Lifestyle

Once upon a time, when people reached 50 years old, golf was just about the only sport anyone played. If golf wasn't an option, people could still try bocce ball, shuffle board or checkers. Times have changed. The baby boomer generation is known for being physically fit and remaining athletic and active. Boomers are training as triathletes, marathon runners and mountain climbers in greater numbers than any generation before them. Most boomers can look forward to decades of participation in sports and fitness activities, but bodies do change and boomers can stay active longer if they listen... more ...

Dating is usually about having fun or getting to know each other better. Have you ever thought about helping others while you date? There are dozens of ways you can share your passion for giving back and help your community as a couple. Pitching in on a service project gives your date a focus and a purpose while working together can help you know each other better. Here are few dates with purpose you may want to consider.     Share Your Passion Do the two of you enjoy writing, painting or gardening? Most schools and youth programs are eager to have volunteers lead projects for st... more ...

For many people, driving a car is a way of life and a lifeline to stay connected with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, fatal car accidents are more common for older drivers, particularly those 70 and older. It is clear that as we age, some of us lose the skills we need for safe driving. It’s important to be aware of these changes in ourselves, our parents and other loved ones to ensure well-being for every driver on the road.     What Changes Several physical changes occur as we age that directly impact our driving ability. Neck stiffness may make it difficult to turn ... more ...

Organic gardening can seem intimidating. You want fresh flowers or nutritious fruits and vegetables but you don't want to use pesticides or other chemicals that can end up on your dinner plate. Some common garden supplements can poison animals or pollute groundwater. How do you tend a successful and plentiful organic garden without synthetic help? Follow these basic tips to give your garden a solid start.     Simply Soil A successful garden begins with great dirt. Pick a sunny spot where your plants will get at least six hours of direct sun each day. Remove rocks and other ob... more ...

The temperature is rising and summer is in full sizzle. When the mercury goes up and it seems too hot to even move, you and your date can cool off with a trip to a local body of water or even by staying close to home to play. Whether you live near an ocean or use the hose to make a waterfall, water dates can add a splash of adventure to your dating routine. Use your imagination and impress your date by suggesting one of the following outings and take advantage of summer in full swing.   Parasailing Fly high and share an over-water adventure that neither one of you will forget. Parasail... more ...

Traffic is a nightmare, the house is a wreck, the bills are due and you have a deadline looming at work. Every day is full of worries that can weigh on you, cause your blood pressure to rise or completely overwhelm you. Fortunately, there also are many ways to treat stress. If you poll your friends, you'll find that everyone has their own way of handling the strains of daily life. Some people swear that meditation will alleviate anxiety while others rely on exercise, prayer, therapy or medication. If you think you need help to control the stress in your life, you may want to consider herb ... more ...

The temperature's rising and it isn't surprising that you feel the urge to have fun in the sun. Warm weather inspires us to take the streets, hit the beach or cool off with a stroll down to the ice cream shop. If you are looking for great summer date ideas, grab a partner and try some of the options listed below.       Cruise the Town Nothing says summer like cruising in a convertible with the top down. Let warm breezes run through your hair and allow the sun to burnish your skin. Enjoy the thrill of an open ride with someone who loves the fresh air. Take your date ... more ...

Hiring a building contractor can seem intimidating and overwhelming. You need a professional who you can trust to do demolition and construction on one of your most valuable possessions: your home. Construction can be a lengthy and stressful process and it's critical to find a contractor that you trust as an expert and that you like as a person. You can head off a lot of problems by thinking ahead and following a few vital tips.     Don't Settle Finding a good contractor is like finding a good date. You need to find someone who is a match. Find someone who has done projec... more ...

The first step toward a comfortable retirement is to stop worrying about whether you will have enough money saved and simply begin saving. While it is true that the earlier you begin saving the more secure your financial future will be, it is never to late to start building a retirement nest egg.   Pay Yourself First Before paying any bills or splurging on restaurants or vacations, take a percentage of every paycheck and put it toward your retirement savings. If you "pay yourself" as if your retirement account is as important as any other bill, you will never miss an opportun... more ...

If you think your dog is a good judge of character, perhaps you should consider taking him with you on your next date. Who would be better qualified to check out a potential mate than your furry best friend? You may want to introduce your pooch to your date to get a better sense of whether your date will be compatible, or simply to add a dimension of fun to your outing. Observe how your date treats your pet. Is your date allergic to dogs? You may want to move on. Does your date cringe when your wet-nosed pal comes too close? Is he patient when your muddy pup paws his trousers? If you find some... more ...