The Art of Aging Gracefully

With people living longer these days certainly it is best to be in good physical and mental health during those twilight years. Is it a matter of good genes inherited from past relatives or can you change your life style to aid that process of happiness and health? While no one is seeking the fountain of youth, there are certain things everyone can do to keep active and independent. One of the best ways to find out about successful aging is to ask those who have successfully aged.

One of the first aspects is a positive outlook. The person who is sitting around thinking about what is not working well any more or about minor aches and pains is going to be stopped from aging successfully. Most people in their 80s and older have stayed physically and mentally active by walking to various nearby locations, taken up new skills or are still working at jobs they enjoy. They have a love of life and enjoy the people who are around them.

While no one likes to hear about another's aches or lack of sleep, it is still important to focus on good health including healthy eating, clean air and pure water. Some of the areas of the world where people live well into their 90s are country-side locations with simple food raised and grown nearby. Now that more people are living in cities, it is possible to buy organic food and to purify drinking water.

Another common trait for aging gracefully is flexibility. American psychologist, Mark Frazier, who has worked with thousands of elderly from ages 65 to 105 says, "If you live until you're 95 years old, you're probably not going to be living alone in a beautiful apartment and driving your car to the grocery store and picking up your dry cleaning and walking a mile to the park. But if you know that ahead of time, it's much easier to manage it". It's a matter of preparing for these changes and not holding on rigidly to old patterns. Otherwise the inevitable changes will seem overwhelming or depressing. Click here to read more.

I would like to add my own idea to this mix as well. I come from a family of women who live long into their later years. Even my great grandmother was 98 when she passed on, having outlived 3 husbands. What I noticed with all of them is that they lived much longer than their friends. This meant a lonely time in their last years. Therefore, I've made a point to cultivate some younger friends, even some as young as my children. In this way I will have these companions when I get older; they will still be around, and their activity level will keep me active too.

There are so many meaningful activities to try, both new and ones that you have been doing for years. Can't teach an old dog new tricks? That might be true of dogs but certainly not people. How many senior citizens are now taking up computer studies or yoga? For those how can afford it, cruise ships provide a safe way to travel the world as well as companionship and great meals. There are new social groups and hobbies. For many seniors the joy of learning carries right on. Recently I was introduced to the ease of auditing university courses. Having no need for more degrees than I already have, this has provided endless hours of enjoyment.

Perhaps the last words should come from one of the oldest practicing physicians in the US, Dr. Ephraim Engleman, who still sees patients and drives to work at the Rosalind Russel/Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center at UCSF. He recently renewed his driver's license and said, "So now I'm good till at least 105".

Interestingly enough, recent brain research has found that there is something called "cognitive reserve" that serves as a backup system as the frontal cortex and hippocampus (the headquarters of memory and planning respectively) start to shrink. Keeping your brain active with reading, writing, bridge-playing, puzzles, and especially language learning helps to kick the cognitive reserve into action.

Think hard work is going to shorten your life? Not if you keep in good physical health and avoid long prolonged stress. in fact, Howard S. Friedman in his Longevity Project found that of 1,500 American children followed into their old age the hardest workers had the longest lives. No time to overeat, drink too much or get bored! To read more of Dr. Friedman's report, click here.

The Effects of US Baby Boomers Retiring

There are endless articles these days about the problems the US baby boomer generation will face with pensions questionable and inflation eating away at their savings. These people, born between 1946 and 1964, are just now reaching 65 and retiring - the ones who can afford to, that is. Many are continuing to work at least in part time jobs. They are known as "boomers" because they have grown up in boom times and have not known the poverty their parents experienced during the depression. There is some evidence that as a group they have spent more too and saved less than their parents. As Wikipedia points out, " In Europe and North America boomers are widely associated with privilege, as many grew up in a time of widespread government subsidies in post-war housing and education, and increasing affluence." However, there is some good news for the Boomers. 

First, the percentage of elderly compared to the total population will increase for the next two decades. However, compared to some other countries such as Japan, Poland or China, the increase will not be that much (see chart). One of the reasons for this is the number of immigrants coming into the US, most of them younger and employable who often have more children than the average American family.

China on the other hand, due to its one child policy faces another demographic crisis. Due to the Chinese culture preference , more boy children were born than girls. What will China do to even this out - allow foreign women, encourage some of the only male children to leave China (unlikely) or allow 2 husbands for one woman (also unlikely). 

Another factor is helping the baby boomers. Their children , sometimes called the "echo boomers" are reaching their prime work years. In fact, it would benefit this group if the Baby Boomers would retire to free up the jobs for the Echo Boomers.

Lastly, Ben Casstleman points out that the Baby Boomers are no longer the largest demographic group.

Boomers are no longer even the largest age cohort; more of today’s Americans were born in the 1980s and 1990s than in the postwar years. As today’s teens and 20-somethings enter the workforce, they will partly offset their parents’ exit. Indeed, for many young people, mom and dad can’t retire soon enough; some experts argue that boomers, by staying in the workforce longer than past generations, are essentially clogging the usual professional pathways, leaving few opportunities for people beginning their careers. 

Returning to the financial problems of the Baby Boomers, whether they are a large group or not, they still need money, and their savings are fast disappearing with inflation and decreased prices for stock and bonds as well as their residences. In future articles I will suggest some measures to take to remedy the treat of poverty and poor health care - something more secure than sticking money under your mattress.

The generation known as the Baby Boomers, especially in the United States, was born and grew up during the late 40's, 50's and early 60's. They are called boomers because they know a time of plenty, both financially and materially. It was also a time of protest and desire for change from tradition. They tend to think of themselves as a special generation in which things were going well, even during the Vietnam War. After all, the war was not at home.

Back to the present day, Baby Boomers are now retiring or about to retire. This means they will have less income and must live on savings, investments or pension plans. This huge segment of the population in every country will be depending on the younger people still working if they haven't saved enough. Are they ready for retirement?

The authors in Wikipedia point out some characteristics of the Baby Boomers.

As a group, they were the wealthiest, most active, and most physically fit generation up to that time, and amongst the first to grow up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time. They were also the generation that received peak levels of income; therefore they could reap the benefits of abundant levels of food, apparel, retirement programs, and sometimes even "midlife crisis" products. The increased consumerism for this generation has been regularly criticized as excessive.

This seems to suggest that this generation will not be as prepared as even their parents were. They have not saved much and they assume that things will get better so that the pensions and automatic benefits will always be there. With the US piling up huge debts and the strength of the dollar in doubt, it seems that the future might  not be as rosy as the aging population seems to assume.

What can people in this state of affairs do about it? One alternative is to start a business online. There is a great program that teaches how to do that called My Online Business Education. It was written by people who have found wealth online by using the methods they describe. These are tried and true methods, easy to duplicate and at a very reasonable price. Why not watch this 15 minute video that explains it?

Just click here to start it.

Recognizing and Recovering from Depression

While depression is a disease that effects all ages, a higher percentage of depressed people are in the elderly age range of 65+ years. The possible social and environmental causes are there: losing a long-term partner, recent physical disabilities, moving out of a family home, etc. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), depression in elderly people often is mistaken for other physical ailments and thus is not diagnosed. In addition, the people themselves won't admit they are depressed or perhaps don't realize it.

Recognizing Depression

The first step then is to recognize when you or one of your friends or family members is suffering from depression. Here are some of the possible symptoms in older persons: memory loss, confusion, delusions (fixed false beliefs), irritability, vague complaints of pain, lack of sleep, social withdrawl and demanding behavior. While everyone experiences some of these problems from time to time, the depressed person will have a number of them and for long periods of time. It is one thing to grieve the loss of a partner or friend but most people recover eventually and go on with their lives. Not so the depressed person.

The difficult issue is that the depressed person often will not admit it or even recognize it.

Also, many older persons think that depression is a character flaw and are worried about being made fun of or of being humiliated. They may blame themselves for their illness and are too ashamed to get help. Others worry that treatment would be too costly. Yet research has also shown that treatment is effective and in fact  changes the brain when it works.
To read the original click here.

Recovering from Depression

What then can be done to alleviate this often debilitating problem? There is medication that can help, especially if the person is otherwise in good health, such as anti-depressants prescribed by a physician. However, taking pills requires regular doses, difficult for forgetful people. The old treatment was electroshock (ECT), a rather extreme solution. Something new that seems to work is called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)  which has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of mild depression.

I would like to suggest alternative remedies such as dietary change and social support from church or other social groups would also be beneficial. Just as with treating alcoholism or drug addiction, the outcome is going to be stronger with a combination of methods. The difficulty here is that the person with depression must participate in treatment. The very nature of depression creates barriers to recovery. I suspect we have not gotten to the physiological basis of depression yet - a hormonal change? a chemical imbalance? a deficiency of some vitamin or mineral? More research needs to be done here. Perhaps it is sufficient to say that people can and do recover. The main thing is to recognize it and then to get help.

Single Seniors Who Love to Travel

People over 50 who are now considered seniors by travel and tour agencies are often looking for good trips to take. They are often retired and have both the time and money to finally take off on excursions they have dreamed about for years. In addition, many women in particular have lost their husbands or partners due to illness or death. Therefore, this article is dedicated to those single seniors who want adventure to keep them physically active and mentally still alert. Due to the large number of baby boomers now at retirement age, there is a lot of choices for people in this category. While single seniors might be afraid to travel solo there are some great small group tours available.

Here are just a few of the companies that are catering to seniors to give you some general ideas. Road Scholar (roadscholar.org), now celebrating 40 years of operation, offers educational trips to various places and has some trips under the heading "Adventures Afloat". It is advertised as "the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offering 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more."

Perhaps education is not your thing. How about a very active trip with Eldertreks (eldertreks.com)? Again you can travel to almost every continent with a small group with headquarter in United Kingdom and North America. The website advertises "small group exotic adventures for travelers 50+". The pictures on this site are truely amazing and certainly would peak the interest of adventurous travelers and hikers. However, there are also small group trips on yachts carrying perhaps 30 people with trips to Alaska, Arctic regions, circumnavigating Newfoundland and around the Sea of Cortes in Baja California.

This one got my attention: Over The Hill Gang International (othgi.com), a company catering to very active seniors who want company of ski trips or hiking such as "Hike the Wonders of the Southwest" (now sold out for this year). Again the trips are local or international as you prefer.

Here are a few questions to ask when choosing a senior vacation:

1. Do you want to travel with only singles or senior couples and singles? I notice that couples tend to socialize with other couples and exclude the singles. However, some singles only trips might end up being a dating situation. It depends upon what you are seeking. I'm sure there must be trips for women only or gay couples only.
2. What is your budget and what other expenses will you have not included in the tour price listed?
3. Do you want to travel with a sister, friend, brother or other relative over 50 instead of a spouse?
4. What is going to be a stimulating but relaxing trip for you?
5. What is your goal for going - meeting new people? getting out of the same routine for a while? getting some exercise? It makes a difference with which excursion you pick.
6. Do you have any health problems that may need attention? It's tempting but you better not go to some remote corner as your issues may influence others' experience.

Lastly, I'd like to introduce a tour company that does not cater just to seniors. However the trips are designed to appreciate nature and especially wilderness in various parts of our world - Sierra Club (http://content.sierraclub.org/outings/). The group started by John Muir over 100 years ago has a catalogue of excursions from local neighborhood jaunts to cleanup camapaigns and trail building. They also have a fund to allow inner city children to go on trips to the forest and woods, places they have never been before. These come under the category of "Adventures with a Cause". Now there are some for returning military personnel too. I especailly like the Local Outdoors and Inspiring Connections trips. Here are trips that can benefit you in natural settings. Many of the tour guides are dedicated volunteers and well trained for any emergencies as well as ways of getting people together. Singles are certainly welcome. The Sierra Club trips are know to be very bonding so that the members become like your family no matter what backgrounds they (or you) come from.

Please leave comments about these excursions or trips that you have found worthwhile.

Restaurant Discounts for Seniors

Did you realize how many restaurants offer discounts for seniors? Probably not many of you did because the discounted prices are rarely announced. You have to ask. In some cases the price is significantly different, so by all means from now on if you are eligible be sure to ask.

Some of the discounts might be like a free morning cup of coffee but others might be as much as 20% off on certain menu items. Note also that discounts may apply only to certain locations of a chain restaurant. Are these discounts listed online? Never seen them, but now I will be looking.

It goes without saying that you will need to show proof that you are over 65, usually the cut-off age for the senior category.However, certain chain restaurants offer discounts to people over 50.

Lastly, some restaurants have a senior menu, the equivalent to the kiddie menu with smaller portions and thus a reduced price. Frankly I would find it a relief to have smaller portions as I can never eat the amount I’m given. It’s enough for two people, and I have gone to a restaurant where we ordered only one dinner for the two of us.

Here is a list of restaurants offering discounts. This list is now a few years old from an article by Donna Montaldo for About Money. However, it will give you an idea of how many American restaurants at least have discounts of some type.

Restaurants Offering Senior Discounts Include:

• Arby's

• Bakers Square

• Bennigan's Bob's Big Boy

• Boston Market

• Burger King

• Carl's Jr.

• Carrows

• Chick-fil-A

• Chili's Grill & Bar

• Church's Chicken

• Coco's Bakery Restaurants

• Country Kitchen

• Dairy Queen

• Denny's

• Dunkin Donuts

• El Pollo Loco

• Elephant Bar Restaurant

• Fosters Freeze

• Fresh Choice

• Friendly's Restaurant and Ice Cream

• Fuddruckers

• Golden Corral

• Gondola Pizza & Steak House

• Grandy's

• Hardees

• HomeTown Buffet

• IHOP

• Jack in the Box

• Kentucky Fried Chicken

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

• Krystals

• Le Peep

• Long John Silver's

• McDonald's

• Mrs. Fields Cookies

• Ponderosa Steakhouse

• Popeye's Fried Chicken

• Shoney's

• Sizzler

• Sonic Drive In

• Souper Salad

• T.J. Cinnamons

• Taco Bell

• TCBY

• Todai

• Village Inn

• Wendy's

• Whataburger

Amazing how many there are. I’d be interested to get feedback for other people about the number of discounting restaurants in other countries. Let me know if anyone finds out. I have to say by looking at this list that these are not my favorite places to go, but some of them might be healthy enough to be interesting.

The other way to dine out on a limited budget is to find discount coupons. Here are a few good sites to check out: local newspapers, hotel travel magazines, city information centers (sometimes called welcome centers), phone books and of course the websites online including opentable.com, rewardsnetwork.com and restaurant.com. Happy eating!

Ideas for Online Business Startups

Want to start your own business but you don't know what to do? Here's an article that will help you find your niche, hopefully a profitable one. These ideas could be used both as retail and  online businesses. While this article was written in 2012 by Chad Brooks, Senior Writer for the BusinessNewsDaily.com, it is still very useful and current for today's markets. He explains 10 business ideas such as e-recycling, socially responsible public relations, or disaster consultant. These jobs are easy to understand, but a few others need more explanation. Here are Chad's words.

Local marketing services

Creating a business that serves local markets is another smart way for aspiring business owners to jump on a growing market. Hulafrog, a service that provides information about local events to parents, is one business taking advantage of the concept. "It's a very good time if you are serving a niche that has a unique need for local content," Hulafrog co-founder Sherry Lombardi said. "Hulafrog connects parents to all of the daily events and business for kids in their local community."

Multicultural marketing expert

All businesses are looking for new ways to connect with customers, but many are missing the mark when it comes to connecting with minorities. To reach those targeted shoppers, businesses must recognize the places where the consumer resides and design a specific message not just for a single ethnicity, but also for cultures among those segments.

That has created an opening for marketers looking to specialize their services, like Lisa Skriloff, founder of Multicultural Marketing Resources Inc.

With minority populations growing at a faster rate than the Caucasian population, Skriloff notes that businesses that want to succeed must effectively tap into the minority markets.

"It is very important that (businesses) don't ignore this, and start paying attention to these communities," she said.

To read more, click here.

There are an increasing number of new possibilities, and certainly those folks who are in danger of being "downsized" out of their jobs should look into these new online business startups that could go from part time to full time endeavors. Being flexible in this fast-changing world is what is needed. Have any other good ideas for businesses to meet social or community needs? Leave a comment below and share your ideas with the other readers.