OPRAH: THE POOH-BAH

I have only watched the Oprah Winfrey show a few times. So I know more about her aura and reputation than the reality of the show. Last Friday, to my surprise, I received a call from one of her producers asking if I would be available to do a segment on Betrayal for her show. Curious and pleased to be called, I of course said “Yes." The short version is that after three days of phone interviews and e-mail questions they chose someone else. That’s show business. But, I learned some things and my creativity was pushed. I appreciate that. The producer was the most professional and perhaps considerate media producer I’ve ever worked with, and that says something about how the Oprah Empire is run. I now consider her the Pooh-Bah of media. Now, if I can only get her interested in FiftyandFurthermore...

I am sure that in a few more years, as she(S)ages, that’s one thing Oprah will be doing. Whatever else she is involved with, Oprah will do something with aging. That’s how she operates-she gets involved in the issues she is interested in and that are reflective of where she is in her life. Since she is over fifty, I am sure once aging becomes one of her focuses, she will also teach me. Though I may not plan to watch the show more often than before, I just may make time to take a peak to see what she is up to. Such professionalism warrants admiration and respect. I have joined the masses. I too am now an Oprah fan.

IMPOTENCE: PENILE IMPLANTS AS A REMEDY

As men age and have increased prostate surgery due to complications resulting from an enlarged prostate or surgery for prostate or bladder cancer, impotence is a consequence that many will face. Men, please don’t despair. The state of the art of implant surgery has dramatically improved. You may find yourself going from a flaccid lover to a new bionic man capable of almost endless endurance. If impotency due to medically necessary surgery has impacted you, seek options. They are there. Also remember that for many people lovemaking is a process that involves their entire being, not just target practice or only one part of their body. As we (S)age, new possibilities for continued health and functioning are being invented . Do your research. You can continue to have a good quality of love and life.

CAREGIVING: ILLNESS AS WE AGE:

At some point in our later years, we will all be caregivers or in need of care-or both. Planning ahead for this unwanted and unexpected event is something too few families and especially couples do. A recent statistic stated that less than one in four families have given sufficient thought to illness between them and that they were not prepared for such a situation. Caregiving your spouse and learning to grow through this experience is a subject that has barely been spoken or written about. Look for my book on the subject to be published by Avalon Press (Winter 2007.) It is intended to be useful for anyone involved in caregiving their beloved or anyone who is involved with a couple where one partner is ill.