A Boomer's Footprint

Category: Live Life Blog

  • Disrupting Aging

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    “Disrupt Aging”, a book written by Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP, will be available in April. This article was published in the February/March 2016 issue of AARP magazine, under the entertainment section. It is worth a read.

    I heard Jo Ann Jenkins speak at the Encore 2016 Conference.  She gave an inspiring speech about this notion of “disrupting aging.” I can’t wait to read more when the book is available.

    In short, Jo Ann and many others are challenging current attitudes and beliefs about aging. For those of us in our 50’s and 60’s, we know we do not fall into many old stereotypes.

    We care about health and fitness. We are still learning and experiencing life.

    We continue to make a contribution to society.

    We are the largest population of a generation to date. Our efforts account for over $7.1 trillion in US Annual economic activity.  This amount is expected to almost double by 2032.

    We can expect products and services that meet our needs. This provides a great opportunities for entrepreneurs, including ourselves.

    Changing the viewpoint of aging starts with us, in our behavior, actions, language. and our own self-image. We have knowledge and experiences that are “priceless”.

    How we we use our clout?

     

  • Encore 2016 Conference

    Through the power of an internet search, I recently found a new inspiration. Similar to my finding the green movement back in the mid 1980’s, I discovered Encore.org and attended their 2016 Conference held in San Francisco this past week.

    The mission of Encore is “to build a movement to tap the skills and experience of those in midlife and beyond to improve communities and the world.”

    The talent, level of commitment, enthusiasm, quality of good works and stories which I witnessed and heard increased my own dedication to sharing positive information and tips and techniques to my Baby Boomer community.  I look forward to sharing many of these stories and projects in the coming weeks.

    But first, a word about how we are called.  There are many terms floating out there – Baby Boomer, Older Boomers, Seniors, Elders, Adults 50+, in our Second Stage, Third Acts. We are Reinventing Ourselves, Mature, Experienced.  I bring this up now because even the hundreds of attendees at the conference don’t have consensus of how to address our audience. So please don’t be offended if I use a name which doesn’t fit your image of yourself. But help out by leaving a comment of your preference.

    One thing is clear, there is a large growing movement of “Boomers” out there making a difference in their own communities and around the world. I am proud to be a part of it.

  • 2016 – If not NOW, WHEN?

    Set Sail for the Time of Your Life
    Set Sail for the Time of Your Life

    Many of us have UN……….……….s.

    Unfinished projects and business

    Unfulfilled relationships

    Unreached goals

    Unrealized dreams

    Fill in your own UN……………………………………………..

    The funny thing about the UN……………..s is,  they don’t go away.

    They may be hidden in our subconscious or stare us in the face every time we look at a stuffed closet, crowded counter top, a person’s face, a magazine picture, website, book, make the drive to work or any number of triggers which bring an UN…………..…. to our conscious level.

    (Did you ever notice how easy it is to look at something and not really see it? Like last year’s goal list hanging on the refrigerator door for over 365 days.)

    Now is the perfect time to make a big change in this New Year. Several weeks have passed since January 1 so we haven’t broken a New Year’s resolution yet.  That curse, remembrance of past failures is not relevant.

    Listening to radio, television, internet media, I am encouraged by all of the positive press about opportunities and the encouragement to take action in 2016.  Are these new opportunities?  NO, but our attitudes may be.

    This is NOT the time to be influenced by the recent stock decline.  Yes, we should always pay attention to our investments but we should not use the market to talk ourselves out of improving our personal situation.

    I feel very hopeful that change can happen in 2016. If not NOW, WHEN?

    To get started, make your bucket list. Your deadline is this Sunday – four days away. Really think about what you want to accomplish in life.

    What will you do this year?

    What will you accomplish in 5 years?

    What are life time goals?

     

    Pull out or buy a new journal for this process , use words, phrases, or pictures to describe your goals and dreams. Use the journal throughout the year to keep track of your progress. We will be referring to it often.

  • Our overeating “National Holiday”

    Here we are three days before Thanksgiving.  Our mouths could already be salivating over the abundance of food coming our way.  (I wonder does over-eaters anonymous attendance surge on Friday.)

    This day does not have to ruin our commitment to making healthier food choices.  This graphic shows good foods to choose. Yes, fruits and vegetables.  Are they even on the menu?

    turkey-dinner-clipart-black-and-white-M9TpKoXiE

    Other options:

    Find healthier recipes for family favorites. Everything is not about BUTTER and SUGAR.

    Start out with a smaller plate size.

    Limit yourself to only one refill.

    Limit the fattest foods to a single portion.

    Save dessert for a snack later in the day.

    Remember what this day is about:

    Text_thanksgiving_clip_art (1)

     

  • My 30 day fitness commitment

    I made a $40 bet with my friend, P., to each reach a 30 day fitness goal. Closest to her goal wins the prize. We are supporting each other through the process.  An accountability buddy helps. Our deadline is 12/12/15.

    My goal is to lose 3.8 pounds in 30 days (almost a pound a week). At our weigh in I was 124.8 lbs so my goal weight is 121 lbs. I know this sounds like a small amount but if you keep reading, I will actually show the NOW photo.

    While there are so many changes I could make to reach my goal, I am choosing to complete one action every day. I want to create a new habit in my life.

    So I choose to “Move my body for just 10 minutes a day”.

    Now is the time to drag out the “10 minute trainer program” I bought one year ago. Of course, I first have to find it! Some of you may be like me – purchasing books, programs, CD’s, equipment and props which sit unused collecting dusk and adding to general clutter. Luckily most of the tools do not have an expiration date.

    Besides using the 10 minute program, I can also dance, lift weights and use my mini-trampoline.

    My goal and challenge is engage in a 10 minute activity EVERY DAY.  To keep moving. To build up my stamina, my strength, my energy level and my spirit.

    I know I can do it. I am already into day 4. I seriously am sick of this figure looking back at me in the mirror whenever I have the nerve to really look at the full length of me.

    Check back every few days as I update my progress. Or follow me on twitter @dkellycoach for daily posts.

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    This is one pic I am NOT blowing up to full size.  Look for the after shot coming 12/12/15.

  • Boomer Longevity?

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    Boomers are predicted to live longer. If we are so lucky to be one of them, it becomes even more important to stay fit and young at heart.

    Life is not about the number of years we have left but about “What quality of life we will enjoy.”

    4 facts about boomers health – some good and some bad:

    -1- Boomers have the highest rate of obesity for their age, higher than any other generation.

    I am sure we are aware of the relationship of obesity and the potential to develop a serious disease – especially these big five – diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer and depression.

    (I recently learned of a test to determine if you too much belly fat – divide your waistline measurement by you hip measurement to determine a ratio.  For men, if your number is higher than 80 you are at risk for many health issues. For women, the ratio is a factor of 85.)

    -2- Boomers are more food conscious. How can we pretend that we don’t know recommended foods to eat and not to eat anymore. Between TV news, magazine and internet sources we are overwhelmed with many articles about this subject.

    In addition, how many magazines in print and online are devoted to getting fit and healthy?

    So with all of this information available, what is the missing piece to explain our over-weight America and our own personal challenges?

    -3- Boomers are not as healthy as previous generation. Sedentary life style, prepackaged foods, fast foods, over indulgence are just a few possible reasons. This can be an alarming statement based on information readily available to us.

    -4- Boomers are more active. With more time available, some boomers are committing to joining gyms, exercising and enjoying outdoor activities. So finally a good statistic.

    Wherever you are on the health and fitness scale, It is never too late to make improvements. Remember, good health is not about our looks but about how we feel inside and out.

    Working on our health and fitness is a critical investment we can make for ourselves when we consider the sky rocketing medical costs compared to scaled-down financial resources available as we retire.

    I will have much more to say on these four and many more issues about health in upcoming posts but for now………..

    Join me and commit to making one small change in your health routine.  I will be writing about my commitment on the “Ourcommonjourney” blog page.

  • Become an activist from the comfort of your couch

    A maze to get through

    Navigating the maze of decision made for us

    There is a great website I subscribed to that may interest you as well.

    Here is the link – http://petitions.moveon.org/

    Any member (membership is free) can start or sign an ongoing petition.

    Some petitions on today’s home page include:

    No Room for Hate on Saturday Night Live

    Urge the US Government to accept more Syrian refugees

    How about ending the tax breaks for CEO bonuses instead?

    Stop the War on Women and Planned Parenthood

    And last week:

    President Obama, you have my support to stop illegal gun sales

    Tell President Obama to Ban the Box

    Tell Pop Secret to Stop Killing Bees??

    No More Tax Deductions for BP Oil Spill

    Don’t Let Murdoch meddle with National Geographic

    Give Seniors a Cost of Living Social Security Raise in 2016

    Some of these may be issues you are unfamiliar with. But you can see there are a variety of petitions created by people like you and me,  who feel strongly about a topic. I hope the authors have researched their topics. Of course, as with all information on the web, we can conduct our own due diligence before signing any petition.

    To decide if this website is for you, check out the “about page” to learn more about the organization – http://petitions.moveon.org/about.html

    Let us know if you post a petition – what issues are important to you?

     

     

  • Proud to be an Elder

     

    IMG_3376I choose to be an elder. I am a proud member of Gen E.

    Okay, I admit it, I do feel old saying – I am an elder. Of course, I also can’t believe I’m in my 60’s.

    My last post included several definitions for an Elder. We learned that by society standards, elders are known for their interest in mentoring and for sharing their long life experiences. Elders also can model a sense of oneness with Earth and often, act as the spiritual agent for one’s community.

    One way, I embrace my role as an Elder is by writing this blog for the Gen E population. I will mentor and coach our community to make a difference by:

    defining and living their legacy,

    living sustainably

    giving back.

    These three areas have defined my life for over 25 years and I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with you.

    So take a moment and consider:

    Where you are in your life?
    Do you feel fulfilled?
    Are you Happy?
    Are you making a difference?

    We have the chance to rewrite our future history about our success as a generation. We can step up and lead, mentor, and teach.

    Be an elder!

     

     

  • Who is Gen E?

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    We are in a class of folks known as Baby Boomers. I don’t identify with the term baby boomer. It encompasses too large an age group and quite frankly we are not babies anymore. The term 60 is the NEW 40 doesn’t work either.

    Sometimes the term is reduced to boomers. I get “boomers” since there really was a boom of births from 1946 – 1964. But the boom was happened in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.

    What does the term baby boomers say about us now that we are in our 60’s?

    We are now living life with a new attitude. We are not our grandparents or parents at age 60. We are a generation living with a renewed strength, vitality and interest in what life has to offer us.

    So I propose a new classification – Gen E – a generation of Elders, who have so much to offer. When you first hear the term Elder, you may think old. But look at these three definitions of Elder used in different contexts.

    Society:  Elder is a role played in the family and community that is most common in third world, non-industrialized cultures. Elder is a manner of being in the latter portion of life that results from an older man or woman answering the informal call from the family or community to accept the mantle of elderhood. Once having accepted this calling, elders are known by their interest in mentoring, sharing their long life experiences, modeling a sense of oneness with Earth and often, acting as the spiritual agent of one’s community.

    Administrative term: The term Elder (or its equivalent in another language) is used in several different countries and organizations to indicate a position of authority. This usage is usually derived from the notion that the oldest members of a group are the wisest and thus most qualified to rule, provide council or some other form of leadership.

    Statesman: any influential person whose advice is highly respected. An older person or an older member, usually a leader, of some community

    Now is the time to accept our role as Elders. So are we up to the challenge to:

    Share life experiences

    Mentor

    Rule

    Provide council

    Become leaders

    Offer advice

    Stay tuned next time when I will share how I accept the role of an Elder.

     

  • Boomer Activism

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    The Skies the Limit

    Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic or environmental change, or stasis. Various forms of activism range from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins and hunger strikes. Research is beginning to explore how activist groups in the United States and Canada are using social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action. (From Wikipedia)

    Back in the 1960’s, many boomers took a stand. We became activists.

    We marched, protested, challenged old rules and norms. We made our voices be heard.

    We fought for the advancement of civil rights, of sexual ethics, workplace flexibility and diversity, environmental values, and women’s equality.

    We experimented with sex, drugs and rock and roll.  We engaged in our own personal development.

    How sad and frustrating that over 50 years later many of the same issues we fought for still exist.

    Did we believe that business and government would represent our best interests?

    So maybe we dropped the ball. Did we become complacent with the status quo?  Did we rely on others to fight our fights?

    Unfortunately, I think there is truth to these questions. We buried our heads in the sand so continued disparity and inequality grew around us.

    Okay we can admit our failure and let the battle for equality begin anew.

    Inequality for diversity, women, veterans, youth and older people lives deserve our support. Which group speaks to your heart? What program can you begin or support an existing one?

    We may believe that one person cannot make a difference but we also know this is not true.  Thousands of individual stories exist as individuals saw a problem and work to resolve it.

    As boomers, we have numbers, power, experience and resources on our side. We can use our talents to make a real difference for ourselves, others and for the planet.

    We all have the opportunity to STEP UP and make a change to better a situation.

    What contribution are we going to make individually and as a generation?  This opportunity can be so exciting and challenging as well. But let’s do it.

    Don’t be shy – email me with your story of change for others.

    I would love to post it on my new web page – successes. Let your tale inspire others to STEP UP as well.