Some things I have mastered. Mostly, things that I’ve done over and over, often with little attention. Things like driving a car. Or riding a bicycle. Or brewing a pot of coffee. No need for deep thought or remembering details… just do it and it somehow comes out well.

I can whip up a meal, bake a loaf of bread, iron a shirt, fold laundry, meet someone new, tell a joke, and comfort a baby pretty well. Not much thought, just lots of practice.

However, there are a few things that I expected to become good at that I have still not mastered, even into my sixth decade. I assumed I would become an expert in these areas, but so far, the results are minimal.

Shaving My Legs

One would think that since I started this little activity at around age 12 I would be really good at it by now, 54 years later. Not so. I have started carrying a razor in my car because I often see missed spots in the sunshine. How can one not master the art of smooth legs after so many practice opportunities?

Sigh. The handy razor solves my dilemma.

Ignoring Other’s Bad Behavior

I kind of thought that I would become more tolerant as I aged. Understanding and walking in others’ shoes and all that.

Actually, I am more tolerant. Having sons who have had to learn to stay sober, another son with Down syndrome, now having daughters-in-law and a son-in-law and knowing their stories… not to mention being married to a pastor (now retired, yeah!!!) and hearing all sorts of legitimate reasons to be hurt have broadened my scope of understanding.

But, there are still some actions that I can’t seem to ignore. I can (usually) refrain from commenting on it, but I still stew inside.

Not Caring What Others Think of Me

It still hurts my feelings if someone doesn’t like me. I have gotten over having big ears. I can wear my naturally grey hair very short with confidence, even though two of my children have nonchalantly told me they like me more with longer hair.

I can go into a room and hold my own. I can easily decide to skip an event or get myself invited, if I want to go. But, I still really want others to enjoy being around me. And I hate being taken advantage of… and I cannot not see that.

Singing Like I Did in High School

I was in the elite choir in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it all. We even went to Europe on a month-long tour the summer before my senior year.

I enjoyed the trip so much, I got kicked out of choir after our return, but, I managed to talk my way back into the good graces of the director and into the soprano section for one last semester.

Singing in a choir was something I thought I would eventually get back to. The contemporary church service I attended had a “worship band” and though at one time I wanted to be part of it, other people were more available and, frankly, better singers.

Community choirs did not fit with my schedule of having a bunch of kids who were in sports and other activities. So by the time I am now able to schedule in choir practice, I find my unused voice is in no shape for regular use. I am okay with this, but with a wee bit of sadness.

A Love of Gardening

I have friends who tell me that gardening is therapeutic, pulling weeds with a vengeance and all that. And that the feel of dirt in their hands is pleasant. And that they enjoy the act of gardening just as much as the results.

I believe all that is true for them. But I still hate weeding. Fortunately, my husband enjoys a bit of gardening, so I get to enjoy fresh greens and herbs, but I have given up trying to influence his choice of plants. I buy my bouquets at the grocery store.

Being Able to Dance Well

I wanted to dance well into my 80s. But, alas, I married a fine man who has many stellar qualities, but who just cannot – or will not? – learn to dance effortlessly. I grew up in Texas where the two-step was great fun if you had a good partner who could lead strongly.

When my husband and I tried ballroom dancing class once, rotating through the other dancing wannabes was not pleasant for either of us. And, frankly, my once-drummer husband’s counting beats in my ear was not inspiring. We have found other enjoyments.

Having Beautiful Handwriting

I have decided that a legible handwriting is acceptable.

All of this serves to say that who I have become is okay with me. Also, what I have opted to focus on has been mostly intentional, and if it wasn’t intentional, I now know why. I’m good with being good at what I’m good at. And with letting others find their own satisfactions.

The post 7 Things I Thought I Would Be Good at When I Reached Age 60 appeared first on Sixty And Me.

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Source: CareTips

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In the classic movie American Beauty, Lester explains to his daughter that he didn’t “lose” his job. He explains that if this were true, he could have found it again. If this were the case for all of us who’ve experienced losing a job, we wouldn’t be a square peg and would have little need to read ahead.

Sadly, it isn’t the case and as such, we ask ourselves, “What do I do now?”

When faced with this stark reality, it becomes apparent to us that what we didn’t do after experiencing a job loss was as impactful as what we did. Below are some suggested don’ts and must-dos for you to consider.

Make a Plan

When we feel out of control in our lives, we seek order as familiarity. We once knew a woman who, when she felt stressed, ran out and bought a new day planner so that she could re-input her schedule, contacts and task lists. This made her feel like she had a personal order to the chaos that raised her stress and anxiety.

Today that would be akin to buying a new cell phone each time stress arises, which is not highly recommended. Instead, plan for week one, which will serve as your template for the weeks ahead of you. Having a plan will preserve the order of your day, schedule and efforts toward searching for work. Without a plan, your search will take longer.

Take a Step Backward

Taking a step backward is perhaps one of the most important things you can do when starting your job search. Don’t just start aimlessly acting out of panic and fear. Now is the time to consider your highest and best use. What does that mean? It’s a land economics term that applies to our career formula.

A person’s highest and best use is the confluence of their skill sets and their passions with a vehicle by which to utilize them. Simply put: identify what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about in life and what industries, verticals, companies, fields, and sectors might offer a position to marry those. This is often something people neglect to consider, instead jumping right into the hunt immediately upon being laid off.

Don’t Consider This Time as a Vacation

It’s definitely not vacation time. Whether you received a handsome severance or an empty bankers box, the reality is that no income is coming your way tomorrow, but your bills are. At most, take a week to regroup before you come out swinging.

Take Stock of Your Emotional State

Hopefully not, but it may be the case that being unemployed may cause you to suffer some form of depression. If so, please consider seeking professional help. Lack of motivation, inescapable sadness and feelings of hopelessness may be signs that you’re going there. Please don’t ignore them or hide them from loved ones. You’ll need all the support you can get.

The SquarePeg Community was created for this express purpose. We felt alone, misunderstood and without support from fellow Boomers suffering what we were. Few seemed to “get us” and what we were going through. These feelings are not unusual, but if they persist, seek the help of a professional. Surround yourself with positive people who understand what you’re feeling. Not everyone will.

Commit to Your Job Search

Finding real work is a full-time job. There is nothing easy or formulaic about it. It’s hard work and requires focus and commitment. Outline your assets and resources that will help you with the search, how much time you’ll spend daily and what measurable progress you should expect.

How many hours should you spend daily and how many days a week? There is no right answer. Treat your search as you would any workweek and accomplish the tasks ahead of you. Work smart and hard, giving yourself applause for anything you do that moves you closer to “passing go.”

Share Your Story with Everyone

That’s right, share with everyone. We heard of a friend who received a plum job opportunity from a person who he had fired at a previous company!

The point is that we never know where the next great opportunity will come from. Be fearless about sharing your humanity and let others give to you what they can to help your cause. Some will surprise you with their indifference, while others will seek to repay your past kindnesses. None of this will occur if you don’t share with others readily and candidly.

Network Everywhere

We learned that networking occurs at a local ball field, a holiday party, a car wash and the grocery store. Most everyone we know has a job, works for a company, knows someone who owns a company or perhaps even runs one. Share your story, be unafraid to ask for help and let others offer. It may be as uncomfortable for you as it was for us, but it’s powerful.

Refresh Your Resume

This relic known as your resume last saw the light of day when the first Bush was President. Although in the age of social media a resume may seem passé, try applying online or in person without one. Not a great writer or uncomfortable advertising for your personal brand? SquarePeg offers a resume refresh tool for a fraction of what market pricing is today. Check it out in the Tools section of our site.

Become a LinkedIn Member

The price of LinkedIn is right. Basic membership is free. It is the single most often used tool by recruiters and employers to search, vet and contact potential job candidates. The key is in having a powerful and unique profile. Much like Google search, LinkedIn uses an algorithm that searches keywords within your profile and matches them with similar keywords in a job opportunity posting.

Take the time to carefully craft your profile. Should you have concerns about doing this right, SquarePeg offers a LinkedIn profile critique tool, again for way less than market price. Learn about how this can help you in the Tools section of our site.

Research Your Network

You know more people than you think. Maximize your contact with them by “going to school on each.” It used to be about who you know. Now, thanks to social media, it’s what you know about who you know.

Everyone is an asset if you approach him or her effectively. Don’t filter out anyone until first approaching them; think of each as another hunter for your game. You simply never know who’ll come through for you.

Remember to stay motivated, fight fear, share with others who “get it” and to use your assets and resources. Maybe you won’t find the job you’ve lost: You may just find a better one.

The post So You Just Lost Your Job After 50? Here Are 10 Ways to Move Forward appeared first on Sixty And Me.

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Source: CareTips

Road Scholar Shines the Spotlight on the Contributions of Older Adults
to Society

Each May, the contributions of older Americans take center stage as communities across the
country celebrate Older Americans Month. The theme this year is Connect, Create, and Contribute, encouraging older adults and
their communities to connect with friends and family, create activities that
promote learning, health, and personal enrichment, and contribute time, talent
and life-experience to benefit others.

Road Scholar, the world’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization, has created learning
adventures for older adults for more than 40 years; in fact, the average age of
a returning participant is 72 years old, and a significant number of those are
women.

While 72 might seem old to some, here are a few 72-year-old (and older) men and women who are
changing the world and challenging the notion of what it means to grow older:

• Tao Porchon-Lynch, 99, world’s oldest yoga teacher
• Glenn Close, 72, actress and first time Oscar Winner in 2018
• Joe Biden, 76, former vice-president, and newly announced
  presidential candidate

Not quite as famous but equally impressive is 99-year-old Road Scholar participant Seymour
Siegel. Seymour recently attended a Road Scholar program in Winter Park,
Florida with his companion, Laura. Now retired, he enjoyed an impressive career
as the former Executive Director of the Jewish Family & Children Service of
Southern New Jersey, and the author of an
Orphan in New York City.

“Road Scholar was founded on the premise that older adults like Mr. Siegel are vital,
integral members of our communities who continue to push the limits of what it
means to grow older in a youth-obsessed culture,” said James Moses, President
and CEO of Road Scholar. “During my 40-year tenure at Road Scholar, I’ve
witnessed the extraordinary capabilities of older Americans who remain engaged,
active members of society. Road Scholar participants know that stimulation,
friendship and camaraderie, and regular exercise, are the tenets of a healthy
older age, and they experience all three on our learning adventures around the
world.”

A recent survey confirms that Road Scholars attribute their mental tenacity and physical health
to being active, learning new things, staying connected with friends and
family, and traveling. As 65 million baby boomers reach their 70s and 80s,
expect to see more and more ordinary older Americans doing extraordinary
things.

Older
Americans Are Facing… and Smashing Age-Related Challenges

There are, of course, some challenges with growing older; for example, how to ensure financial stability as one nears
retirement age, as well as the prospect of having to care for ailing parents
and loved ones.

Several years ago, Road Scholar began offering financial assistance for low income adults 50+ who would otherwise not be able
to participate in a learning adventure. In addition, it has expanded its
financial aid to include caregiver grants and awards specifically for
educators.

Mary Jo Silva of Burlington, Kentucky was awarded a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant and used it to enroll in a hiking
program at Rocky Mountain National Park. She wanted to get into shape and also
push herself outside of her comfort zone.

“Respite is one word for the trip, but it was also an adventure… I wanted to make a commitment to myself to
get into shape. I look better and feel better because of it. It was a real
confidence builder. This trip was just the right mix of personal challenge and
personal indulgence. I learned a lot about taking care of myself while on the
trails and at high altitudes. The guides were great in celebrating with us as
we reached our personal bests. Thank you kindly to those who made this trip
possible. It is wonderful to see a company recognize the need of the caregiver
population.”

Calling All Educators, Caregivers and low-income Adults
50+

This year, Road Scholar is searching for 100 educators, caregivers and low-income adults who wish to experience an
educational learning experience. The organization will award 100 scholarships
worth $1,500 between now and June 30^th. All unclaimed awards will go
unused. To apply, please visit the website at: www.roadscholar.org/financialaid.

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Source: CareTips

I read a tongue-in-cheek quip the other day
that said, “Talk with your grandparents about marijuana – before somebody else
does.” While this is clearly a clever play on the slogan from years gone by
aimed at keeping kids off drugs, it’s really not that far off the mark.

The Numbers Are
Rising

Boomers are the fastest growing group of
people using marijuana in the United States today. This shift in marijuana use
is dramatic.

Reportedly, your neighbor in your active adult community
or one of your friends from the local senior group is more likely to be
using marijuana at any given moment than your teenage grandchildren are.

Roughly nine percent of adults in the United
States aged 50 to 64, and 3% of those over 65, report using cannabis. And
before you say those numbers aren’t that high, consider that 10 years ago the number of adults between 50 and
64 reporting marijuana use was 4.5%.

Obviously, the percentage of people in that
age group admitting to using cannabis has doubled.

For those over 64, the increase in marijuana
use is almost seven-fold from where it was a decade ago. And in those states
that have legalized medical marijuana, boomers make up almost 25% of all
cannabis consumers.

So what is going on here? Have boomers decided
en masse to relive their college days by pulling out the tie-dyed
clothes, bongs, and Grateful Dead albums?

What’s Up with the
Boomer Generation?

We can surmise that some boomers probably
continued using cannabis throughout their adult years up to today.

But what is most intriguing is that many over
the age of 65 who reported using marijuana during the past year received
approval from their doctors before visiting their local medical marijuana
dispensary.

They also didn’t need to look very hard for a
doctor to endorse this use since roughly four of five doctors approve the use
of medical marijuana.

Moreover, boomers aren’t using medical
marijuana to “get high” but rather, to treat and get relief from a variety of
medical conditions.

From both empirical and anecdotal data, it’s
safe to say that the use of medical marijuana, where it is legal, or course, is
not about to go away. Medical marijuana is now permitted in 33 states,
including the District of Columbia.

Medical Marijuana Is
Not the Same “Pot” You May Have Tried in College

Medical marijuana, unlike street or home-grown
versions of cannabis, is prepared from pure, uncut cannabis indica plant.

While there are over 100 different chemicals –
collectively known as cannabinoids – in marijuana, basically all but two of
them are removed from the plant, leaving only those that have medical benefit. The
first is cannabidiol (CBD) and the second is delta-9-tetrhydrocannabinol (THC).

There are a number of ways that boomers are
ingesting medical cannabis. These include the following:

• E-cigarette
  device (vaping) or smoking;

• Edibles such as gummy candies, hard tacks, or chocolate bars;
• Topical lotions or creams (for aches);
• Pills (two of them, Marinol and Cesamet, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat nausea in cancer patients);
• Sublingual drops.

Boomers considering using medical marijuana,
after talking with a competent health care professional first, of course, are
usually counseled to use a product higher in CBD content since this is the
chemical component believed to reduce inflammation.

It is also lower in the psychoactive THC,
which is what causes the euphoria associated with marijuana use.

Reported Risks of
Medical Marijuana for Boomers

Since marijuana continues to be a controlled
and illegal substance under Federal Law, there has not been extensive research
on the medical benefits and risks of using it.

Many doctors and pharmaceutical experts tell their older patients to be careful when
using THC because it “is psychoactive and the
aging brain is more vulnerable to psychoactive drugs.”

While additional research is needed to
identify all the risks of using medical marijuana, both doctor and patient
reports have identified several important ones, including:

• Interference with blood thinners, such as Warfarin/Coumadin;
• Exacerbation of existing lung disease or conditions such as COPD or chronic bronchitis (from smoking marijuana);
• Dizziness or loss of balance, which can increase the risk of falls;
• Increased risk of accidents (around the house or while driving, for example);
• Possible memory impairment;
• Increased drowsiness and other side effects from alcohol and marijuana when used together;
• Possible aggravation of existing cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia or stroke;
• Unanticipated interactions with other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies.

Benefits of Using
Medical Marijuana After 60

There are two reported benefits of medical
marijuana that are worth mentioning.

The first is that patients who use medical
marijuana for pain management tend to use fewer opioids, with some patients
even reporting that they were able to discontinue opioids once they began using
medical cannabis.

This “switch out” of cannabis for opioids is
supported by recent studies which have shown that Medicare prescriptions
for opioid painkillers are lower in states with medical marijuana programs.

A second claim made by proponents of medical
cannabis is that it can cost as much as a third less than prescription drugs.

What to Consider

It’s worth repeating that if you’re
considering medical marijuana to help alleviate some of the aches and pains you
get as you age, you should first talk with your doctor rather than
self-medicating. Actually, this holds true for any medication whether
prescription or over-the-counter.

You should also keep in mind that not getting
enough of the nutrients your body needs in the right amounts can impact how
well you manage pain and chronic disease, how you experience pain, and how well
you respond to various medical treatment and procedures.

So consider getting your minerals, vitamins,
and other nutrient levels checked before you talk with your physician
about medical marijuana.

For example, there is ample evidence that
nutrients like magnesium play a significant role in pain relief. And when
magnesium is combined with morphine, the pain relieving effect is even
greater.

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Source: CareTips

It’s hard not to get excited about the much-awaited
start of summer and the idea of spending more time outside in the sun with
friends and family.

With new research exposing the environmental harms of
sunblock, however, and accelerating rates of skin cancer among older adults,
you won’t want to miss this essential guide to sun protection.

What
You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

Have you heard? New research is highlighting skin
cancer as one of the fastest emerging epidemics among older adults. In fact, the average
age for being diagnosed with skin cancer is 63 according to the American Cancer
Society. What’s contributing to this climb in cases of skin cancer?

First of all, more and more baby boomers are aging
into the 60+ bracket, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “silver tsunami.”

Skin cancer risk goes up as you age, mostly due to the
increased exposure to UV radiation that you have accumulated throughout your
lifetime. The high number of older adults means more potential cases of skin
cancer.

Secondly, skin cancer can be more likely to develop if
you experience immune suppression as a result of a disease, illness, or virus.

The National Council on Aging has shared that approximately
four out of five older adults have at least one chronic illness. This could
mean that a great majority of the baby boomer population may have a weakened
immune system and therefore have a harder time fighting off cancer cells.

Additional risk factors – light
or fair skin that freckles and burns easily, smoking, exposure to certain
chemicals, and even having green or blue eyes or red or blond hair – can increase your likelihood of developing skin cancer.

Sunblock
and the Environment

Have you ever wondered what the “reef safe” labels
mean that are popping up on new bottles of sunblock? They refer to the
exclusion of ingredients in the sunblock formula, specifically oxybenzone and
octinoxate, that have been shown to damage coral reef.

In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban
sunscreens with those chemicals in them, and Key West is not far behind.

The truth is that, worldwide, oxybenzone and octinoxate
are two of the most common UV-blocking ingredients used in sunscreen.

If you think about the millions of people hitting the
beaches and lakes together during the summer with their sunscreens infiltrating
the water ecosystems, it’s no surprise there is a threat to the environment.

If you’re curious to learn more, check out this sunscreen guide from Environmental
Working Group. It provides lots of easy-to-read facts about mineral and
non-mineral sunscreens, the differences in waterproof and sweatproof, and so
much more.

How
to Safely Protect Your Skin

Even if you are outside for a mere 30 minutes, that is
more than enough time for UV rays to reach your skin and do damage.

Sun protection is absolutely essential to staying skin
cancer free. And while there has been some concern about the chemicals in
common sunblock formulae, more alternatives are becoming available that
eliminate harmful toxins and still reflect, scatter, and absorb the sun’s
dangerous radiation.

Whether you’re planning on hitting the beach or simply
like to get outside for a tennis game, keep these skin protection tips in mind:

When in Doubt, Cover Your Skin with Clothes

A tight knit is going to filter less UV radiation
through than an open-weave, and long sleeves and pants are going to cover more
skin. If temperatures simply won’t allow for long clothing, consider wearing a
t-shirt and shorts with sunblock to cover any exposed areas.

If you wear wrist support or other exercise aid, don’t forget to lather on sunblock before you put it on as they often have open holes where the sun can reach your skin.

Don’t Forget Your Face and Eyes

A wide-brimmed hat is going to shield your head, face,
and neck much better than a ball-cap or short-brimmed hat. And be mindful of
your sunglasses – the more coverage, the
better – and look for ones that say 100% UV protection.

Observe the Shadow Rule

Keep in mind how the intensity of the sun changes
depending on the time of day you are outside and where you are. As the sun
rises and more of its rays reach you, your shadow will shorten. The shadow rule
says that the shorter your shadow, the more you should seek shade.

Know Your SPF

Your “sun protection factor” is going to vary
depending on how quickly your skin experiences sunburn. For someone who burns
in 10 minutes, an SPF 15 will not protect as long as someone who burns in 20
minutes. Play it safe by using sunscreen in the SPF 30 to 50 range.

The post Fun in the Sun! Your Essential Guide to Sun Protection in the Years After 60 appeared first on Sixty And Me.

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Source: CareTips