Growth
Organize Your OWN Retreat
I love retreats. If I’m completely honest, I’d say I look forward to retreats as much as -- or more -- than holidays, vacations, season tickets or snagging a TSA pre-check to zip through airport security. Well, the last one may be a toss-up. Have you ever thought...
Pro Relationship or Pro Single? Which Side Are You On?
Pro relationship or pro single? Which side of the fence do you fall on? This is a big question for many people in later life. These years are supposed to be some of our best. More freedom to do the things we want to do. More time to chase our dreams and spend more...
Are We Really “There” for Our Kids?
Is raising a child (or being a child, for that matter) getting easier or more difficult? A multitude of laws and increased awareness should make it easier than ever to answer that question in the affirmative. The 21st century has made amazing advances in health care;...
Want to Feel Great? Try These Protein Powders!
Protein. Did you ever think you could be doing it wrong? We all eat it and talk about how important it is, but do we know how much or what type we should be consuming? It’s one of the most critical nutrients but many of us don’t get enough of it. We know that getting...
The Healing Power of Music
Is there such a thing as the healing power of music? I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m pretty sure we’ve all had the same experience of hearing a song that transports us back in time to an event, or a person, or just a feeling. Perhaps it’s a cherished Christmas...
The Best Vitamins and Minerals for Everyone Over 50
Now, we know for sure that men and women are different – physically, socially, shall I continue or do you see where I might be going with this?! ? But, would you have guessed that differences between men and women are also very real when it comes to nutritional needs?...
Memoir Writing: Tasting Life Twice
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” -- Anais Nin You’ve spent five or six-plus decades on the planet, and you’ve got the crow’s feet, scars, and stories to prove it. And -- grace willing -- you’ve got gas in the tank for many years ahead....
Smart Technology That Works For Seniors!
Have you met Alexa? Had any conversations with Siri lately? If the answer is yes, you’ve used smart technology or home automation. It may seem futuristic if you haven’t used these devices before, but you’ll quickly find that you’re not sure how you got along without...
Sexy, Single and Over 50: Finding Self Love
by Laura Pegado You're a single female, over 50, and still have the urge for romance and passion. Your hormones often remind you of how human and desirous you still want to be. You feel sexy, yet the cards just haven’t dealt you a man of your dreams. Self-doubt begins...
Float Therapy: The Ultimate Stress Reliever
by Barbara Zagata Float therapy, viewed by many as the ultimate stress reliever, is a highly effective way to establish a very deep meditative state of mind. By giving yourself this gift of absolute stillness on a regular basis, you’ll greatly increase your ability to...
Feelings Vs. Emotions: Why Should I Give A Damn?
Emotions vs. feelings. Feelings vs. emotions. Most of us think of feelings and emotions and moods as the same thing and use the words interchangeably. You’re probably thinking no big deal and why should I give a damn, right? Well, it can be a very big deal, especially...
Everyone Is Trying CBD – Should You?
It seems the subject of CBD oil is everywhere you look – from annoying pop-ups on social media to retail stores selling CBD products right in your own neighborhood. Many are making seemingly miraculous claims that this oil will solve a vast number of our health...
8 Memory Board Games That Will Stimulate Your Memory
Are board games just “fun and games”? The best board games work your brain: they make you use your memory, develop critical thinking skills, use strategy proficiency, and more. Games that employ strategy are essential for keeping your memory sharp. Whenever you have...
Am I Beginning To Lose My Memory?
The dreaded “senior moment”: that instance that you can’t find the right word, your car keys or recall the name of an old friend. No matter that we all, no matter our age, have those moments. When it happens to you, it gets real. You worry, “Am I beginning to lose my...
5 Alternative Therapies You May Never Have Heard of But Really Should Try
To borrow a line from Tyrone in The Princess Bride, “If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything.” Chances are pretty good if you’re in your fifth or sixth decade you’ve had your share of health challenges over your lifetime. How do you handle the ups and...
Try Gentle Yoga for Flexibility and Fitness
If you’ve been thinking of giving yoga a try because you’ve heard how amazing it is but you’re not as flexible or strong as you used to be… here’s a way for non-flexible seniors to get the benefits of yoga without the senseless frustration of trying to pretzel...
When Estrangement Is The Healthy Choice
(the author has chosen to remain anonymous) When you encounter the crazy person on the street corner, ranting and raving, you don’t engage in conversation, you simply walk across to the other side of the street or at the very least maintain a healthy distance. But...
5 Steps Toward Overcoming Depression Besides Medication
Congratulations on being here and reading this! It means that you’ve taken the first step in overcoming depression. Perhaps you are reading this because of someone you know who has been showing signs of depression, or you are personally feeling depressed. Either way,...
How To Raise Your Blood Pressure
by Glenn Baja Much attention is given to ways to prevent high blood pressure (hypertension), but fewer people are concerned about low blood pressure (hypotension). While it might seem desirable to have low blood pressure, if it dips too low, it can cause problems....
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What Are Your Rights?
by Beth Campagno Are you one of the growing numbers of grandparents today faced with the challenge of raising your own grandchildren? If so, are you aware of what your legal rights are within the state you live in? The following article helps provides some guidance...
Lipitor: Blessing or Curse?
by Blake Christensen edited by Glenn Baja Is Lipitor the right drug for you? Are the side-effects something to be concerned about? Does it affect memory loss, cause erectile dysfunction, or increase the odds of getting prostate cancer? In fact, what is Lipitor? What...
How To Protect Your Privacy On Social Media
by Eliot Leibowitz There have been a lot of reports in the media about protection and privacy concerns with social media. How much do you pay to use social media? In most cases, you don’t, at least not with money. Always keep this in mind for all things on the...
Meditation Techniques To Help You Thrive
You’ve lit the incense, turned on the Tibetan bowl gong CD, crossed as much of your legs as you can for your version of a full lotus. You tried to focus on your breathing, anticipating a blissful, relaxing meditation session, where you activate your third eye and...
7 Hidden Benefits of Hanging on to Old Photographs
Surprise… old pictures have a lot more to offer than a giggle at the fashion trends of yesteryear! There’s a simple pleasure in browsing through old photographs to get a glimpse into the past, to reminisce, relive cherished memories, and to see how far we’ve come....
Do Stuff Together! 10 Fun Hobbies for Couples
Take it from someone who knows… a couple that does things together, stays together! Fun hobbies are a way for the two of you to connect, do interesting things, and meet new friends. Of course, you don’t need to be together 24/7 and do every single thing together, but...
First Date Ideas for Lovers Over 50
Do fun dates always have to be dinner and a movie? Drinks and a show? Been there, done that… and dating in your golden years isn’t the same as when you were in your 20s. There have to be more things to do on a first date! Luckily, there are fun things you can do...
10 Memorable Gift Ideas for Your Wife
Don’t let gift-giving stress you out. While there are incredible varieties of gift ideas for women, you don’t want to be “that guy” who waits ‘til the last minute and comes home with “something-anything just to show you tried.” To win her heart (and keep it) here are...
Humor: Powering Healthy Lifestyles
What would the world be like without humor? Well, it certainly wouldn’t take a brain surgeon to recognize there’d be a lot less laughing and smiling! Humor has the means and ability to power a healthy lifestyle. Besides being a well-known communication tool, it’s a...
Becoming More: Becoming The Best And Greatest You
By Glenn Baja I’m on a mission. And my mission involves each and every one of you. Our children’s future depends on you, as well as our children’s children and all the generations after that. And it all starts with you. It’s about becoming more. It’s about rising and...
Hope– Giving Meaning to a Life You can Thrive In
By Diana Creel Elarde How many times have you said to yourself or heard others say, I’m glad this year is almost behind me? Somehow the advent of the new year for many can signal the end of travesties of the present year, helping us to believe the new year will be...
Female Baby Boomers: Life After 50
By Susan Rothfuss It was my 50th birthday. As a long-standing member of the Baby Boom generation, I had already lived through “Trust no one over 30,” received the “Over the Hill” coffee mug at 40 and now I was stepping through my step class at 8:00 a.m. before heading...
10 Reasons to Enjoy the Aging Process
At the first signs of aging, some of us may experience a sense of fear and foreboding. We worry more about our health, both mental health and physical fitness. We resolve to take better care of ourselves and explore every new anti-aging process that we see on TV. I...
Middle-Age Suicide: Deaths of Despair
by Carolyn Fields With some high profile celebrity suicides in the news, more and more people are talking about middle-age suicide. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports that suicide rates for middle-aged adults have recently seen a significant increase. While...
Celebrating, Creating New Holiday Memories
By Diana Creel Elarde The soft snow swirled around our feet as we crossed the plaza, creating the feel of walking in clouds. It was nearly dusk and the glowing luminarias had just started to light up on the buildings around us. We stopped for a moment to catch the...
Creating the Gift of Connection
By Diana Creel Elarde I had expected the task of moving my aging parents back to Michigan to be with family would be an emotionally difficult transition. What I had not anticipated was having to witness their goodbyes to their close friends. Nowhere in our best laid...
Sex and the Midlife Couple: From A Flicker to A Flame
by Dawn Ferrara Take a cruise around the internet these days looking for help with intimacy and relationships, you’re likely to see things like this: “50 is the new 40” “Age is just a number” “You’re only as old as you feel” “You should be having more sex!...
Connecting with Love: Food and Grandkids
By: Diana Creel Elarde I can still recall the wonderful aroma of fresh baked Greek cookies common to the visits to my grandmother’s home. My grandmother didn’t speak English well, but over a table with cookies and smiles her love came through. Cheesecake, my husband...
How Do You Handle Relations With The Ex Spouse?
By Glenn Baja This isn't the first time I've been asked. “If your ‘ex spouse’ changed, would you go back to her?” I feel a rise in myself. We’ve been down this path before. Nothing good ever comes out of it. “You’re always in contact with her: calls, text, emails....
Glimpses Into The Mind And Activities Of An Introvert
Editors Note: I’m a full-blown introvert. The last introvert test I took, one that I actually answered as honestly as possible, I scored 100%. The results scared the hell out of me. Hopeless was the word that came to me. Hopelessness was the feeling. But since that...
One Pen-Stroke Away from Divorce
From the editor: What does it feel like to be in the midst of going through a divorce at 65 years of age, after 40 plus years of marriage? What fears and anxieties creep into your life when the prospect of “starting over” arises? What goes into one’s head when you...
Am I Behind in a Fast-Paced World?
By Diana Creel Elarde If there ever was a song representative of our hectic fast-paced American lifestyle, it has to be “I’m in a Hurry to Get Things Done”, by Randy Van Warmer & Roger Murrah. Recorded by the country group Alabama over 26 years ago, these lyrics...
Online Dating After 50
By Glenn Baja Feeling lonely, isolated, and forlorn in the middle of a cold January night, I was on the computer when an ad popped up on my screen advertising a dating site. I’d seen them time and time again, always ignoring and viewing them as obnoxious intrusions...
Midlife Crisis Explained: Hardship or Opportunity?
By Diana Creel Elarde In the past when I attempted to explain my midlife crisis to others, I often shared it as a time of struggle and hardship. However, as I’ve aged and my wisdom has grown, I now see this time period as not only the hardship that it was, but also as...
Vitality– What Does It Look Like in Your Life?
What exactly is living and embracing a life of vitality? Is there ways to bring more vitality into our lives? Is vitality something that we have control over, or is it just there, inside of us? If it is something we have control over, how can we get more of it? In...
Broken or Bent: Learning to Love Again
By Diana Creel Elarde In the 2012 Grammy Award hit “Just Give Me a Reason”, singers Pink and Nate Ruess explored the question “Can we learn to love again?” Has the relationship reached the broken point or is it in a temporary condition that can still be mended? Broken...
The Power Of Beliefs
by Glenn Baja Beliefs control. They are the building blocks of our reality. Just as each of our beliefs differ from one another, so do our personal realities. The conscious beliefs we hold will be experienced as our own realities. Such is the power of beliefs. And...
Does Age Affect Memory?
By Diana Creel Elarde We have all had those times, the ones we joke about as a “senior moment” where our memory seems to fail us. A word lost here and there, or perhaps a foggy recollection of an event that we have trouble fully recalling. Does age affect memory,...
Can Music Change Your Life?
You’re probably already aware of the uplifting effects of music. If you’ve ever heard a song playing in the background at a store and found yourself suddenly smiling (or even singing along), you know the power of music to change your mood. Or perhaps you’ve been...
Dating After 50: Is It Worth It?
By Glenn Baja Dating after 50 can be a very daunting task to address and adapt to. Just the idea of starting over can be very overwhelming and intimidating. Is it worth the amount of time and effort to do this…yet again? Just the challenge and perseverance required...
10 Rules For Dating After 50
By Glenn Baja Been out of the “loop” for awhile when it comes to dating? Feeling a bit nervous about the prospect of starting over again? Well, the good news is that the dating game hasn’t changed all that much fundamentally, but as with all things, the details have....
6 Best Balance Exercises for Older Adults
By Glenn Baja Many older adults suffer from balance problems, and falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among seniors. Even healthy older adults experience less secure balance than in their younger years - but this doesn’t mean you can’t improve...
4 Aquatic Exercises That Will Kick Your Butt (And get you in shape fast!)
By Glenn Baja If high-impact exercise like running or high-jumps aren’t in your repertoire but you want to stay in shape throughout your senior years - especially if you live somewhere it’s hard to get outside in wintry weather - you don’t have to spend all your time...
5 Ways to Get Rid of Flabby Arms
By Glenn Baja Feeling a bit self-conscious about those flabby arms? It’s not uncommon to have excess fat on your arms if you’re carrying a little extra on other parts of your body....
10 Exercises For Those Who Sit Too Much
By Glenn Baja Feeling like your spending the majority of your time on your rear? It’s not uncommon. In fact, most people spend too much time sitting and end up with poor posture, heart disease, loss of mobility, back pain, weight gain, and the dreaded “dead butt...
The Thoughts and The Feelings–What Makes You Feel Euphoria?
We all have our ups and downs. Sometimes you hunt the bear, and sometimes the bear hunts you. It’s all part of this crazy thing we call life. If you’ve been on this planet for more than a minute, you know that the only constant is change. If you’re doing well right...
Perception — Which Glasses Do You Wear?
By Diana Elarde Several weeks ago at a party, my husband and I were talking about the wasps which plague us while we are in our pool. The first few years we owned our home in Arizona these flighty pests were never a problem. But one afternoon a wasp landed on the pool...
Follow Your Bliss– Which Road Will You Choose?
By Glenn Baja You’ve heard the term “follow your bliss,” but do you really know what it means? Is it just New Age hippy stuff that’s popular today? Is it a concocted recipe of eastern philosophies that have a mystical voodoo nature about it? Just what does “follow...
Personal Growth: Finding Your Passion
Though it may feel trite, it is not. Finding our personal passion ultimately leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life. I know this to be true for me. I believe that it can be for you as well.
Tips and Tricks to Improve Memory With the Big Three
Being over 50 means never taking a memory lapse at face value. Did you forget to call your boss back? Fail to take your medication? Overlook a social obligation? Such incidents sometimes send us into a frantic search for ways to improve memory. The subtext, of course,...
Spiritual and Personal Growth: Thriving with Meditation
Does the word “meditation” conjure up images of gurus with flowing robes and long hair, lighting incense sticks while repeating “OM” over and over? If you were around in the 1960’s, you probably first learned of meditation as part of the Hippie counterculture....