Aging Gracefully

                                                                       

As November gets closer, the big 60 is coming. Yep, hitting that 60 years old mark! I can remember when I was growing up thinking how old that number was! My grandparents, my parents, now, me? Really?

I don't feel my age most of the time. I am grateful to be here, so many don't make it this far. My mother-in-law died at the age of 47, my sister-in-law was only 52, a cousin in his 40's.

I have always loved the outdoors. As a kid, I would be outside, riding bikes, playing games all day. Now, I take walks, taking in the beauty of nature. I am in awe of it all!

I have had health issues in the past and know just how fast life can change. 

Our culture focuses on youth. I feel our most precious treasures are older people. They have been where the youth are going. 

No drama, laugh often, be grateful, love lots!

"Old age is no place for sissies" Bette Davis

Ways women over 50 can achieve financial fitness before retirement Part 3

                               
                                                                           

Fitness Mind & Body

When we think about financial goals, fitness of mind & body most likely isn't something we think about.. 

the following info was found on webmd

A complete fitness program must include the following:

Aerobic exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming, and dance exercise are good ones to try. Aerobic exercise works the large muscles in your body, benefitting your cardiovascular system -- and your weight. Work up to getting 20 or more minutes per session, 3 or 4 days a week. Make sure you can pass the “talk test,” which means exercising at a pace that lets you carry on a conversation.

Strength training. Lifting hand weights improves your strength and posture, maintains bone strength, reduces the risk of lower back injury, and also helps you tone. Start with a hand weight that you can comfortably handle for eight repetitions. Gradually add more reps until you can complete 12.

Stretching. Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and range of motion in joints. They also reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness. Yoga and Pilates are good forms of stretching exercise; they build core body strength and increase stability.

Make Exercise a Part of Your Daily Routine

Every bit of movement counts. If you're too busy for a regular workout, look for other ways to be in motion. Research shows that all those extra steps you take during the day add up to big health benefits. Here are some ideas to get you on your feet:

Adopt a dog and take it for walks every day.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. At home, don't shout at your family members from the stairs -- go on up.

Get up and talk with co-workers, rather than sending emails. Have a meeting with one or two colleagues? Take it outside and make it a walking meeting.

Walk briskly whenever you can. Always wear comfortable shoes, or bring them with you, so that your feet can be your main mode of transportation.

Find a sport, game, or activity you like. You’ll stay committed to exercising if you’re doing something that you enjoy.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on April 17, 2015

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the following is my view

I can tell you that having a dog forces me to get up, get out and walk. 

If it's not possible to have a dog, ask a friend to walk with, this way you can support each other to get out and walk.

Join a fitness center, most offer reduced rates for older people.

Ways women over 50 can achieve financial fitness before retirement part 2

                                                                         

                       
                                                             
                      Ways women over 50 can achieve financial fitness before retirement

the following info was found on pbs.org

By and large, women over 50 will have different financial challenges than their male counterparts, so keeping financially fit is important. 

Keeping physically fit is always important, but as we age, it becomes even more imperative to maintaining quality of life. Keeping physically fit is always important, but as we age, it becomes even more imperative to maintaining quality of life. According to personal finance expert and Next Avenue contributor Kerry Hannon, the same is true for financial fitness.


Hannon stresses the importance of “financial fitness” for women, and especially for female members of the baby boomer generation, who are now entering their fifties and beyond. “Women have been part of the workforce more in this generation than before,” Hannon says, they are also likely to stay in the workforce longer. The full retirement age for Social Security has risen from 65 to 67, and, according to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies’ “Fifteen Facts About Women’s Retirement Outlook,” 57 percent of women plan to retire after age 65 or not at all.
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the following is my view

So, let's take a look at that last paragraph. Wow, 57 % of women plan to work past age 65, or not at all. Gee, I would love to know how many of that percentage of women are not planning to retire at all. I bet it would be a large part of that number.
When I hear on the news how the younger generation is the first to live as well financially as their parents, I think, oh really? How wrong that is... My parents were not rich, but my dad was able to retire and have pensions from two places he had worked, my mom was able to receive social security, although she never had a full time paid job. She did work part time throughout the years. She also raised six children. Now, so many women will not get social security and in reality, how many people, men or women are retiring now with pensions from 20 years or more?
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pbs

Women face some unique challenges in planning for their financial future. Women famously earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. In a recent article for Next Avenue, Hannon points out that women are more likely to deviate from their career paths by taking time off to raise children or care for aging parents. They also tend to work for smaller firms and nonprofits that may not offer to match employees’ contributions to their retirement savings plans, if they offer a plan at all. On top of that, Hannon says, “most American women will find themselves single at some point from the age of 65 to the end of life.” This means women should be prepared to navigate the financial world on their own in their golden years.
Research suggests the average American woman does not believe she is up to the challenge. A Fidelity study released in February found that 82 percent of women were confident in their ability to budget and manage their daily finances, but only 37 percent of women felt confident planning for their retirement. Hannon offers the following financial fitness regimen for women in their 50s who are seeking to increase their financial know-how.

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my view

It's kind of baffling that women feel they are not able to plan for their retirement. Yet they are usually the ones raising the children, balancing a job outside of the home, balancing money between childcare, food, bills, clothing, and emergencies.
Women usually put everyone first, and don't focus on their health, so it makes sense they wouldn't in later years.
In the next post, let's look at making time for ourselves. Fitness of mind and body.


Beginning article
http://olderwomenrockon.blogspot.com/2016/12/women.html

It's My Bloomin' Birthday!

                                                                         

                                        

                                        Butterflies are free We are too If we choose to be!

Today, I choose to be and I say Happy Birthday to me!

Living in an area where we have had forest fires for almost two months, we really needed rain. This morning I woke up to rain that had fallen all night. What an amazing birthday gift! I haven't seen the skies this blue in awhile. And I heard birds singing, a sound that's been silent for too long.

I find as I have gotten older, I reflect more on the past. Through the years, I learn to let go of negative, painful times, not to give power to those who have hurt me. 

It's important to focus on gratitude. Appreciate life, be thankful that I am here.

Fortunately, I am able to get outside today, where I really do feel free. Feeling the wind, enjoying the sunshine. 

It is my birthday celebration. And I am very grateful.

Holidays, Hurtful Times and Giving

Let's face it, for so many people, holidays are really hurtful times. Women tend to talk about those feelings. Speaking for myself, a flood of memories hit me like a wave at this time of year.

I get that "homesick" feeling when thinking of my children when they were young, making the holidays a magical time.

I miss my parents, memories that I tuck away all year make their way to daily thoughts.

So, what do you feel during these times? How do you not only cope with them, but do something to make things better?

I get into my writing, make phone calls to childhood friends I have kept in touch with..they know the real me. I don't just talk, I listen to them.

This year my plan is to do some Christmas shopping for our local pet rescue and also pick up a toy for children in need.

Here are some suggestions you may like:

Volunteer Match  is a great place to find a cause you would like to volunteer, how, where and when.

Animal Humane Society Volunteer From in-shelter support to at-home foster care, volunteers are involved in every part of the work we do at all five of our shelter locations. Our volunteers help make the world a more humane place for animals. (if you can't volunteer, there is always a need for food, blankets, etc.)

Newborns in Need

Clothing for the tiniest children

Four years ago, single mom Sue T. delivered her son Daron 14 weeks early. She was poor, alone, and by her own admission, "jaded and cynical." After searching everywhere for affordable clothing that would fit her preemie, she learned about Newborns in Need, which provides clothing and blankets for poor and premature babies.

"When the boxes arrived with the supplies I needed, it restored my faith in humanity," Sue recalls. Her situation improved, and today, she is a volunteer with the organization, helping other women and infants.

Last year, Newborns in Need volunteers distributed more than 350,000 pieces of clothing and baby gear to 2,000 hospitals, shelters, and families across the country. The organization is looking for donations of blankets, sleepers, gowns, all-in-ones, hats, booties, bottles, pacifiers, and disposable diapers. Contact: 417-967-9441 or https://newbornsinneed.org/

Local Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens are always in need of donations or volunteers.

If you are not able to get out to volunteer, you can always make online donations.

Oh, don't forget about yourself, treat yourself to a day out for you. What would you like to give to you! A piece of jewelry you have wanted, get your nails done, a lunch date with someone you haven't seen in awhile..do something for yourself that you would usually make you feel guilty!

**So, today's Bloom, make yourself feel better by giving, to others and to yourself!**

                                                          

Pearls of Wisdom by Older Woman

Today's Bloom  "Pearls of Wisdom by Older Woman"  

 

                                                                    

Remember, you are unique, Embrace Yourself, Trust Your Instinct, Never lose your Inspiration

Feeling Younger..What Works for You?

                                                                   

Well, this photograph is courtesy of Pinterest, I love the quote, the woman, her pose and the way she is dressed! Not to mention her wonderful, confident smile!

"They Say" you're only as young as you feel..let's face it, some days we all feel like a kid, some days, we feel much older than my actual age, don't you think?

What do you find helps you feel younger? A new haircut, a new outfit? Maybe wearing a smile for awhile?

I find sometimes just getting outdoors, calling a friend or listening to my favorite music.

What works for you? Feel free to share in the comment section!