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.