Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: 7 Not So Simple Steps By Jed Diamond, Ph.D., LCSW NABBW’s Male Menopause Expert As we reflect on those who have died in support of the American way of life, I think about what it takes to be truly happy. Too often we live in fear or anger and it contributes to heart problems, relationship breakups, and conflict with other nations. We all want to be happy and are looking for simple steps to getting there, yet scientific evidence makes it seem unlikely that you can change your level of happiness in any sustainable way. Sad people don’t become... Read More

Fresh Veggie Pita Pocket Sandwich (With Hummus — The Perfect Sandwich Filler To Jazz Up Those Veggies) By Janet Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN NABBW’s Healthy Heart Lifestyle Expert It’s Monday and you plan on participating in the National movement to go meatless on Mondays. (Meatless Monday is an international campaign—started by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet.) You’re short on time, need a quick and tasty vegetarian sandwich filler—so you reach for the prepared... Read More

Drinking Wine – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly By Jan Cullinane NABBW’s Expert on The New Retirement Friend or foe? Pleasure or poison? There has been a lot of discussion about wine over the past decade. Let\’s take a look at how this “nectar of the gods” affects adults over 50. Studies are based upon “moderate” consumption of wine, defined as no more than one drink per day for women, and two drinks per day for men. A drink is defined as five ounces of wine. The Good (assuming wine isn\’t contraindicated because of medications, disease –... Read More

Remaining Positive When Facing a Chronic Illness By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert A diagnosis of chronic illness can bring with it feelings of denial, anger and grief. But, at some point, the emotions subside and you are faced with a harsh reality—you are no longer the person you once were. Chronic illness has robbed you from your sense of identity and purpose. Do you even stand a chance of rebuilding a meaningful life? According to Judy Gann—a breast cancer survivor who suffers from fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders—you can. She took her experiences... Read More

Recovering Stolen Property in Probate By Liza Weiman Hanks NABBW’s Estate Planning Expert Dear Liza: I have a sister who came into my father’s house after he passed away and took the only valuable item in the house. My grandmother gave it to my father over 30 years ago. It was in the house as long as I can remember. I strongly protested and requested for her to return it back to my father’s estate since. No positive response as to date. It has been now over 2 years and we are not on talking terms. I have just been appointed as the administrator of my father’s estate. What is the... Read More

Trust, Transparency Critical in Philanthropic Quest By Margaret May Damen, CFP, CLU, ChFC NABBW’s Philanthropy Expert Country music diva, Kathy Mattea’s lyrics, “Standin’ knee deep in a river and dyin’ of thirst,” could well apply to the quagmire many people get into when they start their philanthropic quest. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) there are more than 1.5 million not for-profit organizations in the United States. How does a caring and motivated person whose values are aligned with the causes they wish to impact chose the organizations... Read More

Stand Up & Speak Out for Real Wellness By Barbara E. Friesner NABBW’s Elder Care Expert Many companies these days are focusing the employee benefits on wellness. That makes sense and I applaud them for it. Unfortunately, when they think of wellness, most companies are thinking exercise programs, healthy eating, smoking cessation, stress reduction, etc. However, the point that many companies are missing is the root cause for these issues – that many people aren’t exercising or eating healthily, and are smoking, drinking, self-medicating, and totally stressed because they’re... Read More

Should Style As You Age Become Theatrical Costume? By Sherrie Mathieson NABBW’s Fashion and Style Expert Style is a language. If you want attention you might speak louder, or speak to shock. To get attention today (and yesterday), get noticed and reap affirmation of your existence in a crowded world where cell phones are most people\’s focal point–does it matter if it\’s positive or negative? Not really. Anything goes, because feeling invisible is a tough reality.The fact that as women get older the less likely they are to be noticed for their looks (certainly less by... Read More

12 Secrets To Great Romance For The Rest Of Your Life By Judith Sherven, Ph.D. NABBW’s Healthy Relationships Expert You can have The New Intimacy in your life. And, it\’s easier than you think! All you have to do is begin practicing the first of these ten steps. When you feel comfortable, add the next one that attracts you most. Before long you\’ll notice a difference in your confidence, self-respect, your capacity to give and receive love and, of course, the intimacy that makes it all worthwhile. See what magic you create! Step 1: ACCEPT COMPLIMENTS. Do you have trouble accepting... Read More

The Beauty of a Quickie: Rock your world in 8 minutes a day! By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert “Those who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps.” ~~ St. Gregory the Great You live in a world that feels at times as if it\’s moving at hyper speed. You have the best intentions when it comes to making your home a sanctuary, streamlining your To Do list and creating more \’me time.\’ But then the doorbell rings, your Instant Message dings, the baby cries, your spouse is cranky, your boss needs a transfusion... Read More