For this blog, I got the idea for after visiting a community health clinic in Denver, Colorado, where an old friend of mine works with older women every day. The clinic was alive, full of life, and warm. Some brought in walkers, some brought in pill organizers, some brought in handwritten notes, and lots brought in the kind of humor that only a long life can provide. Their conversation, laughter, waiting, stretching and encouragement were a testament to the fact that old age health problems can be displayed with dignity, softness and a smile.
#1. When Your Joints Start Giving Weather Reports
Knee-Ding a Break was inspired by the number of older women who talk about their knees before they describe the weather. I made it because knee pain is very common but shouldn’t take a person’s humor from him. The good news is that while aging bodies move slower, they still hold stories, strength and charm.
#2. The Funny Side of Forgetting Why You Entered the Kitchen
Memory Card Full was born from the tender bewilderment I witnessed at the clinic waiting room when ladies rummaged through their bags, lists and appointment cards with a smile. I wanted to make a comic about forgetfulness that didn’t make it mean. The message is that memory changes can be frustrating, but patience and laughter make the journey lighter.
#3. Hearing Aids, Blenders, and Selective Listening
Loud and Clear-ish is a phrase I coined watching a senior lady working with her hearing aids while still hearing more than anyone thought. I made this comic, because hearing loss is treated as a problem but sometimes it can be a funny aspect of everyday communication. The message is to listen more, say more, and involve older people fully.
#4. Aging One Alarm and Vitamin at a Time
Pill Schedule Queen came about as a result of the sight of colorful pill boxes, phone alarms and careful routines at the clinic. People do not realize how many senior ladies perform health management in more disciplined manner. So, I made this comic to celebrate this everyday duty. The good news is that although taking your medication can seem too much to handle, it can become a form of self-care with organization and humor.
#5. Midnight Aches, Bladder Meetings, and Hallway Tours
We Tried was born out of listening to my friend describe all the older women who find it difficult to get rest due to pain, bladder trips or an inability to get a good night’s sleep. I wanted the comic to be not too serious, but sincere. The message is that despite the fatigue of poor sleep, older women get up and are resilient, graceful and courageous in continuing on.
#6. The Great Reading Glasses Treasure Hunt
Prescription for Style began with a lady who laughed and joked about losing her glasses, and had more glasses than accessories. This comic is created because vision changes are normal as one ages and reading glasses sometimes become an integral part of an older person. The message is that when vision becomes impaired, curiosity, style and joy do not have to go.
#7. When Bold Flavor Requires Antacid Backup
Spicy Regrets was inspired by the fact that many health discussions ultimately shifted to food discussions. Older tummies might not like it as much as they used to, but memories of taste are strong. I made this comic to make digestive changes feel relatable. The good news is that older people can make adjustments to their food and still have a tasty, cozy and family meal.
#8. Wobbling Gracefully Through Senior Fitness
Balance of Power was inspired by senior fitness tips and the courageous women who attempt to do balance exercises despite the uncertainty of the floor. I made it because if balance is an issue then confidence doesn’t have to be and movement can still be fun. The message is that every steady step matters, and trying safely is already a victory.
#9. Blood Pressure, Salty Snacks, and Smart Choices
Pressure Points was inspired by observing constantly blood pressure cuffs, notebooks and low-salt reminders throughout the clinic. Senior ladies can recall their numbers better than they can recall the news of the day. I wanted to make this comic for the purpose of presenting the humor in simple monitoring. Heart health is important, but it does not have to take the enjoyment out of life, the message is.
#10. When Laundry Baskets Become Personal Trainers
Back Talk was inspired by the way that older women carefully negotiate their purses, laundry bags and grocery totes. I made this comic because a lot of seniors have back pain and they still maintain their homes. The good news is that seeking assistance, moving carefully and laughing at the barriers can safeguard body and spirit.
#11. Stiff Fingers, Warm Cups, and Craft-Room Courage
Arthri-Tea Time was inspired by hands that for decades had been cooking and sewing, holding babies, writing letters, building homes. I observed some of the ladies rubbing their fingers at the clinic, and they were still smiling. This is a comic that I made to celebrate arthritic hands. The message is that stiff joints do not erase creativity, warmth, or usefulness.
#12. Slow Steps, Light Flowerpots, and Calcium Wisdom
Bone to Be Careful was written by a garden-loving senior woman who moved slowly but proudly caring for her bones while enjoying her flowers. This comic was created out of my own personal experience because osteoporosis and fragile bones can alter daily living but, they are not the end of independence. It’s a message of careful living not being weakness. Wisdom is putting on the gardening gloves.
#13. Blood Sugar Checks and Supervised Snacks
Sugar Shuffle was developed by women who check blood sugar, plan meals and still think about dessert calling their name. This comic is for the purpose of representing diabetes in a fun and positive manner. The good news is that healthy options don’t have to be boring, and eating a sensible snack is a sign of self-respect.
#14. Heart-Healthy Choices with Taste Bud Complaints
Cholesterol Patrol was born out of the observation of older ladies who would compare food labels like detectives. My friend explained to me how many patients work so hard to keep their hearts healthy and still crave butter and cheese. I created this comic to celebrate heart-smart changes. The message is that healthier eating can be an adjustment, but it can also be colorful and empowering.
#15. Soft Foods, Big Smiles, and Soup Loyalty
Denture Drama was an idea that emerged from the silent truths of old age that people don’t like to talk about. Many senior lives involve dentures, soft foods and chewing confidence. I made this comic to make that subject not so bad or scary. The take-home is that even when dinner calls for some gentler options and a bit of extra preparation, smiles are still beautiful.
#16. Strategic Blinking for Serious Readers
Dry Eye Society is inspired by a lady that visits the clinic and carries her eye drops as faithfully as others carry their keys. Dry eyes, eye strain while reading, and fine print can be an annoyance in everyday life. I made this comic because it’s okay to make room for the small discomforts as well. The good news is that comfort is a key factor and that seniors need uncomplicated solutions to perform their activities.
#17. Compression Socks and Fashion with Benefits
Sock It to Swelling was born out of the issues with circulation, swollen ankles and compression socks, and the will to conquer it. I made this comic because dealing with medical hose is a true thing, as is wearing what works. The takeaway is that good self-care doesn’t necessarily have to be glamorous, but it is still a sign of strength.
#18. Bran, Prunes, and Breakfast Victory
Fiber Fan Club was born out of the organic way that conversations at the clinic would go, talking about digestion, breakfast, and staying regular. Because as we get older digestive health becomes important but it doesn’t have to be talked about in an embarrassing way, which is why I made this comic. The message is that caring for the body involves the quiet actions that allow seniors to feel comfortable and confident.
#19. Moving Slowly on Purpose
The concept for this comic was inspired by seeing women recover from hip pain or surgery, using canes and grabbers, and still smiling. This comic came about because mobility changes can be humbling, but they also show great courage. The good news is that slow is progress, and that preserving the body is a sensible form of independence.
#20. When Your Big Toe Becomes a Nutrition Expert
Gout and About was conceived from the experience of how one painful toe can make lunch a health discussion. I made this comic because gout and hydration and food options can be frustrating and there has to be a way to do it without giving up your favorite foods. The lesson is that age brings wisdom, and even tough health challenges can be met with humor and a positive outlook.
I would like every reader to take away from this end, that growing older doesn’t just mean going to the clinic, reading health reports, following medication routines, and getting new body boundaries. It’s all about guts, character, endurance and the wonderful gift of laughter, even when things are a little tough. These comics were designed to inspire smiles for seniors, families, caregivers and anyone with an understanding that growing old is a true journey interspersed with challenges and blessings.
For additional senior humor comics and healthy aging stories, and uplifting moments of old age celebrating real life with warmth and respect, check out our website or simply click here, here, and here. We’d love to hear your feedback on what comic you liked the most so we can make more relatable, family-friendly content for older adults and those who love them. Keep an eye out for more comics, new blog posts, and more positive stories on our site, proving laughter, kindness and hope never get old.
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