Thursday, December 22, 2011

Active Adults Can Still Enjoy Sports with Personal Alert Systems

When you've got medical concerns, it can be hard to get the most out of your retirement. Fortunately, there are solutions available. Recreational activities are the best way to stay fit and feeling great during retirement, no matter what types of things you most enjoy. From playing tennis or golf to hiking and more, there are plenty of different activities that are out there waiting for you. The issue, for many active adults, is their personal health and safety. Fortunately, more people can enjoy being active with less worry, thanks to things like med alert systems. These systems are designed to offer a one-touch emergency response. There are many different types of systems to choose from, but the simple push-button that summons 9-1-1 services is usually what people go with. Not only is it affordable, but it is convenient and accessible as well. It allows more people to enjoy their independence and stay active during their later years, even when they're not in a state of 100% health and well-being. These devices give people independence around the home, but also in other areas of their lives as well. If you've been considering joining a recreational sport or activity but have been held back by your uncertainty about your medical needs, this is a great way to get everything that you need. Even when you're involved in team sports or activities with other people, having the ability to summon help immediately can make all the difference. A personal emergency system can give you peace of mind and allow you to get more enjoyment out of your retirement, no matter what you are looking for. They're affordable, easy to find, and can help you do more and worry less regardless of what you activities you want to enjoy.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Poetry at 72


Twin Aprons of Honor

A 70’s kitchen, soft-turquoise walls
black Formica table, white leather seats
on heavy black chairs
toddlers couldn’t move,
two high chairs the grandmotherly
babysitter captained three hours each
Monday from three to six while she sold
real estate across town when gas was
 only 99 cents. Fridays brought her back
while she got coiffed, the sitter donning
her ruffled full apron unafraid of accidental
spills that stiffened the young mother to fright.
Silk blouses weren’t meant to be in the
presence of four young’uns.
The apron, faded only in memory,
tucked away after fresh laundry was
brought up from the basement, children
now in bed.  Two feminists escaping
everyday connubiality in contrast,
one left alone while her husband built his practice,
 the other tending to one long retired from the railroad
Content, ‘bacco stored in cheek.

Evelyn Asher – December 2011

Please share your comments about a faded apron or another topic on your mind today.   My friend Aviva, a hairdresser, shared a story about her black apron she wears while highlighting her clients' hair.  She chuckles when she reaches her hands in the pockets of the apron she has had for over ten years, not thinking she would pick up her craft again and  finding money she forgot was there.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Today's Hearing Aids Provide Fashion and Function for Wearers

In the world of fashion and style, accessories are supposed to add to any outfit. If they don't, of course, they are taking away from the style that you have.

For people who need hearing aids, style hasn't always been an option. Fortunately, companies are working hard to create new models and smaller devices that are either invisible or nearly so, allowing users to be able to enjoy hearing without the obvious unattractiveness of hearing aids of years past. There are plenty of styles available to choose from, and while they might not compliment your wardrobe, they certainly won't take away from it.  

When it comes to finding the best hearing aid, there is a lot that you have to think about. The type and severity of your hearing loss are going to affect your options significantly. Of course, how much you have to spend on these devices will also play a part in your decision. If you are looking for a more discreet, stylish option to provide you with the hearing assistance that you need, you should be willing to spend a little more than the average user, of course. Hearing aids used to be a fact of life, and not a very stylish one at that. Bulky, unattractive devices could be seen protruding from the ear and making any attempt at style almost moot simply because of the obviousness of the device.


 While many people aren't concerned with the fashion of their hearing aids as much as the way that it works, having the ability to get both can allow you to enjoy a much more normal lifestyle without the worry of everyone knowing that you have a hearing aid. For various reasons, a lot of people find hearing devices embarrassing. It isn't about the fashion so much as the fact that people can see that you have an obvious issue. Typically, when people are aware of this, they behave differently. If nothing else, you at least want your privacy in your health issues. Today's technology has created a world of hearing aid designs that can give you that privacy and let you be as stylish as you want, from head to toe. While hearing aids might not exactly be the chic accessories that you need to dress up your new outfit, they don't have to be the awkward accessories that take away from the style, either.

Mary is a blogger for HappyHealth.net, a health lifestyle community for active adults. HappyHealth also provides hearing aid reviews and other product reviews.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Rightly Compassionate

 Though staying away from media is known to improve one's health, this example of compassion begs to be shared for those interested in the welface of all.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GA_EVICTION_OF_103_YEAR_OLD_GAOL-?SITE=GAGAI&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Elders looking after elders, time again trying to do the next best thing, struggling with extended life, an economy gone beserk - or is it the lack of leadership from both sides of the aisle.   Shouting matches, rolled eyes prevent arms to reach out or ears to listen as they are meant to do.

 This photo reminds me of my father's pharmacy he purchased in 1939, the year of my birth.  How fortunate I was to be told all my life that  I was his good luck charm.  Three minute conversations between my dad and his customers when they came to pick up their prescriptions did more for each other's soul than any chemical concoction.  Dr. Swartz, they used to call him.   What would my dad have done, in his 60 years of serving the public if he learned of these women's plight, if they came into the store or shared their plight when he made a delivery?  What would you do?  What can we do at the grass roots level.

Yesterday I went for my dental hygiene appointment.   Near the end the hygenist remarked, "This isn't easy for you, is it?"   My response was, "Actually I was thinking of a pair of black tennis shoes."  She said, "You're kidding! Why?"  "To go with my black warm-up suit."  "Treat yourself.   I bought all my Christmas presents and told my husband to wrap them", she said with a laugh.   How insensitve that sounded to me who preferred to spend $400 on my grandchildren's presents instead of meeting obligations of tree removal.  Every life has a story.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0RhvZ3lvY

What better gift than one of listening, holding a hand, asking "How can I help you.  Can I bring something from the store," or share a home-cooked meal from your heart.  Not only at Christmas, Chanukah, or Kawanza, but throughout the year.   Writing in gratitude, humbled, and seeking your perspective.