grow older better

Tag: human interest

  • Bottoms Up! A duck “tail”

    Time for a change of pace – just as in "real" life – a blog needs some fun time too

    Could not resist running for my camera today… it was like watching  synchronized swimmers..

  • Scam alert!

    I haven't posted about email scams in a while so it's time for an update.

    The scammers are increasing their "volume" by saying  that they "know" you have been dealing with x, y and z [named persons] and you have to stop!  They are also using Barrister and Esq. in their names so you might think they are really lawyers.

    Why do they do this? Most people get anxious when they get mail from attorneys.. [I have a law degree and I hate getting mail from legal entities.]

    BUT – remember these scammers DO NOT KNOW YOU!

    They are making idle threats to scare you into contacting them…

    As the economy stays stagnant and people are out of work and hoping for a solution to money woes – a promise of inheriting millions that "someone" left to you has appeal.

    But ask yourself – if they were legitimate wouldn't they know how to reach you via "real" mail and not be using email? and email that is not sent to your actual name.

    If you have friends or family who you think might actually believe these emails – please pass this post along to them.

    The reason we all keep getting this kind of email is that people actually DO fall for the scam because if not one did – they would stop!

     

  • Senior citizens don’t be categorized – define yourself instead!

    Would you like to be categorized – or would you rather be defined?
    Before you answer – read on a bit – there is a subtle difference between the 2 ideas. 
    You define yourself.  Others categorize you. R. Peterson
    Think about this difference.  
    If you allow yourself to be categorized. you may find yourself described as being:
    • old
    • inactive
    • poor
    • unhealthy
    • decrepit
    • bent over
    • wheelchair bound
    • ready to die

    [to cite a few stereotypes]

    But – if you define yourself – there is no limit to the list of descriptors you can use!

    Senior citizenship is being:

    • a cougar
    • a master skier [squash player, golfer, runner, etc.]
    • wealthy
    • learned
    • a font of wisdom
    • a treasure trove of knowledge
    [add your own descriptions]
    Reflect on the difference between the two lists. 
    The first is a list of stereotypes or myths that too many people have about those over 65 – and especially about those over 70. 
    Can you imagine how those over 90 are described?  Scary – isn't it ?
    The second is a list of what older persons can do and are now doing. And these are behaviors, and knowledge, which many cultures cherish and nourish. It’s just that our stereotypical blinders keep us from seeing this.
    “Wise elders,” who are respected, and from whom advice is sought, sounds like a far better description than “nosy old coot.” Especially when those so described may have the same wisdom to impart.
    If you let others categorize you – you lose some of your own “self-ness.” You become a statistic or a stereotype. Worse – you begin to believe that this is the way older persons are supposed to be and act.
    You follow what in psychology is known as the self-fulfilling prophecy; you actually become what others think of you or how they have categorized you.
    How is this possible? Because there are very few large populations of active healthy seniors to study and the researchers are mostly “younger” – so they are not surrounded in the workplace by healthy 70 year olds.
    When you define yourself – you maintain a large degree of individuality -and independence – which are vital to healthy aging. 
    So snub your nose at the categories and category makers and define your own way through the aging process!
    Don’t worry about what others think of you – especially if they say things like: “aren’t you too old to still be skiing?” or playing softball or even working? 

    Think up a cute response that lets those “others” know you will keep doing what it is you like to do –

    NOT what the category makers think you should be doing.

    And you? Category or definition?

    Please comment below – thank you

  • Best Network Marketing Businesses For Seniors? 3 criteria for you to contemplate

     
    The myth of seniors sitting at home in their rocking chairs is rapidly dissipating, as more and more seniors are becoming entrepreneurs.

    Today’s 60 or 65-year-old is not ready to “retire.” And it looks like the 65, 70, [or even 75 and older] are not retiring either – instead many are becoming entrepreneurs. No sitting at home for these active minds!

    We know that staying active and challenging one’s mind with new tasks are ways to stay healthy as we age. What better way than to join a network marketing business where you are the CEO – a sure way to keep the brain cells active!

    How do you decide which MLM or network marketing company to join and work with? [MLM and network marketing are used interchangeably to describe the same business model.]

    There are 3 important criteria:

    • You must love and use the products.
    • You must like and enjoy being with the people in your network: locally, nationally and worldwide.
    • There must be a good compensation plan.
    1- Loving and using the products.

    When looking at a company you may want to try the products as a consumer before joining as an associate and make sure you love them. Or – you can skip this step if know and trust the person telling you about them – and you know that person uses the products.

    This knowing and trusting leads into the 2nd criteria:

    2- Liking and enjoying the others in your network. 

    Network marketing is a social activity. You have to talk with people and so it keeps one engaged socially as one ages. But it is best for your personal aging if you really enjoy spending time with those in your chosen company.

    Attend a few local meetings about the company and the products to see how much you enjoy chatting with and learning from those in the room. If you do join, you too will bring people to meetings like this and many will become your good friends – so this is an important criteria.

    3 – Make sure the compensation plan is a good one. 

    If you are going to put in your valuable time and energy – make sure you are well paid for your efforts. 

    There are so many variations on compensation plans; you will have to compare one with another and decide what works for you. Often independent sources rate MLM plans and you can look up that information online.

    Extra caveats:

    Don’t fall for the “make money fast” or “get in at the beginning.” Network marketing takes work and a good company will be around for a long time so it will not matter when you join.

    There are more criteria one can look at and I invite you to sign up for emails to learn more about network marketing and how it might be a good fit for you and your aging.
     
    Comments? Thanks

  • Do you have Aging Parents?

    You do have aging parents?  You are so lucky!

    Why? It means they are still alive!

    Yes –  caring for aging parents can be difficult.  BUT – there are a few things you can do to help you and them decide what is best for them.

    And yes, that means your decision making about them must include them!

    So how does one do this?

    • Have “the talk” with your parents while they are still active and healthy
    • Do a think/look/see at alternative living arrangements
    • Put all your decisions in writing

    The talk

    Remember when your parents had “the talk” with you about sex?  This version of “the talk” is about aging – their aging and yours.

    When you have this talk is up to you.  A good time for this talk, just like for the sex talk, is long before you actually need to deal with the reality of it.

    What is the substance this talk?  A frank discussion of issues such as

    • driving
    • housing
    • style of life
    • money
    • end of life decisions

    These may not seem like “pleasant” topics for a family chat – but the earlier you have this chat the more involved your parents can be in the decisions. 

    Waiting until a decision is necessitated by events is not the best time to have this discussion – if, in fact, a discussion can be had at that moment.

    Most of these issues revolve around loss of independence – a difficult option for most – but especially for older persons.  Cars, housing arrangements, life style and money give one a sense of independence.  As does making ones own decisions about changing or re-arranging these circumstances.

    Be sure to let your parents tell you what they think and want or how any decisions should be made.

    Look/See

    You can all visit senior housing communities at any time and study all the options available; including living near or with you.  There are so many newer housing communities that try to meet the many requirements for their aging populations.

    Put everything in writing

    Wills, living wills, estate matters; end of life decisions and housing/finance decisions can be put in writing.  They can also be changed.  The legalities may vary depending on where you live or where your parents now live.  Reducing your family discussions to a written document may help everyone when the emotional time comes to take action on any of the decisions.

    Aging is often difficult to deal with – but getting older sure bets the alternative.  And we now have families who have both aging parents and still-at-home children. 

    This younger generation is getting first hand experience with the “aging parent” issue they see their own parents dealing with the grandparents.

    And for many – this may be a good time to even discuss about when those kids will have “the talk” with their parents.

    As with many of life’s ongoing issues, good communication goes a long way to alleviate major problems.

    After my mother died, my son and I started our "talks" about my future and what I want v. what he thinks – those talks are sort of ongoing…

    Do you have a plan? do your kids have a plan? Do you talk about this?

    Please comment below and let's chat – thank you