A Call For Friendlier Technology

: Written by J.J.

At the very beginning of the digital age, when we traded our simple TV on/off switches for a remote with over two dozen arrows and buttons, we left "easy" and "accessible" behind. Amazing devices created a world suddenly so complex that ill or aging parents and loved ones could no longer manage life without an advocate while we ourselves became more reliant on Millennials to navigate the marvels. Today brick and mortar services are crumbling into a pile of passwords and pins that unlock virtual commerce and there seems to be no end in sight to the discoveries that unintentionally leave those who are less tech savvy behind. Before we find generations lost in a digital world I call for more user friendly, age friendly, accessible design. With intentionality everyone can enjoy the potential of this promising century.

Share Holiday Magic Year-round

: Written by J.J.

Festivities, family gatherings, religious celebration...the magic of Christmas is behind us now or is it? As we face the challenges of aging and the events of a new year how can we harness that magic to help us year-round? Three concepts- faith, giving/receiving, and celebration- define the winter holidays and each are strong enough to create magic in our lives every day of the year. Nurture the magic in your life for greater year-round joy.

Digital Library for Family Caregivers Living With Dementia- Frontotemporal Dementia, FTD

: Written by J.J.

Over 5 million people live with dementia in the USA. That's a number larger than the population of 29 states in America and roughly the size of Phoenix and Los Angeles combined. Worldwide 47 million live with the condition. Yet if you are caring for a loved one who has dementia you may feel like you're alone in the world. There are no sure preventions and no cures. As the disease progresses it requires more hours of caregiving. Later stages may drain assets, cause work absences, and intensify a sense of isolation. This is a digital library of the stories about those individuals and families struggling to cope with the disorder even as education and awareness is sparse in many communities and stigmas are strong.

About the library: Though medicine doesn't fully understand dementia there has been progress into learning the basic trajectory and patterns of various subtypes and, where possible, I've categorized the library by each type. I will also categorize by familial perspective as well ie: spouse caregiver, daughter/son caregiver etc. This dynamic digital library will spread over several blogs. This section, on frontotemporal dementia, is the first in the series. It is by no means a complete library of everything online but it contains highlights of testimonials and stories that are well documented. Check back frequently for new entries.

Jury Duty - Is It Time For Reform?

: Written by J.J.

Is America's jury system in need of reform? Should 90-somethings be receiving a jury summons? Should anyone having to close their business to serve be summoned? Should there be a standard governing all courts? Should we expect everyone to serve regardless of employment status or annual income? Should we allow jurors to use mobile devices? Should juries have mandated diversity? State and federal laws govern everything from juror age limits to employee rights during jury duty but they vary state to state. Are they up to date? What do you think? Does the jury system need 21st century reforms?