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This Week in The Elderhood

Fresh eyes 

If life on Earth could be said to have a purpose, it may be creation’s way of experiencing itself. From the first animalcules, through ...
This week in elderhood

Respite: We could all use a break

As if managing the challenges of aging wasn’t enough, we are in a time of unprecedented technological and societal ...

The Sage Connection

Exploring end-of-life issues

Some time ago, I attended a Death Cafe hosted by Death Doula Glenn Harper at the Olympia Senior Center. I had no idea what to expect and would have been surprised at any conversation that took …

  • 'Volunteer and donate'

    Before last November, my worries over whether we would survive as a people were pretty simple.  It was …

  • The power of magic

    I believe in magic. Not the “pull the rabbit out of the hat kind” or the kind with rituals, curses …

  • 'Some of the things I wonder about'

    Last week was filled with several days of rain alternating with snow and icy roads. And as much as I …

  • A look at dementia

    Feb 52025 column   The Sage Connection:   Dementia. The word alone can fill us with fearful …

Obituaries
Janice Putnam
Loving wife, mother and grandmother; friend to many, and dedicated community leader and servant, Janice Putnam, 87, of Olympia, Washington ...
Maureen Patricia (Noonan) Hill
Maureen Patricia (Noonan) Hill, 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Oct. 8, 2026, following a sudden, brief ...
James 'Jim' Clemen
James "Jim" Clemen, 91, passed away peacefully into heaven on Oct. 19, 2026, in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by his loving family ...
Jill Severn
Jill Severn died of natural causes early on Sept. 21, 2026. She was 78 years old. After dealing with significant health issues in recent ...
Peter Morris Guttchen
Peter Morris Guttchen, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on July 26, 2026. He was born in Queens, New York, to ...
Calendar of events
Gardening & Outdoors
THURSTON'S BIRDS
Cackling geese at Nisqually.

November notes

We are bird watchers, ever curious. But have you ever wondered whether birds are also curious about we humans and engage, from time to ...

Bird watching in late October

As we reach the end of October, cooler weather, shorter days and frequent rainfall have entirely changed bird ...
This Week in The Elderhood
IN THE AUDIENCE
Rachel Benton

Phones and performances 

Today, I’m breaking from my usual pattern to discuss something important to our performing arts scene — an issue that comes up at ...

A conversation with Kevin Mason and Mary Miller of Capitol City Caramels 

Raise your hand if you were feeling tense about the election. Me too, so I wanted to offer us something extra sweet, buttery, and warm to ...
Did you know?

The happiest cities in America in 2026, ranked across 11 factors

SmartAsset reports Arlington, VA is the happiest U.S. city for 2026, based on metrics like financial stability and well-being.

Where Americans are moving in 2026: The cities gaining, and losing, the most residents

Offerpad reports on America's shifting migration patterns for 2026, highlighting declines in the Sun Belt and growth in the Midwest and affordable cities.
Seniors stories from the web

Local land trust invites the community to explore its public access preserves this summer

Capitol Land Trust (CLT) is offering free guided walks for the public at its Bayshore Preserve near Shelton and its not-yet-officially-open Inspiring Kids Preserve in Olympia.
Jill Severn

Farewell and thanks to Jill Severn

The JOLT’s readers have enjoyed “Jill Severn’s Gardening Column” most Fridays since April 2, 2021. In all, she produced more than 230 pieces for Thurston County readers.

Grandparent 101: The Modern Grandparent’s Playbook

(BPT) - One of the most beautiful aspects of growing older is how gracefully we navigate the changing roles that accompany each new phase of life. An exciting phase that brings an abundance of joy …

Retirement savings by state

SmartAsset reports Massachusetts leads in retirement savings with $150,000, while Mississippi lags at $35,000. Most use 401(k)s or IRAs.

The quiet impact hearing loss has on independence — and what helps

(BPT) - For many older adults, independent aging isn't about doing more — it's about continuing to do the things that matter. Talking with family, managing a schedule, calling a doctor with a …

Routine vaccines for older adults: What your pharmacist wants you to know about shingles and more

(BPT) - For many people, shingles is an afterthought — a painful rash that happens to other people. But the reality is far more serious with about one in three adults developing shingles in …