Aging With Creativity

Finding Your Own Spirituality

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Your Core Beliefs Determine Your Spirituality

Every one of us is influenced by several primary factors during our lives that determine our core beliefs as adults. From family and friends to the various institutions such as schools and churches that we come into contact with, we develop our own understanding of the world and our place within it. We also develop core beliefs about life, death, God, the universe and so on. For this reason, there are likely as many personal beliefs as there are people. These are beliefs that have been instilled in you since your early years and they are not easily changed.

HERE is an interesting video on how our beliefs have become instilled throughout history. Hopefully, you will find this very illuminating.
Your core beliefs can change drastically during your life. A serious situation can arise at any time, which demands that you re-evaluate those beliefs. For example, if you lose a child, you would most certainly be devastated, but such a terrible event would most likely cause you to re-think your beliefs on death. Is there a God, did angels come to greet your child or is he or she just gone forever? A death in the family is by far the biggest factor that determines whether your core beliefs will stay the same or change in some way. Another reason you might change your views is if you are in a life-threatening situation yourself, such as a car accident. Some people even have a near death experience that completely alters their beliefs.

”All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs.”

Anthony Robbins

Obviously, death is not a welcoming topic but it is vital to this discussion. How one feels about death determines to a great extent how one lives their life. If you believe death is the end, with no consequences for your actions, you will likely take more risks when it comes to your thoughts, words and actions. However, if you believe there is a God, almighty presence, universal energy with action and reaction results or something similar, you will take much more care with how you act and treat others. This option means you have chosen to live spiritually. It doesn’t really matter if you are Christian, Catholic, Anglican, Buddhist, Hindu, Sunni, Jewish or whatever. What is important is what you believe is the “right” way to live and treat others.
For a more comforting video, please enjoy This One by John Lennon:

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Find Your Creativity Niche
& Enjoy Your Latter Years!

Being creative is not something that just happens, unless you already have a particular talent that you would like to explore. The first step is to get out of that easy chair! The next is to find inspiration by reviewing your options and looking into those that interest you in more detail.

There are many options to choose from, including art, which takes in charcoal drawing, sketching, oil painting, installation art, sculpture and more. If any of these artistic endeavors appeal to you but you have no particular skills, check out the local art programs available in your community. Colleges, art institutions and even some art galleries offer programs in art.

Do you like music? Perhaps you’d like to learn how to write songs. Maybe, joining a local choral group would be a better fit or learning to play the piano. You could also collect and listen to the tunes you love the most, which should bring you many happy hours. Instead of buying all kinds of CDs, you can borrow from family and friends, and then load them into the media player on your computer. Of course, you can also download music, but be aware that this practice is frowned upon, since you are stealing copyrighted material.

Another option is crafting and there is an endless list of things you might consider, including scrap booking, beading, candle making, ceramics, etching, stained glass, leatherworking, macramé, needlecraft, knitting, egg art, fabric painting, paper machete, doll making, soap making, weaving, crocheting, rubber stamping, pottery, basket weaving and woodworking. Again, courses may be available in your area. If not, the Internet can be a valuable source of information. Do your homework first and you’re bound to enjoy your craft so much more. You might also want to try airplane modeling, cabinet refinishing or furniture restoring.

Though you might find yourself in the kitchen cooking every day, you can also turn this activity into an interesting endeavor. Consider taking up cooking as a hobby, so you can try new recipes. You don’t have to become a skilled chef to learn how to create new dishes that your entire family can enjoy. Have you ever tried Thai food? How about Japanese sushi, homemade pizza, Caribbean Adobo, Chinese lemon chicken, Greek baklava, French Cassoulet, Indian Gee, Irish cabbage and bacon pie, Italian chicken parmesan or Polish pierogis?

Photography is another option and today, all you need is a good digital camera that you can also hook up to your computer with a USB cable so you can transfer the pictures into your photo album. You might also want to have a special “camera dock” for this process. Once your photos are on your computer, you can share them on line or if you have a printer, you can make copies for family and friends.
Those who enjoy the old fashioned way to take pictures will need to purchase the right equipment, including a camera with at least a 50mm lens and flash. You might also want to get a tripod, wide-angle lens, zoom lens, camera bag and an assortment of additional products. If you know nothing about taking pictures properly, research the subject beforehand and make sure you read any users manuals that come with your equipment as well. For those who truly love photography, it is easy to set up your own developing center in a darkroom or basement area. Of course to do this, you will need special equipment for that too but once you have it, you can spend many hours coming up with your own unique creations.

If you are the more active type, you might want to consider an activity that lets you stretch you physical muscles a bit, such as cycling, dancing, golfing, belly dancing or tennis. You may be over 50, but if you’re still in good shape physically, there is no reason why you cannot get involved in one of these activities. They will also get you out of the house and meeting new people.

Have you ever considered writing your autobiography or just creating a personal memory book? You could write articles, children’s books or poetry. The great thing about writing is that if you enjoy it, you might also be able to make some money freelancing. Starting out might be a bit difficult, but if you are an avid reader, you will probably like it. The best way to get started is to join a local writing group where you can share your work and get valuable feedback. Of course, you can also go to Aging With Creativity’s own site: Boomers Write for lots of tips and tricks to inspire the imagination.
Those who like fashion might want to explore tie dying T-shirts, cutting out patterns and sewing up new outfits, learning how to add rhinestones to clothing and overall, simply coming up with your own creations.

Astronomy is another interesting area that you might want to consider. Most communities have at least one astronomy group (either private or through a college) that meets on a regular basis to view the starry nights. You could also read up on astronomy, so you know what to look for when you go out with the group, including constellations, planets and more.

If you’re more the sedentary type but still like to have fun, why not consider having a social night once a week or once a month with family and friends where you get together to play board games or cards. If you enjoy playing games, get yourself an X-Box or join an online community where you can play a whole host of different games. Aging With Creativity will soon have its own “Games” site, so be sure to check back on this site in the future.

A new area that is becoming all the rage on the Internet is videos. We all know how successful YouTube has become in a very short period of time. In keeping with that emerging trend, Aging With Creativity will be providing you with a new site where you can view, upload, download and share your own videos. There will also be plenty of advice on the equipment you will need and how to transfer your videos to the web. We’ll keep you posted!

Don’t ever let age get you down. You have plenty of life left in you, so make the most of it! When it comes to any creative pursuit, sharing an activity with your partner or friend can bring many hours of joy. However, there are still plenty of things you can do on your own to make living over 50 the happiest years of your life!

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:19:00 +0000

How to Cope with Bad Memories

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just get hypnotized to forget your more painful memories? Unfortunately, the experts say this cannot be done. However, there are coping strategies that you can use to make those memories less painful.

Some of us have terrible memories of such things as being bullied at school, losing a parent at a young age or even childhood violence, abuse or rape. These memories tend to ferment in our minds until they just seem to boil and sometimes the problem is handled with through drugs or alcohol. These are not solutions but rather Band Aides to cover up how we feel.

Such memories can also cripple you with a negative self-image and must be dealt with, as this can hold you back in every aspect of your life from getting a good job to having healthy, happy relationships. You must consciously create a new and positive self-image based on who you are today – not who you might have been in the past. To assist you in doing this, here area few tips:

1) Whenever you hear your mind belittling you in some way (you are so stupid or you don’t deserve to have whatever.) immediately replace that thought with a positive one. Keep doing this and eventually, you will automatically think positive things about yourself. It is a matter of reprogramming your mind.
2) Recall the negative memory and try to find a positive in it. For instance, did that experience make you a more understanding person? Did it help you cope with events that occurred later in life? It helps to understand that everything happens for a reason.
3) Is there someone from your past that you truly hate because of what they did to you? There is no way to get past this except to forgive that person. I know this can be terribly difficult, but it may help to know that we are all on our own path in life and along that path, lessons (no matter how difficult) are placed in front of us to be learned. That person was on his or her own path and karma will come into play at some point. By hating, you only hurt yourself.
4) Realize that the past is just that: the past. Why let it ruin your future?

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Anti-Aging Tips for You!

Let’s face it. We all want to stay as young, healthy, mentally alert and strong as long as we can into our latter years. What follows are some helpful tips to help you do just that.
Exercise
Whether that means full out exercising or gentle stretching, regular physical activity will reduce your level of free-radical induced oxidative stress, which adds to the cause of aging and disease, including Alzheimer’s. Dr. James Jessup of the University of Florida tracked 9,777 men between the ages of 20 and 82 and found that those who exercised and took Vitamin E had a death rate 44 per cent lower than those who didn’t. As well, inactivity can lead to arthritis and osteoporosis.
Mental Acuity
Use it or lose it is the motto when it comes to maintaining your mental acuity. Reading helps keep the mind sharp, as do crosswords that make you think. As well, eat blueberries and take Vitamin E.
Healthy Diet
Your fat intake per day should be less than 30 percent of your total calorie intake to lower your risk of heart disease. Eat five servings a day of fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of cancer and three servings of whole grains daily. When you choose foods, choose color and choose fish or chicken over beef. Drink green tea because it contains a potent antioxidant called EGCG, which is good for your mind and heart. Researchers at the University of Montpellier found that drinking apple and grape juice protects against clogged arteries.
Vitamins
Perhaps the most important vitamin you can take over 50 is calcium to stave off osteoporosis and for more effective results, take with magnesium. Good antioxidants for better skin are Vitamins A, E and C.
Minerals
Two important minerals that should be a part of your regular routine are chromium and selenium. Chromium slows down the aging process, while selenium helps protect against disease. For better skin take selenium, zinc and copper.
Hormone Balance
Balanced hormones can add years to your life. Hormones are chemical messengers that send messages to receptors in the cells. When your hormones are out of whack there is miscommunication. If you feel this may be a problem, see your doctor.
Check-ups
When you’re over 50, health care is all about prevention. Both men and women should have their cholesterol level tested. Women should have regular mammograms and both sexes should have their heart and blood pressure tested regularly.
Eye Exam
Have your eyes tested annually to avoid glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Hearing Test
If you are having trouble hearing, get tested. There are many new gadgets available today that can help you.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking ages your skin and more importantly, cause cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Drink in Moderation
Alcohol not only kills brain cells, it also raises your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, as well as liver and kidney problems. Common sense should tell you that drinking heavily raises your risk of falling and injuring yourself too.
Wear Sunscreen
The best anti-aging cream is sunscreen to reduce the drying effect of the sun on your skin, as well as reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Sufficient Sleep
While you sleep, your body shuts down and goes to work repairing itself. If you don’t get enough Z’s your body produces too much coristol, which breaks down collagen and causes wrinkles.
Slow Down
By that we don’t mean exercising. We mean the day-to-day running rat race. Slow down to reduce stress and extend your life.
Laugh Often
Laughter really can be the best medicine. It reduces stress, boosts your immune system, enhances brain chemistry, can add years to your life and makes life a whole lot more fun!

Boomer Aging: It’ll Change Everything

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:42:00 +0000

25 things you learn by the time you reached middle age

1. If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.

2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.

3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

4. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.

5. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. 9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it. 15. No one has ever been shot while doing the dishes.16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.23. When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.25. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

Maxine’s Living Will

I, _________________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn’t pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it.

Nor in the hands of lawyers/doctors who are interested simply in running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

Bloody Mary

Margarita

Scotch and soda

Martini

Vodka and Tonic

steak

lobster or crab legs

the remote control

bowl of ice cream

the sports page

chocolate

or sex

…it should be presumed that I won’t ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day.

At this point, it is time to call a New Orleans Jazz Funeral Band to come do their thing at my funeral and ask all of my friends to raise their glasses to toast the good times we have had.
Signature: ________________________

Date: ____________________________

I also hear that in Ireland they have a Nursing Home with a Pub. The patients are happier and they have a lot more visitors.

Baby Boomers Anthems

The Beatles–”I Get By with a Little Help From Depends”
Carly Simon–”You’re So Varicose Vein”
The Bee Gees–”How Can You Mend a Broken Hip”
Roberta Flack–”The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face”
Johnny Nash–”I Can’t See Clearly Now”
Procol Harem–”A Whiter Shade of Hair”

George Carlin on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions.“How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key.You get into your teens and now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next “How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16!” You could be 13 but hey, you’re gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life… you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now. You’re just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?You BECOME 21, you TURN 30 and then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes. It’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.But wait! You MAKE it to 60. You didn’t think you would!So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it’s a day-by-day thing. You HIT Wednesday!You get into your 80’s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn’t end there. Into the 90’s, you start going backwards; “I Was JUST 92.”Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. “I’m 100 and a half!”
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Before even discussing alternative healing, you should know that just because a licensed doctor is not doling out a prescription it does not mean a particular alternative medication or healing procedure will not work. Throughout history, people have discovered and used natural cures for what ailed them. When we speak about alternative healing, we’re talking about not only using products found in the natural environment, but also healing techniques that have been used for centuries.

This subject is so vast that it would take a book to cover it all, so we will provide you with some links that you can explore as we go along. First of all, if you’d like to try some natural medicines, you need to find a naturopath that does not just treat one problem but views your overall state of health. These health care professionals may use homeopathy, clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine, and botanical or herbal medicine to help you.

Here are a few examples of natural healing herbs:

Green Tea:

Researchers have found that the natural chemicals in green tea (polyphenols and bioflavonoids) are terrific anti-oxidants that protect your body against free radicals. It has also been found to help fight tooth decay, help with weight loss and even help acne.

Thyme:

Use thyme to get rid of colds, clear congestion and viral infections. It will also help a dry, hacking cough.
Rosemary:

Take Rosemary for better circulation. This herb is a stimulant that can increase the blood flow to your brain, improve memory and help headaches. It is also good for treating stress, anxiety, mild depression and chronic fatigue.

Turmeric:

Turmeric, a spice used in curry contains an anti-inflammatory called Curcumin that can be taken to help ease arthritis pain and swelling. According to recent research, it may also prevent Alzheimer’s disease and colon cancer. A clinical trial at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2006 found that Curcumin helped shrink colon polyps “when taken with a small amount of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in onions, apples and cabbage.” Reference

Basil

This herb has been found to reduce stress, relieve indigestion and ease headaches. Basil tea has also been found to shrink tumors by reducing their blood supply in mice.

St. John’s Wort

This herb can relieve mild depression and anxiety, as well as promote sleep, because it contains Melatonin.

Garlic
Garlic has been found to lower incidents of colorectal and ovarian cancer. Since garlic contains more than 70 active phytochemicals it has also been shown to help prevent arterial blockages and strokes.

Aloe
Use straight from an aloe vera plant as a topical ointment for skin disorders.
Ginger
Use to help motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and even stomach viruses.
Ginkgo
Use this herb to boost your memory, improve mental function overall and stave of Alzheimer’s disease.

You will find a comprehensive herb encyclopedia Here.

Most holistic practitioners will also suggest that you perform some herbal body cleanses to rid yourself of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. These include but are not limited to a liver cleanse to remove biochemical compounds excreted by the body, a lung cleanse to rid the lungs of pollution, a kidney cleanse to rid it of toxins and a colon cleanse to rid the area of parasites and bacteria.

What follows are some of the other natural healing therapies available.

Massage Therapy

There are many forms of massage therapy that provide soothing comfort to aching bodies and also relieve stress. Shiatsu is a Japanese treatment in which physical pressure is applied along energy paths called meridians. Hot stone massage as you might have guessed involves applying hot stones to various parts of the body to stimulate circulation and ease pain. Ayurvedic massage from India involves using a heated blend of herbal oils and deep tissue massage means working deep into specific joints or muscles to allow better movement. There are many other forms of massage that you can learn about Here.

Reiki

In Japanese, Reiki means universal life force energy. Reiki practitioners utilize hands-on healing to balance your body’s energies for total wellness. By placing their hands on a particular spot on the body, Reiki practitioners claim they can push out negative energies and replace them with clear life force ene

Acupuncture

This Chinese therapy can be used for everything from pain relief to stopping smoking. It involves strategically putting fine needles into the skin to regulate the flow of energy. For more information, go Here or Here. There is even an article on acupuncture and age-related macular degeneration that you will find Here.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using the fragrances of plants to refresh the body, ease the mind and sooth the spirit. For more information you can read some articles on this topic provided by Positive Health magazine.

Get A Better Night’s Sleep!

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marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Alternatives to Retirement

A preconceived notion of life exists for many of us. A notion where you grow up, get a job, work to provide for your family and then retire peacefully at 65… or was that 62… or perhaps 59…?!? Baby boomers are being phased out or forced into retirement at earlier and earlier ages. But for many baby boomers, that golden age is the new 30 and they are at their prime. For those who still crave the nine-to-five (or aren’t quite in a position to live off the savings just yet), there are many options for a second career.

Become a Teacher
The ever increasing shortage of teachers is hitting school districts nationwide. Many states have begun to seek creative solutions to this huge problem. Many baby boomers, set to leave the classroom within the next several years are being offered incentives to stay, from bonuses to opportunities to have their retirement funds placed in escrow to accrue interest while they teach additional years (still earning a salary). School systems are also looking for retired professionals to enter the classroom to teach a variety of courses. There are many special programs that provide specific professionals lateral entry into education.

Open a Business

Turn that hobby into a moneymaking opportunity! If you have always wished you had more time for this or that, you now have an opportunity to realize that dream. Love old cars? Consider investing in a restoration business. Love photography? Take courses and become a professional photographer. Always loved to entertain? What about opening a bed and breakfast or a café or diner? Have a love of knick-knacks? What about becoming an antique dealer? The options are endless!

Volunteer

If you are seeking fulfillment but don’t necessarily need the funds, there are many rewarding opportunities for volunteers. Give some time at the local senior home, library or civic organization. Become a companion or mentor. All of these are priceless experiences that will enrich and reward the lives of you and the people you encounter.

Retirement is not death! There are many examples of older Americans beginning and being successful in careers during their golden years. You are only limited by your imagination.

Understanding the Benefits of Organic Food

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:59:00 +0000

Organic food is a safer alternative than conventional food for one very basic and obvious reasons: they are pesticide free. Pesticide residue like DDT and hexachlorobenzine on fruits and vegetables enter the human body when consumed and are particularly more harmful to children. Health risks involved with consuming these pesticides range from immune and nervous system problems, to Parkinson’s disease, decreased reproductive ability, tremors, depression, dermatitis, nausea, convulsions, diarrhea and even poor memory. If that isn’t enough, Belgian researchers found that breast cancer in women increases six to nine times for those with pesticides in their bloodstream.
Clinical nutritionist and editor of Organic Food News Quarterly, Shane Heaton says the nutrient value in organic food is also much higher. “Official food composition tables, including data compiled by the US Department of Agriculture, reveal that since the 1940s the mineral levels in fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy have declined substantially in conventional foods. Combine this with earlier (pre-ripened) picking, longer storage, and more processing of crops, and it's not surprising that we may be getting fewer nutrients in our food than we were 60 years ago.”He added that organic crops “contain higher levels of trace minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant phytonutrients.” Nutrition specialist Virginia Worthington backs this up. She reviewed 41 studies on organic vs. non-organic foods and concluded that fruits, vegetables and grains contain “27 percent more vitamin C, 21.1 percent more iron, 29.3 percent more magnesium and 13.6 percent more phosphorus.”
Organic meat is another consideration but be aware that not all products marketed as organic actually are. Organic meat producer Kenneth Solway states on his website at http://eap.mcgill.ca/MagRack/COG/COG_E_95_04.htm that "Organic standards regulate an animal from the state of its mother prior to birth, through feeding and housing practices, right to the abattoir and packaging. Many say these regulations are too strict. By being so forceful, these rules have, until recently, made truly certifiable organic meats basically unavailable, playing right into the hands of those who capitalize on fraudulent claims."
According to one organic meat company, livestock must be fed 100 percent organic food that contains no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides or fertilizers. As well, the feed cannot be genetically modified or contain animal bi-products. The animals themselves must be free of growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics. That means if an animal gets sick, it cannot be used to provide organic meat. The animals must also be treated humanly and an independent organic certification body must visit to ensure a farmer has met all of the standards.
However, Solway said that some areas like Ontario have no organic body especially to oversee abattoirs, so the process the meat goes through after it leaves the farm is not supervised.
He noted that consumers must realize that meat can be easily contaminated, so certain steps must be taken to avoid that. Marketers who state that their meat products are “chemical-free” or “hormone-free” are not being honest. However, he added that organic meat producers do use organic feed and the resulting meat is very low in these substances compared to other meats.

Try Meditating The Pounds Away

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Nursing Homes: What to look For

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:55:00 +0000

The first thing to know about nursing homes is that there are good ones, mediocre ones and downright bad ones! It is up to you to find one that is suitable for yourself or a loved one. Your first step is to make a list of nursing homes that are conveniently located so you and others can visit easily. If you are located in the United States, you may need to choose only those that are covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Your next step will be to visit the homes on your list and stay at each one for a couple of hours minimum. While there speak with not only staff members, but also existing residents. You should also speak with your family doctor as he may have information that is valuable. Look around the nursing home. Is the home clean and fresh smelling? Do residents seem happy, clean and well cared for? Do staff members look clean and happy? What kind of meals are served and can the home provide a suitable diet plan? Are meal choices offered? Are snacks provided between meals?
You should ask questions about patient safety such as how many people each staff member is assigned to and whether wheelchairs and other aids are readily available. Are rooms private and secure enough? Are they kept clean and orderly? How do staff members handle residents? Take note if staff seem impatient or take time with the residents. Do they help them with personal care? Are there adequate handrails and grab bars? When a call bell goes off, does a staff member respond right away? How are meds distributed?
Is the nursing home associated with a particular hospital and does the home have a plan to assist patients in case of an emergency? How do they treat bedsores and how do they deal with residents who have behavioral problems? Do they ever use restraints? How often are residents changed if they have an incontinence problem? Have there ever been any influenza, food poisoning or other serious outbreaks within the facility? Ask to see a recent state or provincial inspection report. Also ask about staff turnover, as most people will not continue working at a home where residents are being mistreated.
You should also ask if any activities are offered in which residents can take part and are any outings arranged to get the residents outside for some fresh air or a short shopping trip? Is there a secure outside area where residents can sit? What kinds of activities are held for special occasions like birthdays and holidays like Christmas and Easter? Also find out the visiting hours and if family members are allowed access to most areas. Overall, is the nursing home a peaceful place where you or a loved one could actually feel comfortable and at home?
If you get the feeling that you might not be told the truth about all or any of these things, schedule an impromptu second visit.

Steps Toward Good Mental Health

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Maintaining good mental health allows you to enjoy life, spend time with family and friends, and perhaps even continue working to a ripe old age. But how can you be sure that you will remain mentally fit?
According to a study in the United Kingdom, consuming saturated fats and sugars, additives and trans-fats can prevent the brain from functioning properly. This can lead to attention/hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and even schizophrenia. To help your brain, make sure you eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and whole grains. If you want to sharpen your mind eat foods with omega 3 fats, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some eggs. There is also a drink called Salba Olé that contains 1200 mg of omega 3 fats per 8 ounce serving. You might also try a daily omega 3 supplement to ensure your brain receives the nutrients it needs to maintain proper functioning.
Keeping mentally healthy also means reducing stress, which can cause headaches, digestive problems, heart palpitations and at its worst – depression. Sit down and write a list of all the situations and/or people in your life that cause you such high anxiety. Then work toward eliminating them from your life. Of course, there are some situations such as a job or people like your aunt Mildred who just drive you bonkers. If you can’t eliminate a particular situation, try deep breathing or daily meditation to bring your stress level down. If it is a person you can’t turn away, keep your association with them to a minimum.
Good mental health also involves maintaining a positive outlook on life. Yes, this can be difficult at times. However, when you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately replace that thought with something positive. Learn to lighten up about things too. Life is short and there is no point in worrying about things that might never happen. And if they do, then you deal with them. By worrying, you can make yourself sick and lose sleep. Worrying can even shorten your life. Let go and don’t sweat the small stuff, as they say. Is it really that important? Also take time out for you! Light some candles, put on some soothing relaxation music and run a hot bubblebath.
Another issue when it comes to mental health and aging is memory. You run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and just can’t remember his or her name. You’re talking about something and in the middle of your sentence you lose your train of thought. Remember that it happens to everyone and it’s not something to worry about. For some interesting memory tricks go to the Aging With Creativity site.
Finally, you may not realize it but physical exercise has psychological benefits that can ward off depression, as well as increase oxygen flow to the brain. Just five minutes of aerobic exercise can also reduce stress and tension.

Get Educated on the Medications You Take

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Isn’t it easy to take a pill for what ails you? Instant relief can be just one tablet or capsule away. How wonderful is that? Maybe, not a great as you think. You need to educate yourself on what those medications actually do to your body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported that adverse drug effects and deaths related to them have more than doubled in the last 10 years. By adverse effects, it means anything from birth defects to disability, hospitalization or the need for other life-saving intervention.
The report states that “people 65 and older account for 12.6% of the total U.S. population” and “accounted for 33.6% of the reported adverse drug effects.” The list of potentially hazardous drugs is extensive. It includes the narcotic pain relievers Oxycodone and Morphine, the duragesic Fentanyl and the anti-psychotic medications Clozapine and Resperidone. Even Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is on the list. To see the complete list, see the article on the Aging With Creativity web site.
You also need to know how the drugs you take interact with each other. If you take six or more medications a day, you have an 80 percent chance of a drug-related health problem. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications. Mixing drugs can have many outcomes, from making a particular drug less effective to causing a serious health issue. For example, some anti-depressants interfere with blood pressure-lowering medications. You will find a link to a list of the top 10 drug interactions on the Aging With Creativity site.
Also be careful about what natural herbs and vitamins you take along with your medications. Ginseng can increase blood pressure. When taken with Coumadin, a blood-thinner, it can cause bleeding episodes.
Whenever your doctor recommends a new medication for you, make sure you discuss how it will interact with what you’re already taking. You can also talk with your pharmacist. As well, read all labels on any medications you purchase and any of the accompanying material provided by your pharmacy. Be aware of what side effects may result from taking any medication. It is up to you to decide if the risks are worth the benefits.

Boomers need to Safeguard their Identity

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Guest Article By Stan Tjaden

The last thing you want to deal with at any age is identity theft. Yet, for older Americans, this is a growing problem. There are many reasons why this demographic group is targeted and just as many ways for seniors to protect themselves.

Senior citizens make ideal targets for identity theft for several reasons. Senior citizens tend to have greater cash reserves and disposable income than their younger counterparts. They also tend to have better credit. With major purchases such as a house often in the past, seniors are less likely to check their credit ratings. They are also less likely to engage in identity theft prevention measures. Senior citizens who use the Internet may be particularly vulnerable as they are often not as savvy with computers as the younger generation. It is also believed that senior citizen identity theft is underreported because many seniors are unaware the theft has occurred or are ashamed to report it.

Despite these vulnerabilities, there are many steps that you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. Monitor your credit reports annually by requesting a free report from www.annualcreditreport.com, the official site for obtaining the free yearly report guaranteed by law. On a monthly basis monitor your bank statements and credit card statements. Check for purchases you never made and other discrepancies.

Protect your personal information. Shred documents containing your social security number, credit card number or other sensitive information. Be careful with Medicare cards, which include your social security number. It is best to carry the original only when visiting a health care provider for the first time. Otherwise, it is a good idea to only carry a photocopy with social security information blacked out – at least the last four digits.

Finally, it is important to protect yourself online. Only give out your personal information on secure websites (they will start with “https” and a padlock symbol will display on your web browser). Avoid opening emails from strangers and never click on a link in an email you were not expecting, even if the email seems to be from the IRS, your bank or Paypal. Keep your virus protection software up to date and use complex passwords with letters, numbers and symbols when possible. All of these steps will help you to avoid becoming the next senior victim of identity theft.

Boomers should maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Hey Boomers! Do you find yourself feeling sluggish, unmotivated and perhaps even putting on weight? What have you been doing wrong and how can you reverse this downward trend?
The good news is that with a little creative thinking there is plenty you can do and it all boils down to your lifestyle. Do you sit a lot – perhaps watch television or read? Do you stay up late at night due to insomnia? Obviously, you need to become more active. However, when the aches and pains of our latter years begin to set in, this can be a real problem.
However, there are other things you can do to get your metabolism going, such as eating five or six small meals each day, instead of three with supper overloading you. Don’t skip meals as this has the reverse effect of slowing down your metabolism, especially breakfast and whenever possible, eat organic. Get an immediate jump-start on your metabolism by eating a good breakfast. Have healthy snacks throughout the day like fruit, vegetables, yogurt and nuts. And drink plenty of water instead of calorie filled sodas and fruit drinks as well to keep you hydrated and feeling full. Some researchers claim that eating spicy food helps you lose calories.
You can also boost your metabolism in the morning with some light exercise or stretching. Take a 15-minute walk or if you’re able, run or do aerobics to run off those calories your body has stored overnight. If you get the chance later in the day, do it again. At the same time, you must know your limits. According to a recent report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (March 2008) people 65 and older who jog may be at risk of developing blood clots. Make sure you see your doctor and have a complete checkup before beginning any strenuous exercise regime.
Another way to promote healthy living is to get enough sleep. Have you ever wonder why you get the munchies late at night? Research has shown that being sleep deprived reduces your appetite-suppressing hormone called Leptin.
Aside from sleeping, eating properly and exercising, a healthy lifestyle means not smoking. Cigarettes contain hundreds of dangerous chemicals that can harm every organ of your body. The Department of Health and Human Services, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention states that “438,000 deaths, or nearly 1 of every 5 deaths each year in the United States” is caused by smoking. Of those deaths, cancer leads the way followed by chronic obstructive lung disease. Smoking also reduces circulation by narrowing the blood vessels, which leads to the development of peripheral vascular disease. As well, post-menopausal women who smoke generally have lower bone density.
Another issue when it comes to healthy living is drinking alcohol. When it is over-consumed, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, not to mention the many other mental and emotional effects. As with everything in life, drinking in moderation should not be a problem unless you already have a health issue that is adversely affected by alcohol. If you take regular medications, drinking alcohol can be a dangerous mix.
At the same time, many studies have been done on the actual health benefits of red wine. Researchers now believe that one or two drinks a day can lower your risk of heart attack by between 30 and 50 percent. The reason is that red wine raises your good HDL cholesterol and prevents the bad LDL cholesterol from forming.

Life After Retirement: Starting A Business

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:27:00 +0000

By Guest Writer Stan Tjaden

Many of us are looking forward to retirement – that time where we can leave the rat race for good, sleep late and do what we want – all while still collecting a check. It sounds like the epilogue to the American Dream, a suitable ending to a fairytale life. However, things rarely work out quite that way.
Pensions and Social Security don’t seem to pay enough or we find that retirement leaves us with a little too much time on our hands. If you seem to have more month than money or just seem to be at a loss as to how to spend your time, and you aren’t quite ready to leave the race just yet, consider looking into the possibility of starting your own business.
Re-entering the workforce after retirement is growing increasingly popular. In 2005, U.S. labor force participation by men and women aged 55 and older was 70 percent, up from 64 percent in 1970. It has been suggested that those who work well past retirement age can expect to live longer lives with fewer health issues than those who do not. So while the benefits may be financial, working past retirement can also have physical benefits as well.
So how do you decide what your new career or business is going to be? Well, it might be better to keep things simple. Start with your interests. Like baking? Think about starting a home based business specializing in baked goods. Love to garden? Offer your services as a landscape consultant. Also, look into the possibility of owning a local franchise. Or consider purchasing the business of someone else who is retiring.
If you decide to go forth with starting your own business, try to keep your start-up costs at a minimum. Even if you have a substantial life savings, it would be unwise to risk huge amounts of it until you know your business is being successful. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, limit your work hours at first. These are still your retirement years and you should be allowed to enjoy them!
Older entrepreneurs are rewriting the book on retirement. There are no rules, just fun! If you are looking for renewed purpose, starting your own business may be just the answer you are seeking.

Boomers need to Maintain an Active Social Life

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Often as we get older, family members move on with their lives and might even move away to follow a particular career path. Friends seem to fall away as well, with some of them moving, going into retirement communities, traveling or simply being too ill to socialize.
It is important to be social with others at any age. However, once one’s career comes to an end, previous co-workers tend to go their way as well. Many seniors find themselves with a lot more private time at home and although this can be a nice change, it can also lead to serious problems. If the highlight of your day is watching sports or a soap opera on television, you’re headed for trouble!Being alone for extended periods of time with no social interaction other than the odd family get-together can lead to not just loneliness, but also deep depression, which can then lead to coping activities like drinking alcohol and in the worst case scenario – suicide. Another downside to being alone too long is that when you do go out, you will likely have trouble coping with certain social situations.
Socializing is an important part of life and should not be overlooked. Just because you might be over 50, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the company of others at a local club for people your age. Harvard researchers conducted a 13-year study on nearly 3,000 seniors and found that even such social activities as attending church or playing bingo, helped people not only cope but also to lead happier lives. Studies have shown that social activities reduce stress. Having friends makes one feel valuable and even needed.
As well, a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that social contacts stimulate the mind. Overall, continuing to be social with others will keep you healthier both mentally and physically, which in turn will add years to your life.
No one is suggesting that you go out dancing, if you don’t feel able but you can still meet friends for lunch, a little shopping and/or a movie. Call up a friend for a chat or just get out in the fresh air and take a nature walk together. You may also want to consider joining in with social activities at your local church or with an organization of interest to you, such as one on the arts, writing or other subject. If you are more active, you could join a bowling team or swim at a local recreation center. Do whatever feels most comfortable for you before you find yourself in front of your computer or television for too long. And remember that going grocery shopping doesn’t count as an afternoon out!

What having a Spiritual Life can mean to You

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:27:00 +0000

It seems that human being have an innate desire to believe in something, whether that be a specific religious teaching, a particular view on life or just faith in one’s self. This innate feeling must match your own personally held beliefs or it just won’t work for you. For instance, if you do not believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose to heaven after three days, it would be impossible for you to embrace Christianity or if you do not believe that Buddha was a messenger from God, you probably won’t believe his teaching either. The secret to spiritual joy is to find the path that feels right for you.
It is safe to say that the majority of people believe in some universal truths, such as ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and ‘though shall not kill.” Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it. Well, in reality it is. We simply need to live as if we are all brothers and sisters in this world – one big family. And yes, even families have members that are less desirable than others and some that you might need to avoid entirely for your own safety and piece of mind. But other than that, we are ONE and we need to act like it!

The secret to living a spiritual life is by having a pure heart and only good intentions toward everyone around you. But how do you accomplish that? It sounds like a pretty tall order, doesn’t it? Well, you need to understand that we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience. In other words, you must truly care about others and practice ‘unconditional love.” This of course can be difficult when some people seem to purposely get in your way or try to upset you. However, it takes a great deal of understanding to realize that we are all on our own spiritual path. Some are on an easier path than others with wealth, health and happiness being their lot. Others are not so fortunate and may be suffering financially, have health problems or be going through depression. It makes no difference.

We need to love each other regardless and that includes those of different beliefs, race, color or creed. Some of you are likely thinking, “Well, how do I love a particular set of people who do nothing but cause violence and death?” Good question. The answer lies again in understanding that even those people are on their own path. That does not mean we condone their behavior. It does mean that we show compassion when possible and send them positive, healing energy. Is there truly evil in this world? That’s a question for God, a supreme being or the universe at large. All we can do is attempt to contain it so no one gets hurt, which entails putting certain restrictions in place, because they don’t seem to understand how to truly live a spiritual life. However, you do and because of that, you benefit the most.

How do you benefit? If you are truly spiritual, you hold no anger, grudges, guilt or inner pain of any kind toward or against others. Most people now realize that those kinds of negative feelings can actually cause physical, emotional and mental ill health. You benefit through better relations with your family, friends and co-workers. You benefit because you feel a connection to all living things, which gives you a greater sense of who you are and how you fit into the scheme of things. You will feel an inner peace that can’t be bought for any price.

Boomers Should Keep their Body Healthy

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:07:00 +0000

There are a number of things Boomers can do to keep their bodies healthy, from eating the right foods to taking vitamin and minerals, as well as exercising regularly.

One of the most important things you can do to remain healthy is to eat foods that nourish your body rather than just fill you up or satisfy an emotional problem. The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation has approved the new Canada Food Guide, which assures that you get your daily requirements of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. By following the guidelines, you will be healthier, have more vitality and reduce your risk of chronic disease.

First of all, make sure you eat fruits and vegetables every day. Be creative! Choose colors, such as green broccoli, asparagus and lettuce, and orange carrots and sweet potatoes. Eating bread can add extra weight, unless you opt for 100 percent whole wheat or grain that contains fiber, minerals and vitamins. Choose brown and wild rice over white and add some oatmeal to your meal planning as well. The guide recommends eating fish twice a week but watch out for those high in mercury. And if you like it, add soy products to replace some meat. Otherwise, stick to shellfish, poultry and lean cuts of beef.

Instead of homogenized milk, opt for low fat and/or soy beverages. Also when purchasing drinks choose 100 percent fruit and/or vegetable juice. Use unsaturated oil, such as canola, soybean and olive. Consume no more than 2-3 tbsp. (30-45 ml) of unsaturated fat a day. Saturated fats raise the bad LDL cholesterol and lower the good HDL, which can lead to high blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack and stroke.

Body Mass Index or BMI for adults is a tool that indicates your weight status measuring weight with height. Check it out Here!

Watch the amount of salt you use in cooking, baking and at the table. Try replacing the salt with herbs, garlic or lemon juice whenever possible. Too much salt raises your blood pressure so make sure you consume no more than 1 tsp. (5 ml) per day. Be aware that fast foods, processed meats, canned soup, bottled dressings, ketchup and pickles may also be high in salt and avoid salty snacks like chips and peanuts. Choose such snacks as unsalted nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, fruit or vegetable slices, raisins or plain popcorn. For a brochure on healthy snacks go Here.

Currently, there is a crisis in North America when it comes to weight, with far too many children and adults that are obese. Those who are overweight generally have higher levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen — proteins that can cause inflammation in the heart and congestive heart failure. The obese may also have metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, all of which can lead to chronic illness. If you are obese, it is more important than ever to follow the healthy eating guidelines. You also need to watch your calorie intake and you can get help with that Here.

Take the Calorie Quiz

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs to remain healthy and stave of disease. For instance, people with too little Vitamin D can get rickets and a lack of calcium can lead to brittle bones and osteoporosis. Knowing what vitamins and minerals are best for your body can make all the difference but it can be confusing because there are so many of them. Fortunately, the National Institute of Health has come up with a fact sheet, which you can access Here.

Once the inside of your body is being well cared for, make sure you protect the outside too. In the United States, skin cancer is diagnosed a million times each year and that statistic is pretty frightening. Most common are basel cell, squamous cell and melanoma cancers, with the latter being the deadliest. Fortunately, that one only makes up 4 percent, but over 75 percent of skin cancers can lead to death. Make sure you use a sunscreen of SPF of 15 or higher as often as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Hale, assistant professor of dermatology at New York University’s School of Medicine says the UV rays of the sun can also cause burns, rashes and even wrinkles, so you should consider wearing clothing that covers your skin and/or a hat as well. And don’t be fooled by the different grades such as SPF 15 and 30. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the latter does not give you double the protection. SPF 15 filters 93 percent and SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun's UV rays. The trick to better protection is to apply the sunscreen every two hours. Finally, it is important to exercise and/or stretch your body regularly to boost your metabolism and stay limber. This subject will be covered in detail in an upcoming article.

Boomers Can Turn Back the Clock on Aging

marthajette@gmail.com (Martha Jette, Editor/Author/WebMaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Let’s face it. Aging is not all fun and games. However, there are things Boomers can do to turn back the clock a bit so they can can live a happier and more fulfilling life. Let ‘Aging With Creativity’ show you how to get the most out of life after 50, with information, tips, tricks, articles and more.

In 1882, German biologist Dr. August Weismann believed people aged because their bodies and the cells in their bodies were abused and overused. He felt toxins in our diet and in our environment played a significant role. Can you imagine what he’d think today, with so many more additives in our food, chemicals used in processing, chemicals in our homes and high rates of pollution in our air both inside and outside of our homes? He’d probably wonder how we didn’t manage to kill ourselves off quite young.

Dr. Weismann also considered the impact of excessive consumption of fats, sugars, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine on the body. We know that in our present day of consumer over-consumption that people are getting far more of these negative substances. Unfortunately, overdoing it in any of those areas can harm your internal organs, particularly your stomach, liver, kidney and lungs. Aging With Creativity offers advice on how to eat healthy and have a healthy lifestyle as well as information on herbs, minerals, vitamins and supplements.

As you age, you might run into health problems that seem to demand prescription medicine. Do you know what those pills do to your body? Aging With – Health – Creativity offers information on this. Today there are so many natural health products that can be taken as an alternative. However, it’s difficult to know which one might be best for you, let alone how each of them might help you. Aging With Creativity can help you with that too!

Finally, your own attitude toward aging plays a significant role in how fast you age. You need to maintain a healthy and positive outlook on life. While your body will continue to age to some degree at a cellular level, it also knows how to rejuvenate itself. Did you know that six billion new cells are created in the body every day? Our skin is renewed every month and the lining of our stomach about every five days. Wow! That just shows you that it’s never too late to begin taking better care of yourself.

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