Helen Dennis Marks 25 Years of Column on Aging with Reader-Driven Lessons

Helen Dennis is concluding her 25th year writing the 'Successful Aging' column for the Pasadena Star-News. In a final installment for the anniversary milestone, the nationally recognized leader on aging issues reviewed the advice, anecdotes, and concerns submitted by readers over the past year. Dennis is preparing to launch her 26th year of weekly publications through the Southern California News Group.

A recurring theme in reader correspondence involved social dynamics among older adults. One reader recommended a podcast titled 'Three Old Broads and a Lady,' which explores how storytelling helps maintain social bonds. Another contributor suggested that retired individuals often repeat stories because they feel they have little new information to offer in conversations. This reader cited her uncle as an example of a brilliant person who struggled to engage others, noting that repetition helped him feel included.

Health concerns dominated several reader inquiries. Dennis highlighted a resource from Dementia Friendly America, an organization that grew out of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. The group provides a toolkit for planning dementia-friendly holiday events. She also emphasized the link between untreated hearing loss and dementia. While hearing loss does not guarantee the development of dementia, it is a risk factor that can be managed through regular checkups and the use of hearing aids.

Readers also shared personal struggles with aging milestones. A man turning 82 described seeing his late mother in the mirror, specifically her baggy arms, which led him to buy long-sleeved shirts to hide his own. A 60-year-old woman expressed anxiety about being labeled old, prompting her and her friends to collectively celebrate their age throughout the year. Another reader, also turning 60, asked Dennis how she feels about aging. Dennis responded that she does not know if she has a specific age number in mind.

Safety remains a top priority for the column's audience. One reader detailed a fall that occurred while walking her dog. She attempted to cross a street to escape a threatening neighbor's dog but misjudged the distance to the curb. The incident caused a broken shoulder and a torn rotator cuff, requiring surgery and a shoulder replacement. She is now in the seventh month of recovery. Her advice to other readers was to stay aware of surroundings and avoid rushing. Another observer advised being intentional rather than just careful.

Dennis noted that her columns often extend beyond the page. An instructor at a Senior Center uses the pieces for class presentations. One reader shared a positive experience with ageism, noting that a salesclerk trusted her with a return without a receipt because she was elderly. Another reader described a morning routine where she looks in the mirror and affirms her readiness for the coming year. Dennis stated that the column will continue to mix research, perspectives, and occasional personal opinions as it moves into its new cycle.