Today's Boomer Vol.11 No.2 Spring 2023

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Defining Your “Prime”

rime is a word with meaning and a definitive stance. According to Oxford Language, the term “prime” is first noted as an adjective, being (1) “of first importance; main; (2) of the best possible quality; excellent; (3) Mathematics (of a number) evenly divisible only by itself and one” and as a noun as “a state or time of greatest strength, vigor, or success in a person’s life.”

When it comes to defining women, a simple definition cannot suffice for the roles, experiences, history, nature, nurture, influence, and position that women are. Therefore, the women’s issue is more of a plethora of information that boomer women may have experienced or have yet to experience to equip and embrace women as they age, just as each issue of this magazine always aims to provide to all readers.

Regarding “prime,” women are subjected to perhaps more judgment than men or held to a different standard of “prime.” Without minimizing or simply subjugating women and their “issues,” it is clear that every woman’s experience is unique and, at the same time, collective. Women exist plurally through the communities and beliefs they hold that define them and how their societies define them to be or expect them to be, which could be negative, positive, or a mixture of both. A woman’s role is that she is simply a pinnacle force; to be embraced, or to be rivaled; to be supported, or to be objectified. No matter the context or scenario, women are a creation essential to life’s continuation. The XX chromosome is a unique code through which the world has been designed through whatever influencing view to lift or keep down both by systems run by men and other women or “women's issues" set and run behind the scenes by the agendas of men.

It is important to keep in mind through all the noise of issues, especially in current times, that a woman should only define herself, and especially the concept of a "woman’s prime” is nothing to do with her age, appearance, or physical abilities, but is a concept that simply shifts. As women age, they leave one prime and enter a new one, regarding strength or vigor physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, socially, self-consciously, or professionally. A woman is always of first importance and the leading player in the family unit in procreation, raising children, running a household, managing finances, and influencing others, including men. Wars in history have started over women, and deals and treaties have been made based on the opinion and influence of women behind the scenes.

The most ironic element of the term “prime” is the mathematical reference by which a woman is constant and only “evenly divisible by itself and one.” Perhaps this may best reflect the responsibilities women divide themselves between, only leaving the “one” neglected from everything else, which is often themselves.

This issue encourages women, especially boomer women, to continue their “prime” as their own, through their own words and ways in which they define their own “prime.”

As a woman, I am thankful for the phases of my prime that have gone, and looking forward to the prime that are yet to come!

Alexandra V. Maragha Editor-In-Chief

Social Security: Social Security Board of Trustees: Projection for Combined Trust Funds One Year Sooner than Last Year

Combined Funds Move Back a Year to 2034; OASI Fund Moves Back to 2033— A Decade from Now

From Social Security Administration, SSA.gov

The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 80 percent of benefits payable at that time.

The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2033, one year sooner than last year’s estimate, with 77 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund asset reserves are not projected to become depleted during the 75-year projection period.

In the 2023 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced:

• The asset reserves of the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds declined by $22 billion in 2022 to a total of $2.830 trillion.

• The total annual cost of the program is projected to exceed total annual income in 2023 and remain higher throughout the 75-year projection period. Total cost began to be higher than total income in 2021. Social Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010.

• The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2034. At that time, there would be sufficient income coming in to pay 80 percent of scheduled benefits.

“The Trustees continue to recommend that Congress address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely fashion to phase in necessary changes gradually,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “Social

Security will continue to play a critical role in the lives of 67 million beneficiaries and 180 million workers and their families during 2023. With informed discussion, creative thinking, and timely legislative action, Social Security can continue to protect future generations.”

Other highlights of the Trustees Report include:

• Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1.222 trillion in 2022. ($1.107 trillion from net payroll tax contributions, $49 billion from taxation of benefits, and $66 billion in interest)

• Total expenditures from the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1.244 trillion in 2022.

• Social Security paid benefits of $1.232 trillion in calendar year 2022. There were about 66 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year.

• The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year longrange period is 3.61 percent of taxable payroll – higher than the 3.42 percent projected in last year’s report.

• During 2022, an estimated 181 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes.

• The cost of $6.7 billion to administer the Social Security program in 2022 was a very low 0.5 percent of total expenditures.

• The combined trust fund asset reserves earned interest at an effective annual rate of 2.4 percent in 2022. The Board of Trustees usually comprises six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee; Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security; Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Julie Su, Acting Secretary of Labor. The two public trustee positions are currently vacant. View the 2023 Trustees Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/ TR/2023/

(Forget) Being Old: JohnnyVsSalutetoBoomerWomen: An AI Test

John A. Vardalas, CAE/CUDE Founder/CEO The American BoomeR Group

As we boomers age, I thought this month’s blog would test out all I have seen and heard about artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, according to Britannica online, is “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experiences.”

To that end, I sought out the theme of this issue, “Boomer Women,” via AI, and this is the generated result:

“’ Boomer women’ generally refers to women who were born between 1946 and 1964, which is the time period commonly known as the Baby Boomer generation. These women are now between the ages of 57 and 75 (as of 2023), and have lived through significant cultural, social, and political changes throughout their lives.

Boomer women have often been trailblazers in various areas, such as education, employment, and politics, and have contributed to the advancement of women's rights and gender equality. They have also experienced various challenges throughout their lives, such as navigating traditional gender roles and discrimination.

As with any generational group, there is a wide range of experiences and perspectives among boomer

women, and it's important to avoid stereotypes or generalizations. However, as a group, they have certainly left their mark on history and continue to influence society in various ways.

Overall, boomer women have had a significant impact on society and continue to be an important demographic group in many areas of life.”

The last statement of, “overall boomer women have had a significant impact on society” is, to say the least, highlights the influence of women in various aspects of life, whether it comes from an overall positive or negative root experience or structure from influencing consumerism, politics, finances, or the shape of the American Dream and all its shifting of how women are perceived through advertising and entertainment to what real women are in substance, looks, and character.

I salute all women as they are amazing moms, leaders, and individuals in all spheres of life who face challenges, highs, and lows and are strong navigators through change.

As for AI, I leave it to you to be the judge… Does it sound like it is human, emotionally created? Maybe utilizing AI is the future, or will it only be another resource for humans going forward? Is AI the future of information and productivity or just another programmed perspective? Perhaps that is another article to come. Rock on!

John A. Vardalas, CAE/CUDE CEO/Founder of The American BoomeR

Group, is a professional speaker/ business consultant. He can be reached at jvardallas@aol.com and visiting TheAmericanBoomer.com

More Aging Baby Boomers

Are Living Alone

How Do They Compare With Previous Generations?

—

By Q.ai Powering a Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes

Key takeaways

• 26 million Americans over 50 live alone, concerns mount over how older baby boomers will manage their golden years.

• Excess retirements (retirements that weren’t expected) from folks living alone means that the labor force is short by about 2 million people.

• By 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65, which means that we all have to prepare for their retirement.

Data has revealed that more and more aging baby

boomers are living alone these days. It’s estimated that 26 million Americans over the age of 50 are living solo, making this the quickest-growing demographic in the U.S. These stats are worth considering because they will have an impact on the housing market, elder care and government programs shortly.

The term “baby boomer” is often used to describe someone born between 1946 and 1964. This post-war era resulted in many soldiers who came home from the military, got married and started families, resulting in about 76 million births during this 19-year span. Thus, the baby boomer term was born. These folks would be around 58 to 76 today, with all baby boomers over 65 by 2030. At one point, the Census Bureau projected that the baby boomer population would reach 61.3 million by 2029 and that the number

of elderly folks over 65 would be 20% of the population by that time.

We’re going to look at what it means to have more aging baby boomers living alone.

How many aging Boomers are living alone?

According to a recent article in the New York Times, more older Americans are living alone than ever before in history. In 2020, there were 15 million Americans over the age of 50 living alone. In 2022, that figure for this same demographic is almost at 26 million. The article also noted that what made living alone even more challenging for older baby boomers was that about one in six Americans over 55 didn’t have any children.

Stats on single-family homes

Here are some stats from the U.S. Census Bureau on living arrangements that are worth highlighting:

• In 2022, 29% of all American households contained just one person. This means that 37.9 million people are living alone in the U.S.

• The median age to marry in 2022 reached 30.1 for men and 28.2 for women. This is up from 23.7 and 20.5 in 1947.

With 29% of all households being single-person units and 26 million folks over 50 living alone, this trend is going to present some housing challenges as time goes on.

Is it a concern that older baby boomers are living alone?

Historically speaking, it hasn’t been rare to live alone as you get older as people lose a spouse or other family members, or they are already single and simply move into a senior care facility. Simply put, the percentage of folks who live alone increases with age. On the surface, there’s nothing inherently wrong with older folks living alone. However, research over the years has shown that people who live alone as they get older will have worse physical and mental outcomes that result in shorter lifespans.

The impact of loneliness

The National Institute on Aging shared research findings a few years back that described how social isolation and loneliness came with higher risks for various physical and mental health issues. These issues include high blood pressure, heart diseases, a weaker immune system, obesity, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and death.

Based on the findings from a study published in the Journal of Perspectives on Psychological Science, loneliness can potentially be as deadly as tobacco smoke or obesity. Seniors who feel isolated may lead an unhealthy lifestyle, experience worsening existing conditions, and have their cognition affected.

At the time of the study in 2019, about 13.8 million people (or 28% of older adults) were living alone. The issue of loneliness is something that can’t be ignored. Even more interesting is that 90% of seniors interviewed about the topic stated that they would like to maintain their independence. As we can only imagine, our older loved ones don’t want to be a burden on us.

How about other generations?

People born between 1965 and 1980 are known as Gen X. Several folks in the Gen X solo living demographic were interviewed in the piece for the New York Times, where they mentioned that they had started to prepare by looking at options to live communally when they get older. These living arrangements for the future are inspired by college and early-adulthood conditions. Others in Gen X stated that they don’t feel they could lean on the same support system that their parents had, which included long marriages and pensions. It’s worth bringing up that baby boomers are the second-largest demographic, with a population of 70.23 million. As of 2021, millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are now the largest population group in the U.S., with a population of 72.19 million. While millennials have a long way to go before they start preparing for their older years, it’s going to be fascinating to explore how living arrangements evolve in the decades to come.

What’s the financial impact of Baby Boomers living alone?

Is there an economic significance to having more older baby boomers living alone? With so many older baby boomers living solo, this is going to have an impact on a variety of things as demographics and living situations change. We looked at the numerous ways that aging baby boomers living alone will change the landscape of the economy.

Government programs

Policymakers look at census population data to allocate funding for specific programs. It was recently announced that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023, which is the highest adjustment in 40 years.

The Census Bureau stats are also vital for analysts and

community planners to see where older Americans live and what kind of services they need to designate for those communities. The lawmakers can also determine where to open up health services and senior citizen centers. The senior citizen centers and services include adult day care, home-delivered meals and community center luncheons. Funding levels are decided by looking at the stats of seniors and seniors who live alone.

Housing issues

We’ve all read about the issues revolving around housing supply concerns. With baby boomers living in their family-size properties into their golden years, this means that younger folks have fewer options when it comes to spacious homes available for sale. These younger folks have to purchase smaller units or move into units further away from work.

The Labor Market

Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently stated that excess retirements (meaning more retirements than one would expect given the age of the population) from folks living alone have caused a labor shortage that’s contributing to the stubborn inflation numbers. Powell went on to say, “These excess retirements might now account for more than 2 million of the 3.5 million shortfall in the labor force.” It’s believed that there aren’t enough younger workers to replace those who have retired unexpectedly, so employers are offering higher wages in order to attract staff.

Financial savings: Living with family

As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, younger generations are looking for ways to save money. With real estate prices skyrocketing over the pandemic, many baby boomers are sitting on properties that have gone up in value while living alone.

The obvious solution to aging boomers living alone would be for them to move into a condo or a smaller

home. However, research from Freddie Mac indicates that entry-level home construction collapsed during the Great Recession, and it never returned to its former levels.

As you can see from these figures, in many situations it may be financially beneficial for aging baby boomers to continue living alone in their homes. If someone has a paid off home or a small mortgage payment, they don’t have to stress about astronomical costs associated with trying to move into an assisted living facility. However, as more baby boomers continue staying in their homes, this will make it difficult for younger folks to purchase homes.

How should you be investing?

Due to zoning and construction issues, there’s a shortage of homes that are below 1,400 square feet. This shortage has forced smaller units to increase in price over the years. The research also shows that the percentage of entry-level homes in relation to overall home builds dropped from 40% in the early 1980s to about 7% in 2019.

So as the amount of single-person households increases, the supply of smaller homes has plummeted. This has resulted in challenges for baby boomers who were hoping to downsize. They are struggling to find a unit that makes sense for their needs.

How expensive are other options?

With many older baby boomers living alone, a big question remains why haven't they switched over to other living situations?

According to Genworth Financial, the median cost of assisted living facilities for seniors in 2021 was $4,500 per month across the country.

Here are some of the other median monthly costs of living arrangements for seniors:

• Homemaker services: $4,957

• Home health aide: $5,148

• Nursing home private room: $7,908

Many experts believe the resilient labor market kept the economy from officially entering a recession. With that said, the aging population and the number of folks living alone in their golden years will continue to impact the labor market, the housing market and the government. This information makes it even more challenging to figure out how to invest your money.

If the labor shortage created by an aging population and rising inflation has you concerned about how to invest your money, then we suggest that you take a look at Q.ai’s Inflation Kit to protect your investments from dropping in value. Better still, you can activate Portfolio Protection at any time to protect your gains and reduce your losses, no matter what industries you invest in. Q.ai takes the guesswork out of investing. Our artificial intelligence scours the markets for the best investments for all manner of risk tolerances and economic situations.

The bottom line

As our population ages, it’s clear that we’re going to have to replace workers who leave the workforce. With more older Americans living alone, this will impact the already struggling housing market. As the battle against soaring inflation wages on, we’ll continue to monitor the impact of seniors living alone.

Women and the Aging Process: (We Weren t Meant To Age Like This) Five Secrets to Anti Aging Revealed

By Jodi Geline, PeaceofMyHeart.net

As an expert in slowing the aging process, I am excited to share my story.

Is it possible to defy aging and get healthier with age? Yes!! I’m a walking example of it. I KNOW HOW TO SLOW AGING. And I get healthier with age! How many times have you ever heard someone say that? My guess is never.

I am in my 60s, and men in their 20s ask me out. I look nowhere near my age and will share my secrets with you.

First, you need to know I have never been one to follow the norm, and I am very all-natural. I do not take prescription drugs. I have learned a lot about the body through my studies, experiments on myself, and my health issues. The traditional route of trying to get well did not work for me. I suffered from severe health

breakdowns for years before turning things around myself through natural means.

My journey to great health involved overcoming traumatic experiences and abuse from my childhood, as well as stress in my adult life. All of these factors contribute to the breakdown of the body in ways that most don’t even realize. However, I figured out how to overcome them.

You see, your body starts to break down when you have too much of a toxic build-up in the body - from chemicals in food, water, and the air, toxic thoughts and emotions from past trauma, stress, a lack of nutrition, lack of movement, etc. These factors also contribute to premature aging.

Let’s look at the definition of aging: It’s more cells dying off than are being replaced. And you thought it was a number.

It is clear that we are not a healthy society. One out of three people have cancer, and one in two die from heart disease. You tell me- does that sound like health to you? What we’re doing clearly isn’t working. We need a different approach! This is what I’ve done and also teach- a different approach. A natural approach the way things were intended to be. We have just gotten so far away from nature.

A study done on physicians looked at the markers of biological aging, with results showing they age faster than other people their age (it’s from stress and trauma).

I’ve learned natural health, not only by studying it but also out of my own frustration of not getting anywhere through the medical route and naturally turning my severe health issues around myself.

Your body is an amazing machine!!! When you give it what it needs, it knows EXACTLY what to do to keep you young and healthy.

First, you need to understand that we are a mass of cells. Our bones are cells; skin is all cells; nerves are all cells, to the tune of 60-80 trillion. This miraculous

machine you live in reproduces 2.5 million red blood cells and 20,000 white blood cells every second! These cells need nourishment! The Standard American Diet, unfortunately, doesn’t provide that nourishment as food is so processed today. Of the 600,000 food products in the store, 80% are with added sugar. Sugar causes cellular aging!

These are my five powerful secrets to defy aging AND achieve optimal health:

Strategy #1

Eat REAL Food.

It's time to get real about what we're putting into our bodies. If you want to slow down the aging process, you need to start with the basics: natural, whole foods. That means skipping the processed junk that comes in boxes and bags and opting for fresh fruits and veggies straight

Let's face it, most food people eat nowadays is loaded with chemicals and additives our bodies don't even recognize. That's why it's so important to eat organic whenever possible. And don't even think about touching Genetically Modified or GMO foods. Those genetically modified monsters are wreaking havoc on your body and altering it in ways we can't even imagine, nor have we yet seen the full outcomes through studies. But it's not just about avoiding the bad stuff. It's also about giving your body what it needs to thrive. When you eat foods that are sprayed with nasty chemicals like neurotoxins, poisons, additives, colorings, and preservatives, your body can't use them as fuel.

Instead, it creates inflammation and makes you feel terrible. So it’s vital to stick to the good stuff to slow down aging.

See previous article - 3rd quarter 2022 on how to know if the fruits and vegetables you are buying are organic, GMO, or traditional (meaning sprayed with chemicals)

Strategy #2

Detox Your Body.

Over 20 years ago, I discovered the importance of detoxing the body. And let me tell you, it has been a game-changer in slowing down the aging process! We are bombarded with toxins and poisons daily, from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink, to the lotions and detergents we put on our bodies. All these accumulate in our bodies and contribute to the breakdown of our health.

Think about it! All those toxins and additives we've consumed throughout our lives have caused inflammation, which can lead to heart disease, arthritis, premature aging, liver problems, cancer, and other health issues. The accumulation of these chemicals breaks down our cells, and that's what aging is all about - more cells dying off than are being replaced.

Your body is constantly replicating cells. Do you want these cells to replicate into healthy cells, or do you want the unhealthy cells to replicate into unhealthy cells?

We have the power to replace those dying cells with healthy ones! It all starts with the foods we eat. Unfortunately, we've been deceived and lured by advertising and influenced by unhealthy habits, leading us to consume packaged and processed foods that create unhealthy cells. Our bodies don't recognize those chemicals, and that's when inflammation kicks in, causing diseases like arthritis, heart disease, digestive issues, and many more. Your

body needs to detoxify! Then you can get rid of things like arthritis. You seriously can!

It's time to return to nature and avoid consumerism and big chemical corporations. We must eat natural foods that come directly from the earth, not from a box or a bag. Eating organic as much as possible is vital to slow aging, and we must stay away from GMO foods that alter our bodies. Our bodies want us to detoxify and eliminate all those toxins to prevent inflammation and disease. You can make changes now, either slowly or quickly. Whatever works for you, take action and stick to it.

You won't believe the results you can see in just one week of detoxing your body! Say goodbye to the signs of aging as you watch them reverse before your eyes!

Strategy #3

Move Your Body

Your body must move! But as we age, we tend to become more sedentary. We sit at desks, stare at screens, and spend hours watching the TV. If you want to slow aging, it's time to break this habit and move your body!

Get up and move every hour. Take a walk, stretch, dance, or do some jumping jacks. It doesn't matter what you do, just move! Ideally, find an exercise routine that makes you sweat. When you exercise intensely, you get your blood pumping, which helps to eliminate toxic

build-up in the body (another way to detox).

I know working out can be challenging, but it's worth it. Going to the gym makes me feel alive and energized. I go for 30 minutes. I work out intensely, and it feels so good afterward. It's like a natural high that keeps me coming back for more.

If you want to feel vitality and energy, you need to move your body. If intense workouts are not for you, no problem! Start by walking, stretching, or doing light exercises. The important thing is to get your blood pumping and your body moving. And as you detox and eliminate toxins and inflammation, your body will start to move better and faster. Before you know it, you'll be ready for a more rigorous workout routine, feeling stronger and more confident in your own skin. Exercise slows down aging!

Strategy #4

Take Quality Supplements That Work

You need to take supplements; it's that simple. Our food is so depleted of nutrients that we can no longer rely on them to give us the vitamins and minerals we need. Even the fruits and vegetables we buy are not what they seem. They are picked before ripe, gassed in the back of trucks to ripen, then sprayed with chemicals to make them look good. They don’t have any life force or nutritional value in them anymore. And don't get me started on GMOs! They're not natural; they're modified to suit the needs of corporations, not our bodies.

That's why we need to supplement. But be careful; not all supplements are created equal. Some are made with fillers, while others have been studied and found not even to contain the main ingredient they claim to have! Brands matter when it comes to food and supplements too. I’m huge on brands. I know the industry well. I know what’s safe and what criteria to look for to determine that. I’ve kept up on this since I was in my 20s.

That's why choosing the right brands is essential, ensuring they have been studied, extensively tested, and proven effective. There’s a lot that goes into

making a supplement.

I've been taking specific supplements for over 30 years, and it's a very key ingredient that I KNOW has kept me youthful and vibrant and has reversed my aging. Without it, I don’t know where my health would be. If you want to know which supplements to take and what to look for when choosing them, email me direct- I've got you covered.

Imagine having personalized supplements specifically tailored to your body's unique needs so you can reverse aging, have optimum health, and feel your best every day.

Strategy #5

Heal Past Wounds, Emotional Trauma, and Deeply Love Yourself.

Emotional wounds can be so deeply hidden and stuffed down that we may be unaware of their existence. We may have learned to cope with our pain by pushing it deep inside, pretending everything is okay, and putting on a brave face for the world to see. But the truth is, these unhealed emotional wounds can silently eat away at us, causing stress, anxiety, and depression.

I had thought I had healed most of my past wounds, but little did I know, I had a whole other level to get to. I was stressed and attracting the same circumstances in my life. My gut was huge. I wasn’t valuing myself and was told I was “too nice,” so people walked on me, and I never took time for myself.

Once I did more profound healing, slowed down, put

myself first, valued myself, deeply loved myself, and created peace in my life, my severe digestive issues stopped, and I lost 20 pounds and kept it off.

As women, we are taught to take care of everyone else, and then we never take care of ourselves. This role takes a toll on a woman because women naturally “receive.” Did you know that?

It breaks us down when we always have to give and we don’t receive. Talk about aging and health issues! It because we are not in our natural state.

What would happen if you started to put yourself first? Remember, it is NOT selfish to take care of you first. That is societal programming. Don’t listen to that.

Men don’t think that way, but we women do. Then we pay the price physically and emotionally. The stress of this accelerates the aging process.

Put yourself first, starting right now! When your cup is full, you can help others. When it’s empty, you drain yourself more and more and then it takes a toll on your emotions, and your body breaks down. Stop doing that! I know it takes some time to break out of that. At least, it did for me. But you can. I did, and you can do it too!

It's time to bring these wounds to the surface and heal them once and for all. It's time to stop pretending everything is okay and start acknowledging the pain you've been carrying for far too long. Only then can you begin to release the stress and negative emotions that have been holding you back and causing premature aging.

Taking time, looking within, and starting the healing process are vital. It may be difficult, but it's worth it. This is what I love helping people with. I know what it’s like to be there and how to overcome it. It’s life-changing!

I want to tell you it is never too late to start healing your emotional wounds and reclaiming your youth and vitality. If you're serious, you can slow your aging and turn around any dis-ease going on in your body.

If what you're doing isn't giving you youth, and you don't have great health and vitality, contact me at jodibpeace@gmail.com to help you through this process.

jodi@peaceofmyheart.net

www.peaceofmyheart.net

BOOMER TRAVEL

The future of travel is Herefemale. ’s

Women

By Katie Knorovsky, National Geographic

More women are booking women-only tours and finding life-changing experiences.

Four years ago, Shelly Kacergis joined a women’s trip to Kenya with Global Heart Journeys. It changed her life. Instead of following the typical tourist itinerary, Kacergis spent time with locals, bonding with female tea farmers and villagers at schools, orphanages, and craft markets. Moved by the stories she heard, she came home to Atlanta and retired early from a career in banking to start a venture with one of her new friends. The program they launched, which helps women in Kenya gain financial

independence as chicken farmers, now supports nearly 100 female farmers.

“The trip opened up a whole new world to me,” she says.

Like many Western travelers, Kacergis felt transformed by African travel. But her experience speaks to the power of femalefocused travel amid the ripple effects of the #MeToo movement and the groundswell of women touring the globe with purpose.

“Woman-to-woman travel is one of the greatest unexplored frontiers,” asserts Global Heart Journeys founder Linda Higdon. About

why.

-focused tours are changing the world one trip at a time.

17 years ago she traded her successful career as a classical pianist to work with women in the developing world. “It could entirely change the way we think about travel.”

In other words, the future of women’s travel is, well, female from CEOs pushing new boundaries to locals calling the shots in the field.

A growing trend

Women-focused travel companies have existed on the fringes of the tourism industry since the late 1970s. And yet, when Wild Women Expeditions got its start with all-female canoe trips in Ontario in 1991, “women-only travel was the laughingstock of the outdoor adventure travel world,” says Jennifer Haddow, the outfitter’s current owner.

Now the niche has hit the mainstream. Three years

ago, REI Adventures rolled out a collection of women’s trips all led by local female guides as part of a campaign to help “level the playing field” outdoors. In 2018, tour outfitter MT Sobek celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new line of women’s-only adventures.

Nicole Wineland-Thomson, part of the motherdaughter team behind AdventureWomen, believes the rise in solo travel has fueled the recent growth. And since safety is a factor for many women, she notes it can be appealing to book with a company dedicated to that market.

Options for women continue to grow, with boutique tour companies now serving everyone from plus-size hikers to lesbian and non-binary travelers.

“Society-wide, we’re working toward removing limitations for women, and travel is just one

subsection of that,” says Kelly Lewis, who founded Damesly in 2016 to fill what she saw as a gap in the women’s travel space pairing creative pursuits with wanderlust. “There are so many new avenues for women to travel the world.”

Enhancing experiences

In many parts of the world, taking men out of the equation expands opportunities for women travelers. In 2018, Australian-based Intrepid Travel launched expeditions that would be off-limits to co-ed groups. Think mingling with locals in a beauty salon in Iran and swimming on a ladies-only beach in Antalya, Turkey.

“When women are together, there are no traditional gender roles anymore. Women just get it, and they get each other,” says Wineland-Thomson. “When you bring in another culture to this environment, women really open up.”

Across the board, these trips prioritize support for local women. AdventureWomen’s new Cuba itinerary features artists and women-run restaurants in Havana. Wild Terrains trips spotlight female entrepreneurs, such as jewelry designers in Mexico and winemakers in Portugal. Damesly’s new journey to Uzbekistan includes face time with the female founder of a Tashkent fashion enterprise.

On the adventure circuit, WHOA Travel invites a local woman to join its signature climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro, all expenses paid. “We want to help shift the perspective of what a woman can do,” says co-founder Allison Fleece. Tour companies like hers are built on the concept that women often shine brightest—and let down their guard—in a community of women.

Ripple effects

The rise in female-focused tours means women have more influence in the industry. That translates to more jobs for women on the ground. Wild Women Expeditions commits to hiring local women to lead its

globe-spanning trips, an effort that has brought Morocco its first woman mountain guide. In Peru, the pacesetting company hires female porters to assist with Inca Trail treks and goes a step further with training programs that empower Peruvian women to pursue this unconventional career path.

For some, giving women leading roles in the travel industry is a type of grassroots feminism. After surviving domestic violence, traveler Rocio Vazquez Landeta launched Eat Like a Local walking tours in Mexico City and made the decision to employ women only. “It’s my way of taking a stand,” she says. “As a woman in a powerful position, it is my responsibility to create better opportunities for other women.”

Deborah Calmeyer shares that mindset. In planning luxury safari provider Roar Africa’s women’sempowerment retreat last year in her native South Africa, she tapped women for all positions, from chefs to pilots. Finding trackers to lead the group’s safari drives, however, proved challenging. South Africa’s first and only qualified female tracker drove one vehicle, while a pair of male trackers drove the other trucks.

Sometimes, changing just one mind is victory enough. “We asked one of the [male trackers], ‘Would you see your daughter doing this job?’” Calmeyer recounts. “He said no, outright. By the end of the trip, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Yeah, my daughter can do this.’”

7 Reasons

Why

Baby Boomer

Women Have a Big Retirement Problem Ahead

By Linda Gardner, Kiplinger.com

In survey after survey, people who are in retirement — or close to it — say their No. 1 worry is running out of money.

They should be worried. Especially women. A lot of Baby Boomer women, now ages 53 to 71, are in an odd spot. Attitudes and expectations about what they hoped to accomplish with their finances aren’t exactly matching up with reality. Sure, “the times they were a-changin’” as those little girls were growing up with better education and career opportunities but that didn’t necessarily work out for everyone quite the way they expected.

And so, here we are today, with a generation of women facing retirement; some without the resources they and society likely anticipated. Here are seven reasons why, and what women should be doing to help improve their retirement readiness.

1. Women are typically the primary caregivers for their families.

That’s becoming less so today for younger women, perhaps, as more women go to college, get higher-paying jobs and make their careers a priority. But for many women in their 50s, 60s and 70s, it was common to stop working when you started a family and to

stay home for years, or perhaps work part time to help make ends meet. Those career interruptions resulted in a loss of income and savings. Then, just as the kids left home, and they found their way back into the workplace groove, many of ended up taking time off again, this time caring for elderly parents.

2. Career choices were sometimes limited, and so was the pay.

Because many Baby Boomer women either chose to or had to put family first, the career opportunities that would allow them to do this were often limited. Sure, you heard about “supermoms” in the ’70s those women who could “do it all” but more often, women were in occupations with lower pay and hours that better suited their family needs. Fast forward through the working years, and those lower-paying, flexible-schedule jobs became a double whammy for retirement planning, because they often resulted in lower savings and Social Security benefits.

3. Participation in retirement programs lags. Again, this is improving, but for the current wave of female retirees, saving for retirement wasn’t always possible. Some women didn’t stay in a job long enough to become vested in the retirement plan and most part-time jobs didn’t offer the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan or other retirement programs. For many working women, their earnings were considered “fun money,” meant to pay for the

“extras” the family wanted, like a second car or vacations. And, today, as their children get older and out of school, many moms continue to help them out financially with student loan debts, down payments on houses, child care, cellphones, insurance and a wide variety of other expenses with Mom often ignoring the need to save for her own retirement. This can be a difficult transition for a mom: guiding her children toward financial independence, while learning to focus on her own financial future.

4. Many women don’t pay enough attention to financial planning.

Sure, they may take care of the checkbook and the family budget but traditionally, it has often been the husband who took care of investments, retirement plans and meetings with the financial professional. Of course, there are always exceptions to that statement! In today’s world, financial professionals should request couples attend investment and planning meetings together where they can discuss spending, savings and investment strategies, pension-survivorship options, Social Security strategies and more. And women should actively engage in the financial and retirement planning meetings even when it’s not what they really want to be doing. Unfortunately, meetings with both spouses in attendance don’t always happen, which can mean that when the loss of a spouse occurs, the woman may struggle to understand her financial situation. It doesn’t need to be that way, and it’s up to you to make sure it isn’t!

5. The average age when women take Social Security remains 62.

(For men, it’s 64. That means most women are looking at a permanent reduction in the benefits they would have received if they’d only waited until their full retirement age (based on birth year) or even to the maximum age of 70.

• Hypothetical example: Let’s say Judy’s full retirement age is 66, at which time she would receive $1,200 a month. If she files at 62, she’ll get only $900, taking a permanent reduction in her Social Security benefits. If she waits and files at 70, she’ll receive about $1,584. The difference between taking her Social Security at 62 and waiting until age 70 in this hypothetical example is $684 per month. While these numbers work the same for men and women, they have greater bearing on women, given their generally earlier retirement age.

• Those men who wait until they’re 64? They’re taking a smaller reduction in their Social Security benefits. Additionally, by working just two more years, they’ve likely increased the income calculation for their Social Security benefits and contributed more to their workplace retirement accounts — providing more income and investments to depend on during their retirement years. Every year that anyone continues to work and save past age 62, while delaying the start of Social Security benefits, can potentially enhance future retirement income.

Note: If you haven’t reached your full retirement age, you’re working and receiving your Social Security benefits, some of your benefits may be withheld if you have earnings in excess of Social Security limits.

You could live into your 80s, 90s or even 100s so

the decision of when to start your Social Security benefits needs to be made within your comprehensive retirement plan. Considerations in making that decision include: age and health; working or retired; life expectancy; marital status; spouse’s Social Security benefits; and other assets or income sources available to depend on during your retirement years.

6. Most women will likely have sole responsibility for their finances at some point. Some women remain single forever. Others will be widowed or divorced. And, for women with children, single-mother families in 2016 were nearly five times more likely to be living in poverty than married-couple families. The woman who stays married? Well, statistics say she’ll likely outlive her husband and could lose some or all of her husband’s monthly pension payment, if he had one, as well as some of their Social Security benefits. In these scenarios, her income is reduced while the living expenses go on, more rapidly reducing her savings and her retirement lifestyle.

7. Long-term care costs impact women. Spouses typically take care of each other for as long as they can, and often after one spouse dies the survivor usually a woman will eventually need outside care.

7 Questions Women Should Ask to Better Prepare for Retirement

For the average woman, a long life is likely, and planning for it is a necessity. Meet with your financial adviser now and ask these important questions:

• How much income will I need in retirement?

• How should I allocate my retirement savings, and how much can I afford to lose?

• If I haven’t started taking Social Security yet, how can I maximize my benefits?

• How can I play catch-up in my workplace or other retirement plans?

• How can I prepare for long-term care costs now, so I don’t lose my life savings if I need help?

• How can I manage taxes during my retirement?

• How can I be sure that I won’t outlive my money?

Don’t waste time fretting about past mistakes and lost opportunities. Today’s the day to put your comprehensive retirement plan in place.

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.

8TipsForBoomerWomenToBetterEnjoy TheirFriendships

By by Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. , Her Mentor Center

We can say without a doubt that intimate friendships have always been important to women. But have you noticed that they’ve become even more so as you face the transitions of children growing up and parents growing older?

Findings from a recent MacArthur Foundation Study indicate that the emotional security and social support that these relationships provide for women have been a survival strategy for them in adversity. In fact, friendship is one of the keys to a long and more satisfying life.A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with brain chemicals that cause us to maintain friendships with other women. Until this study was published, scientists generally thought that stress triggered a hormonal cascade that prepared the body either to stay and fight or to flee.

Now they believe that women have more behavioral choices than just fight or flight. It seems that, when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress response in women, they react by tending to children and coming together with other women. When they engage in these activities, more hormones are released, further reducing stress and producing a calming effect.

This ‘tend and befriend’ notion, developed by Drs. Shelley Taylor and Laura Klein, may explain why women consistently outlive men. Studies have found that social ties reduce our risk of disease and help us live longer. Friends also help us live better.

The famed Nurses’ Health Study from Harvard

Medical School determined that the larger the number of friends that women have, the less likely they are to develop physical impairments as they age, and the more likely they are to lead a joyful life. And that’s not all. Research about how well women function after their spouse has died indicates that, even in the face of this severest stressor, those women who have a close friend and confidante are more likely to survive the experience without any new physical impairments or permanent loss of vitality.

So look at your friendships and build on them now:

1. Turn to other women. Appreciate your friends and give these relationships the time and attention they need in order to blossom. Looking

to those who care about you for support can provide some of the strength to help you cope.

2. Women’s friendships can be complicated. What you need from each other, and the intensity and frequency of these needs, can lead to some misunderstandings. Hang in there during the rough periods.

 Friendships change throughout life. When you’re young, friends help form your identity. In adolescence, with peer pressure, your sense of self depends on what you see reflected in their eyes. When you know who you are, how friends see you seems less important.

 No one friend is able to meet all of your needs. As you mature, your focus turns more to qualities such as compatibility, trust, empathy, and respect. When you go through challenges, different friends may provide support, validation, and comfort.

 Friends buffer the effects of distress. And they’re a source of meaning and purpose at painful times. You may be tempted to pull away in an effort to

deal with difficulties on your own, but this is the time to stay bonded with those who understand you.

 It may be difficult for you to ask for help. This is especially true if you’re usually the one who provides it. Perhaps you believe that your selfesteem comes from not needing to depend on others. Now is the time to recognize that, being human, you can receive as well as give support.

 Buddy up with a friend who is going through similar changes. Accept her love and encouragement as you allow her to feel good about being able to help you. Your friends can provide a supportive network, only if you let them in.

 Giving as well as receiving support is beneficial. When you offer as well as accept friendship, you’ll find you are healthier over time. As the 17th century British playwright, Hada Bejar, said, “The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.”

Whether it’s a casual dinner after work or a weekend away at a spa, monthly book clubs or weekly exercise workouts, don’t you love to get together with other women? Friendship shapes who we are and who we are yet to become. If friends counter the stress that swallows up much of our time, are such a source of strength and nourishment, keep us healthy and even add years to our life, we owe it to ourselves to find the time to be with them. It’s crucial to our well-being.

© 2012, Her Mentor Center

BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Waffles 101 for the Women in Your Life

Along with stand mixers and fondue sets, waffle irons are more than likely collecting dust in a corner of many of our pantries. Waffles get a bad rap as 'food that's not good for you,' and 'a pain to make'; nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, a store bought, frozen waffle is an abomination, along with generic table syrup, and both are to be avoided like the plague. A homemade waffle, on the other hand, topped with delicious things is a delight in every way.

Batter or dough has been cooked between two hot plates for hundreds of years. The earliest recipe written in English that I'm aware of appeared in the 1600s, and paid proper homage to the Dutch 'wafel', that from the Frankish 'wafla', which harken back as far as the 1100s and meant honeycomb or cake. Waffles started out life as derivations of the communion wafer, thin, crisp cakes not unlike the modern pizzelle, still quite popular in Italy. These earliest versions were almost always round and made of grain flour and water, just as communion wafers were and are. As such, they weren't particularly big on taste, so flavorings like honey or florally infused water were introduced, such as rose and orange blossom. It wasn't until the 1300s that a recipe included eggs, wine, flour, and salt, but did not contain leavening of any note. Another hundred years would pass before irons notably different in pattern from the communion wafer, or oublie, would appear. These new versions, the French fer à oublie and the Belgian wafelijzer, were square or rectangular, and set with an even grid pattern; the space between these early irons was still rather thin, leading to a finished product likely akin to the modern Brussels waffle. Another couple of centuries would pass before recipes routinely included yeast, sweeteners, and spices added directly to the batter. Leavening was the innovation that allowed waffles to become the thicker, more appealing treat we enjoy to this day.

Waffle makers have advanced leaps and bounds from the versions we had as kids. There are makers that'll do anywhere from 2 to 8 at

a pop; some are deeper and rotate, to specialize in the thicker Belgian version. There are timers and dark-to-light controls as well. I opted for a simple maker with a light to indicate ready status, and no other bells and whistles. If you keep an eye on your maker while it's working, it's a safe bet that somewhere around 6 to 8 minutes in, when the steam output has diminished and you're smelling nice, toasty cereal notes, your waffle will be done. After you're used to yours for a while, it'll be second nature that requires little conscious thought. Non stick is nice, and can now be found in non-toxic, environmentally friendly versions; it's great to have, but does not mean you don't still need a little something sprayed or wiped on before you cook.

ByChefEbenAtwater www.urbanmonique.com

Here are a few variants to spark your creative juices. Any of these recipes can be made savory if you wish. Thinly sliced green onions, chive, or other herbs can be added to the batter, or incorporated into toppings made with sour cream, cremé fraîche, crema, or Greek yoghurt. Chutney, salsa, mostarda, or sauteéd vegetables are equally delicious, as is a waffle topped with an over easy egg, crumbled bacon, and melted cheese. If you add veggies or fruit directly to a batter, consider sweating them in a sauté pan first, to reduce the amount of moisture and keep your waffles from getting soggy or falling apart.

For topping sweet waffles, it's awfully hard to beat real maple syrup and butter.

You can substitute whole wheat pastry, or whole grain white flour,

one to one for any recipe calling for all purpose. Subbing 2% milk for whole works, and almond or soy milks make fine alternatives as well. Coconut oil makes a great sub for butter, as will olive, avocado, or grapeseed oils for savory waffle recipes. Honey, agave nectar, or less refined sugars are also fine alternatives. Fresh fruit is always a delightful topping for any variant.

With modern waffle makers, it's best to pour a ladle or two of batter into the middle of the iron, enough spread to within a couple inches so of the edge; gently closing the lid will finish the job.

Each recipe will make 6-8 waffles. They will store well short term, and are delicious toasted the next day.

Belgian Waffles

• 2 Cups all purpose Flour

• 2 large Eggs

• 2 Cups Whole Milk

• 1/2 Cup unsalted Butter

• 1/2 Cup Sugar

• 3-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 1 Cup fresh Strawberries

Preheat waffle iron.

Rinse and slice strawberries.

Separate eggs into two small dishes.

Melt butter.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. In a second mixing bowl, lightly beat egg yolks until frothy. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla, and whisk thoroughly to incorporate.

Add wet to dry mix and whisk gently until just combined.

Whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold gently into the batter.

Cook in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown.

Serve topped with strawberries.

Buttermilk Waffles

• 2 cups all purpose Flour

• 2 Cups Buttermilk

• 2 large Eggs

• 1/3 Cup unsalted Butter

• 2 Tablespoons Sugar

• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder

• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• Pinch Sea Salt

Preheat waffle iron.

Melt butter.

For More Waffle

Recipes visit: www.urbanmonique.com

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and whisk to incorporate. In a separate bowl, whisk and combine thoroughly buttermilk and butter; add the eggs and vanilla, and whisk again.

Add wet mix to dry and whisk gently until just combined; batter will be slightly lumpy.

Cook until golden brown, according to manufacturer's instructions.

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