Make it Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Spring Chickens

Some time ago I had a brand new student come to class and say, "I don't know if I can do this--I'm 80 years old."

My reply to him was, "For goodness sake, you're a spring chicken!"

He looked a bit startled, so I started to tell him about some of the people I knew about who were in their 80s and 90s.

How about Mavis Lindgren who ran a marathon when she was 90 (there was an article about her on this blog on July 19th).

Or Marie Muenster Galloway who is 97 years old. She drove herself and her paintings to the Hannah Walker Art Show in Luling, Texas, spent the day there and then drove herself home! (Her picture was on the blog post for June 8th)! Bill Cardwell, the sponsor for the art show, said, “Marie is undoubtedly one of the most amazing people I have ever met.”

How about Don L. one of my students at the college where I teach. Started learning Photoshop when he was 90.

And here is another remarkable gentleman that I learned about reading Senior Journal.com:

Senior Citizen Volunteers

Peace Corps’ Oldest Volunteer
Now Teaching Science in Ghana

84-Year-Old from Dayton, Ohio,
lost wife two years ago, seeks new challenges

Aug. 27, 2008 - Ralph H. Bernstein, 84, of Dayton, Ohio, has been accepted into the Peace Corps, making him the oldest currently serving Peace Corps Volunteer in the world. The octogenarian is joining the ranks along with hundreds of older Americans who are putting their considerable life skills and experience to good use around the world through service in the Peace Corps.

Bernstein departed for Ghana on June 7, and after completing his pre-service training was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer on August 19. Bernstein will now officially begin his Peace Corps service and work as a secondary education Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching biology, chemistry and physics to students in a Ghanaian community.

Bernstein cites the fact that his wife passed away two years ago, and looking for both a break from the past and a new set of challenges as his motivating factors for joining the Peace Corps. Says Bernstein, "I was especially eager to contribute in an area where my background might be of greater value than in the U.S."

Bernstein looks to carry out his service diligently, but knows how to keep things in perspective. "No one of us can cure all ills," he says, "but we can each contribute and make a difference on some scale."

During his training, Bernstein will live with a host family in Ghana to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist his community, he will then serve for two years as a teacher in Ghana, living in a manner similar to people in his host country.

Bernstein is a graduate of Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering, graduating in 1945. Bernstein previously worked as an instructor in mathematics for the US Navy. He has also taught a variety of engineering subjects and has worked for paper mills, electric utilities, municipal solid waste and wastewater concerns, and has carried out environmental research.

Bernstein, who has four daughters and nine grandchildren, says that family, friends and coworkers have enthusiastically supported his new endeavor.

Said Daughter Ellen Fultz, "All of us knew that he had so much energy and knowledge, and that he could give back in a way that would be unique for a man of his age. I know it means two precious years away from us, but I think it will be the start of the next great chapter of his life."

To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit the website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/.

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

Kingdom Racing

I had the opportunity this past week to sit in an Indy 500 racecar. It's a snug fit! The car wraps around you like a latex glove as you sit inches off the ground. You can feel the power and the excitement.

The Kingdom Racing Indy Race Team recently had a Board of Directors meeting in our National Write Your Congressman board room. Randy Ford, our Chief Operating Officer, is on their Board of Directors. It's an impressive ministry.

Kingdom Racing's mission is to change people's lives through on and off track motorsports events. With a primary goal to form a full-time IndyCar Series team and, combined with the help of national partners and Christian entities, reach 1,000,000 men for Jesus Christ. In 2008 and 2009, Kingdom Racing made history as the first "faith vision" organization to ever compete in the Indianapolis 500. Through it's successful race history, the team is gathering the attention of major partners to help with the execution of this mission.

I had the pleasure of meeting drivers Brandon Wagner and Davey Hamilton. Davey's story is a testimony to the healing power of our Lord. Indiana resident, Davey Hamilton, a nine-time Indy 500 veteran and winner in numerous racing divisions is an Owner/Partner with Kingdom Racing. His career as a driver nearly ended following a devastating crash at Texas Motor Speedway in 2001. After 23 operations and 5 years of rehabilitation, his return to the Indy 500 is one of the most inspiring stories in the history of the speedway.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors . He can be reached at bill@cs4seniors.com

Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

Achievements and Realities of the Aged

I have read (and I believe!) that the speed with which time seems to pass as we grow old is the biggest single surprise that any of us can have. Bill, a dear patient of mine for many years, lamented the passage of time. Bill is now in his late 80’s. His mind is still sharp, but inevitably, his body doesn’t respond as it once did. Naturally, he no longer can do the things he could do years ago.

July 21 marked the 29th anniversary of the day I opened my practice. While it has been a true blessing to care for so many patients, my experience has been bittersweet. I’ve had many sad moments as I watch patients age and physically decline. Bill is an example of this.

Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning has sold millions of copies and has been translated into many languages. He addresses the question of aging, pointing out that someone who is basically pessimistic ages with great sadness and fear, realizing that the number of pages of the calendar of life is dwindling. On the other hand, the more optimistic and positive person ages “actively.” While tearing off successive sheets of life’s calendar, this person jots down some notes on the back of each page and reflects with pride on the richness of the achievements set down in these notes and looks forward to the next page, thereby living life to the fullest.

Keeping in mind the transient nature of human existence and realizing that we all are subject to the same fate, why envy the young? For the “potential” that is inherent in the youth? Instead of potential, older people have realities – not only in the reality of work done and love loved, but also of trials and tribulations bravely endured.

Bill’s life has touched many people. And he has touched them at their core – in a very spiritual way, through his work in faith communities. While I can’t give him back his youth, I can at least remind him that his life has had immense value and has been important to others.
And given the immutable and certain nature of aging and death, isn’t that what we all hope to achieve?

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Google is my new best friend. It’s not only the name of a (very successful) company, but it’s bound to become a new verb in the English books! Need to know? Just “google” it.

Google is a search engine that uses text matching techniques to find web pages that are important and relevant to a user’s search. Now, there are other search engines by other providers. For more in-depth information on search engines, go to www.google.com and type in “What is a search engine?” Information on about 225,000,000 sources of information and web pages will pop up. Yup, that’s what I said – 225 million! Choose (click on) one of the first five or so to learn more. Wilkipedia is always a good one to start with.

For instance, last week I was editing a newsletter that featured an article on President’s Day. Since all good editors check and re-check information, I needed to know whether President’s Day should be written President’s Day (singular possessive), Presidents’ Day (plural possessive) or just plain Presidents Day (just plain plural). Now try googling Presidents Day just for fun. You’ll see, as I did, that it came up all three ways! I guess that means that everyone can’t agree, so you can take your pick!

To make your searches faster and easier, go to www.toolbar.google.com. From this site you can download a Google toolbar (it’s free).

The toolbar will then be installed at the top of your screen so you don’t have to input www.google.com each time you want to search for something. Just type it in the space on your google toolbar and your off and running!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:
The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…
A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Last week we began to discuss programs known as lifelong learning institutes. Now, let’s take a look at the early history of these programs.

For years, colleges and universities have offered continuing education programs for adults in their local communities. Along with these types of programs, adult education classes are also offered in most local high schools and some libraries. Adults of all ages take advantage of these low-cost opportunities, and they continue to be wonderful resources for many. The types of programs we are going to talk about now, however, are different from these well-known programs.

Back in 1962 a group of retired educators got together to discuss ways to stay intellectually challenged beyond what continuing education courses offered. They gathered at the New School for Social Research (now called the New School University) in New York City and conceived of a program run by and for older adults, offering a college-level curriculum.

The New School enthusiastically welcomed the older adults onto their Greenwich Village campus under the name of The Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP). The IRP is still going strong today, some 47 years later. In the words of its current director, Michael Markowitz,

“Being part of a university with an historic mission of inclusiveness helped make the IRP so successful." Today, the program is viewed as a vital member of the diverse campus population. IRP students take part in most university events open to degree students.

Between the start of this incredibly successful program in 1962 and the mid 1980s, the “learning in retirement” movement as it came to be known, grew slowly with approximately 50 more institutes formed at such institutions such as Harvard, Syracuse University, Duke and UCLA, among others. These early programs often relied on the founders at the IRP to help get them started.

By the mid-1980s, word was beginning to spread about this wonderful opportunity for older adults. The early visionaries of the learning in retirement movement were becoming overwhelmed with requests for help to start new programs. Clearly some kind of national mechanism to coordinate the start-up of new programs needed to be established.

Next week – Enter Elderhostel…

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “It is time that we had uncommon schools…that we did not leave off our education when we begin to be men and women. It is time that villages were universities, and their elder inhabitants the fellows of universities, with leisure – if they are, indeed, so well off – to pursue liberal studies the rest of their lives.” Even back in 1854, when these prophetic words were uttered, the value of continuing to learn into our later years was recognized by forward-thinking individuals.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Age in Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.


Tech advice for living to 100 and enjoying life when you get there

This was an interesting week if you want to think about living to 100. Evercare offered up its http://evercarehealthplans.com/pdf/2009Evercare100at100KeyFindings.pdf -- which included survey results from college seniors. Dr. Judith Rich was published in the Huffington Post with the question "Would You Want to Live to Be 100?" Both built on surveys that compared the lives of centenarians (who had a 400 to 1 chance of surviving this long) with the lives of today's young people. In fact, according to the Foundation for Health in Aging, if you were born in 1980, chances are now 87 to 1 that you will live to be 100.

Should the old get out of the way to make more planet room? Dr. Rich observed that by 2030, 84% of those 65+ will have completed high school and 24% will have a bachelor's degree, compared with 15% with a college degree today. She noted that tomorrow's centernarians will be very comfortable with smart phones, Internet, and whatever else is around to enable them to access any information resources -- including being very demanding healthcare consumers. She worried that the planet cannot accomodate all of what she terms 'Geezerdom' and that perhaps it would make sense for the old to voluntarily 'get out of the way' to make room for everyone else.

Evercare's 'healthy and articulate' 100-year-olds are engaged in life now. Who would have thought that half of centenarians are familiar with Ninetendo's Wii Fit, 21 percent go online, with 10 percent using e-mail weekly, 5 percent watching TV shows, 4 percent downloading music, 3 percent use Twitter, and 2 percent would want an iPod if stranded on a desert island. Half are walking and hiking, more than half watch quiz shows, and 77% read to stimulate their minds. Both the centernarians and college seniors talk to friends and family to manage stress. Somewhat worrisome for our future, 63% of 100-year-olds said they 'do something to help others' as a secondary stress reliever, while 78% of college seniors report that they resort to 'me time' to manage stress.

The Judith Rich column includes advice for extending your life span. She quotes a laundry list of widely publicized advice on how to increase your lifespan (15 minutes a day laughing, not smoking, and having a positive outlook add more years). But that list doesn't include staying connected to community, doing something to help others, staying on top of current news and world events, or using a computer to stay connected to family. Let us remember that the Evercare interviewees are already 100 years old -- and this is what a surprising number of them do. Maybe if we want to live to 100, we should emulate them. This being a tech blog -- here's my twist:

Own a computer. I am still hearing that tired line from vendors who make proprietary (non-PC) products that 65+ customers are baffled by computers -- that's why their product isn't built on a PC. It's especially ironic to me that telehealth vendors send technically knowledgeable people into the home of 65+ to install monitoring units, will train them on the use of those products, but the PC is just too overwhelming a platform. Enough already. Ignoring the communication needs of your 'patients' by giving them single-purpose devices is, politely put, insensitive. Telehealth nurses tell me that patients appreciate monitoring because it shows that someone cares. Imagine their enthusiasm if someone showed them how to use a touch screen for email, sent them some e-mail and showed them how to join an online community for PatientsLikeMe?

Stay informed -- news and new ideas. Despite my fondness for them, we probably won't be reading paper newspapers too much longer -- too hard to distribute, too expensive to buy, and tough to get rid of when you're done reading. But even if you're still buying them, you can still set automatic e-mail feeds from newspaper companies, set Google Alerts for topics that interest you, and keep up on what's what in the world of trends and ideas.

Get exercise -- physical and brain. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you propel yourself out and about, get your heart going, and give your bones enough stress to keep them from thinning. If where you live means Wii Fit, so be it. And give your brain a workout while you're at it -- anything that involves stimulating, including training your brain to keep your driving skills, or learning something. See stay informed.

Buy smart phones - and keep them charged. No point in getting lost on our way to age 100 -- might as well get a BlackBerry or iPhone that gives you portable e-mail access, but where you can also be guided with directions, find a restaurant or gas station, chat with your grandchildren, and even use the phone to call 911 in an emergency. They're useless when the battery runs out, so manage a charging lifestyle habit early -- required for the computer too. See own a computer.

Find like-minded communities. The 'Lifespan' advice in Dr. Rich's column said that going to church regularly adds 3 years to life expectancy. If we broaden that advice to suggest finding like-minded people -- in person, online, on the phone -- engagement with others is the key. If we are like 50% of those over 65 today, we will have 2 chronic diseases -- even more important to find others who have figured out how best to manage them. See stay informed, buy a smart phone, own a computer.

Consider online medical services. As we near 100, there will be no reason to feel trapped in the house, unable to access medical advice. We can subscribe to online services (phone, e-mail, virtual visits) from companies like TelaDoc or American Well, or LiveNurse on a Jitterbug phone.

My thought -- being 100 in this scenario overcomes some of the physical isolation that can result from physical frailty (and losing your nearby friends and family). To me, that looks like a better deal than Dr. Rich's idea of checking out in order to free up space.

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com/ Place Technology Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.


Normal Things

I was rummaging around in my files looking for some collages my students had created for a special class we are having today. Shelly Slater from WFAA.TV Channel 8, the local ABC affiliate, is doing a series on Aging in America. They are coming by the community college where I teach to film our class and talk about seniors learning how to use the computer.

I found a folder from one of my Photoshop Elements Special Projects classes that had some fun, creative images in it that I wanted to share today. The assignment for the class was to create a picture of a normal thing, in an abnormal situation.

Here Dana Kimborough created a cat and a fish that filled the bill for the assignment. Great thinking, fun image. Am I surprised? Not one bit.

How about this one that Helen did with a graduating cactus!


Jane Kennedy has contributed to our blog in previous months. She got some great pictures on a trip she and her friend Linda Baker went on to Africa. How about this elephant?

As I perused the folder I was once again struck by the sheer force of the creativity of this age group of students. This untapped resource will never cease to surprise and inspire me. Seniors have been there, gathered information from many life experiences, and do a wonderful job of creating images from those experiences if they have the technical skills to do it.

No question about it--seniors rock!!!

Make it Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Daily Giving

Ann Morrow Lindberg said, “To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.”

Today I would like to feature a lifelong volunteer. Through the years Rich Thomas has been available in so many quiet, supportive ways.

He grew up in Boys Town. He was a fine athlete, an allstar, playing football, basketball and baseball. He traveled all over the United States with Father Flannigan (that’s right the one that Spenser Tracy portrayed). He often helped care for the children smaller than himself, including his twin brothers.

This man has not done the kind of volunteering that gets you parades or medals. What he has done is serve in the Armed Forces in Korea (his first daughter was born while he was there and she was 8 months old before he saw her), work hard at the same job for many years, help create a strong, healthy family of five who have now given him nine wonderful grandkids.

Countless hours of babysitting, miles of driving people back and forth to the airport, soccer games, baseball games, to special events, to the hospital.

Rich volunteered as coach for his oldest son's 7th and 8th grade football team at St. Francis school. They won the Catholic School City Championship. His son Rick was telling him that just this week he had run into one of the men Rich had coached during those days. This man told Rick Jr. how important Rich's coaching had been to him. He said, "He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."

The golfers at the Overland Park Golf Course where he has served as a Marshall have benefited from his quick smile, helpful tips and constant words of encouragement. An avid golfer all his life makes his tips and words of encouragement all the more meaningful.

He is 84 and right now his knees and back are giving him a bit of trouble. Keep this fine man in your thoughts and prayers. No one deserves it more, as his young nephew knows!

A hug for my Uncle Rich!

Saturdays with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

About Healthcare Reform

I’ve had a number of patients in recent weeks express strong feelings about proposed “health care reform.” Most are quite surprised that I’m in favor of some major changes in the way health care is provided and paid for in this country. I feel that there are many abuses to our current system, and that many people are unable to obtain insurance, forcing them to face possible financial disaster if they become sick or injured.

The bible enjoins us to care for the sick and the poor. It is not such a great leap to feel the need to insure that all who need medical care can obtain it.

Polemics aside, can we at least agree on some points? How about starting with these as ideals:
All who need care should be able to obtain it without the threat of financial ruin? Health insurance should be available and affordable for all. Those too poor to afford it should be subsidized to some extent, depending on their financial situation.

Losing one’s job should not mean losing healthcare insurance. Insurance should be transportable.
Costs should be kept as low as possible and competition should be encouraged by allowing consumers to purchase insurance across state lines.

Preexisting conditions shouldn’t disqualify people from being able to purchase insurance.

Providers should have incentive to keep costs down. Just the opposite occurs now. If a doctor orders a diagnostic test or a surgical procedure, he directly benefits from it. The American College of Cardiology has published “Appropriateness guidelines” for tests and procedures. These represent current thinking from the best and the brightest in our field. Yet there is no monitoring to insure compliance with these guidelines. I can only guess how much money is wasted in this way. Audits of physician ordering practices should be encouraged for both Medicare and private insurance.

These principles don’t cater to those who want the government to run healthcare, and they are equally unpopular with the crowd who wants to keep the current, unsustainable status quo. Which is probably why they have no chance of being given a proper airing.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at http://www.copingwithadversity.com/. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Let me tell you about my friend Joan. Joan Ruestmann is a doer. At 83, she can run circles around me, and maybe you too. Besides that, she has spent her life and career taking care of people. I guess that’s why she became a nurse.

Since Joan retired from active nursing in 1991, she has stepped up her activities to include volunteering at the North Texas Regional Cancer Center once a week where she makes coffee and delivers snacks and positive reassurance to patients and families. She also works with North Texas Stitchers, a private organization that provides neck and head coolers, helmet liners, pillows, soap-on-a-rope holders, and prayer rocks to servicemen in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also make teddy bears for service personnel to distribute to children. She got started doing that when her own grandson was stationed in Iraq.

Joan has been the Courtesy Chairman for as long as I can remember for our P.E.O. Chapter (an international women’s philanthropic and educational organization). Her committee organizes, prepares and delivers meals to members’ families dealing with illness and death or welcoming new babies. Her freezer is always brimming with frozen food waiting for a need to appear. She also visits people in the hospital, sends out birthday cards and generally watches over the wellbeing of more than 50 members in one way or another.

Joan with her beloved P.E.O Sisters

(bottom row, right)

As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she is also a greeter at Sunday church services, goes to Aquacise classes several days a week, walks at the mall once a week, is a member of two book clubs, three Bridge clubs, babysits for several families and does all her own housework in the house that has been her home since 1979! See what I mean?

Joan was born in Minonk, Illinois and still visits friends there almost every year. In the summers, she says she de-tasseled corn. She graduated from Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Peoria, IL in 1947 and entered a 33-year career as an RN – in Illinois, Kansas and Plano, TX (with time out for raising children). She has two children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and has always been active in all their lives. Her life, as with any long life, has not been without sorrow. Her husband died suddenly in 1978, and she carried on. She cared for her elderly mother in her home for many years, and Joan is a cancer survivor.

Joan with her daughter Jane and her granddaughter Maggie

Lately, as is typical of this incredible lady, Joan has decided to improve her computer skills! So we have been working together to get her lined up to access information on the Internet for her book reviews and other activities, email friends and family, visit blogs and keep up with her home town news.

http://www.minonktalk.com/

Of course, she approaches the computer with the same gusto that she approaches everything. She pursues the Internet because she needs to know stuff, and it’s fun. And because she remains the contemporary woman, she is definitely an example for seniors who can gain so much knowledge and pleasure by continuing to explore modern technology. I think she plays a little solitaire too, by the way, in her “spare time.”

Joan is a joy – much loved by many people. And when I grow up (!), I want to be just like her!

Keep up the good work, girlfriend.

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

As we have previously discussed, research indicates that the brain is a vital organ that responds to new stimuli. It needs to be challenged and thrives in enriched environments. Just like we take care of our bodies, our brain’s health too, depends on the care it is given – and the perfect environment for that care is a Lifelong Learning Institute – a health club for the brain!

In fact, education is the perfect food for the brain. It plays a big role in the psychological and physical wellness of older adults. Continuing our education in some form, beyond the traditional model, is becoming very common. According to the National Center for Education statistics, the number of adult learners is both large and growing.

Look at the numbers. In 1999, 90 million Americans participated in some form of adult learning. That’s up from the 58 million registered in 1991. And of those 90 million adult learners, 23 million were over the age of 50.

Clearly, people are beginning to realize that continuing learning is essential to their longevity. Lifelong learning is becoming a way of life for many people who are entering middle and later years, and a segment of these people are taking part in programs known as Lifelong Learning Institutes or LLIs.

A best guess estimate is that there are now approximately 250,000 older adults taking part in between 500-750 organized classroom-type Lifelong Learning Institutes across North America. That number is sure to grow as our population ages, especially as people become more aware of the concept, benefits and opportunities of belonging to an LLI.

In the next few columns I will be discussing the various aspects of Lifelong Learning Institutes. Along with keeping our brain healthy, participation in these programs challenges our personal standards for excellence. We reach for new levels of growth and health. LLIs stretch our minds and provide us with opportunities to expand our knowledge.

By joining a Lifelong Learning Institute your sense of personal empowerment, your self-esteem, and feelings of contribution will take a big leap. Participants in LLIs also gain insight on how to make their personal lives more efficient, effective and enjoyable. They develop new interests by simply trying something new.

Lifelong Learning Institutes keep us motivated when life gets a little overwhelming. Finally, these programs help fulfill personal aspirations and ensure continued growth and intellectual stimulation.


Lifelong Learning Institutes can be a valuable tool for those of us facing 30 or more years of post-work life, if we want those years to be rich and fulfilling.

Next week we’ll look at the history of lifelong learning institutes.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Learning is ever in the freshness of its youth, even for the old – Aeschylus. How interesting that even way back in ancient Greece, the value of continuing to learn into old age was recognized and celebrated. Let’s continue that tradition!

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging In Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

Frank Loves His Job

and Knows That It Matters

I was fortunate to have an experience this week listening on calls when the Philips Lifeline pendant was activated.

The calls have stayed with me -- and probably will continue to be on my mind for a long time. Philips executives Deb Citrin (Philips Healthcare), Sharon Thompson (Philips Medication Compliance, part of Lifeline), and Mark Ruthorford, Director of Marketing for Philips Lifeline, hosted an informative 3-hour visit to Philips' location in Framingham, MA where the call centers are located. We toured both call centers -- and I learned about the infrastructure behind the calls -- more than 8 million per year.

Philips execs told me that they have approximately 650,000 call center subscribers through 3000 partner programs -- like hospitals, Red Cross, VNA, or home care agencies -- that represent the 8 million calls received per year. (This doesn't count use of the unit through other call handling done by long-term care providers). Ironically, only 3% of the calls received are actual 'I've fallen and I can't get up" emergencies. The vast majority are 'test' calls to verify that the base unit and button device are working properly -- and many of those 'test' calls are just to make contact with a human being.

That's right. The average age of a Lifeline subscriber is 82, a woman living alone. The most likely reason she has the button is from a referral -- a discharge planner from a hospital or rehab facility, a geriatric care manager, a social worker -- or even an adult day center, funeral home, or estate planning provider. Typically an incident or circumstance triggers the need for the service -- not a personal decision in which an elderly person admits she is frail and needs it.

So I listened to calls picked up by Frank, a long-time Lifeline employee who has heard it all over his 11 years. He identifies the Lifeline service and then slowly and clearly asks "Are you all right?". He's heard the silence of someone crawling on the floor to reset the base unit: "I'm crawling as fast as I can" or "It's warm here in Wisconsin today." He knows to probe if the cleaning person answers, so that he can hear the voice of the subscriber. He knows that 'warm in Wisconsin' could mean the air conditioning has failed and help is needed. He knows when the answer is garbled that he has to restate the question to make sure they've heard and are really okay. And he ends the call with "Are you sure that you don't need anything else today?" I got the sense that Frank loves his job and knows that it matters.

Philips Healthcare is a business -- an $11 billion one with a CEO who sees the market opportunity in aging. They are inin multiple home health-related categories now, many from acquisition -- such as the Medication Dispensing service, home defibrillator, telehealth monitoring, and home testing devices and markets. The execs I spoke with see the target market as frail elderly and/or those suffering from chronic disease. The walls of the office buildings are filled with enlarged photographs of seniors -- mostly women -- with their pendants around their neck, sporting big smiles for the camera.

Alone and in your 80's with an emergency response device as a link to the outside. No wonder baby boomer women are so right to think ahead about shared housing to make them feel safe in their later years. Though I'm not sure if that will be an alternative to a response center staffed with guys like Frank.

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com/ Place Technology Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.




Things to think about in life

It's important to get a good night's sleep, no matter where you are:

When waking up a parent, be prepared to run if necessary:

Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Probably best to NOT kiss strangers:

If you are not succeeding with a plan, remember Kenny Rogers song the Gambler, where he sang, "You gotta know when to fold 'em!"

Always try to take a nap, whether you are alone...

Or with friends:

Try to be patient with relatives when they come to visit:

When visiting other people, remember "When in Rome, do what the Romans do!"

Whenever possible, end your day with a little dessert:

Thanks again to my sister Libby for finding these gems for us on the Internet!

Make It Happen Monday

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Passing the Purple Hat to You

My sister sent me an email honorimg Erma Bombeck for women's history month. We all know who she is and have probably read her books. She often volunteered to write sage tidbits for various publications. I don't know where the following came from (written after she found out she was dying from cancer), but it's good advice.

If I Had it to Do Over Again

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'

There would have been more "I love you's"...more..."I'm sorry's". But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Inspiration Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

Angels Explained By Children

My sister-in-law Libby sent me this post. Angels are a mystery to all of us, but as usual children have a practical take on this subject like most things.

Smile while reading!!

I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold.
Gregory, age 5

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it.
-Olive, age 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes.
-Matthew, age 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else.
-Mitchell, age 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science.
-Henry, age 8

Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!!
-Jack, age 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead.
Daniel, age 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath again, somewhere there's a tornado.
-Reagan, age 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter.
-Sara, age 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter.
-Jared, age 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it.
-Antonio, age 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth.

-Ashley, age 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it.
-Vicki, age 8

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors He can be reached at bill@cs4seniors.com

Saturdays With Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

A Life Fondly Remembered

Betty died last week. She finally succumbed after a long and heroic battle with her diseased bone marrow, her lung illness, and her other organs straining under the increasing weight of time and debility. The end of Betty’s time on earth came. Thank heavens it was peaceful.

Betty was actually the subject of the very first chapter of my book – an example of grace and cheerfulness despite serious medical conditions. She embodied the Talmud’s instructions to greet one another with a cheerful countenance. It’s easy to be pleasant when all is well. A person’s true
character, however, is revealed when things are not going so well.

I used to joke with Betty that the homemade cookies she routinely made for the office staff when she came in for her appointments were her “ticket of admission” to the office. It should surprise no one that her pleasant demeanor was returned by those with whom she came in contact. She even managed a smile for me each time I entered her hospital room during her final days.
Our children and grandchildren will remember much about us – our achievements, our hobbies, etc. They will also most assuredly remember how we handled adversity as we became old and sick. Of all the “crowns” we might acquire during our lifetime, the Talmud teaches us that, “The crown of a good name surpasses all.”

I know how Betty’s family will remember her. How will your family remember you?

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.


Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com.

It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Fridays

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Pickled Eggs

It’s almost 100 degrees outside, and I’m thinking about Christmas. How about you?
Every year I consider making little gifts for family members. To do that, you have to start early. That’s why Hobby Lobby and Michael’s are doing a booming business right now! Mind you, I’m not talking about craft projects! I am not crafty. I failed “scissors and construction paper” in Kindergarten, and can’t knit, crochet, embroider or tye-dye. I have tried scrapbooking, but it involves scissors and other mechanical implements that don’t work for me. But when the computer and the Internet came along, I suddenly got “craftier.”

My brainstorm this year is to make a family cookbook for each of our kids’ families.
We all have wonderful memories of family get-togethers of the past where Mom, Grandma or Aunt Bessie always prepared her signature dish. Last year about Easter time, I got to thinking about the pickled eggs my mother used to make for Easter dinner every year. My mouth began to water. I was pretty sure my sister had all of Mother’s old recipes, so when I visited her last summer I mentioned them (the eggs).

She said, “Don’t move. Stay right here.”

She was gone for about 10 minutes, and then reappeared with a couple of dusty, old, ragged notebooks and a big cloth shopping bag full of papers. You guessed it – all of Mother’s old recipes! Some of Grandma’s too and various other friends and relatives. My sister and I spent the entire week of my visit going through every single paper. Of course we threw away a lot of it, but we found some real treasures too. I found the recipe for pickled eggs, by the way, and they were a mild sensation this past Easter with the family.
That’s what gave me the idea for a family cookbook – but one that’s done on the computer, of course!

You probably have family recipes tucked away as well. They usually look something like this:

One option is to start from “scratch” and design a cookbook. But why re-invent the wheel? So I began to investigate options on the Internet. There are basically two different approaches:

1) you buy and download software, design your book using their templates; then print it on your own, or

2) Create your book online using their template(s), order and pay for it. Then they print as many copies as you order and send it to you.

I found many interesting websites. Without recommendation, here are a few:
http://livingcookbook.com/ (Click on “Publish Family Recipes” where there are lots of very helpful demonstration videos).
http://cookbookpeople.com/ (You can download the software or order a disc).
http://www.heritagecookbook.com/ (At this site you become a member, create your cookbook online and they publish it and send it to you. They offer a free trial membership. Added pages are available for pictures and family history).
I finally opted for Tastebook (http://tastebook.com/). You design your book online. You can use their recipes, import recipes you like from other websites, or input (type) your own personal recipes (which is what I plan to do). There’s a nice personal dedication page (the one below is dedicated to my Mother), and lots of different neat cover designs to choose from. You can also upload photos of family members or pictures of the completed dishes on the recipe pages. When you have your book just the way you like it (you can preview it with one click online), you order it and they send it to you. You can add pages over time and insert them into your cookbook(s), since the printed cookbook is “loose leaf.”

You have to have a minimum of 25 recipes (maximum of 100) to order your book. The price is about $20 per book for 25 recipes and $30 for 50. Reasonable I think. I haven’t seen one “in person” yet, but the previews look beautiful online. I’ll let you know.
Of one thing I am sure. I’ve got a lot of recipe typing to do in the next couple of months if I am to meet my goal for Christmas gifts. Failing that, they should be ready for 2010 birthday gifts!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)