Author: Laura (Page 53 of 55)

Who are your heroes?

01/26/2015 / Laura

I heard someone say the other day they wondered who the “younger generation” considers heroes. Assuming this person was talking about people in their 20s and 30s, I have no idea, but I’m hoping the list includes someone other than the cast of Entertainment Tonight.

It got me to thinking about the people I looked up to when I was very young. For sure, the Mercury astronauts were men who embodied raw courage to me. I ate up the space program, and longed to see the launch of a space flight in person. That never happened, but I’ve never lost my passion for it. I really could put every astronaut since on that list.

Helen Keller was also a figure that filled me with awe. I remember learning about her and reading her autobiography and just marveling at how she could break through the darkness and achieve so much.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer was an inspiring hero. It all sounded so mysterious and brave, to choose that life and help others as he did. To me, he defined the term “humanitarian”.

Entertainment-wise, I was a devotee of Roy Rogers. And it wasn’t because of the white hat or beautiful Trigger, it was how nice and gentle he seemed. He didn’t get snarky. He didn’t yell. He didn’t belittle those around him. He just went about doing good and being polite, without ever getting too much dust on his western shirt.

I mean, really, what’s not to like?

Over the years, (and leaving religious figures and family members out of just for simplicity’s sake), I would add other names of this list: Anwar Sadat. John Muir. Henri Nouwen. Madeleine Albright. Doctors Without Borders.

And some that I simply admire a deal for their tenacity at spreading knowledge like Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Steve Jobs.

For sheer guts and class, Jackie Robinson.

I know I’ve forgotten some that I consider heroic, but I’m not talking about people I just think are nice or talented. I mean someone who really makes you pause and consider what life would have been like without their contribution. Of course people who risk their lives daily to protect or heal others all have the stuff of heroism, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Police, first responders, firemen.

Soldiers, sailors, marines, and those in the Air Force. On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I visited the memorials for the Vietnam War, World War II and Korean War, as well as Arlington National Cemetery. Shrines to the ultimate definition of the word “hero”.

Then there’s the doctor treating Ebola. The father who lies across his toddler as a tornado passes overhead. The mother that pulls a teenager from a burning car. The average citizen who stops a gunman from entering a school.

Maybe deep inside us, we all have what it takes to be a hero, though most of us will only perform small acts in our daily lives. Still, they matter.

Who were your heroes? Do you have new ones? Do you think it’s important to have heroes?

“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up … discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Hug & be healthy.

01/19/2015 / Laura

Valentines cards, candy, and gifts are already in the stores, which is no surprise. Little red hearts and cute stuffed animals can make the most rational adult go screaming into the night if you don’t want to think about your romantic life (or lack of it).

As boomers and those with more years to our credit, we’ve been through this enough to ignore it if we choose. But one thing is worth paying attention to: how genuinely good it is for our health to touch one another, be affectionate, and have close relationships.

(Whether that relationship is with another human, an animal, or your leaf blower is up to you.)

Research is all over this. Holding hands reduces stress and pain, and the effects can last throughout the day. Being around people you care for causes you to experience a rise in “feel good” hormones like dopamine, which give us focus, energy, and optimism.

Companionship and affection can even help protect you from dementia, by helping build up our reserve of healthy brain cells, among other benefits.

Studies show that having a group of friends can help you live a longer and healthier life, especially when those friends are a mix of ages. I’ve always believed everyone should have at least one good friend over 80. You will learn more about patience and perspective than you ever thought possible.

Being social can boost your immune system. Friends lessen grief, enrich your life and improve your health. Friends can help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals (unless they feel the need to share a 10-pound bag of M&Ms with you).

Just a simple hug can lower blood pressure.

And it’s true no matter our age. In fact, studies confirm that “elder” (I’ll let you define that term) romance can help people avoid possible health issues. The reason is you tend to be more active when you are sweet on someone. Your mind is fresher and more alive. You don’t feel depressed or alone.

Of course, there are many people who are alone…so what can they do?

Find good friends and spend time with them. Stay in touch. Hug when you see each other. Pat them on the back if a hug is more than you feel comfortable with. Build a bond of mutual caring and support.

It’s called “social capital”…the ties that build trust, connection and participation. It feels good to know someone cares, and the first step is often in our court—letting that person know we care.

So maybe the best valentine we can send is one to ourselves…to remind us that we can be a friend, have friends, and add some human touch without getting all uptight-American about it.

Cause it feels good as a dark chocolate truffle…without the calories.

“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”

Mother Teresa

How To Shop Estate Sales.

12/22/2014 / Laura

Like to look for rare treasures? Want a new hobby that gets you out of the house and lets you make friends with other boomers, see the insides of some historic homes, and maybe happen upon that unusual find?

Then you might be interested in learning the art of estate sales.

We boomers love nostalgia. We lived through some fascinating trends…LPs, Time/Life books, Slinky, percolators, rotary phones, sewing machines, bean bag chairs….

For some, estate sales are an addiction, for others, just a way to pass the time. I confess occasionally I enjoy the whole process though I am a novice. Which is why I recently interviewed a boomer couple who are true estate sale sharks…and they have the purchases to prove it.

Over the years, they’ve found stunning antique cabinets and other large pieces of furniture. Valuable collectibles like Lladro, Hummel and Beatrix Potter. Old books and posters. Classic records, vintage toys and more. In some cases, for amazingly low prices. (I think boomers appreciate bargains more than anybody!)

And along the way, they’ve come to know the “regulars”…people they see in line at many estate sales. It’s a close-knit society. Members of this society often will cooperate with one another because after a while, you know who’s looking for what and they know what you’re looking for.

But how do you go about successfully sniffing out and cruising an estate sale? Here are some tips from my experts:

Sign up on websites like estatesales.net, estatesales.org and gslar.com. You can receive emails that will list sales in your area, often with photos of items. Plus, on gsalr.com, you can enter key words that might come up in descriptions of items for sale in a particular house. That can really narrow your search.

Decide which sale you are most interested in and make that your first stop. Even if you don’t sign up to receive emails, you can still visit websites like estatesales.net, estatesales.org and gsalr.com the night before a sale to check out the locations of sales, and look at photos of items.

Get there early. At least an hour early if you really want something and you think others might also be interested. You’ll have to stand in line, but most likely you can pass the time talking to others there. Dress for the weather.
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See if anyone is standing outside that represents the sale. If so, ask where you desired item is. For example, is the antique desk in the master bedroom? Upstairs? Knowing where it is before the door opens can be a major advantage.

Bring cash just in case. Some sales take credit cards and checks. Some are cash only. Don’t be disappointed.

Bring a big or box if you are anticipating picking up something fragile.

If you do see something you think you might want, go ahead and pick it up while you decide. You can always put it back after you’ve walked around the house. But if someone else gets it, you’re out of luck.

Pricing: most dealers will not come down on the price the first day. You can ask, and if it’s something that they think won’t sell quickly, they might make a deal, especially if you’re already buying other items. But in most cases, it’s the second or third day when you get the deals.

Why go to estate sales if you’re really not looking for anything?

One reason is sometimes the sale is in a beautiful old home in a beautiful neighborhood, and it’s interesting to see the architecture and furnishings. Another reason is sometimes it’s just fun to see what you might find…a memory from the past like an old record, toy or cooking tool you haven’t seen in years. Plus if you have grandchildren, you often can find children’s clothing and toys in great condition for a very low price. Same thing with gardening tools, golfing items, and kitchen utensils.

My finds have been everything from an ornate handheld fan (my church doesn’t have air conditioning) to perfectly good garden pots for two dollars to an original Russell Wright pitcher that matches a set I inherited from my mother. In some ways, it’s bittersweet to look at items that were once possessions of another person…you wonder what happened to them, and you wonder if the same thing will happen to your stuff. But then I think most of the people who frequent estate sales really treasure what they find, so at least the items are getting a good home.

And finally, another great benefit of going to estate sales: you can go to breakfast afterwards!

“I’m the oldest antique in town.”

Norman Rockwell

Health benefits of Tai Chi.

12/11/2014 / Laura

(This is the second of a 2-part series on the benefits of Tai chi for anyone over 50. In Part 1, you heard why Tai chi is the perfect lifelong activity from Certified Tai Chi Instructor Tim Murphy. Today’s post highlights specific health benefits, and how to get started in Tai chi.)

Tai chi stretches your body, and your organs. It helps align the ligaments that in turn keep your bones aligned properly so you have more support. It reduces pain and increases flexibility. Increasing the qi flow through the body opens up the channels for increased energy and strength.

Emotional and Mental Benefits: Connecting with the qi.

What is qi? One definition is the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things…an uninterrupted flow is said to be essential for good health. This is where Tai chi comes in: it unlocks the qi.

But what does it mean to “feel” the qi? I can only answer for myself. There are times during a Tai chi movement when I can feel what I will describe as an energy field, usually warm, and very soothing. It doesn’t always happen. Some people never feel it. But many experienced practitioners say that even if you don’t feel the qi, you still are absorbing the benefits of the process.

For Certified Tai Chi Instructor Tim Murphy, it’s about awareness.

“Tai chi has made me much more aware of the energy flowing through my body,” says Tim. “It’s proven that we have electrical fields flowing through our bodies, and Tai chi has helped me understand what that means. It’s an awareness of qi; a phenomenon I can get in touch with.

“Tai chi also has helped me become centered. So many of the experiences you have in Tai chi are hard to describe…the feeling you have after you’ve been playing Tai chi for an hour or so. You may be tired, but another part of you is revitalized. And it has a calming effect. Sometimes just that slowing down is so important. It’s so typical of our world and how we work, that we go nonstop and never really relax.

“With Tai chi, you are taking a period of time for yourself to slow down, which has many positive effects on your body. I’ve had people come into the first Tai chi class and walk out after a few minutes, because there is something inherent in them that prevents them from slowing down. Many Type A people have trouble moving that slow. But I ask: if it’s that hard for you to slow down, maybe this is something that might really benefit you!”

For many people, the combination of relaxation and concentration doesn’t make sense. I get that, but I can tell you it’s what really drew me in…I knew it would be good for my 50+ brain!

“You can be mentally focused and relaxed,” says Tim. “You’re just focusing on the relaxation.”

Physical benefits: what research is finding.

Blood pressure. Studies have recorded positive benefits for participants dealing with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, research has found Tai chi can improve levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and C-reactive protein in people at high risk for heart disease.
Immune system. Tai chi decreases the release of catecholamine, a neurotransmitter that dampens the immune system. In one study, three sessions a week for four months enhanced immune cell function by 45% in adults with shingles.
Arthritis. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you’ll appreciate that Tai chi can help you have less pain and stiffness. I can speak from experience on this: it does reduce pain, even in the hands. The Tai Chi for Arthritis Program developed by Dr. Paul Lam is based on the Sun style Tai chi which helps improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. http://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-does-tai-chi-for-arthritis-work/
Balance. Tai chi may improve sensitivity to nerve signals in ankles and knees, which can prevent falls. Practicing Tai chi also has been found to reduce the fear and thus the risk of falling among older adults, even in their 80s and 90s.
Osteoporosis. Tai chi may slow bone loss in postmenopausal women and even build bone density.
Diabetes. Because movement and exercise are so important in the control of diabetes, Tai chi has been found to be an excellent option for those with diabetes needing to reduce stress, relax, and improve their circulation.
Fibromyalgia. A New England Journal of Medicine study showed that Tai chi reduced pain and fatigue and improved the participants’ ability to move, function physically, and sleep.
Parkinson’s disease. Participants in one research study suffering from mild to moderately server Parkinson’s demonstrated improved balance, walking ability and overall well-being after 20 Tai chi sessions.
Recovery from stroke, injury, illness. Because Tai chi can help improve strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance and also reduce stress and anxiety, it has proven to be an effective method for recovery from stroke and other trauma.

There is more….much more. But it’s obvious that this is more than a few stretches and poses. This is a holistic approach to lifelong well-being.

Check it out for yourself. Visit the Tai Chi for Health website and read a few of Dr. Paul Lam’s articles. Read more from Harvard Medical School. Ask anyone you know who is a student of Tai chi.

So how do you get started? Get moving.

Most importantly, start moving. “That’s the key,” says Tim. “Whether you join a class, watch a DVD, or find a video online, just start moving. As you start to delve deeper in the Tai chi forms, you will want to do them correctly, which means finding someone who can guide you. There is something about the human connection between a student and a teacher or mentor that can facilitate your learning.”

Step One: Get moving.

Step Two: Find a class, a DVD, a video or other resource.

Step Three: Develop a relationship with someone who can guide you and answer your questions as you progress, so you can get the most out of what you are doing.

I vouch for locating a certified instructor and a class where you can learn with others, practice what you know, and continue to peel the layers off the Tai chi “onion.”

I predict you’ll start feeling the benefits soon…and Tai chi will be part of your lifelong journey of health.