Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.- Mark Twain

As I've written before, it has been my privilege to have known many older adults throughout my life. This quote by Mark Twain reminds me of why I've enjoyed it so much. Its the smiles, the laughter and the love we've shared. Perhaps the smiles don't come as often when a loved one is in pain, or perhaps the smile of recognition is gone from a loved one with dementia, but when you look at their wrinkles, remember them as proof that the smile of recognition was once there.

Here are some nice posts on the elderly I'd like to share that I've discovered around the net this week:

Family Caregiving on Contract - The New Old Age Blog - NYTimes.com

Just as caring for children varies case by case, so does caring for our aging parents or other loved ones. I agree that this is often a slow progression, it has been for our family and we have felt no need for a contract, but the merits of one .... They're your parents and yes, virtue really is its own reward. Remember this one? It's a oldie but a goodie — “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.” It's the Fifth Commandment. Even if you don't believe in God or any religion, ...

Honor Thy Parents - Caring for Your Aging Parents

God has told us in His Word, that we are to honor our parents. This is the same, and yet different, from the Scriptures directed toward children to obey their parents. Children are to obey their parents, and by their obedience they show ...

Explore the Spirit: 433: It's "Older Americans Month" — so what ...

ONE of the biggest challenges facing America's 300000 congregations is our own aging as a population. We've got to stop thinking of aging as a problem to be solved—and realize that it's a major part of our lives to be... ... Show respect for all older adults by honoring their reality. It's important to acknowledge the reality of individuals. Many times, active seniors are embarrassed by cutesy or corny ministry titles for senior adult programs. ...

The Funny Side of Aging :: Older Elderly

As you or your parents get closer to retirement nothing is more important than Senior Care Planning. Many costs you will find are not covered by medicare such as long term senior care. This article on Senior care helps uncover some of the hidden ... Not a whole lot, according to the wisest man who ever lived. Here's what Solomon said about our “Golden Years:”. Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young,. Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes, ...

Should You Provide Parent Care in your Home?

When I was a child we called parent care “having grandma live with us”. Aging parents moving in with adult children is not a new trend. At first, parent care for my parents meant getting my grandmother out of the cold and slippery ...