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Friday, November 30, 2007

NOW What Do You Want?

Today's mail included three new catalogs and several important looking envelopes. Several trees wasted. With the exception of bills that we all must deal with, nothing much arrives by snail mail anymore except glossy marketing materials designed to convince me that I need a newer or bigger or better something or other. Some catalogs are full of things I never even imagined existed. Gadgets to do things for me that I never thought of doing for myself. Gadgets to free more of my time and relieve me of more of my money.bank Exotic or at least high-priced items that every home simply must have. I must admit that I have not always been immune to their efforts to separate me from my money. Now, with a few clicks of a mouse, I can empty my piggy bank without blinking. You can shop online for absolutely anything. Let's talk about cell phones, for example. I must quickly say that having such a neat gadget when your car My Pictures0028breaks down or when you can't find your way to a friends new home is wonderful. In fact, that reminds me that a GPS gadget would be a neat thing to have as well, but I digress. Back to the cell phone. I first rationalized that I really should get one for my wife so that she could call me or AAA or someone for help is she ever got stranded somewhere. 4 Her safety is of paramount importance to me of course. But if she had a cell phone and I did not, then she could not call me for help. So of course it would be silly for me to do without. Not that I WANT a cell phone, but obviously I NEED one.

Now we both have cell phones. Perhaps they work the way umbrellas do. It only rains when you have no umbrella. Our cars only break down if we forget our cell phones, or if the battery is dead. Or if we are in some area with no cell service. But still, I can see a real need. I don't feel the need to be connected by phone at every moment of every day, but I have become accustomed to carrying this little chunk of technology on my belt almost everywhere I go. I refuse to answer it in the restroom however. But I can't figure out how this or anything else makes the transition from being a want to being a need to being an absolute necessity. That's the progression that all good marketing pros and copywriters thrive on. They plant a tiny seed and water it with pictures and cultivate it with mental images and before you know it you WANT it. Next, you begin to explain to your wife (or to yourself mostly) why this thing you want is very important and why you actually have needed it for some time now. You think of all the times you have been without this thing, whatever it is, and how you would have been so much better off if only you had it. Before long, you convince yourself that you really don't want this thing, but you just have to make the sacrifice and buy it because you really do need it. Now at last you have it. You read all the directions and try all the bells and whistles and just hold it and look at it and feel...special, because now you actually have one of your very own. 1o This elation lasts for several hours or perhaps several days. (If the thing is a new car, it usually lasts either until you run through a mud puddle or you get in a little fender bender.) But sooner or later you find yourself with another catalog in your hands, or watching another in the endless stream of television ads, and you begin to forget this latest thing. But think about this. If you're not hungry, why look in the refrigerator? If you take every catalog you receive in the mail straight to the trash can without ever taking a peek inside, you are not likely to nibble on the bait, and not very likely to get hooked. Now when I get a catalog, I say to myself in a very stern voice, "NOW what do you want?" Since the honest answer is "Nothing" there is no reason to look in the catalog. The next important step is to figure out how to save all those trees and stop these people from sending me the catalogs in the first place. Got any suggestions?

The Fine Art of Doing Nothing

Baby Boomers come from all walks of life, all educational levels, all ethnicities. Aside from the time period during which they were born, it is almost impossible to characterize them. Yet a few generalities seem safe. Earlier generations may have grown up with a different work ethic because they lived in a largely agrarian society. Chores had to be done in order for the family to eat and survive, and everyone had their own responsibilities, often according to their age. The point is that all had something to contribute. In my fathers farming family, he was the youngest and in his earliest memories he had certain chores to do before school and after school, and a heavier load on the weekends. Perhaps because of those formative years, my father never really learned how to relax. Oh, he would get comfortable on the couch in front of a televised football game and fall into a window rattling snore. But aside from that he was usually busy at something or other all the time. He just couldn't bring himself to sit and relax. He didn't enjoy reading all that much, and he really couldn't understand why anyone needed a hobby. There were always leaves to rake or weeds to pull or lettuce to pick or limbs to pick up. At night, we would have supper (dinner was lunch, supper was the evening meal) and then he might watch one of the three evening news channels. But then he was up and about doing something.

I'd like to believe that I inherited my father's finer qualities, including a solid work ethic and a streak of human kindness, but there is one major difference. I know how to relax and I do have hobbies, including writing. Of course there are always things that need to be done when you own a home. There always seems to be a light bulb that needs changing, grass to cut, trash to take out. But certain other things also demand my attention. Things like playing the piano for a few minutes or an hour, or more. Or writing an essay on something that caught my attention. Or reading. But once in awhile, especially in the spring and fall, when the weather is fine and the breeze is gentle, I can just sit on the deck in the cushioned swing and do absolutely nothing but ... BE. I call it the "fine art of doing nothing", but that doesn't begin to describe it. Relaxation is not a science, though physicians might tout the importance of stress relieving rest. It is an art, and those with a real talent for it can take it to mind boggling levels. I have a friend who believes that exercise of any kind is just bad. He says, "If you never use it, it will never wear out." On that we do not agree. But I believe that one should not over use the body or the mind all the time either. At times I might appear to be doing nothing at all. But that is deceptive. I am not lazy or indolent or shiftless or any of the many other derogatory terms that some might want to cast in my direction. I am developing my art. Some with less talent might start to fidgit after just a few moments of idleness. But when I am really in fine form, I can sit for an hour or more doing absolutely nothing at all. I may idly push myself back and forth in the swing very gently, but not with any real enthusiasm for it. Mostly I'm just sitting. I'm observing how my body feels, how my lungs expand and contract, how my belly moves when I breathe. I'm noticing how often I blink. I'm watching how the cloud formations change and how they might move at different speeds at different elevations. I'm wondering how many squirrels could possibly cross my yard in a single day, or how many chipmunks must now live under my deck. I'm wondering where that jet is going and where it came from. I'm observing all the ways I can move my fingers and how amazing the human hand really is. On a deeper level I am thinking about whether I have any "baggage" that I am still carrying around and how best to get rid of it. I'm trying to weigh the difference between what I want, what I think I need and what I REALLY need. I watch the trees for signs of change in the seasons. I think about how they
offer so much and yet they too appear to be doing nothing much at all.

The value of this art is beyond measure really. It is about being here...now. Not thinking about past or future, but fully absorbing right now. Some folks never stop to smell the roses, others only smell them. I want to observe them and marvel. And in todays hectic world, there just never seems to be enough time for that.

Monday, November 26, 2007

It's all about the music! Don't miss it.

The message is so clear and so simple. But eloquent. Click on this link.

http://souljerky.com/_media/swf/alan_watts_life.swf

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Senior Moments? Eat more fish

Recent studies in Norway indicate that those who eat more fish, up to 80 grams per day, have significantly improved cognitive function than those who do not. Can't find your keys...again? Have some fish. Doesn't seem to matter if you eat lean or fatty fish, fresh, smoked, canned. All seem to have the same beneficial effect on brain function. However, merely taking fish oil in supplement gel caps does NOT seem to have any positive effect. The positives associated with fish oil are not to be ignored however, because they do have a very important role to play in cardiac health. As always though, it is better to get as much of the necessary nutrients as possible in your diet rather than as supplements. Supplements most often should be used to fill any gaps in your dietary supply of nutrients.

Having read many of the reports over the last few years concerning such problems as mercury poisoning and the accumulation of pesticides and fertilizers in fish, caution is still advised. Where possible, eat only wild caught fish. Even then, you may want to limit your fish intake to two or three meals a week. When in doubt, moderation in all things is still a reasonable guideline.

Monday, November 19, 2007

CRUISE SHIPS: Activities for Seniors

Increasing in age does not mean what it used to mean in the past. In many cases, the popular stereotype of senior citizens relaxing in a nursing home is thrown right out the window. As medical developments have helped to increase life expectancy, more and more senior citizens are making the decision to get out and enjoy life.
If you are a senior citizen, you are likely to know that there are a number of fun and exciting activities that await you. One of those activities includes travel. Each year, a large number of senior citizens are take a vacation getaway. These getaways may include guided tours, traveling with friends, or vacationing solo. If you are looking for extra excitement, you may want to consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship.
All around the world, there are a large number of cruise lines. These cruises lines often operate multiple ships. With a large number of cruise ships, you are sure to find a number of cruise ships that will fit your needs. When selecting a cruise ship, you are encouraged to examine the services, facilities, and activities that can be found onboard. Many of theses activates are geared to senior citizens. Read more - (used by permission)http://www.zimbio.com/Travel+Cruises/articles/77/Cruise+Ships+Activities+Seniors

Friday, November 16, 2007

Brain Power

Here's a little exercise to stimulate the gray matter. The following is a quote from a well-known person, but it is typed backwards. Take a minute to figure it out.

eraepsekahS mailliW- .loof a eb ot flesmih swonk nam esiw a tub ,esiw eb ot flesmih skniht loof A

Submit quotes of your own. Challenge your mind with little variations in your normal routine. Brush your teeth with the "opposite" hand. Practice writing with the "opposite" hand.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The "Silver Tsunami"?

The following article is featured on EzineArticles.com
http://EzineArticles.com/?id=854024

The leading edge of what the US government has referred to as the Silver Tsunami will begin to be eligible for retirement beginning next January. Baby boomers are beginning to reach retirement age and nearly 80 million people retiring over the next 20 years will totally wreck our economy. OR NOT! You see, the generation right before ours was sold on the idea of working to 62 or 65 and then retiring and living a life of leisure. The baby boomer generation is not necessarily buying into that scenario en masse. In fact, a significant percentage of baby boomers have no plans to retire any time soon. Many will work long beyond the age of 65, either full time or part time. More and more US employers are beginning to realize that they will need these folks to keep working beyond the traditional retirement age because there are not enough Gen X'rs to fill all those jobs. And Generation...Y, for lack of a better identifier, those in the generation right behind X, are a much smaller group as well. Right after the baby boom years there was a sort of "baby bust" when far fewer babies were born. So as that group matures, there will be considerable holes in the work force. Perhaps the tension between baby boomers and younger workers won't amount to much after all. Neither group set up the situation that we are all facing, when a very small number of people is expected to support a very large crowd of retirees. It now looks like at least some of the problem will be relieved by boomers working and contributing for several years beyond "normal retirement", and therefore not claiming Social Security benefits for a number of additional years.

Some few companies are already taking advantage of changes in the law that allow them to accomodate older workers taking retirement in phases, or steps. First a reduction in the number of hours per day or days per week they are working, while still retaining full benefits, will keep a lot of seniors employed and happy, and not burdening the system. Some will continue to work because they simply wouldn't know what to do with themselves otherwise. Some will continue to work because they cannot see any other way to continue to take care of their basic needs. Some will change jobs and schedules to try something new, or something they have long been interested in. These variations are not being factored into all the gloom and doom headlines concerning Social Security and baby boomers, so perhaps the problem will not be quite as overwhelming as we are being led to believe. In any case, any baby boomer who has been paying attention and who has had any choice in the matter, is not counting on Social Security as their sole means of support in retirement. Others really have little choice.
Next week this blog will have a poll concerning such matters, and we hope you will participate. For now, please leave your comments below. What plans, if any, do you have for retirement?

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Set Them Free

Baby boomers are not all in this condition, but a surprising number are financially strapped and ill-prepared for retirement. Many failed to plan very far ahead, while others just never expected to face some of the financial stresses they now must deal with. And of course, many have always placed an inordinate faith in Social Security to provide their retirement funding. Well, we should by now all realize that in the United States at least, social security is not all that secure. There is a large, and growing, imbalance between the number of people still working and contributing to the system, and the number of people being supported by the system. As for personal finances, one of the common threads that seems to weave its way thru many conversations among baby boomers is just how much money they have spent, and for many, are still spending, helping to support their grown children who should by now be supporting themselves. I'm not talking about the situation that arises in a family that requires the stop-gap sort of support that we should all be willing to give where possible. What I'm talking about is the ongoing, week after week, month after month, year after year drain on your finances trying to get a child to finally "get their act together." Well, at some point you must realize and accept that you may not really be helping them at all. More likely, you are enabling them to continue to be less-than-responsible for themselves. And if you are caught up in this dilemma, you are certainly not helping your own chances of supporting yourself to a reasonable extent in your post-retirement years. To some extent, you may be preparing yourself to be more dependent upon some social services, and there simply are no guarantees that those services will have the funds to provide even your basic needs. So, perhaps you need to close your child's bottomless bank account with you. Set them free to learn to fly on their own. And certainly tell them why. At what age should they be flying on their own? That's something only you (and they) could possibly decide.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Friday, November 9, 2007

Hoodia - we need your input!

Hoodia is being vigorously marketed for weight loss. With your input and our research, let's put together some useful information for all our boomers. Please enter your experiences and opinions by clicking on the comments tab below. By the way, thanks for your e-mails! I answer every one personally. Your suggestions and input will make this blog a hit.
Thanks again!

COMPUTER VIRUS WARNING

Before you open any attachments from anyone, go to this link and read the warnings. There are many hoax virus warnings going around. This one is very real.
http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

Thursday, November 8, 2007

If not today, when?

I've heard folks say things like "I'm going to quit smoking", or "I need to lose a few pounds", or "I'm going to start exercising more". The problem is that talking and doing are not necessarily connected. It might feel good to say these things. It might make you feel better to have such good intentions. It might even be a great conversation starter, since lots of people have the same good intentions. My question for you today is, if it is something GOOD for you, what exactly are you waiting for? Each day has 24 hours for us to spend or waste, just like money. Each of those hours will go by and disappear forever, no matter what you may have intended. Today is the perfect day to DO something. Take the first step. If you know you should lose a few pounds and you want to lose a few pounds, then today, do something about it. And tomorrow do something else about it. You probably don't need anyone to tell you WHAT to do. You just need to tell yourself to DO it. Ask yourself each morning "What can I do today that will take me closer to my important goals?" Then go do it. Can you lose 30 pounds today? No. But you can make choices today that will bring that goal closer. Skip the cream cheese on your bagel this morning and feel good about yourself all day!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

9.8 million boomers in Canada!

We'd like to hear from you too! In each of the four major "baby boomer" countries, the experiences are different. In Canada, during the two decades following WWII, the birthrate was around 20 births per 1000 population and people were marrying at a fairly young age. But after that it dropped and the average age at marriage went up. People are waiting longer to marry and having fewer children. How will that impact life in Canada over the next few decades? A report in 2003 indicated that it would open up tremendous job opportunities as boomers retired. At the same time, there would be shortages of qualified workers in many fields. We welcome your comments.

Aussie Boomers!!

We know that there are about 5 million of you, and we'd like to hear from you. Post your comments or share your new posts with us. Around the globe, boomers have so much in common. Share your experiences with us.

Stevia

If you have personally used Stevia in any form as a sugar substitute, please tell us about it here. How long have you used it? In what form (powder, liquid.)? Did you notice a taste difference? Will you continue to use it? Do you cook or bake with it? Do family members notice?

This is the sort of information we hope to be able to share on this blog. Stevia has been around for quite awhile, but only recently found it's way into the grocery stores. What do we know about long-term use? Is it a viable sugar substitute for diabetics?

Just post your comments by clicking on the comment link below.

Noni Juice, Mangosteen Juice, etc.

Just a word of caution concerning any and all of these types of products. I've done a fair bit of reading and found nothing but anecdotal support for the belief that these have any beneficial properties that would in any way justify the outrageous prices being charged. The old saying "follow the money" certainly applies here. In fact, there is so much money to be made that some firms have thrown ethics out the window with their business practices and marketing techniques. So, forewarned is forearmed. Before you spend a dime on any new and miraculous juice, do your own research. So far I have not found a single repeatable study to indicate that these juices are any better than the ones you can find in the grocery store for a few dollars a quart. In fact, there are now some that have spirolina, wheat grass, barley juice, and many others, that have been proven to have significant health benefits. If you have published information regarding any of these high-priced multi-level marketing juices, that either supports their use or refutes their exaggerated claims, please share it with all of us here. Post your comment or e-mail the information. Thanks!!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

TFA's = Trans Fatty Acids - How much is safe?

The cold hard fact is that the safe daily human intake is 0 mg. That's right. ZERO milligrams.
Maybe the math you learned in school was different, but apparently the government thinks that .5 = 0. Until January of this year, manufacturers were allowed to say "Contains No Trans Fatty Acids" on the front of a food product, so long as they actually had less than .5 per serving.
The problem with that is that many of us don't stop with the recommended single serving. If the serving size on the label says 2 cookies, and you eat 6, then you've eaten three times as much of everything on the ingredient label. So, what's the harm in TFA's? you ask. Well, they tend to harden cell walls so that vital nutrients cannot pass thru, and they tend to make it difficult or impossible for the cells to communicate with each other, say in the event of an infection. The result can be that the body loses its ability to protect itself to some degree. They also have an effect on a normal function called apoptosis. We'll talk about that at another time. For now, just consider going BACK to butter in moderation instead of margarine. Get rid of the solidified fats called shortening (no brand names mentioned, but you all know what I'm referring to), and look on every food label for the words "partially hydrogenated...." anything. Those are all trans fatty acids. Interestingly, the incidence of heart disease in the United States seems to have increased at about the same pace as two other factors: the growth of the interstate highway system, and the increase of the use of hydrogenated oils to preserve foods. So we reduced the number of eggs we eat, we switched from butter to margarine, cut down on dairy products, and we started shipping all sorts of baked goods from Maine to California and everywhere in between because we no longer had to worry so much about shelf life. And as a result, we have an even greater problem with cardiovascular problems than ever before. We would all be better off purchasing food that DOES eventually go bad, because the very thing that preserves the food is killing us. Please add your comments. Are you already aware? Or is this your first exposure to this issue.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Are we keeping up?

Does it really matter whether your income puts you in the top brackets? Not really. The great equalizer is time. Some folks whose income never amounted to a lot have accomplished some wonderful things by using it wisely. Still, it can be helpful to know how we stack up, so here are some statistics for you. 2004 is the most recent available.

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT: AGES 50-59
Median household income $60,586
Median net worth $182,300
Percent with home equity 80.70%
Percent with credit card debt 50.30%
Median amount owed on cards $2,700
Percent with traditional pensions 38.10%
Percent with minor children 40.30%
Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, 2004