiety, where people are always in a hurry, where danger lurks around every corner, and people are always on the move, but often don't know where they are heading or... Read More
June 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Effects of Stress on Physical and Mental Health
At the present time, the financial crisis facing our society has compounded the many stresses of modern times and has had a huge impact on the physical and mental health of its people.Stress causes an increase output of... Read More
May 2009
Perspectives On Aging
The Relevance of Character
When we were children, many decades ago, our parents and teachers used to place much emphasis on intelligence and hard work as crucial elements for success in life. About intelligence, there was not much to be done, as... Read More
April 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Pleasant Memories of Past Experiences
Bringing to life pleasant memories of the past is a healthy hobby for many Seniors of today. It is a hiding place that brings peace and joy to many, serving as a shield against the rush and noise of the present, so... Read More
March 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Happiness in the Golden Years
Recently a University of Chicago sociologist completed research that found that as a rule the elderly are happier than younger adults. He came to the conclusion that older people are more content with what they have.... Read More
February 2009
Perspectives On Aging
Society in Crisis
Now it seems that the moral principles that once served to guide our society since the birth of this nation are in total disarray, resulting in the chaotic state of disorganization we find ourselves in.It all started in... Read More
January 2009
Perspectives On Aging
The Foundations of Happiness
It is happiness that we all want out of life. Riches, power and all other material accomplishments are things we all strive for in search for it. Many spend their whole lives in this pursuit, and when finally in their... Read More
December 2008
Perspectives On Aging
An Ordinary Day in My Life as a Retiree
My life is not too different from others in my age group, as we share many things in common that allow us to empathize with each other. I lead two lives, and through the recollection of my memories, I spend time living... Read More
November 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Happiness and Sadness: A Necessary Dichotomy
Nowadays, people crave for happiness. They yearn for it at all times. When they are not, they try drugs and alcohol. If that were not enough, they often claim to have the illness of depression and entice their physician... Read More
October 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Hard Times Ahead
It is no secret that our country is presently going through hard times. We are in the midst of a war against terrorism, a difficult enemy that is not well defined and wears many disguises. Dependency on oil, which is... Read More
September 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Crisis of authority in our times
For a society to be strong and healthy, respect and obedience toward authority is a necessary ingredient. This is missing in modern society, where authority figures are often disobeyed, disrespected and disregarded.It... Read More
August 2008
Perspectives On Aging
The entertainment industry and its impact on society
Ever since my days in Havana as a young man, many decades ago, I’ve become aware of the influence that movies had on me and my friends. We all tried to copy the habits and other behaviors of the heroes portrayed... Read More
July 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Team Sports: Builders of Character
There are two kinds of people on this earth: the energetic and constructive who go through life doing their thing, and the others who passively follow someone else’s lead.The first group includes the leaders,... Read More
June 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Will I visit Cuba in the near future?
I have been asked this question many times by friends and family. My answer is yes, but only after Cuba regains its freedom, and only for a short visit. Then I will return to the U.S.A., as now it has become my home,... Read More
May 2008
Perspectives On Aging
My experience as a minority in American society
Long ago, in 1961, when I came to this country as a political exile, I became a member of one of the so-called minority groups within American society; a relatively large group of people from other countries and other... Read More
April 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Ambitions
Ambition is a map we create to guide us throughout the journey of our lives. It is the desire to fulfill our dreams, whatever they might be. To accomplish the goals we have set forth in the course of our lives. It is... Read More
March 2008
Perspectives On Aging
The role of females has drastically changed in recent times
In the past several decades, we octogenarians have witnessed a significant change in the role of women in society. When we were children, most if not all women, stayed home to care for the children, the husband and the... Read More
February 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Transitions in the Journey of Life
Most transitions in life are stressful and at times painful, but I prefer to look at them as challenging and adventurous experiences. Perhaps one of the most difficult for some is the transition from adulthood into... Read More
January 2008
Perspectives On Aging
Promises and Wishes for the New Year
At this time of the year it is customary to remember and reflect on the positives and negatives of the ending year and to plan for the year ahead. These plans and promises are not often met, sometimes because of... Read More
December 2007
Perspectives On Aging
The Three Stages of Life
In the old days we used to say that the three stages of life were youth, adulthood and old age or senescence. However following the Spanish tradition, looking at life from a more positive perspective, we can say that... Read More
