All posts by Len Kaye

Len Kaye

About Len Kaye

Dr. Lenard W. Kaye is Professor of Social Work at the University of Maine School of Social Work and Director of the UMaine Center on Aging.

Surviving the Midlife Crisis

Dear Age Smart: My father is in his 50’s and just bought a motorcycle. The other day he mentioned that he is planning his first skydiving trip. I’m concerned that this is the start of a mid-life crisis. Is there anything we can do as family members to be supportive? -Watching from the sidelines Dear […]

Women and Cognitive Decline in Old Age

Women and Cognitive Decline in Old Age Cliff: The latest research results being announced at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference taking place in Washington DC this week have become big news stories. So Len and I thought it would be good to look in detail at two of these stories…..the ones that pertain to the […]

Drinking Alcohol as We Grow Older

Dear Age Smart: “I’m a 63 year old woman in good health but come from a family in which alcoholism runs rampant. I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem with alcohol and I like my glass of wine with dinner. But I have some concern about the health effects of alcohol as I get […]

Growing Older and the Meaning of Work

The Maine Department of Labor has reported what many of us already knew – our state’s labor force is aging. Approximately half of private industry workers are at least 45 years old and within the next twenty years, approximately half of the current workforce for most sectors will be 65 or older. State government workers […]

Thoughts about Growing Old in the RIGHT Place

“Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home; A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which seek thro’ the world, is ne’er met elsewhere. Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home! There’s no place like home There’s no place like home!” Sound familiar? It […]

Caregiving and the Holidays

Caregiving and Holidays Dr. Kaye suggested this topic, which seems timely and important, but not something I have any special expertise in. First of all, I’m a guy, so I’m generally oblivious to special occasions. Second, I’m Jewish. Third, I’m a doctor. Christmas to me means offering to work at the hospital so everyone else […]

Do I need a professional geriatric care manager?

Do I need a professional geriatric care manager? Len: Last month in Age Smart, Cliff addressed what a geriatrician does and how this kind of medical specialist might be helpful to you. This month I consider when and why you might want to take advantage of the services of a professional geriatric care manager. Rosalynn […]

Do I need a geriatrician?

Do I need a geriatrician? Cliff: A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in the care of older adults. There aren’t many of us around. Most seniors see general internists, family physicians, family nurse practitioners or physician assistants as their primary care providers. So I’m frequently asked, ”Do I need a geriatrician?” Or more often […]

Who Will Help Those Who Don’t Have Children?

My husband and I did not have kids. Our siblings all have children. We have saved and expect to be comfortable in our retirement. I am presently retired and my husband will retire in about 2 years. We look forward to traveling and enjoying life. We recently met a similar couple who asked what our […]