According to an AARP study from 1990-2010, the 80-plus population increased by 62%. These numbers have implications for the workforce and society in general. This podcast episode highlights one young woman’s success in providing care and having what she sees as a normal life.

Pamela Davis is a bright young woman in a fierce battle. She is not fighting a physical presence but a situation that more and more of us will encounter as the population ages. She has wisely recognized that there are others in similar situations and developed a blog “Two Chick and 1 old lady“where she chronicles her efforts to care for her mother and a younger sister. The blog provides hope and direction as she puts it “that life does not end when you become a caregiver.”

At no time do you hear a “poor me” attitude from her, which is uplifting because her point that life does not end with caregiving is so very true. That said, you both marvel and smile when she says she is “sort of a single mom yet not” but still has to plan her life for dating, work, and just those things we all do that give life meaning. She tackles the subjects with grace and humor and yet you can hear the seriousness of her concern as she contemplates how the situation could turn if her own health falters.

This is an episode that will give you hope, a dose of reality, in addition to getting you thinking about how aging parents may affect your own life. It is well worth the listen because you will come away with a tremendous amount of food for thought and realize you have made a new friend.

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