Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Sacred Journey of Caregiving Website Launched Today!!

WOW!!
The new website for The Sacred Journey of Caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life has just been launched!!
Be sure to check this out, and register for the Phoenix event-The Sacred Journey of Caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life, Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 6-8 pm, at the Air Conference Centre, 3417 East University Drive, Phoenix, AZ. Seats are strictly limited, so sign up today!!
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru

1-3 of the Top 10 Techniques For Writing Like a Pro

For those of you who missed my Blog Talk Radio Show-Baby Boomers Sandwich this morning you may listen to it by clicking on: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon

Barbara McNichol, expert editor and author was my special guest. Barbara offered a FREE download of her 10 Top Techniques for Perfecting Your Prose So You Can Write Like a Pro.

You may download your own copy of this helpful tool by going to http://www.barbaramcnichol.com/.

Here's the first 3 of Barbara's top 10 techniques. I will include the remaining 7 techniques later this week.

10 Top Techniques for Perfecting Your Prose So You Can Write Like a Pro
By Barbara McNichol

As a writer with a message to share and a story to tell, you want to communicate clearly so your readers will do, think, or remember exactly what you want.
By consistently applying the following 10 techniques to your writing, you’ll add persuasion to your writing and quickly see your results improve.

Keep this list in front of you the next time you write an article or chapter, and refer to it as you craft your paragraphs.
#1. Match the Word to Its Precise Meaning
Do you write “further” when you mean “farther” or “accept” instead of “except”? Selecting the correct word from similar-but-different options saves confusion for the reader and embarrassment for you as the writer.
Jump into your dictionary to know whether to select “choose” vs. “chose” within the context of your paragraph. Better yet, keep a reference guide like Word Trippers handy—one that clarifies word so you select the perfect one when it matters most.

#2. Show, Don’t Tell

Do your best to describe what’s happening without using adverbs and adjectives. e.g., Don’t say, “She felt sad” when you can say “tears rolled down her cheek.” Don’t say, “She was happy to get the compliment” when you can say something like “she skipped around in a circle, her mood lightened by the compliment she received.”

#3. Add Alliteration (and Other Figures of Speech)
Figures of speech add fun and persuasion to your writing. A few examples:
Alliteration: The first letter gets repeated. e.g., “It will dazzle and delight you.”
Simile: Makes a comparison using the word “like.” e.g., “It creeps up on you like a thick fog.” “Think like an editor.”
Metaphor: Says that something IS something else. e.g., “Keep the train of thought on track.” “Make hay while the sun shines.”
Chiamus: A sentence that mirrors itself. e.g., “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” “Success in not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success.”
Join me tomorrow for tips 4-6 of Barbara's top 10 techniques., adn listen to this episode at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Be sure to sign up for my event The Sacred Journey of caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life, Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at the Air Conference Centre, 3419 east University Dr., Phoenix, AZ. Seats are strictly limited, so be sure to register today: http://www.thesacredjourneyofcaregiving.com/

Monday, August 30, 2010

10 Top Techniques for Writing Like a Pro

Do you ever wish that your written communications were more effective and efficient?

Have you ever wondered what different types of editors there are?

Have you ever thought about what type of editing most consultants and nonfiction authors need?

Have you ever wondered if your book or article should even be edited? If so, how do you find a good editor?

What sort of working arrangements and results should you expect from an editor?

My special guest, Barbara McNichol, is an expert editor who writes and edits articles, nonfiction books, and book proposals for authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs.

If you seek a proven editor to help you craft a reputation-enhancing manuscript, look no more.

With two decades working with hundreds of amazing achievers, Barbara’s mission is to deliver quality editing that puts your writing on the pedestal it deserves.

She’s the creator of Word Trippers: The Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters. (http://www.wordtrippers.com/).

Barbara also produces Add Power to Your Pen, a valuable ezine for tips on improving your writing.

For more information, go to www.BarbaraMcNichol.com or her blog http://www.nonfictioneditor.com/.

Barbara will discuss the 10 Top Techniques for improving your writing.

She will also talk about pet peeves of language.

So, if you'd like to improve the quality of your writing you won't want to miss this episode.

Tuesday, 8/31/10 Noon EDT, (9:00am PDT): www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon

Also, I will be presenting The Sacred Journey of Caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life, Tuesday 10/5/10, 6-8pm PDT, at the Air Conference Centre, 3419 East University Drive, Phoenix, AZ. Hopw you can join me. Refister at: http://www.thesacredjourneyofcaregiving.com/.

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Caregivers Attempt to Balance Their Personal Life and the Demands of Caring for Elderly Parents

Millions of Americans are now finding themselves in a place they have never been before--sandwiched between their careers, the needs of immediate family members, planning their own retirement, and providing care for elderly loved ones.

Baby Boomers - Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving is a fun and sometimes funny look at caring for our elderly loved ones.

It’s filled with humorous do’s and don’ts of caregiving and thoughts you need to think about retiring.

If you’re one of the 78 million in the Silver Tsunami you need these lighthearted yet practical solutions to retiring and caregiving.

Do you need a seat belt for the emotional roller-coaster of caregiving? This book is for you.

If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in the Alphabet Soup of medical terms and legal jargon--this book is for you.

Whether you’re retiring, retreading, or just free falling--this book is your parachute.

If you ever feel like you’re on a tight rope trying to balance working, planning for retirement, taking care of immediate family members and caring for elderly loved ones all at the same time? This book is for you.

Baby Boomers—Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving is the first and most complete how-to-manual that addresses personal questions related to retirement and caring for elderly loved ones while taking care of one’s immediate family which may include adult children still living at home and perhaps even grandchildren.

In simple, easy-to-understand language I guide readers thru this entire process including medical choices, end-of-life decisions, medical advance directives, possible living arrangements, and how to say good bye before and after the death of loved ones.

I also help readers plan for their own retirement. I've included information on how to avoid unnecessary taxes, probate, and other culprits that could threaten your "nest egg" intended for retirement.

I also explore the importance of a dress rehearsal prior to retiring and offer a strategy for doing this.

Personal/family and professional caregivers of all ages will refer to this invaluable resource over and over again!

LIMITED TIME OFFER!! $900 in Bonus Gifts with Purchase of Printed, Audio, or
E-Book. http://www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com/

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget your additional $100 Valued FREE gifts at www.AnswersForBoomers.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Sacred Journey of Caregiving-A Transformational Approach to Life

Are you the "designated caregiver" for your elderly relatives?

Do you often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and ashamed?

Are you afraid of not making the "right" decisions?

Do you question your judgment, and feel guilty no matter what you do?

Do you feel lonely and think no one understands what you're going through?

Are you torn between spending time with your spouse, your children, and the needs of your parents?

Are you confused about levels of care, medical advance directives, and living arrangements?

If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions then this information is for you.

In Baby Boomers-Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving I share everything I learned while caring for my mother and step-father (who were both in diapers), and from the experiences of hundreds of other caregivers whom I've worked with as a psychologist.

I've also added a thorough research of medical choices, legal jargon, living arrangements, assistance programs, and resources so that you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Hope you will join us tomorrow as Viki Kind interviews me at Noon EDT (9:00am PDT) http://tinyurl.com/33hof9j.

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget your $100 value Free Gifts: http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Monday, August 23, 2010

Everything In Its' Place-Five Steps to Getting Organized

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in clutter?

Do you constantly think you're turning around in circles?

Is your attempts to get organized the only thing in your waste basket?

Do you ever think you're the only one who's unable to get organized at work or in your home?

Did you know that being disorganized affects every part of your life--your physical, mental and emotional health as well as your relationships at work and at home?

Forty-three percent of Americans describe themselves as "disorganized", 21% report missing crucial work deadlines because of it, and 50% say disorganization causes them to work late 2-3 times a week.

Some people even think being organized is hereditary so that's their excuse for being disorganized!

If you would like to have a place for everything, have everything in its place, and enjoy the peace being organized brings, then you won't want to miss this episode.

My special guest, Eileen Roth, a productivity expert, national speaker, and author of the book, Organizing For Dummies will discuss the many benefits of being organized as well as systems which will enable you to bring order to every aspect of your life.

So, have your questions ready for the expert on organization, and join us Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at Noon ET (9:00AM PT): www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget your Free gifts at: www.AnswersForBoomers.com

Monday, August 16, 2010

Talking...From Chit-Chat to Headlines

Ever wish you could communicate more effectively and efficiently?

Ever wish you knew how to start a conversation with a stranger?

Ever wish you could learn to "think" before you speak, or have magical words roll off the tip of your tongue?

Ever wish you could motivate and encourage others with words?

Ever wish you knew certain words which should be avoided?

Ever wish you could speak directly to the heart of a matter and leave others feeling "understood"?

Would you like to be a more effective listener?

Do you ever feel you are at a loss for words just when you need to speak up?

Would you like to know how to handle "complainers and venters"?

My special guest on Tuesday, August 17 @ Noon ET (9:00AM PT) (www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon) will be Lorri Allen, author, speaker, and radio host.

Lorri will discuss how to effectively communicate from every angle, and teach listeners steps to effective communications.

Lorri is the founder of "Good News!" a company that works with people who want to craft a clear media message and with organizations that want to communicate quickly, in a crisis.

She also coaches newsmakers who want to improve their ability to answer questions or who need confidence in front of reporters.

In addition, Lorri provides 'insurance" against looking silly or stupid on television.

Her clients have gone on to appear on PBS, the Home Shopping Network, and Good Morning America, as well as local news programs.

If you want to improve the quality of your communications, you won't want to miss this episode.
I truly hope you will join me August 17 @ Noon ET (9:00PT) www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
P.S. Get two gifts http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Make the Most of Your Words With the Media

Have you ever wondered what a "soundbite" is?

Have you ever wondered what you should wear when making a promotional video?

Does the thoughts of talking with a reporter about a cover story for your business scare you?

What would you do if something great happened to you and reporters show up without notice?

God forbid, but what if something bad should happen at your business and reporters show up without an invitation?

It seems, sometimes, many reporters try to make people look like a fools during an interview. Would you like to be prepared for that, come accross looking really smart, and outwit the reporter?

There are certain phrases that should be avoided when talking to the media. Would you like to know what those are?

Would you like to have an abundance of resources to help you learn more about how to communicate with the media, and how to communicate more effectively in your social media correspondence?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you won't want to miss The Baby Boomers Sandwich Show www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon Tuesday, August 17th. at Noon ET (9:00AM PT).

I hope you will join me and my special guest Lori Allen,author, speaker, and radio host. Lorri will discuss how to effectively communicate with the media.

Lorri is the founder of "Good News!" a company that works with people who want to craft a clear media message and with organizations that want to communicate quickly, in a crisis.

She also coaches newsmakers who want to improve their ability to answer questions or who need confidence in front of reporters.

In addition, Lorri provides 'insurance" against looking silly or stupid on television. Her clients have gone on to appear on PBS, the Home Shopping Network, and Good Morning America, as well as local news programs.

If you want to improve the quality of your communications or learn how to more effectively communicate with the media, you won't want to miss this episode.

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget to claim your gifts at http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Communicating Encouragement to Caregivers

Everyone needs encouragement, especially caregivers.

Would you like to know how to encourage and motivate with words?

Would you like to know certain phrases to use that leaves others feeling validated and understood?

Would you like to know how to have a meaningful conversation with someone who has Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia?

Would you like to know how to share "bad" news with family and friends? And, how to comfort them with your words?

My special guest on Tuesday, August 17 @ Noon ET (9:00AM PT) will be Lorri Allen, author, speaker, and radio host.

Lorri will discuss how to effectively communicate words of encouragement, and teach listeners steps to effectively communicate.

Lorri is the founder of "Good News!" a company that works with people who want to craft a clear media message and with organizations that want to communicate quickly, in a crisis.

She also coaches newsmakers who want to improve their ability to answer questions or who need confidence in front of reporters.

In addition, Lorri provides 'insurance" against looking silly or stupid on television. Her clients have gone on to appear on PBS, the Home Shopping Network, and Good Morning America, as well as local news programs.

If you want to learn how to communicate encouragement caregivers and others you won't want to miss this episode. Tuesday, August 17 @ Noon ET (9:00AM PT) www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
P.S. Two gifts are waiting for you at http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cancer Data Websites

If you missed my show today you can still listen to it at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon.

Georgia Armenta Yee, Officer Chief, Office of Health Registries Arizona Dept. of Health Services, was my guest AND Richard Porter, Bureau Chief, joined us!!

Here's some interesting information they shared with us.

1) The top three type cancers among female residents living in Arizona are: breast, lung and colon/rectal.

2) The top three type cancers for male residents living in Arizona are: prostate, lung and colon/rectal.

Here are some helpful websites:

1) For published annual reports of cancer data for Arizona: http://www.azdhs.gov/

2) For Survival Outcomes from the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/NPCR

3) For death survival analysis: http://www.seer.cancer.gov/

4) For the Centers For Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/

And, if you have personal questions about any type cancer you may call:

1-800-4-Cancer (1-800-422-6237)

This was a great interview with lots of helpful information--information that not too many people know about.

You can listen to this and all other episodes on your computer while you continue to work in other windows: www.BlogTalkRadio.Com/sandra-haymon

Please have a look at my new website: http://www.answersforboomers.com/, and receive $100 in FREE downloads.

Also, receive gifts valued at $900 with the purchase of a book or audio at: www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com/store.shtml

If there is any way we can help you, please contact us at: http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/.

Sincerely,

Sandra-Caregiver Guru

Adversity is a Necessity

I wasjust thinking about adversity today and the necessity of contrast when I came upon this poem.

The most beautiful stones
have been
tossed by the wind
and washed by the water
and polished to brillance
by life's strongest storms.
Author Unknown

So, if you're in the midst of adversity put this poem where you can read it several times a day. And, visualize the brillant YOU that will emerge when the storm is over.

Get your free gifts at: http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru

Monday, August 9, 2010

Cancer Data and You

Just want to remind you that Georgia Armenta Yee, Officer Chief, Office of Health Registries Arizona Dept. of Health Services, will join me tomorrow, Tuesday, August 10 @ Noon ET (9:00AM PT) to answer all of our questions about cancer data--see yesterday's blog.

Ms. Yee will discuss the mandates which require that all diagnosis of cancer be reported at the state and federal levels.

She will also discuss why this data must be reported, how it is used,and how individual privacy is protected.

My special guest, Georgia Armenta Yee, is Officer Chief, Office of Health Registries Arizona Dept. of Health Services.

Ms. Yee has been with the Arizona Department of Health Services for over 20 years working with the Arizona State Cancer Registry.

She is involved with all operational aspects of running the registry.

Ms. Yee is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) and has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Arizona State University.

She is an active member of the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and has held various professional appointments.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear information not too many people know about.

Prepare for a most enlightening discussion, and join me tomorrow, Tuesday, August 10 @Noon ET (9:00Am PT) for the Baby Boomer Sandwich Show:
www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Gifts await you at http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Are You in Alignment?

Did you know that Monday morning at 6:07AM, August 9th. the date will be in perfect alignment--perfect order?

At 6:07AM it will be 6,7,8,9,10!!

Hour = Six,
Minutes = Seven
Month = Eight
Day = Nine
Year = Ten

Are you in alignment? Or, are you scattered about?

On Tuesday, August 24th, Eileen Roth, author of Organizing For Dummies, will be my special guest on The Baby Boomers' Sandwich Show: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon. We will discuss the importance of being organized and having order in our lives.

Then, on 9/28/10, Kathleen Ronald will join me to dicuss the topic of "clutter." The title of that episode will be: "What's Your Clutter Costing You?" (I'll be writing more about Kathleen in upcoming blog posts.)

So, if you'd like to learn how to become more organized, bring greater order to your life, de-clutter and make room for more abundance, you won't want to miss these episodes.

Actually, I have GREAT guests every Tuesday at Noon ET (9:00AM PT).

Hope you will join me every week!

If you're not available during the time the show airs--not to worry--you may listen to all episodes 24/7 at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru

Cancer Data Helps Find Cures

Ever wonder where all those statistics about cancer come from?

Did you know that every diagnosis of cancer MUST be reported according to Federal and State mandates?

Would you like to know who reports this data and what's reported?

Would you lile to know why this information collected?

Would you like to know what this information is it used for?

Would you like to know what's included in the data?

Would you like to know how individual privacy is protected?

Would you like to know more about Cancer registries and what's happening at a national level?

Would you like to better understand what cancer clusters are and patterns of demographics?

My special guest, Georgia Armenta Yee, Officer Chief, Office of Health Registries Arizona Dept. of Health Services, will join me Tuesday, August 10 @ Noon ET (9:00AM PT) to answer all these questions. Ms. Yee will also discuss why it is important for all of us to know the answers to these questions.

Ms. Yee has been with the Arizona Department of Health Services for over 20 years working with the Arizona State Cancer Registry.

She is involved with all operational aspects of running the registry. Ms. Yee is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) and has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Arizona State University.

She is an active member of the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and has held various professional appointments.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear information not too many people know about.

Prepare for a most enlightening discussion, and join me Tuesday, August 10 @Noon ET (9:00Am PT) for the Baby Boomer Sandwich Show: www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Gifts await you at http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Attn: Caregivers of Elderly Relatives

Attn: Caregivers of Elderly Relatives

Did you know that according to The Natioal Alliance for Caregiving that there are 65.7 million caregivers in the U.S.?

This is 29% of the U.S. adult population and 31% of all U.S. households!

48.9 million caregivers are taking care of an adult and 3.9 million are taking care of a disabled child.

12.9 million care for both an adult and a disabled child.

41.9 million caregivers are women, while17 million men are taking care of an adult relative—usually their mother.

Are you the "designated caregiver" for your elderly relatives?

Do you often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and ashamed?

Are you afraid of not making the "right" decisions?

Do you question your judgment, and feel guilty no matter what you do?

Do you feel lonely and think no one understands what you're going through?

Are you torn between spending time with your spouse, your children, and the needs of your
parents?

Are you torn between your career and taking care of your parents?

Are you confused about levels of care, medical advance directives, and living arrangements?

In my latest book Baby Boomers--Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving
I share everything I learned while caring for my mother and step-father (who were both in diapers), and from the experiences of hundreds of other caregivers with whom I worked in my practice as a psychologist.

I also added a thorough research of medical choices, legal jargon, living arrangements, assistance programs, and resources so that you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Plus, I have an entire section on how to prepare for retirement!

Smokie Sizemore will interview me regarding caregiving issues via telechat for Smart Womans Club http://smartwomansclub.com/teleclasses.asp. The call in number is 1-218-862-1300 then enter 989912#.

Hope you will join us Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 8:00PM ET (5:00PM PT).

I will also be giving away TWO gifts:
The Caregiver’s Emotional Quiz – 100 Emotions That May Shock You as a Caregiver and How to Feel Good About All of Them, and
The Elderly “Red Flag” Checklist-117 Warning signs That Your Elderly Loved One May Not be Safet Living alone.

Check out my new website: http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru

Monday, August 2, 2010

Retirement Life Matters

Retirement is no longer the end of the line, but a new beginning, according to Cathy Severson. My special guest 8/3/10 @ Noon ET (9:00 AM PT) www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Here's some interesting information from Cathy that she will discuss.

Retirement and aging have been thought of as a time of decline. Psychologists now believe that aging provides opportunity for personal growth and development

With the extended life span has come the concept of the Third Age. The primary opportunity of Third Age is to live from the inside out.

While 75% of baby boomer’s report wanting to work passed retirement age, it’s not business as usual. They are looking for work that is fun, personally fulfilling and makes a difference.

Q. How is the concept of retirement changing?

A. Many people don’t know retirement came into existence in 1933 with the passage of the Social Security Act. The country was deep into the depression with an unemployment rate of 25%. President Roosevelt was concerned about rioting in the streets. Social Security was used to entice older men to retire, so younger workers would be employed. The reason lawmakers elected age 65 for retirement that was the average lifespan of the time.

Another thing has changed since then. Starting with Freud, most psychologists believed that human development ended by the early twenties. Not much growth occurred after adolescence. Aging was perceived as a time of decline.

Developmental psychologists have changed their ideas in the last generation. No longer is older adulthood thought to be a time of decline but actually one of personal development that is now referred to as the Third Age and Second Growth.

Q. Can you explain more about Third Age?
We are living in a most amazing period of time. Never before in the history of the human race have a significant percentage of people lived beyond their biological mandate.

For those of us who were around in the sixties, whether you participated in the drugs and rock and roll or not, you may remember that we were going to live life differently.

Then something happened. The one thing we swore wasn’t going to happen, we became our parents. We went out and got jobs, had babies, built homes in the suburbs. No matter how much we wanted to deny it, that biological urge was too much to ignore.

First age is learning or being a student.

Second age is being a worker and member of society. It is the age of achievement and acquisition.

Third Age is about self-actualizing, or living authentically. Third Age is about releasing the roles and externals that defined second age.

Adolescence was developed at the end of the nineteenth century. Before then you went from being a child to an adult. Third Age is actually being developed as the life span increases.


Q. What are the five keys to a satisfying retirement?
A. Well-being is about living in the now, accepting yourself and others, taking care of yourself. As we stated before, shifting from an external to an internal orientation.

I ask people to make a list of all the externals we use to define ourselves; our bodies, minds, roles, jobs, stuff acquired. These things aren't bad, except when our identity is tied to them.

Decline has always meant the loss of roles. But, it is through this loss of roles that we become free to truly be ourselves.

The activities we engage in, whether work, hobbies, play, volunteering are opportunities for us to express our true selves.

Staying connected. This is probably the number one reason people go back to work. They miss feeling connected and supported to others.

Play – Baby Boomers have forgotten how to play. They know how to indulge, but they’ve forgotten the childlike spontaneity of discovery, and enjoyment of being in the moment.

Challenges – Human beings need to be stimulated. We need to take risks and get outside our comfort zone. All the information that is coming out about the brain talks about how important it is to keep the brain active.

Meaning - Finally, we need to know our lives matter. This means being involved in something bigger than ourselves.


Q. How do these keys help people create a fulfilling retirement?
Instead of retiring away from life, baby boomers are looking for new ways to stay active and involved.

While 77% of baby boomers report they are going to continue to work into retirement, the focus for many is shifting from earning a living to work that is more about their purpose.

As baby boomers are entering their fifties and sixties, their children are going off on their own and the old itch to make a difference is returning.

For example, I had a client recently who retired at 51 from the entertainment industry. He would still like to earn some money, but is more concerned about finding work that is meaningful and about making a contribution.

We’re told by the media that baby boomers want to have an extended vacation for thirty years, but if you talk to baby boomers, most do not want a retirement like their parents.

The problem arises because most people don’t know how to make that transition. We’ve been so programmed to want it all, it’s hard to give that up.

Q. So, what do baby boomers want?
A. They want to know their lives have meaning. We’re told by the media that baby boomers want non-stop play. Don’t get me wrong. They want to have it all, but I see more and more people realize that 20 or 30 years of golf may not be satisfying.

The problem is they don’t know what will be satisfying. Many people are burned out from the stress of every day life and even though they like their work, they’re ready for a change.

Q. How do people successfully make the transition to retirement?
A. It’s really a two fold operation. The first part is a willingness to be comfortable with not knowing. We’ve gotten the idea that having a purpose is about something big that is "out there", but it’s just a little voice that’s inside saying we’re living authentically. People need to be willing to spend time listening to that voice.

The other part is a willingness to explore options and take risks. I had a wise minister once who said, “You can’t find Mr. Right sitting in your room with the doors locked and window shades drawn.’’ The same goes for purpose.

I’ve seen people make a list of activities and then go through each one and say, “No, that’s not my purpose, or that’s not my passion.” People need to get out, talk to others, take classes, volunteer, experiment and experience. Unfortunately, that’s all easier said than done. If you worked the same job for 20-30 years, lived in the same house, had the same friends, trying new things can be very daunting.

Q. What should they do?
A. Just as with any other major transition or change, a major key is having support. That was one of the reasons we decided to build our new website was to create a place where people could come together to share experiences and learn from each other.

Another thing is to just get in the habit of taking risks. Some think that humans prefer to do nothing when actually it’s quite the opposite. The human brain feels most alive when there is a challenge or a risk involved. The brain is like a muscle. If it hasn’t been used for a while, it may be sore at first and hard to use, but with time, it’ll get in shape.

Baby boomers want more options as they get older. They want meaningful experiences. For example, when they volunteer, they are not content to stuff envelops, but want to know that what they do is making a difference.

There seems to be a sense from many baby boomers that there is still a legacy that was started in the sixties that needs to be fulfilled. It seems many of us got sidetracked with making money and raising our families. People are looking for new ways in which they can impact the world.

Q. Give examples of how retirees are creating fulfilling lives.

Some are choosing work mostly for fun. JJ was a production supervisor at a plant in the valley and now works 3-4 days a week as an extra for television and movies.

Then there is Bill, a retired fireman who loves people and driving. When they need to move a fire truck from the east coast to the west, he drives it across the country. He also started a business driving people to the airport. He uses their car, drives them to the front gate and then when they return, he picks them up in their car and drives them home. His business has grown entirely by word of mouth.

Most often, work starts off small and then grows. I met a therapist who went to Africa on vacation, came home and started a foundation to help people in Tanzania. Now, when she isn’t working at her job, every minute is devoted to her foundation--raising money to help people in Africa.

Q. Do you have other examples?

Roseanne Salvo runs four discussion groups in California every single week, fifty-two weeks out of the year. I think she takes the major holidays off, but other than that, she is there.

They discuss books, culture, the arts and current events. When I asked her if she wanted to travel, she said no, she’d done that in her former life running an art gallery. She believes she needs to provide the consistency of the "being there" every week. Shehad one man who came every week for months and wouldn’t say a word. Then one day, he showed up and poured his heart out. She said he had no other place to share his feelings.

Roseanne is an example of someone who had an interest, in this case the arts and her discussion groups evolved out of it.

The problem arises when someone wants to do something differently, but doesn’t know what it is they want to do or how to get started.

Be sure to join us Tuesday, August 3rd. at Noon ET (9:00 AM PT) for more on how Retirement Life Matters. www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru

5 Keys to a Satisfying Retirement

Why do people retire and what do they do after retirement?

Ever wonder where the idea of "retiring" came from in the first place?

If the "First" age is that period in life when we're learning as a student. And, the "second" age is the period when we're achieving and acquiring.

What's the "Third Age?" and "Second Growth?"

My special guest, Cathy Severson, MS, President, Retirement Life Matters will discuss these concepts as well as reveal the five keys to a satisfying retirement.

She will also discuss how you can make the transition into retirement.

These keys can help you have a fulfilling retirement life.

If you are retired or ever plan to retire you won't want to miss this episode.

This will be a great opportunity to get your questions about retirement answered from the expert. Please join us Tuesday, August 3rd. Noon ET (9:00AM PT) www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru