Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, 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 Worthwhile Wednesday Commitment

A dear couple that I care for in my practice was recently in the office for a check-up. Because of some shortness of breath that the woman was experiencing, I recommended she have a sonogram of the heart. As we scheduled the test, she commented, “Any day but Wednesday is OK.” What was the problem with Wednesdays? Well, this couple, in their 70’s had a commitment each Wednesday. They pick up surplus bread and other items from Mrs. Baird’s Bread factory, and deliver it to food banks and other community organizations that then distribute the food to the needy.

A gratifying and emerging topic of study in medicine and sociology has good news for this couple and others like them. Stephen Post has summarized the findings in a recent book. “Why Good Things Happen to Good People.” Volunteerism, it turns out, has beneficial effects on those who volunteer! Sometimes, it seems, things work out just as we would want them to. Apparently, goodness has its own rewards. Among the benefits are a reduced level of stress and better medical health overall.

Now of course, just because one volunteers doesn’t mean that she will never become sick. But in medicine, we always try to improve the odds of having good health. We know, for instance, that not everyone who smokes will develop lung disease – we do know, though, that not smoking improves the odds of having good lung health.

Fortunately, the patient’s test was just fine. An adjustment to one of her medications helped her feel better. The test, by the way, was done on a Friday.

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.

On Fridays we will feature special projects, photography and ideas contributed by talented seniors along with information about the Internet.

And a Happy Halloween to You!

Over the last three weeks I have had the privilege of joining a group of seniors in a Special Effects class. I am pleased to say they are Friends of the Blog so they have allowed me to feature their images as a Halloween greeting to you!

We'll start with the greeting itself from Vicki Agee's special effect of an image of spooky yard decroations tucked into some text:

Judith Olney said, "Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold." Jane Kennedy took an image of her grandson, who is now 17 years old, and added it to a pumpkin patch in this image with a question that gets right to the point!

Imagine a pumpkin full of candy one story high! Vicki Agee did:

And while we are imagining things, how about this marvelous image from Norma Babbitt. If you are a Photoshop user you will appreciate this one. Each little piece of the picture on its own layer, moved and manipulated into place to make it look like it is really happening!

The Surrealists knew how to create fun and spooky images as Frank Fandrick shows us here:

And thanks to Jack Murphy, Yoda was invited to the Halloween blog (notice the Star Wars pumpkin carving):

And last, but certainly not least, Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding sporting his new "boney" look at the pet parade at Petco this week.

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,

May luck be yours on Halloween.

~Author Unknown

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!

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!

The validation of lifelong learning by philanthropic and civic organizations speaks volumes as to the importance of continuing to learn. If you’re still wondering about the value of later-life learning, here are two interesting examples.

The state of Mississippi, in recognizing the value and importance of lifelong learning for older adults, has developed a program called Certified Retirement Cities. In order to receive this designation there are certain requirements that must be met, chief among them the availability of high quality, educational and cultural opportunities for older adults. Therefore, the lifelong learning programs found in these Certified Retirement Cities are outstanding examples of later-life learning venues, which are prominently featured in all the State’s retirement and relocation literature. Texas has also begun a similar initiative, and several other states are reviewing it as well.

We’ve mentioned before that the Bernard Osher Foundation gives $100,000 grants to lifelong learning programs around the country. They started this initiative in Maine, where a number of senior colleges were already in operation. The funding has made a huge difference to the programs already established and to the new ones that have been started thanks to these extra funds. Maine now has a state-wide network of lifelong learning programs coordinated through the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Not only do the programs share their talent and resources, they also meet once a year to trade ideas, get to know each other better, and promote lifelong learning. It’s a wonderful program that brings the concept, benefits and opportunities of later-life learning to far-flung Mainers, many of whom live at a distance from the larger population areas.

You can certainly say that lifelong learning has arrived and is getting stronger every single day.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
Rabbi Harry Sky, the founder of the Senior College movement in Maine, says, “As long as the mind is stimulated, the body will flourish.” There is no doubt that lifelong learning helps keep our minds stimulated, our bodies active and our spirits flourishing.

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)

Wednesday with Dr. Rains

The Rolling Rains Report
Dr. Scott Rains

We are pleased that Scott Rains will be a periodic contributor to our Blog. To learn more about Dr. Rains work, visit http://www.rollingrains.com/.

Travel for the elderly and people with disabilities can be very challenging. Dr. Rains looks for solutions to those challenges. In particular he searches for examples of how Universal Design creates new travel opportunities and products that are, to quote the definition of Universal Design, usable by the widest range of people operating in the widest range of situations.

Recently in Aging and Travel Category

Sarah Fuller and Wheel Away Travel

Head over to Wheel Away Disabled Travel and meet someone who really understands that inclusion in tourism is not just about people with disabilities:

The Wheel Away Disabled Travel - Hong Kong City Guide contains practical information about getting around Hong Kong, and is not only for people with disability, but also for seniors and families with children in strollers who struggle to find a straight forward way around.

This guide is a 'must' for all adventurous travellers, travel agents, health care professionals, recruitment agents, and human resources and diversity departments in multinational corporations.

Source: http://www.wheelawaydisabledtravel.com/

About the author - Sarah Fuller

My father requires the use of a wheelchair following a stroke that occurred some 18 years ago. This resulted in paralysis and aphasia (the loss of language skills). I have travelled frequently and extensively with my father who is always accompanied by my mother, his primary caregiver, and also often by my sister. It takes the combination of all of us to make travel possible for my father.

I established Wheel Away Disabled Travel in Hong Kong to self-publish a travel guide about one of the most exciting cities in Asia. I'm truly passionate about travel because it brings me immense delight at being able to witness firsthand the diversity of our world. While born in Australia, I have been living in Hong Kong for 17 years and it has been from this vantage point that I have planned many successful voyages!

My parents are also passionate travellers and it is with this in mind that I began developing comprehensive itineraries so that they could visit me in Hong Kong. Over the years we have travelled throughout Asia. For each trip, I create a diverse, action-packed itinerary. I book all the flights and hotel accommodation, which takes considerable planning and research. This city guide will show you too how to plan travel that meets your needs.

Whether you're a nervous first-timer or an experienced, independent wheelchair traveller, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

I acknowledge that the disability experience is different for different people. I have written this resource due to my father's experience, which I wanted to share with others, a knowledge gained over many years of organising travel to ensure access and ease. If I can inspire others to realise their dream to travel and see many of the amazing things I've seen, then this book has been a success!

I write from my heart and personal experience in a genuine effort to inform and encourage people who use a wheelchair to travel, and discover our world of opportunities.

Sarah Fuller
Founder and Author Wheel Away Disabled Travel
Contact us at: http://www.wheelawaydisabledtravel.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.


Art washes from the soul

the dust of everyday life

Pablo Picasso said that. I believe he is right. I am often privileged to see unique images in my classroom. Why? Because I teach Photoshop to seniors.

Robert Barretto has generously agreed to share with us the images you see below in this post.

I saw the first one on his computer in the classroom some time ago, and felt that little visceral click that happens when I find myself looking at something truly exceptional!

I asked him to tell us a little bit about his work. He says, "This is an image of a ballet dancer that is set in a logo design and then superimposed on an image of a canyon in Utah that is the background image."

He created the following images using 16 different layers after the image had been posterized. Each shape is on its own layer. He said, "These images of Penelope Cruz show how changing the color scheme of Photoshop layers can completely alter the mood of the image.

I use these to experiment with different color schemes before I paint the reference image.

It saves a lot of time and material to see if I like the colors before I start the painting."

"This is the photo of a daughter of one of the student artists I am in class with. She asked me to abstract this with many gradient patterns and she ended up painting it as shown with a few modifications of her preference."

This is the original image:



And this is the abstract:

That's what I call extraordinary, Folks!

Our special thanks to Robert Barretto for sharing his art with us!!

Make it Happen Monday

All over the USA, Seniors and Boomers are using their years of experience and knowledge in servant leadership capacities in their communities because they are waaay to young to retire! On Mondays we will be sharing the stories and inspirational thoughts of some of these remarkable "make it happen" people.

Life's Lessons

An Unknown Author wrote the following text about Life's Lessons that fits well within our Monday context where we celebrate volunteerism, caretaking, and Make-It -Happen people:

After a while you learn the difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

You learn that love isn't leaning
but lending support.

You begin to accept your defeats with the grace of an audlt,
not the grief of a child.

You decide to build your roads on today,
for tomorrow's ground is too uncertain.

You help someone plant a garden instead
of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

You learn that God has given you the strength to endure
and that you really do have worth.

The following came from an email sent to us by Doey Thomas, whose story we will tell on Monday later this month. My husband was very taken with these words and sent them to some special friends.

People come into your life for a reason,
a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is,
you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part
or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered
and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon
In order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and

Put what you have learned to use
In all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

We can give thanks for special people being part of our lives,

Whether they are a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Inspirational Sunday

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

Smile - Be Nice to People

How many times have you been greeted by a waitress who looked more like she wanted to kick you out of the restaurant than take your order? How about unhappy looking grocery clerks or cab drivers?

Have you looked in the mirror lately? Are we in the habit of smiling when we greet people? It only makes sense that if we want people to smile and be friendly to us, we may need to start the process when we first greet them.

Mimi and I were in Washington DC last week and upon our return, I encountered a sour looking ticket agent. She looked and acted very unhappy. I on the other hand was in a good mood. We were heading home from a fabulous trip and I felt great.

She was wearing a name tag, so I smiled and called her by name, “Janet, we sure enjoyed visiting your city and our flight out here. Now we’re looking forward to a comfortable flight back home. Thank you for your hospitality.”

She paused, looked at me and smiled and we engaged in a nice brief conversation. Janet was capable of a smile and a pleasant attitude; she just needed an excuse to let it out. I triggered it. We both benefited. In fact, she didn’t charge me for our luggage being over the weight limit.

John Maxwell in his book, Today Matters, says that we should not take other peoples shortcomings personally. Instead, we should help them to smile and to succeed. We can lay the groundwork for good relationships.

Keep in mind the following truths about people and actions we can take to bridge the gap often caused by them:

· People are insecure…give them confidence.
· People want to feel special…sincerely compliment them.
· People desire a better tomorrow…show them hope.
· People need to be understood…listen to them.
· People are selfish…speak to their needs first.
· People get emotionally low…encourage them.
· People want to be associated with success…help them win.

Place a high value on people. Expect the best from everyone. Assume people’s motives are good unless they prove them to be otherwise. Value them by their best moments. And give them your friendship rather than asking for theirs.

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (www.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.

Mitzvah Meals

In Hebrew, the word, “mitzvah,” means commandment – something we are commanded to do by God. The written Jewish law, the Torah, contains 613 such commandments. Some relate to sacrifices that go back to the days of Solomon’s Temple, and so cannot be observed any longer. But many involve our everyday lives and so relate very much to us even today. In modern usage, the Hebrew term also applies to things we consider “good deeds.” Interesting, isn’t it, that the word is the same: commandments and good deeds go hand in hand.

I recently helped start a program in our synagogue called, “Mitzvah Meals,” in which congregants who are ill have meals brought to them by fellow congregants. This involves several meals a week, for periods that can last several weeks. It has been a fair amount of work to organize this, but I am struck by not only the willingness of people to be involved, but also their reaction when I ask them to help. Typically, it is they who thank me, rather than the other way around. I have lost count of the number of times I have begun to thank people for their voluntary work, only to be told: “I’m the one who wants to thank you for the chance to do this.”

The paradox of volunteering is that the more we give, the more we are given. Lifting others, we ourselves are lifted. Happiness — the sense of a life well lived — is born in the blessings we bestow on others. Bringing hope to someone else’s life brings meaning to our own.

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.

Friday Star Spotlight

On Fridays we will feature special projects, photography and ideas contributed by talented seniors along with information about the Internet.



Valerie Jagiello has been a contributor to our blog on several occasions. This set of graphics, along with the self-portrait below and the running commentary are just plain fun! The subject of this post is her much loved lad, Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding.

EXTRA, EXTRA

"Local lad crosses the pond and sets the colonies on its ear!

Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding will wave good bye to his K9 Mum and Dad and board a flight from Heathrow headed for the Big Apple. He is a brave lad and his tail is wagging in anticipation of his new life and all of the new experiences he will have.

Before HGES leaves his beloved England he takes one more stroll around Birmingham. He will surely miss sitting on the top level of the bus with the wind blowing in his face and wonders if they have these types of buses in New York.

After a few lonely years in New York HGES finally finds his true Mum. Together they have fun, howl, play games and even play dress up. Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding is a born artist just like his Mum...Valerie Jagiello. He poses for her photographs and one day a friend from New York named Yvonne suggested he send some snaps to The New York Daily News. Well guess what....he did and they got published! A STAR WAS BORN!!!

Here you see Harry with all the neon lights on Broadway, on Broadway!!!

Ever the showman Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding sang and danced with the world famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes!

One of HGES favorite places to visit in New York is Liberty Island and Miss Liberty. Harry's life is now full with love and happiness. He has many friends. Creatively speaking he is fulfilled too. He contributes monthly to the ComputerSavvySeniors blog where he writes about his life's adventures with Mum. He continues his modeling activities and is looking for more print work and maybe a commercial or two! He looks forward to blogging here again!"

"Cheerio y'all. Your friend, Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding."

One of things that makes my job so much fun is seeing the wonderfully creative minds of my students at work every time I teach. We seniors are funny, smart, creative, talented and exceptional and we should never forget that!"

A Special Thanks to Valerie Jagiello for this charming contribution to our blog!

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 believers and participants in lifelong learning, we reap a host of benefits. Here are a few of them.

· Enlarges the scope of our interests.
· Enriches established friendships.
· Provides opportunities to meet new people.
· Keeps us current, active and young.
· Enables us to make new contacts, relationships and connections.
· Expands our horizons.
· Allows us to have fun, gain respect and exchange ideas.
· Provides opportunities to develop new ideas and handle change.
· Opens our minds to what is new…instead of dwelling in the past and rejecting the new out-of-hand.
· Gets us involved in the give and take of lively discussions.
· Provides a chance to learn more about current events.
· Gives us a chance to engage in camaraderie with our peers.
· Makes us a seeker and sharer of knowledge.
· Gives us a chance to try out new ideas and insights.
· Allows us to participate in domestic and international study/travel.
· Provides us opportunities for volunteer work on the local and national level.
· Allows us to gain a better understanding of the world and of ourselves.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
Or as one lifelong learner says, “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 upon, we actually embrace self-fulfillment.” Life doesn’t get any better than that!

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

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

Till Next Time…

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

Wednesday Aging in Place

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.


Woman learns computer skills at age 93

A greater number of seniors are learning how to get connected with family and friends via the computer and the Internet. Here’s a recent story about a lady in Florida who learned the joys of being able to communicate with her five great-grandchildren using email.

Dorothy Johnson was determined to learn how to use a computer.

PASCO COUNTY (Bay News 9) Sunday, October 18, 2009 -- Imagine growing up in the Great Depression, when food was tough enough to come by, much less a typewriter.

In Hudson, 93-year-old Dorothy Johnson is now delving into the digital world.

Johnson has done many things in her decades of life experience, but checking e-mail was not on that list.

"I had no idea how to use it," said Johnson.

Johnson's daughter thought her mom could handle a technical challenge, and bought her a laptop computer to help the family keep in touch.

Instructor Lucinda Durkee taught Johnson the basics.

"She was just so cute," said Durkee. "She said, ‘I got this from my daughter and I don't know how to use it.' She wanted to learn e-mail, so I wrote it down step-by-step."

"The most challenging thing is to get all these buttons, and where to go next, and what to do," said Johnson. "I really don't know anything about a computer."

Times have changed considerably since Dorothy Johnson was a child.

Back in that day, sending letters was the primary form of communication.

"I was raised during the Great Depression," said Johnson. "They cut out all things like that in school. We didn't have typing, but I've pretty much learned how to type now. I'm slow, but it's coming."

With five great-grandchildren, Johnson says she enjoys receiving e-mails and photos of them on a daily basis.

Johnson's computer training was provided by CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services), which is part of the Area Agency on Aging.

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

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.

Encouragement for Caregivers

I have a sister-in-law, who will be featured in next Monday's post) who has spent her life caregiving. What a thankless, crucial, important gift caregiving is! Never easy, usually a daily grind that takes enormous patience and strength.

As I researched this subject, I found the following poem of encouragement for caregivers:

A poem for the caregivers who selflessly offer support to those who need assistance the most.

Lord, bless me this morning and each one I rise
With a wealth of strength; please bring hope to my eyes
Be sure I’m well-grounded for those in my care
Even if the challenge becomes much to bear
Should this day bring hardship, please help me to find
A beautiful memory for some peace of mind
Please shower my life with compassion and love
As I take my cues from your guidance, above.

Lord, bless me this morning, as I make my way
Please give me the laughter to warm someone’s day
Be sure I am steady, be sure I am wise
Be sure I am ready, should struggles arise
If I shed a tear, Lord, I pray you will see
I’m making the most of the chores asked of me
As I strive to put others’ needs ‘fore my own
Always stand beside me, so I’m not alone.

Lord, bless me this morning and each one I live
So I’ll remain focused on the care I give
Be sure I’m afforded the best tools allowed
To serve others’ needs and in turn, make them proud
Please look down upon me and offer a smile
So, I’ll always know that my job is worthwhile
Let me treat each patient and illness the same
As worthy as this prayer, I’ve asked in Your Name.

© 2008 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection

I also found a series of links where caregivers can find help and encouragement:

http://www.familycaregiving101.org/

http://www.theribbon.com/poetry/

To read the digital edition of the July/August issue, featuring Jill's poem, please visit: http://www.caregiver.com/magazine/digital/caregiver_july_august/default.html

Today's Caregiver Magazine

To read the poem, as posted on Jill's Author's Den website, please visit: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?id=215935.

What would the world do with out these precious people?

Inspirational Sunday

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

INSTALLING LOVE

I am signed up to receive postings from www.MyDailyInsights.com and I received the following which I thought was very appropriate for our computer savvy students and I would like to share a portion of that email with you. It was based on an interesting concept. What if LOVE was a software program that you could install in your Heart? What would you have to do to get this very valuable program installed? Obviously, the first thing would be to call Tech Support and ask for help.

Tech Support: Hello, how may I help you?

Customer: Well, after much thought, I've decided to install LOVE. Will you guide me though the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I would love to. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install LOVE while they are running?

Tech Support: What other programs are running?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge, and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, LOVE will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn those off?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and turn on Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Wow, LOVE has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin sharing and connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Thank you for all your help.

This weeks message is a simple one. Install LOVE in your heart and start sharing it with everyone you meet. Have a blessed week. - Bill

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (www.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.

Ruth

The story of Ruth has a simple beauty that never fades. It is about two women, an Israelite, Naomi, and her Moabite daughter- in-law Ruth, and the human bond between them. Naomi’s husband and sons have died. Both women are now childless widows. Naomi tells Ruth that they must part and rebuild their separate lives. Ruth refuses. She accompanies Naomi back to Israel and eventually marries another member of the family, Boaz. From that marriage, three generations later, David was born, Israel ’s greatest king.

The book of Ruth is about the simple gestures that transcend differences, the universal language of help to those in need. Childless widows were the most vulnerable, defenseless members of ancient societies. In addition, Ruth and Naomi were divided by ethnicity - Israelites and Moabites. Still Ruth was resolute.

Its message still stands. The holiday of Shavuot is when Jews celebrate the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. The fact that we read Ruth’s story at this time tells us that laws alone cannot make society. Society needs something more — the unforced, unlegislated kindness that makes us reach out to the lonely and vulnerable, even if we are lonely and vulnerable ourselves. Then and now, society needs the kindness of strangers.

I find it moving that the Bible dedicates a book to the story of David’s great-grandmother Ruth, as if to say that her life was no less significant than his. She was a stranger, an outsider, someone with nothing but her own force of character, her refusal to walk away from another person’s troubles. David was a military hero, a king. There is a form of greatness, suggests the Bible, that has nothing to do with power, fame or renown. It exists in simple deeds of kindness and friendship, generosity and grace. Rarely do they make the news. But they change lives, relieving some of the pain of the human situation.

America’s volunteers are our Ruths. Each is writing her own sequel to her story. Volunteering is rarely glamorous and never easy, especially for those with many other pressures on their time. But few things count more when it comes to looking back on a life than being able to say, I made a difference. Beneath the clamor of self-interest, a quieter voice within us whispers the deeper truth: the greatest gift is to be able to give.

Next week, I will relate another story of volunteering involving my synagogue, and the following week will tell the story of a patient in my practice. This will then be followed by a column with some gratifying medical news for those who give of themselves.


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.

Forever and Ever, Amen

Last week when I blogged about downsizing, I was in a bit of a hurry. Still feel as though I have a few more thoughts to share with you this week.

There was a time when Alex and I thought we would stay in the home we built – “forever and ever, Amen.” But we changed our minds and downsized after 31 years. This is often the case. We come to a crossroads as we mature, and realize that it’s OK to do an about face and take another road. It brings to mind the many options seniors have today for their “forever and evers.” As I see it, there are definite advantages to each option. It’s a matter of what you decide is right for you!

Aging in Place

The first option, of course, is to stay put and “age in place” (a phrase that’s been coined in just the past few years). Our own Laurie Orlov (see yesterday’s post), provides wonderful information and resources on her website Aging in Place Technology. Here are three sites (including Laurie’s) that are useful. Of course you have but to Google “aging in place” for more sites.

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/
http://www.naipc.org/
http://www.aginginplace.com/

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Downsizing to
Independent Living

If you choose, as Alex and I did, to downsize, there are many options. One is to simply buy a smaller home or townhome, or rent an apartment. This is a good decision for seniors who are healthy, financially independent and eager to give up the upkeep and maintenance of their larger home. If you choose an apartment, you often lose some amenities (things like hardwood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, walk-in closets etc.). It’s just a tradeoff for no yard work, less house to clean, and maintenance at the touch of the dial.

Retirement Communities

Oh, my gosh! They are everywhere! Since we’re now an “aging population” in the United States, developers and entrepreneurs are surging to meet the senior housing need. Again, here are some websites to explore:

http://www.retirementcommunities.com/

http://www.retirenet.com/

http://www.pulte.com/delwebb/predefined/NationalCampaign21.aspx?lsc=AARF_Search_G&CMP=KNC-PPC

Del Webb is one of the pioneers of the retirement community concept, and one of the largest.
If you Google “retirement communities” and add the name of your city, you’ll get local options. My guess is there will be plenty. These cater to active adults 55 and over. They usually have different housing options (configurations), organized recreation programs, health care available, and many are part of a larger complex that includes additional assisted and health care for later life.

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Retirement Homes/
Assisted Living

For seniors requiring added assistance, meals, limited nursing care etc., a retirement home with these services is certainly the answer. You can go to the website below to get an idea of the concept, then add your city for local options.

http://wwwretirementhomes.com/

As you’ll see while “Googling” various retirement or senior housing options, the world is at your fingertips. Best to have a plan in mind to narrow these options before you start! There’s no way we can cover the entire spectrum of options open to you through the World Wide Web.
You’ll see lots of pictures like this:

Point is, here is just another way the Internet can take you to worlds of information and places that would have been impossible to learn about so quickly just a few short years ago. Through lists, pictures, articles, blogs, reviews, and even virtual video tours, you can see for yourself. It is a great benefit in making a decision as to what to do and where to go, and which type of environment is perfect for your lifestyle, health and hobbies. And it’s free. You don’t even have to wait for the brochure to come in the mail!

One Last Thought

We had wonderful neighbors through the years in our home, but we only knew a few of them. Most of us had 6-foot fences on the back and sides of our houses. You usually knew your next door neighbor, the across-the-alley neighbor, and the across-the-street neighbor. But walk a few houses down the street and you didn’t know anyone! When you live in a house, you see your neighbor outside now and then bringing in groceries, mowing the lawn or getting into his car. So you wave and smile.

Apartment living totally changed that. When you live in an apartment, you go out the door and the neighbor is right there across the hall or getting into his car right next to you, or walking his dog! We found that we came to know people much faster here, and it has given us a sense of “community” that we never had in our “old” home. It’s very nice. We socialize more, we even feel more secure and protected in the knowledge that our neighbor is looking out for us and our property.

Wherever you are, or go,
have fun. Enjoy life!

If you have a story to share, email me at jane@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 looked at the wonderful curriculum offered at lifelong learning programs. This week, let’s take a look at the social aspects of belonging to such a program as well as the benefits for the hosts of such programs.

The Social Aspects
The social nature of lifelong learning helps us live longer. People join later-life learning programs as much for the socialization as for the education. Social activities are a very strong component of these programs. There, people make find old friends and make new ones.

Some of the social events include:
• Field Trips that tie into a particular course or educate members about various companies, organizations, or the inner workings of their community,
• Meals shared in convivial atmospheres
• Theatre and movie excursions
• Ice cream socials
• Overnight travel destinations
• Walking, hiking and biking clubs
• Book clubs
• Theme festivals, etc.

Statewide and regional conferences are also another way members interact on both a professional and social level. Conferences are a great way of bringing everyone together, to discuss the nature of their programs, their missions, policies and procedures, to share concerns, find solutions, and to celebrate their many victories.

Members and staff meet and mingle with their counterparts from other programs. A conference may be composed of programs from just one state or perhaps several different states. It may even be made up of programs from many states that want to meet because they are similar in structure or have the same concerns. Members from all across North America are always welcome to attend any of these conferences.

Benefits for an Academic Host
If a lifelong learning program hosted by a college or university, the benefits for that institution, their faculty, students and, indeed, the entire community are numerous. Here are a few ways everyone benefits:
• Having people of vast experience and great intellectual curiosity on campus provides fresh inspiration and focus to both the faculty and the students.
• A program on campus means faculty will have the opportunity to try out creative and innovative methods of teaching. At the same time they broaden their knowledge of the subject since the viewpoints of older students may provide many different perspectives.
• Providing support for a lifelong learning program enhances the quality of education for traditional students.
• Programs for older adults provide the institution with an opportunity to offer a wide variety of intergenerational opportunities to younger students.
• A lifelong learning program adds age diversity to the campus.
• Sponsoring such a program helps fulfill the school’s responsibility to act as an educational resource for the whole community.
• Hosting a lifelong learning program ties the needs of the community to the expertise of the school.
• Such a program with its older members serves as an ambassador for the institution.
• Lifelong learning programs located on campus may influence where people decide to retire–it brings active, intelligent people into a community.
• Program members attend cultural events at the school.
• Program members give money to fund scholarships and special events.
• Program members will "market" the institution to their grandchildren and others.
• Program members are often opinion leaders in the community and can help the school build support for legislative appropriations.
• Program members become "friends" of the school, which expands fundraising opportunities.
• Program members volunteer their time and expertise, which enhances the institution’s abilities to be the best educational facility possible.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
Over the last twenty years scientists have documented the fact that being involved in social activities not only enhances lives but adds years as well. Social activities surround lifelong learning programs, and they make wonderful additions to your activities calendar. There’s nothing boring about a lifelong learning program.

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.

We are thrilled and honored to have Laurie's continued contributions to our Computer School for Seniors campus and to our Blog.

Laurie Orlov grew up in the corporate high-tech world, working for 30 years as an information technology executive and later as an analyst for Forrester Research, the respected technology research company. More recently, she has been applying her knowledge to a pressing question facing baby boomers and seniors: how to age in place safely and successfully.

“Eighty percent of older people today live in their own homes,” said Laurie. Not surprisingly, 90% of you would like to stay there – and if you move, according to the AARP, it will be to another private home. In fact, one survey of seniors revealed that they fear nursing homes worse than death.

Within that context, aging in place reflects the ability to successfully age and remain in one’s home of choice, whether it is a private home, condo, apartment, or group home. So why is the technology to enable this, important now – versus years from now? Because successful aging means independence.

When asked what’s important for successful aging, seniors rank as the most important:

Being in good health

Having the ability to do things for myself

Having friends and family there for me

Feeling safe and secure.

"Aging in Place" is the ability to live in one's own home - wherever that might be - for as long, as confidently and comfortably as possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, telecare and other assistive technologies and services.

“I have a passion for this subject and that is why I started Aging in Place Technology Watch. It is a market research and analysis consultancy focused on technology for aging in place. My mission is to understand, categorize and advise technology vendors and their constituents in this important area. By helping them select and offer the best products possible, it will enable seniors to remain in their home of choice.”

“Through my website, www.ageinplacetech.com, this Blog and others and my Computer School for Seniors Aging in Place Technology Department, I will share my research findings with you, your family, caregivers and technology vendors in order to help improve your quality of life.”

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