The title of this month’s issue is “An Intimate Conversation” — because who doesn’t think about sex, love and intimacy on some level? And its intersection with aging is worth discussing. This issue isn’t exactly plain-brown-wrapper fare, but our writers do tackle some important issues.

We might be getting old, but we’re not dead yet, and a simple hug goes a long way to connect with other human beings, perhaps especially as isolation takes its toll on people who don’t get out as much as they used to. We all want and need affection and connection to others, as contributors to this month’s Senior News conversation discuss.

Hope you enjoy our “Intimate Conversation.” The paper version is free at newsstands all over Humboldt or visit humsenior.org under the Senior News tab for the digital version (as well as past issue and a list of places to pick up hard copies). You can also get Senior News at home in the mail every month — just $36/year. Subscribe online or call Debbie at 707-443-9747.

Thank you, gentle readers, as always, for your support of Senior News — For people 50+ and everyone who knows one or wants to be one someday.

 

Meanwhile, let’s look ahead to the next three issues of Senior News. Writers wanted!

• MARCH is National Reading Month, so Senior News will look at our love of books, reading and all things wordish. What role have books and reading played in your life, from you first childhood tales to whatever you’re reading now? We read every day for all the obvious pedestrian reasons, but reading also brings us joy, exploration, sadness, contemplation, remembrance . . . . I share playwright Tom Stoppard’s belief: “I don’t think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.” How have words — even your own words — nudged your world a little? Personally, I was infected an early age by word-obsessed parents and have been compulsive about the proper use of language: as a longtime copy editor, I’ll probably even include grammar and punctuation. Read on! Send your words, 400-500 (or fewer), plus photos. Deadline Feb. 12 (or sooner).
• APRIL is Time for a Good Laugh — the month that begins with an April Fool and just gets sillier. So it’s time for another of our occasional Humor Issues. Laughter is essential to life, I believe, and seeing the light amidst darkness is a good way to get through. Send funny stories from your life, outrageous gags, knee-slappers or anything that will bring a smile. As comic Michael Pritchard observed, “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” Send gags, quips, kneeslappers or stories 400-500 words (or fewer). Deadline March 12 (or sooner).
• MAY — It’s time for our annual checkup on The Health in Humboldt. Last May, our “Health Care & Aging in Humboldt” issue took the pulse of medical care and health on the North Coast. It’s time to see the doctor again. Our last examination documented both what some observers consider a crisis in health care in Humboldt County, and some very bright spots. What are your medical experiences and healthcare concerns, and what needs to be done to improve health care in Humboldt? Send your stories, 400-500 words (or fewer) and photos, by April 12 (or sooner).