Growing Old With Gusto

You Must Watch Matilda Dance -- She is Amazing

2012-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LOdmka4_90

YouTube - Videos from this email

Our Aging Brains

2012-02-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

A very interesting article in the WSJ on January 19, 2012 entitled, "New Insights Into Aging Brains" reports on a study done by scientists using IQ tests done decades ago on 1,940 11 year olds in Scotland. They retested the same participants at age 65, took DNA from blood samples and made several comparisons. They learned that 24% of intelligence changes over a person's life is attributed to genetic factors! Other findings include more education, and music lessons are linked to higher IQ's throughout a person's life.

Seniors Are Considered Connectors!

2012-02-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Seniors are increasingly becoming expert at computer skills! According to ChicagoLife.net computer usage among those 65+ has doubled over the past ten years! Many if not most seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they age -- as evidenced by my dad, aged 96 who remains in his home of 58 years! The reasons for this are complex. They include an attachment to the familiar and to happy memories. the high cost of living in a retirement community and also the the ability to have their homes made senior friendly by new technology.

For people who suffer from macular degeneration(like my dad) and have to give up using their computer there is a website for adult children that may be useful. Marilyn Soltis, author of the article in ChicagoLife.net mentions the website eldergadget.com. Apparently, it ranks the new tech stuff for seniors by easy to use and understand features. Also the reviews quickly rate everything and provide an explanation of the features and benefits. Check it out!!

Investing As We Get Older

2012-02-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

My Charles Schwab Report had some incredibly good feature articles in their Winter Edition - 2011-2012. The one article that really captured my attention is a discussion of "The Longevity Project" which was conducted by researchers Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin. This was an EIGHT DECADE study that gave incredible insights into living a long life that is positive and productive.

Part of their study focused on investing as we get move along the aging continuum. These researchers ask you to pose questions such as, "What do you want to accomplish", "What do you want to do later in life?" The ability to be able to pinpoint what is most important to you can help you as you fine tune your financial planning!

For more info about The Longevity Project, visit howardsfriedman.com/logevityproject.

Sex and Growing Older

2010-11-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Today's Wall Street Journal has an enlightening article in it's REVIEW section titled, " Desire in The Twilight of Life".

It brings to light some interesting points and misconceptions about growing older. I often refer to them as stereotypes.

By 2030 there will be approximately 62 Million people in the USA aged 65-84!! Some salient points that are of interest are that one does not lose desire as you age; rather you lose out on opportunities for sexual activity! Also, sex should not necessarily be viewed in a different light as we age and accommodations should be made for techniques and attitudes.

Another point of interest is the momentum that this age group is giving to the topic in nursing homes and CCRC's. Many promote healthy romantic relationships and are training professionals to deal with issues that come up as we age.

Productive Aging

2010-05-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

The 10th Annual Friedman Conference was held on May 25th at Washington University on "Productive Aging: Cross-Cultural Perspectives From China and the U.S."

They addressed the issues of Productive Aging: A U.S. Perspective, China's Population and Active Aging, Productive Aging in China: Opportunities & Challenges, Older Adults as Caregivers in Hong Kong, Current Directions in Education, Research,, and Programs for an Aging China.

One note of special interest is that there are some areas of the U.S. that offer a break in property taxes if you volunteer in the public schools!

Exciting Happening at The History Museum

2010-05-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

I just found out that on Monday evening, June 21st, Author Gail Sheehy of Passages fame will be speaking at the Lincoln Park Village Gala at the History Museum in Chicago.

She is reportedly an excellent speaker and has written a book recently on aging.

Do check out this event!

Great Movie About Relating to Older Adults

2010-05-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

My husband and I really enjoyed an indie movie that has had limited distribution, but if you can find it in your area it is worth seeing! It is called, "Let's Give" and is set in NYC and has intertwining stories about several characters who inhabit the same apartment building. It is a dark comedy so not for everybody; but very enjoyable!

Great Lecture Series

2010-05-13T08:02:00.001-07:00

I just head about a lectures series here in Chicago at the Harold Washington College Center for Creative Aging. It's their 2010 Spring Lecture Series. The topic is, "So, we'll live to be 100...Now what?

Coffee For Tomorrow Night

2010-05-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

Attending my first coffee tomorrow night as a reach out to residents of Streeterville, The Gold Coast and The East Side to talk about Skyline Village Chicago. I can't wait to see the reactions of the people who live at 200 E. Delaware to this to this Village Concept.

Tonight is "Girls Night Out" for Northwestern Women's Healthcare. A comedy show! This is just what I need with winter like weather in May in Chicago!!!

Dancing for Aging with Gusto

2010-05-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dancing is a great way to exercise. It's a way of engaging with others while improving your motor skills. Skyline's last issue on May 6th noted that dancing could help avoid falls as we all get older. Research has proven that dancing at an independent living community improved balance and gait in those who participated in the Study. So -- be on the lookout for Chicago Summerdance this summer in Millenium Park.

WHAT IS A VILLAGE?

2010-05-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

AARP Public Policy Institute recently issued a fact sheet which describes the Village Co ncept that is spreading around the US and now to Australia!

Due to the overwhelming number of people that are 65+ and growing strong there has been research done that has shown that many people prefer to remain in their homes as they grow up!

I will quote the fact sheet of AARP to give you a quick definition of the Village Concept; "The Village Concept aims to support the medical, functional, social, emotional and spiritual needs of older adults."

Each Village is different according to the needs and wants of each area.

SKYLINE VILLAGE CHICAGO is newly incorporated and includes the areas of Streeterville, The Gold Coast and The East SIde of downtown Chicago.

I am on the Board of this newly created Village in Chicago and welcome and thoughts and ideas about making the Village a success.

Girl Power Luncheon

2010-04-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

I just attended the 10th Anniversary Luncheon to Benefit the Young Women's Leadership Charter School of Chicago. There were almost a 1,000 people in attendance and there was so much joy and enthusiasm for Girl Power in the room.

Educating young urban girls and empowering them to excel in Math, Science and Technology is the goal of this school.

Melody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments and Financial Contributor to Good Morning America was the keynote speaker. Her speech revolved around quotes and the meaning they have given her throughout her life.

She mentions that when many 80 year old were asked what they wished they had done differently they responded they should have taken more risks in business and love. She quoted Neil Simon saying, "If Michelangelo hadn't taken a risk he would have painted the Sistine floor!"

Elder Economic Security Initiative - Illinois Presentation

2010-04-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Kristen Palve, MSW from the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group spoke to a group of combined Board members from Skyline Village Chicago, Hyde Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and North Shore Villages.

Kristen talked about EESI(Elder Economic Security Initiative) and mentioned it is a multi-year project of WOW(Wider Opportunities for Women). Illinois is a state partner and it is currently in 12 states.

Great presentation!

SKYLINE VILLAGE CHICAGO

2010-04-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that SKYLINE VILLAGE CHICAGO is now fully incorporated and as a Board member it is fun to see it develop.

The Village Concept is combing the country and is hoping to help aging baby boomers stay put in their homes and neighborhoods by providing the resources one needs to receive as they "grow old with gusto". Basically, it's a combined effort of resources that are similar to a concierge and condo/home maintenance. Also, additional benefits are increased socialization and physical activities.

The original concept originated in 2001 by long term residents of Beacon Hill in Boston and there are currently approximately 45 fully functioning villages throughout the United States.

A Worthwhile Presentation

2010-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is a fabulous and enjoyable Power Point Presentation on Aging. It was sent to me by my dad's good friend whom he met taking computer classes after he retired. My dad is now 94 and his new, younger friend is ??

Take a few moments and enjoy!

Aging-MomentsofReason.pps
1512K View Download

Happy NEW Year!

2010-01-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Everybody loves Chocolate! Studies show that consumption of dark chocolate(70% cocoa, please) has great health benefits!!!! Today, we are honoring the awareness of eating chocolate for good health in lieu of resolving not to eat chocolate to lose weight.

The year of thinking differently!

Here is a fun Chocolate Aging Test that will force you to use your brain( a bit) and enjoy!

This takes less than a minute!

1. Pick the number of times you would like to eat chocolate a week(from 0-10)

2. Multiply that number by 29(Be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply that number by 50

5. Add 1759

6. Subtract the four digit year of your birth

7. The 3 remaining numbers should represent the number of times a week you want chocolate(first number) and your age.

Sad News

2009-11-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today, my special Aunt Syl passed away at age 97. She was apparently by all acounts just worn out. I am feeling very sad since she lived so long I always expected her to keep on living. I was looking forward to seeing her at Thanksgiving, but will always remember her when she was really active and enjoying life.

Listen Up Baby Boomers

2009-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

The baby boomer generation is the first generation that will live the longest as senior members of our population. My aim in putting together a compilation of stories told by older people is to help allay fears and anxiety about aging and to encourage boomers to turn to older people for advice and wisdom.

People I am interviewing are aged 75+ and are Not famous, but your typical next door neighbor type who are living their lives as they age in a BIG way. I mean they are living happy, productive and positively well into their 100's! I selected them because I find them inspirational in the way they have adjusted to living, but in a different way than in their earlier years. They come from varying backgrounds, nationalities, religions and socioeconomic segments of the population.

November 10th, 2009

2009-11-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

The door looks crusty, marred and glowing from endless day of exposure to the daylight. What lies beyond it's threshold? We won't know until we step over it, much like we won't know what it is like to be 75, 85 and beyond until we get there. Life is an amazing force that doesn't end after 75. Many people look ahead with their eyes focused on opportunities; other people shield themselves by denying themselves the pleasure of their later years.

I am interviewing people aged 75 Up to learn and share how they live and have lived their lives in a positive way.

Welcome To My Blog

2009-11-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Want to learn how to grow older and be happy as the years go by?

Stick with my blog as I share the interviews I have conducted with people aged 75 and up who are living positive and productive lives. They share their secrets for how to embrace the aging process and relinquish fears about this time of our lives.