Aging in Central Asia
In May 2012 I traveled to Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to photograph aging and gain better understanding of international differences in how people grow old. I was amazed to learn the extent that elders are revered in traditional Kyrgyz society. The collapse of the Soviet Union and globalization have caused rapid economic and cultural change, and their effects have not been to the benefit of …Read More
Victory Day in Moscow: Part II
It was Victory Day in Moscow, May 9, 2012 – the day that commemorates Russian triumph over the Nazi regime after a long and bloody war. I went there to take pictures. The day started with clouds and rain but by noon the sun was gleaming off the massive columns of the Bolshoi Theater. Water splashed in the fountain as elderly veterans milled about collecting roses, …Read More
Myths and Realities of Blue Zones and Aging in America
I heard so much about the Blue Zone phenomenon that I went to check it out for myself. “Blue Zone” is the proposed name for a geographic area with large numbers of healthy elders. Advocates for this concept say they can reveal secrets for a longer, more productive life. Identified locations include Okinawa, Sardinia, certain towns in Costa Rica and Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Loma Linda was …Read More
The Flag Ladies of Freeport, Maine
When I heard about the Flag Ladies of Freeport, Maine I knew I had to photograph them. I saw their photos on-line and was impressed with their unique expression of patriotism. This past fall as the trees were beginning to turn, I grabbed my camera and flew to Boston where I rented a car and drove several hours to the hometown of JoAnn, Elaine, and …Read More
Photographing Aging in Okinawa
My father was an artillery sergeant in the bloody battle of Okinawa in WWII and I grew up listening to stories that sometimes gave me nightmares. Stashed away in my Jersey City home were his bayonet and pictures from his war album which I still have. As a geriatrician I learned that Okinawa has many old people, and in 2005 I went to Okinawa with …Read More
My Patient With The Tattoo
Mr. W. was brought to my office in a wheelchair by one of his daughters for a problem with his leg. In his late eighties and ravaged by age, his skin was pale and swollen from anemia and congestive heart failure, and a gray beard was draped over his chest. While helping him onto the examining table, his sleeve pulled up and I got a glimpse of the …Read More
Photographing Los Ancianos of Bolivia
This past summer I returned to South America to photograph aging, and one of these photos is featured on the December cover of The Gerontologist. This is the flagship journal of the Gerontological Society of America. I am often asked about my “TG” cover photos (there’s been about 40 since 1995), so I decided to give some background on this picture. My destination was La Paz, …Read More
The Twilight of Jewish South Beach, Miami
When I was growing up, my grandparents wintered in Miami. I remember visiting them and feeling the warm sunshine and sand that sometimes scalded your feet when days were hot. In 1985 while training in geriatrics in New York City, I returned to Miami to photograph the aging Jewish retirees. Little did I know that I was recording the twilight of Jewish South Beach. These …Read More
Folk Legend Pete Seeger Joins Occupy Wall Street March
When I heard the news late Friday evening that 92 year old folk singing legend Pete Seeger was participating in an Occupy Wall Street rally on the West Side of Manhattan, I grabbed my camera and went to take a look. I wasn’t disappointed, and posted some of the best shots above. By now, readers of this blog know that I photograph aging musicians and …Read More
Geriatrics, Art, and Ancient Treasure on Lake Titicaca
I recently traveled to the Bolivian highlands and Lake Titicaca to find new faces of aging, and on the way discovered an exquisite example of ancient treasure featuring geriatrics and art. The Pariti Ceramics Museum was not listed in my guidebook. In fact, Pariti Island where the museum is located is so small it is unmarked on most maps. I learned out about it from my …Read More
