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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 younger woman with her grandma. Next Avenue, Bess Kalb

'Nobody Will Tell You This But Me'

A new book by comedy writer Bess Kalb tells the story of the love she had for her 'Grandma Bobby'
May 10, 2024
A still from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in the Catskills. Next Avenue

Feeling Nostalgic for the Catskills

By the 1950s, half a million people were visiting the Catskills during the summer season. It was a place for relaxation, recreation and entertainment where Jewish people felt welcomed.
April 5, 2024
Two people smiling together outside. Next Avenue, fight with your partner, spouse, husband, wife

Is There a Right Way to Fight with Your Partner?

Relationship expert Dr. Julie Gottman says if done right, fighting can lead to greater intimacy and connection
April 2, 2024
Ingredients for making an apple cake. Next Avenue, family recipes

Connecting to the Past with Dishes Made in the Present

Remember, you don't have to use the exact recipe to experience the joy of a family dish
March 11, 2024
A group of people eating dim sum and laughing together. Next Avenue, death over dim sum

Death Over Dim Sum

Conversations about end-of-life issues are difficult for everyone. But in many cultures, these important topics are considered almost taboo to discuss.
January 2, 2024
Headshot of Mildred Kirschenbaum with a bloody mary in front of her. Next Avenue

This 100-Year-Old Influencer Shares Her Secrets

Mildred Kirschenbaum has become a social media star and is happily offering the lessons of her ten decades
December 13, 2023
Sister Jean wearing a Final Four hat at a game. Next Avenue

Sister Jean Still Has Stories to Share

The 104-year-old Loyola University basketball fan and author of ‘Wake Up With Purpose’ has intergenerational appeal
November 29, 2023
A red cardinal perched on a snowy tree branch. Next Avenue

Feeling the Spirit of Someone Who Has Died

There's no scientific proof this happens, but for the grieving, the thought of connecting with a loved one can be a coping mechanism
November 23, 2023
A headshot of Mark Harmon while on set filming NCIS. Next Avenue

Mark Harmon's Next Chapter

Once a star of television's 'NCIS,' he has co-written a new book about real-life NCIS agents
November 14, 2023
A father and son at a baseball game. Next Avenue, Tim Russert

Luke Russert Traveled the World to Find Himself

The son of 'Meet the Press' host Tim Russert navigated grief while seeing signs of his late father along the way
October 20, 2023
An older adult waiting for her doctor for an anxiety screening. Next Avenue

Why You May Benefit From an Anxiety Screening

Proper diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders often lead patients to happier and more fulfilled lives
October 18, 2023
A woman on stage holding a mic during a comedy show. Next Avenue

Comedian Maria Bamford Brings Dark Moments to Light

Her new book is titled 'Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere' and features her signature honesty and humor
October 13, 2023
A child working on a DIY home project with their dad. Next Avenue

Memories of Projects With My Dad

Maybe it was a little dangerous for a guidance counselor to dabble in electrical wiring at home, but he helped us develop the fix-it skills we have today
October 3, 2023
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
An older adult at home petting her cat. Next Avenue, sleep changes with age

An Ongoing 'Quest for Sleep'

A new film profiles real-life insomniacs and their struggles to get a good night's rest, and experts share how chronic insomnia impacts health
May 27, 2022
An older adult and their adult child packing moving boxes. Next Avenue, downsizing

Why People Are Rethinking Whether to Downsize

Some boomers are saving room for their parents or their children, just in case
May 17, 2022
Two older adults embracing in a hug crying tears of joy. Next Avenue, Bittersweet, susan cain

Understanding the Beauty of the Bittersweet

Susan Cain, author of the bestseller 'Bittersweet,' says instead of avoiding sorrow, we should see it as an opportunity to connect with others
May 4, 2022
A couple standing outside their house wearing facemasks. Next Avenue, returning to normal, Immunocompromised, pandemic

When Everyone is Returning to 'Normal' But You

Many people with underlying health conditions are still apprehensive about COVID and continue to refrain from being out in public
April 14, 2022
An illustration of a head with a thought bubble inside of it. Next Avenue, inner chatter, ethan kross chatter

How to Make Inner Chatter Work for You

We all have a voice inside our heads. Here are ways to calm it.
April 6, 2022
A home care nurse taking an older adult patient's blood pressure. Next Avenue, low blood pressure

What You Need to Know About Low Blood Pressure

The causes of low blood pressure, why it can be an issue and ways to treat it
March 30, 2022
Two side-by-side photos of an older adult cooking. Next Avenue, TikTok Nonna Pia

Grab a Plate with Nonna Pia — TikTok's Favorite Italian Grandmother

Pia Quaglieri, 83, is passing along her cooking traditions to her family — and 2.6 million others
March 17, 2022
A black and white photo of an aolder adult looking out into the distance. Next Avenue, covid impacts on dementia, isolation

The Impact of COVID on People with Dementia

Social isolation had a profound effect, and further cognitive decline in some older adults with dementia may be the result
March 10, 2022
A grandmother sitting next to her granddaughter on a couch outside. Next Avenue, dating advice

When It Comes to Dating, Grandma Knows Best

The granddaughter and grandmother team behind the 'Excuse My Grandma' podcast share what they are teaching each other about dating
February 16, 2022
An older adult having a panic attack and covering her mouth with her hand. Next Avenue

Suffering From Panic Attacks? You Are Not Alone

How COVID-19 has impacted panic attacks, and steps you can take if one strikes
January 13, 2022
A family holding up their glasses over a holiday meal, family traditions, Next Avenue

When Family Traditions End — and How to Start New Ones

There may be sadness at the loss of traditions, but it can also be an opportunity to find meaning in new experiences
November 9, 2021
Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Van Zandt on stage singing into the microphone. Next Avenue, lilyhammer, Unrequited Infatuations

Stevie Van Zandt Looks for What's Next

The E Street Band member, 'Sopranos' star, activist and now author of 'Unrequited Infatuations,' what 'Little Stevie' isn't planning to do next is retire
October 21, 2021
A close up image of bonfre flames and sparks. Next Avenue, menopause, perimenopause, signs

What Fresh Hell Is This? Time to Educate Ourselves About Menopause

A Q&A with author Heather Corinna about why health care providers struggle to support patients going through perimenopause and menopause
October 21, 2021
A colorful silhouette of a person's head. Next Avenue, Everyday Vitality, change, stress

How to Retrain Your Brain

It's easy to go down a mental rabbit hole, but there is a way to change your mindset to live a happier, more productive life
September 28, 2021
A family caregiver helping her mother with paperwork. Next Avenue, honesty,dementia care, Alzheimer's, tell the truth

Is Honesty Really the Best Policy for a Loved One With Dementia?

Sometimes telling a "white lie" can actually be therapeutic when faced with an upsetting situation
September 23, 2021
A screenshot of an online peer to peer learning course. Next Avenue, adult education, peer learning

Kids Are Back in School and You Can Be, Too (Virtually)

The adult education programs of GetSetUp and OLLI let you learn and socialize
September 20, 2021
A man sitting alone looking out a train window. Next Avenue, diagnosis

Should You Reveal a Diagnosis?

Why some may choose to keep information private, and why friends should respect that decision
September 16, 2021
A family carpentry business at work. Small business, family business, in-laws, Next Avenue

How to Make Working With Your In-Laws Work for You

Advice on making the in-law relationship work for everyone
June 23, 2021
Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in Thelma and Louise. Next Avenue

Geena Davis Talks About the Impact of 'Thelma & Louise'

It's been 30 years since 'Thelma & Louise' was released, and Geena Davis now campaigns for equal representation of women in media
May 28, 2021
One walker waiting in the hallway of an assisted living facility. Long-term care,Next Avenue

When One Partner Needs to Move for Long-Term Care and the Other Doesn't

He required more long-term care than she could provide. Moving him to an assisted living facility improved both their lives.
May 26, 2021
A large family smiling outside.

When One Sibling Has More Money Than Another

Best ways for adult siblings to avoid family rifts over finances
May 13, 2021
Illustration of a couple sitting down to a tough conversation. Hard conversations, Anna Sale, Next Avenue

Let's Talk About the Hard Things With Anna Sale

In her new book, the popular podcast host of 'Death, Sex & Money' offers guidance on approaching tough conversations
May 4, 2021
Older woman getting a mammogram, cancer, screening, Next Avenue

Getting Your Cancer Screenings Back on Track

Many patients postponed routine screenings due to the pandemic, but doctors advise against further delays
March 22, 2021
Actor Anthony Hopkins and Director Florian Zeller behind the scenes of 'The Father', dementia, film, Next Avenue

A Conversation About 'The Father'

Writer-director Florian Zeller on his Academy Award-nominated film depicting the harsh realities of dementia
February 26, 2021
Couple hugging eachother, Beverly Johnson, finding love, Next Avenue

Why It's Not Too Late to Find Your Soulmate

Model Beverly Johnson and her fiancé Brian Maillian tell how they built their later-life relationship
February 12, 2021
Parents greeting daughter and significant other, child, relationships, Next Avenue

How to Create a Good Relationship with Your Child's Significant Other

Be warm and welcoming, but let your child set the pace
January 28, 2021
Cancer patient and friend, living with a terminal illness, Next Avenue

When You're Living With a Terminal Illness

There are good and bad days, but focusing on the present and being treated normally makes a difference
January 5, 2021
Next Avenue, cancer drugs, drug trials

Why Are Older Adults More Likely to Be Excluded From Cancer Drug Trials?

Here are six things you can do to change that
November 30, 2020
2020 Influencer in Aging Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox Still Looks to the Future

Living with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, he calls himself an optimist and a realist
November 18, 2020
family moment

2020 Election: How to Handle Family Political Conversations

Tips for managing challenging discussions during election season
October 21, 2020
Dad and son on phones

Should You Use Your Connections in Your Adult Child's Job Search?

What experts say about trying to be helpful in these tough times
October 20, 2020
roller coaster symbolizing coronacoaster

Feel Like You Are on the Coronacoaster? You're Not Alone

Suggestions for how to manage the emotional ups and downs of the pandemic
August 17, 2020
banana bread

The Ways the Pandemic Has Influenced Our Eating Habits

More cooking, more uncertainty, less exercise and less sleep have taken their toll
July 29, 2020
Grandpa and granddaughter

Readers Ask: 'When Can I Hug My Grandchildren Again?'

Answers to your top 10 pandemic questions
June 30, 2020
man eating, COVID-19 relief

How COVID-19 Is Impacting Food Insecurity

The ways food programs are adapting and how you can help
May 27, 2020
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