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October Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000

A Month of Fall, Thanksgiving and Halloween Humour

Here are 31 light-hearted one-liners to brighten every day of October.

October 1
Say what you want about morticians, they'll be the last people to ever let you down.

October 2
Autumn leaves are proof that it's perfectly okay to let go and still look beautiful.

October 3
I told my rake we were taking the day off. It gave me the silent treatment.

October 4
Retirement is the only job where every day can be Casual Friday.
Retirement is when every day is Saturday...
Until you realize it's Monday because everyone else is at work.

October 5
I love October. It's the one month when even spiders become home decorators.

October 6
My neighbour said he was making pumpkin pie from scratch. I asked, "How did you get the pumpkin to hold the pencil?"

I tried to organize my books by colour. Now I can't find anything, but the bookshelf looks fabulous.

October 7
The older I get, the more I appreciate elastic waistbands. They're the true heroes of Thanksgiving.
I told my doctor I broke my arm in two places.
He said, "Stop going to those places."

October 8
I'm on a seafood diet. Every time I see Thanksgiving leftovers, I eat them.

October 9
The trees are getting undressed for winter.
At least someone still has a seasonal wardrobe.

Leaves spend all year growing just so they can show off in October.

October 10 – Thanksgiving Eve
Tomorrow we'll count our blessings. The day after, we'll count the leftovers.

October 11 – Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, the annual reminder that the turkey isn't the only one getting stuffed.

October 12
If calories disappeared with the leftovers, Thanksgiving would be a perfect holiday.

October 13
I tried to burn off my Thanksgiving dinner. Now the smoke alarm won't stop congratulating me.

October 14
Autumn is nature's way of saying, "Slow down... winter is coming."

October 15
I swept the leaves yesterday. Today they held a family reunion.

October 16
The scarecrow won an award because he was outstanding in his field. He was also very down-to-earth.

October 17
Golf in October teaches patience. Every lost ball is either under leaves or in Canada.

October 18
October teaches us that change can be colourful.

October 19
The pumpkin told the squash, "Don't worry, we're both a little seedy."

October 20
I asked my wife if we needed another pumpkin. She said, "Of course, we don't have one in the bathroom."

October 21
My favourite exercise is carrying bags of Halloween candy from the store. After that, I deserve a nap.

October 22
Ghosts make terrible liars. You can see right through them.

October 23
The skeleton skipped the party because he had nobody to go with.

October 24
Why don't witches wear flat shoes? Because someone has to keep the pointy hat company.

October 25
The vampire became a librarian because he loved checking out good circulation.

October 26
The mummy called in sick. He was all wrapped up in something.

October 27
Never trust a ghost who says, "I'll be there in a minute."

October 28
The broom got promoted because it always swept the competition.

October 29
Monsters are just people who haven't had enough coffee.

October 30
Halloween is the only day when knocking on strangers' doors for candy is considered good manners.

October 31 – Halloween
As we get older, Halloween changes. We no longer worry about things that go bump in the night, we worry about getting up twice to go to the bathroom.
Remember...
You're never too old to dress up for Halloween.
Just tell everyone you're going as your younger self.

Happy October! May your coffee stay hot, your pumpkin pie have extra whipped cream, your golf ball avoid the leaves, and your laughter echo louder than any ghost.

When Someone with Dementia Says, "I'm Fine"

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000

One of the hardest moments for a caregiver is hearing these words:

"I don't need any help."

"You worry too much."

"I can do it myself."

If your loved one is living with dementia and also has anosognosia, arguing probably won't change their mind.

Not because they are being difficult.

Because their brain cannot recognize what has changed.

Once we understand that, we can stop trying to convince them and start looking for better ways to communicate.

Here are a few approaches that experienced dementia caregivers have found helpful.

Don't argue, redirect.

Instead of saying, "You've already eaten lunch."

Try saying, "How about we have a little snack together?"

The goal isn't to prove you're right. It's to keep everyone calm.

Avoid correcting every mistake.

If a small misunderstanding won't cause harm, sometimes it's kinder to let it pass. Saving your loved one's dignity is often more important than winning an argument.

Step into their world.

If your father believes he needs to leave for work, rather than insisting he retired twenty years ago, try asking about his job or suggesting, "Before you go, let's have a cup of tea."

Often the anxiety passes.

Offer choices instead of commands.

People like to feel they still have control.

Instead of, "You need to take a shower."

Try, "Would you like your shower before breakfast or after?"

A simple choice can make all the difference.

Take care of yourself, too.

Caregiving is rewarding, but it is also exhausting. Accept help when it is offered. Attend support groups. Take advantage of respite programs. Enjoy activities like our Musical Café, where both caregivers and those living with dementia can relax, socialize, and simply enjoy being together.

Most importantly, remember this.

Your loved one is not giving you a hard time.

They are having a hard time.

When we understand that their brain is changing, we become a little more patient, a little more compassionate, and a little more willing to meet them where they are instead of expecting them to return to where they once were.

Sometimes the greatest act of caregiving isn't correcting someone.

It's helping them feel safe, respected, and loved.

If you're caring for someone living with dementia, what communication strategy has worked best for you? Your experience may encourage another caregiver who needs it today.

Anosognosia What is it and how does it affect those with Dementia?

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Have you ever heard someone living with dementia say, "There's nothing wrong with me"? or "I don't need help." Or "I can still drive." Or "You're trying to control me." The list could go on forever. Or perhaps they insist they can still drive, manage their finances, or live alone, even though it is obvious to everyone around them that they can no longer do those things safely.

Many people assume they are being stubborn, proud, or simply in denial.

Often, that's not what's happening at all.

There is a medical condition called anosognosia (pronounced ann-oh-so-NO-see-ah). The word comes from Greek and simply means "without knowledge of disease."

Anosognosia is different.

It isn't denial. It isn't lying. It isn't pride.

It is damage to the brain that prevents the person from recognizing that they have an illness. They literally cannot see what everyone else sees.

That single insight often changes everything.

"It's Not Denial. It's Anosognosia."

It is one of the least understood symptoms of dementia.

Anosognosia is not denial. It is not lying. It is not refusing to admit the truth.

It is damage to the brain that prevents a person from recognizing that they have an illness or that their abilities have changed. In other words, the very part of the brain that would normally recognize memory loss is no longer working properly.

Imagine looking into a mirror that no longer reflected your true image. No matter how many people told you your appearance had changed, you would still see the same person you had always been.

That's what anosognosia can feel like.

For caregivers, this realization can be life changing.

Instead of thinking, "Why won't Mom admit she needs help?" they begin to understand that she truly cannot see what everyone else sees.

That doesn't make caregiving easier, but it often makes it less frustrating.

It also changes how family and friends respond. Rather than correcting, arguing, or trying to convince their loved one that they have dementia, they begin to focus on reassurance, kindness, and helping them feel safe.

The goal is no longer to win the argument.

The goal is to preserve the relationship.

As our community welcomes more people living with dementia and supports more family caregivers through programs like our Caregiver Respite Program and Musical Café, understanding conditions like anosognosia can make all the difference.

Knowledge doesn't cure dementia. But it can help us respond with greater patience, greater compassion, and greater love.

Have you ever experienced anosognosia with someone you love? I'd be interested in hearing how understanding this condition changed the way you cared for them.

Is Scanning a Book an Act of Salvation... or Destruction?

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000

I recently came across something that genuinely surprised me.

Did you know that used bookstores are reportedly having one of their best years in decades? Not because people have suddenly rediscovered the classics, but because AI companies are buying books by the pallet.Scanning them...

And then destroying them.

The process is called destructive scanning. Workers slice the spine off a book, separate the pages, run them through high-speed scanners, and then recycle or discard what's left. It's fast, efficient, and apparently legal. A recent court ruling found that because the original book no longer exists after scanning, only one copy remains.

That got me thinking.

Is this an act of preservation, or an act of destruction?

There are compelling arguments on both sides.

Those in favour say the real value of a book is the knowledge it contains. Paper fades. Pages yellow. Books are damaged by floods, fires, and time itself. Once digitized, the contents can be searched, translated, copied, and preserved indefinitely. A book sitting on one dusty shelf can suddenly become available to readers around the world.

That's hard to argue with.

Libraries, universities, and projects like Google Books, the Internet Archive, and Project Gutenberg have spent years digitizing books so they can be preserved and shared. Most people see those efforts as worthwhile.

But this feels different.

In this case, companies are buying millions of books, scanning them, destroying the originals, and storing the digital copies behind corporate walls to train artificial intelligence. The public never gains access to those files. The books disappear, but the knowledge isn't shared, it becomes part of a commercial product.

For many book lovers, that's where the discomfort begins.

To them, a book is far more than words on paper. It has a history, a personality, even a soul. A first edition, handwritten notes in the margin, an out-of-print volume, or simply the feel and smell of a well-loved book cannot be digitized. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Others counter that we're confusing the container with the contents. They argue that preserving the ideas is what really matters, even if the physical object is sacrificed.

I can understand both perspectives.

Perhaps the issue isn't the scanning itself. Perhaps it's the purpose. Digitizing books to preserve knowledge and make it available to everyone feels very different from destroying books to build a better commercial AI system.

I have to admit, I'm still undecided.

One wall of my den is lined with books I've collected over many years. I still pull them down for research or simply because I enjoy holding a real book in my hands. At the same time, I also listen to audiobooks and read digital editions. I appreciate the convenience of technology, but I also treasure the experience of turning actual pages.

So, I'm curious.

Where do you stand?

Is destroying a physical book to preserve its contents an act of salvation?

Or is it a form of cultural destruction?

I'd really like to hear your thoughts. I suspect there isn't a single right answer, and that's exactly what makes this conversation so interesting.

Metaphors for Life

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Isn't it strange how you can find metaphors for life almost anywhere if you're paying attention?

The Seniors' Centre

Take a seniors' centre. It's practically a parody of time and space.

The smiles and warmth that greet you around every corner mirror your own.

After you walk in and do what you know to do, you expectantly trust you'll be greeted with a smile.

Worrying about the "how" is ludicrous.

And over at the coffee counter, the really sweet stuff... is free.

Big gulp.

Purpose and Contribution, The Final Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

If you have been following this series, you know we have been exploring how the conversation around aging is changing. We have looked at healthy aging as creating a life that continues to feel active and meaningful. We have discovered the hidden superpower of retirement travel. We have explored movement as a foundation of healthy aging. And we have talked about the importance of feeling known, included, and connected.

Today, as September ends, we are coming to the final post in this series. And we are talking about something that ties all of the others together: purpose.

When a career ends, it is easy to feel like your purpose has ended too. For decades, you knew what you were supposed to do. You had a role. You had responsibilities. You had people who depended on you. And then, suddenly, that structure is gone.

But here is what I have learned: purpose does not disappear when a career ends or responsibilities change. In many cases, having more time creates an opportunity to rediscover it.

Purpose might come from mentoring someone, volunteering, learning a new skill, creating art, helping a neighbour, starting a small business, caring for grandchildren, organizing a community activity, or sharing a lifetime of experience.

The form it takes does not matter. What matters is that it gives you a reason to get up in the morning.

Research summarized by the National Institute on Aging suggests that older adults who participate in meaningful activities often report feeling happier and healthier. Social, creative, and mentally stimulating activities may also support cognitive health.

There is no age limit on discovery. Learning a language, using new technology, joining a photography group, trying a new recipe, or visiting an unfamiliar place can bring freshness and momentum to daily life.

Curiosity keeps the future interesting. It reminds us that identity is never finished and that every stage of life can hold something new.

The question is not, "Am I too old to begin?" It is, "What would I enjoy learning next?"

Healthy aging does not require changing everything at once. It often begins with one conscious choice.

You might begin by asking yourself:

What gives me energy?
What takes more time than it is worth?
Who would I like to spend more time with?
What have I always wanted to try?
Does my current home support the life I want?
What would make my days feel easier or more meaningful?

Your answers may point toward a new activity, a new routine, a new friendship, or even a new way of living.

Purpose does not need to be grand. It simply needs to give you a reason to remain curious, engaged, and connected.

Here are some examples from people I know:

One retiree started teaching English to newcomers in her community. She had been a teacher in another life, but now she was doing it for free, just because she loved it.
A former accountant began volunteering at the local food bank. He said it gave him structure and a sense of contribution that he had not felt since he retired.
A woman who had spent her career in healthcare took up watercolour painting. She had never painted before. She was not particularly good. But she loved it.
A man who had been a business owner started mentoring young entrepreneurs through a local business association. He said it gave him a sense of purpose he had not expected.

These are not grand gestures. They are small, meaningful acts of contribution. They are proof that purpose does not have to be dramatic to be real.

Purpose and connection are deeply intertwined. When you volunteer, you meet people. When you mentor, you build relationships. When you create art, you share it with others. When you organize a community activity, you become part of something larger than yourself.

Social connection can provide friendship, emotional support, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Participating in meaningful social activities may also support mental and cognitive well-being.

The goal is not to create a perfectly optimized life. It is to keep making choices that help your life feel expansive, purposeful, and connected.

If you are looking for ways to cultivate a sense of purpose in later life, here are some strategies to consider:

Participate in volunteer work or community activities. This fosters connections and allows you to contribute to others.
Explore hobbies or interests that excite you. This can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Establish meaningful goals that align with your values. This provides direction and motivation.
Maintain physical activity. This supports both mental and physical health and reinforces your sense of purpose.

By actively seeking and nurturing a sense of purpose, older adults can enhance their quality of life, promote well-being, and potentially increase their lifespan.

When I started this series, I said that the conversation around aging is changing. We are no longer just asking, "How can I remain independent?" We are also asking, "What do I want the next chapter of my life to look like?"

Over the past five posts, we have explored what that question might mean in practice. We have looked at:

How the conversation itself is shifting, from preventing decline to creating a meaningful life
Travel as a hidden superpower, the freedom to go when you want, stay as long as you want, and save money doing it
Movement as a foundation of healthy aging, finding activity that feels like play, not work
Feeling known, included, and connected, the importance of building belonging into everyday life
Purpose and contribution, the thing that ties it all together

Each of these topics is part of the larger conversation about healthy aging. And each one is a reminder that healthy aging is not about slowing down. It is about moving forward with greater intention.

Healthy aging is having the freedom to live on your own terms, at your own pace. It is choosing an environment that supports connection without sacrificing independence. It is protecting your time and energy so you can invest them in the life you genuinely want.

This is the future of healthy aging.

This is an ageless lifestyle.

The goal is not to be perfect. It is to keep moving forward. It is to stay curious, engaged, and connected. It is to find purpose in whatever form it takes.

Purpose is not a destination. It is a direction. And it is always available to you.

What will you do with the time you have? What will you learn? Who will you connect with? What will you contribute?

The answers are yours to discover. And that discovery is what makes the journey worthwhile.

Thank you for following this series. I hope it has given you some ideas, some encouragement, and perhaps a new way of thinking about your own next chapter.

The conversation around aging is changing. And you are part of that conversation.

Feeling Known, Included, and Connected

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Today, we are turning to something that is just as important as physical health, perhaps even more so. We are talking about feeling known, included, and connected.

Healthy aging is not only physical. It is also emotional and social. Feeling known, included, and connected matters. It matters a great deal.

When we plan for retirement, we tend to focus on the practical things. We calculate our savings. We think about where we might live. We make lists of places we want to visit. But we often overlook one of the most important questions: who will be part of our lives?

Life transitions can sometimes change established social circles. Retirement, moving to a new home, or having family members relocate may create a need for new relationships and routines. The Government of Canada identifies maintaining social connections as an important part of mental wellness throughout later-life transitions.

And yet, so many of us do not plan for this. We assume our friendships will continue as they always have. We assume our social circles will remain intact. We assume we will figure it out.

But the truth is, retirement can be a lonely time. The daily interactions that used to fill our day, colleagues, clients, coffee breaks, team meetings, disappear. The structure that once brought us into contact with other people is gone. And if we are not intentional about building new connections, we can find ourselves isolated without even realizing it was happening.

The goal should not be to wait until someone feels isolated before creating opportunities for connection. It should be to build belonging into everyday life.

Let me tell you about Stephen. When he was in his late fifites, he found himself in hospital with a stomach bleed from an ulcer. As he lay in bed recovering, he thought about his future. He had always had a vague idea that he would retire early. Discharged from hospital, he gave his business partners three years' notice. And after three years, he kept his word.

At first, he did all those projects around the house that he had ignored for 20 years. But as part of his planning, he had considered the prospect of aging. He wanted to stay young as long as possible and be supported in his later years. So, he made a decision that might seem surprising: he moved into a retirement home.

A new world opened up for him. He gave talks to fellow residents on astronomy. He became active in the film club. And he learned to tap dance. Before he knew it, a whole group of them were dancing.

Now, not all of us want to move into a retirement community. That is not the point. The point is that Stephen was open to creating new experiences for himself. He did not wait for connection to come to him. He went out and found it.

He could have sat in his apartment and felt lonely. He could have complained that no one understood him. Instead, he tapped danced. Literally.

An AARP study found that of the 7% of retirees who return to work, 15% cited boredom as the reason, with 14% saying they were motivated to help others. That is interesting. It tells us that many retirees are not returning to work for the money. They are returning because they miss the social connection, the sense of purpose, and the feeling of being part of something.

A friendly conversation outside your door, an invitation to join a group, or a spontaneous coffee with a neighbour may seem like small moments. Together, they create the feeling of being part of something.

Most people have not thought through what their life will be like in retirement. In my experience, they will say, "I'll figure it out. I'm going to go to Yellowstone. I'll go on cruises."

But when planning for retirement, they need to consider the work benefits that do not involve a paycheck: friendships, relationships, solving problems, and feeling like you play a significant role. The question is, "Where are you going to find purpose?" And it is not going to be on a cruise ship.

If you are feeling disconnected in retirement, here are some ideas to help you build new connections:

Join a group. It does not have to be a big commitment. A book club, a walking group, a craft circle, or a volunteer organization can introduce you to people who share your interests.

When someone invites you to something, say yes, even if you are not sure. The worst that can happen is you have an awkward hour. The best that can happen is you make a new friend.

If you are waiting for others to reach out, you may be waiting a long time. Be the one who suggests coffee, a walk, or a meal. Most people are grateful for the invitation.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet people and feel connected. It also gives you a sense of purpose and contribution.

Sometimes we let friendships fade because we assume the other person is too busy or not interested. But often, they are waiting for you to reach out. A simple phone call or email can rekindle a connection that still matters.

Not everyone wants to move, but for some, a retirement community can open up a new world of social connection and activity. It is worth considering if you are feeling isolated.

This week, do one thing to build connection. It could be:

Calling a friend you have not spoken to in a while
Joining a group or class
Inviting a neighbour for coffee
Volunteering for a cause you care about
Saying yes to an invitation you would normally decline

Notice how you feel before and after. Connection is not just nice to have. It is essential to healthy aging.

And remember, the question is not, "Am I too old to make new friends?" It is, "What would I enjoy sharing with someone else?"

The answer to that question is always the same: whatever brings you joy.

Movement That Feels Like Living

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

If you have been following this series, you know that we have been exploring how the conversation around aging is changing. In our first post, we looked at how healthy aging is no longer just about preventing decline, it is about creating a life that continues to feel active, meaningful, and connected. In our second post, we discovered the hidden superpower of retirement travel: the freedom to go when we want, stay as long as we want, and save money doing it.

Today, we are turning to one of the most important foundations of healthy aging: physical activity.

But let us be clear about something from the start. Physical activity does not have to mean following an intense exercise program. It does not have to mean running marathons or spending hours in a gym. It does not have to look like anything other than what feels good to you.

It could be walking with a neighbour. Gardening. Swimming. Dancing. Practising yoga. Playing pickleball. Joining a fitness class. Exploring a local trail.

The best activity is often one you enjoy enough to continue. And group activities can offer an additional benefit by creating opportunities for friendship, encouragement, and social interaction.

A retirement of 20 years or longer often covers three phases. The first is an active, healthy phase right after leaving work. The second is a period of less activity. And the third is a final period when retirees settle into a lifestyle with very little activity near the end of life.

Physical activity is one of the foundations of healthy aging. Staying physically active should ensure that all three phases of your retirement are meaningful. The question is not, "Am I too old to begin?" It is, "What would I enjoy learning next?"

Healthy aging is influenced by the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the environments in which we live. It is personal, but it does not happen entirely on our own.

Let me tell you about Liz. She spent 26 years working in parks and recreation. She was a competitive swimmer and later added triathlons and other physical activities. She discovered Pilates and became certified to teach Pilates and yoga. She then started her own studio to teach more yoga and Pilates.

Now, not all of us are this ambitious when we retire. Most of us want to slow down. But if a dream calls you, in retirement you can pursue it with all the energy and passion you have.

Liz did not just "stay active." She followed a passion. She built a community. She created a new chapter of her life that was entirely her own.

And that is the point. Physical activity is not just about maintaining your body. It is about maintaining your spirit. It is about staying connected to yourself and to the world around you. It is about proving to yourself that you are still capable, still curious, still growing.

The best activity is not the one that burns the most calories or builds the most muscle. The best activity is the one you actually want to do.

Think about what you enjoy. Do you like being outdoors? Walking, hiking, or gardening might be right for you. Do you like music? Dancing or a group fitness class might be a better fit. Do you like being in the water? Swimming or water aerobics could be your thing. I enjoy going golfing with my friends once a week. We no longer keep score, (mentally we all do, we just don’t write our score down) and so we have time to talk about family, the world situation, life and golf without the stress of keeping score..

The key is to find movement that feels like play, not work. When movement feels good, you are more likely to keep doing it. And when you keep doing it, it becomes a habit. And when it becomes a habit, it becomes part of who you are.

Group activities can make it even easier. When you are part of a walking group or a fitness class, you are not just exercising. You are building relationships. You are creating a support network. You are showing up for yourself and for others.

Healthy habits are easier to maintain when your surroundings naturally support them. The World Health Organization recognizes that healthy aging is shaped by the interaction between a person's abilities and the physical and social environment around them.

Think about how much easier it is to stay engaged when:

Walking routes are nearby
Social spaces feel welcoming
Activities are easy to join
Neighbours know one another
Daily responsibilities feel manageable
Opportunities for movement and connection are part of the community

The right environment does not tell people how to live. It gives them more opportunities to live in the way that feels right for them.

In our community, we are fortunate to have spaces like the Wilson Centre, where seniors can gather, move, and connect. But you do not have to belong to a centre to be active. You can walk in your neighbourhood. You can garden in your backyard. You can swim at a local pool. You can dance in your living room.

The important thing is to move. To keep your body engaged. To keep your spirit alive.

Physical activity is not about being perfect. It is not about pushing yourself to the point of pain. It is about showing up. It is about doing what you can, when you can, and being kind to yourself when you cannot.

If you have not been active for a while, start small. A five-minute walk around the block is better than no walk at all. A gentle stretching routine is better than no routine. A single yoga class is a beginning.

And if you miss a day, do not beat yourself up. Just start again tomorrow.

The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to keep moving.

This week, try something new. It does not have to be big. It could be:

A walk in a park you have never visited
A gentle yoga class (many community centres offer free or low-cost sessions)
A dance class (or just dancing in your living room)
A swim at your local pool
A gardening project
A game of pickleball with a friend

Notice how you feel before you start. Then notice how you feel after. The difference may surprise you.

The question is not, "Am I too old to begin?" It is, "What would I enjoy learning next?"

And the answer to that question is always the same: whatever brings you joy

The Hidden Superpower of Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

My wife and I spent months travelling in our first year of retirement. We had waited decades for the freedom to go when we wanted, stay as long as we wanted, and return when we felt like it. And we discovered something that surprised us.

Retirement comes with a travel superpower that no points program can replicate. It is the ability to fly on a Tuesday in February, return on a Thursday in March, and not particularly care what the weekend rates look like.

The entire pricing architecture of airlines, hotels, and cruise lines is built around the constraints of working-age travellers. When those constraints disappear, so do a lot of the most expensive travel choices.

Hotel and flight prices respond directly to demand, and demand peaks on the same predictable schedule every year: school holidays, summer weekends, the week between Christmas and New Year's. Travelling off peak not only avoids crowds, but it also saves money.

A Caribbean cruise that costs $2,500 per person in January costs $1,400 in May. A hotel in Lisbon that runs $250 a night in July runs $140 in October. These are not marginal differences achieved through deal-hunting. They are the standard market rate for the same product at a different time of year.

Retiring from a schedule that locked you into peak-season travel is one of the more consequential financial upgrades of later-life travel. And most people underuse it.

The practical move: identify the destinations you want and look at shoulder season pricing before assuming a trip is expensive. For Europe, late April through early June and September through October deliver the best combination of weather, lower prices, and thinner crowds. For the Caribbean, May through early December is hurricane season, which requires some attention to forecast patterns but also explains why prices drop considerably. The best weeks are typically May and the first half of December.

Medicare covers almost nothing outside the United States. This is a fact that surprises a startling number of first-time international retiree travellers. If you require emergency hospitalization in Italy or a medical evacuation from anywhere abroad, you are going to pay for it out of pocket unless you have travel insurance that covers it.

A medical evacuation back to the US can cost $100,000 to $200,000. A hospital stay in a major European city runs several hundred to several thousand dollars per day.

Travel insurance with adequate medical coverage is not optional for international travel in retirement. It is just something you will have to factor into your costs going forward.

This is especially true if you have pre-existing conditions, and most travellers over 60 do. You will need a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. To qualify, you typically must purchase the policy within 14 to 21 days of making your first trip deposit. Buy it later than that window and the pre-existing condition waiver often disappears, meaning a health event related to a known condition will not be covered.

Minimum coverage of $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation and at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage is recommended. Higher is better. Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip are solid comparison tools for finding plans that actually cover what you need.

The landscape of senior travel discounts has thinned over the years, with airlines in particular having scaled back programs that were more generous a decade ago. But the deals that remain are worth knowing about and worth asking for explicitly, since they rarely appear automatically.

The America the Beautiful Senior Pass from the National Park Service is one of the best pure-value deals in American travel. Available at 62, it costs $80 for a lifetime pass and provides free vehicle entry at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, as well as 50% off camping fees. Standard vehicle entry to a single national park typically runs $35. The math works in your favour after two or three visits.

Amtrak offers a 10% discount on most routes for passengers 65 and older. It applies to the lowest available rail fare on most trains.

AARP membership, available at 50 for approximately $15 per year, unlocks a set of travel discounts. Car rental discounts through Avis and Budget run 20 to 30%, with additional perks like free additional drivers. Hotel discounts at Best Western, Marriott, Sheraton, and others range from 5 to 15%.

Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Viking River Cruises offer discounted fares for travellers 55 and older on select sailings, with AARP membership often unlocking additional onboard credits.

The conventional wisdom in travel is to book early for the best prices. That is true for most people most of the time. It is less universally true for travellers with genuine flexibility.

Airlines discount unsold seats, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday departures, typically within three to ten days of travel. Cruise lines discount unsold cabins at 60 to 90 days before sailing. Both represent real savings for travellers who can genuinely go whenever availability opens.

Retirement creates the conditions where last-minute booking is actually viable and occasionally delivers prices that planned-in-advance travellers never see.

One of the least-used advantages of retirement travel is the ability to stay longer and amortize the fixed costs of getting somewhere across more days. The airfare to Portugal costs the same whether you stay four days or fourteen. Hotels and meals cost more per extra night, but they cost less per night than the flight did.

You have time. Use it.

A Few Practical Tips

Pace yourself. Building in a rest day or a slower day every three to four days on a longer trip is not conceding anything. It gives your body a break and lets you absorb and enjoy your destination. You are no longer a tourist; you become a traveller.
Proximity to good medical care. Not a reason to avoid adventure, but worth factoring into where you stay on a multi-week trip. Staying in a major city with a known hospital system, even for a day or two at the beginning or end of a rural or remote itinerary, is a sensible precaution.
Airport assistance. In the United States, contact TSA Cares for airport assistance. The TSA's helpline for travellers who need additional assistance navigating airport security is free, requires 72-hour advance notice, and connects you with a Passenger Support Specialist on the day of travel. In Canada, contact the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which provides assistance for passengers with disabilities or medical needs at airport security checkpoints.

Travel in retirement is not just about seeing new places. It is about reminding yourself that you are still curious, still adventurous, still capable of wonder. It is about proving to yourself that the best stories have not been written yet.

When you travel, you are not just a tourist. You are an explorer. And explorers never stop discovering.

So, go. Fly on a Tuesday. Stay for two weeks instead of four days. Take the trip you have been putting off. The world is waiting for you. And you still have time.

The Conversation Around Aging Is Changing

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

For generations, conversations about aging have centred on preventing decline, accessing support, and preparing for limitations. Those conversations remain important, but they do not tell the whole story.

Today's adults over 55 are entering this chapter with different expectations. They want to travel, stay active, build friendships, explore new interests, spend time with family, and continue contributing to the world around them. They are not asking only, "How can I remain independent?" They are also asking, "What do I want the next chapter of my life to look like?"

That question represents the future of healthy aging. It shifts the focus from maintaining life as it is to creating more possibilities for what comes next.

The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as developing and maintaining the abilities that support well-being as we grow older. Canada takes a similarly broad approach, recognizing physical, mental and social health, independence, and quality of life as important parts of aging well.

In everyday life, healthy aging can mean having the energy to take a morning walk, the confidence to try something new, people nearby to share life with, and enough freedom to spend your time on what matters most.

It is not simply about adding more years to life. It is about adding more life to those years.

Healthy aging does not look the same for everyone. For one person, it may mean travelling and joining group activities. For another, it may mean gardening, reading, volunteering, or spending more time with family. There is no single right way to age well. There is only the way that fits you.

There is no age limit on discovery. Learning a language, using new technology, joining a photography group, trying a new recipe, or travelling to an unfamiliar place can bring freshness and momentum to daily life. Curiosity keeps the future interesting. It reminds us that identity is never finished and that every stage of life can hold something new.

The question is not, "Am I too old to begin?" It is, "What would I enjoy learning next?"

Over the next few posts, I will explore some of the most important ways the conversation around aging is changing. I will look at the opportunities, the challenges, and the practical steps we can take to make the most of this chapter of life.

Here is what is coming:

• Travel as the hidden superpower seniors have because they have flexibility.

• Physical activity as one of the foundations of healthy aging.

• Feeling known, included, and connected and how life transitions can sometimes change established social circles.

• Purpose does not disappear when you age,it changes. And in many cases, having more time creates an opportunity to rediscover it.

I hope you will join me for the journey.

How does retirement begin I was asked.

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

One of the things I've noticed over the years is that retirement rarely begins the way people expect it to.

After the retirement party, the speeches, the cake, and the promise to "keep in touch," there comes an ordinary Tuesday morning. The alarm doesn't ring. There is nowhere you have to be by 8:30. The phone is quiet, and for a moment you wonder, Now what?

I've talked with many new retirees who confess that those first few weeks felt surprisingly unsettling. One gentleman told me, "I didn't realize how much of my identity was tied to what I did every day." Another laughed and admitted that by the third morning he was reorganizing the garage, not because it needed it, but because he needed something to accomplish.

If you've ever felt that way, let me reassure you.

Everything is fine.

You haven't lost yourself. You've simply stepped into a season of life that doesn't come with a job description. For decades your calendar told you who you needed to be each day. Now you have the opportunity to decide that for yourself.

That can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is also wonderfully liberating.

Think for a moment about the life you've already lived.

You have solved problems that seemed impossible. You have worked long days, raised families, cared for aging parents, comforted friends, volunteered in your community, and quietly carried responsibilities that no one else even knew about. Along the way, you've influenced countless lives.

Some of those moments were dramatic. Most weren't.

Perhaps it was encouraging a young coworker who lacked confidence. Maybe it was coaching a Little League team, helping a neighbour shovel snow, or simply being the person everyone could count on when life became difficult. We often underestimate the difference we've made because we were simply doing what needed to be done.

Looking back, I suspect most of us can also remember times when we were convinced life had taken a wrong turn. We lost a job, faced illness, struggled financially, or watched carefully laid plans disappear overnight. Yet somehow, we found another path. What felt like the end often became the beginning of something even better.

Retirement is much the same. It isn't the closing chapter. It's the page where a new story begins.

I know people who discovered a love of painting after seventy. Others became mentors to young people, started volunteering at food banks, learned to play an instrument, joined hiking groups, travelled to places they had only dreamed about, or finally found time to write the family stories their grandchildren will treasure for generations.

None of those accomplishments appeared on a résumé, but every one of them mattered.

Retirement's greatest gifts is the freedom it gives us to choose where we invest our time, our energy, and our hearts.

So, give yourself permission to be proud. Be proud of the decades you worked, the family you supported, the friendships you built, and the obstacles you overcame. Celebrate the wisdom you've earned. You've changed lives, including your own, and those accomplishments deserve to be honoured.

Then give yourself permission to look ahead. Stay curious. Take a class you've always wanted to try. Read the books you've been putting off. Volunteer. Learn a new skill. Join a club. Invite someone for coffee. Say yes to an opportunity that makes you just a little nervous.

After all, you've been here before. You've faced uncertainty, and you've found your way through it. You've been knocked down, and you've stood up stronger. You've moved mountains that once looked impossible to climb.

There is every reason to believe you'll continue to do remarkable things.

The best part is that this time you get to decide what "remarkable" means. It may not come with a promotion or a paycheque. It may come in the smile of a grandchild, the gratitude of someone you've helped, the satisfaction of learning something new, or the joy of waking each morning knowing the day belongs to you.

Retirement isn't about slowing down; it is about moving forward in a different direction.

Your working years prepared you for this chapter. Now it's time to write it with confidence, gratitude, and a sense of adventure.

After all, your story isn't ending.

It's simply waiting for you to turn the page.

The Adventure Isn't Over Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

A poem as a change of pace.

The finest stories are seldom planned;
They bloom where no one understands.
Not from the paths we've always known,
But seeds of wonder newly sown.

Do not cling to what you know,
the well-worn road, the settled way.
The seeds of wonder only grow
when you step into the unknown gray.

Turn your back on safe and sure,
the clichés worn so smooth and plain.
Brave the darkness, find the cure
for staleness in the heart's domain

Step past the familiar, safe, and sure,
For every dream needs something more.
Leave yesterday with grateful grace,
And greet tomorrow face to face.

When life grows quiet, pause and hear
The whispered hopes still waiting near.
In moments calm, new visions start.
A spark of courage in the heart.

Act as if the path is clear,
as if the vision is your own.
The words will come, the light appear,
illuminating what you've known.

For you were summoned long ago
to this adventure, this new start.
The stories that you've yet to show
have always lived within your heart.

It's never too late to begin
to take the brush, to learn, to start.
The artist waits just there within.
The story waits to be your art.

Try the painting, write the song,
Take the trail you've skipped so long.
Learn a dance, explore a place,
Smile at every new embrace.

Each fresh adventure, large or small,
Reminds us we can still stand tall.
A curious mind will always find
New treasures waiting just behind.

Raise your pen or lace your shoes,
There's still so much for you to choose.
The words, the dreams, the hidden light
Have waited patiently in sight.

Age is not a closing door;
It's an invitation to explore.
Each sunrise offers one more chance
To join life's unexpected dance.

So, write a chapter bold and true,
Filled with things you've longed to do.
Your greatest story may yet be
The one that sets your spirit free.

For life is richest when we dare
To meet the unknown waiting there.
The future isn't written through
It's waiting to be dreamed by you.

How to Find Your Lost Pension (Before It's Too Late)

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In my last post, I talked about the staggering number of Canadians who have lost track of pension benefits they earned over their careers. Nearly 200,000 people in Ontario alone are considered "missing" by their pension plans, leaving behind $3.6 billion in unclaimed entitlements.

But here is the good news: that money is still there. It belongs to you. And you can claim it.

The challenge is that it takes effort to find. Pension plans are not going to hunt you down. The responsibility is on you to track them down.

I decided to take my own advice. I contacted the BC Unclaimed Property Society and searched for my name and my wife's name. We didn't find anything. My children didn't find anything either. It was reassuring to know that we had not left any money behind, but I also know that not everyone will be so lucky.

The search is free and takes just a few minutes. You can do it online at bcunclaimed.ca/search. If the system finds a possible match, you will be contacted by mail. Then you just need to verify your identity and claim what is yours.

If you suspect you might have a lost pension, here is a step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Start with your own memory.

Make a list of every job you have ever had. Write down the employer name, the city or province, and the years you worked there. Do not worry if you cannot remember all the details, just write down what you can.

Step 2: Contact former employers.

This is the most direct approach. Call or email the human resources department of every employer on your list. Ask if they have a pension plan and whether you have any entitlement. Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number (or the equivalent at the time).

If the company no longer exists or has been bought out, you may need to do additional research. The pension plan may have been transferred to another administrator.

Step 3: Search online databases.

In British Columbia, the BC Unclaimed Property Society maintains a free searchable online database at bcunclaimed.ca/search.[reference:20] The Society holds more than $222 million in unclaimed funds, including pensions, payroll cheques, and other financial assets.

If the database finds a possible match, BC Unclaimed will contact you by mail. You will need to provide identification and documentation to verify that you are the rightful owner.

Step 4: Check with pension regulators.

Each province has a pension regulator that oversees pension plans. In British Columbia, the BC Financial Services Authority regulates pension plans. In Ontario, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) oversees pension plans and provides information about missing members.

Step 5: Look for federal pensions.

If you ever worked for the federal government, the Canadian Armed Forces, or the RCMP, you may have a federal pension. Contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre at 1-800-277-9914.

Canada is not alone in facing this issue. Other countries have created systems to help people find their lost pensions.

In the United Kingdom, the government operates a free Pension Tracing Service. You can search online at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details or call 0800 731 0193. In 2025 alone, 834,000 people used this service to locate lost pension savings.

In the United States, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation maintains an Unclaimed Pensions List on its website. You can search for your name at pbgc.gov. There is also the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits, which is free to search.

In Australia, you can check for lost superannuation by logging into ATO online services through MyGov. The Australian Tax Office has reunited or paid out approximately 3.1 million unclaimed super accounts valued at nearly $5.5 billion since 2022.

Every year you wait, the money stays unclaimed. It does not grow in your pocket; it grows in someone else's. And if you never claim it, it may eventually be transferred to a government fund or donated to charity.

In British Columbia, BC Unclaimed has donated over $80.4 million to the Vancouver Foundation since 2004. That is wonderful for the community, but it also means that money never reached the people who earned it.

If you have a lost pension, it is yours. It is not a gift. It is not a handout. It is money you earned through years of work.

And if you do not claim it, you may never get it.

Retirement is expensive. Every dollar counts. A pension you earned decades ago could make a meaningful difference in your quality of life, whether it pays for a vacation, helps cover unexpected expenses, or simply gives you a little more breathing room each month.

Do not leave that money on the table. Take the time to search. Contact your former employers. Check the online databases.

The money is there. It belongs to you. And it is waiting for you to claim it.

The Pension You Earned but Haven't Claimed

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Let's start with a question: How many jobs have you worked over your lifetime?

If you are like most people, the number is higher than you probably remember. Research shows that a typical Canadian will work about 15 different jobs over the course of their career. That is a lot of employers, a lot of payroll departments, and, if you were lucky, a lot of pension contributions.

But here is the problem. Every time you left a job, you may have left something behind. Not just a coffee mug or a pair of safety boots. You may have left a pension.

And if you are like the nearly 200,000 Canadians who are considered "missing" by their pension plans, you may have no idea that money is even there.

Penisons get lost more easily than you might think.

You work for five or ten years at a company and contribute to a pension plan. When you leave, you might not be eligible to receive the benefit for years, sometimes decades. You move to a new city. You change your phone number. You get married and change your name. The pension plan administrator sends statements to your old address. They come back undelivered. The administrator marks you as "missing."

The plan continues to hold your money. But without your current contact information, they cannot reach you. And because you have forgotten about that old job, you do not know to reach out to them.

The National Institute on Ageing released a landmark report in December 2024 called Missing Pension Plan Members in Canada. The findings are startling. In Ontario alone, nearly 200,000 pension plan members are considered missing, representing an estimated $3.6 billion in unclaimed pension entitlements. That is not a typo. Billion with a "B."

Nationwide, the numbers are even larger. Across Canada, there could be between $5 billion and $6 billion in unclaimed assets sitting in pension plans, bank accounts, and other financial instruments.

If you are approaching retirement, you have likely already started thinking about how much income you will have. You have probably checked your Canada Pension Plan statement. You have probably reviewed your RRSPs and TFSAs. But have you checked every pension plan you ever contributed to?

A pension from a job you held 20 or 30 years ago might not be huge. But it could be significant, especially when combined with other sources of retirement income. Even a modest pension of $100 or $200 a month adds up to thousands of dollars over the course of a retirement that could last 20 or 30 years.

That is money you earned. It is money to which you are entitled. And it could make a real difference in your quality of life.

Canada is not alone in facing this problem.

In the United Kingdom, the value of unclaimed pension pots has surged from £19.4 billion in 2018 to £31.1 billion in 2024. In 2025 alone, 834,000 people used the UK government's Pension Tracing Service to locate lost pension savings.

In the United States, approximately a quarter of all 401(k) plan assets are left behind when employees leave their positions. A bipartisan bill called the Unclaimed Retirement Rescue Plan was introduced in Congress in September 2025 to help reunite workers with lost retirement funds.

In Australia, there is still almost $19 billion in lost and unclaimed superannuation (the Australian equivalent of a pension) waiting to be found. Since 2022, the Australian Tax Office has reunited or paid out approximately 3.1 million unclaimed super accounts valued at nearly $5.5 billion.

In the Netherlands, the three biggest pension funds had a total of €350 million in unclaimed pensions about half a decade ago.

Different countries have taken different approaches to this problem:

In the United Kingdom tghe government operates a free Pension Tracing Service (gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) to help individuals locate lost pensions. A Pensions Dashboard Programme is currently under development to allow individuals to access multiple pension accounts in one place.

The Australian Tax Office maintains a Lost Members Register. All superannuation funds are required to provide details of members with whom they have lost contact. The ATO also proactively consolidates superannuation accounts to protect them from fee erosion

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of the United States works to locate lost participants of terminated pension plans. The Department of Labor provides services for plans it regulates, and there are online databases such as the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits.

Canada does not have a unified national approach. Each province has its own regulations. However, several provinces have created protocols and databases to track unclaimed benefits.

If you are approaching retirement, now is the time to act.

Make a list of every job you have ever held. Write down the employer names, the years you worked there, and the city or province where you worked.
Contact former employers. Ask if they have a pension plan and whether you have any entitlement. Be persistent. Sometimes you need to speak to the human resources department or the pension plan administrator.
Search online databases. In British Columbia, you can search the BC Unclaimed Property Society database at bcunclaimed.ca/search. This nonprofit holds over $222 million in unclaimed money, including pension funds, and is actively searching for rightful owners.
Check with pension regulators. Each province has a pension regulator that may be able to help you locate a lost pension.
Don't assume it is too small to matter. Even a small pension could make a difference in your retirement. And if you don't claim it, you are leaving money on the table.

Grow your world Online Support Groups to Explore

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Online Support Groups to Explore

Canadian Resources:

Inspire – A supportive online community for people living with chronic conditions.
Wellness Together Canada – Free mental health and substance use support available 24/7.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Offers resources, support groups, and online programs.
CanAge – A national seniors' advocacy organization with resources and community connections.
Seniors First BC – Offers free legal advice and support for seniors.

American Resources:

AARP Community – Discussion forums and groups for seniors on a wide range of topics.
The Mighty – A supportive online community for people living with chronic conditions and disabilities.
Seniors Online – Online support groups and discussion forums for seniors.
National Council on Aging (NCOA) – Resources, programs, and community connections for older adults.

The person who wrote the original post ended with this:

"Life is good even when we can't leave home."

That is not denial. That is resilience. It is the recognition that life does not stop when your world grows smaller. It just changes shape.

Your world may be shrinking, but it does not have to be empty. You can fill it with connection, creativity, and purpose. You can find new ways to reach out. You can discover new passions. You can remember that you are still here, still capable, still worthy of joy.

And when the loneliness comes, and it will, you can remind yourself, as one person did, that the feeling is temporary and will pass. That you are not helpless. That you can read or listen to a book or focus on your breathing to get through the moment.

You are still here. And that is enough.

What is one small thing you could do today to make your world feel a little bigger? A phone call? A creative project? A walk to the end of the street? It does not have to be huge. It just has to be a beginning.

When Your World Grows Smaller: Finding Connection and Purpose in the Shrinking Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Here is a truth that no one prepares you for. As we age, our world grows smaller.

It happens gradually at first. A friend moves away. A regular coffee date stops because someone is no longer well enough to go out. A chronic condition makes it harder to drive. Then one day, you look around and realize that the life you once had, full of people, activities, and spontaneity, has become something much quieter.

And if you are not careful, that quiet can become loneliness.

I belong to an online group called Inspire, a community for people living with chronic conditions. Every day, I receive an email newsletter filled with stories from people who are navigating the same challenges. Most days, I skim through it. But today, something stopped me. A post from an 86‑year‑old member:

"As our chronic diseases and our physical abilities become more troublesome, our world begins to shrink. We cannot go out as easily as we used to. Our social lives begin to change. So, what do we do about it? Do we just let it make us miserable? That would be the natural result, but... we are fighters."

That hit me hard. I am three weeks into a recovery from surgery, and I am already feeling the walls close in. My world has shrunk to the couch, the den, and the bedroom. I cannot drive. I cannot walk without my knee scooter. I cannot go to the center or meet friends for coffee.

But here is what I am learning: the shrinking of your world does not have to mean the end of your life. It can be the beginning of a different kind of life, one that is smaller, yes, but also richer, deeper, and more connected than you might imagine.

The replies to that 86‑year‑old's post were a gift. People shared how they are coping, and their stories are inspiring. Here are a few.

One person wrote:

"I read a lot, but I really missed human interaction. With Scleroderma, Sjogren's, Raynaud's, and Long COVID, it is difficult to be around people. I have had the luxury of Stanford Medical Cardio/Pulmonary Gymn, which has Warm‑Up, yoga, tai chi, and Pilates classes for heart, lung, cancer, and auto‑immune patients. As we are all in the same boat, this community is about as safe as it comes. We range in age from 35 to 93. When I am too impaired to go to the gym, I instant message with my gym friends. There is an online support group and a Mindful Movements Class by video conference. Members check in and talk for a half hour, then do seated gentle yoga stretching and joint flexing. This wonderful group is like an extended family."

Another person shared:

"I'm a musician who can't play anymore. A singer who can only hum reliably. A stained‑glass artist whose hands don't always work right. Rather than focus on what I can't do, I decided to focus on what I can do. I can write poetry. I can design glass art on days when my hands function okay. I can call a support group friend for a cheer‑up conversation. I can take a walk in my neighbourhood and greet my neighbours and their dogs. I can really look at the trees and flowers and enjoy the colours and textures. I can listen for the bird calls and try to figure out what kind of bird is talking. Baby bluebirds hatching, feeding, and fledging are all very uplifting. Life is good even when we can't leave home."

And another:

"I have always been the artistic type, and always have projects, crafts, crochet, or something generally creative going on. When I am not feeling well, just being able to look at art and plan for more projects gives me hope and makes me feel better. And when I am well, they keep me active."

These are not people who have given up. They are people who have adapted. They have found ways to stay connected, creative, and engaged, even when their world has grown smaller.

How You Can Do the Same

If you are feeling the walls closing in, here are a few ideas that might help.

Find online communities. You do not have to be alone. There are support groups, forums, and video‑call groups for almost every condition and interest. These communities can become an extended family. They offer connection, understanding, and a place to share your struggles without fear of judgment.

Explore creative outlets. It does not matter if you are an artist or not. Creative acts, gardening, cooking, writing, crafting, are both soothing and supportive of self‑understanding. They take your mind off your physical issues and give you something to look forward to.

Stay curious. Watch bird videos. Learn something new on YouTube. Listen to audiobooks. Explore a topic you have always been interested in. Curiosity is a powerful antidote to isolation.

Connect with nature. Sit on your porch. Watch the trees. Listen to the birds. Nature is a reminder that life continues, even when your world feels small.

Reach out. A phone call, an instant message, a video chat, these small acts can make a big difference. And do not wait for someone to reach out to you. Be the one who reaches out. You might be surprised how much it helps both of you.

Remind yourself that loneliness is temporary. It is not your fault. It is not a character flaw. It is a signal, like hunger or thirst, that you need more connection. Responding to that signal is not weakness. It is wisdom.

Seven Days of Giving: A September Renewal Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

As the leaves begin to change, September reminds us that every season offers a chance to begin again. As a teacher of over 40 years, September was a time for a fresh start I loved the feeling of September. Students came to school, full of hope, and excitement about the new year. However, while we organize our homes, settle into new routines, and look toward autumn, many families are wondering how they will put food on the table. This week, as we celebrate labour day, and the beginning of a time of renewal, take one small action each day to renew your commitment to caring for your community. Together, small acts can create a harvest of hope.

Day 1 – Clean Out the Pantry

Task: Gather healthy, non-perishable foods you will not use and donate them to your local food bank.

Why it Matters: Food banks rely on year-round donations, not just holiday giving. Your extra canned vegetables, pasta, rice, peanut butter, or cereal could become someone's dinner.

Time Required: 20–30 minutes for a family or organization.

Day 2 – Give the Gift of Choice

Task: Donate money instead of groceries, or in addition to them.

Why it Matters: Every dollar donated allows food banks to purchase several dollars' worth of food through bulk purchasing and partnerships. Financial donations help buy fresh produce, dairy products, and items that are rarely donated.

Time Required: 5 minutes.

Day 3 – Fill One Bag

Task: Challenge every family member, employee, or club member to fill one grocery bag with requested food items.

Why it Matters: When everyone contributes just a little, the collective impact is enormous. Twenty people donating one bag each can provide hundreds of meals.

Time Required: 15–20 minutes spread throughout the day.

Day 4 – Share the Story

Task: Post on social media or talk with friends about why you support your local food bank and invite others to join you.

Why it Matters: People often give because someone they trust asked them to. Your story can inspire others to act.

Time Required: 10 minutes.

Day 5 – Start a Friendly Challenge

Task: Invite another family, workplace, classroom, sports team, or community group to match your donation.

Why it Matters: Friendly challenges multiply generosity and create a ripple effect throughout the community.

Time Required: 10–15 minutes.

Day 6 – Volunteer Together

Task: Spend time volunteering at your local food bank or helping with food collection, sorting, or fundraising.

Why it Matters: Volunteers are the heart of many food banks. Your time is just as valuable as your donation and gives you a firsthand appreciation of the community's needs.

Time Required: 2–4 hours, depending on the organization's schedule.

Day 7 – Make Giving a Habit

Task: Create a year-round giving plan. Set aside a monthly donation, keep a food bank collection box at home or work, or schedule a quarterly food drive.

Why it Matters: Hunger doesn't end after September. Consistent support helps food banks plan ahead and meet needs throughout the year.

Time Required: 20–30 minutes.

September is often called the season of harvest, but it is also a season of renewal. As we prepare for cooler days ahead, let's remember that our neighbours are preparing too, some with full cupboards and others with empty shelves. A few minutes of generosity each day can nourish a family, strengthen a community, and remind someone they are not alone.

Challenge yourself, your family, or your organization: What one new habit of giving can you begin this September that will continue long after the autumn leaves have fallen?

What the Latest Jobs Numbers Really Mean for Anyone Over 45

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

If you have been watching the news lately, you might have seen a headline that sounded almost too good to be true: unemployment claims hit their lowest level since 1969. That is a genuinely startling number. It sounds like the job market is booming, and everyone who wants a job has one.

But if you are over 45, and especially if you are thinking about retirement or worried about your job security, you probably want to dig a little deeper. Because the headline is telling only part of the story.

Here is what is really going on.

Last month, the government reported that new unemployment claims fell to 187,000. That is the lowest reading since September 1969. Economists had expected the number to be higher, so the drop was a surprise.

On the surface, that looks like the job market is incredibly strong. Companies are not laying people off. Workers are staying employed. Everything is fine.

But under the surface, a different story is unfolding. Here is the catch: the unemployment rate has also been falling, dipping to 4.2% in June. But that drop had more to do with fewer people looking for work than with more people finding jobs. When people stop looking for work, they fall out of the official unemployment count. That can push the rate down even when the hiring picture is flat.

In plain English: fewer people are losing their jobs, but the people who do lose their jobs are struggling to find new ones.

If you are over 45, this matters for a few reasons.

First, if you lose your job, it may take longer to find a new one. The total number of people who are still searching for work after their initial unemployment claim has actually risen. In other words, fewer people are being laid off, but the ones who are laid off are taking longer to land somewhere new.

That is a concern if you are in a field that is changing or shrinking. The Conference Board's Employment Trends Index has been showing that the economy is stuck in what former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell called a "low-hire, low-fire" equilibrium. Employers are not cutting headcount aggressively, but they are also not hiring at anything like the pace of the last few years.

For someone who is job hunting right now, especially someone who may be perceived as "older," that can feel like a standstill.

Second, big companies are still quietly cutting jobs. Just weeks before this report, Microsoft cut 4,800 roles. Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, and Walmart have all trimmed staff in recent months. Those cuts do not always show up right away in the weekly numbers, because of notice periods, severance arrangements, or because higher earners often take longer to file for unemployment.

The point is: the headline number does not capture the full picture. Even when the overall number looks strong, specific sectors and companies are still feeling the pressure.

Third, manufacturing and federal employment are still bleeding jobs. State-level data shows manufacturing layoffs in several states, and federal civilian employment has been ticking up for well over a year as agencies have shed staff under workforce-reduction directives.

If you work in manufacturing or for the federal government, these are trends worth paying attention to.

The Federal Reserve is watching these numbers closely. There is a live debate about where interest rates go next, which matters for anyone who is planning a budget around borrowing costs or thinking about taking out a loan.

The risk, according to at least one senior economist, is that unemployment could rise more sharply than expected. That is not a prediction, it is a caution. And it is worth keeping in mind if you are thinking about your own financial stability.

Traders are already pricing in the possibility of further rate hikes over the coming year. That matters because higher rates mean higher borrowing costs for businesses, which can slow down hiring. It is a reminder that this week's strong jobs number is being read as one data point in a still-uncertain picture, not as confirmation that everything is fine.

If you are over 45 and thinking about your career or retirement, here are a few practical steps.

First, keep your skills current. The job market is shifting. Even if you are not looking for a job right now, staying current in your field is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself.

Second, be realistic about how long it might take to find a new job. If you are thinking about making a change, start looking earlier than you think you need to. The "low-hire" environment means it may take longer than it used to.

Third, consider part-time or contract work. Retirement is increasingly becoming a gradual process, not a single event. Many people are working part-time, consulting, or shifting to self-employment. That can be a good way to ease into retirement while keeping your skills sharp and your income flowing.

Fourth, network. It is an overused word, but it matters. The best way to find a new job is often through people you know. Stay connected with former colleagues, join professional groups, and be visible in your field.

Fifth, talk to a financial advisor. If you are worried about your job security or thinking about retiring earlier than planned, a good financial advisor can help you understand your options and make a plan.

The headline number is real: unemployment claims are remarkably low. But the job market is more complicated than that single number suggests. For people over 45, that means staying informed, staying flexible, and staying prepared.

The good news is that fewer people are losing their jobs. The caution is that the ones who do are struggling to replace them. And that distinction matters, especially for anyone who is thinking about retirement or wondering what comes next. If you lost your job tomorrow, how long would it take you to find a new one? What would you need to do to be ready?

The Courage to Lose Sight of the Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

"We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shore."

I have always loved that quote. It captures something essential about transition. You cannot stay in the harbour and expect to find anything new. At some point, you have to let go of the familiar and venture into the unknown.

For seniors, that can feel like a big ask. You have spent a lifetime building stability. You have created a life, a home, a community. You have earned the right to feel safe. Why would you risk that now?

Because the shore is not going anywhere. It will still be there if you need to come back. But if you never leave it, you will never know what else is out there.

The seniors I admire most are the ones who are still willing to lose sight of the shore. They are the ones who move to a new city at seventy-five. Who start a new hobby at eighty. Who make new friends in their nineties. They are the ones who understand that growth does not stop just because you have reached a certain age.

They are also the ones who have learned to be comfortable with discomfort. They know that feeling lost is part of the journey. They know that the liminal space is not a detour. It is the path.

If you are in transition right now, whether you are thirty or eighty, remember this: you have been here before. You have survived transitions that once seemed impossible. You have made endings, inhabited neutral zones, and made new beginnings. You know how to do this.

The shore is behind you. The ocean is ahead. And you have everything you need to navigate it.

What would it look like to lose sight of the shore today? Not forever. Just for a moment. Just to see what might be waiting.

Five Ways to Thrive in Liminal Space

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The liminal space is uncomfortable. But it is also rich with possibility. Here are five practical ways to inhabit that space without losing your mind.

1. Schedule a new experience every week.

This does not have to be expensive or complicated. Walk a route you have never taken. Visit a library in a different neighbourhood. Try a new recipe. The goal is not to find the perfect activity. The goal is to stay curious.

2. Notice meaningful coincidences.

When you are in transition, you may start noticing patterns. You run into someone you have not seen in years. You hear the same phrase twice in one day. A book falls off the shelf, and when you open it, it speaks directly to your situation. These are not accidents. They are guideposts.

3. Imagine possibilities without settling too quickly.

It is tempting to grab the first option that comes along just to end the uncertainty. Resist that urge. Let yourself imagine different futures. What would it be like to live in a different city? To try a completely different kind of work? To pursue a passion you have never had time for? You are not committing to anything. You are just exploring.

4. Access your creativity.

You do not have to be an artist to be creative. Gardening, cooking, decorating, writing, photography—these are all creative acts. They are ways of expressing yourself. They are also ways of discovering who you are becoming.

5. Find someone to hold space for you.

Holding space means walking alongside another person without judging them, fixing them, or trying to change the outcome. It is a gift. If you have someone in your life who can do that for you, cherish them. If you do not, consider finding a therapist, a coach, or a support group. You do not have to do this alone.

Which of these five practices speaks to you right now? What would it look like to try it this week?

Making a New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When beginnings come after a definite ending and time hanging out in the neutral zone, they have great power. They are marked by a release of new energy in a new direction. They are the expression of a new identity.

But beginnings are not easy. Every new beginning confirms that the ending you experienced was real. You will feel again a sense of the original loss. And you may worry that this new beginning might not be the right one for you, or that you might fail.

That is normal. It is part of the process.

For seniors, new beginnings can take many forms. A new volunteer role. A new relationship. A new hobby. A new home. A new community. Each of these is an opportunity to express who you are now, not who you used to be.

But they can also be scary. What if you do not fit in? What if you are not good at it? What if it does not work out?

Here is what I have learned: the new beginning does not have to be perfect. It does not have to be your final destination. It just has to be a step. A step in a new direction. A step that confirms that you have made an ending and are ready for something new.

If you are struggling to make a new beginning, try this: think of it as an experiment. You do not have to commit forever. You are just trying something to see if it fits. You can always try something else.

The seniors I know who have thrived in their later years are the ones who have been willing to make new beginnings. They have not settled for the first thing that came along. But they have been willing to take a step, even when they were not sure where it would lead.

They have been willing to lose sight of the shore. What is one small new beginning you could make this week? Not a big commitment. Just a step. An experiment.

The Neutral Zone – Where the Magic Happens

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

If making an ending is the first part of transition, the neutral zone is the second. This is the heart of liminal space. It is the time between the old and the new, when everything is up in the air.

William Bridges described the neutral zone as a time of chaos, "that state of pure energy that is experienced either as a jumble or a time of empty nothingness." It makes us feel out of control and a little crazy.

But it is also chock-full of creative potential. It is a time of possibility.

The problem is that most of us cannot stand the uncertainty. We want to get through the neutral zone as fast as possible. We leap to the first new thing that comes along, hoping it will make us feel comfortable again. And in doing so, we miss the opportunity that the neutral zone offers.

The primary task of the neutral zone is waiting. And waiting is hard.

But while you wait, there are things you can do.

First, schedule a new experience at least once a week. Wander through a toy store. Take a walking tour of your own town. Visit a museum you have never been to. Try something you have never done before. These small adventures keep you open to possibility.

Second, pay attention to meaningful coincidences. Carl Jung called this synchronicity. They are often arrows pointing the way to your next step. When you notice them, pay attention.

Third, imagine possibilities without settling too quickly. Creative visualization can help you rehearse each possibility to see what feels right.

Fourth, access your creativity in whatever form works for you. Plant a garden. Paint a picture. Write a poem. Creative acts are both soothing and supportive of self-understanding.

Fifth, meditate. Meditation is enormously helpful in managing anxiety and getting used to waiting peacefully.

For a senior, the neutral zone might be the months or years after retirement when you are still figuring out what you want to do with your time. It might be the period after a loss when you are learning to live alone. It might be the time after a move when you are building a new community.

Be patient with yourself. You are not failing. You are transforming. What would it feel like to stop fighting the uncertainty of your transition and instead settle into it, just for a while?

The Art of Letting Go

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

William Bridges, who wrote the definitive work on transitions, described three parts to any transition. The first and hardest is making an ending.

Most of us are terrible at endings. We try to glide over them, pretend they are not happening, or hold on so tightly that we never really let go. But without a clean ending, there can be no real transition.

When I retired from teaching, I started substitute teaching almost immediately. I told myself it was extra money, a way to keep my hand in. But the truth was simpler: I was not ready to let go of being a teacher. I was still identifying with the role, still defining myself by what I did. I had not made an ending.

It took me three years to realize that I would never fully arrive at what was next as long as I was clinging to what was. So, I revoked my teaching licence. It was a symbolic act, but it was also a real one. I was saying, "I am no longer a teacher. I am open to whatever comes next."

That is the work of making an ending. It is not just about leaving a job or a relationship. It is about letting go of the identity that went with it. It is about grieving what you are losing. It is about giving yourself permission to not know who you are yet.

For seniors, the endings can feel relentless. We retire from work. We lose friends and family. We give up our driver's licence. We move from a home we have lived in for decades to something smaller. Each of these losses asks us to let go of a part of who we have been.

And that is hard. It is okay to grieve. It is okay to feel sad, angry, confused. Those feelings are not signs of weakness. They are signs that you are doing the work of transition.

If you are struggling to make an ending, try this: find a symbolic way to mark the change. Write a letter to your old self. Plant a tree to honour a memory. Create a small ceremony to acknowledge what you are leaving behind.

The act of marking an ending is not about forgetting. It is about giving yourself permission to move on. What ending are you avoiding? What would it feel like to let it go, fully and completely?

The Scariest Place You've Ever Been (That You've Been Before)

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

I remember the day I revoked my teaching licence. It was not a dramatic moment. No one applauded. No one handed me a certificate. I just filled out a form, mailed it, and felt the ground shift beneath my feet.

For forty years, I had been a teacher. That was who I was. Not just what I did. And in that moment, I was neither teacher nor anything else. I was betwixt and between. I was in liminal space.

Liminal space is the place we inhabit during any significant transition. It is the time when we have left what was, but have not yet arrived at what will be. It can be physical, a hallway, a waiting room, an empty parking lot. But more often for us, it is emotional: the space between one job and the next, one relationship and the next, one version of ourselves and the next.

And it is terrifying.

Think about the transitions you have lived through. Moving from one home to another. Retiring from a career you loved. Becoming an empty nester. Losing a spouse. Turning sixty, then sixty-five, then seventy.

In each of these moments, you were in liminal space. You had left the familiar but had not yet found the new. You were no longer who you were, but not yet who you would become.

And yet, here you are. You survived. More than that, you grew.

The fear of liminal space is real. Most of us will do almost anything to avoid it. We stay in jobs we hate. We postpone difficult conversations. We keep living in a house that no longer fits. We hold on to the old identity because it is safer than facing the unknown.

But here is what I have learned: the liminal space is where the magic happens. It is where we shed our old skin. It is where we discover who we are when we are not defined by our roles. It is where creativity, possibility, and transformation live.

The next time you find yourself in that uncomfortable in-between place, try something different. Instead of rushing through it, try to inhabit it. Instead of avoiding the uncertainty, try to accept it. Instead of asking "When will this end?" try asking "What might I discover here?"

You have been here before. You have survived. And you have grown.What transition are you in right now? What would it feel like to stop rushing through it and instead settle into it, just for a moment?

How to Find Awe on an Ordinary Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Royce Shook) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We tend to think of awe as something that belongs to grand experiences, the Grand Canyon at sunset, a cathedral in Europe, the birth of a grandchild. And those moments are awe‑inspiring. But they are not the only ones.

The truth is that awe is everywhere. It is in a single leaf, caught in a shaft of light. It is in the unexpected kindness of a stranger. It is in the long, slow light of a summer evening when the day seems reluctant to end.

Awe is not rare. It is just overlooked.

And here is why that matters: awe pulls your attention off yourself. It interrupts the endless commentary in your head, the worries, the to‑do lists, the replay of past conversations. It gets you out of your own head and into the world. And when you are in awe, you feel connected to something larger than yourself.

The research backs this up. Awe decreases sadness and fear. It increases your sense of agency and capacity. It makes you feel more capable, more resilient, more able to handle whatever life throws at you.

So here is the plan: take a fifteen‑minute awe walk once a week.

That is the idea. Simple. Small. Doable.

Why an Awe Walk Works

The practice of awe trains your attention to find vastness in ordinary places. It does not require a vacation, a plane ticket, or a special occasion. It just requires you to look differently at the world you already live in.

A fifteen‑minute walk around your neighbourhood, a park, or even your own garden can become a moment of awe. The same street, the same houses, the same trees, seen through the lens of awe, they become different.

Summer hands you the raw material. Warm air. Open water. Long days. The green of leaves at their peak. The sound of birds. The stillness of early morning. The gold of late afternoon. You do not have to go anywhere special. You just have to pay attention.

How to Take an Awe Walk

Here is what you do.

Choose a route you know well. A walk you have taken a hundred times. Then walk it slowly. Notice things you have not noticed before. The texture of bark. The angle of the light. The colours of a flower you have never really looked at. The sound of your own footsteps. The way the air feels on your skin.

You are not trying to "find" awe. You are just making space for it. You are shifting your attention from the noise inside your head to the world outside it.

If it helps, you can ask yourself questions as you walk:

1. What is beautiful about this moment?

2. What am I noticing that I usually miss?

3. What is surprising or unexpected?

4. What makes me feel part of something larger?

You do not need to answer them. Just let them be there, like gentle nudges, guiding your attention outward.

What You Might Notice

When you start paying attention, you notice things you have been missing. A garden that was always just "the garden" becomes a collection of colours and shapes. A tree that was just "the tree" becomes a living thing with texture and movement. The sky, which you hardly ever look at, becomes a vast, shifting canvas.

And as you notice these things, something shifts inside you. The worry loop quiets. The to‑do list fades. You feel more present, more connected, more alive.

That is awe. Not the thunderclap of a grand experience. The quiet hum of ordinary wonder.

Awe does not ask you to change your life. It asks you to change how you see your life. It asks you to look at the familiar and find the extraordinary.

And the best part? You do not have to travel. You do not have to pay. You do not have to wait. Awe is already there, waiting for you to notice it.

This week or weekend, take a fifteen‑minute awe walk. Choose a route you know well. Walk slowly. Look for beauty, surprise, and connection. At the end of your walk, notice how you feel, and see if the world looks even a little different than when you started.

And if you find something beautiful, share it with someone you love. That is how awe spreads.