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Archive for February, 2009

Ellen DeGeneres Makes Boomer Women Proud

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

current.com

(graphic from www.current.com)

By Boomeryearbook.com

Good news for the boomer women; Ellen DeGeneres is the new face of Cover Girl. Rumors had started to circle way before the successful comedian announced officially in September on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that she’d be “the new face of Cover Girl.” She’s already started shooting commercials for them and says that the experience is a “very cool thing.”

The talented Ellen has won eleven Emmy awards throughout her career as a stand up comedian and talk show host. She hosted the 79th Academy Awards and of course, who can forget her as Dory in the cute Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo. She has indeed come a long way from winning the title of the funniest person in America in an HBO sponsored event in 1980. Her success story gives courage to the boomer women reminding us of who we are and how far we have come.

She started working with Cover Girl Cosmetics in September and her advertisements started running in January of this year. The reason why Ellen working in a beauty campaign is surprising is not because she’s not good looking, it’s just that she has very unconventional looks; and is a proud openly gay, untraditional woman. Ellen has been dating girlfriend Portia De Rossi since 2004. The couple married in 2008 when the ban on same-sex marriage in California was overturned. The woman is anything but conformist. She doesn’t dress girly and she doesn’t wear a lot of girly makeup. But her advertisements for Cover Girl are amazing and Ellen looks glam. Way to go for the boomer women!

Cover Girl has signed a contract with Ellen under which this proud boomer women will be marketing the new Cover Girl Simply Ageless foundation. The timing for the deal couldn’t be better because Ellen, while far from old, turned 51 in January of this year as did many of the boomer women. She represents the segment of women in society who want to still have fun and look good even though their age in numbers might try to indicate otherwise. Cover Girl’s pick for their new line shows the changing attitude of our country. Who ever thought that a woman who is a comedian by profession and isn’t sexually straight would ever be chosen to represent makeup for a fashionable hot brand? Call me narrow-minded, but we sure never thought something like this would happen. It has though, and we’re all the better for it. Ellen has immense appeal, as shown by the smashing success she’s had with the American Express ads and the wide viewing of her show.

Ellen will, of course, be showing clips from her photo shoots with Cover Girl on her show. The move to put someone as diverse as Ellen on the face of a campaign is a clever stroke of genius on the part of Cover Girl. It’ll send the competition scrambling to find something or someone different. But there’s no one like Ellen and she is as original as it gets. Ellen has that open “every person” easiness to her while still being different from the crowd. Cover Girl will also be able to capture the market for the boomer women thanks to this smart move.

We at Boomer Yearbook say kudos to Cover Girl for choosing Ellen.

Boomer Yearbook, a free social networking site for the baby boomers or those concerned with the elderly problems of the baby boomers generation, is based on the vision that the baby boomers want to connect and reconnect, but in our own way and on our own terms.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, fun online optical illusions and brain teasers to keep our brains sharp and help ward off senior moments, depression and Alzheimer’s, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online baby boomer social networking website can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

Tags: baby boomer generation, Elderly Problems, marketing to baby boomers, Online Optical Illusions, Psychological Articles, types of discrimination
Posted in Articles, the baby boomers generation | No Comments »

Elderly Problems: Sex in Nursing Homes

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Sex in the Golden Years

By Boomer Yearbook

Sex is an integral part of our lives and is as undeniable as any other bodily need. It is a normal, healthy human drive, and down playing its importance in nursing homes will create an unnecessary disturbance as we, the baby boomer generation start residing there.

First and most importantly, psychological articles and research reveal that most elderly people exhibit a diminished sex drive due to common elderly problems but our sex drive does not completely disappear. Therefore, sex in nursing homes is an issue that needs to be discussed and properly addressed. One thing is certain. The baby boomer generation and our beliefs about sexual freedom and civil rights will surely bring about a change in many current “restrictive” aspects of the nursing home environment which will undoubtedly include sexual activity.

Psychological articles report that younger people are uncomfortable with the older generation engaging in intimate acts. They argue it’s hard for them to imagine their parents having sex, let alone their grandparents (or anyone of an older age). It is therefore important that concerned agencies explain to nurses and staff the importance of sexuality for older adults, identifying and attempting to eliminate barriers of any elderly problems to fulfill sexual desires and devising strategies to assist the residents. Sometimes rearranging the furniture or arranging the bed for someone who requires physical therapy is all that is required.

Psychological articles frequently remind us that our senior years can be very lonely and intimacy and companionship can go a long way in alleviating the elderly problem of these negative emotional states. Being a part of the baby boomer generation, sexuality means more to us than just its physical aspect, as it is also a great way to ease loneliness and depression. Barring elderly nursing home residents from this normal part of life will almost guaranteedly cause difficulties for the nursing home administration, and additional elderly problems for the populace. Moreover, if sexual interest is present in the elderly nursing home population and psychological articles tell us it is, it will continue to manifest regardless of any elderly problems such as unavailability of a suitable partner, lack of privacy or poor health.

In many psychological articles, Viagra is touted as a miracle medication as it assists sexuality by allowing the baby boomer generation to overcome elderly problems and be able to participate in sex. However, this oral administration of virility amongst aging boomers and booming senior men is an increasing concern for the administration of nursing homes as it allows more residents to engage in sexual behaviors. On the positive side, psychological articles have reported that Viagra has forced nursing home administrators to address this issue and rethink their ignorant or provincial attitudes towards elderly sex.

It is important to take note that some of the nursing home administrators and family members concerns regarding elderly residents’ sexuality are valid and should not be overlooked. For instance, adult children of nursing home residents and other family members may worry about the health of their elderly loved one if active sexuality is pursued, and how these new relationships might take a toll on their parents’ well being. It is therefore imperative that administrators ensure that all elderly residents’ behaviors are safe and do not in any way compromise health. And then there is the emotional issue wherein the elderly resident’s children might fear that the bonds of a new sexual relationship might be strong enough to lead to exploitation or the adult child’s taking a back seat in importance compared to the elders new intimate partner.

In addition to the aforementioned elderly problems, there are other safety measures that need to be addressed. For instance, residents need to be properly educated about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and some might even need extensive physical therapy to achieve coitus. However, the most complicated situations arise due to residents suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as their inappropriate sexual behavior creates havoc for themselves, their potential partners, their family members and nursing home staff.
Religion and beliefs play an important role in this situation as well. There are some nursing homes which are run by religious groups that might oppose the baby boomer generation mindset of liberal sexuality. The staff members view their work as a religious motivation and thus would view this issue from the perspective of their religious beliefs and ethical teachings.

Nursing homes administration and staff need to adjust their attitude towards elderly sex and recognize residents as consenting adults who have the right, within reason, to do what they want to do. The family, too, should encourage their elderly loved ones to enjoy life despite their elderly problems.
We at Boomer Yearbook recognizing that nursing home sex can be a sensitive subject. We welcome your thoughts and opinions.

Boomer Yearbook, a free social networking site for the baby boomers or those concerned with the elderly problems of the baby boomers generation, is based on the vision that the baby boomers want to connect and reconnect, but in our own way and on our own terms.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, fun online optical illusions and brain teasers to help ward off senior moments, depression and Alzheimer’s, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online baby boomer social networking website can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness.

Tags: baby boomer generation, Elderly Problems, marketing to baby boomers, Online Optical Illusions, Psychological Articles, types of discrimination
Posted in Elderly Problems, Sex Elderly Problems | No Comments »

Our Brains: Use It or Lose It

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Rotating Snake by Akiyoshi Kitaoka

Elderly Problems Alert

By Boomeryearbook.com

The brain is one of our most important organs; and just as the rest of the body requires exercise to stay healthy and active, so does the brain. Listen up boomers! According to psychological articles and research, online optical illusions and brain teasers such as those presented in Boomer Yearbook, are fun, proven ways to help ward off loss of memory, depression, and dementias! Let’s stop complaining about senior moments and do what psychological articles and research tell us we can to keep our brains active and alive.

An optical or visual illusion is an image or an illustration that tricks the brain’s ability to identify between the real and the imaginary. It is a play upon the brain which sometimes leads it to see things that are not present or be unable to see what is present.

Optical illusions fall into 2 categories: physiological and cognitive. A physiological illusion is one that is induced by stimulants like light, color and movement, whereas a cognitive illusion refers to those tricks played on the mind by the accidental interference of the eyes with the brain. Optical illusions can occur either naturally or by an external, deliberate stimulus. In case of the latter, certain areas of the brain that work on assumptions are targeted and led to believe and perceive what is not true.

Brain teasers, on the other hand, are challenges posed to the brain to make it think in a way that is different from its usual way of perception. These ask for the use of:

• Categorization
• Reasoning
• Lateral thinking
• Logic
• Play on words and numbers
•

According to a review of psychological articles by a team at Boomer Yearbook, the website for baby boomers, providing stimulating exercises to the brain leads to not only an improvement in memory but also assists in effectively managing stress, and can enhance motor functions such as speed and hand eye coordination.

Psychological articles and research stress that our brains need new levels of stimulation to keep alive and active; and that online optical illusions and brain teasers can help build new networks of neural cells, ward off the elderly problems of depression, and even positively impact the decrease in Alzheimer’s related memory impairments.

Some activities that can help keep the aging boomers out of the way of certain elderly problems are as follows:

1. Specially designed memory games can be a great benefit for memory improvement, as these games act on particular areas of the brain that are in charge of storage and retrieval of information.
2. Puzzles force the brain into thinking, processing and learning. They also make for great fun activities to be enjoyed with family and friends. Common examples are Scrabble and crosswords.
3. Training our brains to think and process information in new ways is extremely important to keep it from “rusting”. Keeping this important organ fit through exercise is even more necessary than exercising the rest of the body. Encouraging it to stay alert through puzzles and online optical illusions and brain teasers can assist in preventing a lot of elderly problems such as depression, anxiety, and of course, Alzheimer.
4. Games such as Risk which makes one form complex strategies in order to play are amazingly beneficial in exercising our grey matter.
5. Riddles are an ancient and fun way of stimulating the brain into ways of thinking in and out of the box.

Whatever method you choose, remember that we baby boomers more than ever need to work on our bodies and minds in order to keep healthy. Failure or neglect in exercising our brains could lead to some serious health issues.

So stop complaining about senior moments, and get involved with Boomer Yearbook’s Games online optical illusions, and brain teasers. Your brain will thank you.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, brain games and online optical illusions, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Heart Attack Symptoms Differ In Women!

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

womenswellnessforlife

A Baby Boomer Women Alert

By Boomeryearbook.com

Traditionally, when we think of a heart attack we think of crushing pain in the chest that seems to radiate down the left arm. While these may be the classic symptoms for men, they are not always the symptoms of a woman’s heart attack. It is a good idea for baby boomer women and women of all ages to be aware of the common symptoms that psychological articles and research tell us women typically experience. Knowing the symptoms is vital as heart disease seems to be something more and more echo boomer women and baby boomer and elderly women are experiencing. It is imperative that baby boomer women become aware of the symptoms and teach the young women in their lives what symptoms to look for as more young women are experiencing heart attacks due to poor diet and stress, and young women should be aware of the symptoms in order to assist their elderly family members that may, without realizing it, be having a heart attack.

It is a scary, but unfortunately not uncommon fact that even emergency workers may not realize a woman is having a heart attack. Typically, a flashing light ambulance is not sent when a woman complains of nausea. Neither is priority given to women who are experiencing nausea when they visit the emergency room triage. To make matters worse, according to the Mansfield News Journal, nearly 43 percent of women never have chest pain before a heart attack! Generally, women are more likely to experience shortness of breath along with the nausea and maybe something that feels more like heartburn. They may also experience pain in the upper back between the shoulder blades or in the abdomen.

So, baby boomer women, be on the lookout for any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. After all, you know your body better than anyone else. If you experience the classic symptoms of a heart attack that men typically experience, by all means, get to the emergency room. If you experience unusual symptoms like the ones described above you also need to get to the emergency room quickly. Let the emergency personal know that you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, especially if you have a history of heart problems or heart disease in your family. Make sure that they know how important it is not to dismiss it as something less minor.

At Boomer Yearbook we know it is much better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to our lives!

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online Optical Illusions and brain teasers to ward off senior moments, depression, and dementias, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online baby boomer social network website can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

Tags: baby boomer generation, Elderly Problems, marketing to baby boomers, Online Optical Illusions, Psychological Articles, types of discrimination
Posted in Baby Boomers Guide to Medical and Mental Health, Elderly Problems | No Comments »

Do Boomers need Viagara?

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Sexual Elderly Problems

Elderly Problems: By Boomeryearbook

Regardless of age, individuals should have the right to pursue a full high quality life of their own choosing. Yet oftentimes many aging boomers falsely believe that aging will not permit the indulgence of formerly loved practices. Sexuality is on the top of this list. In today’s world sex is mostly associated with beauty and youth and the sexual needs of the aging baby boomers generation and booming seniors can be easily ignored or even ridiculed. Additionally diseases such as heart problems, arthritis and the side effects of medication can greatly hamper the ability for male aging boomers to enjoy and pursue their sexuality. But it is the human instinct to think about sex and it is absolutely normal to be interested in sex during the aging boomer years and throughout the lifespan. The statistics from a meta analysis of numerous psychological articles on the topic depicts that 87% of men and 89% of women in a marital relationship within the age group of 60 to 64 are sexually active. The percentage declines above the ages of 65; still figures show that 29% of men and 25% of women are still sexually active at the age of 80.

Due to the physiological changes in the body, some male retirement boomers have to rely on supplemental enhancements in order to achieve maximum sexual pleasure. The most famous of these treatments is Viagra. Viagra is considered to be a relatively safe medication if properly administered and if the male limits alcohol consumption, and psychological articles have overwhelming informed us that it is effective in helping men with the elderly problem of erectile dysfunction. (i.e., ED)

However please listen up boomer men. Sex is not all about having intercourse! What many baby boomer women want males to understand is that intercourse is just part of the experience called sex; and there are many things boomers with elderly problems related to sex can try, without the help of Viagra, to keep a spark in a relationship. The following are some simple and simply wonderful tips that can really spice up the sexual experience.

1. There are at least 101 positions of intimacy, so try different positions.

2. Have sex at different times of the day will help prevent sex from becoming a boring routine. Many men enjoy having morning sex and many baby boomer women will be happy to comply; but don’t limit sexual activity to any one constant time of day.

3. Spending time on foreplay can give maximum stimulation; foreplay will take you to new heights of ecstasy.

4. Overall a healthy life style and diet is the key to enjoying a full life. Regular exercise and adding plenty of liquids to your daily routine will do the trick. Limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking cigarettes is highly recommended.

5. Be thoughtful out of the bedroom. By paying attention to your partner, your partner will want to reciprocate.

The majority of psychological articles conclude that a combination of Viagra and a healthy lifestyle can help you overcome many cases of erectile dysfunction due to elderly problems many, if not most, retirement boomers face as a result of ageing and illness.

We at Boomer Yearbook believe that boomers are going to continue to figure out ways to keep ourselves sexually fulfilled. We’d love to hear what you think.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online Optical Illusions and brain teasers to ward off senior moments, depression, and dementias, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Crafts for the Boomers

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

Crafts: A great boomer hobby

By Boomeryearbook.com

Crafts, or hand making a decorative or practical object, is a hobby that seems to be synonymous with children and elderly people; however, there is more to crafts for the elderly than paper chains, dolls and paints. Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy papier-mâché, clay and markers too, but one should not limit crafts to such activities alone and understand that crafts for the aging baby boomers generation can help relieve many elderly problems such as boredom and stress and should be more complex.

One way to keep aging boomers minds and hands feeling useful and alive is to encourage the aging baby boomers generation to continue any hobby or profession they had when then were younger. Baby boomers who were jewelers or tailors should continue making jewelry or clothes. An interesting and enjoyable choice for baby boomer men is clock making, building birdhouses, or making toys of the workshop craft variety. They can also consider miniature models, sculpture and science crafts.

Not surprisingly, crafts are more popular amongst baby boomer women. A lot of our baby boomer women are adept at knitting, crocheting and quilting, which make great craft activities. Sewing, and fine needle work is another craft that many baby boomer women have perfected and should continue as a hobby. Baby boomer women can also use their skills at these crafts to raise money for charity, or start small businesses of their own.

Another popular choice in crafts for the aging baby boomers generation is painting. Many baby boomer men and baby boomer women paint in oils and water colors, and why shouldn’t crafts for the aging boomers have arts incorporated in it? Baby boomers can join memoir-writing workshops and can either share them with grandchildren or consider getting them published through small publishing companies.

Crafts do not have to be limited to the common perception we have of them and the following activities can be choices for crafts for the elderly and baby boomers generation:

• Making handmade pictures, greeting cards, posters, wall hangings
• Ceramics
• Cooking
• Gardening
• Making gift baskets
• Origami
• Beading
• Candle and Soap making
• Woodworking
• Fresh water aquariums
• Collecting rocks, gems, minerals
• Cooking
• Flower Arranging
• Pottery

Interests vary with individuals and the baby boomers should choose craft activities that appeal to their creativity and means of expression. Though some baby boomers may have physical disabilities that inhibit them from some of the more complex craft ideas, the main message we at Boomer Yearbook are trying to get across is that the baby boomers should continue to do something they enjoyed when they were younger, pursued as a profession, or just simply do whatever they find enjoyable.
We at Boomer Yearbook would love to hear your thoughts and see pictures of your crafts.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online optical illusions and brain teasers to help ward off depression, senior moments, Alzheimer’s or dementia, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online baby boomer social networking website can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. It’s our time to reconnect for fun and profit.

Aromatherapy: Benefits and Cautions

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

The Truth About Aromatherapy

By Boomeryearbook.com

Aromatherapy and Elderly Problems

Aromatherapy can be an attractive notion for the boomer generation because of its holistic approach in treating some of the elderly problems from which the boomer generation suffers. However while appealing, aromatherapy is not a science.

Psychological articles and research define aromatherapy as the use of plant oils to provide physical and psychological benefits; ostensibly using plants known for their aromatic properties for therapeutic purposes. Although the actual term aromatherapy originates in the 20th century, the actual practice of aromatherapy dates back thousands of years. The Chinese appear to be the earliest practitioners of aromatherapy, and psychological articles indicate that in later years, the Egyptians began to experiment and utilize aromatic plants for curative and restorative objectives.

The boomer generation will remember a time when aromatherapy was hailed as the cure for almost any illness. The question is- how far was this hype justified? Psychological articles have asked numerous “experts” about their opinions on the physical curative effects of aromatherapy and most researchers are cited as replying in the negative. Thus the psychological articles inferred that while aromatherapy does not have any physical curative power, it can in fact help in the psychological realm through the stimulative or calming emotional impact of particular aromatic plant oil.

According to the experts reviewed in psychological articles, while aromatherapy is not necessarily a cure for any illness, it can in fact be an excellent compliment as it elevates or calms mood and can emotionally enhance almost any medical procedure.
One of the greatest advantages of aromatherapy, and one that might help the boomer generation with some of the elderly problems we face, is the fact that it has been found to be beneficial in cases of stress, depression and fatigue. Thus while aromatherapy is not without its benefits, it cannot be thought of as a medical science replacement.

One of the things the boomer generation must be wary of as far as aromatherapy is concerned, is that there is a lot of online misinformation. If used incorrectly, the aromatic essential oils can prove to be quite dangerous. As in many things, it is imperative to become informed either through well reviewed psychological articles and research or if you are particularly interested, a great way to learn more about the subject is by taking a good aromatherapy class. A class (from a credible institution) can easily separate the facts from the fiction and help filter the misinformation from the truth. Many products claiming to be aromatherapy are actually not, and these substances can prove dangerous and even deadly. A good course will help you recognize which oils are toxic and choose the correct essential oils for various emotional benefits. Psychological articles have agreed that aromatherapy can help with stress, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain. However, as in so many self-help situations, please be informed, as certain oils can have seriously negative effects, and some oils must never be used by children or the elderly.

Though not credited as a science there are still examples of aromatherapy in the NHS:

• 70% of cancer centers offer aromatherapy as care for cancer patients using appropriate massages such as Hammersmith, Royal Marsden and Charing Cross
• One cancer centre (Neil Cliffe) offers an inclusive support for aromatherapy services providing information about aromatherapy to the patients for home use.
• Aromatherapy is an age old practice for midwives and some modern day obstetricians are using aromatherapy treatments during labor and find that it effectively reduces the negative emotions of fear and anxiety.
• Aromatherapy plays a role in many other environments such as -working with the deaf, patients suffering from autism, addictions to drugs and alcohol, and various allergy related problems.
• Aromatherapy has also been shown to help induce emotional relaxation or mood elevation (depending on the aromatic oil used) in the elderly and emotionally disturbed.

Though aromatherapy may seem to offer attractive ‘cures’ to some of the elderly problems that our baby boomer generation may face, it is essential to understand that it has its limitations as a science and is mostly used as a supplement to medicine. We at Boomer Yearbook urge the boomer generation to be cautious in using this treatment and to consult an expert.
Boomer Yearbook, a free social networking site for the baby boomers or those concerned with the elderly problems of the baby boomers generation, is based on the vision that the baby boomers want to connect and reconnect, but in our own way and on our own terms.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online optical illusions that may help to ward off senior moments, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Driving: An Aging Baby Boomers Alert

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Elderly Problems: Hazards of Elderly Driving

Elderly Problems: Driving

By Boomeryearbook.com

Remember a time when most of us couldn’t wait to be old enough to drive? Well today, due to increases in the life expectancy of our aging population, there are more elderly drivers on the road than ever before and psychological articles and research experts speculate whether there comes a time when one becomes too old to drive. In fact, this has become a series elderly problem

As psychological articles and research has proven, our population is aging; the average life expectancy of a citizen has reached a record high of 77.6 years, and in the year 2009 some of the baby boomers generation will have reached the age of 65. As the baby boomers generation reach their golden years and in light of the statistics for elderly car accidents, we at Boomer Yearbook, the website for baby boomers attempt to assist people in trying to understand the problems of elderly driving in an aging baby boomers generation.

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP) everyone ages differently, and growing old does not always mean that a person is going to become a safety hazard on the road. However, because of declining age related physical abilities and elderly problems the aging baby boomers generation must recognize that our driving can become a safety risk to ourselves and others. Here are some reasons why:

Weakening eyesight:
Typically vision declines with age which can seriously affect the aging baby boomers ability to judge the speed of oncoming traffic. Additionally night vision can be a serious elderly problem as our aging boomers eyes lose the ability to process light. By the age of 60, psychological articles and research reveal that we need three times the amount of light to drive safely after nightfall than we did when we were in our 20s. Worsening the situation is that psychological articles have also reported that the aging baby boomers eyes become increasingly sensitive to bright light and glare which diminishes the aging boomer from being able to clearly read signs and road markings. If this is an elderly problem that you as an aging baby boomer face, we strongly encourage you to avoid driving at night and to get regular eye check-ups.

Hearing loss

According to psychological article experts, 30% of drivers over the age of 65 are hearing impaired. Hearing is more important to driving than we realize as it can help warn a driver against danger signals such as sirens, horns, screeching tires or the bell of a child’s bicycle. A hearing test can determine any hearing problems that might exist. We urge all baby boomers to get a baseline hearing test at age 60 and to have yearly checkups afterwards.

Medication

As the baby boomers generation ages they will often need to take medications. Many medications can cause drowsiness and impair reaction times, increasing the risk of hazardous driving. A doctor should be consulted on whether it is safe to drive when taking the prescribed medication.

Flexibility

Oftentimes flexibility decreases with age, adding to the elderly problem of increasing driver reaction time. A full range of motions are required on the road which might be difficult for those of the baby boomers generation suffering from the chronic elderly problems of rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.

Exhaustion

Aging can bring with it lack of sleep and daytime drowsiness which is particularly common amongst the elderly problems aging boomers face. Falling asleep at the wheel or sheer exhaustion leading to loss of attention to driving signals is a major concern. We urge baby boomers to be aware of signs of exhaustion while driving and the baby boomers generation is advised to pull off the road to a safe, convenient place at the first signs of drowsiness or fatigue.

Dementia and brain impairment

Dementia or brain impairment can make driving very dangerous. It can lead to extremely delayed reaction times and confusion, and decreased tolerance to stressful driving conditions. If mental illness is one of the problems the aging boomer is facing, it is a lot safer to let someone else do the driving.
If you are concerned about an aging boomer’s driving, closely monitor their driving and if need be, encourage them to take a refresher course on driving or on giving up their license altogether. We at Boomer Yearbook are concerned with everyone’s safety and attempt to help you understand how elderly problems of the baby boomers generation can negatively impact our ability to drive safely and pose a risk to ourselves and others.

That’s our opinion at Boomer Yearbook. What do you think?

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online optical illusions and brain teasers to help ward off senior moments, Alzheimer’s and dementia, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Elderly Problems: Natural Treatments for Constipation

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Elderly Problems: Healthy Foods to Relieve Constipation

By Boomeryearbook.com

While constipation has troubled all of us at some point or another, to the aging baby boomers generation, it might seem like a chronic problem. Though there are variable causes, most commonly it is due to poor life style choices such as unhealthy eating habits, inadequate exercise, not getting enough fiber and not drinking enough water.

There are a number of natural remedies that the baby boomers generation should consider, the key ones being:

Exercise

Constipation is caused mostly by lack of physical activity, one of the elderly problems that the baby boomers generation has to face as we age. Any type of regular exercise, especially walking, is a great natural remedy for constipation. Exercise keeps the heart in shape which has the additional benefit of stimulating the bowels as movement encourages the passage of food through the intestine.

Eating right

An all natural food diet is a recommended life style choice for the aging baby boomers generation. It’s a matter of digestibility. If your intake consists of natural food products then your body will know how to digest it. Processed food and refined sugars and chemicals are hard for your body to digest, and can cause constipation. Many processed food ingredients just gets stored as waste and weakens the overall system. We boomers should know this by now but it bears repeating. Stick to the natural and stay away from processed.

Water

The all rounder for over all good health; Water is also one of the best cures for constipation. 8 glasses a day is highly recommended.
Fiber
One of the most effective remedies that the aging baby boomers generation can adopt is to increase fiber intake. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and having them as juices is especially effective because they become easily absorbable. Some of the best fiber providers, and also great natural remedies for constipation are:

• prunes
• dried beans
• raisins
• popcorn
• figs
• pears
• oatmeal
• nuts

Herbal remedies

The best cures for constipation are listed above, however if additional help is needed, there are herbal remedies that have laxative properties and are much better than the harsh laxatives that are found in stores. Amongst these are aloe juice, senna, cascara sagrada, medicinal rhubarb, root of dandelion and plaintain seeds. As with everything, overuse can be harmful so be cautious and follow proper directions.

Try to de- stress

It has been shown that relieving tension is a remedy for constipation. Relaxation loosens the bowels so do whatever helps calm you down; books, music, or yoga.

Medication

Because of the elderly problems they face most of the aging baby boomers generation is on some sort of medication. Many medications can aggravate and even cause constipation. Antacids for example, contain calcium or aluminum which can cause constipation. Antihistamines and medication for Parkinson’s can also be a cause for constipation amongst elderly patients. Diuretics are widely known to cause constipation as are the following:

• calcium supplements,
• narcotics,
• phenothazines,
• tricyclic antidepressant medications
• sedatives

We at Boomer Yearbook are aware that constipation can be a chronic problem amongst our aging retirement baby boomers generation. These natural remedies should go a long ways towards eliminating (no pun intended) this elderly problem.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online optical illusions and brain teasers to help ward off senior moments, Alzheimer’s and dementias, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

Treating the Boomer Pet for Arthritis

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Elderly Problems in Dogs

Elderly Problems in Dogs

By Boomeryearbook.com

Arthritis is one of the elderly problems that a lot of our retirement boomers are familiar with. However, arthritis isn’t restricted to our species alone; our pets suffer from it to.

Like us, our pets are living a lot longer, and because of their extended life span there are more pet related elderly problems. Psychological articles and research have reported that if they live long enough, all mammals develop arthritis. However, because of the multiple ways that symptoms can be shown, a lot of the retirement boomers may not even be aware of their pet’s condition. However the situation can be easily attended to by monitoring pets carefully and getting regular vet checkups.
Basically arthritis is a chronic, slow progressing disease that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in your pet’s body. As that occurs, bones begin to rub against one another resulting in pain and discomfort. There are numerous causes for arthritis, the most common being: genetic malformation of bone structure, trauma or infection to joint surfaces, torn supporting ligaments or tendons, poor nutrition, being over weight and auto-immune conditions.
Treatments vary, but here is a list of possibilities that our retirement boomers can consider:

The Holistic Approach

The holistic approach is simple- take care of the overall health of your pet, and not just the arthritis. Exercise is a must and do not let your pet become overweight. A fat pet is the owner’s, not the pet’s fault.

Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs stop pain by inhibiting inflammation in the joints. However, retirement boomers should make sure that their pet is properly monitored by a veterinarian because this drug has some serious side-effects such as:
• kidney related diseases
• gastric ulceration, and
• bleeding.

Disease Modifying Osteoarthritic Agents:
DMOAAs are an attempt by doctors to use added drugs which are natural and help in curing or relieving symptoms of arthritis. They have two categories called Nutraceuticals and Chondroprotectants. So far DMOAAs have not been found to have any side effects and increased research is showing that they are as effective as NSAIDs. Also when used in combination with NSAIDs they decrease the amount of NSAIDs required to relieve pain. They basically work by rebuilding cartilage, providing vital nutrients and decreasing inflammation which causes discomfort to our pets.

Glucosamine Sulfate & Glucosamine HCL

Dietary supplements are often recommended for pet related arthritis treatments, and we suggest retirement boomers consider this an option. The substance glucosamine whose common forms are mentioned above, are becoming quite popular amongst pet owners and veterinarians. Basically glucosamine is a type of amino sugar that is involved in the production of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, substances that make up cartilage and inhibit the production of enzymes that degrade them. These compounds reduce the inflammation of joints, regenerate cartilage, and gradually repair the damage caused on cartilage from trauma or infection. Glucosamine is available in capsule form but research shows the liquid form to be much more effective as it is easily absorbed and takes less time to relieve pain than pills. The most popular brand is Synflex Glucosamine, and is a safe and effective choice for your pet.

Boomer Yearbook understands that retirement boomers are concerned pet owners. Come sign up now for free weeklly updates.

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner provides free psychological articles on baby boomer relevant topics such as dream analysis, coaching, self-help, baby boomer relevant forums, online optical illusions and brain teasers to keep our brains active and possibly ward off dementias, Alzheimer’s and senior moments, the latest news on baby boomers cosmetic enhancements and weekly updates on the baby boomers generation mental and medical wellness.

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Archive for February, 2009

Ellen DeGeneres Makes Boomer Women Proud

Crafts for the Boomers

Elderly Problems: Natural Treatments for Constipation

Treating the Boomer Pet for Arthritis

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