Worldwide, “the number of older persons has tripled over the last 50 years; it will more than triple again over the next 50 years,” according to the United Nations. In the United States, people over 65 already represent more than 12% of the population; this percentage will increase to 20% by 2030, according to the Administration on Aging. Below are more than a dozen suggestions that communities can implement (some already have) to be better equipped for a mature population: 1. Age-appropriate fitness and recreation centers 2. Walking trails and benches throughout community 3. Free shuttle... Read More

If lifelong learning is one of your passions, or something you plan on pursuing in retirement, there are many avenues to explore. This column will take a look at a half dozen free online resources that are there for the taking – all you need is a computer – and a little motivation! www.free-ed.net. Classes in Math, Science, Business, Health Care, Computer Programming, and Electronics, as well as GED and College Preparatory classes. Their site claims that more than 500 student enroll each month. www.thirdage.com. Free workshops in the area of Health, Finance, Travel, Romance, Beauty, and Online... Read More

Are you a “Type A” personality? A perfectionist? A workaholic? Someone who feels great during the workweek, but suffers from depression, aches, pains, fatigue, and infections – in other words, a person who gets sick when nothing is looming on the horizon? If so, you may have what is called “leisure sickness,” a term coined by Dutch psychologist Ad Vingerhoets of Tilburg University. In a study of almost 2,000 people, about three percent of high achieving respondents identified themselves as suffering from symptoms of illness when they didn\’t have much to do, were on vacation, or... Read More

Thinking of selling your home when you retire? Recent research may help you determine an asking price. A Cornell University study, led by marketing professor Manoj Thomas in September 2007, found that people are willing to pay more for a home if the listing price is exact – that is, rather than trying to sell your home for $425,000, list it at $424,475. Why does this work? There is psychological benefit to precise numbers – people tend to think numbers that end in digits are smaller than those that end in lots of zeroes. The study included reviewing almost 30,000 home sales in areas... Read More

Does age discrimination exist? Not legally. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), passed in 1967 states, “It shall be unlawful for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual\’s age.” There can be a gap between legality and reality, however. During 2006, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 13,569 charges of age discrimination. The average job search was... Read More

We have repeatedly heard the mantra that we must exercise to ensure good health as we age. But, what does this mean? What should we do, and how often should we do it? The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recently published specific guidelines for older adults (believe it or not, that includes the Boomers!). Based on their expertise, these are the recommendations (keep in mind that these are minimums): Aerobic Exercise: Do thirty minutes/five days a week if the activity is moderate; twenty minutes/three times a week if the activity is vigorous. Activities... Read More

A new acronym is born – “Skiers” – Boomers who will Spend the Kids\’ Inheritance. Is this likely to happen? A lot of financial experts think it will. A recent survey found that more than 60% of Boomers plan to give money to their children before they die – perhaps by funding extended family trips, subsidizing an advanced degree, helping offspring purchase a first home, or paying for their grandkids\’ education. Many Boomers want to see their children (or their children\’s children) enjoy their money while they are still around, thus having less to... Read More

Are you older than 45? By 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about one-third of the labor force will be comprised of “mature” workers (defined as over 45). If you are planning on returning to work during your retirement years, you may have to update (or dust off) your resume. Don\’t feel obligated to list every job you\’ve ever had; concentrate on those positions that are pertinent to the employment you are seeking. If you\’re looking to change careers, or if you\’re reentering the workforce after a hiatus, concentrate on the transferable skills... Read More

Looking for a few good words? Here are some quotes that deliver some excellent advice in just a few words: “Don\’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to.” – Harry Emerson Fosdick “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn\’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover…” – Mark Twain “Home is where... Read More

In a previous column, we explored some of the avenues for those interested in working in retirement – such as working part of the year, starting your own business, trying out a new career through http://www.vocationvacations.com/, working from home, or finding an employer by using AARP\’s annual list of best employers for those over 50. Today, I\’d like to share with you the results from the “Annual Talent Shortage Survey” study from Manpower Inc., detailing the top job needs of employers for 2007. Manpower Inc. surveyed 2,400 firms in the United States, asking them... Read More