Living the Dream

Although the name of this blog is "Not Just for Boomers," occasionally I like to write to the boomers out there like  myself.  This is one of those posts that is directed mostly at boomers.  But I do think it will resonate with just about everyone.

As I wrote in my recent post, "Hidden Gem: Cape May, New Jersey," my wife and I recently spent a wonderful two days in Cape May.  During our visit there, we ate twice at the Lobster House restaurant, where the seafood and service were both excellent.  During our second visit to the restaurant, we sat next to a couple that appeared to be a lot like us, retired boomers on vacation. During the course of our meal, I happened to overhear the following conversation between the husband and his son who was on the other end of the phone:

"Hi son, yeah we are down here in Cape May at the Lobster House having dinner. How are
we doing? Son, I can only say one thing: 'We're living the dream.'"

Of course, I could only hear one side of the conversation, but I was simply wowed by what I heard.
And, by the way, if you happen to be that couple and you read this I apologize for eavesdropping, but I just had to share your comment.

"Living the Dream, " what a great thought! Too often we get bogged down in the bad things that happen to us.  We end up complaining to our friends or spouse about those aches and  pains, physical and emotional, that we all suffer as we grow older.  Now, here is  a man who probably has had his fair   share of those trial and tribulations, but he is grateful for the life he has. That is something definitely worth remembering.  We all have things for which we should be grateful: a loving spouse, a wonderful child or grandchild,  or maybe it's just waking up in the morning with all your parts still in order.



                 

Do Stock Brokers Need Help to Advise Boomers on How to Invest their Money?

Do stock brokers and financial advisors need help in preparing to advise baby boomers how they should invest their money as they plan for retirement and retire?  Well, Bank of America Merrill Lynch apparently thinks so. According to a report on today's "onwallstreet" website, Merrill has retained a gerontologist, to assist in preparing its advisors to deal with the aging population in America, who are customers of Merrill. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a gerontologist is a person who is trained to study the social,psychological and biological aspects of aging.  It differs from geriatrics which is the medical study of aging.

The gerontologist named by Merrill, Cynthia Hutchins, has a degree in gerontology from the University of Southern California (USC) and has worked for some 28 years in the financial industry and for 15 years with Merrill in various capacities.. She was named by Merrill  to train Merrill's 15000 advisors on how they can better assist clients with age-related issues such as planning for retirement , use of resources in retirement as well as other health and finance issues, as well as issues arising from things such as dealing with adult children who return home and grandparents raising their grandchildren

Sounds like it might be a good idea.  Let me know what you think.

Consumer Reports Magazine Supports "Haggling" for Gifts

The Christmas buying season is upon us, even though we have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving.  It happens every year and sales seem to begin earlier and earlier. Christmas in July may not just be a joke soon.

So, if you are beginning to search around for gifts for your family and friends, here is a tip you might want to consider.

Many people will be buying electronics gifts this year: HD and 3D televisions, Smartphones, cameras and just about anything else you can plug into the wall or load up with batteries. Most people will be going to Big Box stores or small specialty shops. Whichever you shop, keep in mind that the price listed on the product is not the price you must pay.  Haggling over the price or the warranty or some other aspect of the purchase is not only good practice, to do anything else is just plain unwise unless you enjoy paying full price (and nobody I know likes that).

I have written several times in this blog about how you can save money by negotiating for the best price. :http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-save-money-by-negotiating.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html. I have even written a book on the subject which is available on Amazon entilted,"How to Get the Best Deal Every Time," which is available as an e-book.http://www.amazon.com/How-Best-Deal-Every-Time-ebook/dp/B00BRPVH4U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384817264&sr=1-1&keywords=tony+basinski

In its annual gift issue,  Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org, suggests that "haggling" for the purchase of appliances and electronics gifts is a sure way to save money. Consumer Reports, December 2013. We couldn't agree more. And Consumer Reports provides the best information on which brand to buy and where best to buy the products you are shopping for this season.

A Visit to Fraunces Tavern in New York City

Recently, we were in New York City for a short visit. Because we had been to most of the major museums in the city, we were looking for something a little different. I suggested we make a visit to Fraunces Tavern. Fraunces Tavern is best known as the place where, at the end of the Revolutionary War, in 1783, General George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army.

Washington's address to the officers was given in what is called the Long Room, apparently because of its length across the width of the building atop the tavern below.  According to a contemporary account by one of the officers present, there was not a dry eye in the house as Washington finished the address and shook hands with those present.Washington, of course, did not fade away as he then apparently thought, but went on to become our first President.

And neither did Fraunces Tavern just fade away. New York City became the first capital of the United States and the Tavern housed the offices of the new government's Departments of Treasury, War and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department).

Built in 1719 as a private residence, it became the most popular tavern of its time after being purchased by Samuel Fraunces in 1762.  While the upper floors are a museum,which includes a Hall of Flags of the United States,  the lower floor still serves as a tavern. In addition to the tavern itself, the building  is also connected with several other buildings, including another restaurant, where we ate. The restaurant, among other dishes, serves what is described as George Washington's favorite chicken pot pie. I don't know about Washington, but it was my favorite, just filled with white meat chicken and topped by a thin, crisp shell. Yum!

Fraunces Tavern is located at 54 Pearl Street in the Financial District, near Wall Street. The phone number is 212-425-1778. There is a small fee for admission to the museum, but it is well worth a visit.

Boomers Beware: Oreos Are Addictive

A study by researchers at Connecticut College announced today suggests eating Oreo cookies may be as addictive as snorting cocaine. The high sugar, high fat cookie that we love to tear apart and dip in milk appears to affect the same pleasure zones in the brain as both cocaine and morphine. The study conducted on lab rats has not been peer-reviewed but the findings appear to be consistent with other studies which have shown a link between consuming high carbohydrate foods and the release of dopamine in the brain.

Source: College study finds Oreo cookies are as addictive as drugs | Fox News http://fxn.ws/1giJbuS via @foxnewshealth

How Do I Prepare for Retirement?

How do I prepare for retirement?  That is a question that millions of people in the United States are asking themselves. These people are not just boomers like myself, but people in their twenties, thirties and forties, as well. And no, I'm not talking only about how you must save so many dollars a year so that you have enough to last until you are 96 (although that is certainly part of the preparation process). There are many websites and blogs that deal with that issue. What I am talking about is how do you prepare yourself not only financially, but also mentally, physically and psychologically. What this blog does is to provide you with the paths you can take that will ease  your mind.

When you retire, you suddenly have a lot of time on your hands. How you use that time will determine how successful your retirement will be. But the secret is how you prepare to use that time and resources well in advance that will determine whether or not your retirement will be a success.
So search this blog and see if you get some ideas that will work for you. Here are a few posts that may be of help to you: http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2013/07/where-is-best-place-to-retire-part-2.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-to-save-for-retirement-easy-way.html. We will, of course, continue to add information that will help you achieve the retirement you want and deserve, whether now or 20 or more years from  now.

Hot Chocolate Can Prevent Dementia

A recent study of a group of individuals over the age of 70 has suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate each day may improve your brain's memory skills. The Harvard Medical School study showed that drinking two cups of hot chocolate for thirty days resulted in improved blood flow to the brain. The participants in the study showed an average increase in blood flow of about 8 percent by the end of the study. This translated to a substantial decrease in the time necessary for the individuals to perform certain memory tests from an average of 167 seconds to 116 seconds.

While the researchers and others who have seen the research have cautioned that the results of the study are still preliminary and that further research is necessary involving control groups, it seems to me drinking a couple of cups of hot chocolate a day may well worth doing. Who knows, maybe those cups may help you find those keys or eyeglasses you are misplacing or maybe even help you to  avoid dementia or the mental decline everyone is worried about as they age. Let me know what you think.

The study was performed by Dr. Farzaneh Sorond, an assistant professor at the Harvard Medical School.  For a more complete discussion of this study and comments from the Alzheimer's Association, see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2386257/Drinking-hot-chocolate-prevent-ALZHEIMERS-boosting-blood-flow-brain.html

Twinkies Are Back!

I don't know if you heard the good news yet---Twinkies are back!! Well, almost.  We still have to wait three weeks for the return to store shelves everywhere of that iconic cream-filled, orange, sponge-cake dessert treat.  It's manufacturer, Hostess Brands, which filed for bankruptcy protection several months ago, has announced it will resume sale of Twinkies on July 15.


What boomer hasn't enjoyed this treat? During four years of high school, my mother packed my lunch every day.  Alongside the chipped ham sandwich from Isaly's and over ripe pear, was a Twinkie. I must confess that even though I had not had a Twinkie to eat in over twenty years, I was thrilled at the prospect of its return to its proper place in Seven Elevens throughout the country. With all the clamor these days about things "Made In America," nothing is more American than the Twinkie.

So America, "Cheer up," better days are ahead!

Believe It or Not: Boomers Are Retiring and Liking It

Contrary to many misconceptions, believe it or not, boomers are retiring----and once more, they are enjoying it.

There seems to be a belief that boomers are not going to retire, that they prefer working until they die. While that may be true for some boomers, there apparently are quite a few who are retiring as soon as they feel they can do so and still maintain a lifestyle similar to their pre-retirement lifestyle.

In an article on the Huffington Post50 website, entitled "Boomers---Will They Shun Retirement", the author, Sara Rix, discusses several studies that show that boomers are in fact retiring at or near the retirement age of 65 and are enjoying their retirement. One study shows that 7 of 10 retirees really like retirement and have adapted to it quite nicely.

If you are interested, the full article can be found at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sara-rix/retirement-work-longer_b_3442301.html

What Are Boomers Doing?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/retirement-age-oldest-boomers_n_3326226.htmlhttp://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130521/OPINION07/305210037/Don-t-count-out-baby-boomers-just-yet

Here are a couple of very interesting articles on boomer retirement plans and their contributions. I know I was surprised when I read them and I think you wiki be too.

How Boomers Can Save Money in Retirement by Studying the Fundamentals of Personal Finance

We boomers all think we know more about money issues than we really do.  So maybe, we need a little help with our finances..  But who wants to go to a financial planner?  Even those who charge by the hour and do not take commissions can still cost you a pretty penny.  Money Magazine recently recommended two online courses to give you the fundamentals of financial planning. I thought I would test drive those for you and give you my impressions of the two courses.

First up is the course entitled "Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning" offered by the University of California at Irvine. This no credit, no-fee course is available online at http://ocw.uci.edu/courses/course.aspx?id=12.  This course is not intended to replace a professional financial planner, but to help to give you a better understanding of financial planning. According to the course description, "The course was created to help those who cannot afford extensive planning assistance better understand how to define and reach their financial goals. It provides basic understanding so informed decisions can be made. The course can also be seen as a reference for individual topics that are part of personal financial planning."

The course is quite comprehensive, covering some 22 different topics from preparing cash flow and net worth statements to determining how much you will need for retirement.  If you are truly interested in planning your financial future, this is certainly a good place to assist you with your planning.  However, it does make certain assumptions that beginners may not be familiar with.  I think it is geared more towards the person with some general knowledge of the principles of personal investing who wants a refresher course.

In a future blog I will discuss another financial planning course from the Khan Academy. www.bettermoneyhabits.com.

How Exercise Can Improve Memory in Boomers

In a recent study published in the Journal of Aging Research, scientists at the University of British Columbia reported that exercise can boost memory and cognitive skills in older adults.  The study involved several dozen women between the ages of 70 and 80.  Some of the women were given weight training while others were given aerobic training, walking.  The researchers found that both groups improved spatial memory at about an equal amount after a six month period.  However, those who walked regularly had greater improvement in verbal memory. The researchers concluded that different types of exercise had effects upon different parts of the brain.

What exercise is best to improve brain functioning? The answer is obvious:  do both aerobic and resistance training to achieve maximum results.

The Easy Way to Visit the National Parks

An  article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal, entitled "Hikes in the Nation's Parks---Without the Sweat", offers suggestions for Boomers and others with somewhat limited mobility to enjoy the national parks without hiking long distances or climbing hills.  March 20, 2013. http://online.wsj.com

The article points out several must-sees such as the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoia trees in California's Yosemite National Park. While there are several walking options available to see the thousand year old trees (some are believed to be as much as 3000 years old!), a good option is the narrated open-air tram ride that follows the same path that hikers follow.

Similarly, at the Grand Canyon, you could hike the seven miles or more to the bottom of the canyon or, again, there are free shuttle buses that allow you to hop on and off over some eight miles of the canyon's trails.  You know what choice I'm going to make when I get there.

The article also discusses various options at Acadia National Park in Maine, Wyoming's Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and western North Carolina, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Mount Rainier in Washington State.  All of these parks have their own wonderful attractions from Yellowstone's Old Faithful and other geysers to Shenandoah's not to be missed Skyline Drive.

If you are 62 or older, you can purchase a National Parks Senior pass for $10.  It is good forever and allows you and three guests free access to all of the national parks run by the National Park Service. It is well worth the price. See "The National Park Service Senior Pass" in this blog.

How Boomers Can Stay Healthy

Are you a healthy boomer or are you less healthy than you can or should be?  That is the question addressed in a recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine yesterday.  http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx. The study suggests that baby boomers, while expected to live longer, may also have a higher percentage of health problems such as high blood pressure and other chronic conditions, which may affect the quality of life of those boomers.

Certainly, experience shows many boomers have had knee replacements in their fifties and early sixties as a result of running injuries and have various stress related medical issues such as high blood pressure and high levels of bad cholesterol.  In this blog I have written various times about ways to avoid problems associated with stress such as tai chi and meditation. What is Mindfulness?  11/18/12  Meditation and Tai Chi. 6/15/12 Also, I have suggested alternatives to running for cardio fitness that avoid the pressures on the knees such as walking and cycling. High Intensity Training for Better Health, 4/25/12.

While the alternatives I have suggested may not work for everyone, they certainly are worth trying.

What is Mindfulness?

What is mindfulness?   I have written before about the many beneficial effects of mindfulness and deep breathing techniques. "Every Breath You Take," May 2, 2012. These include lower blood pressure, better cognitive skills and many other health related benefits.  It is clearly a practice that everyone can and should do everyday if you value your health or want to become healthier. But what is it about mindfulness that makes it so beneficial and why has it become so popular?

While I don't claim to be an expert and certainly I am not a doctor or health professional, I think the answer lies in the fact that our nervous systems today are so overtaxed by all the outside forces that bombard us from every corner of our world. We are constantly exposed to numerous stimuli which is fueled by the belief that the more things we can do at the same time, the more productive we are. I think mindfulness offers a form of relief that eases both the mind and the body by reducing the number of stimuli. In a world of multitasking, mindfulness is the ultimate form of unitasking.

In other words, by concentrating on just one thing at a time, we find relief from all the other outside forces that seek to demand our attention. And all it takes is to concentrate our mind on what we are doing right now and not try to do too many things at the same time.  If you are watching a football game on the television, watch the game but don't read the newspaper at the same time. If you are walking down the street, notice how you are walking, pay attention to your stride, the movement of your arms and every aspect of your body. If engaged in conversation, just listen rather than thinking only about what you are going to say.

 If you try these simple measures, I believe you will enjoy the benefits of mindfulness everyday without even thinking about it (no pun intended).

Why Boomers Love to Travel

Why do boomers love to travel?  The answer is really quite simple. The early Christian bishop, Saint Augustine of Hippo, one of the fathers of the Church, probably said it best, "The world is like a book and those who do not travel, read only a page."

We boomers opened that book when we were young and have kept it open. Our thirst for travel has never waned.  I know in my case, we took only two vacations as a child, but after I was drafted and sent to Vietnam, my desire to see the world was formed and has never left. I believe that there are many others out there like me.  Boomers love to travel and with luck, will never finish that book.

Please let me know what you think.

Will Eating Less Let Boomers Live Longer?

Will eating less let boomers live longer?  Apparently the answer to that question, unfortunately, is "No." In a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Aging and reported in the journal Nature, August 23, 2012, it was determined that large calorie restrictions by humans will not prolong your life despite the fact that other studies in monkeys and rats have shown just that effect. Those studies convinced some people that the fountain of youth lay in eating significantly less than most people need to function.

So, what type of restrictions are we talking about?  Well, the average adult human consumes about 2200 calories a day.  The believers in extreme calorie restrictions have cut their calorie intake by as much as 30 to 40 percent.  Earlier studies in mammals and other animals suggested an increase in lifespan by as much as an astounding 50% as a result of such restrictions.  While there is no question that many people consume too many calories which may shorten their lifespan, it appears eating too few calories will not necessarily have the opposite effect.

While the Nature article is certainly intriguing for its conclusions, it is unlikely that it will end the debate over calorie restrictions. As with anything else, people will continue to believe what they want to believe.  If they feel better eating less, I am sure people will continue doing so.  As  for me, I think moderation in caloric intake, as well as most other things, is still the key to good health and longevity. On the other hand, I am reminded of the statement once made by Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing to excess." 

Let us know what you think.

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Clearing the Mind for Boomers

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurditie​s no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coffee: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Last time I wrote about the many potential health benefits of high intensity interval training or HIIT. In as little as two ten minute sessions of cycling a week, the same results can be achieved as with multiple longer, less intense sessions. Today, I want to report on two other shortcuts to healthier living that you might want to consider.

First, Prevention Magazine recently reported on a British study that showed that cutting back on carbohydrates such as pasta, breads, etc, just twice a week had as much effect on weight loss as full-time dieters. Definitely worth looking into and trying if, like me, you hate counting calories.

Another recent study has appeared to confirm what we thought all along--coffee is good for you! In a recent study by the University of Madrid and Harvard University, dramatic reductions in mortality were found among coffee drinkers. According to the study, womenn who drank two to three cups of java had as much as an 18% reduction in death from all causes. The reduction for women who drank four or five cups was even more dramatic---up to a 26% reduction. The reduction for men was smaller but still not insignificant. So. drink up!