Baby Boomers United

Happy Happy and Merry Merry

2008-12-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and dreams come true in the New Year.

Stay tuned for updates in 2009.

Wow Where Has The Time Gone!!

2008-11-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hey welcome to Baby Boomers United Blog. Sorry about the lack of posting - took me this long to figure out how to get back here LOL (kidding).

Stay tuned as I add more about Boomers and Zoomers. Hope you come back and drop me a note!

BabyBooU

Are You Starting To Forget?

2007-01-22T22:51:00.000-08:00

Have you ever said "I was going to ask you a question, but now I can't remember what it was." Me too.

Studies point out that forgetting where you've put your glasses is not a sign of dementia, but not remembering you wear glasses can be.

Yes we do typically become more forgetful as we age. Free radical damage may be some of the cause. High blood sugar levels may be associated with boomer memory loss. The rest of the loss might just be chalked up to the passage of time. This doesn't mean memory loss is a given.

A great statement I read today:

"If you think about the amount of information that could potentially be stored in a lifetime we would clutter up our neurons. Maybe forgetting is a way to allow you to store what's really important. The fact that you had a granola bar this morning for breakfast, and a bagel the day before, it's ultimately not that important."

How True!

Keep your brain healthy!

Eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants seems to help, taking vitamin E (yes I am a big believer in that - but check with your doctor first) as does keeping your brain active by engaging in mind-stimulating activities such as cross word puzzles or learning a new computer program, new language or anything that stretches your brain muscles.

It's also important to break a habit. In the morning if you brush your teeth before you brush your hair, try to reverse it. You would be amazed at how your brain reacts to the change of pattern, you may notice that you go to brush your hair with your tooth brush, but it also makes your brain more accepting to new 'pathways'.

I read the phrase (below) that made me laugh so hard I almost fell off my walker :)

"Baby Boomers - the generation that changed the world...and then forgot all about it."

BabyBooU

New Baby Boomer Newsletter!

2007-01-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce the new Baby Boomer newsletter is now available. In this issue I cover:

- Keeping Your Brain Young
- Stress Increases Aging and Illness. You Can Stop It
- Baby Boomer Online Dating
- Boomer Women Facing Retirement
- Do You Remember
- Boomer Fun Stuff!

Come read, learn and have fun. You just need to sign-up here in the blog or visit:

http://www.babyboomersunited.com/

Happy Holidays Boomers!

2006-12-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

The holiday season can be a very 'up and down' time for Boomers. Up with children, grand-children get togethers, yet down with if you have suffered the loss of parents or partner.

It can also be a difficult time if you find yourself alone. If you do find yourself alone try not to let it get you down. There are many people that spend this time of year alone. As difficult as it can be, and I do know it can be, you need to Celebrate You! That's right, go for a long walk, buy a special treat just for you, read a good book, watch a favorite movie, but most of all know you are special and you should be celebrated - because you are you!

I just want to wish each and every one you a very happy holiday season.

Baby Boomers Soul Soother

2006-11-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

"Between family and financial demands, working overtime, rapidly changing technologies, corporate downsizing, and caregiving for older relatives, people in midlife are struggling with more stressors than previous generations have ever experienced," says stress management expert Peter Lambrou, Ph.D., a clinical and consulting psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

That's us boomers!

Stress relief - Soothing the Soul is vital to our health, well being and something we should try to do daily.

There are many ways we can relieve stress and I am happy to provide you with some great ones here: http://www.babyboomersunited.com/BabyBoomer-soul-soothers.htm

Baby Boomer News - Say What?!!

2006-10-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

I just read an article tonight that said Baby Boomers are experiencing early hearing loss - does that surprise anyone?

When I think back to the 'early days' of very loud party music, jam sessions, concerts where the screaming was louder than the music - music louder than screaming, head phones, etc., it doesn't surprise me at all - though I am lucky not to be experiencing this (yet).

Reported in Canada.com today
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What has happened is that with baby boomers doing the whole rock 'n' roll generation thing and going to concerts and doing all the loud things they love to do, they have progressively damaged the hair cells in the cochlea, so that the hair cells have died earlier," said Richard Bowring, senior manager of programs for the Hearing Foundation of Canada.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For Boomers the idea of hearing aids is not something they want to think about never mind wearing, but the hearing aids of today are nothing like the hearing aids of the past. Today, what you wear is so small it is hardly noticeable.

So if you find yourself getting really good at lip reading or not hearing the phone because you have the TV blaring so you can hear it, just to name a couple, it is time to seek help.

It's not so much we are aging Boomers - it's just long term damage.

p.s. Just imagine what the generation behind us is going to go through with IPod and cell phone earplugs in 16/7!

Baby Boomers Immortal - You Have To Check This Out!

2006-10-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Baby Boomers have always been "out there". We have been creative in our clothes, jewelery, hair, and so much more. Well Boomers have I got a great new one for you!

I was reading through Wired magazine a couple of weeks ago and came across this incredible new art form. This is way more than art in the basic sense of the word. This "art" is created with your DNA. Yes you heard me right. Hey we always wanted to live forever - now we can as a piece of art. How cool is this!

You have to check this out.

DNA 11 creates unique DNA portraits through an extraordinary combination of science and art.

Baby Boomers Caring For Their Children & Parents

2006-09-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day. He is in the business of helping people who are facing taking care of their aging family members. We also talked about the 'sandwhich generation', the Baby Boomers who still have children at home, possibly even their children's children, and facing taking care of their parents aging needs. A very difficult and stressful situation.

My friend, Peter Silin MSW, RSW , has been a caregiver, to parents who died after chronic illness and to a grandmother with Alzheimer's disease. He has seen families experiencing confusion, grief, pain, and anger as they tried to meet the needs of a loved one, and tried to navigate through the maze of long term care. He founded Diamond Geriatrics to help give people a choice about whether these things happened to you. Peter has many resources at his site and I invite you to view them here: http://www.diamondgeriatrics.com

Do You Think We Need Our Own Boomer Online Dating Membership Site Name?

2006-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have another website called Baby Boomer Dating Site. This site is to help Baby Boomers find online dating membership sites and give them reviews on these sites.

In my travels I have noticed that most online dating membership sites call us "seniors". Do you feel like a senior? Me either!

So here is what I have done. I have started a chat box to get some suggestions going. Talk to me in the chat box at the side here http://www.babyboomerdatingsite.com/blog/

I may not be here right away, or all the time, but I will be jumping in off and on over the next 5 days 'til we get some good info together. I will then summarize our chat and send it off and get us some movement on OUR online dating sites!

Baby Boomers Rock!

Are You A Boomer Looking For A Birth Child?

2006-09-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

I talked about this subject on this thread:

http://www.babyboomersunited.com/Blog/2006/07/baby-boomer-birth-children.html

A Baby Boomer starting an adoption search is not easy. You need to know it will most likely be a difficult, emotional adventure. It can be full of emotional highs and frustrating lows. The search is worth it - but you need to be prepared.

Finding an adult birth child can be the best experience that has ever happened to both of you, yes, but it is very difficult for the birth parent(s) and the birth child, especially if one is looking and not the other.

I hope you will register for pre-launch of my book. I also hope you will share your story with me.

News - Boomers Are Taking More Drugs!

2006-09-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Many moons ago this would not sound alarming would it. In fact most of us would say "ya and your point is"?

A recent article I read stated that Boomer's drug use is on the incline. More Boomers are using drugs other than marijuana, which was the drug of choice long ago for Boomers. We know that 'weed' is not the same as it was so many moons ago. What is out there these days is very powerful and laced with heaven knows what. Scary.

Another news report I read stated that more and more Baby Boomers are using sleeping pills and tranquilizers. I don't find this alarming as our bodies change and we turn to things that may help us, though may not be particularly good for us in the long run. What did concern me was that this report also stated more Boomers are using heroin. Heroin?? Come on 'guys'!

From one Boomer to another - when it comes to drugs like cocaine, meth, heroin - JUST SAY NO!! Stay alive and healthy for your partner, children, grandchildren and yourself!

** Note: I am not talking about the use of marijuana for medical purposes in this article or drug administration, such as heroin, for pain management for those who are terminal ill ***

Boomer News

2006-09-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that the Baby Boomers United Newsletter for September 2006 is now available. This month I cover:

1. Boomers In The News - How Baby Boomers Can Stay Healthy and Help the Aging Process
2. Boomers Health News - Living Cancer Free
3. Boomers Dating - "Dating Younger"
4. Boomers Retirement - "Don't Want To Retire - Coaching/Consulting Is The Answer"
5. Do You Remember? - View The Favs of Baby Boomers
6. Fun Stuff - A new Baby Boomer 'Email Virus' :)

Some great information - don't miss it!

Haven't signed up for the newsletter? Wellllllllllll...here you go!

Baby Boomers Are Discovering Feng Shui

2006-08-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am sure that this heading is not surprising for a good percentage of Baby Boomers. For others it is just a term they may not be familiar with, but certainly understand it.

Feng Shui is "is the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment". Feng Shui principles incorporate the physical world in to change. If anyone knows change Baby Boomers do.

So what does this mean to you?

* Feng Shui can show you how to incorporate physical changes to your environment
* Feng Shui can help promote positive energy and joy

This is an incredible area to help us build positive energy and environment which is very important to Baby Boomers for well being.

On another note, I read an article today on Feng Shui that covered a whole new area for me. Part of the article said "Bad hair day? Try feng shui." Am I one to question?!

BabyBooU

Boomers Having Too Much Sex?!

2006-08-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article in the paper recently that said that people in, now don't quote me on the location, but I believe it was Taiwan, are having too much sex. Seems that the majority of people there are very active, more active than most other countries, but the 'medical professionals' believe it is not good for their health.

Now, I read something else just about a few weeks ago that said having sex frequently was good for both men and women. For men it apparently helps to prevent prostate cancer, for women it apparently helps to prevent cervical cancer. Not only that, it apparently helps balance your weight, helps your skin, and general overall feeling of well being. Of course in this we are talking about a monogamous relationship or protective (condom) sexual relations.

Aging is not what it used to be when it comes to the 'horizontal mambo', as Baby Boomers are proving. As they say "use it or lose it".

Read more here on this lively topic :)

http://www.babyboomersunited.com/SexAndTheBoomer.htm

Anti-Aging: Can Food Help?

2006-08-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

In this century the average life span of women and men has increased by 30% since the onset of industrialization and by over 300% since Neolithic times, yet we don't exactly know how or why aging occurs. We do know that aging is a function of cells ceasing to divide. Some scientists speculate that any given differentiated cell can only divide a fixed number of times (as opposed to a cancer cell, which is undifferentiated, and theoretically immortal in that it continues, unchecked, to divide).

Read more of this article here:
http://www.babyboomersunited.com/BBoomers-Articles-Body.htm

Baby Boomers - Now An Orphan - continued

2006-08-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

I talked to you the other day about feeling you are an orphan, yep even Baby Boomers feel it. Who would have thought that at this age we would feel such a loss. Of course not all do. It does depend on the relationship with our parents - doesn't it.

As I was telling you last time that I was going to share with you what it was like to have some of my parents 'treasures' (furniture) delivered 3 years after I became an orphan. Emotional - you bet.

My Mum died of breast cancer when I was 23. In truth that was when I felt like an orphan. My father and I did not communicate. He had been an abuser, in my memory as early as 6 months old, and continued until the day I escaped. But that is another story. He died 3 years ago.

So a few days ago a moving truck pulled up and delivered my now "orphan" furniture. Both parents are dead now and here comes the memories - in physical form. It is like ghosts that arrive and tell you that you are going to feel everything - something things that you had thought you had resolved and others that you had hoped to leave behind. Amazing that "orphan" furniture could do this to us Baby Boomers - isn't it!

I am still at the point of looking at this furniture, that has not been placed yet, and wanting to walk away 'cause of emotions that well up and also because of not wanting to go back to THOSE times. Know what I mean?

Have you 'been there down that'? Tell me your story.

BabyBooU
aka
Jan

Baby Boomers - Being An Orphan

2006-08-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sounds kind of strange to say Baby Boomer and Orphan in the same sentence doesn't it - but it is happening. Boomers are getting to the age of losing their parents and finding that, yes, feeling like an orphan. Now I realize that Boomers who did not stay close to their parents will not feel the same 'tug at the heart string' when the last parent is gone, but for those who have the loss of the last parent does give you that feeling.

Along with that also comes the realization that we are 'next in line' in the evolution line. Yep, everything being equal we are the next ones to go. Not a pleasant thought is it?!

For most of us this means having a good look at our spirituality - questioning whether or not there is anything "after", though for a good percentage of people, including myself, we know there is more "after". If you are interested in some 'food for thought' on this subject do have a look at this article:
http://www.babyboomersunited.com/Spiritual-Articles.htm

Next time I will share with you what it was like to have some of my parents 'treasures' (furniture) delivered 3 years after I became an orphan.

BabyBooU

Have a story? I would love to hear it!

Baby Boomer Birth Children

2006-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Interesting topic, I know.

There is one difference between male Baby Boomers and female Baby Boomers, besides the obvious, female boomers know if there is a child out there that is theirs. Male Baby Boomers may suspect, but probably would be shocked to find out.

Back when we were young we usually had a choice of giving a child up for adoption. Yep, that was about the only choice, unless you were in a family that was open enough to take the looks of the neighbors and welcome the child into the home. Of course we all knew at least one person (or more) who went off and had an abortion, but that was either out of the country or so horrific that it was never discussed.

Why is this a topic on this Baby Boomers blog? Well I think there are many out there that one way or another were forced to give up their child - both female and male. I intend to tell you my story.

This will also be my first book.

"Finding Jamie"

I did not give up my child. I was not legal age. I gave birth to my child and he was taken from the hospital and given to his adoptive parents less than 24 hours after birth. This is my story.

I hope to help others that may be facing or have faced this very emotional loss.

Want to register for the early release of my book? Register here: http://www.babyboomersunited.com/baby-boomers-birth-child.htm

Have you given up a child and looking? I would love to hear your story!

Discover The Secret To Living a Longer and Healthier Quality of Life

2006-07-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

We at Baby Boomers are thrilled to announce our new sister site - http://www.babyboomerhealthnetwork.com/

Baby Boomer Health Network is the one website that will help you discover:

* Proven, cutting edge alternative health solutions
* Articles by respected medical and alternative health experts
* Diet plans that work…
* Self-help programs for programming your mind for success
* Much more!

I invite you to view our new site at: http://www.babyboomerhealthnetwork.com/

Warmly,

BabyBooU

Baby Boomer Sleep Issues

2006-06-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

"To Sleep perchance to dream"

They say as people age, sleep deprivation becomes more of a problem. If you are anything like me I go through stages. There are times when I cannot sleep no matter what I do, and yet there are other times when I sleep so soundly that I can barely drag myself out of bed. In either case usually falling asleep is the hardest part.

The issues of sleep patterns certainly differ between men and women because of hormonal changes. Men do seem to have an easier time falling, and staying asleep, while women not only have problems falling asleep, they are awake because of overheating (night sweats). Oh the joy (NOT)

I have been reading that as you age you need less sleep. Is it really that we need less sleep or that we just don't enjoy it as much as we use to? In my opinion, and from many other articles I have seen, we still need the same amount, if not more, we just can't get the sleep we need. Our body needs the benefits of sleep more than ever!

So other than going to the doctor for sleep aid, what can you do? Here are some suggestions.

1. Try your best to have a bedtime ritual. As much as you can, go to bed at the same time every night. Have a bath, read a book, meditate, do what you find helps and do the same thing every night so your body and brain knows that it is time to 'shut down' - time for sleep.

2. Believe it or not physical activity helps, of course not just before you want to sleep. Go for a walk every day, rid a bike, burn up some energy so at the end of the day your body is happier to rest.

3. Avoid caffeine or stimulants before bed. Common sense I know but that cola you are about to drink probably has caffeine in it.

My personal experience - One thing that I do that I have found helps me a great deal is taking melatonin. At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of it produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older so taking a supplement helps - that is exactly what I do and it helps me.

I invite you to visit Baby Boomers United at http://www.babyboomersunited.com for many more interesting articles and much more!

BabyBooU

Romance and the Female Baby Boomer

2006-06-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Part of the process that women have gone through is the marriage/relationship break-up as their 'significant other' rides off into the sunset with a young babe. In many cases they happily wave goodbye as the 'controlling' man of the house is finally gone'. In other cases, Baby Boomer women pull themselves back up, dust themselves off and look around for a good time/maybe not a long time (if they can get past the hurt - but that is another topic).

It use to be that men would go through a mid-life crisis and dump their wives for someone half their age and start new families. The 'new age' Baby Boomer females are happily pairing up with men 20 or so years younger. And, if they so choose, can have babies after 'the clock has stopped'.

So why are Baby Boomer women interested in younger men? Let me tell you.

As women age their testosterone levels increase around the same time that men’s are taking a nose dive. The hormone surge gives women a libido lift so they are looking for a equal sexual partner. The 'equal sexual partner' is in a lot of cases 20 or so years younger and just at their prime. Not only that, as much as older women are physically attracted to a younger man, a younger man is attracted to an older woman for many reasons - experience/maturity/experimental (no concern for conception) and many other reasons.

Bottom line, Yah to the Baby Boomer women if she and a younger man feel comfortable having a relationship. Men have been doing it for generations.

You Have Come A Long Way Baby!!

Read more on Baby Boomer Sexuality here: http://www.babyboomersunited.com/SexAndTheBoomer.htm

Do You Ever Look In The Mirror And Say "Growing Old Sucks"?

2006-06-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

As a Baby Boomer I am sure that at one point or another, usually in first thing in the morning when you look in the mirror, you say this to yourself. Here are some interesting observations :)

(Read each line first men-women)

Men:

- Belly is growing
- My important "sexual" body part doesn't want to 'grow' when I want it to (sometimes during the night when I least need it)
- Hair is turning white
- Hair is receeding or totally gone
- Hair is growing in ears and nose - what is with this?
- Too much talk about hair!
- Love spicey foods
- I never snore

Women:

- Belly is growing and not 'cause I'm pregnant
- (his) important "sexual" body part doesn't grow when I want it to ( wish it would poke me when I am awake :)
- Hair was turning white :)
- Hair is receeding in places we don't talk about!
- Hair is growing in places I had no idea hair could grow!
- No comment
- Spicey foods keep me awake (read above)
- I never snore

Will have many more to add here - if have some too let me know.

Also visit Baby Boomers United at http://www.babyboomersunited.com for many more interesting articles and much more!

BabyBooU

Baby Boomer Health Issues

2006-05-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

Yes we are aging and we do need to ask ourselves some health questions, such as:

Is obesity in your cards? Not having extra pounds is not the only answer. Making it to middle age without extra pounds is no guarantee for staying at a healthy weight.

- Are you physically active? (walk instead of drive a few blocks)
- Are you eating too many fats? (what we could eat and burn is not the same anymore)
- Are you stressed and eating to calm?

Obesity includes a higher incidence of heart disease and diabetes in addition to arthritis.

Our medical system may not be there for us so we need to change our activity patterns and eating choices now to prevent chronic disease.

No I do not want to totally depress you because there are answers and ways to change your habits..

Another very important part of our health is vitamins and supplements and well as stress reduction (yoga for example).

Read more here:
http://www.babyboomersunited.com/BabyBoomerFitness.htm
http://www.babyboomersunited.com/BabyBoomerHealth.htm

BabyBooU
www.babyboomersunited.com

New Trend Of Online Dating?

2006-05-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Well I was reading an article, or two, today that said, and this is not a quote, that a 'growing number of people over 55 are giving online dating a try'. Apparently Baby Boomers are the fastest growing group looking for love on the Internet. Does that suprise you? Not me. Hey come on, Boomers know what they want and are online looking for it!

Baby Boomers, the ones who have 'been there done that and have the T-shirt' are the fastest growing segment in online dating and they are creating a whole new niche to online dating. Hey Boomers, you can bet these people are paying attention to what you want!

Have a 'boo' at some of the online dating sites I have listed at www.babyboomersunited.com, specifically here: http://www.babyboomersunited.com/BabyBoomer-Online-Dating.htm

You can expect many more to come 'cause "Baby" they know this is important to you!!