PORTRAITS Irene recently lost her husband and is now forced to battle cancer on her own.  A neighbor is concerned with her living conditions and is worried that Irene is having trouble taking care of her self properly. David and Sheila did not choose to have children until much later in life.  Just as their children are entering their teens, David and Sheila were presented with the choice of becoming caregivers for Sheila’s widowed mother after she fell, injuring her hip. Bernice has been a frequent volunteer at the hospital ever since retiring from her nursing position. However, recently her health has been declining and she is not sure how much longer she will be able to continue volunteering, never mind living on her own. DEFINITIONS & KEY THOUGHTS Aging is a normal and natural process that everyone must undergo at his or her own time and pace.  The rate at which one ages cannot be controlled, however, it is influenced by several factors including emotional attitude, family … [Read more...]