We're Baby Boomers and, Like it or Not, We're Aging
Baby Boomers, defined as those of us born between the years 1946 and 1964, are the largest segment of the population in America today. And, like it or not, we're growing older. With increasing age comes a unique set of problems and needs, many of which you can find out more about below.
Now, before you tell us you don't want to read about incontinence and senility, not so fast! Keep scrolling to find information you can use, whether you're the Baby Boomer or if you have a Boomer in your life. Maybe you'll even find something that's a little bit entertaining. We hope so!
Thanks for reading!
Lensmap - What You'll Find on this Page
- First, a Little Mood Music
- Exactly What is a Baby Boomer?
- Watch Out - It's the First Thing to Go!
- Groovy Reading Glasses for Baby Boomers
- Oh, My Aching Back!
- Arthritis in the Hands? Writer's Cramp?
- More about the PenAgain
- Learn More About Managing Arthritis
- Alternative Healthcare with Magnetic Therapy
- Speaking of Grandchildren . .
- Music to Help Boomers Age Gracefully
- More Than Just Aches - Breaks!
- How Not to Have to Live With Osteoporosis
- Now, What Did I Come in Here For??
- Books about Memory Loss and Dementia
- We Still Have our Sense of Humor!
- Baby Boomers Health - In the News
- Pssst! This Might Not Keep Us Healthy . . .
- Boomers, Seniors, and Caregivers
- Resources for Caregivers
- Nostalgia from eBay
- Reminisce with Classic Movies and Television
- For Boomers With Attitude!
- Helpful Products for Online Boomers and Seniors
- More about Baby Boomers
- What's That You Say, Sonny??
- The Boomers Rock Lenses
First, a Little Mood Music
Music for Baby Boomers
Need some background music? Choose your favorite oldies collection to listen to while your enjoy the rest of our site. (Makes me think of those little transistor radios we used to hang from our wrists. Remember those?)
Exactly What is a Baby Boomer?
Baby boomers defined.
- Wikipedia Explains the term "Baby Boomers"
- "A baby boomer is someone who was born during a period of increased birth rates, or baby boom, and the term is particularly applied to those born during the post-World War II period of increased birth rates. In the United States, the term is iconic and more properly capitalized as Baby Boomers."
- More about the Baby Boom from Answers.com
- "A sudden large increase in the birthrate, especially the one in the United States from the later 1940s through the early 1960s."
- Newsweek - The Boomer Files
- "The generation that vowed to stay forever young is coming up on a major milestone. But for the 3.4 million Americans who were born in 1946, retirement is a distant prospect, and life still holds plenty of promise and surprises."
Watch Out - It's the First Thing to Go!
Are your arms getting too short to read the newspaper? Do you keep a magnifying glass handy in the kitchen to read those food labels? It's okay. You're not alone.
Of course I'm referring to our vision changing as we age. I remember when holding the paper at a distance just didn't work anymore and I broke down and bought a pair of reading glasses to wear with my contact lenses. (I wasn't just near-sighted, I was far-sighted as well!) Now I keep a pair of reading glasses in every room of the house.According to this article from Aetna InteliHealth, this is a natural part of aging that happens as a result of the lenses in our eyes becoming inflexible. This condition is called presbyopia and you can recognize it from the following symptoms (taken from the same article):
- Words appear blurred at a reading distance that used to be comfortable.
- Reading material or other objects must be held farther away from your eyes to gain clarity or see details.
- Brighter light is needed to see clearly (bright light constricts the pupils, which changes the focus of the light on the retina).
- You have difficulty reading late at night, or when you are tired or stressed.
- Your eyes become uncomfortable, or you become tired or drowsy when doing close work because of the strain of eye muscles working to change the lens shape.
- You may have headaches as a result of muscle tension.
Groovy Reading Glasses for Baby Boomers
Who says boomers can't be fashionable and be able to read at the same time?
Reading Glasses - Hot Italian Design Metal Rectangles
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Asset Eyewear Budget Readers Reading Glasses - Round Tortoise
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Limited Edition - Cool Colors French Rectangular Plastic Reading Glasses
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Limited Edition Reading Glasses- 3 Color Euro Runway Design
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Newest Design from Milan - 2 Color Mod Rectangular Hi Style Readers
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Oh, My Aching Back!
Whether it's your back, hips, knees, or hands, aching joints can really be a pain in the neck.
It could be arthritis causing those aches and pains. While there are over a hundred different types of arthritis, the occasional aches and pains that tend to surface as our bodies age may well be osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease. Over time, the cartilage in our joints breaks down, or degenerates, and the bones begin to rub together, causing us pain.
Degenerative joint disease affects some people more than others, and affects some people at a much younger age than others. Athletes who have overused their joints or sustained repeated sports-related injuries may begin to feel the effects at a young age. Obesity and heredity are two other factors that can cause the joints to wear and ache.
Taking care of our bodies by maintaining a healthy weight, getting proper exercise, and taking in adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium can help in preventing degenerative joint disease. The aches and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication, and there are other treatments for more severe cases. Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before taking any medication.
To find out more about degenerative joint disease and other forms of arthritis, read this article from Aetna InteliHealth.
Degenerative joint disease affects some people more than others, and affects some people at a much younger age than others. Athletes who have overused their joints or sustained repeated sports-related injuries may begin to feel the effects at a young age. Obesity and heredity are two other factors that can cause the joints to wear and ache.
Taking care of our bodies by maintaining a healthy weight, getting proper exercise, and taking in adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium can help in preventing degenerative joint disease. The aches and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication, and there are other treatments for more severe cases. Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before taking any medication.
To find out more about degenerative joint disease and other forms of arthritis, read this article from Aetna InteliHealth.
Arthritis in the Hands? Writer's Cramp?
No more achy fingers with the PenAgain
Normal pens are not designed around the human hand and can cause discomfort in the fingers, develop sore muscles in the hand, and pinch nerves in the wrist. The PenAgain's primary focus is comfort. The human hand dictates the design. Even though it may feel strange, try to resist the urge to grip the pen with your fingers. Just let your hand relax, and let the weight of your hand hold the pen in place. You'll feel tension of writing melt away.
Look below the pens to see the inventor and learn how the PenAgain came to be.
P.S. I can personally recommend this product. I have one and I absolutely love it! It took a little getting used to, but I write much better now with my PenAgain than I do with a regular pen or pencil and it's very comfortable.
Look below the pens to see the inventor and learn how the PenAgain came to be.
P.S. I can personally recommend this product. I have one and I absolutely love it! It took a little getting used to, but I write much better now with my PenAgain than I do with a regular pen or pencil and it's very comfortable.
PenAgain Yellow Ergonomic Glidelighter Highlighter
Enjoy the same comfortable feel as the Penagain line of pens, but now as a highlighter. The Penagain Style design makes highlighting seem almost effortless. Experience the precise control and comfort that no other highlighter can offer. Vibrant fluorescent color with quality odorless ink that will not bleed though paper. Store cap on the end of the pen while in use. Chisel Tip. Available in yellow, pink, green, orange and blue.
Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
Silver Ergo-Sof PenAgain Pens
Along with new enhancements like a pocket clip, retractable cap, easier refilling and more streamlined ergonomics, the new Ergo-Sof PenAgain is also finished with a soft rubber coating that adds extra comfort and style. All Ergo-Sof pens come with two additional black refills. Order in red, silver, blue and black.
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
ErgoMark PenAgain Permanent Marker, Chisel Tip, Black
Enjoy the same comfortable feel as the Penagain line of pens, but now as a marker. Permanent on hard surfaces. Fast drying ink leaves a bold mark. Store the cap on the end of the pen while in use. The comfort and control of the new ErgoMark have led many to nickname this the "Sharpie Killer." Chisel tip and bullet point.
Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
ERGOSLEEK METAL PENAGAIN PEN, CHROME
We have consulted with the best industrial designers in the world in making this new metal series PenAgain. The polished aluminum and metal underbody provides the perfect weight. The hand-painted body comes in four stylish high gloss colors. The suttle twist mechanism to open and close the cap, along with a laser engraved clip, adds a dash of understated elegance. For added comfort we molded rubber pads onto the base that by all accounts make ErgoSleek the "Porsche" of pens.
Amazon Price: $16.01 (as of 10/13/2008)
More about the PenAgain
How one man turned a robot upside down and invented a writing instrument phenomenon!
Learn More About Managing Arthritis
Have a favorite resource about arthritis? Add it to our list!
Alternative Healthcare with Magnetic Therapy
Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of uno Interactive Jewelry.
The Greeks and Egyptians first recorded the therapeutic benefits of permanent magnets four thousand years ago. A Chinese text dating to 2000 BC describes how a magnet applied to an acupuncture point had beneficial results. Our society is gradually gaining an acceptance of ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE has created a wave of enthusiasm for MAGNETIC THERAPY.But magnets are enjoying a resurgence in popularity as part of a general movement toward ALTERNATIVE therapies or unconventional treatments. Many ATHLETES, including many PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS, have reported they feel better when wearing a magnetic bracelet around their wrist.
MAGNETIC FIELDS are all around us, being generated by natural factors such as Earth and weather, and electrical devices like computers, TV's, and microwave technology. It has been theorized that these fields decrease our pH level and reducing the effectiveness of our immune system.
Magnetic energy has a calming, beneficial effect that stimulates the body to increase the flow of blood and oxygen. Magnets have alleviated temporary and CHRONIC PAIN and even arrested or killed CANCER cells in animals according to experts in the biomagnetic field.
Many claim that magnets can help in CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, STRESS, BACTERIAL INFECTION, WEIGHT LOSS. . . We simply claim that you will look great while potentially boosting your health with uno Interactive Jewelry
Speaking of Grandchildren . .
Were we? Maybe not, but it's only a matter of time!
Here's a wonderful idea for the grandkids. Why not use a picture of Granny and Granddad and create a gift card that the child can spend anywhere? The children will understand the gift is from you when they pay for their gift - the one they picked out and you didn't have to ship! I love this idea! (Click on the banner to find out how - it's easy!)
Music to Help Boomers Age Gracefully
(Or maybe just music to help you remember when shaking your booty didn't make your joints creak!)
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More Than Just Aches - Breaks!
A little bit about brittle bones.
While aching bones and joints are one thing, bones that are brittle and break easily are another thing, something everyone should know about called osteoporosis.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation: "Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected."
Osteoporosis is not just a disease of old age but can strike at any age. There are many risk factors for osteoporosis, but a few of those that should be of concern to Baby Boomers are: being female, being thin or having a small frame, a positive family history, particularly in a first degree relative, estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause (surgical or natural), low calcium intake through the years, an inactive lifestyle, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Want to know three things you can do to help prevent osteoporosis? One, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Two, live a healthy lifestyle with no smoking and minimal alcohol use. Three, perform weight-bearing exercises on a regular basis.
For much more information, more than we have room for here, visit the website of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation: "Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected."
Osteoporosis is not just a disease of old age but can strike at any age. There are many risk factors for osteoporosis, but a few of those that should be of concern to Baby Boomers are: being female, being thin or having a small frame, a positive family history, particularly in a first degree relative, estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause (surgical or natural), low calcium intake through the years, an inactive lifestyle, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Want to know three things you can do to help prevent osteoporosis? One, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Two, live a healthy lifestyle with no smoking and minimal alcohol use. Three, perform weight-bearing exercises on a regular basis.
For much more information, more than we have room for here, visit the website of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
How Not to Have to Live With Osteoporosis
Knowledge is power. Educate yourself and strengthen your bones.
Now, What Did I Come in Here For??
Ah, memory loss. Is it normal - or is it more?
We've all done it, charged into a room, set on a mission, then stopped short in our tracks trying to remember what in the world we came in here for. Gosh, I hate when that happens! But does that mean I'm just distracted? Forgetful? Or am I developing dementia or, worse yet, Alzheimer's disease?Chances are if we give it a minute or retrace or steps we'll remember what it was that we temporarily forgot, but sometimes memory loss is not to be taken lightly. A little occasional memory loss
really is a normal part of aging. I like to think that my brain is just so full at this point in my life that it takes longer to retrieve those memories, and that really is something that happens as we get older.But, could it be dementia
? Dementia is a more severe form of memory loss that is accompanied by other symptoms as well as a result of changes in brain function. According to Aetna InteliHealth, dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly, becoming lost in familiar places, getting disoriented about time, people, and places, and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Read more about dementia here.Alzheimer's Disease
(AD) is something everyone has heard of and we all know about the heartbreak of AD, but there's still a lot left to be learned. The exact cause is not yet known, but age, family history, and genetics all play a part. Early symptoms of AD include not being able to recall new or recent memories, and difficulty learning new information. In the middle to late stages of AD, delusions or hallucinations may occur, as well as aggression or wandering. Medications are available, and new ones are being developed, to help treat or even slow the progression of AD.Again, a medical professional should be consulted to help evaluate any suspicious memory loss. If dementia or Alzheimer's is diagnosed, a strong support system is helpful and even essential.
Educating yourself now about memory loss is important so that you can know what to expect as you or your loved ones age.
Books about Memory Loss and Dementia
It's always good to be well-informed.
We Still Have our Sense of Humor!
Enjoy these Coots and Biddys items (which make great gifts!).
Baby Boomers Health - In the News
Up-to-the-minute feed from google news.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPssst! This Might Not Keep Us Healthy . . .
. . . but you can bet it'll make us happy!
Old fashioned candy from the 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s... still available after all these years. What a great gift for any occasion! (Just click on the balloon.)
Boomers, Seniors, and Caregivers
Which end of the cycle are you on?
At our age, we baby boomers may be on either the giving or the receiving end of caregiving. Our parents are aging and oftentimes we find ourselves put in the position of being their caregivers. At the same time, some of us have developed medical or other conditions that require us to have a caregiver, or at least to have a little help around the house.I just learned about a company called A la Carte CARE, a local business in Pickerington, Ohio, which provides care and assistance for seniors or other adults in need of services from companionship to light housekeeping and even light computer skills. What a wonderful idea! With the growing population of senior citizens, it seems to me that similar businesses might be popping up everywhere in the next several years.
Local, publically-funded Area Agencies on Aging also provide services such as Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in many communities across the nation. If you or a loved one needs assistance, be sure and look them up.
Losing our self-sufficiency and having to depend on someone else to help us with our activities of daily living could prove to be a devastating time for many of us. I am very thankful there are people who have the gift of mercy and are able to care for others. I hope I don't need their help for a very long time, but it's good to know that they're around.
Resources for Caregivers
If you're a caregiver, you need all the help and support you can get. Here are several wonderful, highly recommended resources.
A Caregiver's Survival Guide: How to Stay Healthy When Your Loved One Is Sick
Amazon Price: $10.40 (as of 10/13/2008)
The Educated Caregiver, Three DVD Set
Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own (Capital Cares)
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/13/2008)
God's Heart - Your Hands: This One's For You, Caregiver
Amazon Price: $11.89 (as of 10/13/2008)
And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregiver's Companion
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/13/2008)
Nostalgia from eBay
Baby boomers will remember these!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byReminisce with Classic Movies and Television
Most baby boomers remember movies and television in black and white. Remember the first time you saw the NBC peacock in living color?
Remember these classic movies, cartoons, and TV shows?
I certainly do.
Remember these classic movies, cartoons, and TV shows?
I certainly do.
The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
Elvis - The Hollywood Collection (Charro / Girl Happy / Kissin' Cousins / Live a Little, Love a Little / Stay Away, Joe / Tickle Me)
Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
The Ultimate Underdog Collection Volume 1
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
Mission Impossible - The Second TV Season
Amazon Price: $35.99 (as of 10/13/2008)