I recently worked with an executive who was thinking about retirement. In one of our initial sessions, I asked him about his hobbies. “HOBBIES? HOBBIES? |
Edward H. Friedman Retired Vanderbilt University Professor & Osher Life Long Learning Program teacher edward.h.friedman@vanderbilt.edu Olli (Osher Lifelong Learing Institute) |
*Warning*
This blog may offend you. In it I speak to you straight,
no beating around the bush.
That said, here is my second secret:
Learn How To Use Technology!
... of both the virtual world and increasingly many IRL "in real life" events as well. I'm talking about activities such as booking and confirming appointments and events with friends, doctors, restaurants / listening to music and watching TV and movies / communicating with the world outside your home.
There, I’ve said it. So put on your big boy/girl pants and get ready to learn.
Let's Start By Asking the Right Questions
Who can teach? The first people I recommend for you to turn to is your family -
- Significant Other
- Kids/Grandkids
- Aunts
- Uncles
- Cousins
- Results of ancestry.com
If those come up empty, try friends and neighbors or a volunteer organization. You may have to pay some of these people but trust me, it will be worth it. Maybe you can barter - bake/consult/garden, or offer a skill in which you excel.
The point is don’t be shy or try to overthink it. Just do it.
- The basics of the computer hardware – keyboard/screen/mouse/video camera or touchpad/power, printer, etc.
- Then, basic usage of those devices: accessing and searching the internet/reading and writing emails/ joining a Zoom meeting / accessing news or entertainment, etc.
- I am assuming you already have some sort of phone to stay in touch. Ask for lessons on how to use it beyond dialing a number, including text and instant messaging. That is how much of the world communicates now.
I don't even need or want a device.
If you are the one doing the teaching, here is a great guide to help teach tech to seniors.
Yes,I do understand that things like passwords and email addresses and saving documents and pictures can be frustrating and challenging, but getting comfortable with these technologies will lessen frustration and open a new world for you and a way to explore your curiosity and create new goals.
Go ahead – you have a new goal now. Have fun!
You're welcome,
Loretta
Welcome to my new podcast,
Resources for a Modern Retirement!
Retirement is not "One Size Fits All.” And a Modern Retirement includes planning for the next 20-30 years! Spending time involved in activities that YOU truly enjoy and that make you feel fulfilled is the key to success on the journey. But how do you find out what is out there?
I hope this podcast helps.
Enjoy!
https://www.coachingwithloretta.com/videos.html
There is real science behind the emotions of happiness and love. Dr. Barbara Frederickson, Psychologist and Neuroscience Professor at UNC, Chapel Hill said, “The ways that we feel happiness and well-being are actually showing up in the cells of our immune system and supporting our health.”
I did a 30-day Make Happy a Habit challenge back in 2016 and now I'm ready for a refresher 2021-style!
I'll be starting my 2021 challenge on March 1. Follow along with my progress and hopefully you'll find some inspiration from my journey for your own. I'd love for you to join me ... Share your progress … Post some pictures of what you are grateful for and what makes you happy. I want to know how your random acts of kindness and writing about your positive experiences made you feel. Tell me about your time in meditation. And be sure to tell me when you start feeling like HAPPY is becoming a habit.
I'll be posting all month long at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makehappyahabit/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makehappyahabit
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACCOMPLISHCOACH/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACCOMPLISHCOACH/
Hope you join me!
Loretta
"Most folks are about as happy
as they make up their minds to be."
-Abraham Lincoln
60 is a big number. It’s full of heavy words like "Social Security" and "Medicare", "Osteoporosis", and "Senior Moments." I was turning 60, but I didn’t FEEL 60.
I looked in the mirror and said out loud, “Why not think about 60 with more positive words like, “Wiser”, “Sassier”, and “Bring it on!” That’s when I decided to have some fun. Carrie Underwood had just recorded her hit song, “Before He Cheats.” The music was great; it was country, and we had recently moved to Nashville! Why not write some new lyrics for it, expressing exactly how I felt about turning 60!
I was turning 60, but I didn’t FEEL 60.
(to be sung to the tune of “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood)
spoken: "I just turned 60, and here’s what I think about it.”
Right now, you’re probably just thinkin’
It’ll be hard work when I’m blowing out the candles
Right now, you’re probably just thinkin’
I should buy a house dress and some Dr. Scholl’s sandals
Right now, you’re probably just feelin’
I should nap to get ready for a big game of BINGO
What you don’t know
chorus:
I threw the pieces all over the yard
It was my A A R P membership card
No early bird special or senior day,
I joined a gym and I know the way
So, don’t you dare call me OLD
Right now you’re probably just thinkin’
I should sit up on the porch and discuss my constipation
That I’d like a bus tour for my summertime vacation
Right now, you’re probably just thinkin’
That I’m sassy cause my hormones are low
But you don’t know
Repeat Chorus
I threw the pieces all over the yard
It was my A A R P membership card
I got Botox in each and every fold
No early bird special or senior day
I joined a gym and I know the way
So, don’t you dare call me OLD
Just tryin’ to save a little trouble for the next girl
So the next time you hear 60,
Don’t call her OLD!
“Can I go to school?” “I want a backpack!”
Age 6-9: WE WANT TO BE YOUNGER
“Watch me! Say I’m doing good, too - like you do when you watch my little brother!”
Age 10-12: WE WANT TO BE OLDER
“Why can’t I wear makeup?"
Age 30-50: WE WANT TO BE YOUNGER
“Yeah, I just got a facelift and dyed my hair, so what?”
"Will I be treated differently?”
And, really, “How will I find happiness?”
difference. Try it when dealing with words like
“SOCIAL SECURITY” - “Wow! This extra money is awesome!” Or,
“MEDICARE” - “Fantastic! It really does pay my medical bills!”
Positive thinking means making the most of the situation you are in. When I turned 60, I didn’t mope. I wrote new lyrics to Carrie Underwood’s song, and then I went out and bought a hat and some fancy cowboy boots.
Don’t let getting older lead you down a path of scary words that you think mean negative things. Be more optimistic and positive. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, here’s a list of some of what you will get in return:
- Better stress management and coping skills
- Enhanced psychological health
- Greater resistance to the Common Cold
- Increased physical well-being
- Longer life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death
And who doesn’t want all that?
Life is Full of Choices.
I Choose Happiness.
What’s your choice?
Author
Loretta Saff, M.A., CPC, CPRC
As an active writer, both nationally and internationally, Loretta Saff's humor columns, blog, and lifestyle articles reflect an insight in dealing with situations that helps people get to their core issues and encourage confidence, trust and support.
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