Why Are Some Boomers Happily Retired While Others Are Not?

To many people, retirement is a shock and doesn't seem to be quite what they expected. Not having planned ahead, they don't know what to do with themselves. Time drags and they feel they have no purpose and wonder why they retired. This doesn't have to be the case.

Many realize after retirement that their social life was tied up with their professional life. This is particularly true of men who sometimes don't have close male friends. As a result they are lonely and have feelings of isolation. Planning for retirement is necessary for mental, psychological and financial reasons. But often people spend more time planning a two week vacation than they do for their retirement.

Crucial to retirement is to have a social network, a purpose, to continue lifelong learning and to have interests and/or hobbies. It will be vital to cultivate friends to do things with, i.e.: golfing, walks, playing bridge or just socializing. Social interaction is the main difference between enjoying retirement or not; or being happy, healthy and active.

Some delay retirement because of insufficient retirement funds, or at least the fear that there won't be enough money to live as they want to and perhaps be able to travel as well. Planning to be financially comfortable in retirement should be started young - in your late twenties or early thirties at the very latest.

The retirement phase of life is a different lifestyle. How do you handle leisure? Do you get bored easily? What can you do to derive satisfaction from your retirement years? Some couples find too much togetherness in their relationships can present problems. Both should develop their own interests. It is necessary to be involved in life so time doesn't drag. Those who are the most satisfied in retirement have found things to do outside the home that are meaningful to their life. And they are the ones who are maintaining a healthy lifestyle by being physically active.

For those who have planned for their retirement and are financially secure, travelling can be satisfying and educational. Travelling is being actively involved in life and it is meeting others who have similar interests. There are many different types of travel options - enough to meet all individual tastes and styles.

Others who have planned for their retirement and have looked forward to it, are enjoying a lifestyle where they have freedom and time to spend with their friends, to enjoy activities they previously had little time for such as pursuing educational interests, learning an instrument, a new language or becoming more physically active. Perhaps they have always wanted to run a marathon - maybe now is the time to do it. Possibly they wanted to volunteer, spend more time with grandchildren, write their memoirs, get involved in genealogy, plant a garden or have more time for reading. There is no limit to what you can do if you have the time to do it.

A successful retirement depends on being adequately prepared. It is also necessary to determine what you want to do in this phase of your life that will give you purpose. But before you take that step, ensure that you have a strong social network in place. After that, enjoy your retirement and all the things you'll be able to do with the extra time you have. Retirement should, and can be, a very happy phase in your life.

Boomers and Travel

Many boomers consider travel as part of life and not just a luxury. And for this reason, many travel often.

Boomers' parents saved their money to make their one big lifetime trip. But many boomers began travelling as students so now as experienced travellers, they look for exotic experiences. Many have already done what they consider the mundane, i.e.: exploring the United States, most likely by backpacking, so a bus trip across the States does not appeal. With a been-there-done-that type of attitude, they're now looking for adventure that is either challenging or at least intellectually stimulating.

Growing up with the attitude of being young forever and not wishing to trust anyone over thirty, many even now, don't want to associate with seniors or anyone older than themselves when travelling. They don't see themselves as old no matter what the calendar may say. They feel young and often act much younger than their chronological age. Their preference would be to travel with people younger rather than older than themselves.

When travelling, boomers want options where they can feel as if they have some control over their travel experience. They don't just want to sight-see, they want to sight-do like going gold panning, river rafting, on a safari, walking the high arch of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney or even bungee jumping, as one seventy year old recently did.

Boomers like luxury at a bargain price but with the assurance of good value. But there are also boomers who stay at hostels around the world. No longer is it just the youth who backpack; boomers are returning to the things they enjoyed in their youth. Perhps it is a denial on aging. And does it make any difference whether it is or not?

Boomers are travelling with friends, family or are taking their grandchildren on special trips. There are also theme trips such as golf holidays to specific areas, spa trips to luxury resorts, wine tasting trips or educational trips with the intention of learning a language through total immersion with the land and the people. There are also volunteerism trips where part of the trip is spent helping at a school or an orphanage, eco-tourism trips which includes nature and environmental excursions to see waterfalls and bird watching. Adventure travel is also popular which includes hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving and skiing. And of course, cruises have long been popular choices.

RV travel is popular with boomers also. It offers a variety of experiences, control about where you go and where you stay and allows complete flexibility. It is a free spirit way of travelling. It can be used as a home base for visiting historic sites, local points of interest and tourist attractions. It is a home on wheels without the necessity of packing your suitcase with every move you make.

As boomers redefined young adulthood and retirement, according to statistics they are also redefining the travel industry. Because of their numbers, their travel demands are determining what the industry offers. Boomers want new experiences, not the same-old, same-old. They are more interested in adventure and international travel than were their parents. They want educational and experiential travel, i.e.: a cargo ship cruise or a trip to the Galapagos. And many are looking at their bucket list when they consider places to travel.

Many boomers believe that 'To travel is to live' which is a quote by Hans Christian Andersen. And they are doing it in large numbers.

How to Be a Healthy and Active Boomer

When we look around, we can see that many boomers are leading healthy and active lives. They are growing older with a vitality that our parents didn't possess.

Boomers have redefined aging and retirement. They were the ones who redefined young adulthood and they're doing it again as seniors. Although some may find it necessary to accommodate their needs, they're not going to sit back and rock on the porch with their feet up.

Most take their well-being seriously and because of this they usually take care of their health by walking, playing golf, swimming, bicycling and although they may be taking ballroom dancing lessons instead of attending music extravaganzas such as Woodstock, they are active participants in life. Most also still have a sense of adventure and although they may continue to be risk takers, they keep caution in mind more seriously than their younger counterparts.

Boomers who were incredibly independent in their youth continue to be self-sufficient and now may garden, do canning or become involved in crafts. Or they may take yoga, do water exercises or join a walking group. But staying fit and being mentally active is high on the list for most boomers. They are also the ones who encourage the continuance of family traditions.

The majority of boomers are comfortable with a computer at least as far as having an e-mail address. And many have a cell phone. But there are also many who do search the net, are active on facebook and other social media sites and own other technology based paraphernalia such as an ipod. And since many boomers are single, there are those who have tried online dating. In general, socially their time is spent with close friends and family.

Statistically this generation is living longer than their parents or grandparents. Some of the ways to stay healthy are: - Do not smoke.

- Keep active by maintaining your strength, flexibility and cardiovascular abilities.

- Eat a balanced diet.

- Control your weight by eating properly and exercising.

- Get regular screenings. Women should have regular mammograms and pap tests and men should be checked for prostate cancer. Other screenings can include such things as a periodic colonoscopy, regular blood pressure checks and blood tests to check cholesterol levels.

- Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen.

- Have regular dental and hearing check-ups.

- Stay interested by continually learning something new - continue to challenge yourself.

- Get a pet (even if it's only fish). They won't exactly give you unconditional love but they are interesting to watch and much easier to leave when you travel (and there are no kennel fees).

- Travel as often as you are able.

- Get out amongst people and enjoy what life has to offer.

- Join a book club, a walking group or an environmentalist group - whatever interests you.

There's a song by Todd Hunter which says, 'Life is good, life is great, life is asking you to participate'. That is the best we can do to ensure that, as boomers, we remain healthy and active. Get out there and live; don't vegetate.

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.