Tom Murphy,  October 12, 2007

Scientists may debate the rate of global warming, but there is general agreement it is changing our planet rapidly. Even if they didn't agree, the melting ice caps would be a clue to the rest of us that we need to pay attention to this crisis, both on an individual and a collective basis. Al Gore's work was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize which he shares with a UN panel addressing this crisis. But the US and other industrialized nations are balking at proposals to cut back on greenhouse gasses, and too many of us are still wasting energy every day, mostly by driving gas-guzzling cars more than we need to. It's time to stop, look around and find ways to do better. There are literally hundreds of ways for individuals to help, but two stand out: drive less and send an email to the president. You won't get a Nobel prize, but you may help save the world.

Cecily O'Connor,  September 28, 2007

Looking for a new job? Opportunities may get better with age. There are dozens of companies earning kudos for catering to the over-50 crowd. AARP recently put SC Johnson at the top if its list of best employers for workers over 50. The maker of Windex achieved that rank, thanks in part to promoting a healthy work-life balance, offering compressed work schedules and providing a wellness center for employees, retirees and their families. Other large companies on the list include: Principal Financial Group, Volkswagen of America and John Deere.

Cecily O'Connor,  September 20, 2007

I have always been a big runner. On occasion, I manage to get my husband, a soccer player, to tag along with me. But it's usually not without some complaint about how running is tedious because "there's no ball involved." I have argued against his contention at length, but now I may save my breath. A new study says a friendly game of soccer is better than jogging. It seems soccer players get a better workout because of intense bursts of activity, burning more body fat. Soccer players also feel less tired than runners because they are having more fun, the study said. (I can see my husband's smile widening now). In fact, soccer is a sport that a lot of people play well into their 40s; many US cities have masters and over-40 leagues. I don't know if I'll ever be able to bend it like Beckham, but if soccer is that much fun, maybe it's time I give it a go. It never hurt to try something new. And there's still running in soccer!

Cathy Bowman,  September 14, 2007

As Fashion Week moves from New York to London, so does the ongoing controversy over how-skinny-is-too-skinny for a model to work the runway. I suppose I should feel encouraged – I read recently there is no “size zero” in Britain. A few days ago I was at Marks and Spencer in a dressing room, staring at black and white photographs of pouty, twig-shaped models in their underwear getting dressed for a fashion show. The huge photographs were plastered from floor to ceiling, like wallpaper. The models looked ridiculous – nothing like the middle-aged women who were trying on clothes, and nothing like the clerks who were helping them. I keep thinking there will be a revolt someday – women will stop buying the magazines that tell them they aren't thin or pretty enough, and fashion designers everywhere will make clothes that one could wear someplace besides the circus. I know – some of the clothes are gorgeous, but they cost a fortune. The truth is, we all deserve to feel beautiful – and comfortable, too. And yes, for less than the price of a new car.

Cathie Ramey,  September 10, 2007

It takes a special person to give their time and talents to help others live a better life. I just had the opportunity to help thank about 130 volunteers who support a Northern California senior club, although many aren’t seniors and age really has no meaning to them. They range in age from 50 to 101. Turns out their generosity may also reward itself. Studies have shown a connection between volunteering and improved health and well-being. That’s because civic engagement keeps you socially connected and intellectually stimulated. It also gives you an opportunity to use well-honed skills or learn new ones.

Cathie Ramey,  Sept. 4, 2007

Oddly enough, “retirement” now includes the option of working. Why are we choosing to work?  It could be that we want the opportunity to be a connected, integral part of the universe contributing goods and services to society far longer than society expects us to. Baby boomers have never been ones to pass up an opportunity, and reinventing ourselves through a new career path is an exciting one. Let’s be careful though, in how we play out this new option. Some have asked: Could we accidentally create two classes of retirees, those who are labeled “productive” because they work, and those who are labeled “unproductive” because they don’t, or can’t? Remember the animosity in the '70s and '80s between moms who worked and moms who didn’t? Productivity comes in many forms - through creativity, civic engagement, and caregiving, to name a few. It’s important we support all the hard-working retirees who’ve earned the right to choose.

Cathie Ramey,  August 30, 2007

Have you noticed how many "seasoned" musicians are still performing to the delight and amazement of their adoring public? Tony Bennett and his music have been a part of American culture for as long as I can remember as have rockers Ringo Starr and Mick Jagger, not to mention Willie Nelson, Bo Diddley and the baby-faced Paul McCartney. On any given night you can turn on your TV and watch the icons of your youth performing their hearts out. Do musicians and other creative folks know the secret to successful aging? Possibly. Dr. Gene Cohen, Director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University is studying the relationship between creativity and aging and the results bear out what we see in real life. In his study, seniors who participated in an organized singing program showed real benefits to their health and lifestyle. Apparently, all the fun these performers are having may be translating into a happier, healthier lifestyle. It seems that developing a new creative outlet gives us both a sense of mastery and a chance to engage with others. But, way down deep, don't we already know this? Isn't that why we sing in the shower, dance at weddings, or take painting classes? Finally, there's something we can enjoy that's good for us.

Cathie Ramey,  August 23, 2007

Like many baby boomers, I would like to live in my home as long as I possibly can. What I have come to learn, however, is that there is more to making this happen than an aging-friendly home and the financial resources to arrange for services. I'm going to need a place to age that supports the many activites I do now that I consider important for a happy life. The ideal community will be one that has a strong transportation system to pick up the slack when I relinquish the keys to my car. My place to age will offer me lots of opportunities to volunteer and stay involved. There will be lifelong learning classes to keep my mind sharp and a walkable downtown for shopping and having lunch with friends. Opportunities for entertainment and exercise are also on my list. And let's not forget the importance of good medical care to take care of my husband and me and a good contractor to take care of our home. Am I expecting too much? I don't think so. Afterall, I'm planning for the "best" of my life, not just the rest of my life, aren't you?

Cathie Ramey,  August 21, 2007

Isn’t it ironic that baby boomers are spending billions on cosmetic procedures but failing to save for retirement? As a member of this generation, I can certainly attest to the difficulty in setting aside money today for tomorrow’s needs, but hopefully looking younger isn’t one of the reasons we’re directing our cash away from retirement savings.  It’s not that I’m opposed to cosmetic surgery; the signs of aging that greet me in the mirror each morning can be unnerving to say the least. But does looking good today outweigh quality of life tomorrow? It’s projected that boomers will redefine the role of retirement by remaining in their current jobs longer. Some will become entrepreneurs and some will seek employment related to their hobbies. No matter how long we work, with 30, 40 or 50 years ahead of us there may come a day when we’ll want or need to scale back. When that time comes, let’s hope that savings gone awry hasn’t put a wrinkle in our plans, so to speak.