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“Although parent-child
relationships vary
dramatically, helping
parents along the final path
comes as somewhat of a
surprise to many of us. The
desire and need to care is
age-old, but we seem to be
an unprepared society.
Sharing stories and
strategies is a powerful gift
to those who are beginning
or experiencing the
caregiving journey.
While working on her undergraduate degree, Marky
switched from Speech and Theater to Speech Pathology,
because she wanted to get a job! Years later, as an English
teacher, she designed and taught public speaking to high
school seniors for 15 years. Listening to approximately
10,000 speeches and training students to reach and
respond to peers, Marky retired from teaching, wellprepared to do her own speaking. She currently speaks to
healthcare organizations, women’s groups and assisted
living facilities. Her entertaining speeches include
planning, logistics, ideas and strategies for both elderly
parents and adult children.
Current Popular Presentations
The Talk: Most adult children with older parents are adept at denial, that life will go on
forever. The importance of addressing this must be understood. Statistics, logic, research
and just being alive underline the need for preparation. The emotional cost of not doing
so is incalculable.
My Story: Sharing my own path is a gentle way to open the door for others. Everyone’s
journey and all family dynamics are different. Power Point supports stories with pictures.
Being Conscientious: This presentation is very hands-on with constant interaction with
the audience. The presentation also explores the findings of The Longevity Project.
All presentations are audience-focused. Marky will research the needs and goals of each audience and tailor each
presentation to entertain and satisfy that particular audience. The primary goal is to entertain, while helping build a
foundation of confidence and knowledge for caregiving elderly parents.
“There are wonderful tidbits and practical how-to’s mixed with self-deprecating humor and honesty so it reads
as a guidebook for the mind and soul and encouragement for those who face similar experiences. Through
laughter, lists, arguments, trial-and-error, guessing, grief, and grace you see how Marky and Dauna become the
stabilizing bread in their club-sandwich family, as they reluctantly but necessarily take over the roles of
matriarchs.”
Lisa Hechtman
Principal Skyline High School
Sammamish, WA
“I have read countless books about aging, caregiving, and other “senior” issues, but this one is my
favorite…Caregiving Elderly Parent allows the reader to feel more like a family member. The authors welcome
you into generations of their families.. Unlike books written purely for information, this one surrounds the
information with a cocoon of humor and hard-won wisdom that feels real. Reading it, I got the ‘I can’t wait to
find out what’s next’ feeling of a good novel. While the title suggests that this book is for adult children, I think
that just as much value could be realized by the parents themselves, the seniors who might soon need care. In fact, I want to admonish you, if you
don’t want to be one of those difficult parents who won’t accept aging: read this book and put yourselves in the place of the authors. I guarantee
your elder years will be sweeter and more fulfilling for you and your children.”
Steve Bogen, CFP®
Vice-President, Care-Finders Inc. and Insurance Recovery
Marky Olson, Author and Speaker
www.caregivingelderlyparents.com