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!

Inspirational Sunday

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

Our Health Matters

OK, it’s time for me to start again. Yep, it’s time to start watching my diet and exercising on a regular basis….again. Maybe some of you are like me and your good health intentions run in spurts. How foolish.

I know how much better I feel…how much better I perform…how much better I think when I am taking care of my body. I am blessed in that we have a membership at Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Kenneth Cooper has built a fabulous health and fitness center that is available to me seven days a week. When I go there on a regular basis and work-out or swim and then eat right, I feel great.

So what’s the problem? It seems pretty simple…just do it! Unfortunately, we don’t always do what is best for us even though we know better. I can find excuses such as traveling or a special event to order a big steak and a baked potato loaded with butter. Or maybe a cheeseburger and fries. And then it’s easy for me to get on a down hill roll and have one bad meal after another while missing my daily workout. Enough of this bad behavior. Our health matters. We must take better care of ourselves on a consistent basis.

John Maxwell in his book “Today Matters” talks about how our health impacts us emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

“You can escape from a lot of things that might hurt you. You can quit a hazardous job. You can move from one climate to another. You can stay away from someone who wants to harm you. But you can't get away from your body. For as long as you live, you're stuck with it. If you make choices that cause you to be continually hurting or unhealthy, it will affect every aspect of your life--your heart, mind, and spirit. Think about how hard it is to be positive, concentrate, or pray when you have a toothache. More serious conditions can be even more distracting."

Dr. Maxwell is right. People are funny. Whey we are young, we will spend our health to get wealth. Later, as we age, we will gladly pay all we have to try to get our good health back.
OK, that is the thought for today. Health Matters. Excuse me, while I go swim some laps.

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, 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.

Giving Thanks for Each Day

In my cardiology practice, the spectrum of attitudes toward life and illness is broad. Some are indignant and resentful about what fate has brought then in the form of illness. Others have great equanimity, knowing that many times, no one is to blame. Sometimes, bad things just happen.

Similarly, the question of “What next – how shall I respond?” elicits a spectrum of reactions and replies. After a major illness, some go on as though their recovery meant nothing more than medical care working the way it is supposed to. Others welcome their because not too many years ago, the state of medical care may not have been able to give them the medications and procedures necessary for their survival.

In Judaism, there is a prayer that we are called on to say the moment we awaken from our night’s sleep. The prayer is said whether we are healthy of sick, comfortable or in pain, happy or in emotional distress. Here is the English translation of the prayer:

“I give thanks to you, eternal and living God, for you have compassionately returned within me my soul. Your faithfulness is abundant.”

Is today a day to be taken for granted? And if not, what am I going to do in order to give the day meaning and significance? One doesn’t have to be of a particular faith (indeed, one doesn’t have to have religious faith whatsoever) to view each day as an opportunity to, in some small way, make a difference to oneself, to one’s friends and family, and to others in the family of humankind.

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 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.

Sync or Swim

The official web definition of “sync” or syn.chro.nize is:

1. To occur at the same time; be simultaneous
2. To operate in unison i.e.
a. To cause to occur or operate with exact coincidence in time or rate such as, “We synchronized our watches,” or
b. To cause or occur or operate at the same time as something else: “They synchronized their trip with the annual tulip festival.”
c. A parallel occurrence.

That got me to thinking…that’s the story of my life lately, a series of parallel occurrences! The challenge, of course, is to sync events in such a way as to go with the flow instead of swimming upstream!

I have both an ipod and a Palm Pilot that have to be “synced” with my desktop computer periodically. The software comes with the “equipment.” The question is, do I have the software in my head to sync my daily life? How do I get from this:

To this?:

So to get in snyc, the logical alternatives seem to be:

1. Abandon it! Give up something. One of these activities has to go!
2. Delegate! Pass something off to someone else.
3. Live in chaos! Ignore the problem.
4. Help! Ask for help.

Give something up? But everything I do is so much fun! Last week, with the help of lots of happy volunteers, we created a “wall” for the opening of Sunday School. Every teacher (and there are about 70), was featured with a picture and a “factoid” (cute sayings about themselves) on the wall.



The Payoff. It was a lot of work – both at the computer and at the wall. But the payoff came Sunday when both children and adults were delighted to see their teachers’ or colleagues pictures and read the factoids, like “I ate a prairie dog once, and now I am a vegetarian,” or “I have webbed toes,” or “I flew an airplane when I was 11.”

No, once committed, giving up is not an option. The key is to say ‘no’ at the appropriate time – when originally asked to do the task – not after the commitment has been made.

Delegate? Why do I always think I can do it better myself? Guess I got that from my mother, who lived by that mantra. That’s probably why early in my adult life, when I observed a scummy ring in the bathtub, I had to ask how to remove it! I had never been asked to do it before, and had never seen one. Therefore, I didn’t have a clue what it was or where to start.

How many times have people said, “If I can help you, let me know.” And you nod politely. Well, they just may MEAN IT. Take people at their word and give them a call. They may be willing to share part of the (burden) project – run an errand, make a few phone calls, or contribute in other ways that will make your life easier.

Live in Chaos? Not my style. I find that the older I get, the more I want (need!) things to be organized. Even though the daily planner has given way to the Palm Pilot or cell phone calendar in recent years, most organization in life takes place in the brain!

When chaos sets in, there are only two alternatives: 1) Setting priorities and 2) Focusing on one thing at a time!

Ask for help? I believe this may be the answer. First, I’ll ask God to continue to bless me with the good health, skills and motivation to continue an active retirement, then I’ll look for additional resources.

So I am learning to keep my life in sync and my head above water! It’s about time. Yes. It’s about TIME.

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!

The lifelong learning movement for older adults got a huge boost with the entry of Elderhostel, Inc. Let’s spend a few minutes today learning more about how this happened.

As lifelong learning programs were being developed at colleges and universities, Elderhostel too, since its start in 1975, had been growing rapidly. By the mid-1980s, the not-for-profit organization was running a very successful, large, decentralized operation offering educational travel programs to older adults.

Their expertise was just what the founders of the “learning in retirement” movement were looking for as they struggled to help start new programs all over the country. So, it was only natural that Elderhostel and these early pioneers of lifelong learning should come together, as their missions were the same – outstanding educational opportunities for older adults.

So, in 1988, after informal discussions between the leaders of both groups, the Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN) opened its doors at Elderhostel headquarters in New Hampshire. The mission of EIN was and is, to strengthen and support the effectiveness of lifelong learning institutes (LLIs), to encourage the establishment of new institutes, and to disseminate information about the institutes and the movement in general.

Between 1988 and 1999, a staff of five Elderhostel employees traveled all across the country leading workshops and giving advice on how to start new lifelong learning institutes, then called Institutes for Learning in Retirement or ILRs.

According to Jim Verschueren, EIN’s first director:

“It was not an easy start. Among the perhaps 75 ILRs at the time the Network was launched, several were skeptical of Elderhostel’s involvement. Would the well-established, international organization attempt to take over?" As one member asked in a large, public meeting, “Is this like the federal government – bringing good things to us with all kinds of strings attached?” Over time, as all associated with the Network worked hard to support, but never to direct the exponential growth of ILRs, much of the resistance subsided. To the Network’s credit, promotion of the ILR concept immediately bore fruit. As new ILRs were launched at an ever-increasing pace, affiliations grew annually, from fewer than 100 the first year to almost 300 by year six.”

More than 200 new programs were started during these years. Today, the Elderhostel Institute Network continues to grow, and is still focused on its primary three-pronged mission. It is North America’s largest and most respected educational network for older adults, with almost 400 affiliated lifelong learning institutes. And, Elderhostel, now headquartered in Boston, still provides support and guidance to EIN as the Network continues to work with all the programs through its web site: www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp and email: network@elderhostel.org.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

America’s storyteller, Louis L’Amour said, Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value. Thanks to the involvement of Elderhostel in helping circulate the lifelong learning movement, millions of older adults now have more meaningful later lives.

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 Wednescay

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.

The End of the Peter Pan Home

Get this. A Dallas article that advised homeowners to Senior-proof their house so you don't have to move later says universal design is now Hot. The article cited an AARP study that 90% of those over 50 want to stay put in their homes, but noted that most homes in this country are 'Peter Pan' homes, designed for people who will never grow old -- with overly narrow doorways, dangerous carpets and doorsills, terrorizing bathrooms, and inaccessible upper floors.
How times have changed. With a groundswell of baby boomers heading towards seniordom, adding universal design features now adds to the value of the home. So for those who like to plan ahead, like the Dallas couple in the article, incorporating universal design elements in a remodel makes sense to do sooner rather than later.

Universal design used to have a limited audience -- but not any more. "Stepless entries, home elevators, wide passageways, adjustable cabinets, curbless showers, and other UD features represent now the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry," say John Hockenberry at the MIT Media Lab. So no surprise that "there was a 74 percent increase over the last year in inquiries from prospective clients interested in making their homes more accessible." The Dallas article quoted Therese Crahan, executive director of the National Association of Home Builders' remodelers group, which has now trained more than 3000 contractors as 'Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS).

We want homes that use universal design principles. The principles of universal design are excellent (flexible, intuitive, accessible, error-tolerant, etc). And so CAPS-trained designers make an obstacle course house into a universal design home in which to live comfortably now and age successfully later. That's good, it's a glimmer of goodness for contractors in an otherwise very bleak time. And how nice that these changes are value-boosting.

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.


Happy Labor Day Weekend
From Harry

I have always loved the way Valerie talked about her Harry. While I've never met him, I've seen many pictures and he is a charmer!

When she sent me the Labor Day greeting in the picture above, I thought I would share it with you. I asked her for some information about him and here is what she said:

"Harry, a gregarious frosted grey Puli (Hungarian sheepdog), was born in Birmingham England and has logged more frequent flyer miles in his young life then many seasoned business travelers.

He began his journey to the USA with a three year stopover in New Jersey...which did not go well. He was rescued four years ago and hopped a flight to the Dallas Fort Worth area making his final destination "The Art Capital of the World" Garland Texas. His Mum is Valerie Jagiello a graphic artist and photographer.

He had no trouble adapting to her lovely Nu Yawk accent and quickly settled into the good life.

Harry became Harry Gareth Edward after watching 'Posh Nosh' a British comedy on PBS. Harry and his Mum watch many British shows. 'He ran to the tv and I knew he liked the sound of those two names.' Spaulding was added a little later while playing catch with a pink Spaulding ball."

"Harry is now known as Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding or HGES to his friends. HGES has blossomed. He is my muse and also a great model!!!" says a proud Mum. "We spend many hours together in the studio doing artsy things and every night we have a special bonding time....we howl. You know that old saying....'A family that howl's together...stays together!'"

HGES has his own email address and regularly converses with over a dozen K9 friends from all over the country.

He is single and you can email him at http://us.mc522.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=srolick@earthlink.net.

You can reach his Mum at http://us.mc522.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=vjagiello@earthlink.net.

All the best on Labor Day....y'all!!!