Is 60 the New 40?

Rachael Bogert 
McClatchy Tribune Newspapers

It's just a word, really, but it conjures up all kinds of stereotypes and not-so-pleasant images: "Elderly."

But what it meant to the Greatest Generation doesn't hold for their offspring, the baby boomers.

And they are the first to tell you that.

"Most of us hear the word and think of our parents in wheelchairs," said Marcella Lorfing, who teaches a memoir writing workshop at the Davis Art Center in California. "Now that was elderly."

After a recent Sacramento Bee story described a 60-year-old woman as elderly, one 60-year-old reader called to complain. "What's up with you guys," she asked, "don't you know that's just plain wrong?"

And the statistics, not to mention a cultural shift in attitude in how aging is viewed, back her up.

Those in the 60-and-older crowd are living longer and healthier lives than their parents by adhering to today's doctrines of diet and keeping the mind and body active.

So what is the new elderly?

The consensus seems to be that 60 is the new 40. Or at least a 40 with far different pressures and responsibilities. If not retired, then working with less pressure. The kids are grown and gone. And there's just more time to do fun stuff.

There is no more irony in the Golden Years. They are plenty golden for more and more people.

New notions of what constitutes the elderly focus more on age ranges in the 80s and 90s. Yet even then, it's relative.

Several members of Lorfing's class gave this definition: Whatever your age, be it 55 or 85, add 15 and that's old. And don't forget to adjust that number yearly.

Proof that people are living longer and enjoying extended active years is in the numbers provided by the California Department of Aging.

In California, the elderly age group (defined by the department as those 60 and older) is expected to grow more than twice as fast as the total population between 1990 and 2020, according to the department's Web site.

So baby boomers are still booming, and the projections look good.

"We're all living longer. Seniors are healthy, they're working longer," said Pat McVicar, assistant director with the local Area Agency on Aging in California. "Most of the time, they don't consider themselves as seniors."

Bag the "elderly" tag, she said - the preferred terminology these days is "seniors" or "older adults." Like other experts, McVicar attributes the extended longevity to better knowledge and acceptance of the role of a proper diet and regular exercise.

And, perhaps most important of all, the wonders of life-prolonging and life-enhancing modern medicine that weren't available to earlier generations.

The Area Agency on Aging, which provides mental health and legal services, spends more of its budget on those 75 and older, its prime target population. Less is allocated for those in their 60s.


The evidence suggests that people not only are living longer but are staying young longer.

Lorfing and her writing class describe their retirement years as their second chance to do what they couldn't do when they were tied to jobs. They now find new meaning in new activities.

And at their workshop meetings, where the students are anywhere from their 60s to their 90s, it's a firing range of opinions.

"Being exposed to and finding something new to do keeps me going, and it's therapeutic," said Lorfing. "That's true for us all, any seniors."

Ernest, 63, is a Sacramento optometrist who in his spare time runs, and runs far. He recently ran in the Cowtown Marathon, completing those 26.2 fun miles in 3 hours, 29 minutes.

"Age is relative," said Takahashi. "When I was younger, I used to think that 50 was really old, but now, I'm physically fit and doing fine."

He said he owes his health to eating right and exercise. He runs between two and 50 miles on a given day and hasn't missed a day in 20 years.

"I've found that running is a good way to keep weight off and release stress," he said.

"It's never too late for anyone to start doing something to keep fit ... and for me, it's still a great feeling when I'm in a race and I see someone younger than me and I think, 'I can pass them.' "

Takahashi is one of many active seniors in the Sacramento area.

The Davis program taught by Lorfing, for example, is so popular that it is at capacity. It is connected with the nationwide Osher Lifelong Learning program and UC Davis.

The program, according to Lorfing, is beyond "learning how to knit." Instead, the program offers "intellectual entertainment."

Lorfing is retired from a career in teaching and writing and now helps older adults to write part of their life stories.

Barbara was writing about the Elvis concert she missed in her memoir, titled "Still Wishing for Elvis." Larry was expanding on his travels as a scientist in India in his "I Said 'Yes!' He Said 'No!'"

"I interact with people in their 80s and 90s, and they are active and their minds are alert," said Lorfing. "I'm pushing 70 myself, and when I think of my mother in her 70s, she was on her deathbed."

The classes have what Lorfing calls a "college feel." Everyone is around the same age and shares a connectedness about their past. It makes for a good setting to shoot the bull.

"The word 'elderly' has such a stigma," said Lorfing. "When I think of seniors ... I want to tell them to get up and go out" if they are healthy.

Cris, 66, of Woodland is one of Lorfing's students. He is retired and wanted to make sure he recorded some of his family history.

He also wanted to share his story of what it was like growing up in Marysville during the '40s and '50s as well as experiencing San Francisco's Haight Ashbury in the '60s.

In his free time, he drives the Community Care Car in Woodland, helping seniors who are not able to drive.

He said he doesn't feel his age nor does he look at his peers and think of them as "old."

"It's all in the eye of the beholder," Gray said. "And to me, this is the prime of life."

Assisted Living Facilities: 11 Things To Ask Yourself Before Moving In

Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility Is A Life-changing Experience. Any senior who is considering such a move will probably feel a bit hesitant and more than likely have more than a few questions. The first course of action is to become fully informed about the assisted living lifestyle so you can make an educated decision.

11 things to ask yourself before making the life changing step of moving
into an Assisted Living Facility.

1. Is the Assisted Living lifestyle A Right Fit For Me? An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs — both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who need help with activities of daily living. Assisted living covers a wide variety of needs and can work for just about anyone. Right now it is estimated that more than a million Americans live in approximately 20,000 assisted living facilities. And no two of them are alike. Some residents need some help cooking for themselves, or taking daily medication. This can be a concern for their family while they love and worry about them; assisted living is a perfect solution for you both. While other residents move to a facility just to enjoy the social life!

2. What Kind of Services Can I count on At an Assisted Living Facility? Everyone is different and has different needs, so no two residents will have the same needs. However, your specific needs will be met. When you meet with the facility in advance let them know your needs and they will inform you of what they can and can’t do for you. Chances are your day to day needs will be no problem.

Services provided in assisted living residences usually include:

• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• 24-hour security and staff availability
• Emergency call systems for each resident’ s unit
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Medication management
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities

3. Are The Activities At An Assisted Living Facility Fun? Yes, assisted living can and will be FUN! Most facilities offer a wide variety of activities to fit the personal preference of all their guests. Everything from movies, fishing and shopping to enjoying the great outdoors and having a cocktail at the bar! There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

All activities are designed to enhance and encourage each resident’s independence, special needs and enjoyment. Some of the activities that are offered are:

Day trips and outings
Educational Seminars
Daily exercise program
Fellowship and inter-faith programs
Wide range of entertainment
Arts and Crafts

4. What About My Privacy At An Assisted Living Facility? A main concern of new residents is whether or not they will retain their privacy. But not to worry, assisted living centers pay a great deal of attention to your privacy wants and needs. Unlike a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility, which is quite a bit less private, assisted living gives you all the privacy you require, whether it be to sit alone and enjoy a good book or visit with a loved one.

5. What Should I pack when Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility? Packing for you move is very important, but what you need to bring heavily depends on the senior center you select. Some offer fully furnished rooms, where others you’ll have to provide yourself with any furniture you’d like. Visit the room in advance and make sure it suits your needs. Stop by the apartment you’ll be moving into and take a look around, what is provided, what will you need, take some measurements so you’ll know what fits and what doesn’t. Be sure to ask if you can paint the walls your favorite color and many times they will do one wall for free.

6. Assisted Living Facility have interesting terminologies for services, for example, what are ADL’s And IADL’s? These are two abbreviations you may start to hear about a lot while doing your research and visit different locations. They both refer to the kinds of needs seniors typically have, and what kind of day to day care they will need when they move into the Assisted Living Center. ADL’s are Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing and eating. IADL’s are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, such as paying bills, cleaning, and doing laundry. These activities, by nature, are less time sensitive.

7. Location Is Very Important When Considering An Assisted Living Facility! Make sure you are picking a location you are happy with. Think about what’s most important to you to have nearby. Some may want to visit somewhere new and enjoy a new and exciting atmosphere. For example, assisted living in the San Francisco Bay Area can offer you some amazingly beautiful landscapes to enjoy, fishing, shopping, and the general peace and beauty of the great California outdoors! However most feel that there is no place like home and wants to have their family and friends nearby. So if your family is in the San Francisco area you’ve really hit the jackpot! The best thing for you to do is check out the surrounding towns and cities, your family will want to visit you and you want to make sure there are places to stay nearby and fun things to do together!

8. Sometimes There’s An Emotional Transition Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility: Chances are you will eventually be very pleased with your decision to move into assisted living Center, the beginning transition can be a struggle for some. When you first arrive you may not know anyone, or just a few, but remember that everyone there once went through something very similar to what you are going through now. These people are your allies and can bring a sense of understanding and compassion to the new situation. They can help you adjust for your new life living at an Assisted Living Center. You may feel compelled to stay in your room and keep to yourself, however getting out and making new friends and getting involved will make the transition much smoother and is said to be the very best way to assimilate into your new home.

9. Who Pays The Assisted Living Facility Monthly Bill? Most Assisted Living Centers are privately owned businesses, so in most cases the senior residents will be paying the bill out of their own savings, retirement or long term health insurance. Residents and their families typically pay the entire, or at least the bulk, of the assisted living expenses themselves. However, before you start paying the bills out of your own pocket, don’t forget to check your health insurance long term care policy, some or all costs may be reimbursed. Unfortunately, there has been very limited government aid for assisted living, so you should look to your insurance coverage for financial assistance.

10. Is the Assisted Living Facility Family Owned or Corporate owned? Corporate owned Assisted Living Centers sometime are out to please the stock holders and can take awhile to implement needed changes. A family owned Assisted Living Center can tend to be much quicker to implement needed changes and the owners are usually assessable to the residents so you get to speak to the top if there are issues or concerns.

11. You Become What You Think About All Day: It’s important to stay positive and upbeat during the decision making and moving process, for both the individual and immediate family and friends. It can be difficult at times, even a bit emotional to let go of your home and some possessions you’ve enjoyed through-out the years. Giving up some of your independence and admitting you may need a little help can be a challenge for some. But don’t focus on the things you are letting go of, instead think of all the new opportunity there is to do all the things you really enjoy doing. No more cleaning the kitchen or having to do the laundry. No more taking the trash out or fixing a sub-par meal. You’ll be eating three square meals a day with new friends and perhaps a great movie or some live entertainment afterwards. This is a new adventure you’re embarking on! You may be pleasantly surprised how much you’ll have in common with your new neighbors and friends.

Can Meditation Increase Your Pain Tolerance?

One scientist from the University of Montreal seems to think so. When performing a study on long-time Zen meditators, Joshua Grant and his colleagues discovered that their tolerance for pain far outweighed the tolerance of the subjects in the control group. This was a result of the thicker layer of gray matter in the area of the brain that processes pain sensory, most likely the result of sustained activity of the brain – much like working out a muscle. Not only does old age work against the thickness of gray matter, but also the lack of mental activity for those in their middle ages. Therefore, seniors who are consistently doing things like meditation, crossword puzzles and other “thinking games,” have improved memory and mental capacities.

According to a study conducted in 2008 by a team from Harvard Medical School, additional benefits of daily meditation include lower stress levels, eased blood pressure and added cell protection from aging.

Therefore, try adding meditation to your daily to do list. Whether it’s an exhilarating AM wake-up call or much needed time to unwind, meditation offers irreplaceable health advantages. Not to mention, it is also a nice bonding experience for you and an elderly loved one.

The Benefits of Walking

Walking is one of the simplest exercises that you can do. Many don’t think of walking as an exercise because they do it all the time.  After all, they’re just walking.  However, walking can become your favorite fitness program. Walking is an easy exercise program to start, which makes it the perfect choice for people over 40.  Walking is one of those exercises that almost everyone, no matter their fitness level, can do and get great results.

New reports say that to maintain a healthy level of fitness as we grow older, daily activity must include 60 minutes of physical activity. This can be a frightening thought if you’ve been sedentary for a good number of years.  Many people have the misconception that unless you are sweating like crazy during a workout, you are not going to see any benefit from exercise. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

For seniors, walking is an exercise that can grow with you as you increase your activity level. Your walking program may begin with a Sunday stroll in the park, but then your walking workout will grow and have a purpose – to get fit.

Here are a few benefits of walking:

• Improved cardiovascular endurance
• Proper posture
• Improved mood
• Weight loss
• Improved sleep
• Increased muscle tone

Walking can be done most anywhere and at just about any time. You may want to begin in a mall with other early morning walkers.  There may be a track at your local high school or university.  You can go out in the rain or cold as long as you wear proper gear and walk flat paths for safety.  Walking is a very versatile exercise program.  Just keep your shoes with you so whether you’re on vacation or a business trip you can go on your walk.

Start at a pace that you can maintain and still hold a conversation. This will be faster than a stroll but you won’t be race-walking either. Start with a half mile or a mile walk. As you walk faster you can walk farther as a way of continually challenge yourself.

As you get more fit and start to look for greater fitness challenges, move off the track or mall and onto walking paths that have hills.  Walking up and down hills will not only improve your muscle strength, but your heart and lungs will get a good workout, too.  If you live in a neighborhood that has nice sidewalks and streets, choose your path and take a walk.  Call a friend to join you and enjoy your walk even more!

Walking is a great avenue toward better health for people over 40.  It is an activity that is easily customized and other than the cost of the clothing and shoes, it is free (and who doesn’t like free?). You can vary your terrain, vary your speed, and walk farther to challenge yourself and make your fitness program more effective.

You can get started walking for exercise today with just a pair of good shoes and comfortable clothing.  Before you know it, you’ll be feeling better and well on your way to a new, healthy lifestyle.

Simple Prepared Meal Delivery Services for Family Caretakers Of Seniors

Almost all daughters and sons who take care of their older parent, or elderly parents, usually do not imagine themselves as caregivers. They just consider themselves as attending to their parents. A caregiver is defined as somebody that provides support for another person who may not be able to reside on their own as a result of bodily, psychological, financial, or mental limitations.

Caregivers are likely to be thought to be specialists or volunteers who stop by the home of the person they may be looking after as needed. In situations where an expert will not be necessary, the duty will most likely drop on the siblings of the family. This could consist of errands, housekeeping, yard maintenance, managing finances, food shopping, and cooking meals in advance.

Surveys differ, but as many as 80% of all caregiver services in the U.S. are provided by family members. This adds up to practically 50 million men and women, and approximately a third of every U.S. family has an unpaid caregiver attending to the needs of an older parent in some capacity. 86% of caregivers are family members, and 66% tend to be female. The average family caregiver can assume this obligation for as long as nine years.

While there are several jobs and commitments a family caretaker will expect, 65% of all services consist of cooking food, and 40% are maintaining specific nutritional diets. 75% of family caregivers state food shopping is often a regular part of their duty. Senior citizens make up the largest percentage of people in society who need diabetic, weight loss, low sodium, and heart healthy diet programs. Preparing meals in advance for parents is usually a significant task in itself. Preparing meals regarding special diets, calls for further expertise with respect to both food shopping, and cooking.

Family caretakers who reside nearby will have a much easier go regarding cooking and taking care of their aging parents compared to those that live further away, or perhaps in another state. With the fast paced routines of employment and rearing their own families, it is no surprise 40% of family caregivers find caring for a mother or father, or parents, can be a burden. 32% say it is a excessive responsibility and results in emotional tension, but when it comes to taking care of an aging member of the family, it is usually a labor of love.

Prepared Meal Delivery Solutions

Nourishing an aging parent, or parents, can be one of the most frequent, and time intensive responsibilities a family caregiver can provide. Having prepared meals delivered, in some capacity, is often a potential option that helps both the family caregiver and the parent. Menus can be as simple as one dinner a day, to a comprehensive selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most companies that offer premade meals ship their meals frozen allowing it to easily be heated up in a microwave oven.

• DineWise is a nationwide meal delivery service that delivers frozen senior meals across the country. They have a substantial choice of foods, and offer nutritional options for individuals with diabetic, weight loss, and low sodium requirements. Repeated food deliveries may be booked for any time frame, as well as any budget. DineWise meal costs average $12 per meal.
• HomeStyle Direct is a service that accepts medicaid for residents who live in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Utah, or Wyoming. Their menu offers significantly less selection and does not cater to specific nutritional diet programs, but they do offer less expensive cost option. Their average meals will cost around $6 each.
• Meals On Wheels is a local service which provides hot meals to homebound senior citizens, typically more than 60 years old. Restrictions, qualifying criteria, and rates, in the form of contributions, varies depending on the county you live in. The service is not offered nationally. These agencies are usually financed through charitable efforts and local governing bodies.

National prepared meal delivery service corporations give family caretakers the ability to reduce stress and lower the burden of taking care of an aging parent, or parents. They also offer a benefit to the elderly in that they are simple to reheat, and enable seniors a sense of remaining self-sufficient. They may be bought in just about any volume, and optionally planned for regular shipping and delivery dates. Having precooked meals on hand also offers convenience for family caregivers in situations where they go away, or cannot attend for their parent, or parents.

Dance: the movement activity for the elderly ( www.bestlocalassistedliving.com )

Just gotta dance!

Here is an all-purpose -- and inexpensive -- activity providing many benefits:

Dance equals the most vigorous of sport participation and it may provide the same physical exertion that sports and games provide with less space requirements. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Aerobics Center in Dallas, states "ballroom dance is a fairly minimal activity, but if you can combine frequency per week with duration, you can get a nice training effect." Other possible physical benefits of dance for older adults include: improved balance, coordination and kinesthetic awareness, improved alignment with decreased arthritis difficulties, insomnia, neuromuscular hypertension, and low back pain. Dance also seems to maintain interest better than a regimen of calisthenics.

Dance may contribute to the physical fitness of its participants through versatile exercise that aids muscle tone, weight control, gracefulness, general body control, and health. In 1988, Sutton at the University of Minnesota found that middle-aged men who participated in moderate activity over a seven year period reduced the risk of fatal coronary heart disease incidence by thirty-seven percent. Simmons measured changes in the cardiorespiratory systems of older adults after participating in thirty sessions of dancing and no form of aerobic dance was used, only modified folk, couple, and square dances. Results identified that low to moderate intensity in a regular dance program did contribute significant improvements in predicted V|O.sub.2~ Max and resting systolic blood pressure. These findings support the premise that dancing is a legitimate aerobic workout for older adults.

Creativity

Dance provides for self expression, even if it's only shuffling movements, which still have some element of "creating one's own routine". Each individual shuffles their feet as they wish to. Though some dance forms such as square and folk have very structured steps and formations, ballroom and social dance allow individuals to be creative and try different steps and moves.

Dance has long been a rationalization for getting people together. Unlike other activities, dance allows participants to concentrate on each other rather than play to an audience or strive to meet regimented skill specifications. Dance may decrease isolation, loneliness and boredom, increase tactile support, cooperation and enjoyment, and it also gives participants something to do with their hands, feet, and body if communicating on a purely verbal level is awkward.

Other areas that dance may contribute to include:

Rhythm and coordination

Relaxation and escape

Recognition and understanding of one's own culture

Opportunity for adventure and new experience

Characteristics of the Aged

According to Shephard, there are two primary questions that the leader of an older adult dance program must consider. First, what movements and fitness demands are required to successfully perform this dance? Dances with slow tempos and very little locomotion involved should be chosen for those individuals with minimal fitness levels. As fitness levels improve the tempo and amount of space that steps cover may be increased.

Secondly, what is the skill complexity and cognitive demands of this dance? Older individuals need clear and concrete instructions and an opportunity to learn at their own pace. Begin with only the basic steps of a social dance or the most simple degree of difficulty for folk and square dances. Progression on step complexity should be slow with sufficient repetition for learning. The gradual loss of sensitivity in the feet will affect the older adult's sense of position and balance; therefore, steps requiring rapid change in motion or direction should be avoided.

Individuals should have a medical examination before participation in dance programs. After the examination the instructor then needs to assess the biomechanical capabilities and weaknesses to determine appropriate type and intensity of movement according to the need of each individual. There should be sensitivity to the variability of present fitness and mobility levels within the dances called. Traditional movements and their style of execution should be modified in response to signs of over-exertion. The risk of injuries, such as strains, and sprains increases with age, particularly after the age of 55. Furthermore, many older adults fear bodily injury during a movement activity, and for good reason, since an injury can be a serious blow to self-sufficiency and personal freedom.

In short, dance leaders should possess a sound understanding of these limitations and be able to teach the participants rules of safe participation.

Social/Emotional Characteristics

Motivation of the older adult to seriously participate in a dance program requires the leadership of a caring person who has a personality that assures the participant of success and well-being. The leader's ability to provide meaningful feedback that conveys an appreciation of the older adult's accomplishments will also be motivational.

Different types of dance can lead to different types of social interaction. Line and folk dances allow for simultaneous interaction among the group. Mixers allow for short acquaintances with everyone participating in the dance. Square dances provide interaction for a small group of friends. Social dances allow a couple to interact apart from the group, although the steps from the social dances can be performed in line formation without the need for separating into couples.

The Dance Routine

The first dances should always be chosen to slowly warm-up the body. The last dances should also be slow for a cooling-down effect. The routines between might alternate among fast, moderate, or slow tempos as long as continuous movement is sustained throughout. It is often helpful to end each class session with a short period of relaxation.

Any or all of these can be used to provide residents with exercise, social opportunities and fun -- and sustain and improve the independence they have remaining.

How Do They Test The Happiness of a Clam?

Is this clam happy?

The Satisfaction With Life Scale is a measure of life satisfaction developed by Ed Diener and colleagues in 1985. It’s stood the test of time and is still used today. Try it out on yourself.

Below are five statements that you may agree or disagree with. Using the 1-7 scale below, indicate your agreement with each item by placing the appropriate number on the line preceding that item. 

Please be open and honest in your responding.

7 Strongly agree

6 Agree

5 Slightly agree

4 Neither agree nor disagree

3 Slightly disagree

2 Disagree

1 Strongly disagree

Statements

____In most ways my life is close to my ideal.

____The conditions of my life are excellent.

____I am satisfied with my life.

____So far I have gotten the important things I want in life.

____If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.

Results

31-35 Extremely satisfied

26-30 Satisfied

21-25 Slightly satisfied

20 Neutral

15-19 Slightly dissatisfied

10-14 Dissatisfied

5-9 Extremely dissatisfied

People who score in the “extremely satisfied” range feel their lives are very rewarding and have gone very well, though not necessarily perfectly, Diener and his son Robert Biswas-Diener explain in their book Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth.

“Satisfied” scorers are generally happy and feel very good about their lives, yet see room for improvement.

“Slightly satisfied” people feel life is going well, but they are not quite where they would like to be.

The “neutral” category means the good and bad stuff in a person’s life are in a dead heat.

People in either the dissatisfied or slightly dissatisfied category need to ask themselves whether it is because of a recent bad event or because their lives are heading in the right direction but aren’t there yet. If it’s either of those causes, they probably don’t need to worry about the score, write Diener and Biswas-Diener.

If they are usually “down,” they should consider whether their expectations are simply too high or whether they need to change something significant in their lives. In any case, they may need to seek help from a person they trust, such as member of the clergy or a mental health counselor.

Finally, the “extremely dissatisfied” scorers need to make very serious efforts to turn their lives around, and that may require professional help.

Happiness is ...

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychologist at the University of California Riverside and author of the 2007 book The How of Happiness, explains that happiness has a thinking and a feeling component. To be happy emotionally means experiencing fairly frequent positive emotions and relatively infrequent negative emotions. To be happy at the cognitive level is to feel happy with your life, the progress you are making on life goals or the direction in which your life is going.

Why it is Important to Have Fun after You Retire

It is time to retire not bid farewell to planet earth! Lets get rid of the gloom and doom prophesies and start looking forward to an active, fun filled retired life. It all begins and ends with the mind. What kind of thinking do you practice? Are you a positive thinker or a negative thinker? Positive people go far in life because their ability to see the bright side of things will carry them far.

Retirement is a word, a concept that a good many of us work hard towards. Sure, we make plans in a casual, offhand manner when we say we will take up knitting or learn Spanish when we retire. As you draw near to retirement it is not a bad idea to start scoping out all the fun things you can do with your spare time. Rather than wringing your hands in dismay at not having a job to go to, look forward with joy to waking up and enjoying the peace and serenity a new day brings. Sure you will make plans and then life will intervene and plans will change, but that is all part of the fun of being alive.

By far the most important thing to keep in mind is not to allow depression to gain as much as a toehold in the doorway of your life. Depression sets off a chain reaction whereby you start feeling sorry for yourself and start thinking you are abandoned and alone. Thats just the start, soon depression will take over, you will lose your appetite and your health, your interest in life and slowly the will to live. 

Everything negative in your life will start becoming magnified a hundred fold and every mole hill will become an insurmountable mountain.

In our youth the very toughness of our age helps us to shrug off all things negative. However, as senior citizens a positive outlook is very important. Dont give yourself opportunities to sit and brood, get up and go out, get going and do stuff, just dont sit around feeling sorry for yourself.

Here are some tips on how you can set yourself up to have fun after you retire:

Depending on how active and healthy you are there is a long list of things you can do to enjoy retired life. You have the choice to live a fulfilled life or a sedentary life based on how you view retirement. 

Does it symbolize the closing of a door after a lifetime of work and a hectic social life or is it the opening of the door to brand new life? The way you answer this question will determine how much you enjoy your life after retirement.

CELEBRATE LIFE!

There are many senior citizen groups all across the country, join a couple, they actually do a lot of fun things. There are bus tours and travel to places you have never had a chance to visit. You get to make new friends and find yourself a whole new peer group to play with.

If your partner is with you, you may want to consider renting a mobile home and touring the countryside. America is full of mobile home parks where you can park and avail of the facilities provided from BBQ pits to electricity and running water, sewage connections and garbage disposal. 

Traveling is a great way to feel alive!

If you like arts and entertainment you can start taking in the shows and also get involved in your local theater. Join a social group that is involved in cultural entertainment or start your own music group. 

Start a group that meets maybe twice a week to play gin rummy, it does not matter so long as you socialize and stay busy. Plenty of food and wine tasting festivals are held all over the country that you can visit and enjoy.

If you have the money then take a cruise, maybe you have friends you can team up with and plan a fun trip. The cruise itself will provide you with great opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.

What you do is not important, what is important is that you have fun doing it! When you retire you need to make a concerted effort to stay positive and upbeat to enjoy a full life.

Senior Travel on a Budget

Retirement is the time for seniors to think about travel.  We put off some trips during the career phase of our lives, because we either did not have time for them or we lacked resources to go where we wanted.  Now we have the time!  But some of us may lack the resources to do every kind of trip and travel our hearts desire.  Here are some tips for traveling on a budget:

• Use the Internet to find special deals for hotels, motels, car rentals and flights.  The search term ‘cheap travel’ yields 63 million results!  If you have not chosen a particular destination, the possibilities for traveling inexpensively are unlimited if you peruse the Internet.  If your destination is already decided, simply add that city/state or country to the search term, and the results will be geared to your choice.  For example, ‘cheap travel Paris’ will offer amazing options for traveling inexpensively to Paris.
• Sign up on the Internet to get travel notifications from major web sites regarding travel offers.  Some of the big ones are Travelocity and Orbitz for travel in general; all major airlines have weekly travel offers that include discounts; Amtrak has regular discount offers for train travel; car rental sites provide weekly destination specific options; most of these sites offer travel combinations such as flight+car rental with significant discounts.  In addition, sites such as Gate1Travel and Travelzoo offer specials on travel that includes escorted tours world-wide, and frequently combine flight and room for destination travel at incredibly low cost.
• If you want to travel to a specific city or state for an event or to see a tourist attraction, find their discount days.  Be sure to check the web site for  a schedule of those days.
• If you are traveling in your own vehicle, pack your own food in a cooler to save on eating out in restaurants.  Roadside picnic areas and visitor rest stops across the United States, Canada and Europe have picnic tables in shaded spots that many travelers find attractive and restful for eating. 
• Go to www.elderhostel.com to find travel that includes learning adventures, generally on a budget most can afford.  This is not luxury travel.  It is an exciting opportunity to learn while you travel, without a huge price tag.
• Talk with friends who are also senior citizens, and who travel a lot. Ask their advice (and secrets!) for traveling inexpensively.  There is nothing like learning from someone who has good experience.

Planning your travel in advance will likely afford you the opportunity to find less expensive means for getting where you want to go and seeing/experiencing what piques your interest.  Don’t let lack of funds limit your options when the deals are out there just waiting for you to find them.

Affordable Lifelong Learning for Senior Citizens

The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live ~ Mortimer Alder

Lifetime learning is a way for seniors to keep challenging ourselves mentally, to investigate new avenues along paths previously unexplored, and to stay engaged with the ever-changing world in which we live – and have some fun doing it! Going back to school after retirement is a whole different ball game than our first time around. Now, we WANT to go to class and we look forward to learning and we are not a pain in the side of teachers sending notes or talking during lectures – well at least not too much. And by interacting with younger students and faculty, some of that youthful exuberance tends to rub off on us and we are better for it.

We know the many benefits of maintaining a focus on learning for a lifetime:

1.    Keeps our minds active and our mental facilities exercised.

2.    Give us the opportunity to pursue in-depth an interest that we did not have time for the first time around or during our career.

3.    Facilitates social interaction, increasing confidence when dealing with others who have a shared interest.

4.    Instills a feeling of accomplishment as we ace those exams and become an expert in our field. If not an expert, at least we know more now than when we started.

5.    Provides an opportunity to learn new skills and generate some cash from the knowledge.

With so much to offer and with free time available to retirees, what can we do to take advantage of the opportunities that exist? What is out there to help us pursue our lifelong learning dreams?

Programs for Lifelong Learning

California State University (CSU) offers the “over 60 program” for senior citizens – with tuition waived for Californians 60 or older regardless of income. Lisa Krieger of the Mercury News writes about Timothy Fitzgerald, a 64-year-old who is completing his fifth degree at San Jose State University and his third master’s. No moss is gathering on Tim as he busily completes homework assignments and prepares for exams. Note that the enrollment does not come at the expense of younger students as seniors register after the regular students and if there is no room left, they do not get in.

What a great service. If you want to find what is available in your neighborhood as far as schools or libraries, About.com offers a link that you can complete to see what is where. Different areas and institutions will have their own offerings so check them out.

We live in the Bay Area so I did some research and found a sample of programs offered by San Francisco State under their “Programs for Mature Learners”:

• Eldercollege – this program gives people over 50 the opportunity to take any regular university course on a space available, audit basis with instructor approval. This program is offered during the spring and fall semesters. Participants have access to library and gym services without having to pay the usual university fees associated with these services. The cost of this program is $55 per semester.
• Sixty-Plus – a self-governing group organized under the Institute on Gerontology. There are no prior academic requirements for membership. Meetings are every other week with speakers discussing a variety of subjects. Social events follow the meetings.
• Over 60 degree program – enables people 60 years or older to earn a baccalaureate or master’s degree at SF State without paying campus fees.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – a community for baby boomers and seniors who enjoy the challenge, stimulation and quest for continued learning. Membership provides major discounts on course registration and events.

I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday – Abraham Lincoln

You may not have loved high school or you college may have been overwhelming. Possibly you exceeded everyone’s expectations and cruised through your education. Whatever the case, in retirement, you can CHOOSE to return to school where you can CHOOSE what you want to study. Grades do not matter. There is no competition to rank high in the class. This kind of learning can be FUN. If lifelong learning is your cup of tea, retirement is your invitation to pick it up and drink deeply.

Senior Jobs: Employment Tips After Retirement

With the current economic condition and increasing unemployment rates in the U.S, a growing number of seniors are either seeking employment after retirement or trying to remain in the workplace for financial stability. Probably because, they have miscalculated the amount they need during retirement or they just can't afford to retire.

Some seniors may want to go back to work, simply because they are bored, they miss the interaction with people in the workforce or they just love to work! However, for seniors and older adults aged 55 years or more, finding a job can be very challenging.

Whether you're looking for a part-time job or a full-time employment opportunity, here are some tips to help increase your chances of getting a good retirement job:

1. Review and Update Your Resume.

If you are a senior looking to go back to the workplace, be sure not to use your old resume. It is important to update your resume and include new skills, achievements and expertise to make your resume stand out. You might also want to remove some information regarding skills or experiences that are not relevant to the job you are applying for. In this type of job market, seniors need to be competitive in order to get a retirement job.

2. Take Advantage of the Internet.

Seniors should use the Internet to browse and find jobs that are suited for older adults. There are a lot of websites like monster.com where you can find and compare job listings in your area or the area were you want to relocate. You can also upload your resume for free and they will match you with different companies that match your qualifications.

3. Consider Temporary and Part Time Jobs.

Let’s face it, with the current economic condition and unemployment rate in the country, it is very difficult to find a permanent job, especially for seniors. If you want to get a job, it would be wise to consider temporary or part time jobs since there are more available part-time jobs compared to full-time jobs.

4. Be flexible.

Being flexible includes applying to a wide range of jobs and being able to work flex hours. Even if you have no prior experience in some of the jobs that are available, you should try to apply anyway as long as you know you can do the job. Getting your name out there may increase your chance of getting a retirement job. Also, if you are available to work flex hours, be sure to let the potential employer know. The more flexible you are, the higher your chances are in finding a job compared to someone who is not willing to adjust or take on certain job responsibilities.

5. Increase Your Knowledge. Update Skills.

In order to stay competitive in the workplace seniors need to be computer savvy and should be willing to update their skills, whenever necessary. Computer skills are very important. If you are not that tech-savvy, consider taking up computer classes at a community college to keep yourself updated on how to use the Internet, eMail and the most current computer programs, like Microsoft Office, which includes, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. You can also contact your local Senior Center as most of the Senior Centers across the U.S offer free computer classes for seniors.

Most of the employers now, require applicants to have basic computer skills. Remember, a tech-savvy senior will have a better chance of landing the job they want compared to other applicants who do not have computer or technical skills.

6. Network.
If you are looking for a job, ask your family, friends and neighbors if they know someone who is currently hiring. If they do, tell them to refer and put in a good word for you. Most of the time referrals from family and friends can increase your chances of getting a job. If your family, friends and neighbors do not know anyone who is currently looking for employees, don’t be discouraged, continue to network and be patient.

7. Know Your Rights

The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission supervises The Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, which prohibits discrimination in employment. This law protects employees and job seekers who are age 40 years and older. It also prohibits employers from refusing to hire, discharge or discriminate against individuals because of age.

8. Be Your Own Boss

If you have a hobby like making arts and crafts or if you love to bake goodies, why not start your own business and make money? You can make money while doing what you love to do! You can start by showing and selling your products to friends, family and neighbors.

What I Would Tell Baby Boomers About Nursing Homes by Kathleen Mears

My fellow baby boomers need to find out who pays for long-term care. Most hospitals discharge patients quickly, and those who cannot go home, go to nursing homes to recuperate. Know what your insurance will cover. Get information on Medicare payment, and how to qualify for Medicaid. Though rehab is usually short-term, adjustment is required. The facility is your home while you recover. Depending on the circumstances, a rehabilitation stay can turn into long-term care.

Whether the stay is short or long, learn how nursing homes are run. Read as much as you can about long-term care issues. If you have had no long-term care experience yourself, talk with friends and neighbors who have.  Nursing homes are rated based on the yearly survey done by the state's Department of Health and ratings are available on the Internet. There are web sites about nursing home living and some have comments from family members of residents. Your state ombudsman's web site and office will also give you information about residents' rights.

Get familiar with the long-term care facilities in your area. Visit them without notice and look around. Select occupied rooms to see the available space. Ask to see the communal shower rooms. Talk with people in your community about their experiences with particular facilities. Make an appointment later with the administrator and any other available staff. Ask why they are in the healthcare field, but be aware that they will be marketing the facility.

Find out if your doctor will be able to care for you at a facility. If he cannot, ask if you can choose a physician. In some nursing homes the medical director will be your physician. You can check out physicians online at your state medical board's Web site.

Nursing home life is definitely a culture change. Though nursing homes are trying to improve their environment and services, they are still structured and institutional. Meals and activities are scheduled Therapy will schedule with your preferred daily routine in mind. But since therapists work limited hours, you will have to conform. .

Meet as many staff as possible. If you have questions, ask them and make sure you get answers. Ask what activities are offered and request a monthly activities calendar. Ask who your 'go to' person is if you have a difficulty. Nursing homes have a 'chain of command' and it is wise to follow it.

Even if you are on a special diet, you should have some food choices. Talk to the dietitian and dietary manager to make those choices known. Your dislikes are recorded, but you may have to reiterate them before they are removed from your diet. Remember there are many residents to please, and things can be overlooked. If you are unhappy with the food, register your complaints in a reasonable way.

Ask what things you cannot bring to the facility. Bring what makes you comfortable. Most residents bring photos, books, favorite furniture, radios, CD players, DVD players, and cell phones. Some bring bed clothes, towels, and sometimes their own coffee mug. Bring your favorite soap. But realize that liquid soap is more hygienic than bar soap. Put your name on all items with an indelible marker. If you need a lamp or special magnification device for reading, bring them along too. If you want to bring your computer, ask the facility what you need to get connected. Put your things away and keep track of them.

Whether the facility does your laundry or not, put your name in your clothing. Clothing can be lost much easier without identification. Use a laundry marker. If you purchase preprinted, iron-on, cloth name labels, sew them on or they will come off after repeated washings.

The facility will inventory all of your items and clothing. But ask your family to help you keep track. The facility may have a small clothes closet. Bring a dresser with you. Most residents here bring a chest of drawers for clothing. Wrinkled clothing can be a problem, so bring wrinkle spray with you. Clothing is not pressed at my facility. But I do have a fabric steamer an aide can use for special occasions.

Be a partner in your care. Care conferences are held every three months. Make sure you attend and have your POA or family member attend too. If a family member cannot attend, they can participate by conference call. Facilities have a preset schedule for conferences. If you do not receive notice soon enough, request an appointment for a care conference. It shows that you and your family are involved with your care.

It is important to get out of the facility. If allowed, go outside on your own. Everyone needs a change of scene. Go on outings with family or friends. This will broaden your horizons. Long-term care is isolating. You do not get to see the outside world's hustle and bustle. Sign up to go on outings with activities. It can be a lot of fun.

Remember to take care of your soul. Activities will have times designated for church services. But if you are not a churchgoer or do not choose to worship in a communal setting, make time for it on your own. If a Bible is important to you, bring one with you. Bring items that are helpful in your spiritual life. If you take time every day to meditate, make sure facility staff are aware of it. They will ask you several questions about your culture and your spiritual beliefs. Give them as much input as possible. .

See that your room or half of the room reflects your personality. Bring photos and put them on a bulletin board to hang or put them in frames. Photos hung on walls willy-nilly look messy and make work for the staff. If you have a private room and have visitors, close your door. Try not to inflict your visitors on others. Some residents may not be able to move away from your noise. If you are in a semi private room and are able, take your visitors to a common area for your visit. Perhaps your facility will provide rooms for family visits. Be a good neighbor and respect other residents.

Nursing homes are not like home. But you can do things to feel at home. Get up every day as if you have a job to do. Fill your days with things that are important to you and do not just watch television. Get involved with activities. Talk with other residents and ask staff what you can do to help out in your new community. Get involved with Resident Council. If you are doing something for others, it will take your mind off whatever is hurting you. Living in a long-term care facility is just like real life: You get out of it what you put into it.

Security on the Road - For Traveling Seniors

If driving, plan your route carefully, travel on main roads, and use maps. Map two routes for each auto trip. One should be the quickest route, the other the most scenic. Rand McNally and AAA are good sources. Avoid traveling during night hours.

Have your car serviced and tires checked before leaving. Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts. Don't drive too long. 

Never pick up hitchhikers. Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist. Go to a telephone booth and call for assistance.

Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals nearby. Drive away. If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest service station, restaurant, or business and call the police or sheriff's department. If you believe it is unsafe to get out of your car, honk your horn and flash your lights to draw attention.

CAR SECURITY

Never leave your car unlocked. Always lock valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk. Always carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you. Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.

If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside. Don't park your car on the street overnight if the hotel has a garage or secure area. If you must park on the street, select a well-lit area. Check the back seat before getting in. Mark your car radio and other removable car equipment with your driver's license number.

Don't Advertise
Your Travel Plans to Strangers!

In case of a BREAKDOWN
If your car breaks down, get the vehicle as far off the road as possible. Raise the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna as an emergency signal. Get passengers out of the vehicle and away from traffic. Set up flares or warning triangles at least 250 feet behind the vehicle. Stand on the shoulder at least 100 feet behind the vehicle to signal for help. Ask anyone who stops to call the police or a garage.

Don't attempt to fix a flat in busy traffic--wait for roadside assistance. If you must remain inside the vehicle while waiting for help, keep your seat belt fastened. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.

TRAVELING IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Find out about the international driver's license beforehand. Some countries will not allow people over 70 to rent cars. There may be other restrictions. Memorize the international road signs. Check out the auto insurance requirements before you enter each country. Learn the words for police officer and doctor. Know the location of the nearest U.S. consulate. If you rent a vehicle, don't insist on an American model if there are not many in use. Make sure a rental car is in good repair.

HOTEL AND MOTEL SECURITY

When you first check in, get a map of the city with your hotel or motel location clearly marked. Get a map of the bus and subway lines. Ask an English-speaking hotel employee to explain the local public transportation system. Find out the proper charges for taxis, and if there is a surcharge for night or holiday trips.

If possible, book a room between the second and the seventh floor--above ground level to prevent easy entrance from outside and low enough for fire equipment to reach. Keep your hotel/motel door locked at all times. Use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the office. Be observant. Report any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms to the management.

Determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest telephone. Know how to use the room phone or where a pay phone is located. Make a note of emergency numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, the nearest U.S Embassy or consulate. Know how to use the pay phone and have the proper change on hand.

Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor.

Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you will know if anything is missing. Inventory your belongings daily. Consider locking any electrical appliances in your luggage. Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.

Never leave money, checks, credit cards, or car keys in the room. Always take them with you. Use the hotel/motel safe to store extra cash, expensive jewelry, or other valuables. Report any lost or stolen items to the management and the police.

BE PREPARED ON THE ROAD -- Carry these safety items:

• flashlight and fresh batteries
  
• fire extinguisher
  
• gloves
  
• spare tire, jack, and lug nut wrench
  
• tool kit
  
• first aid kit
  
• jumper cables
  
• flares/warning triangles
  
• blanket

Service Helps Seniors Make a Difference in Their Communities

These days, more and more older Americans are realizing that volunteering is a perfect way for them to remain active, creative and productive in their later years. An estimated half a million Americans age 55 and over now regularly lend a hand to local nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. 

 

Thanks to the Internet, and a nonprofit Web site called VolunteerMatch, finding an organization in need of volunteer help has never been easier. The site has already helped more than 29,000 nonprofits post over 30,000 volunteer opportunities online. 

Visitors to the site simply enter their ZIP code at www.VolunteerMatch.org to find local opportunities. Volunteers can also search by interest, date and keyword to generate a personally customized list. Once an opportunity is found, all it takes is a click to contact the organization and get involved. 

Any nonprofit or tax-exempt organization can list volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch. Many of the organizations listed, including Elder Wisdom Circle and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), provide great opportunities for seniors looking to “Get out and do good.” 

Elder Wisdom Circle pairs online advice seekers with a nationwide network of volunteer seniors, aged 60 to 97, who share their hard-earned knowledge and wisdom. Elders participate individually from their home computers or in groups at assisted living communities, allowing seniors to give back to the community without leaving the comfort of home. Since using VolunteerMatch to recruit senior volunteers, Elder Wisdom Circle has already generated over 14,000 referrals. 

For those looking to get out in the community, RSVP is another organization in need of senior volunteers. RSVP helps people age 55 and older put their skills and life experience to work by addressing community needs through volunteer service. There are nearly 200 RSVP’s across the country posting opportunities on VolunteerMatch.

Volunteers and nonprofits get access to The VolunteerMatch service for free. VolunteerMatch relies upon grants from charitable foundations for most of its funding, and also licenses its technology to companies like Dell Computer, Washington Mutual, and Cirque du Soleil to make it easier for their employees to volunteer. The revenue derived from corporate licenses preserves VolunteerMatch's financial stability, and strengthens its capacity as an effective public service -- and one of the few online social services available. 

Volunteering allows seniors to participate more fully in the life of their community. Whether sparing an hour a week, a day per week, or a week per year, seniors’ contributions make an important difference in communities nationwide. 

If you’re ready to make a difference, visit the VolunteerMatch Web site at www.volunteermatch.org and get out and do good today.