Panda Picks-Seniors Work on the Net!

I recently found a blog discussion on the Moken people  where I learned about a  primitive culture, who have no  word  for time. Their nomad life style is based on no time to be anywhere and no time lines to meet. What a concept for retirees. Someone comes to visit you wouldn’t shoo them off nor would we schedule activites for particular day. The culture is well  documented in books by Jacques Ivanoff.
A recent documentary about the Moken “sea gypsies” aired on 60 minutes pointed out that they also do not have a word for” when”. Without words for” time” and “when” the Moken would have no concept of age. That too is an interesting concept for us to consider. Unencumbered by thoughts of aging and how long we have to spend with our children/grandchildren or what is the life expectancy of our situation how would we live?  Would we watch less stock market reports, accumulate more wealth, collect things for the future, put off fun things to do? The list is endless once we put aside “when”; when I ……..then I will do XXXX.

How old would you be if you did not know your age? Would you still be working because you enjoyed it or did you retire because that was expected of you?  I know people who are still working at 70 or 90 because they do not let age dictate their working activities.

 Do we accept dementia because it is affecting someone 85? I know people older than that who just graduated from college, writting books, creating great works etc. Dementia is not a part of aging as are many other ailments we accept as common to aging.  They are illness common to aging. Should we allow age to affect our acceptance of physical and mental decline?

It seems that those not concerned with age send messages to their body that they want to continue being active. If we constantly remind ourselves that we should not do certain things because of our age, we have sent messages of discouragement that keep us from seeking  desires. Joe Paterno, age 81, Penn State football coach  of 50 years is a good example of allowing interests to dictate our lifestyle rather  than allowing age to slow us down.

Does your cronological age dictate your actions? Would you like to start a new career? How about enrolling in a college course? What would you do if you did not have “when” or “time” in your vocabulary like the Moken? Can we stop time if we don’t allow time to stop us?

Panda picked  the subject of timelessness so that we are not controlled by a birthcertificate or held back  by time.  May we remember memories of the past but keep on building new memories.

Panda Lady

Seniors like to reminisce about past experiences in our lives.  We like to look at old pictures, brochures, letters and postcards which remind us of vacations. 

Inauguration Day 2009 was a special day of remembering and reflecting on a most wonderful experience I had in  Washington D.C. May 2007.  I spent 3 weeks in D C as a volunteer at a guest house  as a volunteer doing cooking, gardening and cleaning. This had it benefits as visiting the nations capitol for a couple of days as a tourist would be quite expensive let alone staying for 3 weeks.  Each day, after finishing tasks, I loaded up my fanny pack with water, camera,  cell phone, sunglasses,  business card of  the house (served as my ID), a  D C map as well as some quick snacks. Putting on my best walking shoes I took off on daily adventures as a tourist.

For 69 cents I could buy a ticket to use anytime during my excursion including the return trip.  So for that small price I could travel to  the government buildings, zoo, museums, mall, and monuments usually walking upon bus arrival in the mall/ capitol area.   Because of the extended time in Washington D.C. I was able to spend lengthy times at any point of interest even returning to the same locations  more than once to soak in more information.  I could sit and walk  in  gardens with no concern for time.  The volunteer position included room and board as well as providing companion volunteers who knew of great places not to be missed.  Several times, I even went with house guests adding to the camaraderie. At evening tea time we shared our adventures so I kept finding more places to visit.

The volunteer experience was great because I could be a tourist with or without companions, and  people  at the guest house to report to if I had  problems.  Expense wise, this was a life saver.  I could never have afforded 3 weeks in Washington and take note, visitors can visit most places of interest for free which is great for retirees. 

Tues. Jan 22, 2009, Inauguration Day  was a day of reflection for me as  watched the proceedings on T.V. I remembered warm late afternoons and early evenings walking along Pennsylania Ave in D. C.  I was  able to recognize the buildings and understood the turns the parade was taking.  I remembered sitting on benches to rest and reflecting on all the presidents that had traveled down that road.  The capitol dome was ever present in view as I walked up and down this most famous Ave.  Of course being a baby boomer I envisioned the tradegies played out on Pennsylvia Ave where mourners gathered to say a final farewell. I could enjoy the  slim crowd of weary tourists as the day was coming to an end. 

I could have turned off the heat yesterday, put on my winter coat, opened the doors and windows to  feel like I was there to witness this part of this  historic day.   Perhaps I will return to Washington some day and now add a new memory of Pennsylvania Ave.  Yes, I wish I had been there but I think I saw more in the comfort of my living room.   

Now Pesident Obama asks us to get involved.  Perhaps I will find somewhere interesting to give of my time whether here at home or by traveling to another location.  It might be an obcure place or it could be a place like Washing D.C.  where I can re-live memories for days and years to come.

Panda picked reminiscing about volunteer experiences to remind us that we create valuable memories while doing service to mankind.  As Obama said “….there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task”. 

We baby boomers have as retirees, time to give, talents to share, memories to make.  Where would you like to serve? What part can you play in the call to serve our nation and its people as a volunteer?

Panda Lady

                           Hotels  for     D O G      V A C A T I O N S

Seniors traveling like to include their furry four legged family members. Often this presents the question of where can we lodge for the night and include the whole family. The answer is to look for Doggie Hotels, where people can stay too.

Seniors go on line to Bring Fido site,  and use the “Where To stay” search in the center of the page.  Once you have read the reviews from other pet owners, checked out the maps for locations, know the regulations and prices,  you can register your reservation on the right side menu.  While there click on the dog house (motel), fire hydrant (play), and dog bone (dog friendly restaurants).  Hotels, bed and breaksfasts, campgrounds and motels from around the room welcome you and your dog.

Plan Fido’s vacation before you leave home so that everyone can enjoy the family vacation.  Use  Bring Fido  site for information on all your needs from dog sitters, restaurants, leash free recreation, vets, flight information,  doggie events, etc.  Everything you need for a hassle free vacation is found on Bring Fido.

Panda Picked Bring Fido.com as the recommended site for planning pet friendly vacations anywhere in the world. This is a no cost site based on the experiences of other dog owners. Don’t leave home without Fido. By the way your photo’s of your dog on vacation and your ratings of the services you used will  assist others using on line searchers for traveling with dogs.

Panda Lady

Panda Lady

We Seniors like to  catch up with the late night humor by going on  line.  This humor is important to us as we know that humor helps us deal with what we find hopeless.

 

 

5. Charge daily rent on ALL unoccupied seats in the the House of Reps. and Senate.

6. Americans should buy only American made Pork Barrels

Note: Chinese made Pork Barrels do not exist at Walmart

7. Sell land and all rights to the Berring Strait Bridge/Tunnel to the Russians.                                               After all they gave us a good deal when we bought Alaska from them.

We should insist that there be a McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse  on the Alaskan side.

Panda Lady

 

 

 

* Recurrent awakenings from sleep requiring eating to fall back asleep.

Read here for more information on sleep-eating disorder: The site has information on all the sleep disorders.

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-related-eating-disorders?ecd=wnl_day_122208

Panda picked the subject of sleep eating disorders as we seek quality sleep to ensure quality lifestyle.  Many resolve to lose weight as we start the new year but sleep eating disorders may interferr with that goal.

Panda Lady

 P.S.  This just in Jan. 3 from Lifescript.  Perhaps there is additional cause to seek quality sleep.  Knowledge provides power–the power to control the quality of our last years on earth. 

“A new Harris Poll finds  Babyboomers online are beginning to look more like the population of the country. Although senior citizens age 65 and older still lag, they are catching up and the difference is not so dramatic”, says  Senior Journal.com.  They go on to explain that we seniors are 16% of the population  but only 10% of the on line users.   Considering that at the top of age scale 80-100 most will never start to use the computer because of impairment and thus the elderly  participation  on the net is at a maximum level.  But we are catching up and probably have maxed out as 18 million of us seniors were using the net in 1997 but now a whopping 184 million adults are computers users.

The time to learn most things is 10 years ago
-Mignon McLaughlin

I came on line in 2004 so you see I was a little slow getting here.  I also was a little slow grasping all there wass to learn  often excusing myself as “computer illiterate” or that I did not speak “computer–eeze”.  Because many of us are still quite new to the cyber age, I thought some resources might be good for those new to the net and those who have been learning  and struggling for some time. 

LOCAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

If you are a hands on person, you will be learning as you go.  When we get stuck we just ask our grandchildren. Sometimes we find classes at the Senior Citizens Center, community colleges/universities, work on the job training, neighbors/friends, church or  other organizations offering classes. Ford Motor company in our community offered many kinds of classes for enriched lifestyle so computers classes were included as an option.  You might be familiar with Elderhostel who provide learning adventures for those over 55. You might find computers on the list of adventures at your local colleges or investigate their site at: http://www.elderhostel.org/about/default.asp.  SeniorNet also has learning centers thru out the country.  On the menu check out the over 200 choices for your area learning centers.

ON LINE LEARNING

You can worK with AARP.org and their 7  basic web lessons. 

Another self help site is: http://ricshe8.freehostia.com/seniors/computing2.html which was developed by college professor, Rick Sheridan. Check out his  many resources.

While looking around in Wired Seniors aka Senior Search, I found a lady who has on line classes which she sends each month.  She also sells how to books, she has created. I have yet to receive my first lesson so I will update this information when I get into the lessons. 

Here is a Series of books for seniors using the internet located at: http://www.visualsteps.com/. These are great for the visual learner as they provide a screen shot and illustration for step by step instructions..

Internet for Beginners by About.com has 39 areas of learning offered right on line. Click on any of the subjects to learn more.

Panda Lady suggests books for Finding your way on the Internet

Seniors Learning about the Internet

Learning Made Easy

Panda picked learning the computer as today’s subject because we never stop learning.  There is always another new skill, a new method, computer terms, a shortcut etc. Whether you seek advice on skype or yahoo from friends, read books or attend classes we seniors can be successful in our quest for learning about the computer. With these skills we have access to all the computer can  add to our lifestyle.

Mary Hofstetter AKA The Panda Lady

When we retired we left behind structure, accountability to a boss, feeling useful, being around people, having extra money for travel and adventure. On a fixed income we might begin to feel like we have days without purpose, no one cares about us, we can’t afford to do things. So step out of the comfort zone and reach out to help others while you help yourself.

Volunteers are necessary to make most programs function on a budget. You can be involved locally, nationally, or globally

CONSIDERATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Know Your Passion

What have you always wanted to do? Where would you like to be? If you love a quiet place and like memories you might choose your local museum. A passion for reading might mean you would want to read to those who can’t or who are learning. Always wanted to learn about trees, or wildflowers, contact your local park system and ask what you can do so that you can be outside, learn from the naturalist, so you can share with others. If you like action you might want to be a coach, or join the CB club who assists during times of disaster.You love children or older persons, the disabled, autions, walking etc. Go whereyou wanta go and be where you wanta to be.

Limitations

Where can you go, how long can you be away , travel restrictions, health problems, mobility and other issues will determine your volunteer options.You will need to consider financial obligations and your personal situation including spouse and family.

Skills and Abilities

Your volunteer options do not need to be limited to what you already know or have done for a life occupation. Consider what gifts you have, caring/sharing, compassion, willingness to learn new skills,teaching, giving of time or money. In this area you may be surprized that as you work in a volunteer situation you will be doing what you had no prior experience with, nor the knowledge to do it. Your willilngness to expand your skills and abililties will be the key to your success. All the attributes you had as a worker can be applied to your volunteer time: ie puncuality, following directions, trusted, community minded, cheerful etc.

Time Restraints

Consider your obligations and restrictions before you sign up. Perhaps you are a grump.

before 10:00 or like to go to bed early. Snowbirds will not be volunteering in the winter months. They need volunteers for 4 hours but you need to rest every two hours.

Benefits of Voluneering

-Meet new people

-schedule and structure

-Feel appreciated for your skills and time

-travel

-new experiences

-dreams fullfilled ( I always wanted to)

-contribution to your community

-live in position saves home expenses

What considerations did you have to work through before doing volunteer work?

Panda picked Volunteerism as a way of staying active and productive

Happy,  healthy feet are as valuable as a well tuned car getting good mileage.  If you wish to be an active person on the go without the nagging “My feet hurt”, then maybe these ideas will work for you.

>>Wear flip flops instead of going barefoot.  You can avoid ringworm, warts, athlete’s foot, and other icky stuff.

>>Turn on the lights or have a flashlight handy when you get up in the middle of the night.  Who needs a broken toe when you have great plans for tomorrow.

>>Summer routine should include sunscreen.  ouchie feet and ankles might slow you down.

>>Drink plenty of water.  Coffee and tea don’t count.  We need to keep hydrated to keep swelling down.

>>Flex your ankles, wiggle your toes, stretch calves to enhance blood flow

>>Remember that nail polish might cause fungus.  Yellow toenails or the absence of toenails is not cool

>>Dry out wet sneakers and don’t wear the same shoes everyday.

>>Wear shoes according to activity. Personally I need ankle support for long  walks.

>>Spray anti-perspirant on your feet if they’re often sweaty.

For ankle stiffness do a daily exercise while you are being a couch potato.  Take your big toe and write all the letters of the alphabet. Repeat with the other foot.  Now get up and go for a nice long walk and put on some miles.

Panda picked happy healthy feet to keep you comfortable and healthy and recomends you visit Foot Care Direct for assistance with feet problems.

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