Boomers and the Advantages of Fish Oil

There are many advantages to fish oil for everyone but especially for Boomers. One of many studies done on fish oil indicates that it minimizes the effects of age-related muscle loss. Muscle loss can be combated with exercise but as we age, exercise alone won't maintain our muscles. In the study, women were tested doing twelve weeks of resistance exercise training as well as taking fish oil. Those taking the fish oil strengthened their muscles by twenty percent versus the eleven percent improvement with exercise only. Some of the reason for this is that fish oil also contains an anti-inflammatory quality. The omega3 found in fish oil helps muscles function at a higher level.

Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that those given an omega3 supplement had lowered their blood pressure and improved their cardiovascular by lowering their triglycerides and regulating their heart rhythmns. Fish oil can reduce the high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems and strokes experienced by many Boomers as they get older.

As Boomers age, Type 2 diabetes is also a threat, fast becoming almost an epidemic. It has been discovered there is a definite link between fish oil and diabetes prevention. Taking a daily supplement of fish oil will help, along with exercise, a proper diet and weight loss.

Omega3 is not only suspected of being effective for inflammation but also in helping to alleviate depression and to improve memory and concentration. It is also believed to help reduce the risk of cancer, especially those that are hormonal such as breast cancer. Fish oil is also believed to be an immune booster.

For those who have concerns about fish oil containing high levels of mercury or other contaminants, studies have shown that they are safe for use. It has been discovered that these contaminants are in the meat of the fish and not in the oil.

For those Boomers who have not exercised, eaten healthy diets, or looked after their health over the years and have slipped instead into sedentary lifestyles, it would be a let-down for them to look back at the vibrant youth they once were, who planned to conquer the world with great ideas and never thought they would ever be one of the 'old ones'.

We don't have to be! It is up to us and how we look after ourselves. We can change our lives at any time by simple lifestyle changes, by improving our diets, exercising, losing weight and including fish oil in our daily diets as many nutritionists suggest. By doing this, we are again taking charge of our own lives as we once did when we were younger. We don't have to wait and let life happen to us. We can be proactive in our health care choices and put off many of the diseases that come with aging.

I am one of the many Boomers who include fish oil in their daily diets. Taking a daily capsule, as I do, is one way but I also include other dietary foods that include fish oil like sardines, or foods that are omega3 enhanced such as free range eggs.

As Boomers, I believe very strongly in the importance of doing everything possible to stave off, as long as possible, any serious health problems, and adding a daily supplement of fish oil is one of the ways to hopefully do it.

The Boomer Generation - Getting Active

When Boomers get active, there is less likelihood of them experiencing psychological distress or serious health problems. And it ensures that there is a better chance of them remaining independent.

In previous generations, those in the Boomer age group did not lead active lifestyles. That is, unless they had been farmers, or were forced to work longer because of financial necessity. But those were not activities they enjoyed so the health benefits were not the same.

Nowadays, Boomers are becoming more and more active as they retire and have more time and often more money. They are taking up tennis, yoga, walking, hiking, swimming, kayaking and many other activities they may have previously yearned to do but had no time to experience and enjoy. These physical pursuits will not only increase their strength and mobility but will help with their general health as well. Exercise is not only good for the heart but for their mental health too. It is also a great way to socialize.

The more active Boomers become, the better health they will have, and the more physical abilities they will develop which in turn will help them to retain their independence for as long as possible. Besides being physically active, it will be important to be proactive in their medical care by taking the preventative measures of having regular check-ups and eating properly. Regular check-ups should include, for women, regular pap tests and mammograms, and for men, regular prostrate examinations. For both men and women, they should have regular dental examinations and an annual physical exam which should include blood tests and periodic blood pressure checks.

It is important also to retain a positive attitude and to keep in close contact with others. Besides physical activities, remaining socially active is very important and can be done by having pot luck dinners, playing cards and board games, bowling, starting a book club, going to the pool or the gym with a friend or getting together for a cup of coffee and a few laughs.

More and more Boomers are taking activity-related vacations which may include scuba lessons, fishing expeditions, riding a camel in Egypt or going on a walking excursion of Paris. Or they may decide to dance the night away on a Caribbean cruise, go on an African safari or swim with the dolphins in Mexico. And others may decide to go spelunking in any number of places, visit the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or explore the wonders of nature on the Galapagos Islands.

Whatever Boomers decide to do, it should be activity oriented in order to maintain good health and to remain independent. If necessary, they should push themselves out of their comfort zone so as to increase their activity levels. Pushing yourself a little passed where you feel comfortable each time is a great way to build on the level of fitness you have already achieved. The desire of most, as they age, is to remain independent and this is the best way of doing it.

Grandparents and Step-Grandchildren

Is there a difference between biological grandchildren and step-granchildren? Although there shouldn't be, there are situations that can sometimes make it that way. The following will describe some of the ways why this may be the case.

One of the things that will make a difference is how old the child is when they come in to your life. If they were young, as my grandchild was at two years old, I can't see that there should be any difference. But if they are fifteen, it will probably be much more difficult for both you and the child. Children in their teens are not as quick to accept as a two year old is. Also there may be extenuating circumstances such as resentment of the biological parent's new family. This will not help to pave the way for a good grandparent/grandchild relationship.

Also, if they do not live with that biological parent, it makes it even more difficult for a grandparent to establish rapport with their new grandchild. Especially if the biological parent they do live with is negative about the child becoming too close to the new family, and particularly if it extends to a grandparent.

But whatever the relationship that the step-grandparent has been able to, or not been able to establish, it is absolutely necessary to treat all children equally. If a gift is bought for one, a gift must be given to all, and of equal value. It may be more difficult to be demonstrably affectionate with both biological grandchild and step-grandchild if the child is standoffish but some kind of an effort should be made. He may not want the affection initially but in time he may feel more willing to accept it. It will be important, however not to push yourself on a child until they are ready to accept you. In in any case overtures should be made even if it is just a pat on the hand, a squeeze on the shoulder and a smile. It will be important for them to feel that you consider them to be one of your grandchildren too. They should be included in any scheduled events or holidays instigated by the grandparent too. The decision may be theirs not to attend but the invitation should be sincerely given.

Another thing that will make a difference is the grandparent's relationship with the new spouse. The new spouse may discourage your involvement with their child or even, although hopefully not, your involvement in your biological grandchildrens' lives.

Being a grandparent can sometimes be a bit of a tightrope walk anyway, depending on the various relationships involved, but being a step-grandparent can be even more difficult with a new and older step-grandchild. The most important thing to remember when in this situation is to be fair, loving, accepting and interested in your new grandchild.

Having said that, love does take time to grow but it shouldn't take away from behaving in a loving way with the child. But being fair is the all-time important thing to remember. Children will pick up on unfairness immediately and it will be difficult to get on good footing with them if they have perceived your treatment has been unfair. Bottom line is, children are children no matter whose they are, and they all deserve to be treated equally and lovingly.

The Eight Stages of Life

The eight stages of life all have lessons and challenges, positives and negatives, that all contribute to shaping the people we become. What are these stages?

These stages are: infant, toddler, preschool, school age, young adult, middle adult and late adult. In each stage there are lessons and challenges, and knowing them can give us some control over our lives. If there are negative pre-stages, problems can develop later in life.

- The infant learns trust if he has been raised in a positive, nurturing environment. And distrust if he has not been fed when he's hungry, kept warm and dry when required or given love and caring when he cries. An infant entering into the toddler stage brings with him hope if he has learned and experienced trust in his infancy. Trust will have been based on his parents' ability to give him sustenance and comfort when needed. Distrust can lead to withdrawal and lack of confidence in his next stage if these basic requirements have not been met.

- Toddlers develop interests and like to explore their environment. Highly restrictive parents are likely to instill a reluctance in a child to attempt new challenges in this stage. If parents or caregivers encourage self-sufficiency, children will become confident. If they are held back or their attempts at self-sufficiency are ridiculed, they will doubt their ability to try new things and will hesitate when presented with new challenges.

- Preschoolers, in the three to six year old stage, begin to develop courage and independence. If they are encouraged, supported and helped, they will develop initiative. But if they are discouraged and their attempts are dismissed as an annoyance, they will feel guilty for trying new things and may become timid.

- School age children are more developed, reasonable and cooperative. If they are encouraged, they will strive to achieve their goals and will persevere at their tasks until they are completed. But if they are discouraged or punished for their efforts, they will develop feelings of inferiority about their capabiities.

- Adolescents are learning to get a sense of their identity and to determine where their lives are going. This stage is a transition from childhood to adulthood and is a particularly difficult life stage with many challenges. The age they are when they enter into the young adulthood stage will depend on when they have established their identity. This adolescent stage may end at twenty or twenty-five or whenever a person feels they have actually come of age and can feel their own sense of maturity.

- According to studies, young adulthood is from the late twenties to early thirties and is a time of intimacy where they are ready for long-term commitments in both close friendships or marriage. However some at this age may enter into marriage/intimacy while still wanting to blend their identities with others, not having yet established their own personalities. If they are unable to determine their own unique identities and establish intimacy with another person, they may feel isolated as they grow older.

- Middle adulthood can be considered between late thirties, (depending on the growth in both the adolescent and young adulthood period), and sixty-four and is a stage of productivity and creativity. It is a time when families are being started and children raised. If pre-stages have been positive, they will be mature and socially responsible. They will maintain healthy life patterns, will help with aging parents and growing and grown children. If the pre-stages have been negative, it may be a time of stagnation and challenges.

- Late adulthood is from sixty-five and onward and can be a stage of contentment or despair. If the pre-stages have been positive, they will be proud of their accomplishments, they will feel they are leading a productive and successful life and will accept the stage they are in. If they look back on their life as being unsuccessful, they will be dissatisfied and may feel depressed and hopeless.

According to research, these eight stages and what we have learned or not learned, will have an impact on our future lives. If we have had negative pre-stages, life will be more of a challenge for us in each stage.

How to Live to Be One Hundred Years Old

In several countries, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. being among them, people over one hundred years are the fastest growing segment in the population. Why are there now more people living to one hundred years and over than ever before?

Japan leads the way in the amount of centenarians they have but the U.S. with their large population have about 72,000, the U.K. 12,000 and Canada 5,825, as of 2011. Women make up the bulk of centenarians.

Studies of those who are one hundred years and older indicate this is because of the availability of better medical care, the fact that those living to this age are not smokers and they have kept their weight down. Many of these people, studies indicate, live independently, remain active, look after themselves, love life, have a sense of humor, are spiritual, courageous, accepting and are not quitters. And because of this, most have managed to keep their minds sharp.

Other things that have helped people age well is regular exercise and a balanced and healthy low calorie diet. Most centenarians believe that the occasional drink doesn't hurt either.

Genetics has a bearing on longevity but it is suspected, with research on twins, that genetic paths can be altered. As one centenarian said of her twin sister who died in her early seventies, "She was a pessimist. She never laughed." Statistics seem to indicate that optimistic people live longer than do pessimistic ones. Are you a positive thinker? How you view a situation will depend on your outlook and will also make a difference in the outcome. For those who see their cup as half full, they will have happier lives.

When speaking with centenarians, most will say they have had an active lifestyle throughout their lives. They have not let age slow them down. One lady who was one hundred years old was still driving. She also said it was necessary to have the will to do things and to stay curious.

Another lady who was 103 years old said it was necessary to adapt to change and not to dwell on the past. She also said not to be too serious, to laugh often. Laughing often seemed to be something that was consistent with all who had reached one hundred years.

Another centenarian, at 106 years old, said to put others first. She said it reduces stress and promotes well-being which helps to strengthen the immune system. Another said it was important to cultivate friendships and to get out there; that it was necessary not to isolate yourself.

According to one study, taking life easy does not lead to longevity. Surprisingly, according to this study, conscientiousness was the best predictor of longevity. This includes those who are dependable, hard-working, persistent and well-organized. Conscientious people take actions to protect their health, they don't engage in risky behaviors, they are less likely to smoke, drink in excess, abuse drugs or drive too fast. They will follow doctor's orders and make conscientious decisions on a daily basis. These people develop healthy habits early, stay physically active and associate with other healthy people.

Centenarians are often those who are receptive to new experiences. They will move out of their comfort zone and try new things. They also have a good attitude and maintain relationships. On their 100th birthdays, they will probably have many who will celebrate their party with them.

Snowbird Grandparents - The New Type of Grandparent

Snowbird grandparents are becoming increasingly common. They migrate south for the winter, happily anticipating building new nests and settling in for the six month interim. Does it have an affect on the family and their relationships?

There are diverse opinions on how the snowbird migration affects families - probably as many opinions as there are family members. As one young child put it, 'We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa.' One parent comment, 'They are going to miss most of their grandchild's life and they don't really seem to care that much. They are choosing to be absent grandparents.' And from one young adult, 'I had snowbird grandparents and had a terrible relationship with them because of it.' Another opinion was, 'They spent their lives raising children and now they are free to do what they please.' and from a snowbird herself, 'We raised our kids, it's our time now.'

As with everything in life, there are pros and cons. It wouldn't be what I would choose to do but that is me. It isn't any different than grandparents who live in a different state or province than their grandchildren. And in many cases it's the offspring with the grandchildren themselves that make the decision to move somewhere else. The main difference is that in this case, the grandparents are choosing to be away from their families.

The positives about having a snowbird grandparent:

- There is a good opportunity to visit grandparents in a warm and sunny climate during the cold of winter where we live.

- There are still six other months of the year.

- A grandparent can still be a good grandparent regardless of whether distance is a factor or not. There are telephones, snail mail and of course everyone's favorite, e-mail and Skype.

- A snowbird's migration to warmer climes does not have to affect family relationships if you don't let it.

- Grandparents meeting new friends and enriching their lives can only benefit the lives of their family members. They will be more interesting and have stories to pass on to their grandchildren and families when they see them again.

The negatives about having a snowbird grandparent:

- Their own children, in some cases, resent that the grandparents aren't there for their grandchildren.

- The grandchildren miss the grandparents, particularly if there has been a close relationship before they decided to become snowbirds.

- There are health or other situations that make their children more reliant on them to assist with the grandchildren.

In the end though, it will be a choice that retiring couples will make based on their financial ability, health, and their own feelings about being away from family for six months out of the year.

Grandparents Parenting Their Grandchildren

The parents may be around but are unable to parent or they may not be around at all. Either way, parenting your grandchildren is not like parenting you're own children, it's a whole different ball game.

In the United States, there are more than 3.9 million households of grandparents parenting their grandchildren. There are many reasons why grandparents may need to parent their grandchildren. In some cases the parents may have died, have mental disorders, substance abuse, be incarcerated or have abandoned their children.

And because of many of those reasons, grandparents may be feeling their own sense of failure, guilt and embarrassment. What would already be a difficult job because of the loss to the grandchildren that they must deal with, they may have the additional burden of possibly trying to help their own children, they may have to deal with an alienation of their own child or may be suffering through the loss of that child.

The grandchildren will definitely be feeling loss and possibly abandonment. They may also have suffered abuse or neglect and are likely to feel insecure and angry. They could have had prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol or may have psychological or physical problems because of earlier experiences.

It will be the grandparents responsibility to make their grandchildren feel safe and secure; to give them stability and a regular routine; to communicate with them, to have rules, set limits and establish boundaries. These grandparents will also have to try and be positive, keep children active, show compassion, give guidance and unconditional love.

Grandparents can offer experience and perspective and show family continuity to their grandchildren. They can motivate, nurture and show affection. In the parenting role to their grandchildren, it will be important to take photos and keep records of the children's progress to let them know how important they are to you.

It is equally important that as grandparents who are parenting at a time when they had not been expecting to do so, that they take care of themselves and maintain their own health. It will be important also to have someone to talk to who can help when the stress of parenting becomes overwhelming.

There could possibly be legal issues to deal with besides day-to-day care such as custody or legal guardianship. This may be even more difficult if the parent has a mental problem or a substance abuse issue. There will be extra expenses for diapers, formula, car seats, cribs, besides the clothes and extra food involved in raising a family. There may be physical disabilities that require wheelchairs or other expenses as well.

The financial obligation can be overwhelming for most at a time when they may be at their lowest income level. It is estimated that sixteen percent of those grandparents raising grandchildren live below the poverty level.

Kudos to those grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. It is not an easy task but they do it because they love their grandchildren.

How to Spend Valuable Time With Your Teenage Grandchildren

Spending time with teenage grandchildren is completely different than time spent with younger grandchildren. Although what they like to do is different, they still want to be involved with their family.

Although teenagers shun anything they consider to be babyish, they are not adverse to attention and involvement with the adults in their lives. This is particularly true if there has been a previously close relationship. However, trying to establish a bond when they are in their teens will be difficult if none existed before.

The older teen is more likely to want independence and not to feel as if they are treated like a child. They will respect our efforts if we are flexible, within determined boundaries, sensitive to their feelings and are nonjudgmental. And if we invite a friend of theirs to be included in family fun times, they will be eager to participate, especially when they see their friend is enjoying the fun. One granddaughter and her friend have stayed overnight on several occasions. And I have taken one young grandson and his friend to the beach and on a weekend camping trip.

If we are interested in them, eager to listen, talk to them and share ideas and feelings with them, they are likely to be more open with us especially if they know their friends are welcome too. Teenagers enjoy board games, cards and scrabble. They may be interested in tennis, going fishing or hiking or perhaps getting involved in the adventure of geocaching. There may be things relating to their specific interests that you can take them to, i.e.: science, space, woodworking, rock climbing, boating, horseback riding, a computer, sewing or art course, etc. They may want to go to the water slides, a movie or a sports game. Some of these things you may not be exactly involved in but they will appreciate the fact that they and their friend would not have got there without you.

Perhaps you know someone who has a commercial fishing boat or a sailboat who would be willing to take you and your teenage grandchild out on. And if your grandchildren are at all environmentally-conscious take them to visit an association that protects fur bearing animals, an owl rehabilitation organization, a wildlife rescue organization, a visit to an organization that researches solar energy, winds and tides, an organization that is interested in the preservation of the fish in the oceans and the ecological preservation of waterways, a fish hatchery, a dam, go on a bird watching expedition, join a group that learns wilderness skills, visit a Llama farm, go canoeing or kayaking, go on a whale watching trip, make a trip to watch millions of salmon struggle to lay their eggs, completing their four year life cycle. Go spelunking in an underground cavern. The YWCA and YMCA offer a variety of programs. Visit a lighthouse, go camping, go to local festivals, an auto or motorcycle show, the boat show, golfing or bowling.

By giving a grandchild the opportunity to try many of these activities, it could instill a lifelong interest and may possibly determine their life goals. At the very least it will, in all probability, encourage them to be interested in spending time with a grandparent.

Things To Do With Your Grandchildren

Doing things with your grandchildren are what memories are made of; sharing smiles and laughter and perhaps even a few tears. It is an opportunity to be a child again too.

The following are some ideas of things to do with your pre-teen grandchildren:

- When your grandchild has a sleep-over, have a 'Let's Imagine Box' beside the bed. Fill a small gift box with slips of 'let's imagine' questions. This works even if the child is unable to read yet. It will allow you to get to know your grandchild in a different way. some ideas are: 1)Let's imagine that you were going to look for buried treasure, where would you look? What kind of treasure do you think you would find? What would you do with it if you found any? 2)Let's imagine that you are flying in the sky with an eagle, where do you think you would go? Do you think you would make the sounds of an eagloe or would he talk like you do? 3) Let's imagine that you are lying on a large fluffy cloud and you're floating in the sky, what do you think you would see when you look around? Who do you think would be with you? Or put some personal slips in the box that relate specifically to that child.

- Another variation on this is story-telling where you begin the story and then the child adds his own bit of creativeness and between you, a story grows. It's interesting to see where the story goes and it gives another opportunity to know and relate to the child. It could begin with: 'Once upon a time Reilly was on his way to visit his cousin Jaeden when he passed Mr. and Mrs. Miller's house. He almost never saw the elderly couple but today they were sitting together on the porch. Their old rockers moved gently back and forth, squeaking on the weathered boards. "Hello Reilly," they called. "What are you going to do today? You look like you're in a hurry to get someplace. Have you got a fun day planned?" And then the child can continue with the story. It can go back and forth with each of you giving the story your own little twist. My grandchildren have enjoyed this but usually they want to do the ending part themselves.

- If there are several grandchildren, give each one their own special day by planning an event centered around them. Some of the ideas for this can be to take them for lunch or make a special lunch for them with their favorite food items, or if others are present, make that child special by having a king or queen crown that he/she can wear, let them choose their favorite desert. Or go somewhere special or have a 'curled-up with popcorn and their special treats' movie day.

- Spend time together talking and listening.

- Play the child's favorite games, perhaps Go Fish or Snakes 'n' Ladders.

- Plant a small garden together or if this isn't possible, plant some seeds in a plant pot and watch them grow. Let the child look after it himself.

- Make a framed certificate that the child can hang on his wall stating all of his special qualities.

- Send the child home with love notes telling him/her how special he/she is to you and that you're very happy they are your grandchild.

- Make a personalized happy birthday story about your grandchild.

- Make Christmas ornaments with your grandchild that they can hang on the tree. A child's happy face is much more important than a perfectly color coordinated tree.

- Go to the beach or an open field and fly kites together.

- Go on a picnic or at least have one in your back yard or on the balcony.

- Do an Album of Events, a book compiled of things you have done with your grandchildren; special excursions, favorite places, pictures of them with family, friends or a pet. The child will feel the love surrounding him with every page he turns.

- Sing songs and read books together.

- If you have several grandchildren together, play games, i.e.: 1) Let's pretend, a child's version of charades where the child can pretend to be a galloping horse, a robot, a snake or whatever they can imagine being. 2

What is a Grandparent's Role?

There are grandparents who see their grandchildren regularly, those who are long distant ones, others who are caregivers to their grandchildren and those who have almost no access to them because of family strife. What are the roles of a grandparent within each of these categories?

Are there different roles for grandparents for each family unit within the basic family structure? The type of role each grandparent plays depends on many things, some of which you will have no control over.

In most cases those who see their grandchildren regularly generally have good relationships with their own children. That tends to be the basis for a successful grandparent/grandchild relationship. However for some, even in this category, they may not see their grandchildren as often as they would like. Perhaps there is some tension with a daughter or son-in-law or there may be issues between your child and their spouse which may affect the relationship you have with your grandchild/ren. You may have a closer relationship with your daughter's children than with your son's. or perhaps location is a factor - availability may be determined based on the fact of whether they are within a radius of a few blocks or are an hour drive away. And how often you see them may have more to do with time constraints than with the relationship itself.

For most hands-on grandparents who see their grandchildren on a regular basis, they don't have to do big things with them; they can cuddle, read to them, bake cookies, sing together or do a craft, share a silly moment, and especially let them know how important they are to you. In the process there will be wonderful memories for both of you about the good times you have shared.

The other type of grandparents are those who stay close by long distance. This is more prevalent now than it once was. We are more of a mobile society now because of the necessity of going where the jobs are or where the other spouse's family lives, etc. In most cases, it doesn't have any bearing on the relationship with your child. Being a long distant grandparent is a little more difficult and there may need to be more creativity. It will be equally important to let them know how much you love them by phoning regularly, sending cards 'just because', or regular e-mails if they are older, sending small inexpensive surprises and making an effort to get together when possible. Especially for special occasions like birthdays.

For those who are raising their grandchildren, the role will be entirely different. It will tend to be more like the parenting role with the day-to-day worries and responsibilities that parents face. Even though there is daily contact, the children have already lost something - their parents - so they will need even more love. It will be necessary not only to be a parent to these children but they will still need the love of a grandparent as well.

And for those who have been denied access to their grandchildren, it is a loss for both them and the grandchild. Grandparents play an important role in the life of grandchildren. These children lose out on much that a grandparent can offer - nonjudgmental attention, undivided attention, a sense of family, security and extra love. No one, and especially children, can ever have too much love. Grandparents can help children feel safe and right with their world. For the child's sake, and your own, never give up on seeing that child. Perhaps continue to get gifts for birthdays and Christmas to keep for them because eventually they will become adults and it may not be too late to develop a relationship at that time. This will be especially true if they know that you have had them in your thoughts all the time. Or open a bank account for them and deposit money regularly that can go towards their post-secondary education.

Being a grandparent can bring a lot of joy. The bond between a grandparent and a grandchild is like no other. I am fortunate that I have been able to be a hands-on grandparent and have close relationships with all of my grandchildren. I consider myself to be very lucky as is anyone who is actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren.

Baby Boomers - Defining Ourselves

We don't have to go far in our search for the fountain of youth. It is within our reach if instead of thinking of ourselves as old, we think of ourselves as forever young by living life accordingly.

The fountain of youth is the continuance of lifelong learning and personal growth. Preparing ourselves to roll over and die will only get us into the grave that much sooner. As we age we can travel and learn, experience new adventures, broaden our horizons, improve our awareness and our sense of identity. As we grow older, it is a time to realize our dreams and develop our talents. It is imperative to keep learning and to stay active in order to stay young.

Increasing our fitness levels is equally important too. The world's oldest marathon runner is 101 years old. He has completed nine marathons in the past twelve years and in April of 2012, he beat his own record. At 101, he jogs ten miles everyday and is going to be part of the London Olympic Games Torch Relay. He didn't begin running seriously until eleven years ago so it is never too late to begin your fitness regime. Another, a Canadian, recently ran a marathon at seventy-three years of age in under three hours.

Running improves muscular strength and bone density, reduces the risk of falls and fractures, slows the effects of aging, improves not only our physical health but our mobility and psychological health as well. Combined with weight training, it's a perfect receipe for staying young forever.

Learning to play an instrument later in life is also like taking a small sip from the fountain of youth. It rejuvenates unused areas of the brain, increases cognitive function, enhances the brain's structure and benefits memory, auditory processing and motor skills. Playing and practicing music also releases stress. Learning to play either the violin, piano or guitar enhances hand strength and manual dexterity. And lung capacity is improved with wind instruments.

Increasing our knowledge also is a good youth saver. It is never too late to go to university or college. If you are in your sixties or seventies, it may be too late to plan on becoming a doctor or a lawyer but it is never too late to take something that particularly interests you but didn't previously fit in with your career goals; perhaps psychology, American history or art.

And what about the things that are on your bucket list, i.e.: giving a speech, (well admittedly that's probably not on many people's bucket list) but perhaps backpacking in Europe, doing a castle tour, going to the Arctic Pole, walking across a suspension bridge, taking a photography course, an art course, joining a book club, a singing group or learning to play bridge. What about some of the things that you may have been afraid to try before or that you haven't had time for? Eleanor Roosevelt once said we should try to do something we're afraid to do every day. I don't think I'm afraid of quite that many things but I do get her point.

If we work daily at improving our fitness levels, skills and knowledge, we don't have time to get old or even think about it. The fountain of youth will always be within our reach. My mantra is, Let not the words, 'I am too old' ever pass my lips.

How to Help Make the Senior Years Golden

Seniors have worked their whole lives and should be enjoying the last few years they have available to them. How can we help seniors to make those years enjoyable?

The majority of seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. In the past this has often not been possible as they require more help and in some cases lose confidence in their ability to be able to look after themselves.

In recent years however there has been an initiative begun to help seniors to be able to do just that. In the United States it is called Aging in Place and in Canada it is called Aging at Home. As of 2010, in the United State there were fifty operational communities and 149 in the developmental stage with more being developed in other areas.

This program provides seniors with the ability to live in their own home and community safely, independently and comfortably regardless of their age, income or ability level. The program is to get away from institutionalized living for seniors by using telecare which includes health and wellness monitoring and home safety and security monitoring. Each person will have a choice in their care and living arrangements.

The program depends on volunteers, some trained professionals and some help from family members. Volunteers assist with health care, home repairs, provide transportation, do shopping, household chores, gardening and some light maintenance. They organize and encourage involvement in social activities such as pot luck dinners, book clubs and educational programs.

The greatest threat to seniors living on their own is falling and causing themselves serious injuries. Causes are usually lack of safety bars in showers and bathrooms, inadequate railings on stairs, loose rugs, obstructed pathways and insufficient lighting. Low cost modifications to homes can help to eliminate the potential for falls. This can be done by installing hand-held shower heads, ramps at entrance and exit stairs and non-skid flooring. For those with more severe functional limitations, and depending on the set-up of their home, extra modifications can be installed.

In some communities in the United States they are taking it a step further by developing Smart Homes that will allow seniors to live on their own but will be set up with functional monitoring for emergency detection and response and social interaction monitoring.

With this type of initiative towards seniors being able to remain independent helps to discourage depression. By allowing seniors to be able to remain in their own modified homes, it reduces many of the challenges they have previously faced. Their homes are now safe environments, people are available for assistance, they do not feel institutionalized, they don't feel like they are being a burden to anyone and so feel they are living a more normal life. And loneliness isn't the same issue because they are encouraged and assisted to be part of the comunity. Volunteers are available for doctors and other appointments.

With luck, more communities will become involved in this relatively new initiative program which not only encourages seniors to stay in their own homes but assists them to do so as well which allows the elderly to live healthier and happier lives.

Recognizing the Challenges Facing Seniors

Seniors, as they age, face many challenges. And with these challenges come fears as they consider how best to enjoy their golden years.

Health problems is one of the biggest issues with the possibility of strokes, heart disease, reduced vision, osteoporosis, a weakened immune system, arthritis and even the difficulty of simply enjoying a cob of corn because of loose fitting false teeth. All of these challenges loom like a black rain-filled cloud on their horizon. And with the prospect of health problems is the thought of losing their independence and possibly being forced to go to a nursing home or becoming a burden on their family members.

With these health challenges also comes the potential risk of injuries from falls that may eventually require them to use a cane or a walker to help them get around. Because of falls, there may be a resulting lack of mobility and accompanying pain. Incontinence is an embarrassing possibility as the body ages creating a loss of dignity for them as well.

Transportation also becomes an issue for seniors who have serious health problems. Poor vision and the high cost of owning a vehicle has made driving almost impossible. Buses are not practical with sometimes long distances to walk to a bus stop especially if they have problems with balance and mobility. That leaves taxis which they may be unable to afford, or they may be reduced to having to rely on others for their transportation requirements.

As many seniors age, loneliness also becomes an issue especially if they are unable to be out in their community. Internet is a way of communication for many people but unfortunately only twenty-nine percent of those sixty-five years and older are computer literate. And of those only seven percent use social networks such as e-mail or facebook which would be another way of combating loneliness.

This lack of computer literacy greatly reduces their ability to access information or as one senior in his eighties discovered, losing his driver's license when he was required to rewrite his test and couldn't use the computer. His license was taken away simply because he wasn't computer literate. Or other instances when internet accessibility is necessary for activating something, i.e.: a digital box for a television set.

Another challenge for many is that they have reduced and/or fixed incomes. This makes owning a car prohibitive and the high cost of living in general makes even obtaining necessary prescription medication difficult for some. Where to live can become an issue on a fixed income as well. No longer able to maintain the home they've lived in possibily for many years either financially, because of escalating property taxes or physically, they must decide where to go - a condo, with no yard work, a retirement home or an assisted living residence. However, even rents are often prohibitive.

Other challenges are, in some cases, society's negative perception of the elderly. I have witnessed this when out with my own mother and as people have passed, they let their eyes slide right over her as if she was inconsequential, didn't exist. And in some cases, in a restaurant, I would be asked what my mother wanted when she was perfectly capable of ordering her own meal. There have been cases also when the elderly have fallen victim to financial exploitation by strangers but also sadly, sometimes by their own family members.

Another challenge is memory loss but the biggest fear for most seniors is the possibility of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. Because of the numerous challenges besetting seniors, it is up to family members to help the elders in our lives as much as we are able to do so that they can live as happily as possible. It is their right.