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Randi Mazzella

Randi Mazzella is a freelance writer specializing in a wide range of topics from parenting to pop culture to life after 50. She is a mother of three grown children and lives in New Jersey with her husband.  Read more of her work on randimazzella.com. 

A mother and daughter during a family therapy session. Next Avenue, estrangement

Is It Ever Too Late for Family Therapy?

Age really doesn't matter when it comes to improving relationships and fostering healthier family dynamics
August 9, 2023
a group of mourning people laughing at a funeral. Next Avenue

Is It Okay To Laugh at a Funeral?

Humor can help heal, defuse tension and offer mourners a chance to more fully remember a loved one's life
August 4, 2023
A black and white photo of a band playing on stage. Next Avenue

Still Kool After All These Years

A memoir by band member George Brown and a new album, marking Kool & The Gang's 60th year, are reasons for … 'Celebration’
August 1, 2023
A couple smiling together outside. Caregiver burnout, Next Avenue

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers face emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. Offering them practical assistance can be of great help.
July 6, 2023
An older man opening the door for a hospice worker to come inside. Next Avenue

What I Learned During My Father's Time in Hospice

Our family was able to focus on the here and now, be supported and prepare peacefully for my father's death
June 29, 2023
A mother and daughter hugging. Next Avenue

Sorry, There Really Are Many Good Reasons to Apologize

An apology can be therapeutic for the giver and the receiver, even though forgiveness isn't guaranteed
June 26, 2023
Bobbi Brown sitting on a leather couch. Next Avenue, jones road, makeup, business

Bobbi Brown's Beautiful World

The makeup maven finds beauty and simplicity in aging, and power in new projects
June 22, 2023
The Golden Girls. Next Avenue, The Golden Girls Kitchen pop up

Lunch with The Golden Girls

Thanks to pop-up cafés around the country, you can be immersed in the world of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia — if only for a slice of cheesecake
May 3, 2023
Two older sisters sitting down and having an argument. Next Avenue, sibling relationship, rivalry

Sibling Rivalry Isn't Just for Kids

Sibling relationships may be frayed well into adulthood — some can be repaired, and some can't be
April 25, 2023
Fish swimming in a fish tank. Next Avenue

Gone Fishing: The Story of a Promise Kept

A commitment to keep all of my dying father's fish didn't go exactly as planned, but I've found connection and comfort in the new addition to my empty nest
April 11, 2023
Three side-by-side screenshots. Next Avenue, medical professionals on tiktok

How Medical Professionals Are Using TikTok To Teach

TikTok is a surprisingly valuable platform for addressing tough topics like hospice and death
February 20, 2023
Empty nesters at home making breakfast. Next Avenue

Lost and Found - A Story of Empty Nesting

After dropping the youngest child at college, adjusting to a different way of life brings insight and opportunities
January 26, 2023
An older woman taking an online class. Next Avenue, continuing education, career change

Think You Are Too Old to Start Over?

Whether it's going back to school, or entering a new field, don't underestimate what you will bring to the role — and what you'll learn
November 25, 2022
A group of family and friends eating a holiday meal. Next Avenue, Redefining family, family distancing

When Friends Are Family

A foundation of shared interests, trust and affection for each other informs these important connections that may be closer than family relationships
November 21, 2022
A young woman loading a dishwasher while her dad cooks a meal. Next Avenue, moving back home, living with parents

Hey Mom! I'm Home

They may have moved back to save money, but Gen Z kids should also be willing to accept some responsibilities around the house
November 15, 2022
A woman smiling in front of plates of baked goods. Next Avenue, older entrepreneur, sweet success, Candace Nelson book

Sweet Success

Serial entrepreneur Candace Nelson shares the secret behind her cupcake empire, Sprinkles, and explains why she decided to start all over again
October 28, 2022
A narrow street with shoppers and vendors. Next Avenue, house swapping in retirement, vacation local tips

Vacation Like a Local

House swapping in retirement can let you vacation in beautiful locales you might not otherwise be able to afford
October 5, 2022
Three women with their arms wrapped around each other at a restaurant. Next Avenue, Friendship group dynamics, long lasting friendships

The Secret of Friend Groups That Last for Decades

Friends who "knew you when" are often among the most treasured, even as life changes
September 30, 2022
Nina Totenberg and Ruth Bader Ginsburg smiling together. Next Avenue, RBG Nina Totenberg book, dinners with ruth

Nina Totenberg Fondly Remembers Dinners with Ruth

NPR's legal affairs correspondent writes of her late friend Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and also reflects on women's friendships
September 23, 2022
Singer Tom Jones wearing a suit while singing on stage. Next Avenue, music and memory

How Music Sparks Our Memories

Why a song you haven't heard in years can take you back to a different time
September 5, 2022
A woman drinking tea sitting outside. Next Avenue, complicated grief in older adults

When a Relationship is Complicated, So Is the Grief Process

Being honest and facing mixed emotions about a loved one's death can help with healing
September 1, 2022
A meals on wheels worker dropping off food. Next Avenue, Food insecurity among older adults

Food Insecurity May Be Closer Than You Think

Even in apparently affluent areas, some older adults lack reliable access to sufficient quantities of nutritious food
August 9, 2022
An older man shopping at a yard sale. Next Avenue, Tips Tricks for yard sale, garage sale, tag sale,

10 Tips for Running a Successful Yard Sale

With a little planning, you can fill your wallet while emptying your garage
June 13, 2022
A group of older adults smiling outside. Next Avenue, The Old Gays, social media older adults

Meet The Old Gays

These four friends have become a TikTok sensation by just being themselves
June 7, 2022
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