Author Archives: Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

The Rise of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities

Seniors are forming loosely constructed retirement communities to age in place
Posted on October 2, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

More seniors are choosing to age in place — often becoming unwitting members of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities. Meanwhile, others deliberately move to join such communities, where they can feel more supported in their elder years, while younger residents leave. … Continue reading →

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“Vincent” by Don McLean

Tribute to Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh mourns his suicide and celebrates his gifts
Posted on September 22, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

On an autumn morning in 1970, singer-songwriter Don McLean was sitting on the porch and reading a biography of Vincent van Gogh when he was suddenly struck by an idea: A song that drew on the artist’s life and work. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressive Music | 2 Comments

Living Funerals, or Seizenso, Are Gaining Popularity

Individuals in Japan, South Korea and beyond are holding funerals while still alive
Posted on September 13, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Some celebrities in Japan have been holding a “seizenso,” which translates to a “funeral while alive” — motivating everyday citizens to do the same. More recently, the practice of living funerals has spread to South Korea, the U.S., Europe and … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | 1 Comment

Lockdown Fun: Seniors Pose as Album Covers and Paintings

Senior care facilities find creative ways to entertain residents in isolation
Posted on September 4, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Who’s too old to play dress-up? Nobody, according to seniors in long-term care homes who are posing as iconic album covers and famous paintings during the COVID-19 lockdown. Robert Speker, activities coordinator at the Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, … Continue reading →

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“Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks

Classic ‘70s tune mourns the small pleasures in life that must be relinquished at death
Posted on August 25, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

In 1974, Canadian singer Terry Jacks’ folksy song “Seasons in the Sun” topped the U.S. charts, ranking No. 2 on the Billboard Top 100 for the year. Nearly half a century later, it’s still a popular standard at funerals and … Continue reading →

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Some Diabetic Seniors Can Now Get Low-Cost Insulin

New rules cap insulin copays for Medicare patients, but diabetics still face challenges
Posted on August 21, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

More than 1.5 million adult Americans suffer from Type 1 diabetes, many of whom struggle to afford insulin as prices skyrocket as high as $320 per vial. And while a recent presidential order has significantly lowered insulin costs for seniors … Continue reading →

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