What You Can Do to Fight the Flu and Other Bugs

Save yourself from those nasty flu bugs festering in public areas. 

1. Wash, lather, and rinse your hands often using warm water.  Use a paper towel to shut off the water.

2. Bring your own tools including flip-flops and towels to your manicure or pedicure.

3. Cover cuts and scrapes.

4. Use oral antibiotics only when you need them.

And when it doubt, pay a visit to your doctor.  

For more about health, hygiene, and whatever else is on your mind, visit www.50somethinginfo.com. 

Boomers Downsize to Green, Universally-Designed Homes

At least one builder knows what empty-nesters want.  Steve Romeyn and partner Mark Carruth have built single-story detached homes in Georgia that are both green and universally-designed. 

Jenny Sullivan reported that these homes feature "wide, no-step doorways with options for exterior ramps, lever handles, and abundant natural lighting (via windows, skylights, and sun tunnels)."  

Comfort and design are also factored in with wide porches and traditional architecture. Storage accommodations, including expanded garages and oversized pantries, are disproportionately high thanks to  years of accumulated stuff.  

Even though the average buyer is 65 years old, I would think the appeal of these homes might very well extend to the younger set too.  

For more about home design, comfort aids, and everything else for 50somethings, visit www.50somethinginfo.com.  

Parents At Fault For Migraines

Blame your parents if you get migraines.  1 parent increases your chances by 50% to getting those pounding, painful headaches. Both parents afflicted with migraines makes it 75% more likely that you'll follow suit.  And women are three times more likely to get them than men. 

This is what you can do to thwart migraines: Exercise regularly.  Watch the food triggers.  Aged, dried, fermented, salted, smoked, pickled, for caffeinated can cause problems so set aside beer, certain wines, and those yummy deli sandwiches (bummer).  Replace them with apples, pears, peaches and whole wheat bread, according to Fred G. Freitag, D.O., Associate Director of the Diamond Headache Clinic, Chicago). 

If you are experiencing migraines once or more a week, see your physician.   

For more about headaches and whatever else is ailing you, visit www.50somethinginfo.com.

Generations Battle Over Gift Registries

Yesterday it was "Battle of the Generations" at our house.  Law-girl (LG) and Soda-man (SM) represented 20 and 30-somethings versus Unstoppable Grandma (UG), our prize-winning (a real tiger on the bowling alley), slot-machine-wizard, tells-it-how-it-is 80-something.

You see, LG and SM are getting married this year. They have been stewing over what to put on their gift registry.

UG has her own ideas for a registry should any of her buddies decide to take the plunge.

LG & SM UG

Gourmet food Ensure

Car Motorized wheelchairs/scooters

Hawaii Branson, Missouri

Fine dining Early bird buffets

Negligees Flannels

Frilly slippers Comfy slippers & warm socks

Ikea Lazy Boy

Crate & Barrel Tuesday Morning

Martinis Prune juice

Stainless Plastic

Intimates Depends

Dinner napkins Bibs

Suitcase Tote bag

China Paper plates

Glassware Plastic cups

Home entertainment TV (without rabbit ears)

iPod Radio

Blackberry Pad and paper

Kitchen utensils & appliances Can opener

Money Money

I'll place my bets on UG.  How about you?

For more about what's important to 50somethings and older, visit www.50somethinginfo.com.

Drink Your Way To Strong Bones

If you want strong bones, you may have to pay more attention to what you're drinking.

Elderly women who drink their daily tea are said to be better off bone-wise than non-drinkers, according on one Australian study.

Moderate beer or wine consumption may even offer some protection.

Replace sodas (even one a day) with mineral water.  

And should you be one among many who's a coffee junkie, add some milk to offset the negative effect of caffeine to your bones.

But don't take my word for it--ask your doctor!

Boomers Pack Audience For Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot

It was like Car-man going to Concours d'Elegance or Chef-man going on Top Chef.  

Hearing Harvard sociologist and much-acclaimed author Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot speak was like listening to the ultimate concert or a precisely-constructed poem for a "word person" like me.  

Take these phrases and let your mind go wild:

"Arc of life and learning"

"Looking back and giving forward"

"Futuristic and transformational"

"Deep gladness meets the world's great hunger"

"Their stories became their compass"

"Season in search of a purpose"

"10,000 baby boomers turn 60 every day." (S L-L)  The third chapter of life, between 50 and 75 years, is a period when we're neither young nor old, when we urgently need to get on with what we need to be.  

IRS Alerts Before Filing 2008 Tax Return

I've just gotten word from the IRS.  There are a few tax law changes you may want to note before filing your 2008 federal tax return, such as:

1. Credit for using energy efficient methods (solar electric, solar water, etc.) in your home

2. An increase in 2008 basic standard deductions

3. More people can make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA

4. Different rates per mile (January 1 - June 30, July 1- December 31) for persons using vehicles for business purposes, medical reasons, or charitable organizations

5. Kiddie tax

The IRS recognizes that many people are having difficult financial situations.  If your income decreased, see what you may now be eligible.  

By contacting the IRS immediately, you may employ the help of the IRS to help you ease the burden.  "You also should file a tax return even if you are unable to pay so you can avoid additional penalties."

Make the U.S. government's web page on Money and Taxes:  Online Services a favorite.

Financial planning continues to be a thorn in the side for boomers and seniors.  There's help.  

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

The National Institute of Health claims that acupuncture may provide pain relief and improved function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.  

Others suggest applying heat, cold or both, yoga, massage and TENS, a non-invasion method to reduce pain called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.  

Boomer Health and Fitness Guru Hands Out Important Information Free!

What does Becky Williamson have that most other boomer fitness coaches don't?

Becky lays it on the line for us.  She tells us what we might not want to hear in language we can understand. Just take her article on Oprah's weight gain.  Gurus, personal trainers and private chefs aren't the answer.  

What it really comes down to is that we--not anyone else--are responsible for our own bodies.  What's more, we can choose to make our lives what we want by deciding not only about the foods we eat but also about the commitments we make.

Reducing calories take their toll on our bones.  So does not getting our recommended daily requirement of calcium.  Furthermore, neglecting weight training in regular exercise routines can have serious consequences.

Ms. Williamson's article on fish oil prompted me to hightail it to my local health food store.

Join me in welcoming a refreshingly frank expert who has taught fitness and exercise for almost 25 years, a woman who is prepared to coach us (free!) in our battles of the bulge and other age-related health problems. 

For more great fitness resources, check out 50somethinginfo

 

Spicier After 50: Boomer Cooking Ideas

Same old, same old.

Even the nicest retirement facilities hear complaints from residents who find the food flavorless.  

It appears that 50+ men especially appear to be hankering for spicier fare. Dave De Witt, the "Pope of Peppers" promises to delight your taste buds. Find out how to make your ostrich, quail or guinea fowl taste better or how to prepare fresh chiles.  You might even want to sample some of Smokin' Willie's sauces.  Maybe you'll be on your way to making your own barbecues the local attraction.     

And if you're somewhere near Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the end of February, head over to the Fiery Food and BBQ Show.  It'll blow your socks off!

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 4: Men, Keep Out!

This is my final segment for my favorite websites for 2009, 10 websites that will change the way women boomers use the Internet in 2009.  No peeking, men.

9. 50+ Fabulous

50+ Fabulous is intended to provide a forum for women to share ideas and motive other women to go after and achieve their dreams in spite of generations of barriers.  In addition to its cadre of experts and guest columnists, this attractive and comprehensive site covers topics in timely articles such as those on life, work, love, food and wine, dating and style.

Find out how our generation of women has reinvented itself.  And reach out to like-minded women.  You're not alone.  

10.  Vibrant Nation

Stephen Reily, founder of Vibrant Nation, is a rare commodity, a man who understands women and what they want and need.  On an attractive, readable and easy to maneuver site, his all-female panel of experts assists 50+ women exchange information.  Here you can ask and answer questions, share or find recommendations or participate in a conversation.  Women can reveal their favorite things on "love it lists" or relect on things that make their lives better on "live it lists."

These 2 sites are "absolute musts" for every woman over 50.  

For more great websites, visit 50somethinginfo.com, the search engine dedicated to delivering the best of the net to boomers and seniors!

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 3

This is the second to last of my 10 websites that will change the way boomers use the Internet in 2009. 

7. USA.Gov

Thanks goodness our tax dollars are working.  The U.S. government has provided a huge number of useful references for web-savvy citizens and visitors.  Arrange to be notified by email when policies or laws change.

Enlarge the text (top right-hand corner), use the search box and get assistance for caregiving, consumer protection, employment, end-of-life, health, money and taxes, retirement, travel and more.

Find your representatives.  Turn up your volume to view and listen to an easy presentation on how you can access government information.  Shop government auctions and sales.  Apply for benefits and grants.  Locate in-person services near you.  Email or speak to a real-live person using toll-free numbers.

8.  Drug Digest

Drug Digest is "an educational, non-biased drug information site dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about trade name and generic" drugs and about treatment options.

This site is a fabulous tool for comparing drugs and checking interactions.  Learn not only about your drug, vitamin or supplement but also what the pill should look like (photos provided) so you are absolutely certain you are taking the correction medication.

Stay tuned for our final 2 fabulous websites.  

*For more great websites, visit 50somethinginfo.com, the search engine dedicated to delivering the best of the net to boomers and seniors.

Boomer/Senior To Climb Mt. Everest

Dawes Eddy wants to inspire people of all ages, particularly America's youth.  That's why he's planning to be the oldest U.S. citizen at 66 years of age to ever scale the 29,035 foot Mt. Everest in Nepal next March. 

Since his early 30's Eddy has lived the healthy lifestyle, incorporating good nutrition with physical conditioning, which has enabled him to participate in all kinds of marathons and climbs.

Should you or your organization want to help support him on this momentous journey,  please contact him as soon as possible and share the triumph of a boomer/senior pushing the limits of aging.

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 2

This is a continuation of the top 10 websites I think you will find most helpful for 2009!

4. Nolo

Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo.  Accalimed as the "best legal self-help site on the web" (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legal terms in simple common language, not legal gobbledygook.  This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law--and it's free!

5. CNN's Money

CNN's Money has long been one of my web darlings.  Money 101 explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand and the spacing makes the text extremely readable.  For more difficult concepts, refer to the videos.

I head straight for the "Ultimate Guide to Retirement" for practical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions, insurance, estate planning and Social Security.  Find out where and from whom you can get help.  Education yourself, make plans and put your worries aside.

6. Caring Connections

When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly came across Caring Connections.  I found that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Ogranization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website to expeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information they want so that they can make the best decisions given their circumstances.

The information is comprehensive and straightforward.  Find glossaries, checklists and organization tools.  Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state's advance directive without delay.