Seniors and Technology: Let’s Be Honest and Not Ageist

There’s a persistent myth floating around that older adults “just can’t do technology.”

I’d like to respectfully challenge that narrative.

Because from where I sit, millions of older adults are navigating smartphones, patient portals, online banking, streaming services, social media, grocery delivery apps, Zoom calls, digital photos, texting, QR codes, online dating, and passwords that now require approximately one uppercase letter, one symbol, one ancient rune, and the blood of a dragon.

And they’re doing it while the technology changes every six months.

That’s not incompetence.
That’s resilience.

The Numbers May Surprise You

According to recent Pew Research and aging-focused technology studies:

Nearly 90% of adults over 65 now use the internet.
Most older adults own smartphones.
About 72% of adults over 50 use Facebook regularly.
YouTube usage among adults 50–64 is now above 80%.
Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups using social media.

Let that sink in for a minute.

The image many people still carry of seniors being “offline” or disconnected is increasingly outdated.

In fact, many older adults are embracing technology not because it’s trendy, but because it helps them:

stay connected to family
reduce isolation
access health care
learn new things
manage daily life
remain independent longer

That matters.

The Problem Often Isn’t Aging. It’s Design.

Now let’s also tell the truth.

Modern technology can be exhausting.

Tiny print.
Constant updates.
Passwords for everything.
Apps talking to other apps.
Pop-ups.
Scams.
Notifications.
Videos autoplaying unexpectedly at full volume in public.

Most younger people get frustrated too. They just happen to have grown up inside the chaos.

Older adults often learned technology in layers:
First desktop computers.
Then email.
Then smartphones.
Then apps.
Then social media.
Then telehealth.
Then QR codes during a pandemic.

That’s a tremendous amount of adaptation in a relatively short period of time.

And frankly, many seniors are not struggling because they are incapable.
They’re struggling because the systems are not designed with aging bodies and brains in mind.

Arthritis makes tiny keyboards harder.
Vision changes make low-contrast screens difficult.
Hearing changes affect phone usage.
Memory changes can make password overload frustrating.
And fear of scams? Completely reasonable.

Many older adults are not afraid of technology itself.
They are afraid of making costly mistakes.

There’s a difference.

Some Myths We Need to Retire

Myth #1: Older adults can’t learn new technology.

False.

The human brain remains capable of learning throughout life. In fact, continued learning and digital engagement may support cognitive health and social connection.

Myth #2: Seniors don’t use social media.

Also false.

Many older adults are highly active on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, messaging apps, and increasingly even TikTok.

Some are building businesses.
Some are reconnecting with old friends.
Some are learning recipes, fitness routines, travel hacks, and caregiving strategies.
And some are simply enjoying funny dog videos at 2 a.m. like the rest of us.

Myth #3: Asking for help means failure.

Absolutely not.

Technology is now complicated enough that nearly everyone asks for help sometimes. If you’ve ever called your adult child because “the TV stopped talking to the internet,” welcome to modern life.

A Few Tips That Actually Help

Here are some practical things that can make technology less stressful and more useful for older adults:

1. Make the text bigger

This alone can change everything.

Most phones and tablets allow larger fonts and icons through accessibility settings.

2. Use voice commands

Talking to your device is not lazy. It’s efficient.

You can:

send texts
set reminders
make calls
ask questions
create grocery lists

without typing tiny letters.

3. Create ONE place for passwords

Whether it’s a secure password manager or a carefully stored notebook, reducing password chaos matters.

4. Turn off unnecessary notifications

Not every app deserves immediate access to your nervous system.

5. Learn one feature at a time

Nobody needs to master everything overnight.

Learn:

texting this week
photos next week
Facebook groups later

Slow learning still counts as learning.

6. Use technology to support independence

Medication reminders.
Grocery delivery.
Telehealth.
Navigation.
Fall alerts.
Video calls.

Technology can help older adults remain independent and connected longer.

The Bigger Conversation

I sometimes think the conversation about seniors and technology says more about society than it does about aging.

We celebrate teenagers for adapting to new apps.
But we underestimate older adults adapting to an entirely transformed world.

Yet many seniors today have lived through:

rotary phones
typewriters
cassette tapes
answering machines
desktop computers
flip phones
smartphones
AI

That’s astonishing when you think about it.

Aging is not the absence of curiosity.
And growing older does not mean becoming irrelevant in a digital world.

Honestly, some of the wisest people I know are figuring out Facebook while also carrying decades of life experience, resilience, perspective, caregiving, grief, humor, and adaptability.

That seems pretty technologically advanced to me.

And if all else fails?
There is no shame in asking the nearest teenager how to “unmute the thing again.”

Lifespan vs. Healthspan: Why Living Longer Isn’t Enough Anymore

For generations, the goal was simple: live longer. More candles on the birthday cake meant success.

But today, a deeper question is emerging — what kind of life are we living in those extra years?

That’s where the distinction between lifespan and healthspan becomes not just important, but essential.

What Is Lifespan?

Lifespan is the total number of years you live. And by that measure, we’ve made remarkable progress. In the U.S., average life expectancy rose from about 47 years in 1900 to the late 70s today — thanks to advances in medicine, vaccines, sanitation, and public health. That’s genuinely worth celebrating.

But it tells only part of the story.

What Is Healthspan?

Healthspan is the number of years you live in good health — free from serious chronic illness, significant decline, or loss of independence. It’s not just about being alive. It’s about being able to move with ease, think clearly, stay connected, and experience joy and purpose.

In other words: quality of life, not just quantity.

The Gap That Matters

Here’s the hard truth. Research suggests there can be a 10–15 year gap between lifespan and healthspan. That means the final decade or more of many people’s lives is spent managing chronic conditions, mobility challenges, cognitive decline, and increasing dependence.

We’ve extended life — but not always extended vitality.

This gap is one of the most urgent health conversations of our time, and closing it is becoming a personal and collective priority.

Why the Gap Exists

Modern medicine has become extraordinarily good at keeping people alive. But historically, the system hasn’t focused as much on preventing long-term disease early, supporting functional aging, or addressing the lifestyle and environmental factors that quietly shape our health for decades.

The result: longer lives, but not always better ones.

The Shift That’s Changing Everything

Something is moving, though. Among researchers, clinicians, and everyday people, the question is changing — from “How long can we live?” to “How well can we live for as long as possible?”

This is the rise of healthspan science, and it’s built on a few powerful pillars.

Prevention over treatment. Instead of waiting for disease to appear, the focus is shifting to early intervention — monitoring metabolic health, catching risk factors sooner, addressing inflammation before it becomes illness.

Lifestyle as medicine. The data is consistent: what we eat, how we move, how we sleep, how we manage stress, and how connected we feel aren’t lifestyle choices separate from health. They are health.

Functional aging. The goal isn’t just avoiding disease — it’s maintaining strength, balance, cognitive sharpness, and emotional resilience. Staying capable, not just alive.

Social and emotional well-being. Loneliness and isolation are now linked to significantly poorer health outcomes, especially in older adults. Relationships, purpose, and community aren’t extras. They’re essential.

What This Means for You — Right Now

The most empowering part of this conversation? Many of the factors that influence healthspan are within our reach. Not perfectly. Not always easily. But meaningfully.

The question worth asking isn’t “How long will I live?” It’s “How long can I stay well, engaged, and fully myself?”

That shift changes everything.

The Bottom Line

The future of aging isn’t just longer lives. It’s better lives — lived fully for as long as possible. Because most of us don’t just want more time.

We want more good days. More independence. More connection. More moments that actually feel like living.

Longevity is a gift. Healthspan is how we experience it. And the closer those two align, the richer our lives become.

What does “aging well” look like to you? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear.

Are you sick of picking up all the things you drop or just can’t stretch to reach that peanut butter jar? Me too! Here is something to try – (Amazon link- may earn a small commission) https://amzn.to/4d9M8xX

Aging Softly in a Hard Freeze: A Love Letter to Winter, Wobbling Knees, and the Fine Art of “Oof” (Now With Survival Tips)

There was a time—not that long ago, but also somehow several lifetimes ago—when winter meant sledding hills, snowball fights, and dramatically underestimating how cold “32 degrees” actually is.

Now?

Winter means checking the weather app like it personally offended you and negotiating with your joints before standing up.

“Alright knees, let’s do this gently. Nobody needs to rush. We’re not being chased.”

The Soundtrack of Aging: Snap, Crackle, Oh My Back

There’s a new soundtrack that comes with aging softly. It’s subtle. It’s intimate. It’s… alarming.

It sounds like:

A knee that clicks like a pen every time you stand up
A shoulder that whispers “you’ve made poor choices” when you reach for a coat
And that mysterious full-body “oof” that escapes when sitting down… or standing up… or thinking about either

Winter, of course, turns the volume all the way up.

Cold weather doesn’t just visit your joints—it moves in, rearranges the furniture, and refuses to pay rent.

Gentle Tip #1: Warm First, Move Second

Before you do anything ambitious—like walking to the kitchen—warm up your body like you’re about to perform a small ballet for your coffee mug.

Try this:

Roll your shoulders slowly
Wiggle your ankles like you’re testing if they still belong to you
Do a few gentle stretches before standing

Even 2–3 minutes helps your joints say,
“Okay… we’ll cooperate. But we’re watching you.”

Bonus points for:

A heating pad
A warm shower in the morning
Or dramatically wrapping yourself in a blanket like royalty

Dressing for Winter: A Strategic Operation

There was a time when getting dressed meant fashion.

Now it’s more like:

“Will this keep my lower back from staging a protest?”
“Can I bend in this without needing emotional support?”
“Is this outfit warm enough that my hip won’t file a formal complaint?”

Layering isn’t just a style anymore. It’s a survival strategy.

Socks? Two pairs.
Sweater? Yes.
Heating pad? Also yes.
Dignity? Optional.

Gentle Tip #2: Dress Like You Love Yourself

This is your permission slip to:

Choose comfort over cute (you’ve earned it)
Invest in good shoes with support (your knees are begging)
Keep a “warm kit” nearby—blanket, socks, tea, heating pad

Also:
If it zips, stretches, or feels like pajamas?
It is now considered fashion-forward self-care.

The Slow Art of Moving Like You Mean It

Aging softly teaches you something important: speed is overrated.

You don’t rush anymore. You approach movement.

You don’t jump out of bed—you transition thoughtfully
You don’t bend—you negotiate with gravity
You don’t shovel snow—you reconsider your life choices entirely

Gentle Tip #3: Motion is Lotion (Annoying but True)

The last thing you want to do when you’re stiff… is move.

Unfortunately, your body strongly disagrees.

Try:

Short walks (even around the house counts)
Gentle stretching during TV time
Chair yoga or slow movement routines

Think of it less as “exercise” and more as
“convincing your joints not to unionize.”

Winter Walks: A Risk Assessment

Taking a walk in winter used to be refreshing.

Now it’s a full risk analysis.

You stand at the door thinking:

“Is that ice or just… shiny danger?”
“Do I have the right boots, or am I about to star in a viral video?”
“If I fall, how long will I lay there before I just accept my new outdoor life?”

And yet… you go anyway.

Because despite the cold, despite the ache…

There’s something quietly beautiful about it.

Gentle Tip #4: Stability is Sexy Now

Let’s normalize:

Shoes with real traction
Holding onto railings like they’re your best friend
Taking small, deliberate steps (penguin chic)

Also consider:

Ice cleats for shoes
A walking stick or cane if needed
Good outdoor lighting

Confidence is great.
Not falling is better.

The Unexpected Gift of Slowing Down

Here’s the part nobody tells you:

Aging softly—especially in winter—isn’t just about aches and creaks.

It’s about attention.

You notice things more:

The way the light hits snow in the morning
The quiet stillness that only winter brings
The small victories, like getting up without making a sound (rare, but thrilling)

Gentle Tip #5: Feed Your Body Like It’s On Your Side

Winter self-care isn’t just external—it’s internal.

Support your joints and energy with:

Warm, nourishing meals (soups = emotional support in a bowl)
Staying hydrated (yes, even when you’re not sweating)
Omega-3s, vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory foods

And let’s be honest:
A hot cup of tea solves at least 40% of winter problems.

The other 60%? Still under review.

Final Thoughts from the Heating Pad

If you’re aging softly this winter, here’s your reminder:

You are not falling apart.
You are… evolving into a more acoustically expressive version of yourself.

You are learning:

How to listen to your body
How to move with intention
How to care for yourself in ways you once ignored

And maybe most importantly…

How to laugh through it.

Because yes—your knee sounds like stepping on a bag of chips.

But you’re still here. Still moving. Still figuring it out.

Now tell me—what’s your go-to winter survival move: heating pad, hot tea, or just refusing to go outside until April? 😄

When a Year Asks You to Move Differently

A Gentle Invitation Into 2026:

Year of the Fire Horse

Some years arrive like any other—quietly, predictably, marked only by a change on the calendar.

And then there are years that feel different before they even begin.

If you’ve sensed that 2026 carries a different kind of energy—an undercurrent of movement, courage, or inner restlessness—you’re not alone. Many of us are standing in a space that feels less like a destination and more like a threshold. Not rushing forward. Not turning back. Just pausing long enough to listen.

That pause is where this guide was born.

Why I Created 2026: Year of the Fire Horse

This ebook wasn’t written to predict the future or tell you who you should become next. It was created as a companion—something to sit beside you as you reflect, recalibrate, and move forward in a way that feels honest and aligned.

The Fire Horse is often associated with momentum, strength, and transformation. But what’s often missed is this: real movement doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from clarity.

This guide invites you to explore that clarity.

What You’ll Find Inside

Rather than overwhelming you with information, Year of the Fire Horse gently weaves together insight and reflection, offering space to think, feel, and notice what’s already stirring within you.

Inside the guide, you’ll explore:

The symbolism of the Fire Horse as it relates to personal power and intentional movement
Thoughtful interpretations of astrology, numerology, and seasonal rhythms—shared in an accessible, grounded way
Common spiritual and cultural themes that often emerge during times of transition
Reflection prompts designed to help you name what you’re releasing—and what you’re ready to step toward

This is not a book to rush through.
It’s one to return to, underline, and sit with.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide may resonate with you if:

You’re in midlife or a season of transition and feel a quiet pull toward something more aligned
You’re craving meaning, not noise
You’re spiritually curious but prefer grounded reflection over fear-based messaging
You sense that 2026 isn’t about becoming someone new—but about becoming more yourself

If that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who I had in mind.

A Different Way to Enter a New Year

You don’t need to have a five-year plan.
You don’t need to reinvent your life.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is move with awareness—one thoughtful step at a time.

2026: Year of the Fire Horse offers a place to begin.

👉Check out the guide

A quiet companion for reflection, movement, and meaningful momentum.

Thank you for being here—and for listening to what’s stirring within you.

September is Healthy Aging Month

It’s September and time to celebrate Healthy Aging Month!

Roughly 56 million people, or 17% of the U.S. population are over the age of 65 according to the U.S. census. As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, (an aging metaphor) this special month encourages individuals of all ages to embrace the journey of getting older with vitality and well-being in mind.

Although it is just one month with a Healthy Aging focus- we know that this aging journey is based on making changes and practicing healthy habits everyday of every month! A dedicated month just gives us time to reflect on the importance of maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle, nurturing our mental and emotional well-being, and making conscious decisions that promote our overall health.

Throughout September, let’s explore ways to stay physically active, nourish our bodies with nutritious foods, engage in lifelong learning, and foster strong social connections. By prioritizing our health and well-being, we can unlock the secrets to a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Here are some tips and habits for aging well.

Embrace the beauty of growing older while maintaining the vitality of youth.

Healthy Aging Month is a good reminder that we are all on this Earthen Sojourn. Since we all have to travel- might as well, travel well.

What is your GO TO healthy aging practice or tip?

My number one GO TO is be mindful about the amount of water I am drinking. Stay hydrated!

This article from NIH talks more about the benefits of staying hydrated.

One Year Later – A Post-Roe World

It has been almost exactly a year to the date since the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v Wade and effectively eliminated access to abortion in many US states. The impact has been devastating. To date, there are 14 states that have restricted or no access to abortion. The chaos and confusion surrounding keeping up with the shifting landscape of laws has led to the need to travel to other states, multiple visits for health care, and a fear of criminalization for those seeking care from a state where abortion is banned.

The speed at which we have seen the negative impact demonstrates that Roe was never enough!

Last week in Iowa- some promising news as the Iowa Supreme Court deadlocked on the 6 week ban decision. This returned the status to the lower court’s previous ruling and abortion remains legal in Iowa.

We Count is tracking the consequences in states from the demise of Roe. For those who believe that individuals should be able to make decisions about their own families, these results should be unsettling.

All of this , in spite of the fact that a majority of Americans believe that abortion should be legal.

Here is a very strong quote from one of the justices in the 6 week ban case in Iowa.

Black Women and the Dobbs Decision

The June 2022 SCOTUS decision in Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization (JWHO) erased a 50-year precedent of a woman’s right to choose abortion. With one swift motion, the conservative leaning Supreme Court reversed the Roe vs Wade decision of 1973 that gave individuals the right to choose an abortion.

Many states were already facing severe restrictions to abortion access, and the impact of the SCOTUS decision was felt immediately in states with trigger bans in place. The Guttmacher Institute has estimated that 25 or 26 additional states are likely to ban or significantly restrict abortion in the next year. Since 2017, the Abortion Care Network had identified 133 independent abortion clinic closures. As of November 2022, they have confirmed 42 independent clinic closures in 2022. Most of those post Dobbs. By November 2022 there were 14 states without an abortion – providing clinic.

The Abortion Care Network is the national association for independent community-based abortion care providers.

It should come as no surprise that BIPOC folks, especially Black women will bear the brunt of this decision.

Most of the Black identified population of the United States lives in the south. Most of the states with severe restrictions or bans and now actual clinic closures resulting in the absence of an abortion provider are also in the south. With those 2 realities, Black women will and are now disproportionately affected by Dobbs.

We are always the canaries in the coal mine, and this is no different. When it comes to reproductive justice and the ability to manage and control our fertility and reproductive health, we have always had to fight for justice and the right to ownership of our reproductive health.

For centuries black women have been fighting for autonomy and control over their bodies against governmental and medically sanctioned authoritarianism. The fight got harder in June of this year.

This battle for BIPOC folks to control our lives and destinies is rooted in historical and systemic racist medical policies and stereotypes that predate slavery. We have been subjected to forced birthing, forced sexual intercourse, forced sterilization, medical experimentation without consent and punitive measures and criminalization as a result of the consequences resulting from those forced actions – often unplanned and/or unwanted pregnancies.

Historically, women of color and women from low-income backgrounds were among those who were discriminated against, targeted and then coerced to use Norplant or other physician controlled methods of contraception. Without knowledge or consent, BIPOC folks were sterilized and subject to experimental treatments and medications.

And it continues. Manipulative and coercive practices that encourage physician-controlled methods of contraception may be more subtle but are none the less still practiced. As recently as December of 2020 there were racist eugenics accounts of forced hysterectomies at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia.

Sadly, black women’s reproductive statistics in the US are not that great. Black women are more than 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth than women in any other race. Death rates for infants born to Black Americans with advanced degrees are higher than white Americans who did not graduate from high school. We also know that race trumps income status. Serena Williams, recants her story after the delivery of her daughter of not being listened to when she tried to relay her physical symptoms and a history of blood clots.

About 40% of the women who obtain abortions in the US are black and that’s not because we’re more promiscuous. We are not having any more sex than anyone else. We are, however, more apt to not have health insurance coverage and to not have contraceptive access in the heart of our communities. We are more apt to live in contraception deserts and less likely to have readily available comprehensive sex education.

These statistics however are not the result of black women not doing things correctly or being promiscuous or never using contraception. They are in part due to the historical and systemic injustices that are prevalent in health care. When we add in an earned distrust of the medical system, the truth and reality that black patients and black women especially are often just not listened to and their concerns regarding symptoms and pain not being taken seriously. These are a few of the reasons why the statistics are so grave and not positive for black women and without change will result in disparate outcomes for Black women post Dobbs.

At the Emma Goldman Clinic we are already seeing some of the consequences of the reversal of Roe vs Wade. Although abortion is still legal in Iowa, clients need to have a certification for an abortion at least 24 hours in advance. This means that clients will need to make 2 trips to the clinic for services. Because of closures in other states, primarily the south, women are having to travel farther. Wait times for appointments are longer as clinics close. This means that women are going to need reliable transportation, additional childcare and more time off work or school.

With the abortion desert that is being created by the Dobbs decision, there will also be a contraception desert. The abortion providing clinics are often the community clinics that are offering a wide range of reproductive health care. In addition to abortion and contraception, most are also providing STI screening and treatment, pap smears, HIV testing and gender affirming care. When these clinics close, these services that could have positive impacts on the health of Black women, are no longer available in the community and region.

The right to determine when to have children, how many to have and who to have them with is a human right based on the concept of bodily autonomy.

Despite how you might feel about the decision to have an abortion, one thing most people of color can agree on is that if we’re going to have children we want to be able to raise them in environments that are sustainable and healthy.(Environmental justice) We deserve to have and raise our children in communities that are safe and thriving.(Economic justice) BIPOC folks have the right to not have their sexuality and reproduction policed by the government or politicians. (Political and Policing justice) All of these incorporate Reproductive Justice.

It’s time for us to understand the intersections of environmental, economic, political and policing justice and how it relates to Reproductive Justice. In all of those areas we know that there are disparities for people of color.

With the reversal of Roe and a return to limited and potentially illegal abortion, Black women may find themselves in a pre 1973 position. There are many women of color led organizations that are working to reverse the statistics and improve the reproductive lives of Black women and their families. SisterSong and Black Mammas Matter Alliance are just a couple.

Francine Spencer Thompson is the Executor Director of the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. She is one of a handful of Black women that are providing leadership around the US in abortion providing clinics.

Black History Month

Still Important- maybe more so now than ever

Black History Month is an annual observance that seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It started as “Negro History Week” in 1926. In 1976, the week was extended to include the entire month of February. Each year a theme is chosen to focus on particular segments, accomplishments or issues currently relevant. The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance.

Black History Month serves several important purposes. Firstly, it is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of black individuals throughout history who have often been overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Additionally, Black History Month provides a platform for educating the public about the ongoing fight for racial equality and civil rights, and the ways in which systemic racism and discrimination continue to affect black communities. Furthermore, it is a time for reflection, self-examination, and commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all.

To enhance your knowledge of Black History, consider reading the New York Times bestseller “The 1619 Project”, by Hannah Nicole Jones. It is an excellent supplement to the history books we grew up with. You might also be interested in “They Came Before Columbus“.

Having a month dedicated to the celebration and recognition of Black History or other cultures is a way to acknowledge the contributions, struggles, and achievements of a particular group of people and their role in shaping the history and culture of a nation. It also provides an opportunity for education, reflection, and raising awareness about the ongoing issues faced by these communities. The purpose of these months is to promote unity, diversity, and cultural understanding, and to celebrate the rich heritage and legacy of different communities.

Check out some Black History Youtube Shorts!

https://youtube.com/shorts/rCW-BT3kSNQ

Linda Severson Service Award

Human Rights Commission

I was honored to be awarded the Linda Severson Service Award by the City of Iowa City, Human Rights Comission in November 2022.

This award was established in 1984 in an effort to recognize outstanding contributions to human rights by an individual in a service organization. In 2011, it was renamed the Linda Severson Award in recognition of Linda’s exemplary lifelong service to the community. For those interested, here is my acceptance speech.

I am really honored to receive this award and to be counted with these other incredible nominees. I want to thank my friend Kathryn Edel for nominating me. I appreciate you.

For 35 years, I have been privileged to be a part of the Emma Goldman Clinic, an organization that has never wavered in it’s commitment to this community and to the provision of safe and accessible reproductive Healthcare to people in the Midwest and especially to those marginalized and undeserved.

It has not been easy.

Most years have been spent fighting some form of adversity. Whether it was antis, legislation, vandalism, bureaucratic challenges or just being a cash strapped not for profit.

I am so proud that the clinic will celebrate its 50th year in 2023.

I am proud of staying in the fight.

Reproductive rights are human rights, including the right to access abortion. States do have an obligation and duty to provide women and girls, all pregnant people – with access to safe and legal abortion as part of their core human rights responsibilities.

We know that abortion bans and restrictions are harmful and inhumane. They will be most felt by those who are poor and rural and black and brown and unable to travel outside of a jurisdiction where abortion is banned or restricted.

This is not the Iowa I remember growing up in. My family has been here for 6 generations- now 8 and I am disgusted at the place we have landed in regards to reproductive justice and rights.

This Friday, in Des Moines, once again, there will be a hearing convened by our governor to make decisions that should be left up to individuals and their families.

I never expected that after 35 years of service, my 3 granddaughters would have less rights than I had in the last 50 years. I just won’t settle for my work and that of my reproductive justice colleagues being in vain. We all want to leave this world a better place for those who come after us. We have an incredibly long and hard fight ahead of us.

Comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion, are necessary to guarantee the right to life, health, privacy, and non-discrimination for all people. Access to safe abortion and contraception is critical so that my granddaughters and yours have options and don’t have to face delayed dreams and deferred destinies.

And while these extremists are trying to undermine our human rights, because we know abortion is only the gateway…..we also know that the movement to support and liberate abortion is incredibly strong. Thank you for this award and recognition and thank you for voting.

To see a list of previous awardees, click the link.

https://www.icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/equity-and-human-rights/human-rights-awards

Early in the morning….brand new mercies

I have been MIA for a few months. Sometimes life is exhausting and it takes a heck of a lot of work to be consistent in your endeavors. I am a firm believer though that you have as many opportunities to start over as you do to not start over. And- each time it gets easier and easier.

Mondays are new beginnings for me. I rest in the confidence that in spite of the hard times, what I did or did not do or accomplish, I can start afresh with a new day/week.

Just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, I will also have an opportunity to rise tomorrow. I am counting on the promise of a brand new mercy, every day.

and start again!