We Are the Storytellers

Everyone who knows me knows I am a history nerd. The entire discipline of history and all its auxiliary sciences, such as archeology, social studies, civics — even crime scene investigation, which is basically discovering the history of a crime — have always interested me. I recently read a book, titled “Looking Back: Boomers Remember History from the ‘40s to the Present,” which consists of essays and poems written by Baby Boomers, compiled by Kay Kennedy. It was very interesting to read other perspectives on events that occurred during my lifetime and, even, to have a couple of “Oh, yeah, I remember that” moments. But, what struck me most about the book was Ms. Kennedy’s explanation for compiling these essays. She was a student at Little Rock Central High School during the integration crisis when federal troops had to occupy the campus to ensure the safety of nine black students who attended that first year of integration. Can you imagine explaining that time and experience to school-aged children today? Yet, it is a hugely significant event that needs to be remembered, not just by Ms. Kennedy, but by everyone.

She also expressed the same feeling I have always had regarding why most people roll their eyes and consider history a snooze fest. It’s unfortunate that the only way teachers can gauge the amount of knowledge actually being absorbed by students is by asking them to associate and recite dates with events. Like me, she felt it would have been so much better if schools had approached the teaching of history in the same way the ancients, and even generations before the advent of mass media, taught it to their descendants… by story telling.

Since the beginning of time, long before writing became a part of the human evolution, story telling was practiced by the elders of tribes and communities. It was how the younger generations learned how to hunt, where to hunt, where water could be found in the dry season, who was enemy or friend, what crop would grow when. It was illustrated by pictographs in ancient caves and shared around fires in the evening. History was essential knowledge and was necessary for survival. It is my belief it still is. That’s when it hit me… we, the baby boomers, are now the story tellers. Just as we learned that the story of how America came to be wasn't exactly the way it was taught to us in school, we need to make sure our descendants know, if not the truth, at least the reality of our history.

I have always felt anyone who had a strong sense of nostalgia for the 50s, 60s and 70s could not have lived through those years. Yes, great technological advances were made, social injustices brought to light and corrupt politics revealed… all of which were good things. But, there was much, much ugliness, as well. And, while our generation might have raised the bar in terms of social awareness — and healthy skepticism regarding what was being shoved in our faces under the guise of truth, justice and the American way — it is our duty to also reveal how we had to fight for racial and gender rights, how we struggled against an unjust war and why we felt it was necessary to bring down a presidency. We need to explain how our attitudes reflected the fear that, at any moment, we could all be annihilated with the push of a button; that a community could erupt with fire and riots over racial disparities; that National Guardsmen would feel the need to use lethal force against unarmed college students; that daily we heard about the numbers of young men, still teenagers, dying in a jungle thousands of miles from home, while fighting against an enemy with which they had no quarrel; that we felt the need to live for the moment by indulging in drugs and sex, because we honestly felt there were very few tomorrows left to us. It was an era of horrific violence — Manson, Speck, Whitman — and tragic assassinations. As ugly as they are, those stories are just as important as the ones about Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, Woodstock and the invention of pocket calculators. And, it is up to us to make sure future generations know about these events, because I am seeing examples of relevancy today. We don’t want our children and grandchildren to go through the same horrors we did. And, perhaps, sharing those experiences will mean nothing to them but, what if it did? We certainly won’t know by keeping them to ourselves.

Why is history important? Why is any past experience important? If you didn’t fall down, you wouldn’t learn how to achieve balance and move forward. If you didn’t get a bad grade on your performance, you wouldn’t have learned the importance of practicing to achieve excellence. If you didn’t lose occasionally, you wouldn’t learn how to win or, even, how to recognize success. Do you realize our grandchildren have experienced very little of life without the threat of global terrorism? That’s sad. If you are always engaged in conflict and war, how can you know peace?

Life’s lessons aren’t just personal… they are historical. We’ve always learned from our ancestors, from their failures as much as their successes. It is the very reason the human species has survived because, God knows, we have done, and continue to do, many things that could lead to its destruction. We need to share our experiences, not in a way that a staid history book would recount it, but as our ancient ancestors did... by story telling. I believe it is the only way the experience can become real and alive. Besides, if it's just some boring subject to sleep through in school, why did we even bother?

The Geezer Boom

But, I can only find out by trying. And, if it turns out I haven't courage enough, we'll soon know it. ~ "The Best Years of Our Lives"

Wow! I was amazed to see that I haven’t blogged since February 15!! What can I say? My life went into overdrive around the second week of March, and it hasn’t let up for one minute since. And, I guess, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have participated in a paranormal investigation, tried four new restaurants, done volunteer work, read three books, and maintained my workout schedule, while working and taking care of normal daily chores, not to mention having to play catch up on yard work after a mild winter and early spring. I am only slightly disappointed that I haven’t lived up to the New Year’s resolution of posting to my blog at least once a month, because the good news is living up to the other resolutions has be the primary reason for failure to keep this one. How are you doing on yours? I’d love to hear about your successes!

As I was doing some reading regarding Baby Boomers aging, I was astonished to find an article in The Gerontologist, titled “Not Your Mother’s Old Age,” that cited 39 different manuscripts on the subject. A community newspaper in Seattle reported about a summit conducted at South Seattle Community College during which boomers were able to voice what they wanted and needed from the community as they age. There can be little doubt that our generation is establishing brand new perceptions on the so-called golden years. An article in InfoWorld stated: I would love to know how you are making the most of the best years of your life.

“The aging of the baby boomer generation will spur technological innovation and change the entire health-care system,” age researcher Joseph Coughlin said Friday, speaking at a panel discussion on health care and technology sponsored by the New England Business and Technology Association.

Get ready world. You are entering the era of The Geezer Boom.

As I recently told a friend of mine who, in true baby boomer form has decided to learn how to pilot a plane, we make growing old look good. And, I personally think the biggest disparity from past generations is with baby boomer women. Martha Nelson, 65-year-old author of Black Chokeberry, a novel about three disparate older women coming together to share a home, said,

"We’re more worldly, stronger, financially savvy and healthier than our ancestors – through no fault of their own – and we know what we want.”

Yes, we certainly do. Have you recently noticed more ads on TV featuring older women with realistic body measurements? That’s because marketers and advertisers know 80% of baby boomer women control 80% of the wealth in the United States. 

The most important thing, however, is that we realize that, just as our demographic has impacted huge societal change through every stage of our lives, what we do as “geezers” will determine the process of aging for our children and grandchildren. We need to be responsible, yet innovative. As a demographic, we wield enormous power. But, with power, in any capacity, comes responsibility. Our descendants will live longer than we do. We need to make sure their “golden years” are just as exciting and fulfilling as we will inevitably make ours. We need to set the standard for aging. Let me know what you’re doing to set the standard for making growing older look good.

Second Childhood

What we do know is that... another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug and THAT is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. THESE are the things that matter. This is what we'd forgotten — the simplest things. ~from the movie "Awakenings"

So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key. ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"


As I mentioned in my previous post, my primary objective in writing this blog has been to do something toward setting a new standard on attitudes about aging. I have some friends who spend a lot of time dwelling on the past, moaning about lost youth, remembering the so-called better times when all was new and exciting. Or, worse, there are those who desperately fight the inevitability of growing older, torturing their bodies with plastic surgery and chemical supplements to convince themselves and the world they are just as virile, just as agile, just as young as they want to be... which is really just silly. How can the past be better than the here and now or, more significantly, the future? Why is aging something we’re all supposed to fight off? I think it’s time for us to pull out that revolutionary spirit our generation is so famous for and create the social norm of deliberate aging. George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”

Grab a pen and paper, put yourself in a positive frame of mind and deliberately think about some of the nice perks you’re experiencing since turning 50. For me, there are quite a few, so I'll get this ball rolling…

First and foremost — and this underscores everything that follows — is an attitude shift with regard to pursuing what makes me happy rather than adopting the happiness formula of others. When all of us are young, peer pressure is so pervasive in our lives that acceptance  becomes one of the most important aspects of existence. I spent an obscene amount of time worrying about whether or not people liked me (I was convinced they didn’t), wanting to be one of the cool kids (I most definitely was not) and trying to stand out by copying exactly what my friends were doing, wearing, saying. Are there any heads nodding in agreement on this sentiment? Around the age of 50, I seemed to develop an attitude shift of, “Sorry you don’t like me, but have a nice life anyway!” And, the end result was amazing confidence in myself, total acceptance of my limitations and unmitigated pride in those little quirks that make me unique.

I’ve noticed, also, that people have become much more tolerant of my straight-forward way of communicating. I haven’t figured out why frank expression is permitted from the moment we begin to speak, even admired as the truth of the innocent, until about the age of 6, when it suddenly becomes anti-social and remains so for the biggest portion of our adult lives. Then, just as suddenly, around the age of 60, it’s OK again. Jump in with any theories on this. Not that it matters. There are few things that are a bigger irritant to me than trying to prove superior intelligence with diarrhea of the mouth, using 50 words to express what could be just as easily understood with 10.

Another plus is that nerdy knowledge, like history (which I love, but found to be such a conversation dud 30 years ago), is now cool. Start spouting off some historical facts to someone in their 20s and they are blown away… seriously. I once corrected someone on the quote attributed to Marie Antoinette, “Let them eat cake,” which she didn’t say, and loved it when the person said, “I didn’t know that,” in a way that suggested I just had to be an incredibly smart person. Or, maybe my head swelled so quickly that I was oblivious to the inference that I was so old I probably had first-hand knowledge. Doesn’t matter. I’ll shamelessly take any credit for intelligence, regardless of intent.

What’s even more recognizable by me is how my own perception of what I consider cool, interesting and fun has changed. For example, I think feeding and watching birds is one of the coolest things in the world to do. There, I said it… think what you like. Truth be told, I could have admitted this years ago. I have no clue why enjoyment in feeding, observing and learning to identify birds is taboo before the age of 50. But, again, it doesn’t matter. I live in the city, but in the spring and summer, I can open up my house and hear birds singing like I’m living in the middle of a wooded park.

Sometimes, I wonder if it’s the chicken and egg paradox, as in my newly found interest in learning about wines. Recently, I participated in a wine tasting during which a European gentleman introduced the wines, describing the processes and providing history for each winery represented. It was extremely informative. And, there’s just something about a man with a charming French accent talking about wines that makes you think, “This man is a FREAKING WINE GENIUS!” Of course, on the subject of wines, it doesn’t take a whole lot to dumb me down. While I’m loving the learning process as it unfolds, I wonder sometimes if this is a latent interest that was suppressed because there was nothing in my life before that would encourage pursuit, or is it the maturity of my years that has prompted the enjoyment of both the taste and the knowledge? Doesn’t matter. I don’t always drink wine with my meal, but when I do, at least I know what I’m doing… kind of.

Which brings me to a personal revelation with regard to my musical tastes… in particular, jazz. I’ve come to realize I’ve always liked it. Steely Dan; Earth, Wind and Fire; Chicago; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Santana; Steve Wonder… all artists I loved in my youth — and still do — and all have musical styles steeped in jazz. But, I never would have acknowledged that fact 30 years ago when I was actually bobbing my head to “Shining Star” or “You Haven’t Done Nothing.” I listened to rock and roll. My parents listened to jazz. Now that I’ve embraced this realization, I've learned so much about the genre. Holy cow! The musicality, the talent, the expertise… it’s like finding the Holy Grail of music. But,  that’s a future discussion.

Summing up, the best thing about growing older is that the perspective on life becomes more realistic. I’ve lived through some heartbreakingly sad times that literally brought me to my knees and emerged stronger. I’ve loved and lost, and the sun still came up every day. I’ve been desperately poor, but survived and prospered. I’ve learned how insignificant, yet precious, we all are. There are some things I wish I had done differently, but I don’t know anyone with whom I would be willing to trade lives, even myself as a 20-year-old. And, as far as I’m concerned, the best is yet to come!

All in all, growing old is an awakening, the realization that work, play, friendship, family… these are the things that matter. Everything else, including regret and fear of aging, is chaff to be winnowed away and forgotten. It’s all in perception, and I plan to deliberately approach each new tomorrow with gratitude, wonder and excitement. How about you? You wanna play? Or, grow old?

Taking Care of Business

"Premonitions…Premonitions…deep questions they are. Sense the future, once all Jedi could; now few alone have the skill. Visions…gifts from the Force, and curses." ~ Yoda, “Episode III — Revenge of the Sith”

OK, can we talk seriously for a minute or two? Throughout the decades, from 1946 to now, we have impacted every aspect of what people call the American Dream. Have you ever wondered just what that term means? The Constitution outlines it as all men being equally deserving of the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness. It is the very epitome of what it means to be an American citizen. It is so important, that the 13th Amendment was enacted to extend that promise without racial bias and the 19th Amendment made it inclusive to women by giving them a voice at the polls. It’s not just words; it’s a moral direction we all vow to uphold with the words, “I pledge allegiance to…” I don’t know about you, but I’m totally down with that. It’s what I demand for myself but, more importantly, what I want to guarantee for my kids and grandkids. Which brings us to my whole intended purpose in writing this blog… to challenge all baby boomers to set the standard for a better, richer and fuller life after 50 that will be the blueprint for future generations. In other words, just as we have at every stage of life, let’s plow the road!!

We may not have to grow old in the traditional sense, but we will eventually have to face our mortality. I am reminded of the 2,000 who left their homes on Sept. 11, 2001, without a clue that they were kissing their children and spouses for the last time. Unless you’ve got a crystal ball or the sight of a Jedi master, nobody knows what our future really holds. There’s always the possibility of being struck by a debilitating disease or injury, despite all your efforts to stay active and healthy. In this case, it’s not about you anymore, it’s about the people you love and who love you. Just as you cannot accurately predict how or when you will leave this life, you can’t predict the circumstances in which your survivors may find themselves at that time.

I always think of the movie, “Imitation of Life,” when I think about end-of-life preparations. At the end of the movie, Annie tells her friends her last wishes are all written down, and they include a gospel choir (with Mahalia Jackson, no less) a horse-drawn, glass-sided hearse and a brass band parade. Before she dies, she says, “Everything’s paid for.” Well, of course it was all paid for! It’s a movie, for crying out loud! But, what about real life? How much preparation have you taken?

Funeral expenses are just one aspect of planning for the inevitable. It’s been almost a year since my mother had her stroke and passed away. That experience taught me some hard and serious lessons, not the least of which was stroke symptoms. Had I put my foot down and insisted that my mother go to a facility with on-site medical staff when I first thought, “She’s really losing it,” she probably would have been spared the agony of stroke aftermath —unable to talk, walk or swallow, being fed through a tube inserted in her stomach, with the cognizance of a child. But, I ignorantly mistook her symptoms as normal aging and gave in to her insistence of independent living… not that I could have done anything about it, which was lesson number two. Because I did not have medical power of attorney, short of taking legal steps to prove incompetence and without the assistance of her doctor — don’t even get me started on geriatric medical care — I was overruled.

And, it only gets worse. Besides being unable to force the issue legally of her moving to an assisted living facility, quite frankly, I was appalled at what we would be able to afford for her, which I can only describe as slightly better than a refugee center. What followed was a series of emotional body blows that seemed to be leading to the conclusion of me quitting my job in order to stay home and care for my mother, seriously compromising my own future security and setting the stage for being a burden to my own children should something happen to me. Luckily, my brother and I had learned my mother had no burial plan or life insurance years before she suffered the stroke and, by purchasing a plan in advance, we were able to avoid financial disaster upon her death a month after the stroke. That one month seemed like the longest year of my life.

We all do what we have to do when it comes to family, as much because we love them as because it is our moral obligation. But, that doesn’t mean it should ever be an expectation. By planning and making provisions for the inevitable, we take the first steps in protecting the future lives of our loved ones. Below are some important actions you should seriously consider taking to assure that the American Dream remains a viable option for your survivors.

1. Purchase a burial policy. Unlike auto or homeowner’s insurance, it’s a guarantee that you’ll use it. The added bonus is that you’ll lock in the cost at current prices. In 2010, average funeral costs were around $8,000 for the basics. That’s up 40% from 2000. For a lot of folks, life insurance is provided through an employee group policy, which ceases upon retirement. Yes, Social Security has a death benefit… a whopping $255, which leaves your survivors holding the bag for a large, immediate out-of-pocket expense.

2. Create an advance directive, commonly called a living will. Generally, this document outlines your wishes concerning life-prolonging treatments, specifically which treatments you do or do not want applied to you in the event you either suffer from a terminal illness or are in a permanent vegetative state. A living will does not become effective unless you are incapacitated; until then you'll be able to say what treatments you do or don't want.

3. Give medical power of attorney to the person who will most likely take responsibility for your care, should it become necessary. This will allow that person to make decisions regarding your health care only when a physician certifies, in writing, that you are incapable of making your own decisions. Without it, you are at the mercy and complete control of the medical community in accordance with the law. May I just say here, a doctor or hospital will be absolutely committed to continuing your life with every available medical treatment and technology, so help them God. In my stressful, emotional state, I honestly began to think they considered my mother a medical science experiment.

There are restrictions in place that prevent abuse with the power of attorney. It does not allow for you to be committed to a mental institution without physician referral, given convulsive treatment or psychosurgery or be denied comfort care. And, in the medical power of attorney document itself, you can limit the extent of decision-making authority.

4. Purchase long-term care insurance. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, about 60 percent of individuals over age 65 will require at least some type of long-term care services during their lifetimes. If a weatherman says 60 percent chance of rain, most of us expect to get wet. I cannot stress this enough. Grab your umbrella!

If you have any doubt about this, I strongly urge you to do the research. This is what you are likely to find:

• Average cost per month for assisted living is $3,000. If you can afford this, your financial planner deserves to be mentioned in your will.
• Average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $190 a day. Semi-private rooms are not much cheaper. Ever stayed in a hospital for a few days, sharing a room with a total stranger, with all his total stranger family coming and going, listening to his every cough, gag, sneeze, wheeze, burp and fart 24 hours a day? Want to try it with the additional codicil of "until you die?" I rest my case.
• Adult in-home day care averages $40 a day. This is where you get a really nice person coming into your home as needed, asking you, "How are we doing today?" He takes your vitals, fluffs your pillows, prepares something for you to eat, helps you bathe, makes small talk, does the laundry and light housekeeping. It's a pretty good deal, really, for $1,000 a month. And, Medicare will pick up part of the tab. But, those are today's prices. Once all us baby boomers start reaching the point of needing this kind of service, supply and demand is going to push that price up more and more.
• Home health aide services average $20 a day. This is just your basic checking your vitals, giving you medication, making sure you're going to make it through another day and gone.

5.  Finally, do some research on hospice care. I have experience with this service in caring for my father, who was allowed to die under his own terms and with dignity at home with his loved ones close by at all times. It was hard watching him waste away, but it gave every member of the family an opportunity to close the book on their relationship with him privately and in their own way. And, Medicare pays for it.

It’s a no-brainer. Assuring that your survivors are not subjected to a painful legacy of undeserved debt will make for happy memories of someone who loved them enough to plan. And that, my friends, is called immortality.

Let's Get Physical

Remember when MTV actually was music television? And, soft pop recording artist Olivia Newton John had her first, and only, No. 1 American hit with the song “Physical?” It was one of those situations of a domino effect, wherein the shock of uber virginal Sandy from “Grease” sang the lyrics, “There’s nothing left to talk about unless its horizontally,” causing a collective jaw drop. Add to that the video of Olivia rubbing up against some hard bodies on the MTV video, in a workout costume that covered her from neck to ankle and revealed everything, as well as the ban on radio play in the Bible Belt… well, that’s the perfect recipe for guaranteed platinum, baby! Suddenly, leotards, leg warmers and forehead sweatbands were haute couture.

Prior to this, women wouldn’t be caught dead in a sweaty, smelly gym. Eewwww! Helloooo, Jane Fonda… show us how to feel that burn! Fitness clubs could hear the cha-ching loud and clear and, next thing you know, gyms have female-friendly weights, Jazzercise^® and juice bars. Voila! Birth of a phenomenom.

But, that was then, this is now. Just how much exercise are you getting nowadays?

Before we evaluate the reasons/excuses you might have for not maintaining an ongoing fitness routine, let’s take a look at why it is so important for people over the age of 50 to commit to some form of regular exercise.

·    Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) increases as we age. After 50, muscle mass decreases one to two percent per year. Muscle keeps us strong, it burns calories and helps us maintain our weight, and it contributes to balance and bone strength. Without it, we can lose our independence and our mobility.

·    Endurance decreases as we age. In one Tufts study (Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment), the participants were frail nursing-home residents whose ages ranged from 72 to 98. After just ten weeks, strength-training improved their muscle strength, ability to climb stairs and walking speed.

·    Balance decreases as we age and, importantly, falling is a major problem as a result. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of every three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. And, among individuals aged 65-84, falls account for 87 percent of all fractures and are the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury. The good news is that physical activity can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling.

·    Bones tend to decrease in density as we age, and for some individuals, it can lead to osteoporosis, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. And, it’s not just a woman’s disease. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately two million men past the page of 50 already have osteoporosis and men in that age group are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer. Bone is like any other living tissue, it responds to exercise by becoming stronger.

·    Many aging adults are susceptible to osteoarthritis (the type of arthritis that affects the bone by wearing down the cushion that pads the space between bones). The Arthritis Foundation website lists many studies confirming that exercise can improve function for people with arthritis. Arthritis Today magazine stated unequivocally that people with arthritis must use their bodies or lose their independence.

·    The Mayo Clinic website states risk of high blood pressure (hypertension — the most important risk factor for stroke) increases with age, and is the number one cause of stroke. But, getting some exercise can make a big difference. And, if your blood pressure is already high, exercise can help you control it.

Any questions so far?

Now, let’s look at what it takes to get you on an exercise regimen. Trainers agree unanimously that finding the workout environment that meets individual need is crucial to a successful long-term commitment.

Perhaps you joined a fitness center in the past in your effort to get healthy. How's that working for you? If it's not, did you drop out because of cost or convenience? Or, maybe you just didn’t like the idea of having a audience, especially if you were working out next to a guy who looked like he was 22 years old and could compete in a Mr. Universe contest. Now, you can lose those inhibitions. Just as gyms changed to accommodate a growing population of female clientele, gyms are evolving once more, this time to be senior friendly. “For the first time, we have a cohort of people who are just getting ready to retire and have an expectation of being physically active,” said Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko, an exercise scientist and expert in fitness at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Translation, there's a growing number of people your age, and very likely with your body style, hitting the gym. In fact, the challenge will most likely now be getting outdone by someone who is probably 10 years your senior and, yes, I'm speaking from experience.

Many people feel the best way to get in shape is to join a gym. There’s an element of accountability if you work with a trainer and weather is not a factor. There’s also the social aspect of a group, particularly if you choose to buddy up with someone to spot you and cheer your progress. Be sure to choose a location as close to home as possible.

Gyms are not necessarily the answer for everyone. While some baby boomers are able to jog regularly, and love it, it’s important to consider the impact on joints. But, if you love the outdoors and fresh air and have access to a jogging trail, power walking is always an alternative. There is great research about how outdoor exercise can be very calming for the body, as well as invigorating. There’s also the added benefit of uneven terrain, which kicks up the intensity a bit in intervals, perfect for increasing stamina.

DVDs and home equipment are great for keeping you on track when time constraints or weather restricts your ability to get out. While they may not offer optimal results, anything that moves you away from couch potato status is a benefit!

Finally, if you do the same thing all the time, you’ll quickly get bored, your body will plateau and you’ll bail on working out altogether. It doesn't have to be all about treadmills, exercise bikes and free weights. A friend of mine recently discovered the joy — yes, I said JOY! — of learning ballroom dancing.  So mix it up!

There are four main types of exercise and seniors need some of each:

·    Endurance activities, such as walking, swimming or riding a bike build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system.

·    Strengthening exercises, which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss.

·    Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible.

·    Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall

There is a fountain of youth. Millions have discovered it. The secret to feeling better and living independently longer is staying active. Finding a program that works for you and sticking with it will pay big dividends. Check out the following websites for more information. And, if you’re having difficulty making a decision on a fitness center, check out your local YMCA. It’s inexpensive, has a great social atmosphere and serves the whole community.

Bottom line… unless you’re as rich as Daddy Warbucks and can afford Nursing Home Club Med, I have two words for you… Jack LaLanne, who was 96 when he died. He once said, “Exercise is king, nutrition is queen. With both, you have a kingdom.”

And, who doesn’t want their own kingdom?

http://www.medicinenet.com/senior_exercise/article.htm

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/exercisefitnes1/a/4seniorexercise.htm

http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/activity.htm

http://www.ymca.net/

Resolutions Revisited

Here we are, at the end of January. How’s everyone doing on your New Year’s resolutions?

Some of mine are future goals, requiring months of planning. (See “Shifting Gears” post below.) I have managed to sustain my commitment to lower my stress level by escaping into some leisure reading — two books this month, Endurance (Shackleton gave new meaning to the term “having a bad day”) and Reign of Madness (about Juana of Castille… classic example of the Women's Movement being long overdue). I participated in a hard hat tour of the Kansas City Museum being established in Corinthian Hall and was so impressed, I became a donating member. (I highly recommend this tour if you live locally. It’s only $5 and the curator is an entertaining guide.) I’m still trying to work out some volunteer time with the Kansas City Historic Foundation.  And, I’ve managed to sock a little money into my savings (needless to say, no link provided here). Surprisingly, my fail has been in trying a new restaurant this month. What can I say? It's hard enough to stay within my daily limit of 1,200 calories without using up half of them in one meal dining out.  And, I haven’t found a restaurant with a low calorie menu that makes my taste buds tingle in anticipation, especially when I can prepare an outrageously delicious low calorie dish at home (this recipe is incredibly healthy, easy and tasty, even as leftovers). I may have to change this resolution to be one of just finding restaurants with healthy, low-cal menus besides the prerequisite grilled salmon with steamed vegetables. Got any recommendations?

My No. 1 resolution was to work out at least five hours a week. I’ve had to make a slight adjustment to that goal. It became clear to me that I was trying to work a fantasy body with a reality regimen. I think the proper term would be “ego check.”  At any rate, I’ve only been able to manage a maximum of four hours a week. It has meant some changes in lifestyle that I never would have thought I would be able to tolerate — for instance, getting up at 5:30 a.m. in order to go to the Y and still have time to shower and get ready for work.  Working out at night didn’t seem like a good idea to me… trying to wind down for bedtime with all those hormones, like endorphins, thyroxine and epinephrine, running amok in a body that is already confused by the switch between estrogen and testosterone levels. Stop the madness! Besides, at 6 p.m., my body switches over to zombie mode. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to stereotype zombies or imply they aren’t physically fit; however, I’ve never seen one on a treadmill, in movies or real life. Just sayin’. I used to think that the only people who get up before dawn every morning are the ones whose job is to have an up-close-and-personal relationship with protein in its natural state — warm and breathing. I have a little experience with farm life. It’s why I work in an office. So far, though, the early morning roust is working surprisingly well.

But, the resolutions are just mileposts in a journey, right? It’s all about setting up a lifestyle that will provide a fulfilling life after retirement and beyond, physically, mentally and emotionally. Baby boomers have the proud legacy of setting the standard for social awareness. We’ve never been satisfied with a status quo.  I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition and being a part of the “social revolution” that forever changes the attitudes on aging, even within our own age group. Why, we’re just getting our second wind! There’s still so much to do!!  

Optimistic Acceptance of the Inevitable

The eastern world, it is exploding
Violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill, but not for votin'
You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'
And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin'
But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction.
(Lyrics from “The Eve of Destruction” made popular by Barry McGuire, 1965)

 

When I think of all the worries people seem to find
And how they're in a hurry to complicate their mind
By chasing after money and dreams that can't come true
I'm glad that we are different, we've better things to do

Let others plan their future, I’m busy loving you

(Lyrics from “Let’s Live for Today” made popular by The Grassroots, 1967)

Some people like to say the boomer generation was short-sighted in planning their futures. Born in an era of affluence and raised — translated by some as indulged — by parents who suffered through the hard-scrabble existence of the Great Depression, there can be no denying we took consumerism to the dizzying height that drives every economy in the world today. And, even today, we spend more money in this consumer-based economy than any other generation before or after. Whether or not that is a good thing is a matter of economic debate and totally dependant on perspective. Some people shudder at the thought of what will happen to the economy when baby boomers are forced to curb their spending habits due to living on fixed incomes.

I guess from the viewpoint of hindsight being 20/20, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that we weren’t the best financial planners. I say, you had to be there. We came of age during the decade of the 60s, recounted by most historians as the most violent period of the 20^th century. An era described with terms like “counterculture,” “social revolution” and, my personal favorite, “FUBAR,” seemed to emphasize the futility of concentrating on building a career that would allow us to pay for the growing costs of inflated consumerism, including the outrageously expensive education of the 2.6 babies we would eventually beget while supplementing our parents who, lo and behold, thanks to modern medicine, were living far beyond their own planning. I think we all pretty much felt we had enough on our plates, thank you very much, without contemplating “who will need me, who will feed me, when I’m 64.”

It is painfully obvious that we weren’t aware of the impact of such a large population sharing birthdates that fell within a mere 11 years. I don’t think we were even aware of how large a population we were until the 80s. It’s a given we didn't foresee all the ramifications of boomers retiring at the same time. Instead, we admired the solvency of Social Security during the following 40+ years… easy to do when you have a population of over 75 million contributing. Fast forward to 2011 and whoopsie… guess what… those 75 million are starting to pull the plug. What to do? What to do? Just mentioning the fact causes the stock market to drop 20 points.

I’m a pragmatist, and my take on this situation is this… sooner or later, people are going to have to realize that 1) the cash cow is retiring, and 2) they’re going to need to find a new cash cow. However that is done, it’s guaranteed to be painful for some, resented by most and blamed entirely on the baby boomers. So be it. But, whether later generations want to admit it or not, the vast majority of the money in Social Security was contributed by, and on behalf of, the baby boomers. It’s not an entitlement, it’s our money, pure and simple. It's time for everyone to just accept that, deal with it and move on.

Trust me... regardless of whether baby boomers bankrupt Social Security or not, the world will keep turning.

Don’t hate me because I’m a baby boomer.

I think some people, especially Gen X upstarts, believe me to be a little too proud of my baby boomer status. Whatever. Baby boomers are defined by the 60s decade. Some people nowadays look back on that time with a sense of nostalgia. Sure, a lot of cool things happened, but it wasn’t all drugs, sex and rock and roll. Some parts were downright ugly. Anyone who survived them without obtaining an arrest record, FBI file or change in country of residence is entitled to some bragging rights.

I’ve read several articles recently in which 20-somethings are complaining that if the baby boomers would just retire (roll eyes here), there would be more opportunities for them. Yet, there is a growing number of employers who are recognizing that following generations do not have the commitment or work ethic of us oldsters and are making efforts to encourage the experienced older employees to remain, rather than risk the expense of training someone just to have them jump ship a couple of years later. Employment analysts report that the total cost of training a new employee, including lost revenue due to reduction in prime production levels, on average, equals three times that person's annual salary. Average tenure on a job for baby boomers is 11 years. For Millennials, that number drops by half. That's a significant difference in ROI. 

Quite frankly, you whippersnappers should probably think twice about pushing us to move out of the work force. It’s not just the impact on Social Security that has Congress nervous about baby boomers retiring. All you have to do is look at how marketing has followed the spending patterns of our huge demographic over the years to understand the power the boomer consumer has on the economy. Trust me... You do not want us having to severely curb our spending habits due to being on a fixed income. The numbers are irrefutable. Boomers have more discretionary income than any other age group, control $7 trillion of wealth, own 80% of all money in savings and loan associations, spend more money per person than any other age group and account for a whopping 40% of total consumer demand. Yeah, chew on that for a while.

Truth be told, baby boomers could just as easily claim that the recent change in attitudes regarding retirement age and Social Security is part of a conspiracy to keep our money flowing into the coffers. Ford Motor Company is certainly paying attention. It is the first and only automotive manufacturer to use a "third-age suit" to give younger engineers and designers a feel for the needs of older drivers. The suit mimics some of the physical restrictions that are common for people over age 50. Want to know why? It’s because the average American household purchases 13 cars over a lifetime — and seven of those are purchased after the head of the household turns 50, according to a survey conducted by AutoPacific.

And, that’s just the beginning. Experts predict that, by 2050, for the first time in history, the population over 65 will be greater than the population under five. You can have no doubt that, true to our history of setting the standard for social awareness by upsetting the status quo, baby boomers will drive the development of products that accommodate rather than discriminate, sympathize rather than stigmatize, and appeal to users of all ages and abilities. Just as we were the catalyst for change to make it easier for later generations to go to college, women to achieve C-suite positions and everyone to see what goes on in the oval office, all while teaching the world to sing (right before enjoying a Coke), we will effect change on the mythic limitations of age.

 So, I make no apologies for being loud and proud of being a boomer. From birth, our very existence has effected social and economic changes, some due to our sheer number, others due to our collective beliefs, some good, some bad. But, we’re still here, and we are obviously still relevant. If you youngsters just absolutely have to blame somebody for our continued strength, blame modern medicine. Average life expectancy at the turn of the 20^th Century was 45. It is now 78. When you get to be my age, it’ll probably be 100, and all the 40-somethings will be lobbying for you to step aside.

Age is nothing. Attitude is everything, so take heart with this... We made it super hip to be young. We are now making it super hip to be old — because that’s just the way we roll. You’re welcome.

The Joy of Cooking is Not Just a Book

When I take one of my home-cooked dishes to work to share with my colleagues, I almost always hear someone say, “I wish I had time to cook.” That remark always takes me by surprise. My first flash-thought is, “Umm, what do you eat?” And, then it hits me. Have you ever noticed how many restaurants there are nowadays? In a three-mile radius of my home, I can name 25 without even giving it much thought. TWENTY-FIVE! And, the sad new is, three-quarters of them are fast food, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Little Caesar’s. My next thought is always, why would a person not make time to lovingly prepare a beautiful and healthy meal, enjoying the aromas of cooking and the peace of home; but, choose instead a meal prepared by a total stranger with unknown ingredients, to eat in a noisy restaurant with the prerequisite unhappy child crying somewhere? I totally get that working folks have to deal with a stricter schedule, but do the math. Are those few minutes you save by using the drive-through at KFC worth the risk of losing out on long-term quality, independent life in your later years?

It’s an obvious fact. Everywhere we look there are signs that we Americans are killing ourselves, not to mention guaranteeing obesity and shorter life spans for our children, with our fast-food, damn the calories, full fat ahead eating preferences. Don’t get me wrong… I enjoy eating out. Trying new restaurants is one of my favorite pastimes. And, I love a really good hamburger, but what I make at home makes a Big Mac look like road kill. Plus, I get to choose the soundtrack. 

Maybe it’s just me, but in the time it takes to decide where to eat, drive to the restaurant, wait for seating, peruse the menu, wait for the waiter to fulfill the order, eat, pay the check and drive home, I can cook the food I want to eat, in my jammies, and I don’t even have to comb my hair. I think if everyone were to be brutally honest, it really comes down to the planning and the — dum, dum, DUMMMMM — clean-up. Puh-leeze! Can you say dishwasher? Garbage disposal? C’mon, you know who you are.

So, let’s break it down. Here are some cold hard facts about health issues for older folks:

·     Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. The average age for heart attack in men is 66; in women, 70.

·     Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society says poor diet is accountable for 35 percent of the cases.

·     Almost 27 percent of people over the age of 65 in the U.S. have diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney disease. The risk of death doubles for people with diabetes compared to the same age group without diabetes and was the underlying cause listed on 15 percent of death certificates issued in 2010.

·    The Alzheimer’s Association reports that, of Americans aged 65 and older, one in eight has Alzheimer’s, which is the 5^th leading cause of death for that age group.

The Centers for Disease Control has reported that almost all heart disease and adult-onset diabetes is preventable. And, while Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, its onset can be delayed. And, guess what, folks… a healthy diet is listed as either the number one or number two most effective prevention in each of these late-life diseases. For seniors, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. I think we can all agree, there’s not much point in living longer if the quality of life is impaired by a serious disease state. But, for the generation who swore to never get old, it appears to be a no-brainer. You are what you eat. Fill your body with junk, and that's exactly what it becomes... a piece of junk.

Of course, I love to cook and realize this is all a matter of perspective. So, for those of you who have seen too many episodes of Hell's Kitchen, let me see if I can help banish your fears. Here are a few of my Culinary 101 hints:

·    Research on the Internet. Google low calorie recipes. You will be blown away by how many there are in cyberspace.

·   Start with casseroles. They’re easy, practically fool-proof and don’t require a lot of clean-up.

·   Invest in a crock pot. You can cook almost anything in it, even chocolate cake, and it's really hard to burn or overcook.

·    Buy a steamer. It’s a two-fer… a great sauce pot for cooking soups or pasta; add the insert and steam any fresh veggies you want in about 10 minutes. Talk about fast food! It provides healthy cooking with easy clean-up.

·    Measuring cups and spoons are necessary, but don’t go all OCD on getting the measurements exactly right. It’s not brain surgery.

·    A couple of good sharp knives are a must. Starting out, I recommend a chef’s knife and a paring knife.

·    Improvisation is the basis of culinary genius, so experiment!!

·    Relax, pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy getting to know your inner child… Julia Child, that is!

Now, “Get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans."

Upon further reflection...

Old age ain't no place for sissies.  ~Bette Davis

As I was sweating on the treadmill this morning, agonizing over having the metabolism of a walrus and wishing I had eschewed the doctrine of The Beatles and been more a fan of Jack LaLanne, I had the thought that there are two irrefutable truths in our lives on this earth… we either die young or grow old. Assuming the majority of people choose growing old over dying young, you would think that, during our younger years, we would work a little harder at protecting the one, irreplaceable vessel we are given. Instead, most of us reach the point of now or never... either/or… do or die… usually predicted from the mouth of a doctor who is half our age. That's when the oh, so ugly truth of the many, many lies we have fostered from our youth come to light. The thought process is something along the lines of, "What? I'm mortal? Wait, I wasn't supposed to get past 30, much less make it to 60. What the hell happened?" That's the moment you realize your parents lived very long lives, and you start cursing your gene pool. 

So, we are faced with a dilemma. Do we run the risk of gradual decrepitude with the possibility of ending our days in a nursing home with drool coming out of the left side of our mouths? Or, do we  suck it up and start paying the debt of the countless Big Macs with fries, the mindset that grain and hops are vegetables, even in a fermented liquid state, and cruising the malls constituted exercise? 

Simple fact: There is no such thing as too late. That's why they invented death.

Satchel Paige, who was the oldest rookie to play Major League Baseball and played his last professional game at the age of 60, wrote a book, titled "Maybe I'll Pitch Forever," and in it asked a very profound question: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? Somedays, I'm startled by a wrinkled face that greets me in the mirror and belies how I feel. Other days, I feel every minute of my 59 years. I know which feeling I prefer. Time to suck it up.

So, I will sweat it out on the treadmill, feel the soreness of the day-after weight training, push myself in aerobics class, feel the burn of yoga. It's not about living longer. It's about leaving this world with a mind and body as healthy as I can make it between now and then and, occasionally, wishing I had known just how much life was like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.