72. "The next time your father drifts back several decades and tells you stories you've heard before,...

... rather than shaking your head in resignation or despair, encourage him to tell more. He's doing something that's enormously healng. Reminiscing allows him to review his life, think through important issues, see his accomplishments, let go of his regrets. It also returns him, temporarily, to a time when he was younger, stronger, more confident, and more capable."

From "How To Care for Aging Parents" by Virginia Morris, Workman Publishing, New York

71. "Include your parent, whenever possible, in family activities."

"Include your parent, whenever possible, in family activities. Even if she can't actually participate, she should be there. Or, if she can't be there, let her know that she is wanted, and then take a video of the event for her to watch later. And be sure she has plenty of family photos around her, wherever she lives."

From "How to Care for Aging Parents" by Virginia Morris, Workman Publishing, New York

70. "Any sort of contact is better than none."

"Sit with your parent. Talk about old times. Tell her what's happening in your life. If you are far away, or nearby but busy (or close and not busy, but don't like spending time with your parent), call or e-mail as often as you can. Any sort of contact is better than non. Tell her what's happening with various family members and old friends--Michael just got his braces off, Tammy has a new boyfriend, Brian is applying for a new job, old Ted Wollman finally sold his apartment. Give her all the details, however mundane they might seem."

From "How to Care for Aging Parents" by Virginia Morris, Workman Publishing, New York