Topic: Aging

Holding On To Friendships As We Age

Did you know that social isolation is as hazardous to your health as high blood pressure, obesity and even smoking? In fact, being lonely has about the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

Friendships are especially important to us as we age. But holding on to them through life's inevitable changes - retirement, relocation, divorce, remarriage, illness, etc. - can be a real challenge. In Seven Tips for Improving Boomer Relationships from ConsumerAffairs.com, "relationship coach" Jan Yager gives some helpful advice on staying connected through thick and thin.  

Boomers Discover the Fountain of Youth

Here's another tidbit from Del Webb's Boomer Survey. The average boomer feels 13 years younger than his/her real age. Have boomers discovered the legendary fountain of youth? Not really, but many credit their good fortune to participating in activities that "keep their minds sharp, their bodies strong and their social life robust." Those boomers feeling younger than their actual age participated in 2 or more of the following activities: 

1. Exercise regularly -- More than 55 percent work out regularly as a way to feel youthful.

2. Hit the books -- Nearly a third have gone or will go back to school.

3. Volunteer -- More than 60 percent are giving back to their communities by volunteering.

4. Still working -- More than 70 percent plan to work in "retirement" either part-time, full-time or in starting a new career.

5. Trying pickleball or Zumba -- Approximately 40 percent have taken up a new hobby or activity.

 

Brilliant Thoughts

There is a kind of wisdom that comes with age. Wise older people, in my experience, refuse to look at life in strictly black and white terms. And they tend not to take themselves so seriously. For me, the author and cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant is a wise old man. In case you haven't encountered Brilliant (yes, that's really his name) here are some examples of what he has to say about life and aging, mostly from his book, I Have Abandoned My Search for Truth, and Am Now Looking for a Good Fantasy:

"Inside every older person, there's a younger person wondering what happened."

"Could it be that I'm allergic to growing older?"

"If you are careful enough, nothing bad or good will ever happen to you."

"It took courage to do some of the things which I now wish I'd never done."

"When I find true wisdom, I will let you know (if letting you know still seems important).

"Everything I am today I owe to people whom it is now too late to punish."

To learn more about Ashleigh Brilliant check out his website here.

New Guide to Services Available

Are you caring for an aging parent? Do you have an elderly friend you are concerned about? Or, are you searching for services for yourself? An updated guide is now available that can answer all of your questions related to services for older adults and persons with disabilities. "The 2010-2011 Guide to Services for Older Delawareans and Persons with Disabilities" is published by the Division of Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. It is free and can be downloaded here. Hard copies will be available soon. Call 1-800-223-9074 to inquire about availability.

To Drive Or Not To Drive

We Americans love our cars. They are expressions of our personal identities and, depending where you live, practical necessities. So how do you know when it is time for you or a loved one to give up the car keys? In this article by Jean Williams, the former Director of the Newark Senior Center and a leader with Coming of Age: Delaware, find out about some resources that will help you to make this difficult decision.

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Boomerang Kids

It's the worst job market in a generation and student debt is burgeoning. So it's not surprising that many folks 50+ are seeing their children moving back with them. If living like the Waltons ("goodnight John Boy") wasn't exactly what you had in mind for the third age of your life you might want to consider setting some boundaries and deadlines for those prodigal children. "How To Kick Your Kid Out of the Nest" from moneywatch.com has some great advice.

Coming of Age: A National Movement

Did you know that Coming of Age: Delaware is just one of several communities where the Philadelphia-based initiative has been replicated? Other Coming of Age communities include Delaware County, PA; Kansas City Metro Area; Central Pennsylvania; San Francisco Bay Area; and more are in the works.

The Coming of Age national office recently launched a website that reflects this new, national presence. The site also provides a wide range of resources of interest to people 50+ and the nonprofits seeking to engage them. Check it out at www.comingofage.org. 

A TV Network Just for Us!

Have you discovered Retirement Living TV? I know what you are thinking, "that can't be for me," but you might be surprised. One of my favorite shows is "What's Next." Traveling the country in their tricked-out RV the "What's Next" team work with people having trouble transitioning from full-time work to a new lifestyle. You wouldn't believe the transformation some exercise, a new job or volunteering can make (check out this video to see what I'm talking about). Then there is "Whole Body Health" an investigation into alternative and complimentary healthcare. "Retired and Wired" is for those of us wanting to make the most of technology in our retirement lifestyles. RLTV has much to offer. Check them out on Comcast channel #175 or visit their website here.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for People 50+

It's the gift buying season. So, aside from Bob Dylan's new Christmas CD (what have we come to!!) what else might you buy for the people 50+ on your holiday shopping list? 

There are some interesting ideas here posted by readers of Boomerater, an online advice network. Check out one reader's comparison of the e-readers Kindle (Amazon) and Nook (Barnes and Noble) and another's book-buying suggestions for grandchildren.

The blog "Baby Boomer Insights" also has some great ideas here and here. There's FastPencil, for example, that helps you finally write and publish that memoir or family history you've been meaning to get around to and a book from Red Hot Mamas for women going through menopause.

A Musical About Boomers!

The Kids Left, The Dog Died, Now What?, now playing at the Society Hill Playhouse through November 22, 2009, follows a group of baby boomers standing at life's crossroads - empty nests, waning marriages, aging bodies and the arrival of the AARP membership card! Who (or what) awaits us on e-Harmony? How many great loves do you really get? What exactly is Botox? And how could you possibly be related to your grandchildren? Find the answers to these questions and more in this musical for grown-ups.