
Bernadette Donovan
90 posts
After three decades teaching English and working as a school guidance counsellor, Bernadette Donovan now channels classroom wisdom into essays on purposeful ageing and lifelong learning. She holds an M.Ed. in Counselling & Human Development from Boston College, is an ICF-certified Life Coach, and volunteers with the National Literacy Trust. Her white papers on later-life fulfilment circulate through regional continuing-education centres and have been referenced in internal curriculum guidelines for adult-learning providers. At DMNews she offers seasoned perspectives on wellness, retirement, and inter-generational relationships—helping readers turn experience into insight through the Direct Message lens. Bernadette can be contacted at bernadette@dmnews.com.
8 boundaries a parent should never cross with their adult child, according to psychology
Tension: Parents often struggle to redefine their role as their children transition into adulthood, leading to uncertainty about…
9 dog breeds that form the deepest emotional bonds with their owners
Tension: In a world where human connections often feel fleeting or transactional, many seek deeper, more consistent emotional…
4 ways growing up in the ’70s built resilience (without anyone calling it that)
Tension: In a world increasingly focused on structured activities and instant gratification, many wonder if today’s youth are…
7 sacrifices boomers made for their families that rarely get acknowledged
Tension: Baby boomers often feel their deep personal sacrifices for family—such as postponing dreams, overworking, and neglecting self-care—have…
8 “healthy” habits that could actually be aging you faster after 60
Tension: After 60, many strive to maintain youthfulness through disciplined health routines, yet find themselves feeling more fatigued…
If you can do these 7 things at 70 without help, you’re physically and mentally stronger than most people your age
Tension: Chronological age rises automatically, but functional age is earned through decades of movement, curiosity, and recovery discipline.…
Over a third of people believe their degree was “a waste of money”. Are they right?
Tension: A growing number of graduates are questioning whether their college degrees were worth the financial burden, especially…
8 most dangerous dog breeds that you can own
Tension: We say we value animal welfare and responsible ownership, yet we ban or fear certain breeds based…
If you’re over 60 and doing these 6 things, you’re ahead of your generation
Tension: Many individuals over 60 grapple with the fear that their best years are behind them, questioning their…
People who look and feel younger than their age often live by these 8 daily rules
Tension: We often assume looking and feeling youthful requires expensive products or genetic luck, but many age-defiers follow…