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