Successful Aging columnist
Helen Dennis
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging, employment and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. She has received awards for her university teaching at USC’s Davis School, Andrus Gerontology Center and for her contributions to the field of aging, the community and literary arts. She has edited two books, written more than 100 articles, and has frequent speaking engagements. She is the weekly columnist on Successful Aging for the Southern California Newspaper Group, writing over 1,000 columns and has assisted more than 25,000 employees in preparation for the non-financial aspects of retirement. In her volunteer life, she has served as president of five nonprofit organizations. Fully engaged in the field of aging, she was a delegate to a White House Conference on Aging and is co-author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller, "Project Renewment®: The First Retirement Model for Career Women." Helen has extensive experience with the media including Prime Time, NPR, network news, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee and Christian Science Monitor. She was recognized by PBS Next Avenue as one of the 50 influencers in aging for 2016. For more information, visit www.HelenMDennis.com. Or, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity or contact her at Helendenn@gmail.com.
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Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Falling for snake oil pitches
The first step is to determine whether your father’s physician has addressed the two issues you raised.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: A crisis looms on Caregivers Day
Caregiving affects an increasing number of us. And many are currently feeling the impact, or have felt it in the past.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: New doctor search can bring good partnership
Choosing a physician is key, particularly in later life when we often are confronted with more conditions and diseases. In addition to physician competency, one of the most important aspects...

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Judgments around age fade but persist
For many, it has been the age to receive full Social Security benefits; for those born in 1960 or later, that age moves to 67 years. Sixty-five is also the...

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: What to look for when seeking an assisted living residence
Consider these suggestions to create an initial list of options for your loved one.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Leaving legacy that’s more than financial
Q: I have been thinking about the concept of legacy over the past few years and saw an article in the AARP Bulletin asking, “What will your legacy be?” I’d...

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: What to consider when helping an older person to age in place
Sara Zeff Geber, an expert on solo aging, reframes the notion of aging in place to 'aging in the right place.' The challenge is to find the right place.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Let’s take a look at the economics of aging — and ageism — as we start 2026
While the challenges are still there, we must remember that advances and opportunities exist as well.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Telling powerful stories about moments in your life
After each of us shared, we all felt we knew and understood each other a lot better.

Helen Dennis, Successful Aging: Hearing loss can affect quality of life
Similar to wearing stylish glasses, wearing a hearing aid may just become cool.
