Aging Well: Are You the Next Six Million Dollar Men or Bionic Women?

In the 1970s, Americans were introduced to two new superheroes-- the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman. Beginning with ABC's "The Six Million Dollar Man" and spinning off "The Bionic Woman," there two series chronicled the lives of a former astronaut and his romantic interest, who after receiving bionic implants, became operatives for a fictional government known as the Office of Scientific Intelligence.

While the Bionic Man, played by Lee Majors, had bionic enhancements that included telescopic vision, his female counterpart was given amplified hearing and super-human strength in one arm and both legs. The story behind the scenes tells quite a different tale however. The actress who gave life to the Bionic Woman, Lindsay Wagner, was blessed with an enhanced vision from an early age. It was a vision that gave her the acute perception and understanding that, by making the right lifestyle choices one can accomplish exceptional achievements.


"I had a serious case of ulcers, gallbladder problems and was in need of surgery when I was just 19," says Wagner, who is now 64 years in age. This experience opened her eyes to the world of healthy living. "I approach life from a different viewpoint."

Today, with four marriages behind her, the mother of two boys says that when not conducting seminars and worships or teaching acting and directing classes at San Bernardino Valley College, she enjoys spending time amid the nature of her mountain home.

Wagner often speaks about the subject of aging. "I really don't see it as getting older as much as I see it as shifting our perspective - the way in which we see and perceive and address life," she says. "As a culture, baby boomers especially need to look at their perspective when it comes to aging Today so many people are desperately trying to hold on to who they were and how the world was. That is a losing proposition. Everything changes, whether we like it or not. If we try to rigidly hold on to a perspective that does not accept change and our own evolution into the different stages of our lives, we will never be able to accept who we are, what getting older is about, and how we can remain vital. I don't think of aging as getting older but rather growing older."

Wagner is an adamant believer that one must never accept the concept that their value has been diminished or is gone just because of their age. Truth be told, baby boomers are in a unique position to take the pendulum, that over the past 40 years has swung to the belief that vitality can only be found in young, and change the perception. Just think, an entire generation of Six Million Dollar Men and Bionic Women.

Choosing a Healthy Breakfast Cereal

Diet advice is everywhere and bold claims like “reduced sugar” or “all natural” catch your eye on food packages everywhere. However, before you take hold of a box of that "New and Improved" breakfast cereal, take a look at these tips to help you pick a healthy cereal for you.

Experts from The American Dietetic Association reviewed the leading cereals, including these reduced sugar versions, only to discover that the calorie amount was equal to the regular high-sugar variety. In fact the only one that had somewhat fewer calories was General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch—and it only dropped by 10 calories in each serving.

"How can this be?!"

Well, the manufacturers replaced the sugar with other forms of refined carbohydrates. So the manufacturers are legal in their marketing of “reduced sugar”, but the calorie amount is virtually the same. Check out the nutrition labels the next time you are in the grocery store. 

So place the box back on the shelf as quickly as you grabbed it, and select a breakfast cereal based on the following Healthy Now and Later tips:

• For a fiber-rich cereal reach for oatmeal, Cheerios, Wheaties, shredded wheat, raisin bran or Kashi.
• Add sweetness with fruit, honey, or agave nectar. Give sliced bananas, frozen blueberries, or fresh strawberries a try.
• Top it all off with some low-fat milk, soymilk, or almond milk. I’ve even added Greek yogurt to create a parfait-like treat. 
• If you or your loved ones are screaming for the sweeter stuff, first try to go half-and-half. For example, half chocolate puffs mixed with half Cheerios. The amount of sugar and flavorings is more than ample to sweeten the contents in the entire bowl. 

Above all, ignore those catchy claims on the front of the box. Go straight to the nutrition facts label. Here's what to look for:

• Remember the "Rule of Fives": Choose cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving, and less than 5 grams of sugar.
• Look for each serving to contain at least 3 grams of protein.
• Read the ingredients list. Avoid cereals that list hydrogenated oils, artificial dyes or colors, and chemical preservatives.

Resources

Schwartz, M., Vartianian, L., Wharton, C., Brownell, K. (2008). Examining the nutritional quality of breakfast cereals marketed to children. Journal of The American Dietetics Association. 108(4), 702-705. 

Phone Books vs More Kitchen Space

What’s one thing you'll never see your grandkids or kids use...a phone book! 

The phone book is right up there now with cassette players, VHS tapes, and rotary phones. So how can this information be found outside of the phone book? Here are some places for finding local information online:

· Yellowpages.com - just like the paper-based version, but better! You can quickly search for businesses or people with a click of a button. The listings also include maps, directions and even consumer reviews of businesses.

· Google Local is another great way to find contact information, maps, directions or reviews. Search tip: You can also get local information from the Google search page by including your zip code after your search term (i.e. Restaurants 90403).


Those are just a few ways. Are you ready to really impress your family and friends? Start using your cell phone to get local information when you're on the go. You don't even need a fancy smartphone, just basic text messaging capabilities. (Standard text message rates apply.)

The service is called Google SMS. SMS stands for Short Message Service which is just another name for Text Message. The service is simple - you send your query in a text message to Google and then you immediately get a text message back from Google with the answer.

· Send your text message to 466453 (GOOGLE).

· To get a business listing, enter the business name or category you want to find and include the city and state or zip code (i.e. “Grocery Chicago, IL” or “Taxi Cab 19333”).

Try to be as specific as possible with your search. For example, you probably don't want to type something as generic as, "Pizza, New York" because you'd end up getting a lot of listings and potentially tons of text messages. Fear not! If you accidentally search something too broad, simply text back the word "Stop" and the search will cease.

More Info: Click here to find out more about Google SMS, including an interactive demo. You can also learn about the other types of queries that you can do like weather, movie times, stock quotes, flight status, and more.

Tip: I suggest adding Google to your contacts list in your phone and 466453 as Google's phone number.

So say goodbye to your bulky yellow phone books and hello to endless information at your fingertips (and an extra drawer in your kitchen). Give these alternatives a try and let me know how they go! You may be opting for that free kitchen space after all.

Natural Remedies for Constipation

This French ad from 1919, although a little odd, shows just how long constipation has been something of concern. Although it hasn’t gotten much easier to speak about in public, according to the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons approximately 80% of Americans suffer from constipation in their life.

Constipation can be the result of insufficient fiber and water in your diet. Lack of exercise also complicates this condition, as does some types of prescription medication. In fact, walking at least thirty minutes a day is as good for colon function as it is protective for your heart. That’s like getting a bonus for putting in the same amount of effort.

Moreover, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Don’t just say you do – measure! Set aside a small pitcher or water container with that exact amount. The colon is actually where a majority of water is absorbed into the body, so if there’s not enough water to begin with things are most likely to get “dry” and ultimately stuck.

It may seem like a lot but if you space it over the day it will become routine and natural. Note that sugary sodas and caffeine beverages are not a substitute for the water. Things like soup or smoothies however may be.

Change your diet to colon friendly foods. Back in the day when people ate more fresh produce and worked hard in the field or factory, constipation was less of a problem. We eat too much of the wrong kind of foods and get too little of the right kind of exercise.

Both of those things need to change if you want to get rid of constipation. Eat more root vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber. That’s a big change from fast foods that tend to be loaded with flour, fat and sugar. You’d probably get more fiber by eating the wrapper than what you get from the fast food itself!

Regardless of how the constipation came about – and until you get on the right track for foods and exercise – you need relief now. Herbal remedies may be the best solution. Herbal laxatives work in one of two ways: to either add bulk or stimulate the bowels to eliminate.

As with any laxative, don’t overuse or use for too many days at a time. You can become dependent – even on herbal laxatives. Excess laxative use is treating the symptom, not the problem and can cause dehydration, potassium depletion and irritation of the muscles in the colon.

Add dried plums or prunes to your diet for their natural ability to promote healthy bowel movement. Black cherry juice may also have the same effect for some people. Dandelion root tea can bring ease to constipation as can eating marshmallows. These have substances that are soothing and lubricating to the colon.

Prevention is the best approach for constipation. Use a combination of these suggestions to get your body in better shape and you can throw the over the counter laxatives out with the trash!

Aging: What's Your "Age of Potential"?

There have been many revaluations over the last century, however none as significant as the Longevity Revolution. This past week was my birthday, which got me reflecting on that thing called, life.

In America, we are living on average 38 years longer than our great grandfathers*. That’s an entire second adult lifetime, added on to our lifespan. Yet, our culture has not yet come to let go of stereotypical slangs like, “blue hair”, “geezer” or “BOOF”. We’re still living with the old perspective of age as an arch; you’re born, you peak at midlife, then you decline into decrepitation.  This view stems from the notion that age is merely pathology.

The Longevity Revolution however, has shed light on these last three added decades, some calling it the “third act of life”. Slowly scientists, doctors, and researchers are coming to the realization that this is actually a developmental stage of life with its own significance. As different as midlife is to adolescence, and adolescence to childhood. So what about the average person? What about you?

We should all be asking, how do we make good use of three more decades of life?  How do we live the third act successfully?

As you may know one of the fundamental laws of the world is the second Law of Thermodynamics; entropy. Entropy means that everything in the world is in a constant state of decline and decay. There’s only exception to this universal law and that is the human spirit. Take instances of joy: the fall of the Berlin wall, Armstrong walking on the moon, Jackie Robinson joining the major leagues. Now take instances of sorrow: Nine-eleven, fall solders from the invasion of Iraq, the Vietnam War. Both bear stories of heroism, growth, and unity.   

Likewise, your spirit can continue to evolve with age into wholeness, authenticity, and wisdom.

So I propose a slight twist in the way we view age. Instead of thinking, “I’ve lived so many years”, look at how many years you have left to make a difference, learn a new skill, or contribute to your community. A 75-years-old female now has 16 more years to do great things. A 60-year-old male now has 24 more years to do great things. Age then turns from pathology, into potential.

What is your "Age of Potential"? You may just have an entire lifetime ahead of you to do and be great.

*Average life expectancy according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

In 2013: 86 female, 84 males

In 1900: 46 female, 48 males

Give the BOOT to "BUT"

While waiting it line at the market I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between two ladies ahead of me. What started off as a comment regarding “Ellen’s drinking habits” quickly accelerated to an all out rant about her dysfunctional living arrangement, multiple failed relationships and outdated style. After a good 3 minutes, whoever Ellen was sounded like a she could use some real help. Then something strange happened. With a sigh, one woman looked to the other and said, “Bless her heart.” The conversation then switched to Ellen’s “delightful” dinner party for her husband. It seemed strange to me that somehow those three words, “bless her heart”, could completely nullify the previous diatribe.

Then I realized that there’s actually a shorter version of the “bless her heart” contradiction wrapped up in a short, sweet, overused package of only three letters.

“…BUT…”

Somehow three letters later we are able to completely nix the latter point. I looked up the meaning of “but” and found that its intended use is actually “to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated.” 

“I want to but…”

“I should but…”

“I will but…”

How disappointing that in one swoop we can completely evade what we want, should or will do all with a word that makes us feel excused for doing the exact opposite.

With that, I urge you to give the boot to "but"!

When you’re about to say…it…stop and ask yourself if you are about to make an excuse. Watch as your entire paradigm shifts when you replace “but” with other words: or, so, and.  You can even delete it all together! Free yourself from excuses and instead give yourself a reason to act.

“I want to so…I’ll ask someone to teach me”

“I should and…I’ll make time to do it”

“I will!”

Take back the power from "but" to do what you want, should or will do and give the boot to "but"! 

Medicare Voluntary Supplemental Plans: Get the Answers from an Expert

Cynthia Bengtson has served in the employee benefits field for over 30 years as a benefits leader at ARCO/British Petroleum. She now cares for three elder relatives in two different states and works with voluntary supplemental employee benefits with Combined Worksite Solutions focusing on businesses with little or no budget for employee benefits. Its a pleasure to have have Cynthia as a friend and valuable resource. 

One question that Cynthia often gets is, 'Why take voluntary benefits into Medicare years?'

Here are Cynthia's insights:

Voluntary supplemental plans do not pay doctors or hospitals. Voluntary plans pay you cash benefits when you obtain medical treatment for an accident or illness. You can use the cash benefits however you wish—to pay for

·      deductibles and co-pays;

·      alternative or experimental medical treatment;

·      rent, mortgage, gas, groceries or other non-medical out of pocket expenses;

·      travel costs to have relatives come to take care of you or vica versa

·      and more!!

Voluntary plans are not major medical plans—they are cash flow protection plans and should be viewed as part of one’s financial protection strategy.

Voluntary plans to pay you cash in case of:

• Accidents
• Hospitalization
• Disability
• Cancer
• Critical Illness (heart attack, stroke, MS, blindness, etc)
• Certain wellness activities like mammograms, pap smears, blood screenings and more

Keeping a voluntary plan after you are eligible for Medicare could help with your cash flow and help pay for extra care needed after an injury or illness including the costs of children or relatives traveling to care for you or extra caregiver services.

Various companies offer voluntary plans today. Be aware:

·      Not all companies allow all plans to continue past age 65. Research each company’s plans before enrolling.

·      Some plans include cancer in the critical illness plans; others do not and offer a separate cancer only plan.

·      Some plans reduce benefits at age 65 or 70.

·      The cost of many plans is based upon age at issuance of the policy and the younger you are when you join the plan the lower your premium will be.

·      Traditionally, premiums are fixed at purchase and do not increase over the years—but ask the insurance company agent!

·      Voluntary plans can be obtained on an individual basis or through a Company at group rates and on a pre-tax basis if desired.

·      Some companies allow you to file claims online or over the telephone.

·      Most plans pay claims within 4-10 days. Ask each company about their performance.

·      The payment methods for individual plans vary. Make sure you understand all your options.

·      Industry experts recommend you set aside one hour’s wage per week for voluntary plan coverage. Make sure you stay on your budget.

·      Purchase only the protection you need. Do not get “over sold” more plans that you need. Insure only what you can not afford to lose.

·      Make sure you know who your individual agent is and have his/her direct phone number!

Voluntary plans might be of help to you. Be aware of your options and make the right decision for you or your elder relatives!

By Cynthia Bengtson, Account Executive with Combined Worksite Solutions
Licensed life and health insurance agent in CA, TX, NV, and AR.