Caroline’s Cart

Caroline’s Cart solves the challenges of taking special needs people to the store (not a paid advertisement) and empowers the rider to engage socially plus experience their independence. Designed by Drew Ann and David Long to assist their daughter, Caroline’s Cart is produced and distributed by Technibilt and costs approximately $200 more than a regular buggy.

Click to Social Security Resources

Want more info on Social Security benefits? Mistakes can cost you, their website can be confusing and government workers may not know your situation. Here are some compiled resources from trusted sources to help you develop a plan to maximize your benefits, coordinate with your spouse (or ex-spouse), not get $$ deducted if you earn too much and other twists. 8 Ways You Could Miss Out on Social Security Benefits, by Selena Maranjian, fool.com; Navigating the Confusing Rules of When to Claim Social Security, by Chris Farrell, forbes.com; Social Security Mistakes Can Cost you Tens of Thousands of Dollars. Here’s How to Get Good Advice, by Elizabeth O’Brien, timeinc.net;  pamphlet by the Center for Retirement Research at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and Social Security Resource Center at aarp.org. Books: A Social Security Owner’s Manual by Jim Blankenship, CFP, 4th Edition or at BlankenshipFinancial; and Social Security for Dummies

Donate your Body to Science?

Considering donating your body to science when you are done using it? In the US all state and local laws must be followed and you’ll want to start planning early. Look for an entity approved by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) which include some nonprofits and universities. There are online resources for information (and you’ll want to get plenty of it); we suggest starting with National Georgraphic’s How to Donate Your Body to Science, by Lori Cuthbert

To Do List: Advance HealthCare Directive

Might you answer “Huh?” when an admitting nurse asks for your Advance HealthCare Directive? If yes, it’s time to take action. An Advance HealthCare Directive, Advance Care Directive or Advance Directive  (one document, called multiple things) communicates to healthcare providers your medical preferences if you are unable to speak for yourself. It includes your values and desires related to end-of-life care. Click here for actionable information and forms  Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Directives by National Institute of Aging  from the National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization CaringInfo.org proides FREE forms by state Download Your State’s Advance Directives and their InfoLine is 800-658-8898. As with any document, include others in the discussion using your own discretion.

Podcasts a-Plenty

Popular podcasts for our crowd include TedTalks, Freakonomics Radio, The Daily, Stuff You Missed in History Class, This American Life, Good Job, Brain!, Guided Meditations and Lux Radio. For more information, click the live links.

Click with Care

Recently one of our pals was a victim of ransomware. He was on his computer when the screen went gray, writing appreared and a voice told him to call a fix-it number. Yup, a virus. He knew enough to TURN OFF the computer and NOT to call the Helpline that was being suggested. He has a local computer fixer, so he immediately connected with him to eliminate the virus and get his laptop back in working condition. Josh Fruhlinger’s What is Ransomware? article gives us additional information and suggestions.

Working Wonderment

People are working later in life and when surveyed they report working helps them socialize, pursue passions, stay engaged and remain mentally sharp (in addition to the cha-ching). Here are a few books, websites and resources: Never Retire: Why Pople Are Still Working in Their 70s and 80s, Rodney Brooks, forbes.com, 8-3-2018

AARP Foundation BACK TO WORK 50+   Call 1-855-850-2525

VIDEO:   AARP Foundation Target Your Job Search, 7 Smart Strategies for 50+ Jobseekers

Books:   Repurpose Your Career by Marc Miller and Susan Lahey, Unretirement by Chris Farrell, Second-Act Careers by Nancy Collamer, Encore Career Handbook by Marcie Alboher

Websites: SeniorJobbank.org, flexjobs.com, workforce50.com

A New Read – Women Rowing North

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourshing as We Age by Mary Pipher (New York Times bestselling author of Reviving Ophelia) teaches us the survival skills needed as we age, including Gratitude, Managing Expections, Humor and more. Release date: January 15, 2019. The title link is live into Amazon, if you are interested.

Meet Matt and Karen, Bob and Sue

Matt & Karen Smith (ages 55+), after 30+ years of working in traditional corporate jobs, decided to try something new and hit the road. Once their kids left for college, they quit their jobs and set out to visit all 59 U.S. National Parks. What started as a one-year journey to check off a few bucket list items turned into a fabulous encore career including books, blog @dearbobands, speaking engagements and more to come. Today, they continue to travel and write about their experiences having published Dear Bob and Sue, Dear Bob & Sue Season 2 and Dories Ho. 

Meet Maki...”Are you ready for something new in your life, but aren’t sure what you want or how to get there? Are you in a transition period and struggling with how best to navigate it? If so, now is the time to do the personal development work that will help you get clarity, drop your attachment to the expectations of others, and create the life that is truly aligned to *you*.”

Maki Moussavi’s new book, The Discomfort Zone: Embrace the Uncomfortable, Do the Deep Work, and Live the Life You Are Here to Live, lays out the process for going from stuck and unsure to being clear and intentional about living life on your own terms. Over the next few months, we’ll feature Maki, as she helps us work through discomfort and onto living our best life.

Click on the book title link for more information about what’s included in the book and how to pre-order your copy. Pre-orders will help Maki get the attention of publishers and also give you access to some exclusive bonuses that are only available through August 31, 2018.

Maki is happy to answer any questions you have! You can reach her by email at maki@makimoussavi.com.

The Future Is Female & Instagram Gramdma Has Her Game On   

Older adults don’t simply want to age, they expect to live. The future is female, healthy  and lively! Technology is a game-changer for today’s maturing adults and 73% of women over 50 find technology fascinating. Dr Joseph Coughlin’s new book, The LongevEconomy is helpful in understanding this generation of agers. Dr. Joseph Coughlin, forbes.com, 7-15-2018

Aging in Place Resources

Aging in Place Resources include National Age in Place Council with links to local and regional services; Area Agency on Aging (put this in your search bar & your local resources will appear), AginginPlace.com with Patrick Roden, PhD; Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) who help spaces work effectively for Seniors. Let us know if these help or share additional resources. Email us at anno@fantastic55.com.

AARP 

Administration on Aging

Social Security Administration

Web MD

Medicare


 

 Technology & Online Resources

10 Apps for the 50+ Smartphone 1)ICE – In case of emergency 2)EMNet finderER 3) iTriage 4)Skype 5)Google Maps 6)Waze Traffic 7)Magnifying Flashlight from Bzing 8)AroundMe 9)Runtastic 10)ShopSavvy. Gary Kaye, tech50+.com, 4-22-2016

Suggested Podcasts: Oprah SuperSoul Conversations, Ted Radio Hour, Retirement Talk for Boomers, Seniors, and Retirees, Retirement Answer Man Show

Suggested Websites: Retire Wow, Road Scholar, Evergreen Club -discount travel, The Senior’s Guide to Computers, , Retired Brains, Work Force 50

Top 10 Senior Dating Sites – 2018 Ranks Silver Singles, Zoosk Seniors, Match, OurTime, Elite, eharmony, Senior People Meet

Virtual Grandma by Alison Hillhouse This book helps you engage with grandchildren based on age and device. Including instructions for video chatting, virtual activities and making your own video.

Read This…When I’m Dead – A Guide to Getting Your Stuff Together for Your Loved Ones by Annie Presley & Christy Howard This guided journal makes it easy to get your end-of-life information together in a step-by-step format. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and your loved ones will have your information, wishes and stories in one hand-written book.

Unretirement: How Baby Boomers Are Changing the Way We Think A bout Work, Community, and The Good Life by Chris Farrell

Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging works to improve aging by promoting healthy, productive and purposeful aging.

Leading Futurists LLC touts leading experts on the aging workforce, workforce development and leadership.

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, Ashton Applewhite, 2016

Why Good People Can’t Get Jobs, Peter Cappelli, 2012

Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration, Enterprise Centers, Entrepreneurship programs – As more 55+ start businesses local existing support centers and programs are available. Search for resources online and in-person.

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, Dan Buettner, 2010