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.

Why Adults Have Fed Twitter’s Growth

By Claire Cain Miller

The tech industry has been perplexed by the fact that Twitter has grown extraordinarily quickly even though young people do not tweet nearly as much as their elders do.
Perhaps the most interesting phenomenon to observe is not what teenagers are not doing, but what adults are doing.

A report on the reach of social technologies, published recently by Forrester Research, said that in the last year, young people almost universally used social media. (Only 3 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds do not use social tools online.) These people have been using social media for a long time, though, and they are not driving its growth.

More intriguing is a look at what older adults are doing online. According to Forrester, use of social media among those 35 to 54 jumped 60 percent in the last year. Half of online adults in the United States interact on social networks and more than three-fourths used social media in the last month.

Most of the adults online regularly visit sites with user-generated content, like blogs and Google’s YouTube, Forrester found. Only a quarter actually post stories or upload video, though that is growing with easy-to-use online tools. The number of adults who joined social networks last year grew almost 50 percent from the year before. Today, only 18 percent of online adults do not use social tools, down from 25 percent last year.

There are many reasons that teenagers use Twitter less than adults do, including fundamental differences between what teenagers and adults want online and between Twitter and other sites like Facebook.

But one big reason for the disparity is simple: When Twitter became popular, teenagers already had their favorite Web sites for communicating, so they were not interested in a new one. The people who discovered Twitter were adults who were new to social networking.

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.


Creative Montage

I am so fortunate to be part of the creative efforts of my students. It is my belief that seniors create in an especially powerful way, because of their innate talent which is enhanced by years of life experience.

Below you see a perfect example of what I'm talking about. Linda Baker has a great eye and strong Photoshop skills which is a combination that is hard to beat. I always look forward to viewing what she comes up with.

Here you see the Baker boys--the men in her family:

Using special effects with travel photos gives them extra zip that will have people doing double-takes! Here is a photo Linda took while traveling in Egypt:

And this one is from Singapore:

And last but certainly not least, a very cool collage from Ireland:

Getting older doesn't mean you should stop with your creative efforts...it means you should increase them!! It is such a productive way to be strong!!

George Bernard Shaw said, "Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will."

Thanks so much to Linda for sharing these great images!

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.

NJ Woman Celebrates
100th Birthday--
at Work!

This article appeared in Yahoo news and of course is exactly what Make it Happen Monday is all about!!

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Astrid Thoenig got dressed, went to work and sat at her desk smiling Thursday as she slid her finger gently under the envelope flap of yet another identical birthday card. They don't make that many that say "Happy 100th."

Thoenig was interrupted by a steady stream of deliverymen bringing bouquets, chocolate-dipped strawberries and stacks of cards to the Thornton Insurance Co. in Parsippany where she's been answering phones, keeping financial records, handling payroll and typing up documents for more than 30 years.

"It's another day — it's hard to explain," Thoenig said of turning 100. "I don't feel old, and I don't think old."

Born Sept. 24, 1909, in Bloomfield, N.J., Thoenig turns 100 this month. Her grandson, 43-year-old Peter Thornton, said she couldn't have picked a better era.

"If you had to pick a dramatic century to live, it has to be Astrid's," he said. "The invention of the automobile and the airplane, television and computers, the moon landing and two world wars. 1780 to 1880 would have seen changes from a musket to a rifle."

Thoenig says "thinking young" has helped her take a century's worth of technological changes in stride. The daughter of Swedish immigrants, she credits her strong constitution, a wonderful family and getting up every day to get dressed and go to work with keeping her mind sharp.

Thoenig once sewed all her own clothes and still dresses elegantly, accenting with gold jewelry, colorful glasses and a full head of blond hair that makes her look decades younger. Her strong, agile hands come from a lifetime of typing, knitting and embroidering.

Married twice — her first husband died from injuries that earned him a Purple Heart in World War II — Thoenig started working shortly after high school, and has held positions at banks, lawyer's offices and for the borough of Caldwell.

Her current job is her favorite — working alongside her son, John Thornton, and grandson Peter at the family-owned insurance company.

"I'm 67, and one of our jokes is: 'How can I retire before my mother does?'" John Thornton said. He says his mother is a meticulous worker, reviewing contracts, preparing the payroll, making sure bills are paid, and is always pleasant company.

Thoenig credits her son for giving her the job, taking her to work — although she still drove until age 98 when a botched hip operation made it difficult to get around — and always being patient.
The growing stack of birthday cards may have identical motifs, but the messages inside them each touched her in their own way. Some, sent by people she's never met, were from seniors who continue to work and are inspired by her example: "I'm at my job 37 years and still love it," someone wrote.

She took special delight in a bouquet from her dentist with the message: "This is only the beginning!"

Inspirational Sunday

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

“Who Is In Charge?"

I live in the Dallas area and the headlines the last few days have been filled with news about a terrorist plot to blow up one of our downtown office buildings. Very frightening.

You turn the page and the Health Care debate shakes your day. Accusation and threats spew forth from both sides. Who do you believe? Who can you trust? What is best for us seniors? Very confusing.

You get to the World section of the paper and you see where things are out of control in Afghanistan and Iran is very close to having a nuclear bomb. Suicide bombings are still killing our troops in Iraq. Very sad.

It makes you long for “the good ole’ days.” Back when you could buy a Coke for a nickel. Chase fireflys in the park at night. Walk to the corner drug store for an ice cream cone. You know, back when times were simpler.

But isn’t “simpler” a matter of one’s perspective. Maybe a certain time in our life was better than another but it did not mean the world did not have strife, pain and troubles.

Here’s an example from a national periodical:

“The world is too big for us. Too much going on, too many crimes, too much violence and excitement.”

Sound like a modern commentary? Wrong. It appeared over 170 years ago – June 16, 1833 – in the Atlanta Journal.

How about this headline that appeared in the Boston Globe in 1857… ENERGY CRISIS LOOMS...

The article told how the world may go dark due to a scarcity of whale blubber.

Changes, trouble and fear have always been with mankind. We deal with them, our ancestors dealt with them.

It is not mere chance or blind fate that determines the sweeping changes that impact every generation. Our sovereign God takes full responsibility. He is in charge. He tells us it is He who affects change. And the good news is this: when changes occur, they are never out of His control!

“My times are in thy hand…” - (Psalm 3:15)

If we truly believe that, that God is in control, changes will not be nearly as difficult to accept and deal with.

We must learn to trust and obey, there is no other way. Particularly during very frightening times.

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.

Seeing Charity as Justice

Our synagogue has recently begun a program in which those who are ill or returning home from the hospital have meals provided by members of our congregation. One such family was in great need – the husband was undergoing treatment for cancer of the throat and was receiving chemotherapy, while the wife was receiving radiation, having had surgery for breast cancer. We provided meals for the couple for five weeks, until their respective treatments were essentially completed, and they were self-sufficient once again.

The Hebrew word for charity – tzedakah – is the same as the word for justice. In the Jewish world, what is charitable is regarded as acting as God’s proxy to insure that His justice is carried out. God creates divine justice, and we can’t know how and when this will play out. But God wants us to create human justice – to help others in need. If we knew how divine justice were ultimately meted out, we would understand God’s ways. But this would come at the cost of being human.

If we knew that all suffering would eventually be reconciled, if we saw things here on earth from God’s perspective, we might fail to help those in need, thinking that this illness or that need would ultimately be taken care of by God, or were divined specifically by Him. But that’s not our mission here on earth. Our job is to care for those in distress, ensuring that those less powerful have their interests and rights championed. Charity and justice are thus intertwined.

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.

They say we’re a product of our environment and life experiences. So it happens that I believe in local loyalty. I was born and raised in a small town in northwest Iowa, where my dad owned a business on Main Street. Even though the town was only about 2,500 people, we “shopped at home,” because of course, we wanted people to shop at our store instead of driving to the bigger city just across the state line to spend their money. Our family members were expected to set an example, and shop in our home town.

I still believe in local loyalty. And if you look around your neighborhood or suburb today, you’ll see a lot of local businesses that, in this economy, are struggling to survive right along with the national chains.

The point is not so much local loyalty these days as it is just plain loyalty. We can help businesses where we shop and eat (large or small) survive and thrive by patronizing them.

At the same time, they often reward us with special discounts. This brings us back to the subject of coupons. Many businesses (both local and national chains) use coupons or “specials” to capture your loyalty. That loyalty is good for them, and it can be good for you too. A couple of examples:

At a local restaurant where we like to eat, we were invited to sign up for their specials by filling out a form which asked for our email address. Now they routinely email us special offers. For instance, on my birthday:

We also indulge in a great pizza now and then. Who doesn’t? We find that if we go to the website of our favorite pizzeria, we can click on “special and coupons” and always find a way to save money.

Of course the national chains do this too. I just signed up for the “Fresh Catch Club” at Red Lobster (redlobster.com). Members are notified of special events, receive a birthday “surprise” (probably a coupon), and are entered in a prize drawing. Point is, signing up for online “clubs” brings you up a notch as far as getting the best deal is concerned. Of course you have to exercise a degree of caution as to what you join online as you do anywhere else – in other words, read the fine print.

But membership does have its privileges, and if you click around on your favorite restaurant or shopping sites for opportunities to sign up for free membership, you can cash in on some of those privileges.

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!

This week let’s take a look at some details of lifelong learning institutes.

• Each LLI is a unique, self-sufficient entity with its own set of guidelines, courses and activities.
• Each LLI goes by its own name but all are Lifelong Learning Institutes or LLIs.
• Programs are well-run learning environments full of wisdom, diversity and intellectual and cultural stimulation.
• Each LLI has a strong sense of community among its members.
• All Institutes are very reasonably priced. Most have a small membership fee and/or course fees.
• A typical LLI has 200-400 members. But some have several thousand members.
• Classes are held during the day.
• During any one term, more than 5,000 courses are available at LLIs across the country.
• A typical program offers 20-40 courses per term, and has two or three terms each year.
• Most members take two or three courses per term.
• Classes can be held on college campuses and/or in local community facilities.
• Classes can be peer-led, facilitated by current or retired faculty, or led by outside experts.
• An atmosphere of shared experiences, not a lecture format, is prevalent in all classrooms.
• There is never any homework. There are no tests. Grades are not given.
• LLIs are open to anyone regardless of previous academic experiences.
• The only requirement to join is a desire to keep your mind active and stimulated.
• Social activities can include field trips, all types of social outings and group travel.
• Volunteers usually staff LLIs, although some have paid office staff.
• Members make up all the necessary committees such as Curriculum, Special Events and Long-range planning.
• Members staff the governing boards and make all decisions about the LLI.
• Members can and usually are active in service to their communities.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Although programs are set up a bit differently from one another, all have one big thing in common – they are made up of people who want to learn in order to keep their brains sharp, their bodies active, and their spirits fulfilled. It really is learning for the sheer joy of learning!

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

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.

New Industry Analyst Report
Recommends Tech-Enabled
Home Health Care

Thursday - September 10th, 2009 - 11:40am EST by Brian Dolan
Port St. Lucie, FL. — September 9, 2009

Healthcare delivery needs to get serious about using technology, according to a new report by Aging in Place Technology Watch. “We have consensus that health care cost growth is unsustainable, but obvious technology-enabled solutions are both available and still largely ignored. But by 2020, consumers will insist on and care providers shift to a more tech-enabled process, says Laurie Orlov, principal analyst and author of the report “Calibrated Care is Closer to Home.”

Today home monitoring and telehealth technology markets, self-care technologies, retail clinics, and use of online websites help individuals and caregivers to more effectively manage chronic disease. By 2020, providers and patients will willingly participate in a process of calibrated care – matching the right level of care at the right time and right place – through lower-cost, technology-enabled and closer-to home interactions.

“With the 65+ population suffering from an average of two chronic conditions and likely to remain longer in their homes, now is the time to rethink the process for managing and monitoring health in the home,” said Orlov.

The recommendations are part of a new report “Calibrated Care is Closer to Home,” from Aging in Place Technology Watch. The document highlights technologies that support delivery of health care outside the walls of the hospital, doctor’s office, and emergency room.

“Says Mary Furlong, founder of SeniorNet and author of “Turning Silver into Gold: “With her March 2009 Market Overview, Laurie accurately analyzed and described the emerging technology landscape to help boomers and seniors age in place. I’m so pleased that she is critiquing the world of home health. In addition, by moving into this space from the IT sector, she is paving the way for others.”

Headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Aging in Place Technology Watch provides thought leadership, analysis and guidance about technologies and related services that enable boomers and seniors to remain longer in their home of choice. In addition to her technology background and years as a technology industry analyst, founder Laurie M. Orlov is certified in geriatric care management from the University of Florida, a long-term care ombudsman and the author of “When Your Parents Need Elder Care.”

Orlov spent more than 30 years in the technology industry, including 24 years in IT and nine years as a leading industry analyst at Forrester Research. While there, she was often the first in the industry to identify technology trends and management strategies which have survived the test of time. She has spoken regularly and delivered keynote speeches at forums, industry consortia, conferences, and symposia. In 1996, Laurie was named to McGraw-Hill/Open Computing’s list of the top 100 women in computing. Laurie is now a featured columnist on GilbertGuide and her blog is referenced on a growing number of websites, including SmartSilvers, RetirementHomes, Huffington Post, the New York Times, SilverPlanet, Mature Market Experts, and Computer School for Seniors.

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.


Creative Scrapbooking

My favorite part of teaching seniors is watching what they do once they have learned a technical skill. In our Collage Level 2 class we had a segment on scrapbooking where we created a couple of templates that could be used over and over.

As usual, I was delighted with the artistry of my students. With a bright mind and a well of creativity from life's experience some very special images will appear on that computer.

Here is an image from Linda Baker of her little Grandson. If you have young grandkids (or great grandkids) you know who Dora the Explorer is. She has a sidekick called Boots who you see featured in the image below. I love the way the character works with the child's picture!

This is an image done by Jane Kennedy of her daughter and son-in-law. She created the two ribbons and the background from scratch. Great eye, great image!

This one was done by Lana Davis of a precious niece. This child often appears in Lana's work. Having a charming little model like this helps any image! The simplicity used to create the image is such a great way to set it off.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort."

I am fortunate indeed to have the privilege of watching the creativity of my senior students play out on the computer screen every semester!

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.

I Am Second

On Sunday I learned about this group because my pastor is part of it. He can be seen on a billboard not one mile from the place where he tragically lost a dear family member many years ago.

This site features people from all walks of life who have volunteered their stories on video. Such diverse professions as:

Josh Hamilton, baseball player
Alec Baldwin, Actor
Jason Witten, football player
Joe Gibbs, Football coach
Jack Graham, Pastor
Darrell Waltrip, a Race Car Driver
Ashley Rawls, Photographer
Brian Welch, guitarist/co-founder of the band Korn

And others less famous but just as touching.

Here is what the I am Second website says about its mission:

"I am Second is a movement where significance of life is a shared value among people of all kinds. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Your next door neighbor. People just like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. You'll meet people who overcome destructive lifestyles. Plus you'll discover those who tried to go it alone and have failed, yet still found a life full of hope, peace and fulfillment.

We all have needs and could use some help. Here you will find issues relevant to you as well as challenges to life questions. Within their website you can connect with a live person by phone, chat or email, 24 hours a day. You can link with I am Second groups in your community and can even get involved in helping others."

The website address is:

http://www.iamsecond.com/

Inspirational Sunday

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

“The Thoughts in Your Mind Will Always be More Important Than the Things in Your Life"

At a recent golf tournament, one of the seasoned Pros only needed to get down in two from 12 feet away to qualify for the Fed EX Cup Championship. For a professional golfer, that’s no big deal. Twelve feet, 2 putts. No problem. Four putts later, his ball was in the cup and he was out of the finals of the championship. His terrible putting cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When asked what happened, he admitted that the 12 feet on the green was not the problem. The six inches between his ears is where the problem occurred. He lost his concentration and allowed negative thinking to ruin a great opportunity.

John Maxwell says in his book, Today Matters, that your attititude can give you a winner’s perspective or it can make you a loser. It’s our choice. Our actions will follow our thoughts.

On June 28, 1939, Joe Louis defended his heavyweight boxing title against Tony “Tow-Ton” Galento in Yankee Stadium. Galento wasn’t a particularly talented fighter, but he could take a punch and he was a big hitter. In the second round, Louis knocked Galento down and seemed to be controlling the fight. But in the third round, Galento knocked the champ down.

Louis immediately jumped back to his feet and went after his opponent. When Louis went to his corner, his trainer chastised him: “You know you’re supposed to take the full count when you go down. Why didn’t you stay down for nine?”

“What!” answered Louis, “and give him a chance to rest?” Louis pummeled Gelento so badly in the fourth round that the referee stopped the fight.

In today’s competitive culture , everybody is looking for an edge. Top athletes and top businesspeople alike know that—all things being equal—attitude wins. But this is also true: All things not being equal, attitude sometimes still wins. Possessing a great attitude is like having a secret weapon.

Your Attitude—Not Your Achievements—
Gives You Happiness

Samuel Johnson, the eighteenth-century poet and critic, stated, “He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove.” He understood that contentment was generated internally, based on attitude.

The thoughts in your mind will always be more important than the things in your life. Fame and fortune are fleeting. The satisfaction that comes from achievement is momentary. The author of the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes observed, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase.”

You cannot buy or win happiness. You must choose it.

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.

This is Water

I recently was given a small book, “This is Water,” that consisted only of a single speech. It was a speech to college graduates by the author David Foster Wallace. He told his young audience that they will have to decide for themselves how to cope with the seemingly mundane aspects of life, consciously deciding what’s important and what is not. They will also decide what to “worship.”

Wallace points out hat everyone worships – but what – or whom – do they worship? That is what makes all the difference in how they view and live their life. Anything other than a spiritual worship, Wallace states, is a dead-end street. And whether we are travelling in a car or travelling on the journey of life, a dead-end street leads to nowhere but frustration. His examples:

Worship money and “things?” You will never have enough of either.
Worship power? You will always feel weak and vulnerable
Worship beauty and allure? You will always feel inadequate and ugly.
Worship intelligence and your intellect? You will always feel like a fraud – on the verge of being found out that you’re really not so smart.
And when time, age and life’s circumstances make these things more and more difficult to obtain, you will die a thousand deaths.

These lessons have been repeatedly taught to us. By the time young people graduate from high school, or certainly from college, they have heard these things numerous times. The challenge is to keep them in the front of our consciousness as we go through our daily routines - as we live our lives.

The insidious thing about these forms of worship is that, unfortunately, they are the default settings in our society. I see it all the time in my cardiology practice. These are the kinds of worship we gradually slip into if we are not on guard against it. The kinds of worship that seem to be working just fine in our society until you speak with people about their real frustrations with daily life and in their own little world. Indeed, it is these types of worship that actually seem to fuel our society, producing great wealth and creature comforts. But this fulfillment is a transient illusion.

The alternative to this “default” setting - this worshiping of the transient and the unimportant – will bring the true and lasting fulfillment that comes with choosing a spiritual worship and all that it entails. This requires attention, awareness, effort and discipline, and involves caring for others while finding satisfaction and happiness in the numerous little things we do each and every day. This is not only a challenge to young people. It is the challenge of a lifetime.

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.

TURTLES, TERRIERS & TIGERS

It used to be that when you wanted to find a job, you would go to the “want ads” in the Classified section of the newspaper. Not anymore. You go to the Internet. The most popular sites for finding a job, or a career for that matter, are websites such as:

http://www.monster.com/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/

In the search box for all of these sites, you can select an industry, category, location, salary range etc. and when you “hit enter,” you are guided to any number of opportunities for full time, part time or contract employment.

In fact, if you are interested in occasional or “freelance” projects, you can look them up on the Internet too. Some of the popular and interesting sites are:

http://www.directfreelance.com/projects.aspx
http://www.gofreelance.com/freelance-work.html

So if you’re looking for a job, a project, or a way to supplement your income, these are some of the places to start. Just click around and look at what is available and who knows what you might uncover? You’ll find a whole new world of opportunities at your fingertips. Do beware of the “earn big dollars at home” opportunities, though. Check them out very carefully.

On the other side of the coin, if you’re looking for an employee, project manager or volunteer for a committee, you need to know that all people are not suited for all jobs! For instance you wouldn’t want Rumpelstiltskin (who sits in the back room and spins straw into gold) sitting at your front desk.

He doesn’t want to be bothered or interrupted for any reason while “on task.” And if Dolly Levi (the meet and greet “Hello Dolly” type) is in your Data Processing Dept, she won’t sit still at the computer for two minutes!

Obviously, we’re all suited for different tasks. In a company we owned once, we referred to job prospects as turtles, terriers or tigers.

Turtles are well suited for detailed work. They pay attention to every small detail and plod along quietly until the job is done, and done well. They are good accountants and data processors.

Terriers are always looking for approval. They need to be stroked. They are well suited for telephone work because they will do anything for a compliment. All they want is to please everyone.

Tigers are your sales people – or ideal for the marketing department. Need somebody to sell sponsorships or tables for a charity event? Find a tiger. They don’t wait for people to come to them, they go out and hunt for what they need.

Whether for a job or a project, it’s important not to try and pound the square peg into the round hole, as the old saying goes, or you’re in for a lot of grief.

Happy people, that is, those who are asked to perform in sync with their skills and interests, are the most productive. Of course once in a while you are blessed to bump into that rare bird that is part turtle, part terrier and part tiger – the one who can do it all!

Pounce on it!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (http://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!

Now that we know a little about the origins of the “learning in retirement” movement, let’s explore Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLI) over these next few weeks.

Lifelong Learning Institutes are programs run by and for older adults. Most of the programs that belong to the Elderhostel Institute Network are housed under the auspices of a college or university. But not all.

Today, more and more programs are starting up, independent of colleges and universities. Many are being developed at active adult retirement communities and others at continuing care communities. Some are stand-alone programs formed by local residents within a community.

Whether formed with the help of a local college or university or by committed older adults, all but a very few programs are open to anyone, regardless of previous academic history. These programs offer a nice mix of college level, non-credit courses and social events.

So what makes them different from community or adult education programs? First of all, they are run by and for older adults, usually over the age of 50. People “join” these programs and pay a low membership dues. This fosters a sense of “ownership” and commitment among members. A strong volunteer aspect and a real feeling of community are also hallmarks of such programs. LLIs are run and attended by local people who commute to the program. They participate regularly year after year and get to know one another as friends, co-volunteers and classmates.

Each Lifelong Learning Institute is unique. They all have their own names, although generically they are referred to as LLIs. There are variables within each program, depending on how they are set-up. Academic study, travel/study, membership activities, financial accountability, community outreach, public relations–all are developed and expanded by direct member input and decision-making.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Thoughts from one lifelong learning institute member…”We base everything on the belief that our capacity to learn and grow does not decrease as our years increase. In fact, through learning and the adventures we embark on, we actually embrace self-fulfillment.” Wow! I don’t think life doesn’t get any better than that!

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.

Staying social may keep
seniors' motor skills sharp

Socializing may help elderly people to ward off some of the physical damage of aging, a new study suggests.

In a recent article in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers reported that among people aged 60 to 90, each point decrease in a five-point scale measuring frequency of social activity was associated with about 33 per cent faster rate of decline in motor function.

"These data raise the possibility that social engagement can slow motor function decline and possibly delay adverse health outcomes from such decline," Dr. Aron Buchman and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago concluded, noting more research is needed to confirm if there is a cause-and-effect relationship.

The study looked at the social activities and decline in motor function of 906 older adults who were followed for about five years.

None of the participants had a history of Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia when the study began.

Researchers evaluated motor function by testing:

• Grip and pinch strength.
• Ability to balance on one leg.
• Skill at placing pegs on a board in 30 seconds.
• Ability to walk in a line, heel to toe.
• Ability to tap index fingers for 10 seconds on each side.
  

Participants also filled out a survey to gauge their level of social activity, such as going to restaurants, visiting relatives or friends, volunteering, or attending religious services.

The link between social activity and motor decline did not vary after taking into account factors such as body composition and chronic medical conditions.

A single point decrease in social activity score was the same as being about five years older at baseline, the researchers said.

This translates to about a 40 per cent higher risk of death and 65 per cent higher risk of disability, they added.

Previous studies have suggested that people who socialize may be less likely to develop dementia.

The research was funded by the National Institute on Aging, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Robert C. Borwell Endowment Fund.

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.


Traveling in Style

I genuinely enjoy the classes that I teach for seniors at Richland College here in Dallas. Among my favorites are the Photoshop Elements Collage classes because they always refresh my memory about how talented our age group is!

Jane Kennedy travels extensively and so has lots of great photos. Combining them into attractive and fun collages makes them interesting and provides a glimpse of an entire destination in one image. Enough said--I'll let the images speak for themselves!

Here is a look at Capri:

Here are some scrapbooking images from China:





And one more collage about a trip to Slovenia:

How about that for a unique approach to travel images?!!

I am always proud to be part of this creative, hard-working segment of the population, but never moreso than with this last collage class!

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.

Quiet Heroes

Heroic, active and strong, Mahatma Gandhi said, "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

The Lakewood Edge Daily News in Lakewood Colorado did an article on some special seniors in their community. They reported that...

The Jefferson County Council on Aging and the Seniors’ Resource Center singled out some special seniors as heroes.

Louise Weech never let anything get in her way, especially not developmental disabilities.

The Lakewood woman was one of the first in Jefferson County to buy a home with a disability mortgage loan. And she was the first to pay it off.

Weech is a founder of the Kiwanis Aktion Club for folks with disabilities and she pushed Regional Transportation District officials to install curb cuts and to provide lifts on buses to make access easier for the elderly and people in wheelchairs.

She also knits baby blankets for Baby Rocks, knits scarves for members of the U.S. military and volunteers for the talking books library.

“There are thousands of seniors who volunteer each year in Jefferson County’s non-profit organizations, schools, hospitals, service clubs and in civic leadership capacities, and in many other ways that too often go unrecognized,” said John Zabawa, president and CEO of Seniors’ Resource Center.

“Seniors have given back more than their share to our communities and made a positive future possible for us all.”

Others singled out for their volunteer work were:

Marie Roush of Lakewood plans and cooks Saturday brunch at Willow Glen Senior Residences, maintains several community garden sites and helps other gardeners with their plots. She is a member of a quilting group that makes lap blankets for residents of nursing homes and recently finished a box full of quilted baby blankets for teenage moms.

Dean Cassady of Arvada, who participates in a number of Senior Resource Center Programs including the Home Repair Program, helping an average of two to three center clients a week with such things as installing safety bars, building railings, doing electrical and plumbing repairs and installing television converter boxes.

Barbara Dalton of Arvada, who helps foreign-born adults learn English and has recruited other volunteers to the program. Dalton also has helped her students overcome other barriers to their assimilation into American culture.

Jane Wester of Evergreen, a volunteer at Hiwan Homestead for more than 30 years. She serves as a Museum receptionist, assists with the Behind the Scenes curatorial group and helps with planning and staffing special events. She has been the newsletter editor for the Jefferson County Historical Society and played a key role in many of the Museum’s early exhibits.

Lois Fenimore of Arvada is known as the “pied piper of recreation” for her dedication. Fenimore has volunteered more than 2,025 hours of her time at the Community Recreation Center of the Apex Park and recreation District. She teaches Mahjongg and Pinochle and is an assistant at fitness events and yoga classes.

I heartily agree with Erma Bombeck, who said, "Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another."

Inspirational Sunday

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

A Safe Haven in the Midst of a Storm

As grandparents, Mimi and I are blessed with three wonderful grandchildren. At ages 7, 5 and 3, they are involved in soccer, T-Ball, swimming, dance recitals, parties and the list goes on. All filled with Kodak moments.

I am further blessed in that I have a wife and a daughter who love to take pictures and capture every cherished moment, every smile, every event. I love looking at these many photos. They captured a point in time. They represent special memories of very special people in our lives.

When I look at those photos, I also see happy children enjoying a happy, active home life surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends who love them. They are growing up in an environment where their home is a great place to be.

That is what we all need to strive for. Whether we are alone, an elderly couple aging together, part of an extended family…whatever the living arrangements, we need to make an effort to make our living conditions, no matter how modest or how luxurious, a home…a place of comfort and security. With prayer, with a little effort, with a small amount of decorating, with precious photos, books and momemtos, we can make the place we spend the most amount of time a safe haven.

People have to deal with a lot of pressure these days. The workplace is damanding. The news is depressing. Schools are often hostile environments. The pace of life is out of control. Even driving from place to place is stressful in most large cities.

Where can a person find shelter in such a climate? If it’s not at home, then it probably isn’t anywhere.

A reporter once asked President Theodore Roosevelt with whom he most enjoyed spending his time. He responded that he would rather spend time with his family than with any on the world’s notables. For him, and for his family, home was a safe haven in the midst of a storm.

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

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.

Words to Live By

Naturally, I was surprised when I opened the door and was met by a Roman Catholic priest holding a large bouquet of flowers. It was September 1959, and I was 8 years old at the time. My family lived on the top floor of a tenement apartment building in Boston. The priest had come by to pay his respects.

You see, my father had just died. He had injured his knee at work, and the usual care in 1959 was to place the patient at complete rest. This was long before MRIs and arthroscopic surgery. Unfortunately, he developed a large blood clot in his knee, and the clot traveled to his lungs. He was 38 years old. It was 50 years ago this month. A lifetime.

My dad worked for a trucking company as a dispatcher during the week and drove a taxicab on weekends. The priest told my mother and me that when the weather was inclement on a Sunday morning, my dad would pick up the priest from the rectory and brought him to the church, never taking a dime (and believe me, we could have used those dimes!). As the priest told us, the 3 of us cried together.

Of course, we take many things from our parents. I have but few distinct memories of my father. I certainly remember his death and the subsequent struggles of my mother. She also cared for my brother and her elderly mother in our small apartment, all the while telling me, “I’ll just have to love you enough for two as well as me!” And that she did.

I do, though, remember my father’s personal credo. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, our Bible’s message can perhaps best be summarized as to how we should conduct our lives by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a taxi driver, my dad would, of course, come into contact with a wide variety of people. He told my brother and me stories of this one and that one, some more respectful than others. He would then tell us, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

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.

The Bump-into Theory

It’s the only theory that works for me these days. If I don’t bump into it, I’ll forget to take it, do it, return it, replace it or clean it! Trouble is, you can really clutter up your life that way. For instance, how about that bike in the garage?

You plan to take it out and ride it, but you keep putting it off. Best to put that bike right at the bottom of the outside steps so you will bump into it (or have to climb over it) every time you leave the house. Then you can’t forget to take that bike ride. That’s what I mean.

Supposed to take the camera to the birthday party? You’ll forget it unless you go get that camera RIGHT NOW and put it beside your purse, or on the hall table by the front door. Need to return a book to a friend? Get that book this very minute and put it on the front seat of your car. That’s right, NOW!

There are more subdued versions of the bump-into theory. The first one we all heard was “Tie a string around your finger.”

That may work, but what if you forget what you were supposed to remember? What if you have to wash the dishes and the string gets wet and slides off. Not very practical.

Another way to remember things, of course, is to write notes to yourself. That’s why sticky notes were invented I guess.

But you can carry that too far. I’ve seen them pasted all over computers, refrigerator doors and car dashboards. They are ugly! And speaking of refrigerator doors, a lot of people use them to post reminders. We have one clip on the door of the fridge where we hang invitations we’ve received in the mail. Trouble is, some of those events took place months ago!

Also, you can end up competing with your grandkids for space on the refrigerator door.

My husband keeps saying we need to put more things up at eye level so we don’t have to bend over so much (you know, bad knees, bad backs etc.). Like put our pots and pans higher up in the cupboards so we don’t have to bend over to get them out of the stove drawer. Trouble is, what do we do with the dishes that are in the top cupboards? And what do you put in the bottom cupboards and the stove drawer? Maybe the stuff from all the reachable drawers in the bedroom that we only use a few times a year like mittens and wool scarves (we live in a warm climate).

The point is, as we “seniorize,” we have to have help remembering to do things. Believe me, the most effective way is to put it right out in front of you so you have to step over it until it is done. Just be careful you don’t trip over the dog on your way to complete your mission!

What’s all this got to do with the Internet? Nothing. Absolutely nothing…I forgot!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (http://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 talked about the Elderhostel Institute Network and its role in helping grow the “learning in retirement” movement. Today we’ll briefly discuss another, smaller network that is helping to promote the concept, benefits and opportunities of lifelong learning for older adults.

That network is ALIROW, the Association for Learning in Retirement Organizations of the West. ALIROW is an active association of independent Learning in Retirement (LIR) associations. Their member-directed activities are generally located on campuses of sponsoring universities and colleges of the Western United States.

ALIROW Council members meet periodically to exchange information and to learn the skills and requirements needed to insure the successful operation of the individual campus organizations. All officers and delegates serve as volunteers. There is no paid staff. ALIROW is supported through nominal dues.

Formally organized in 1984, they are the first umbrella organization to support university level, self-directed learning institutes for retirement age learners. ALIROW supports the educational objectives of all national associations related to learning in retirement. Their goal is to cooperate with everyone in the academic community who support this rapidly growing movement.

Most of the LLIs who belong to ALIROW also belong to the Elderhostel Institute Network, increasing their resources even further. Thirty-six programs in Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada Washington and British Columbia belong to the ALIROW network.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Henry L. Doherty. The growth of both the Elderhostel Institute Network, which was discussed last week, and ALIROW prove that there is real value in continuing to learn no matter what your age.

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.

Let's Connect the
Aging in Place Homeowner
to the Outside World

2009 was the year in which broadband access for the 65+ demographic doubled from 19% to 30%. For baby boomers, make that from 50% to 61%. What are people doing with all this connectivity?

Well, according to Forrester's just-out survey, 70% of those 55 and older use social technologies once per month -- to connect themselves to others outside their home. Older adults also look online for health-related advice -- 31% of all Internet usage is spent accessing more than 62,000 health-related websites.Or maybe they wish to purchase a product, find a restaurant, get directions, get a job, or watch a video sent by a family member. High-speed internet is as essential to accessibility as the widened doorway -- in fact it is the virtual widened doorway to information and the outside world.

So let's think about universal design principles applied to technology in the home. First of all, check to see if the owner has a good combined plan for high speed internet access and telephone, maybe a plan that includes TV.

Are there Internet jacks in every room near surfaces where a laptop can be easily used? Does the home have wireless, so that laptops become portable? Are household members able to easily share and physically access a printer? Are shelves for storing supplies (like paper) near the printer? Can chargers for cell phones, smart phones, and computer be easily plugged in and accessed without tripping over them? How about a touch screen and enlarged font software for the laptop or computer in the kitchen?

Think long-term, the way designers think about doorways. For those owners who are afraid of computers, can the home designer recommend a local technology services provider? A good set up now will be ready later if telehealth monitoring, home chronic disease self-testing, passive activity monitors, fall detection devices, in-home care robots, environmental sensors are ever needed.

All will be more effective if the house has wireless home network to collect information and that the information can be transmitted quickly and easily via broadband. And even houses of older seniors should be tech-updated to accommodate those highly connected 100-year-olds surveyed in the Evercare study. Tech-phobic today doesn't imply tech-phobic tomorrow.

The future will make the present look technologically uninhabitable. In our baby boomer aging future, the vast majority of us will expect to experience web cameras, virtual doctor visits (via camera), Internet-based telephones, voice recognition security systems, GPS location cell phones, video family get-togethers, home fitness programs and even more music downloaded to our MP3 players. Our homes will be our tech-enabled castles -- easy to traverse in every way.

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.

Making it Happen

at the State Fair

Labor day means Fall is just around the corner and so is the State Fair. With so many people doing their small part to enter artwork, photography, baked goods, sewing projects, and so much more, the fair comes alive every year. My friends Janice and Bud Roden are two of those participants, and what they contribute is always extra special.

Janice submitted this marvelous collage done as a tribute to a dear friend of hers and placed 1st in the "computer enhanced photo" category.

Janice says, "My dear friend was named John Street. He was a Viet Nam Veteran and he worked religiously at the State Fair of Texas each year at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. He was completely dedicated to it. He was awarded the bronze star for his conduct during that war. He was afraid of nothing. That is actually what killed him. He has only recently learned to ride a motor cycle, and was riding it one night WITHOUT A HELMET. He hit a deer and that was his down fall. I will always miss him. A wonderful patriot."

We have shown Bud's birdhouses on the blog before. He won 2nd place in the Creative Arts Project category for this charmer:

He won 4th place for his "little man" figure.

What fun for all of us as we prowl around the buildings with all of these delightful contributions available for us to see and be inspired by. I often tell my students that one of the best things we can do for our own creative work is view what others create.

Congratulations to Bud and Janice for another great job well done!