Ageism, A Look Into The Impact on LGBTQ and Older Americans in General
This article touches on some interesting and eye opening things to consider as we age.
Suicide rates increase as we age (particularly in LGBTQ older Americans) while we potentially ignore it more because the “urgency” isn’t there. For example we might focus more resources into protecting the youth because our elderly have already lived a good life, etc but data would show that suicide rates are highest in our older population AND I know I have seen a stat somewhere that points out the suicide rate is highest among males.
If we can recognize that this is happening, how can we help them to NOT be alone. Personally, I know that church helps with this- we come together with people we agree with and disagree with but leave knowing that we are still loved. Church isn’t right for everyone, but everyone needs community. If you see someone falling into loneliness, please reach out or alert people who might be able to help.
Strategies for Surviving Standardized Tests
Kids and parents often stress over standardized tests. So much can depend on the results: college placements, high school or elementary school classroom assignments, etc. This article from the Childmind Institute provides some tips and strategies to survive standardized tests.
Also, what’s important to note is that a test does not define you nor your potential. There are plenty of people who didn’t do great in school or on tests and still lived a meaningful and successful life. That said, in our educational system, they do use and rely on tests like the SAT to help “credential” someone into a category. Knowing that, we should strive to help our kids prepare for these tests and help them create strategies to reduce anxiety in the testing process.
Staying Social in Retirement
I subscribe to the mindset of copy and borrow with pride. This piece in Forbes is a GREAT article written by Rob Pascale. He eloquently illustrates the importance of being social in retirement from a health and meaning perspective. He not only outlines some of the very real risks, not least of which is social isolation, but he also gives some great tips that I have pasted below. These are GREAT ways to force yourself to be more social - if you value your life, it’s something you will thank yourself for...
Meet up with your current friends and acquaintances regularly — even the annoying ones. Nurture these relationships and recognize the benefits they provide. Use the internet to track down old friends with whom you've had meaningful relationships in the past. Join clubs and senior organizations or start your own. This may sound silly, but if you know one person who knows another who knows another, soon they'll be enough folks to meet anyone’s social needs. You might try setting up a group on a theme basis, e.g., dining, wine tasting, golf, etc. — that way you can spend time with people who share your interests. Take a class or two at your local college, library, or community center. Consider taking a job outside the home, specifically for the social benefits.
Pencils of Promises First Latina CEO
Another good read in Forbes interviews Tanya Ramos to understand more about her journey to become the first female and Latina CEO of Pencils of Promises, a large international nonprofit dedicated to education.
What’s refreshing about this piece by Vivian Nunez, is how Tanya openly embraces her background, and family support that helped put her where she is today. Of course she’s talented, she’s successful because of her own decisions etc., but she recognizes the importance of her history too. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for inspiration or trying to think of ways that you could help your next generation get positioned for future success.
