Enjoy a Good Laugh

Portion of an Ellen DeGeneres show a while back. Well worth a few laughs to help your day. http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?emf=1

SILVER ALERT

Governor Crist signed into law a new program to help older individuals with dementia disorders. Similar to the Amber Alert, this helps notify law enforcement officials and citizens of missing senior citizens. To learn more about the program, visit the FLDE site at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/press_releases/20081008_Silver_Alert.html
Let's hope this saves lives.

Senior discounts-right!

I'm not 55 yet, but my brother turned 55 last month. As an early AARP member and an individual involved with the mature population I've seen the discount cards that some restaurants give, some retailers touting the Tuesday 5% discount to those over 55 and more. I'm thinking allright! this crowd gets some freebies and they all seem to love it, but I'm learning probably why they deserve discounts and need them. My brother has a life insurance policy that doubled, doubled in premiums for the same coverage just because he turned 55.

My hairdresser was complaining the last time I was getting a haircut how she dreaded turning 55 because her health insurance would go up. She said it has to pay more in premiums because of her age. I did not know that.

So much for discounts and freebies when insurance (health, life, and does car too?) goes up double what it was just the year before? Just because I turn 55 doesn't mean I automatically get sick. I know, I know, it's not unlike targeting the younger drivers, but with changing longevity, perhaps the amounts should not be increased arbitrarily. Then again, maybe they should. I find myself having to look up the spelling for more words than I used to, such as arbitrarily.

The thing is those 5% off and small time freebies don't make up the difference for a double jump in the necessities of life. Guess I best start coupon clipping early.

AARP Safe Driving Class

The local volunteers for the AARP Safe Driving Class teach a class at Cherry Laurel, the independent living facility on Mahan at Concord Road the last Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

I'll be the instructor for the September classes on the 24th and 25th. I enjoy teaching them, not only because of the interaction with the participants, but it is a great reminder to me to focus on my driving and how important it is to be attentive on the roadways.

If you know of a individual 55 or over who would like to participate, contact me at 850-321-4666.

Balance

I've been physically active all my life. Over 30 years ago I started running for my health. I'd quit smoking and knew I needed something to keep me from going back to it, so I took up running. I've added cycling and yoga to my routines to keep in shape.

Things happen though, we get used to our routines, the body adapts. In October of 07 I fell off my bike and cracked my pelvis. I'm back on the bike, back walking, working on my stamina for running and all in all in good shape. Yet, I recognize my balance could be better.

Yoga helps but keeping our balance is as important as keeping our flexibility. Our balance, like so many other things, tends to diminish as we age. Working to improve is a constant. So with any and all of your exercising, make balance exercises a part of your routine too. It may just help you stay on the bike!

Westcott Lakes at Southwood

I lunched today with some of the folks selling the Life Fulfilling Community at Westcott Lakes at Southwood here in Tallahassee, FL. Westcott Lakes offers mature adults, those 62 and over, upscale living with impressive amenitites and a service-oriented "mindset". It is a community sponsored by and fully integrated with Florida State University through affiliations that provide numerous intellectual, recreational and cultural opportunities. It's not a community for the weak of pocketbook though. It's a retirement (they don't like to refer to it by this name), it's a lifestyle community that caters to the affluent. Construction hasn't begun yet as they must have 70% fill committment before the State of Florida will allow construction. It will be located on 100 acres at Capital Circle S.E. and Tram Road.
So if you know any mature individuals looking for a lifestyle that offers the opportunity for truly keeping active in every sense of the word, intellectually, physically, socially, then call me. I'll get the information they need about Westcott Lakes.