Joan’s Boomer Blog

Baby boomers want comfort AND style in their shoes but because they suffer from various foot conditions or diseases like arthritis or diabetes which can cause foot pain, finding that comfortable shoe can be a real challenge. I recently discovered an orthopedic style shoe which is actually so fashionable you’d never know it’s orthopedic and they are made by Drew Shoe.

For the past 20 years or so, I’ve been very careful of my shoes, most often opting for athletic shoes, which seemed to offer the most comfort and support for my feet. I’d steered clear of sandals and other more fashionable footwear because they made my feet and legs hurt if I had to walk more than a few yards in them.

I was really delighted to find out about Drew Shoes. Drew Shoes makes fashionable stylish orthopedic shoes, especially designed for for various foot conditions, such as diabetic shoes, shoes for hammertoes, arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, ankle valgus and others. They also offer Velcro strapping so there is no ties to contend with. I recommended these to my father, who has neuropathy in his hands and can no longer tie a shoe.

Drew shoes have comfortable, plushy sole, which molded to my feet as I walked more in them. They have several layers of sole which is especially engineered to help support the foot and alleviate pain from various foot problems. There is a heel stabilizer and foam cushioned collar, plus a removable, soft cork dual-density insole with memory foam. The outer sole adds support with a flexible, shock-absorbing EVA layers. The Dora sandals which I tried also have three adjustable Velcro® brand straps for added customization. Read more about what makes Drew Shoes Different from other orthopedic shoes.

Drew shoes come in dozens of styles, including the Dora sandals which I’ve been wearing and several other fashionable sandals. They also offer men’s and women’s clogs, athletic shoes, dress shoes and boots with the same comfortable, stylish engineering. To get the perfect fit, you can order Drew shoes by size AND width so even people with very wide feet can find a comfortable shoe.

Part of healthy aging is finding products that enhance our lifestyles while accommodating certain conditions we get as we grow older. An ordinary day should include lots of walking and wearing a comfortable shoe can make the difference in how well we go through our day, both for exercising and for simple tasks like walking the grocery aisles. If you suffer from any health condition which affects your feet, or if you’re just looking for a fashionable, comfortable shoe, I’d highly recommend trying Drew Shoes.

Visit the Drew Shoe website and check out the dozens of different styles. They are currently having a promotion where you can enter to win a pair. You can also read testimonials from customers who have benefited from wearing the Drew shoe.

Retirement Party Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Events

The next consideration in planning a retirement party is the location, and this will depend on factors such as

your guest of honor’s interests and personality, number of guests, the weather, the formality or informality desired, number of guests, the weather and food and activities planned,

Retirement Party Ideas for Outdoor Locations

If there’s a sunny forecast and you’d like to hold the party outdoors, consider local parks. Many parks let you reserve pavilions (usually for a fee) and some of have electricity and kitchen facilities, such as covered barbecue grills and sinks. Amenities to consider include aesthetics, ample covering in case of unexpected rain, facilities such as restrooms and cooking areas. If children are attending, a nice playground close to the pavilion is desirable.

Also consider how the park accommodates the type of activities you want to have; for example, if you want to have a band, some parks will allow this while others, such as national parks may not but may allow for recorded music if not too loud. If you want to have games, ensure the park has the lawn space or whatever is needed.

Other outdoor venues that have party facilities include places such as arboretums, public gardens, decks and gardens of lodges and hotels in the mountains and at lakes, and even amusement parks. If you plan to serve alcohol, check on the regulations  - some allow, some don’t, and others have special requirements, such as paying or a security guard for big bashes.

Beaches are another option if the retiree loves the beach - again check the amenities. Some beaches have fully serviced pavilions, and at others you need to set up tarps and bring chairs and tables. If your retiree loves boating on the lake and the guest list isn’t too big, renting a party boat on a lake is a creative option. Another option is a restaurant’s outdoor banquet room.

And don’t forget the backyard. A kitchen will be handy, and other logistics will be simpler. If your retirement party is a luau, a backyard pool or garden waterfall setting would be perfect. By the way if you want to make this a luau, you’ll find lots more location (and other) retirement party ideas at Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas

If holding the party outdoors do ensure that there is ample protection from the elements so that nobody is passing out from heat stroke, shivering from the wind or getting drenched. Also be prepared to rent chairs, tables and other outdoor furnishings as needed (some of the more senior guests may not be able to sit comfortably on a picnic table’s hard bench). If you plan well, you can throw a wonderful retirement party in the great outdoors!

Retirement Party Ideas for Indoor Locations

Not everyone wants to host an outdoor retirement party. Perhaps the weather isn’t going to be so hot, or it is going to be hot. Maybe it’s to be a dining and dancing event. While you can rent outdoor dancing  stages, depending on the venues in your area, renting a community clubhouse, restaurant or country club banquet room might be work better. If it’s a black tie event with a good sized budget, a swank hotel ballroom is another option.

An informal indoors retirement party could also be held at a community center rented for the evening, Elks Lodge banquet room, and many churches also rent large rooms with kitchen usage.

Last but not least, if the retiree is young at heart and has a favorite amusement park, many of these or their hotels offer party venues. For example, parties of 50 to 350 can kick up their heels at Knotts Berry Farm’s Wilderness Saloon.

Wherever you decide to throw the retirement party, consider your retirement party ideas first so that you can select a venue that will best accommodate them!

When considering retirement party ideas, brainstorm activities that honor the retiree’s accomplishments and contributions, as well as celebrate new beginnings. And above all, keep the party relaxed and fun for all and focused on the guest of honor! Besides providing food, drink and a relaxed and comfortable setting, consider…

Some ways to honor the retiree - besides a gold watch and toast -  is to invite colleagues (co-workers, superiors and underlings) to step up to the mic (if you have a sound system) and say a few words about the guest of honor.

To get the ball rolling have a masters of ceremonies make an initial speech, highlighting the guest of honor’s contributions in his career(s) as well as current interests. The retiree will usually make a speech as well. And don’t forget the toasts!

Other ways take a bit more planning -  colleagues could be asked to share stories about the guest of honor, such as remembrances via email (typing them up in their word processors and attaching or writing by hand and mailing) and someone could compile these on a website or print them into a homemade spiral bound book.

Yet another retirement party idea for sharing the guest of honor’s accomplishments, contributions, funny and heart-warming stories is to video record at the job. Allow interviewees to prepare ahead of time what they will  say.  The video could even include skits, roasts and other fun elements. Play the recording at the party and give to the retiree as a memento.

Retirement is also about new beginnings…

The retiree’s plans for the future may lead to an entire  theme for the party or lends themselves to ideas for the cake. If the guest of honor and his wife, for example, are taking a long dreamed of vacation to Hawaii, a luau theme would be fun and fitting (to get started planning a retirement party with this theme, read the article “Luau Retirement Party Ideas.”) Or if you can easily picture the retiree on his last day of work hanging up a “Gone Fishing” sign on his cubicle doorway, a cake with a fishing theme would be welcome. In my husband’s case, the sign would say “Gone Rving” so I guess my first choice would be a cake shaped like an RV - with a few golf clubs thrown in for good measure.

In Conclusion…

Many who are retiring from “the job” are committed to new work such as writing a novel,  starting an online business, studying photography or finally taking up painting. Find out all you can about the guest of honor’s plans and passions and include in the party decorations, cake, activities, gifts and/or overall theme.

Other retirement party ideas include time honored traditions like smashing an alarm clock as part of a cake cutting ceremony (wrap it in a towel or something first to injury caused by flying pieces), flying in a surprise guest such as a beloved co-worker or boss who moved away,  providing a guest book and setting up a money tree on the gift table.

Finally, brainstorm your own ideas - If you consider guest of honor’s past work, current passions and future plans, and you look at ways to make the party relaxing, fun and memorable, you will have no shortage of fabulous retirement party ideas!

Looking for a unique birthday party idea for the boomer in your life? Luau birthday parties that appeal to

baby boomers have much in common with a luau for any age - good food and drinks, Hawaiian entertainment, tropical décor and lots of fun! There are a few things to consider when planning luau parties for boomers, and then we’ll take a look at 50^th and 60^th birthday party ideas.

The Birthday Luau Menu - Boomers are generally an active and healthy bunch, but you will see more special diets amongst us than in younger generations. The solution is simple. Include on your luau menu foods suitable for those who are watching their sugar/carbs (such as diabetics) and salt intake. Some of the most traditional Hawaiian foods are good bets, such as baked yams, barbecued chicken and fruit salad.

Activities -  While many boomers are healthy and even more fit than young people, many older boomers experience stiffer joints and less flexibility (just don’t try telling that to my friend’s 70-year-old yoga instructor or  Mick Jaggar!). When planning your luau party games, keep your guests’ fitness levels in mind. For example, opt for luau trivia games and costume contests over limbo and the slip in slide.

50^th Birthday Party Ideas - The youngest of the boomers have turned or will turn 50 in the next few years. Whether planning a big luau bash for the 50^th milestone or simply a party for the 50-something year old, consider nostalgic themes reminiscent of their growing up years. For example, a 55-year-old (in 2011) was 12 years old in 1969 and 18 in 1977 and spent most of his or her childhood in the 60s. Rock n roll, folk rolk, surfer music, and heading into the 70’s - disco, are music genres to consider for your party mix. Many of the Hawaiian recordings from this era reflect mainland pop culture influences as well. Favorite Hawaiian songs heard on the mainland during this era include “The Hawaiian Wedding Song,” (Elvis and Andy Willams versions) a long list of songs by Don Ho, Elvis’ Blue Hawaii soundtrack, Keola and Kapono Beamer’s “Honolulu City Lights” and more.

60^th Birthday Party Ideas - Luau birthday parties marking a 60^th birthday are generally pretty lively! After all 60 year olds aren’t even eligible yet for senior discounts at most places. Nostalgic themes that relate to their youth are a good bet for these boomers. Keep in mind those turning 60 (in 2011) were teenagers in 1964 - 1970. The 60’s is a fun party theme - encompassing quite a range in music and pop culture. Find out what the guest of honor loved the most and then figure out how to incorporate this into the luau. Is your guest of honor a big fan of Elvis? Blue Hawaii’s a no-brainer. The Beach Boys? Look like surfs up at this luau! Beatles? Get creative - George had a home on Maui, and they all visited and loved Hawaii. Use a photo editor to put the Fab Four into lei and aloha wear. Games might include hula hoop contests and Hawaii in the 60’s charades. The Tacky Tourist Contest is also a lot of fun.

More Tips:

Google for headlines in Hawaii for the guest of honor’s birth year and see if it’s something you can use in the luau theme. For example, one of the big news headlines in 1959 was:

“Hawaii’s Volcano Puts on Most Spectacular Show Ever as Hawaii Achieves Statehood!”

Include Hawaiian trivia, culture and pop culture games that will be fun for those who remember the 50’s or 60s such as charades. Many boomers, even if they have never been to our Aloha State, know  who Don Ho was and where Elvis and Maile had their Blue Hawaii wedding (Coco Palms on Kauai).

Incorporate your luau birthday party them into the invitations, decorations and if your guests are game, suggest they come dressed in vintage Hawiian clothing.

For specific luau birthday party ideas for boomers and older seniors, check out this article:

“Luau Birthday Parties for Seniors” at Arleen Reynold’s new luau site (Arleen was raised in Hawaii and now lives here in Texas where she dances hula with her troupe at local luau and other events).

You’ll also find fun luau games on her site like the Tacky Tourist Costume Relay and more!

Aloha!

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Medicare is a very important subject for baby boomers and retirees. Since I’m not an expert in this field, I turned to expert Ross Blair is President and CEO of Plan Prescriber, Inc., a leading provider of comparison tools and educational materials for Medicare-related insurance products.

Here Ross presents tips to help you avoid paying too much for your prescription medications.

Is the donut hole closing fast enough for all Medicare beneficiaries?

In 2011, many Medicare recipients could hit the Medicare prescription drug donut hole faster, and pay more out-of-pocket on their way to the donut hole if they don’t have the right Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Why? The average cost of brand-name prescription drugs increased by the highest percent in 11 years according to an analysis by Barclays Capital.   Prices for some drugs increased by more than 10%. Popular drugs like blood-pressure pill Benicar® (29.3% increase), blood thinner Plavix® (13.2% increase), and cholesterol drug Lipitor (12.4% increase) all saw double-digit increases.

Last year 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries got $250 rebate checks hitting the donut hole. In 2011 a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs is available. But, price increases in the cost of branded drugs can negate some of the savings from that discount. And, drug prices may increase more as drug manufacturers try to maximize last-minute profits on popular drugs like Lipitor®, Lexapro®, Seroquel®, and Plavix® that go generic in 2011 and 2012.

What does this mean for people on Medicare? It means that you could hit the Medicare prescription drug donut hole faster, pay more out-of-pocket on your way to the donut hole, and while you’re in the donut hole if you don’t have the right Medicare prescription drug benefit.

The Medicare prescription drug coverage gap - the donut hole - begins when the customer and insurer spend a combined total $2,830 on medications. That number includes the co-pays and deductibles paid by the customer. Once the customer reaches the donut hole, they pay for pay for their own drugs but receive a 50% discount on brand drugs and a 7% discount on generic drugs. The donut hole continues until the customer has used $4,550 worth of branded and prescription drugs. This year the customer only pays 50% of the price for a brand-name drug, but the entire price of the drug counts as out-of-pocket spending, which gets them out of the donut hole faster. Once you’re through the donut hole, you reach the catastrophic coverage level. At this point,  your drug plan steps back in to cover almost all your remaining drug costs for the rest of 2011.

Here’s where it gets complicated. All Medicare prescription drug plans are not the same. If the medication you’re taking isn’t covered by your prescription drug plan, you’ll have higher co-pays, and pay more out of your own pocket before you reach the Medicare prescription drug donut hole, while you’re in the donut hole, and once you reach the catastrophic coverage level.

Here are four tips to help you avoid paying too much on prescription drugs:

1.       Take advantage of available discounts on prescription drug costs: By enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (MAPD) or a Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP), you get the benefit of these 50% rebates on Medicare prescription drugs when you hit the donut hole.  An analysis of 337,000 user sessions between January 1, and March 31, 2010 on PlanPrescriber.com estimated that PDP enrollees would save an average of $586 by switching to a lower cost plan.  Actual savings on prescription medications depends on a variety of factors like geographic location, the actual plan selected and other factors. Benefits and coverage may vary between plans; the average savings examines only plans presented by PlanPrescriber that offer only prescription drug coverage.

2.       First-time enrollees be sure to choose the right plan: Medicare prescription drug plans do not have to cover the same drugs in the same quantities or for the same price. Medicare only requires Medicare PDPs to cover two drugs in each therapeutic class. If your drug isn’t on the plan you choose, expect to pay more. There are several PDP comparison tools available online like PlanPrescriber.com and eHealthMedicare.com. A good online tool can point you to the lowest cost plan based on the specific drugs you take.

3.       With an existing Medicare prescription drug plan, talk to your doctor about alternatives: Outside of the annual enrollment period, most people cannot switch drug plans. If you’re one of those people, and you feel you are paying too much for your drugs, talk to your doctor about other possible copayment/coinsurance exceptions and medications that may be available to treat you. Then, use a plan comparison tool to see if any of those alternatives are covered by your existing plan. If so, your doctor may be able to switch your prescription to save you money.

4.       Talk to an expert if you have questions: Advice from a licensed agent doesn’t cost you any additional money. The price of the plan you choose must - by law - be the same, no matter how you enroll in it. You can contact a PlanPrescriber agent at no cost by phone at 800-404-6968 or call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs receive federal funding to counsel people with Medicare questions. The federal government has created 1-800-MEDICARE to provide information about Medicare coverage.

Ross Blair is President and CEO of Plan Prescriber, Inc., a leading provider of comparison tools and educational materials for Medicare-related insurance products.

Can herbs and spices slow down the aging process and keep us healthier?

The answer is yes -any anti-aging diet should include lots of herbs and spices which are nutrient-dense,

powerful and delicious. Besides adding flavor to our meals, herbs and spices offer medicinal qualities to help keep us young and healthy, reducing inflammation in the body, boosting our immune system, protecting us from cancer, lowering high cholesterol and regulating blood sugar, just to name a few.

Using more herbs and spices also helps us cut back on the salt in our diet and helps to enhance, rather than cover up, the natural flavors in our food. Since so many packaged and processed foods contain excess salt, most Americans get too much salt in their foods, even without ever reaching for the salt shaker. As anyone with high blood pressure knows, cutting back on salt is the number one tip for lowering blood pressure.

If you’d like to add any of these anti-aging, healthy herbs and spices to your daily diet, go to AllRecipes.com, where you can enter a list of ingredients and find recipes which use them.

Here is a list of herbs and spices to add to your anti-aging diet:

Basil

Basil has anti-inflammatory power and is great for rheumatoid arthritis. Basil is a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect the body from damage by free radicals, damage which causes aging of cells and even many forms of cancer. The compounds in basil also improve circulation and stabilize blood sugar.

It’s easy to grow your own basil. Add it to sauces, soups or make pesto. Preserve some pesto by freezing it in ice cube trays and in the winter, toss a pesto ice cube into your pasta sauce or vegetable soup.

Cumin

Cumin has anti-viral properties, which help protect us from colds and flu or other viruses and strengthens our immune system. It also helps improve respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Cumin is  good for digestion and insomnia, helps build the blood because of its rich iron content, helps protect us from cancer. It also helps to speed up the metabolism, which in turn helps us to keep our weight down.

Try cumin in bean, potato and rice dishes, or with chicken or fish.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper speeds up metabolism, which helps keep your weight down. Cayenne contains anti-inflammatory compound Capsaicin, which helps open nasal passages and benefits the heart. Cayenne also contains the anti-oxidant Beta-carotene, which helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, cayenne’s antioxidant activity help prevent free radical damage that can lead to atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and diabetic complications, like nerve damage and heart disease.

Use Cayenne Pepper in this Immune boosting recipe

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol, including triglyceride levels.

It’s easy to get more cinnamon in your diet because cinnamon makes a delicious addition to your daily green smoothie, your morning cereal or yogurt, or sprinkle some into your coffee or tea.

Coriander

Coriander helps regulate blood sugar, is good for lowering cholesterol and contains iron.

Ginger

Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory which helps ease the joint stiffness and pain of conditions such as

arthritis. Eating ginger can be a preventative against arteriosclerosis and heart disease, also excellent for lowering high cholesterol levels.

Ginger is a natural cure for indigestion. We keep ginger in capsules and ginger candy around at all times to eat after meals. Ginger works on the digestion by increasing gastric juices. It also works well for motion sickness and nausea. Ginger is a wonderful all around immune booster too and helps to relieve colds and flu symptoms.

Drink an infusion of ginger tea at the first sign of illness and then take a warm bath. Both of these encourage sweating to releast toxins in the body.

Lemon Grass

Lemon grass helps calm your mood, detoxify your liver and boost your immune system.

Lemon grass makes a nice tea and is used in southeast Asian dishes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is anti-inflammatory and helps fight depression. Used as a meat marinade, Rosemary also helps to neutralize the harmful, cancer causing compounds found in beef when it is cooked on high heat, such as barbecuing.

Healthy Summer Barbecue Tips Using Rosemary and other herbs

Sage

Also a good barbecue marinade, sage is boosts brain function and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant food. Sage contains over 70 different nutrients!

Thyme

Also a good barbecue marinade, sage is known for its dementia-fighting power. Sage is also anti-microbial, which helps protect our bodies from many bacteria and fungi. Thyme also improves the immune system.

Herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary are very easy to grow and can be added to just about any dish from scrambled eggs to baked chicken to soups and casseroles.

Turmeric

Turmeric offers cancer fighting power, boosts the immune system, helps to detoxify the liver and increases metabolism for healthy weightloss. Turmeric may also slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and is an anti-inflammatory which helps reduce the pain of arthritis. I recently read several articles too that say turmeric is good for neuropathy pain.

Turmeric is used in curry and is the ingredient in mustard which makes it yellow. I take it in capsule form as it’s hard to get enough in recipes.

More Turmeric Information

Oregano

Oregano is easy to grow and is used in Italian dishes and sauces. You can also sprinkle it over salads. Oregono is known for its anti-bacterial properties. It even fights the bacteria of food borne illnesses. Oregano also contains 42 times the antioxidants of apples and 12 times the antioxidants of oranges.

Garlic

The humble garlic clove is one of the world’s oldest medicines. The oldest garlic prescription dates from 3,000 BC, found on a Sumerian clay tablet. During WWI, garlic was used to treat wounds and dysentery. The reason garlic is so powerful is that it is a natural antibiotic. It is also antiviral and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

To be effective, garlic must be minced or chopped, not cooked. Cooking destroys the antibiotic powers. When I feel a cold or sore throat “coming on” I toast some bread, and add fresh minced garlic and butter to it. I eat some of this garlic bread a couple times a day and it cures just about anything. You can also add fresh garlic and extra cayenne pepper to salsa and eat that for a quick cold or sore throat cure.

Recipe for Ginger Garlic Tea to boost the immune system

So next time you’re cooking, whatever the recipe, instead of automatically adding salt, reach for the herbs and spices. No anti-aging diet is complete without them.

Next time you’re looking for an attractive, aromatic plant to put in a pot outside your door, consider herbs like rosemary and thyme. They are perennials so they come back bigger and better each year. They are easy to grow and require little care. Once you have a few herbs outside your kitchen, it’s even easier to snip some fresh herbs for recipes. Fresh herbs offer even more of an anti-aging punch than store-bought, commercial brands.