Excerpt: “Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body”

By Jim Donovan

In my opinion, life is not so much about how long we live, as it is our quality of life for however long we are on this earth. To achieve this, I have created a concept I call “My Health Team.” Rather than put the responsibility for my life in the hands of my doctor, I have chosen to take personal responsibility for it and have assembled a team of health practitioners and advisors. You see, while I believe the medical profession, at least in the United States, is very good at treating illness and excellent at emergency medicine, I feel there is a big difference between not being sick and being healthy.

Many people in our world today might be considered “not sick,” since they have no overt symptoms and are feeling alright. However, that is not to say that they are healthy. While traditional medical doctors, for the most part, are great at helping you if you have an illness, it is not within the scope of their work to treat a well person. For this reason, I have assembled my own team of health professionals.

Since I believe the one that is ultimately accountable for my health is me, I have appointed myself captain of my own health team. Depending upon your present level of health and fitness and your beliefs about the subject, your team members will vary from person to person. My own personal team includes, of course, our family doctor, and when necessary, one or more specialists, my dentist, and a doctor who specializes in longevity and preventive medicine.

At various times, my team will include a massage therapist, personal coach, chiropractor, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and various other modalities to help me stay balanced. By employing the concept of a “health team” I am able to maintain the best health possible and continue to improve as time goes on.

In addition to my health team, I eat a healthy diet and supplement that with a number of vitamins, herbs and some of the cutting edge nutrients like Co-enzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant.

Stephen Sinatra, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist, a certified bioenergetic psychotherapist, a certified nutrition and anti-aging specialist, and the author of The Sinatra Solution, and co-author of Reverse Heart Disease Now, said that in his research, Co-enzyme Q10 was one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century for the treatment of heart disease.

I exercise regularly, and as I said earlier, I’ve been inspired to set a goal of being in the best physical condition I have ever been. The interesting thing about this goal is that I can never reach it. It will keep moving as I approach it. The more fit I become, the more I increase my fitness capacity. This is one goal that I will enjoy never reaching.

One last thought about health and fitness. You may be thinking “I’m getting older; it’s too late for me to get fit.” Studies have shown that regardless of your age when you begin exercising, you can increase your fitness levels dramatically by following a regular exercise regimen. Of course, check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise or nutritional program.

Jim Donovan, the Ageless Boomer, is the author of several best-selling self-help books, an inspiring motivational speaker and coach. Look for his new book, “Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body” to help you make the rest of your life, the best of your life. www.JimDonovan.com

Except from Over 50: The Definitive Guide to Retirement by Auren Uris on the discussion of community living options in retirement.

By Ed Caine

In my view, a key to successful retirement is the ability to keep oneself usefully occupied and absorbed in life. It struck me that retirement activity falls into two major categories, as probably does all human extra-vocation affairs. A person can receive or give, or do both; be entertained or render service, or do both. In fact, I am convinced that a happy retirement for active people is a judicious combination of both categories.

Because it gave us the opportunity for receiving and giving, the [retirement community] Heritage Village is proving to be an almost ideal retirement residence. The opportunities for entertainment, for physical, social, and cultural activities are large. The residents use their skills and backgrounds to enrich the cultural life of the village. For example, a retired teacher conducts a lecture series on poetry. A former professor from Antioch conducts the Shakespeare cycle; plays are heard on tape and discussed… Artists promote exhibits and sponsor classes. An the light side, dances and dinners are promoted. Concerts are held frequently. Organized trips are available.

The life here also offers many opportunities for service. Many residents serve as volunteers in nearby hospitals, state institutions, and public schools. Others have found their niche in helping to govern the village, as members of condominium boards and committees. A fair number of residents participate in the town government as elected or appointed officials.

Shortly after we began living in the village, I decided that I would like to work with the village’s volunteer ambulance service, which the residents had organized. Both of us had decided early on that we did not wish our activities to be limited to the village. Mildred joined the League of Women Voters and soon found herself chairing a group studying the financing of the education system of the local school district.

To round out our retirement, we plan about six weeks of travel each year, either in this country or aboard. Travel lets us get away form the routines that develop even in retirement and prevents the growth of the ivory-tow syndrome that could so easily develop in our enclave of community living.

By Carol Smith

When you think of taking care of your heart, very rarely does laughter pop in most people’s minds. You might be surprised at the health benefits of laughter, particularly to heart.

Researchers have scrutinized the heart benefits of laughter and the evidence is very strong. “The old saying that ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart,” says Michael Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

A study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh as compared to people of the same age without heart disease. While it is unclear how laughter helps the heart, it is widely believed that mental stress can adds to the impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining the blood vessels. Laughter is believed to alleviate the effects of mental stress.

In the study, it was determined that people who have heart disease are less likely to find the humor in every day situations that affect us all. People with heart disease tended to be more angry and hostile. Doctors now speculate that in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, daily laughter may help keep the heart healthy.

The benefits of laughter reach beyond the heart. Laughter minimizes pain, as well as stress. It helps to bring the body into physical, as well as emotional alignment. Laughter can inspire hope, connect you to others and lightens the burdens of life.

By Frank Brand

Financial disagreements are the greatest predictor of divorce in a couple. In fact, financial issues can put a greater strain on a relationship in retirement. Tips for money management and financial communication can be an important aspect of the retirement transition.

If you haven’t already, create a household budget planner. Discuss the budget together and make sure both of you are in agreement with it. Have monthly meetings where you discuss your budget and make adjustments accordingly.

Understand each of you have a unique money personality. One of you is more likely to save and the other, spend. Don’t try to change the other, but celebrate your differences and recognize both bring value to the relationship. Make sure your budget allows for each of you to demonstrate your strength.

Create financial responsibilities for each of you. One may be responsible for paying the bills and the other for monitoring investments. Both of you should be involved in your finances and have full understanding of your money situation.

Communicate about your money situation. Don’t have secrets from your partner about finances. If there is a problem, be willing to discuss it and work together to find a solution. Also, be willing to share concerns and worries. In retirement, there are many unknowns about both the present and future.

Work together to establish you financial priorities. What are you financial goals individually and as a couple. Establish action steps that will move your toward your goals. If there are disagreements, work together collaborative to come to a mutual agreement.

Involve financial experts in your financial plan, especially if you have troubles communicating. This can be an accountant, financial planner, insurance agent and/or lawyer specializing in estate planning. Have them help you resolve differences.

Finances for couples can be challenging. Following these tips for money management will help you solve problems early on so it doesn’t destroy the marriage later.

By Jim Leonard

The New Year is a great time to go through basic routines, such as checking smoke alarms batteries and updating your home emergency kit. No one likes to think of being in an emergency that requires basic survival, but we watch thousands of people every year on television that face a disaster.

Experts recommend you be able to take care of yourself for three days, which includes enough water, food and other supplies. It is recommended that you have one gallon of water stored per person per day. If you are at home, you can also drink the water in the tank of the toilet and the hot water heater.  Make sure you have a hand operated can opener. If you have pets, have extra water and food for them.

You first aid kit should include dust masks, moist towelettes and a whistle. Have a flashlight that works with extra batteries. You will want to have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, and local maps. Include a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities and know where they are located.

In addition to having a home emergency kit, you should also have a smaller version for your car. Of course, people never think it will happen to them, but taking a few steps to be prepared will save you potential regret in the future. It might also save your life.

By Cathy Severson

Nothing smells or tastes better than homemade bread fresh from the oven. While I never considered myself much of a baker, a couple of times a year, I’d make bread for my family. Now that it’s just my husband and me, it seems like a lot of work and excess bread just for the two us. So, I was thrilled to learn about the five minute artisan bread.

I first heard about five minute artisan bread listening to an interview with authors Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois who wrote the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. There are two things I like about their basic recipe. First, it doesn’t require any kneading. You throw all of the ingredients in a large bowl, and then place it in the sun for a couple of hours. That’s it.

Once the bread has risen, it’s recommended it be placed in the refrigerator over night. When you want a loaf of bread, you take what you want, shape it into a loaf or ball, let it rise while the oven is warming, cook it for 30 minutes and it’s ready. You can leave the dough in the fridge for up to two weeks, and use it as desired.

The basic recipe consists of flour, water, yeast and salt, which I like and have used numerous times. I purchased the book which gives suggestions for different variations. I love the bread made with olive oil and whole wheat. The book includes peasant loves, flatbreads and pizzas, as well as enriched breads and pastries.

The wonderful thing about the book is all of the breads follow the basic process. There is never any kneading, you can store dough in the refrigerator and use it as you want it. Five minute artisan bread is easy, flavorful and perfect for a couple, an individual or a party.

By Carol Smith

Menopause is different for every woman. When it starts, how long it last and the symptoms of menopause are very individual. How you manage symptoms will also be based on your individual situation.

Having a better life style can help the symptoms of menopause. Following these tips for a healthy life can also help you manage the symptoms of menopause.

Stop Smoking. While the health dangers of smoking are well known, it can also heighten menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, weakened bones and irritated bladder can be generated by smoking.

Reduce Stress. While menopause can be stressful in women, stress can also trigger symptoms. If you struggle with stress, learn techniques such as yoga, and mediation to lessen the symptoms of menopause.

Exercise. Getting physical activity is the first and most important answer to how to have a healthy life. Getting the heart pumping, weight training, and stretching are all important aspects of a solid exercise program.

Eat healthy. Excess sugar, alcohol and caffeine may affect menopausal symptoms. Eat a well-balanced diet for better health, as well as to minimize symptoms of menopause. Being overweight can also contribute to hot flashes.

As you can see, the suggestions to help manage symptoms of menopause are the same tips for a healthy life. As we get older, the body becomes more sensitive to abuse and lack of healthy behavior. Use menopause as the time to make lifestyle changes to get and stay healthier.

By Cathy Severson

Have you embraced frugal living? Many people have cut back and searched for easy ways to save money. Is being frugal worth it?

Have you taken the time to think about the costs versus benefits of living frugal. A few years ago, I wanted to raise tomatoes. While the product was much better than those purchased at a super market, we the estimated the cost at around $10 a pound. I enjoyed the process, learned a lot and expect that the cost would be cheaper the next year. From the perspective of frugality, raising my own tomatoes wasn’t cost effective. For many people, raising their own food is both cheaper and more enjoyable.

When you think about frugal living, how do you evaluate whether it’s worth it? First, your time is worth something, even if you’re retired. Although, your time may be worth less. What do you do yourself now that you paid to have done when you worked?

Is the benefit worth the effort? I don’t cut out coupons. When I had a family to feed, there were times when I used coupons. We don’t eat many of the foods that use coupons. I hated the process of storing and then rummaging through them, so haven’t used grocery coupons for a long time. Occasionally, I’ll see an offer online or in a paper that I’ll take advantage of in the moment.

Do you enjoy the activity that saves you money? Do you love to can foods? My mother canned many foods when I was growing up. I don’t enjoy canning foods, but most weeks during the winter, there is a huge pot of homemade soup on the stove, which I enjoy doing.

Do you purchase items on sale and then don’t use them. As most women, I love a good clothing sale. You have to be very careful. If the item sits in your closest, not being worn, then it doesn’t matter how good of a value it is, it wasn’t worth it.

What’s the cost to the environment? Researchers actually found it was more cost effective to wash dishes in a dishwasher than by hand. Many people wash their cars at home instead of taking them to a car wash. Many automated car washes recycle their water and aren’t putting detergents down the drain.

As people reach retirement, they tend to be more financially conservative. The current economic climate has made frugal living more common for everyone. Is being frugal worth it? Look at the financial cost, the time it takes, your enjoyment and the cost to the environment and natural resources. Then decide.

Do you have tips for frugal living? Are there things you did to be frugal, but have stopped? Please share.

By Carol Smith

Recently I wrote about the benefits of eating a high fiber diet. If you’re interested in the benefits of a fiber in diet, then it follows you’ll want to ask how much water should you drink per day. The key in a high fiber diet is to flush the body adequately with lots of water.

It’s important to understand the difference between water soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps the digestive system. It is not digested by the body. By passing through the body, it helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fiber needs water to dissolve into a material the body can use. Examples of soluble fiber are beans, peas, barley, oats and apples. Drinking a glass of water prior to eating soluble fiber helps the body process it.

Insoluble fiber doesn’t break down in the system but absorbs water. This helps in the elimination process of the body. The skins of vegetables and fruits, plus seeds, nuts, wheat and grains are sources of insoluble fiber.

For people over 50, the amount of fiber shifts slightly. Men should consume 30 grams of fiber daily and women should eat 21 grams of daily fiber. The Mayo Clinic recommends seniors drink 2.5 ounces of water for every gram of consumed fiber. Women should therefore drink seven to eight glasses of 8 ounces of water, while men should drink about 10 glasses of water.

A great way to know if your consuming enough water is to fill 64 ounces juice bottle with water at the beginning of the day. When you first wake up, drink one glass of water. Also, drink a glass of water before each of your three meals. That represents half of the water you need to drink for the day.

Whether or not you eat a high fiber diet, you need to drink plenty of water. If you’ve wondered how much water you should drink per day, you now have a good idea.

By Cathy Severson

My mom is 85 and lives in a retirement community. Last year, her next-door neighbor died and within 3 days, the widower (age 92) proposed to my mother. This may not be what you think about as a single mom dating. While mom rebuffed the advances, her children were quite concerned.

Whether you’re the single mom dating after 50 or you’re the child, it can be a difficult situation for the whole family. Regardless of the ages involved, it’s assumed the suitor is a gold-digger, a bum, or just not good enough for mom.

If you’re a single mom, and want to start dating again, how do you prepare your children?

Talk to your children, preferably, before you start dating. Let your adult children know that you’d like to start dating again. Tell them why you want to date (companionship, loneliness, someone to do things with) and ask about their concerns. If they are able to verbalize their specific issues, it will be much easier to address them before there is a special someone.

Let them know you expect to make mistakes and ask for their support and patience. When you start dating, tell your children about your experiences without too much detail. If you start seeing someone past a few dates, introduce him to your children by going to a movie or having a small get together.

If the relationship does start to get more serious, let your children know. Throughout the process, let your children voice their opinions and feelings. It’s important to keep communication open, but don’t let your children control life.

If they don’t care for your partner, listen to their objections. They may have a clearer perspective and provide important information. In the end, if you decide to get into a committed relationship, that decision should be between you and your partner.

Being a single mom dating is never easy. Dating after 50 can be equally challenging even if the children are grown. The key is to have open communication and to take the process slowly.