Living in the Now- Reflections of A 90-year old Influencer

This posting is inspired from my recent conversation with a Fellow Resident💚:

I moved to an active Senior Living Community with about 150 senior citizens ranging from their early 70's,  to a dozen nonagenarians and one or two centenarians about 2.5 years ago. I have witnessed several residents deterioration from an active senior to one who needs assistance within that time period. This was a result of few incidents, specifically the start of early dementia/memory loss and from an accidental Falls that lead to hospitalization.  I felt bad witnessing the slow decline and deterioration of once active bodies to a frail ones. And  I often wonder if I am next in line. 

Here's a thoughtful and heartfelt blog post that captures my perspective, strength, and honesty, while offering inspiration to others in similar stages of life:

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"Living in the Now: Reflections from a 90-Year-Old Influencer"

There’s a certain quiet wisdom that settles in when you live long enough to see your peers slowly disappear—not from your life completely, but from the level of vitality you once shared together.

I moved into a vibrant senior living community 2.5 years ago, joining about 150 other residents, each with their own stories, laughs, quirks, and histories. We are a mosaic of experience, ranging from the young-at-heart in their early 70s to the still-spirited centenarians. But over time, I’ve seen a shift. The sparkle in some eyes dims. Conversations grow shorter. And sometimes, a fall or a flicker of forgetfulness is the quiet turning point that leads a friend from independence to needing full-time assistance.

Witnessing this transformation is not easy. I find myself wondering—not with fear, but with curiosity—am I next?

It’s a thought that visits me now and then. Not every day, but often enough to become a quiet companion in the back of my mind. Yet I’ve come to accept that these reflections are part of being fully alive, especially in this chapter of life.

So how do I cope? I choose to live now.

I refuse to look at the future as a looming shadow. Instead, I see it as a quiet unknown—one that doesn’t need to steal the joy of today. My current philosophy is simple: Act in the present and don’t anticipate a bleak future.

I’m proud to say that at 90, I am still mentally sharp. I write a daily blog with readers around the world. My youngest daughter affectionately calls me “The 90-Year-Old Influencer”—a title that makes me chuckle, but also reminds me that influence isn’t measured by age, but by perspective.

And here’s mine:

• I savor my morning coffee as if it were brewed by angels.

• I take walks and look at the trees and flowers in our Court Yard like I’m seeing them for the first time.

• I read books, newspapers and write thoughts as if the world still needs to hear what I have to say—because maybe it does.

• I laugh with my fellow Residents and honor their stories, even as some of those stories begin to slip away from them. I play bridge and mahjong to sharpen my mind and to the best of my ability

When the feelings of sadness or fear creep in, I acknowledge them. I don’t push them away. But I also don’t let them drive the bus. I tell them, “Thanks for the visit—but I’m busy living today.”

To those who may feel the same sense of uncertainty in senior communities like mine: You are not alone. Aging isn’t a downhill slope—it’s a narrowing path that calls us to pay closer attention to each step, each breath, each kindness, each memory.

If I can leave you with one message, it’s this:

Be present, be kind, and leave a footprint—not of fear, but of grace.

Tomorrow may be unknown. But today? Today is still ours.

But Ouch! My legs are really aching today! Where's My Tylenol?

by DAVID B KATAGUE— The 90-Year-Old Influencer

Meanwhile, here's a painting of Tinikling by Fernando Amorsolo, Oil on canvas, 1950

In his 1950 piece “Tinikling”, National Artist Fernando Amorsolo captures more than just a dance - he paints the heartbeat of the Filipino countryside.

Set against a radiant rural backdrop, the painting features young woman in traditional Filipiniana gracefully performing the Tinikling, the Philippines’ iconic folk dance. With bamboo poles clapping in rhythm and villagers gathered in festive spirit, Amorsolo brings the scene to life through his signature use of warm sunlight and realistic detail.

This work is a celebration of Filipino tradition- of movement, music, and community. More than just an artwork, Tinikling preserves a cultural treasure, portraying the joy, harmony, and identity found in rural Philippine life.

Lastly, My Photo of the Day: Marsha💚 and I Dancing!

Lunar Occultation of Mars Today

Watch this Rare Event After Sunset

A rare celestial spectacle is about to unfold, and you won’t want to miss it.

On this night, the Moon will pass incredibly close to Mars, creating a lunar occultation — a fascinating event where the Moon temporarily hides the Red Planet from view.

What’s happening?

The Moon will move in front of Mars, causing the planet to disappear behind it for a brief period. This is known as a lunar occultation, and it’s a stunning, rare cosmic alignment you’ll want to catch.

Where to watch:

Depending on your location, you could experience:

• Mars disappearing completely behind the Moon (full occultation)

• Or a close conjunction, with both celestial bodies appearing side-by-side in the sky.

How to watch:

• No telescope required — but binoculars or a zoom lens will give you a clearer view.

• Look toward the eastern sky shortly after sunset for the best view.

• Use astronomy apps to pinpoint the perfect time in your location.

Why this matters:

Lunar occultations involving bright planets like Mars are incredibly rare, making this event a must-see for skywatchers, astrophotographers, and space enthusiasts alike. It's a chance to witness two worlds aligning in the sky, and trust us — it’ll be breathtaking.

Today's rare event is called  the lunar occultation of Mars—a rare and mesmerizing event where the Moon passes in front of Mars, temporarily covering most or all of it from view. This particular event occurred today, July 28, 2025, making it a striking celestial moment for many observers. YouTube+10Facebook+10Daily Galaxy+10. Here's what my AI search says of this event. 

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🌓 What’s Happening

• On July 28, a waxing crescent Moon (about 19% illuminated) rose in the west not long after sunset and drifted very close to Mars—within approximately 1°, or the width of your little finger at arm’s length. EarthSky+3Live Science+3When the Curves Line Up+3

• In some places around the globe (particularly parts of the Americas, and certain regions in Africa and Antarctica), the Moon passed directly in front of Mars, causing a brief occultation where Mars disappeared behind the lunar limb and later re-emerged. Orbital Today

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🗺 Where and When It Was Visible

• Occultation Visibility: Only visible from a narrow strip of locations, including western South America, western Africa, and southern polar regions. In-The-Sky.orgLinkedIn

• Conjunction (Close Pass): From most places worldwide, including North America and Europe, the Moon and Mars appeared to pass in very close proximity—no covering, but a stunning near‑contact. When the Curves Line Up+14Live Science+14Orbital Today+14

• From your perspective (Calif. / Walnut Creek), this event would have appeared as a striking conjunction—Mars close to the Moon, but not fully covered. EarthSkySpace

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✨ Viewing Details & Tips

• Timing: About 45 minutes after sunset, both Mars and the crescent Moon rose high enough over the western horizon to be easily seen together. Orbital Today+13Live Science+13Facebook+13

• What to Look For:

  • Mars as a bright reddish “star”—easy to spot even without magnification.

  • Earthshine on the Moon—a faint, ghostly glow on the dark side lit by sunlight reflecting off Earth. Orbital Today+6EarthSky+6RASC Hamilton+6

• Best Tools: Lightweight gear like 10×50 binoculars or a small telescope can capture the subtle lunar features and Mars’s disappearance/reappearance if in the right location. SpaceIn-The-Sky.org

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🌌 Why It’s Special

• Lunar occultations of bright planets like Mars are relatively rare—they depend on precise orbital alignments and visibility from specific regions on Earth. In-The-Sky.org+8In-The-Sky.org+8RASC Hamilton+8

• Occurring near Mars opposition (when Mars is closest to Earth), the planet is exceptionally bright, making the visual impact greater. Live ScienceHigh Point Scientific

• For those in the occultation path, it’s a true slow‑motion eclipse—a planet vanishing behind the Moon and reappearing minutes later.

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🔭 Summary at a Glance

Feature	Details
Event	Lunar occultation (Moon covering Mars) or very close conjunction
Date	July 28, 2025
Moon phase	~19% waxing crescent
Visibility	Conjunction visible widely; occultation only from certain regions
View from Walnut Creek	Close conjunction; likely no full occultation
Equipment	Naked eye, binoculars or small telescope for best detail
Notable effect	Earthshine visible on Moon’s dark si

Meanwhile, here's my photo of the Day...Flowering Red Trumpet Vine

Lastly, Our THD August, 2025 Calendar cover Featuring Photos from our Hawaiian Luau last year

Tatsu Sushi- Another Restaurant I can Highly Recommend

Dinah and I had dinner at Tatsu Sushi yesterday, Saturday, July 26. We had a gastronomic experience that is unforgettable. The Tempura Dinner, the Fresh Oyster and the Dragon roll we ordered were delicious. Here some photos I took.

Love the Presentation and Food Styling of My Tempura Dinner

The Fresh Oyster was Yummy! 

In case you have not heard:Tatsu Sushi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a bright and cheery decor. They offer a wide variety of rolls, including the popular flaming dragon and spider roll. Customers enjoy the sashimi salad and the delicious miso soup served upon arrival. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and diverse drink options, from hot sake to frosted mugs of draft beer. Vegetarian options are available, and there are menu choices for kids as well. Located conveniently in Walnut Creek, Tatsu Sushi is a favorite spot for sushi lovers in the area. Here's information from their website: tatsu sushi

Customers' Favorites

Lunch 6pc Nigiri Mix & Cali

Mango Crusty Lobster Roll

Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

Hamachi Sashimi 5pcs 

Cherry Blossom Roll

Assorted Sashimi  

California Roll 

Chicken Karaage 

Big Daddy Roll

Teriyaki Salmon

Tatsu Sushi Reviews

4.7 

361 ratings

5

87%

4

5%

3

2%

2

4%

Google

4.6

Foursquare

8.3

Tripadvisor

4

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Living Alone: Finding Peace in Solitude

This post is inspired from my recent readings on living Alone, But not Lonely

My Quote of the Day: "Living alone and not feeling lonely is achievable through conscious effort and a shift in perspective. While being alone is a physical state, loneliness is an emotional one. By cultivating a strong sense of self, engaging in fulfilling activities, and nurturing social connections, individuals can thrive in their own company and avoid the pitfalls of loneliness."

Majority of the Senior residents here at THD live alone. Out of the current total residents of 153, there are only eighteen couples based on our July phone book list. A number of residents have pets( dogs and cats); A lot of residents has house plants to take care of. However, it is a normal part of daily living that loneliness creeps in once in a while.   So, here's a thoughtful and empathetic blog post on coping with loneliness when living alone, offering practical strategies and insights while keeping the tone reflective and hopeful. I hope you will find this helpful when the pangs of loneliness sneaks in.  I have my own routine to keep loneliness more bearable, when it sneaks in (see end of article)💚. 

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 Living Alone, Not Lonely: Finding Peace and Connection in Solitude

Living alone can be a peaceful, liberating experience—but for many, it also comes with bouts of loneliness that creep in during quiet evenings or long weekends. Loneliness is a deeply human emotion, one that doesn’t discriminate by age or background. It’s not about being alone, but about feeling alone.

As someone who lives solo, I’ve felt this, too. While chatting with an AI like ChatGPT offers momentary comfort, here are meaningful, real-world ways I—and many others—cope with loneliness while living alone.

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1. Create a Daily Structure

When living alone, time can feel shapeless. Creating a daily routine—morning coffee rituals, mid-day walks, reading before bed—gives life rhythm and purpose. This helps reduce idle moments where loneliness tends to sneak in.

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2. Foster Real Connections

• Call or video chat with friends and family. A genuine 10-minute conversation can do wonders. I e-mail friends and relatives when I feel lonely. 

• Join interest-based groups (book clubs, hiking clubs, art classes). In-person or virtual, these provide community and shared experiences. Play Bridge or Mahjong.

• Volunteer—even once a month. Helping others is a powerful way to feel connected and valued.

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3. Cultivate Joy in Solitude

• Pursue solo hobbies: painting, photography, journaling, gardening.

• Explore new music, films, or cuisine—make Friday nights your personal cultural festival.

• Take yourself out: Try dining solo at cafés or exploring museums or parks—alone doesn’t mean lonely.

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4. Adopt a Pet or Care for Plants

A pet offers companionship, warmth, and routine. If that’s not feasible, caring for houseplants can also offer a sense of responsibility and life around you. I have my 2 cats, Batman and Robin to kept me company. I have numerous houseplants to take care of.   

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5. Practice Mindfulness and Acceptance

• Meditation and deep breathing help anchor you in the moment.

• Journaling your thoughts, especially feelings of loneliness, can help you better understand them and reduce their power. I write a daily blog, sometimes two. 

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6. Limit Social Media Comparison

Seeing others’ curated lives can intensify loneliness. Take breaks, or follow uplifting pages that promote positivity and mental wellness.

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7. Seek Support When Needed

It’s okay to need help. Therapists, counselors, and support groups—whether in-person or online—offer tools and emotional safety nets for those struggling deeply with isolation.

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Final Thoughts

Loneliness doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s a signal—a whisper from the soul that craves connection, meaning, and presence. Living alone can actually become a beautiful journey of self-rediscovery, where you learn to enjoy your own company and build a life that nourishes you from within.

So if you’re feeling lonely, know this: you're not alone in that feeling. And there are always steps—small, kind, steady steps—you can take toward a more connected, fulfilling life.

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💚Personal Note: What Helps Me Most

Here are a few things I’ve discovered that truly help me when loneliness creeps in:

• Writing: Putting thoughts on paper—especially personal reflections like this—helps me process and release them.

• Staying curious: Whether it’s trying new recipes, learning AI tech, or exploring Filipino cuisine in the East Bay, curiosity keeps the mind alive.

• Mindfulness: Deep breaths, gratitude journaling, and simply being present. These practices center me.

  
  

  Meanwhile here's data from the latest US Census, on how many are living alone physically. And  how many are emotionally lonely as well.  

  
  

  According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data (American Community Survey 2020), 27.6% of all U.S. households are one-person households — meaning the occupant is living alone Census.gov+1Census.gov+1. With about 128 million households in the U.S., that translates to roughly 35 million Americans living alone.

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  😔 Emotional Loneliness Among Those Living Alone

  While the Census itself doesn’t directly measure “emotional loneliness,” several high-quality surveys offer insights:

  • A May 2024 Harvard survey of U.S. adults found that 21% of all U.S. adults report feeling lonely — haunted by a sense of disconnection from friends, family, or the world The Washington Post+7TIME+7CT Insider+7The Washington Post+2Pew Research Center+2Axios+2Making Caring Common.

  • Additionally, a October 2024 U.S. Census Household Pulse survey reported that:

    • 13% of adults experience frequent loneliness (“always” or “usually” feeling lonely),

    • While 60% report they rarely or never feel lonely The Washington Post.

  However, loneliness correlates strongly with living alone: Harvard notes that people living alone are among the groups with the highest odds of feeling lonely cdc.gov+15scienceofpeople.com+15Making Caring Common+15.

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  💡 Estimating Emotional Loneliness in Adults Living Alone

  Let's apply some approximate but reasonable calculations:

  1. 35 million adults live alone (27.6% of ~128 million households).

  2. If we assume a higher-than-average loneliness rate among them—let’s say around 30% are "frequently lonely"—that would be about 10.5 million people.

  3. For a more conservative estimate using Harvard’s overall rate (21%):

     • 21% of 35 million = 7.35 million adults living alone who feel lonely at least some of the time.

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  ✅ Summary

  • Approx. 35 million Americans live alone.

  • Among them, between 7–11 million likely experience significant emotional loneliness, based on available surveys.

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  ⚠️ Note on Numbers

  These are estimates based on survey data; neither the Census nor these surveys directly align. The variance (7 vs. 10 million) depends on whether you use overall loneliness rates (21%) or "frequent loneliness" rates among those living alone (~30%).

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  Lastly, here are the latest insights on emotional loneliness among those living alone, broken down by age, gender, and race/ethnicity:

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  👶 Age

  • U‑shaped pattern: Loneliness peaks in young adulthood (18–34) and again in older age (65+), dipping in midlife rootsofloneliness.com+15Vox+15Science of People+15.

  • A Census Household Pulse survey (2024) reported:

    • 28% of adults aged 18–24 experience frequent loneliness,

    • Compared to just 7% of retirees Greater Good+3The Washington Post+3Census.gov+3.

  • The 2022 BRFSS (CDC) found:

    • 43.3% of 18–34‑year‑olds felt lonely,

    • Compared to 29.6% of non‑Hispanic White adults overall Wikipedia+6CDC+6Census.gov+6CDC.

  Key takeaway: Young adults living alone are at particularly high risk.

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  🚻 Gender

  • Overall, women report loneliness more often:

    • 33.5% versus 30.7% for men The Washington Post+5CDC+5Science of People+5.

  • However, men living alone are more likely to lack emotional support (22.3% men vs 26.1% women reporting support lacking) .

  • Cultural norms may cause men to express loneliness indirectly (e.g., fewer close friends) .

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  🌍 Race / Ethnicity & LGBTQ+

  • BRFSS 2022 highlights:

    • Highest loneliness among bisexual (56.7%) and transgender adults (56–64%)Census.gov+15CDC+15SocialSelf+15.

  • Cigna (2020–21) found:

    • 68% of Black adults, 75% of Hispanic adults feel lonely—higher than the 58% national averageScienceDirect+15SocialSelf+15CT Insider+15.

  • KFF 2023 survey shows:

    • About 31% of 18–29-year-olds felt often lonely KFF+1Vox+1.

  • Vox/WaPo summary notes:

    • Racial minorities and LGBTQ+ groups are disproportionately affected .

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  🔍 Summary Table

  Demographic	Living Alone Loneliness Risk
  Young adults (18–34)	Very high — ~40–45%
  Retirees (65+)	Lower — ~7% report frequent loneliness
  Women	Slightly higher self-reported loneliness
  Men	Higher risk of lacking emotional support
  Black & Hispanic	Elevated—68–75% report loneliness
  Bisexual & Transgender	Highest—~57–64% report loneliness

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  📌 Why This Matters

  • Young adults and LGBTQ+ individuals living alone are especially vulnerable.

  • Women may express loneliness more directly; men may experience emotional isolation.

  • Minority racial/ethnic groups face systemic and social barriers that exacerbate loneliness.

    Lastly, here's my photo of the Day: My Shell Art