Jack LaLanne Was Right, By Dr. Patrick Roden
No, very few of us can have a body like lifetime fitness buff Jack LaLanne, but Dr. Patrick Roden at the blog Home By Choice says Jack is right when it comes to aging in place . . . Don't forget the body.
A Marijuana Collective in a California Senior Community
It's been more than a dozen years since California became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use. In some California cities, cannabis dispensaries are springing up like, well, weeds.
But in more conservative communities, patients have a harder time finding legal marijuana. That difficulty has led a group of seniors in Orange County to start setting up a pot collective in their luxury retirement community.
You can access the National Public Radio story here.
My Mother's Death Panel
Very insightful post - My Mother's Death Panel - related to the national health care "discussion" (shout fest) from Larry Minnix, president and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. He blogs at The Future of Aging.
Thoughts from an 80 year old Facebooking Great-grandmother
According to Inside Facebook, an independant blog for industry analysts and online marketers, women over 55 are the fastest growing demographic on the social networking site Facebook. A recent study indicates that the WWII generation is most likely to use a social networking site (SNS) for the purpose of staying in touch with friends and family. 30% of the older users of SNS are there "for fun" vs. 61% of Gen Y (15-29 year olds). 90% of SNS users from the WWII generation use Facebook vs. other sites like MySpace or Twitter.
So what do older users of SNS think? I had a conversation with my mom Nickie, a Facebook newbie and 80 year old great-grandmother.
What prompted you to join Facebook, Mom?
Nickie: One of my grandchildren insisted I join in and I felt flattered. She set me up remotely which was amazing to me.
How often do you log in?
Nickie: Not very often, mostly because I feel awkward about getting in. I think I just need more practice and to take my time.
In what ways do you use Facebook? I do a little chatting and more reading others' comments.
What's been your biggest surprise about Facebook?
Nickie: The amount of communicating others do. Facebook for the most part seems to be surface communication without depth. Facebook vs. face time? Yes. But, on the other hand, those away from their friends or family, must appreciate the link to others without having to write an out and out letter or make a phone call.
Do you anticipate more friends of your generation hopping aboard?
Nickie: I really don't think so. I think those who use email, really enjoy & prefer it.
In general, how do you feel about the role of communication technology (computers, cell phones) in your life and in society? They are all very useful, but I do believe they are not used wisely by many, many people. Even when communication with others in-person is available, many seem to withdraw and concentrate on the device at hand. It seems almost like an obsession.
How did you celebrate your 80th birthday, Mom?
Nickie: I took my first hip-hop class. And I'm so glad I did! It was great fun.
~Helen Rickman
Euthanizing Older People Conspiracy Message is Wackiness . . . Let's Get Real on Real Issues
We have to get real and focus on real issues, such as The CLASS Act, which would help people live as independently as possible.
Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Thissen Releases Age Wave Video
Watch Paul Thissen's Age Wave video here.
Bananas and Bud Light: Wayne Terwilliger's Keys to Aging Well
"I eat a lot of bananas for potassium and drink Budweiser Light. That's the answer."
Former Minnesota Twins-Saint Paul Saints coach Wayne Terwilliger, 84, who has been in professional baseball for more than 60 years and now coaches for the Fort Worth (Texas) Cats minor league club, asked the secret to his longevity by Saint Paul Pioneer Press sports columnist Charley Walters.
An Aging World is Brilliant News
This week the US census bureau announced that, within 10 years and for the first time in history, old people will outnumber young people across the globe. They were careful not to be too judgmental about this – there being so little we can do about it anyway – and concentrated not on consequent problems but on the "challenges to policymakers". And yet whenever this demographic shift comes up, it is presented in terms of a crisis on one hand and a burden on the other . . . . Our aging world is is brilliant news!. . . . Read London Guardian columnist Zoe Williams' take here.
Elder Fashion And The Power of Win-Wins
Neat things happen through collaboration. For example, this week, our team members and customers at Ecumen's Countryside community in Owatonna, Minn., partnered with local clothier BonWorth for a fashion show. Fashion trends change, but people's enjoyment of fashion is timeless. Models included CountrySide customers, including Billie Vargason above as pictured by the Owatonna People's Press. Our customers get to check out the newest fasions; BonWorth gets in front of potential customers. A win-win. . . . . The world moves when with win-wins.
Coca-Cola Ad for Seniors, For Everyone
Okay, not every person is going to want to do a back flip from the high dive, but I like the underlying message in this Coca-Cola ad. Aging is living, even at the very end of life. Anyone know the name of the actor? I've seen him a bunch of other places, but can't place his name.