Wikipedia defines a hobby as "an activity, interest, enthusiasm, or amateur pastime that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, typically done during one's leisure time."   Well, if you're retired, then you have plenty of leisure time to pursue a hobby.  I have several hobbies which include growing orchids, watercolor painting (on the left is my very first attempt at painting water in a vase), photography (I took every photo you see on this blog), reading,  and exploring nature.  Admittedly, I am an amateur at all my hobbies.

I met a recently-retired man over the weekend whose hobby is flying miniature indoor helicopters by remote control.  My brother's hobby is flying outdoor model rockets and, when he was younger, he used to build model rockets.   Dancing, fishing, biking, sewing, knitting quilting, crafts, stamp collecting, antiquing, etc., etc., are just some of the multitude of so many hobbies to choose from.  And aren't we lucky that we now have the time to pursue them?♥

While engrossed in a book on my flight this weekend, my reading was interrupted by the guy sitting next to me laughing out loud while he was watching in-flight TV.  I had no earbuds but noted that he was watching scenes from Betty White's new TV show, "Off Their Rockers."  I didn't need audio to find some of the scenes hilarious myself.  The show involves senior actors in their 70's and 80's playing mischievous pranks "on unsuspecting younger folks."  (Imagine seeing a slight elderly woman holding several helium balloons suddenly ascending upward.)  The show airs on NBC on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm EDT, 7:00 pm CDT.

Heck, as we age, we need to be able to laugh at ourselves.   A good sense of humor helps reduce stress and is relaxing. Laughter is good for the soul. ♥

I will be traveling over the Easter weekend thus no more updates until next Monday.  I wish everyone a Blessed Easter and a Happy Passover.  Eat healthy and keep moving ....♥

Wow, I want to be a Volkswalker!  The American Volkssports Association  is a national network of 300+ clubs in 50 states conducting about 3,000 events annually.  The events include walking, swimming, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country snow skiing.  The AVA's walking clubs host walks in more than 1,877 self-guided trails in the United States, leading participants through a wide variety of areas, including everything from National Parks to small towns and big cities (http://www.ava.org/).  When you go to the link, click on "What We Are About" to see the video of members enjoying hikes and walks.   You can locate a walking club in your state from this list:  http://www.ava.org/avaclub/avaclub.htm.  Unfortunately, my city doesn't have an AVA walking club ... organizing one is something I should add to my "to do list" (with a little help from my friends).

My orthopedic surgeon told me that walking is the best exercise we can do for our  knees.  I am blessed to live in a climate where I am able to walk outside most of the year; however, during inclimate weather we can also walk at shopping malls or on a treadmill.  Walking provides emotional as well as physical benefits.  "Arthritis Today" reports that walking slows mental decline, improves sleep, lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease, lightens mood, and can serve as a form of meditation.  Walking is an activity that costs nothing but brings numerous benefts.   Let's get moving! ♥

In case you are wondering, yes, today's photo is the oldest wooden schoolhouse in St. Augustine, Florida.   I have been feeling a little nostalgic lately about the past.  Maybe it's because I recently read  Stephen King's latest novel, 11/22/63.  I am not a Stephen King fan and I have only read one of his previous horror stories, but I loved this book.  After the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down and read the entire 849 pages in a little over a week.  It was that good.  The book involves a time traveler, Jake Epping, a high school English teacher,  emerging from a 2011 rabbit hole that leads to a particular day in 1958.  Jake's ultimate goal is to prevent Jack Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963.  By thwarting Kennedy's death, he can also save Bobby Kennedy, "save Martin Luther King, stop the race riots, stop Vietnam."  Jake becomes a neighbor of Lee Harvey Oswald and, through surveillance, stalks Oswald's every move. 

The New York Times review of 11/22/63 calls it "a meditation on memory, love, loss, free will and necessity . . . Can history be changed, or does it snap back on itself like a rubber band?   Does love conquer all?"  I highly recommend this book but, if you choose not to read it, I feel confident it will eventually be made into a movie -- a long one. ♥

We're damned if we do and damned if we don't!  For years doctors have been encouraging us to take statins for high cholesterol, yet just a month ago the FDA issued warnings saying that these drugs -- such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, etc. -- can cause certain cognitive effects and increases in blood sugar levels.  Studies have shown that they can cause muscle aches, an increased risk of diabetes, and memory loss.  

High cholesterol runs in my family but it wasn't until recently that any doctor indicated my elevated LDL was a problem because my HDL, the good cholesterol, was always high,  thus placing me within a normal ratio (my triglycerides are excellent).  However, now my primary doctor is always after me to take a statin.  So, over a two week period, I took 1/2 the prescribed statin dose as well as  CholestOff (over-the-counter pills) and Integra-Lean Irvingia (which translates to African Mango) and knocked my LDL down 100 points!  Needless to say, improving one's diet is also extremely important by limiting red meat, fats, and eating more fresh vegetables and fruits (particularly berries).  The good news is that a glass of red wine is heart healthy and helps reduce our bad cholesterol.  Resveratrol in red wine may be a key ingredient  that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces bad cholesterol and prevents blood clots.  Also, antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart.

We've known for years that we should cut back on sugar.  Last night 60 Minutes presented a segment about sugar and high-fructose corn syrup being toxic, actually poisonous, to our systems.    I have heard for years that cancer cells feed on sugar and this was substantiated in the report.  A portion of last night's 60 Minutes report may be viewed here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57407128/preview-is-sugar-toxic/.   The New York Times published an article last year suggesting that sugar can even cause cancer: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all. 

Needless to say, there is too much sugar in the American diet for people of all ages, particularly children.  But as we age, we need to especially focus on good nutrition in order to keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong for the long haul. Eating less sugar and fats and consuming more vitamin-rich foods will boost our immunity and fight illness-causing toxins.  Healthy eating! ♥

I just learned yesterday that Elderhostel, founded in 1975 and providing educational travel programs for adults, is now Road Scholar:  http://www.roadscholar.org/.  What a fantastic organization!   Not-for-profit Road Scholar offers a multitude of travel programs -- "Choose from 6,500 educational adventures a year in all 50 states and 150 countries" providing in-depth learning opportunities as you explore new places.  I would love to take cooking classes in Tuscany, explore a national park with an experienced geologist, or attend a music festival where you also attend private seminars and lectures with the musicians.  You can sign up on the website for a free catalog and the e-newsletters.

Fewer airlines offer discounts to seniors as in the past, but Cheap Flights offers an overview of those that do here:  http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/senior-discounts/.   Sources say that the cheapest day to fly is Wednesday, followed by Tuesday and Saturday.  The best time to buy airline tickets is 3:00 pm ET on Tuesdays. -- and about six weeks before a flight.  Amtrak offers a 15% discount to senior passengers with some restrictions.  "Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over."  The restrictions are listed on Amtrak's website: 

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241305460008.  Certain cruise lines offer senior discounts on specific sailing dates and there are many websites offering cruise discounts for seniors, including this one: http://cruisesandseniors.com/.  Happy travels! ♥

Have you created your bucket list?  I need to get busy on mine so I can do the things and visit the places I want to see while I am still agile and mobile!  I did accomplish two items on my list since retirement.  I took a watercolor painting class as well as a photography class ... and found that both hobbies can be fairly expensive.  Watercolor classes usually cost more to take than photography; however, the supplies for both can add up.

I recall sitting in my watercolor class a few months ago thinking, "I'm really, really happy."  Happy because I have the new found freedom to do the things I have wanted to do for so many years but lacked the time.  I'm happy that I am in control of my life and can choose what I want to do, rather than having to answer to someone else's expectations of me.   My financial resources are limited; however, as I get older I find that I need far less in material items.  It is not things that make me happy ... it is time spent with my family and friends that I cherish the most.  We grandparents are blessed with today's technology where we can do webcams or Facetime to see our grandchildren "face-to-face" even though they may live far away.  Seeing my little grandson each week literally makes my day and helps fill the void in living on the opposite side of the country.

There are so many things we can do to make the most of our lives.  I found this clever list of ideas of "101 Things to Do Before You Die":   http://thingstodo.oncelife.com.au/.   We have more time to travel (I'll be researching senior travel discounts to share with you and take advantage of myself), take up a new hobby, enroll in dance  or music lessons, get involved in your church or synagogue, volunteer at your favorite organization or charity, join or organize a book club, get a pet ... the opportunities are endless!  I don't mean to be redundant, but .... Carpe Diem! ♥

Yesterday's topic of identity theft hit too close to home. My neighbor and close friend's accountant attempted to e-file her tax return, only to find that a return had already been filed with the IRS in mid-February using her social security number. Ironically, I had logged into the IRS website yesterday morning and saw its warning about identity theft. See "New Tax Scam Targets Seniors, Families, Church Members" on the www.irs.gov main page. The IRS provides additional information and security tips to prevent fraud in this "Taxpayer Guide to Identify Theft":  http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=251501,00.html;

My friend spoke at length with an IRS agent in Washington who told her that over two million fraudulent tax returns were filed last year ... and the majority of them came from South Florida (just like Medicare fraud).    CBS News provides additional information about this tax scam:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57400602/tax-return-scammers-steal-ids-and-billions/.

Invasion of privacy is rampant and everyone needs to be vigilant in protecting personal data.  It alarms me that young people put so much personal information on social media websites.  Posting your daily routine and travel plans only make it easier for malicious people to take advantage of you.  Nothing should be posted that you do not want made public.  Minimize details that identify your whereabouts, and always keep your account numbers, user names, and passwords private.    

I admire actor George Clooney's thoughts about privacy:  “I don’t like to share my personal life… it wouldn’t be personal if I shared it.”  ♥  

Identity theft is a serious issue affecting people all over the world.  Although it affects people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable.  Since most seniors have spent a lifetime of building credit worthiness and retirement funds, they are often targets of identity thieves.  Often seniors are more trusting ... and, like my 91 year old mother, sometimes eager to talk to anyone and give out personal information.  I was horrified when my mom told me she was contacted by phone by a collection agency that said she owed about $200.00 from a Sears charge in 1998.  She added that they intimidated her into giving out her checking account routing number!  We immediately contacted the bank and asked them to close that account and open a new one with a new routing number.  I told her to have the collection agency call me in case they bothered her again.

Each state has its own statute of limitations on when a debt expires: 

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/statuteLimitations.shtml.  In my mom's case, the statute had run out many years ago and I was well aware that the collection agency had no chance of collecting from her (plus, she has never seen a statement and didn't know what the charge was for).  The agency did call me and the caller said that since my mother had verbally agreed to make the payment and then stopped payment, she was still liable despite the statute expiration.  Knowing a little bit about elder law, I responded that he still didn't have a prayer because his agency was guilty of elder abuse ("intimidating, threatening").  I told him that they should write off this debt for good and, if they contact her again, I will report them to the Federal Trade Commission.  A friend shared this regarding a similar situation where an 83 year-old woman with dementia was sold a complex annuity:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303863404577288480158320286.html.

On a personal level, I recently had two internet attempts to steal my identity.   The first one was when I logged into my financial institution to check on my IRA.  A pop-up, appearing to be completely legitimate, asked me to verify my personal information, saying it was required by Federal law to "fight terrorism and money laundering."  I was able to exit that pop-up without entering any information.  However, a few days later when I logged into my bank account, a similar pop-up appeared, asking for my social security number, security questions such as my mother's maiden name, first pet, etc.  The pop-up blocked me from looking at my bank statement.  I was extremely wary and when I noticed the question about driver "licence" information I called the bank.  (In the U.S. we spell it "license.")   My bank said they would never ask for such information online.  I immediately scanned my computer for any viruses ... which resulted in 7 Trojan viruses! 

Experts say that all personal and identifying information, including a list of your credit cards, should be kept in a private place, locked away from any visitors to your home.  Shred personal documents.  Check your credit card statements each month to ensure YOU made all the charges;  only list your address on your personal checks; and, if you have an ATM debit card, ask your bank to change it to an ATM only card which requires a pin number.  According to the FTC, if your debit card is stolen, your liability is $50 if you notify your bank within two business days after learning of the theft.  However, if it is more than two days before you notify them, your liability can be as much as $500.  Be safe ... and be private! ♥

"Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. " We are never to old to learn and you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Although it is frustrating, normal memory loss includes forgetting where you left something, such as keys or your cellphone (I have been known to call my cellphone from my landline so I can find it!), or walking into a room and not remembering why you entered.   When I was working I often sent myself emails or left myself voice messages as reminders of what I needed to do when I got home.  If I needed to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few items, I memorized the first letter of what I needed to pick up, such as L (lettuce) - A (apples) - B (bacon).  Now I use the memo pad on my iPhone and write notes of what I need to pick up.

Just as physical exercise can keep our bodies healthy, mental exercise is every bit as important to prevent mental decline.  Playing games involving strategy such as bridge, chess, Scrabble, Words With Friends, crossword puzzles, word jumbles, etc., are all great ways to exercise our brains.   Lumosity offers several  online games to improve brain health and performance at this site:  http://www.lumosity.com/app/v4/personalization.  Prevention offers some good games as well:  http://www.prevention.com/health/brain-games/brain-games.

Reading newspapers, magazines, and books helps as well.   Since joining a book club two years ago, I am reading far more than previously and I find it stimulating.  Taking classes  or acquiring a new hobby, gardening,  doing anything that boosts brain power will help prevent memory loss.  And I have learned that one of the greatest tips (in addition to exercise) in preventing memory loss is getting enough sleep. ♥

                      

Rainforest at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Carpe diem!  I learned of another terrific discount for seniors.  It is the Senior Pass offered by the USGS.  For a fee of $20 you can obtain a lifetime pass that "provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites [national parks] managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services." Any U.S. citizen 62 or older is eligible for the pass.  You can learn how to obtain the pass here:  http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html.  With a photo ID, the Senior Pass" admits pass owners and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)"  Grand Canyon, here I come ... again!  And here is a travel website specifically for seniors:  http://www.suddenlysenior.com/travelpage.html.

Tomorrow I will discuss tips to prevent memory loss ... if I can remember where I put my notes. ♥

What has happened to the written word?  Young people are so caught up in texting and twittering with abbreviations that you seldom see correctly spelled words anymore.  Every day I see "your" being used for "you're," the contraction for "you are."   I am proud to be a baby boomer, and glad that we were required to learn how to spell and write in script when we were in school -- and taught to write thank-you notes.

I recently gave a young mother a baby present consisting of two little outfits.  It was delivered to her home by someone else.  When I saw her a few weeks later she simply said, "Thanks for the stuff."  (I would have felt better about it if she had said "cute outfits.")  You don't have to send me a written thank-you note (however, it is greatly appreciated), but at least make it a little personal if it's a verbal thank you!

Last week a close friend sent me an email about the things that will disappear during the lives of our grandchildren.  These include the post office, the check, the book, the newspaper, the landline telephone ... and privacy.   Sadly, privacy is already a thing of the past. ♥

Speaking of creaky joints, yesterday marked the first anniversary of my right knee replacement.  Recovery from the left knee surgery (fall 2009) was easier, but I'm glad both are behind me.  The physical therapy is the toughest part of a knee replacement but it is extremely necessary.   If your doctor says you need a total knee replacement (TKR), go for it -- it won't give you the ability to downhill ski or run races again, but it does alleviate the pain.  And if you do have the surgery,  use the CPM (continuous passive motion) machine afterward as often as possible every day ... it really helps improve your range of motion.

I ride a stationary recumbent bike daily (sometimes several times a day) and walk as often as possible.  About two years ago, I began taking krill oil, which is harvested from krill, a shrimp-like crustacean that lives at the bottom of the ocean.  Krill oil contains considerably more Omega 3-fatty acids than regular fish oil and also astaxanthin, a potent anti-oxidant which is a natural anti-inflammatory.  Claims are that it is good for the heart also.  I buy it at Costco (hint, "mega red" packaging) where it is less expensive than other stores.  Since I began taking krill oil I have found that I can be on my feet, both standing and walking, for much longer periods without any pain.

I just recently learned about Zyflamend from my daughter (and Dr. Oz).  Zyflamend is an over-the-counter supplement containing ginger, turmeric, valerian, etc. (natural anti-inflammatories).  Claims are that it alleviates joint pain as well.  I'll let you know after I have taken it a few weeks.  ♥

Many of us in retirement are among the masses owning Smartphones.  I absolutely love my iPhone and don't leave home without it.  During the time that I have owned it I have downloaded many apps, including very helpful ones like ShopSavvy (scans the price of an item and compares it to the best prices locally and online), Travelzoo (best travel deals locally and nationally), QRReader (scans QR codes), photo apps such as Pro HDR, Camera+, PerfectPhoto, Instagram, and a gas station locator, GasBuddy, which provides daily updated local gas prices.  I think the app that has occupied most of my time, however, is the game Angry Birds.  Yes, I admit I am addicted, in fact, during the first week of my retirement I spent a good deal of time attaining 3 stars in all the games.  (I needed to do something non-productive!) Yesterday, Angry Birds just sent an update with more games to conquer .... 

A great app for all ages is Google Translate (free), which can do voice translations in 64 languages -- great for traveling!   My recent Google searches have led me to a few apps that are helpful to seniors.  Babyboomers' Handbook ($2.99) gives tips to grandparents, tips on laws, the arts, health, etc.   If you are seeking a significant other to grow old with, there are several senior dating apps ranging from free to $9.99.  WebMD (free) explains medical symptoms, gives first-aid information, and is handy in an emergency.  The name of the following one made me laugh -- it is called SitorSquat (free) and, obviously, is like a GPS for the closest public restroom! 

I received a response from Publix regarding senior discounts:  "Thank you for taking the time to contact our corporate office with your question about senior discounts.  As a competitive response to other supermarkets, on specific days we do offer a senior discount in our Atlanta Division stores.  This encompasses Tennessee and the northern portions of Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia.  However, at the present time we do not have any plans to expand the program beyond that market."  (emphasis added).    So, all the seniors in Florida are out of luck!

"If you don't use it, you lose it."  I read in the paper this morning about three women in their 70's who are still running marathons.  They all look terrific! 

Exercise keeps our bodies and minds healthy.  I met a 91 year-old woman the other day who remains fairly agile -- she still organizes and orchestrates a huge volunteer effort each year with several people working under her.

There are advantages to aging ... such as the SilverSneakers program.  My Medicare insurance plan offers SilverSneakers and I am so pleased with it.  (Check it out here:  http://www.silversneakers.com/.)  I can exercise at Curves, where I have met so many nice ladies, or the local YMCA for free ... as long as I go regularly.  The YMCA has classes specifically designed for seniors, including cardio fitness and even Zumba (which Curves also offers).  In addition, my Medicare plan offers discounts at Weight Watchers.  If your insurance plan offers a similar program, please share it with us. ♥

I took the AARP Driver Safety Program last week (offered to drivers 50 and older) which subsequently reduced my annual auto insurance premium $92.00.  Information regarding the class may be found here: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-05-2010/auto_insurance_discounts.html.  My class was offered at the local library; however, it may be taken online.

I found this list of discounts:  http://www.seniordiscounts.com/.  If you go to the grocery discounts section, my favorite store, Publix, is listed as giving a 5% discount to those 60+ on Wednesdays.  But what I don't understand is it says, "Available in Select Stores only and does not include stores in Florida."  Go figure!  I'm going to find out why and get back to you on this one.

If you live in Miami-Dade County, seniors are eligible to obtain a "Golden Passport" and ride any Miami-Dade transit (metrorail, buses) for free!  I just learned this last week and need to obtain one myself ... just in case I find a part-time job downtown!  http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/fares_golden.asp

Did I mention how much I love Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens?  Such a beautiful, tranquil place ... definitely one of Miami's greatest assets!  This scene is in the rainforest.

Just returned from an early evening walk ... it was a gorgeous day, not too humid.  You may have noticed "creaky joints" in my web address.  Well, all my joints creak (damned arthritis!) and I have had both knees replaced so I try to walk as often as possible.  Being retired allows a lot more time to walk ... and reflect.  

I've been looking for part-time work but it hasn't been easy because I am not bilingual and I am, well -- older.  Unfortunately, the ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967) looks good on paper but doesn't apply in reality.   You would think the baby boomer work ethic would be desirable.  All those skills I have learned over so many years just idling ....

As a recent retiree, I find myself wondering why they call the senior years "golden."  Oh yes, I love not waking up to an alarm clock, not having to fight traffic to get to a demanding job and putting out fires all day, and then fighting traffic again to arrive back at home exhausted.

However, now that I have so much freedom and the ability to choose how I wish to spend my time, I find that sleep evades me.  I yearn to be able to fall asleep within 5 - 10 minutes as I did previously.  Now I toss and turn for hours with insomnia before finally succumbing to 1/2 sleeping pill.

I stay busy, do volunteer work, dabble in artistic hobbies, read, and I have plenty of friends -- but I can't sleep!