Vol.8 No.2
Why Social Security Needs More Revenue, Not Cuts
20 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Work Old Enough for Sex: ‘At 50 I’m hotter than I was in my 20s’ Boomer Trendz: More Boomers Are Skipping Downsizing
Your ‘She Shed’ ‘Man Cave’ Escape Awaits! Boomer Healthy Eating: Delicious Low-Fat Chicken ala Dianne
Best Paradise Islands You Should Visit in 2019! F (Forget)– Being Old: Create Your Boomer Travel Bucket List Today’s BoomeR Featuring The Only B2B -Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
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2 Today’s BoomeR
This Issue June / July 2019 Volume 8, Number 2
Social Security 5 Social Security Needs More Revenue, Not Cuts F (Forget)-Being Old 8 Create Your Boomer Travel Bucket List Boomer Trendz 9 More Boomers Are Skipping Downsizing Boomer Consumer Watch 12 Your next “she shed”, “man cave”, or backyard escape is waiting!
Founders: John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief: Alexandra Maragha
Contributing Writers : Chef Eben Atwater: Healthy Eating Advertising: Team
For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback as well as advertising inquiries email Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
The American BoomeR.com
Boomer Travel 13 Best Paradise Islands you Should Visit in 2019
John Vardallas CEO/Founder Professional Speaker Business/Lifestyle Strategist Boomer Sage and Blogger JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com (608) 577-8707
Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Work
Alexandra Maragha Founder & Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
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Old Enough For Sex 21 ‘At 50 I’m hotter than I was in my 20s’ Boomer Healthy Eating 22 Delicious Low-fat Chicken ala Dianne
Today’s BoomeR Vol.8 No.2 Today’s BoomeR is published six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com 769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
The American Boomer @American_Boomer Today’s BoomeR 3
EDITOR’S LETTER
Paradise is Positivity That We Seek According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, paradise holds these basic meanings:
(feature)
1. a : eden b : an intermediate place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection and the final judgment
c : heaven 2. : a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight Whether it is in a physical state on Earth to which bliss and delight are experienced from anything that provides that feeling, or if one believes that Heaven is the only true Paradise, the method to achieve either and or both is the same; positivity. Positively brings yourself to a state to where bliss can be achieved through words, actions, company that is kept, experiences, and intentions. Removing the negative out of sight and out of mind, can bring us all closer to “a little slice of paradise” to focus to achieve. Whether we p. 4and calm to others, reach a remote island on Earth, find peace within ourselves, bring peace or wait for Paradise in the sky, we make it or break it for ourselves. Positivity must be worked for and a conscious choice we seek. If you are not looking for it, Paradise will never be found.
p. 12
Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief
4 Today’s BoomeR
Social Security:
Social Security Needs More Revenue, Not Cuts
By Teresa Ghilarducci , Forbes
Tweet This:
base for their retirement, which
In the next 12 years, 40% of middle-class older workers will be poor and near-poor elders.
they supplement with assets and pensions. Social Security is not enough by itself to maintain living standards and stay above poverty.
There is no way to get to anything resembling a
But even with their higher replacement rates, low-
secure retirement system without expanding Social
income retirees can hardly get by. Consider lifelong low
Security. We also need to fix the broken employer-
earners, who made around $10 an hour or about
based retirement system, but fixing pensions and
$20,000 per year—say, the person who stocked shelves
expanding Social Security are not substitutes. A
at the drugstore before they got a better job at Home
comprehensive retirement security bill needs both.
Depot. An excellent paper from Boston College’s Center
Let’s start with Social Security.
for Retirement Research shows that for these low
Social Security is a social insurance program. Workers
earners, the actual Social Security replacement rate is
and employers pay premiums to insure against
currently about 69%. Low-income workers can barely
disability and death. What's more, the system is
live on their earnings while they are working. Having
progressive. Social Security recognizes that low-income them live on 69% of their low incomes in retirement workers need a higher replacement rate—that is, a
(about $14,000 a year) is not just difficult—it is poverty.
higher share of retirement income relative to non-
Contrary to those who argue otherwise, the fact is that
retirement income—than high-income people. This is
even low-income workers need a supplement to Social
because wealthier recipients use Social Security as a
Security to stay out of de facto poverty. Yet the share of
Today’s BoomeR 5
pre-retirement earnings replaced by Social Security has steadily fallen since the 1980s because of Medicare premiums increasing and benefit cuts stemming from the increasing in the full retirement age from 65 to 67. Higher income workers need about 70-80%replacement rates in retirement (they generally don’t need 100% because their tax rate and savings rates will decrease in retirement). But the average actual replacement rate for a middle-class worker is about 39%, and for the highest earners 31%. And these replacement rates are achieved only if we do something to boost Social Security revenues just to pay for these promised benefits to achieve these replacement rates. If we fully fund Social Security, but do nothing to help workers supplement Social Security, the number of poor or near-poor people over the age of 62 will increase by 25% between 2018 and 2045,
from 17.5 million to 21.8 million. In the next 12 years, 40% of middle-class older workers will be poor and near-poor elders. Even workers who don’t fall into poverty will suffer downward mobility. Of course, the picture is much darker if we fail to raise Social Security revenues and automatic benefit reductions occur. The hypothetical is sobering to consider: your benefits are cut 25%; you move in with
your adult children; your 80-year-old neighbor skips dinner. Elderly poverty is already a pressing issue; it will grow even faster if we don’t raise revenues to pay promised Social Security benefits. This hypothetical can be avoided, however. Rep. John Larson (D-CT) and others are sponsoring the Social Security 2100 Act. The bill solves the math problem that without more revenue Social Security benefits for
the median retired household will be cut by a quarter and replacement rates will fall by one-fifth in 2034. The Urban Institute as an excellent paper on how to make Social Security solvent. The Larson bill uses a combination of these methods and follows the basic principle in Public Finance 101—keep taxes low and expand the base. 6 Today’s BoomeR
TheAmericanBoomer.com Thanks You for your continual Support and for making your voice heard in Saving Our Social Security! While we have heard YOUR voice through signing our petition, the work to maintain and preserve the Social Security Trust Fund is far from over.
URGE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO PRESERVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND! MAKE THEM HEAR YOUR VOICE BY CALLING, WRITING, EVEN TWEETING YOUR VOICE TO SAVE OUR SOCIAL SECURITY! #SOSS
Today’s BoomeR 7
F– (Forget) Being Old: “Rx for Living: “Create Your BoomeR Travel Bucket List ” (Part Deux) John A. Vardallas, Founder/CEO, TheAmericanBoomeR.com As we Boomers get older we know that life gets shorter so its important to prioritize your life s desires and to dos. I suggest you don’t follow the aging herd but break away and use the Nike Philosophy of “Just Do It! Before your ready to go for it, I encourage you to make a “Bucket List”—a list of all of the dreams, goals and activities, experiences you want to fulfill before you die. Many Boomers want to make up for putting off one of their passions: Travel. If you are relatively healthy and have the time-- the world beckons. Write down and itemize all that will motivate you to pursue your real location passions before its too late. Any place and everything you have ever wanted to explore or visit. And don’t be afraid to Dream and make them Big and Audacious! At our stage of life we should stay away from playing the regret game.
activities are and will be important to you. It s not a race against time—it’s a way to maximize your time in engaging in fulfilling activities. Your “Bucket List” is your way of benchmarking how you want to live the rest of your life to the fullest. It can be as few as 10 or as many as 50 things you want to do or partake in before your life ends. So to get you soup started after you read this, get out your laptop or tablet and start writing down what comes to mind when you read the following questions: •
What would you do if you were to die tomorrow
•
What wish list would you ask for before you die?
•
What is it that you always wanted to do?
•
Who do you want to see and what would you say to them?
•
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
•
What have you been dreaming about doing all of your life?
•
What difference did you make while you were alive?
•
What would like to achieve before you die?
Create your list with as many realistic wishes that Why think about all this now? Because as we age time make sense to you and are achievable and knock becomes our most precious commodity and how we them off one at a time savoring the experience. spend it is crucial. We live in a staccato of day to day To help get you going, the following are some travel activities that most of us accomplish in a rote fashion. ideas & items from my BL: Many boomers live by to do lists and goals that are • See India family, personal or professionally oriented and framed • Travel to the birthplace of my family ancestors within a societal context. The key is to look introspective and ask your self do many of these • Make a difference in someone’s life activities and tasks really mean anything to you if you • Volunteer for a new community cause were pass away tomorrow? • Attend the Kentucky Derby So I suggest you take a moment and plan for the rest • Spend more meaningful time travelling with of your life by creating your personal list of what 8 Today’s BoomeR
family
Boomer Trendz:
•
Trek Machu Picchu
•
Participate in the Senior Olympics
•
Check out a Dude Ranch & Ride horses
More baby boomers stay in their homes as they reach retirement, skipping downsizing
•
Travel the historic Route 66
By Paul Davidson, USA Today
•
Go To A Super Bowl
It’s always been a sort of final chapter of the American dream: Get married and have kids. Buy a • Visit Cuba house. Move to a bigger house. Downsize to a smaller Once you have your list keep it with you or in a visible one. place where you can refer to it. I would start out first But a growing number of aging baby boomers are with doing the simplest and easiest to undertake to saying, “No, thanks,” to downsizing, choosing instead give you a sense of self-accomplishment. Google to remain in the same sprawling houses in which they places you want to visit to give you information and a raised kids and created lifelong memories. better picture of your destination. “We’re just not seeing that much downsizing,” says It will be important to keep your mental/physical Alexandra Lee, a housing data analyst at Trulia, a real health and passion up for these new travel estate research firm. adventures. Your list should give you a sense of purpose for moving forward. Let your Bucket List be While many older Americans are still stepping down the driver of action plan for your end of life strategy to smaller homes, they're doing so later in life. The and keep focused on accomplishing it. trend is contributing to a housing supply shortage Remember what Morgan Freeman said in the Bucket across much of the country. List Movie: It s not about worrying about dying—it s all about living! So Boomers don’t let this year go to the dogs--work on Knocking Off Your Bucket versus Kicking It!
A more modest home typically means less upkeep and a potential financial windfall as a big chunk of the proceeds from the sale of the larger property can help bolster retirement nest eggs. Boomers, however, are defying the traditional bounds of advancing age just as they rebelled against the establishment in the 1960s and work- and familycentered values in the 1970s in favor of selffulfillment. “They have refused to follow what the traditional expectations were,” says Barbara Risman, a sociology professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There are other forces at work. Boomers, generally those age 54 to 73, are working longer and putting off retirement. Many of their millennial children are living with them well into adulthood. And there’s a Today’s BoomeR 9
-square-foot, four-bedroom house in the upscale Memorial section of Houston, plans to work into his 70s. “Our home is less than one mile from my office,” he says. “Downsizing and moving further away from the office is not attractive.” Levy’s wife, Shelly, 55, wouldn’t mind moving to a high-rise that offers more security and “turnkey” services at some point. “What do we do with this big space?” dire shortage of less expensive entry-level houses she says. But Shelly, a legal assistant, adds they would across the country, pushing up prices in that category prefer to stay in Memorial and the few and making the trade-off less appealing. condominiums there cost about the same as their Fifty-two percent of boomers say they’ll never move house. from their current home, according to a Chase bank Plus, the Levys want to have the house available for survey of 753 boomer homeowners released earlier visits from their two adult children and, eventually, this year. Chase doesn’t have comparable data from grandchildren. an earlier period. An Ipsos/USA TODAY poll of 45- to “I am looking forward to the day when our children 65-year-olds in 2017 found 43% anticipated have kids, and they come to our house and play in remaining in their current residence through their their parents’ room,” Jeff says. retirement, possibly indicating the share of non-downsizers is rising. Staying active Many boomers are staying in their long-time homes and communities because they’re deferring retirement. About 20% of Americans 65 and older are working or looking for jobs, up from 12.1% percent in 1996, Labor Department figures show. Older people are staying in the workforce because they’re healthier and will need bigger nest eggs to finance longer retirements, according to Jennifer Schramm, senior strategic policy adviser for the AARP Public policy Institute. Also, many older workers’ retirement savings were hammered a decade ago, she says.
The tendency to age in place is also rooted in boomers’ better health and desire to stay active. “Baby boomers don’t want to become old in a way that has negative connotations,” Risman says. “Remaining in one’s old house is part of remaining in the prime of one’s life longer.” Even when they retire, boomers are staying engaged through volunteer work and other activities, says Phyllis Moen, a sociologist at the University of Minnesota.
Jeff Levy, 58, an insurance broker who lives in a 3,900 “They are in the space opening up for the first time in 10 Today’s BoomeR
history between the career-and family-building years and the frailties associated with old age,” Moen says.
Peet, who uses a walker because of a spine-related injury, also appreciates the support of decades-long Boomers’ penchant to stay in their long-time homes is neighbors. Recently, he says, a neighbor helped him when he fell from a chair. likely playing a role in low housing supplies, says Danielle Hale, chief economist of realtor.com. The crunch has improved since last year but housing stocks are still well below normal levels.
Other reasons many boomers are staying where they are:
To be sure, many aging Americans are moving to traditional retirement havens like Florida and Arizona. But even among those who plan to move, 43% want their next home to be the same size as their current one, and 22% want it to be larger, according to a January survey of 50- and 60-year-olds by Del Webb, which builds communities for age 55-plus Americans.
Millennials have lived with their boomer parents longer than prior generations as those graduating college between 2008 and 2010, in particular, struggled to launch their careers. In 2016, 16.1% of senior households had younger generations living with them, up from 14.4% in 2005, according to Trulia and Census figures.
Trulia analysts believe older Americans are simply deferring downsizing. Both in 2005 and 2016, 5.5% of households 65 and over moved, with that share evenly split between those moving to single-family and multifamily homes, according to a Trulia analysis of Census Bureau data. But in 2016, the youngest age at which seniors moving to multifamily homes began to outnumber those moving to single-family houses was older (late 70s) than it was in 2005 (early 70s).
Starter home crunch
Downsizing, but not yet Jim Peet, 70, of Plymouth, Minn., may seriously consider selling his 3,300-square-foot house but not until he’s 80. Peet, a retired information technology professional, and his wife, Kathee, flirted with downsizing several years ago, largely to reduce maintenance hassles, but found that a condo in downtown Minneapolis would cost more than their house. They also shopped for a similar-sized house in Tallahassee, Florida, but backed out after realizing they didn’t want to be so far from their family.
Millennial kids in the house
The housing supply shortage is especially curtailing the inventory of the kind of smaller, less expensive homes that boomers may target, Hale says. That makes it harder to find a compact house and pushes up its price, reducing the net profits of any downsizing. From 2012 to February 2019, the bottom third of homes with the lowest prices appreciated an average 8.03% a year, versus 6.39% for mid-level homes and 5.01% for the most expensive units, according to a Trulia analysis. Many upgrading, not selling Now that home prices have more than recovered from a skid in prices, the Chase survey showed nearly nine in 10 boomers are looking to make improvements. As a result, many boomers are focused on upgrades rather than downsizing. Paid-off mortgages Many boomers have finally paid off their mortgages and don’t want to start making house payments again.
In fact, their kids and grandchildren generate a consistent hive of activity in their house. “It’s just so “Why get into another situation?” says Shelly Levy, comfortable to entertain people,” Peet says. “The kids whose mortgage will be paid off two years. “We've got run from the living room to the kitchen -- I love a nice house. Now it’s our turn to go on vacation.” watching them.” Today’s BoomeR 11
Boomer Consumer Watch: Amazon is selling houses for less than $20,000, with free shipping Your next “she shed”, “man cave”, or backyard escape is waiting! By Catey Hill, Market Watch
sleeping loft) “is large enough to function as a summer Housing companies have found a new home: Amazon. house, home office or even a stand-alone retail building” and that “by adding the utility hookups this Prefabricated and modular housing—homes that are cabin can be converted to a residence.” built in factories—is having its moment. From 2013 to 2018, industry revenue grew by an annualized 8.6% to Of course, that will cost extra, and the company notes nearly $10.5 billion, including growth of 4.1% in 2018 that if you live in a colder spot you’ll need to add insulation. Two adults can assemble this home in 2-3 alone, according to research firm IBISWorld. days, the company says. These home have even hit Amazon and apparently are The 1,000-sq-ft Ecohousemart Timber Home, for selling out. Indeed, multiple news outlets like real about $40,000 estate sites Curbed and The Real Deal reported that this 172-sq-ft $7250 prefab cabin, which the This modernmanufacturer claims can be built in eight hours, on looking structure Amazon sold out. The house comes with free shipping. made of northern Then many again reported that the home was back in spruce was stock. “designed as a lounge” that “can It’s not the only home for sale on the internet giant. be used as a house with a lot of flexibility in terms of And some can even become residences. “I’m not surprised” to see home for sale on Amazon, said Trae interior layout.” The company notes that an Bodge, a shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, as “selling “experienced architect can turn this into a permanent facility.” For an additional cost, of course. these homes online presents a new level of opportunity for the retailer to reach consumers who The 113-sq-ft Lillevilla Escape, for about $5,000 are outside of their local area.” Here are a few homes The company says that this cabin is better suited for a for sale on Amazon ranging in price from a few structure for you “hobby, garden or pool tools and thousands dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. supplies” or “simply a retreat in your backyard.” And The 292-sq-ft Lillevilla Allwood Getaway Cabin, about like most of these homes, that low price (thought it $19,000 does include free shipping) is just a starting point— should you want The company notes that this to add basics 292-sq-ft cabin like (square footage insulation that will be extra, as does not well creating a include the foundation. additional 12 Today’s BoomeR
Best Paradise Islands you Should Visit in 2019
BOOMER TRAVEL
From Tour Scanner Planning your next trip but you do not know where to start? You have come to the right place; we have selected for you the best paradise islands you should visit in 2019. Whether you crave culture, adventure, or simply want to relax on a beach, at least one of these islands should fulfill your travel dreams. 1 – Palawan, Philippines Palawan is a stunning archipelago that has been ranked as the most beautiful island in the world multiple times. Discover the best things to do in Palawan. Famous for diving, hiking, beaches, and fishing, this is one of the best tropical travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Today’s BoomeR 13
2 – Maldives Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are an archipelago often described as a tropical paradise. The islands offer its visitors pure white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an amazing marine life experience. You will be surprised by the variety of activities in the Maldives.
14 Today’s BoomeR
4 – Seychelles Seychelles lies off the coast of East Africa and forms an archipelago of 115 islands featuring idyllic beaches and crystalline blue waters. There are so many things to do in Seychelles!
3 – French Polynesia A group of small volcanic islands in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is probably one of the most stunning islands on earth. Discover the incredible activities in French Polynesia. Snorkeling, hiking, beaches – simply a paradise waiting to be explored.
With its untouched nature, it became one of the favorite destinations for honeymooners. 5 – Santorini, Greece As one of the most famous islands in Greece, Santorini combines amazing beaches, ancient cities, volcanic landscapes, and delicious local food and wine. Enjoy this beautiful island and all the amazing things to do in Today’s BoomeR 15
Santorini! 6 – Cook Islands Located in the heart of the Pacific, the Cook Islands are an oasis of freedom with crystal blue waters, pure white sandy beaches, and warm weather all year round. Among the best things to do in the Cook Islands, it is highly recommended to do a jungle trekking, snorkeling and try the local cuisine! Check out the recommended hotels in the Cook Islands
7 – Hawaii, US
are plenty of things to do in Hawaii. Go surfing, watch Hawaii is an archipelago of breath-taking beauty; its dolphins, fly on an helicopter, explore the amazing landscapes, witness the stargazing and enjoy this pristine beaches and stunning scenery makes it a perfect paradise destination for many travelers. There unique experience! 16 Today’s BoomeR
8 – Saint Lucia Located in the Eastern side of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. It is simply an ideal destination for romance or relaxation. But you can take part in many other activities in Saint Lucia: it is also very famous for sailing trips, diving, and explore the nature.
of the Great Barrier Reef midway along the Queensland Coast of Australia. The islands are laid-back and beautiful with plenty of activities to choose from. Boat trips, Watersports, Nature and many more! Check out the recommended hotels in the Whitsunday islands.
9 – Capri, Italy Situated only a few miles from the mainland in the Bay of Naples, the natural beauty and calm of the island have been inspiring poets, artists, and musicians for centuries. Discover all his beauties and the activities in Capri. 10 – Whitsunday Islands, Australia This paradise sits at the heart Today’s BoomeR 17
20 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Work By Ian Harrison
Earn extra income in your golden years
Tutor
Like Not all retirees want to give up working forever. Many working with kids find part-time work a rewarding way to spend time or eager students of any age? and earn extra income. Ahead are 20 part-time Helping people master new subjects employment opportunities I’d recommend for retirees, one of which just might be the thing for your as a tutor can be a rewarding way to spend a few hours each week. This golden years. is a great way for retired educators to keep their skills Consultant sharp or for experts in any field to help the next generation prepare for what’s ahead. Rather than staying on in your old role, you could strike out on your own and put your experience to ESL Instructor work as a consultant. Many companies seek out Another job that’s an ideal fit for former teachers or short-term or part-time consultants to offer advice anyone with enthusiasm and a good grasp of the and expertise on different projects. If you’re established in your field and have an analytical mind, I English language is an ESL instructor. Its also a suggest trying your hand at some consulting projects. remarkably portable position. Do it in your home area with students of all ages or find a perfect place The Local Sports Team overseas and put your skills to work in an exciting new No, you’re not going to be lining up at quarterback or environment. swinging for the fences. But that doesn't mean you Dog Walker cant get a job with a team in your town. Whether Dog owners everywhere appreciate the chance to get major league or minor league, teams in every sport their pooch out for some exercise while they’re at need seasonal staff to work as ushers, security, work, not to mention the added benefit of avoiding vendors, ticket sellers, and other roles. I think you’ll “accidents” inside the house. If you like dogs and can find that jobs like these offer a fun way to get a little handle having a few on the leash at the same time, closer to the action, while spending time with fellow I’m certain you’ll find that work as a dog walker is a fans. great way to enjoy the great outdoors with animals. Turn Your Hobby into a Job Driver Are you an accomplished photographer? A brilliant The rise in ride-sharing apps has opened up new banker? Maybe you’re nifty with knitting needles. adventures for people looking to make a little extra Whatever it is, there’s probably a way to turn your money with their car. Working as a driver is as flexible hobby into a money-making opportunity, say by as you want it to be and a good way to meet new photographing weddings, providing tasty treats to people and explore your area. If you’re looking for local cafes, or selling handmade scarves. something a little different, there are plenty of part-time opportunities as a delivery driver, or you 18 Today’s BoomeR
could pursue something with your local transit system. Gardener Got a passion for plants? Maybe you’d make a great gardener. You’ll want to make sure you’re fairly physically fit before taking on too much work digging up flower beds, pushing a mower, and picking out weeds. As long as you’re up to it, I recommend parttime work as a gardener as a great way to put some spare cash between your fingers and green thumb. Tour Guide If you’re a keen student of history or love learning and sharing the stories that shape your local area, you might make an ideal tour guide. I’m sure you’ll agree this is a great job for those who love to meet new people. Opportunities exist in a variety of fields, including art and architecture, animals, fine cuisine, and gardens. Home Care Aide Supporting someone in need by spending time working as a home care aide can be an extremely gratifying experience. Besides keeping tabs on a patient’s physical and mental condition, aides also take care of basic errands, such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
work in the retail sector, whether its something simple like a shop cashier or a sales position that suits your individual tastes and interests. Many retail jobs are seasonal, offering retirees the option of working part of the year and leaving them free to travel or simply relax at other times. Researcher Put your expertise to work on a part-time basis by conducting research for an academic or professional client. Short-term and freelance positions are often available in different fields, although certain qualifications may be necessary if the subject is highly specialized. Catering If you’re gourmet genius with serious skills in the kitchen, perhaps you’d make a fine part-time chef or caterer. I suggest making sure you’re the kind of person who can handle deadlines, though. You’ll also have to work whenever clients are holding events which will often be evenings and weekends. Event Planner Over the years, you’ve probably had to plan a wide variety of events, from weddings and birthday parties to vacations and family reunions. If you’re good at the
Child Care Worker Put your years of experience as a parent (and possibly a grandparent) to use in a part-time setting by providing part-time child care services, either in your home or at a local school or daycare facility. I don’t have to tell you that working with kids is rewarding and a great way to feel young at heart. Retail A myriad of opportunities exist for Today’s BoomeR 19
singer? Turn your talent into extra income by working as a art-time music teacher. Give lessons at your own home or travel to see clients. I like that this job can offer a decent degree of schedule flexibility, although some lessons will tend to happen after school and work or on the weekend. Courier
logistics or large events, I think you’d be surprised how good you’d be as a planner. Help people throw parties or assist corporate clients with their hospitality needs.
Assuming drones don’t take over all deliveries, one line of work you might pursue in retirement is a job as a courier. Whether you deliver goods or documents in a vehicle, on a bike, or on foot, working as a courier is a job that keeps you active and exposes you to new people and places.
Restaurants and Cafes
Your Old Job, Just Part-Time
Jobs in restaurants and cafes tend to offer flexible hours and plenty of seasonal opportunities, although many positions require evening and weekend work. I think you’ll find that this is a good way to combine work with meeting plenty of people, coworkers, and customers alike. Some jobs in this sector can also be a source of bountiful tips.
What are you best trained for at this stage in life? In most cases, it’s probably the job you’ve spent the bulk of your career doing. As long as you’re not too burned out, consider staying on with your employer beyond retirement, only in a reduced role. You might even pursue a phased out departure plan that sees your responsibilities gradually diminished over a fixed time frame.
Concert Halls, Galleries, and Museums If you love music or enjoy art, you might find a rewarding part-time position at your local concert hall or art museum. Even a job as a ticket taker or usher gets you access to somewhere or something you couldn’t otherwise get for free. Music Teacher Are you great with a guitar, terrific with the trombone, or a skilled 20 Today’s BoomeR
Old Enough for Sex : Menopausal? Yes. But at 50 I’m hotter than I was in my 20s As an older woman, I’ve never been more comfortable your 50s, but is there an assumption that the experience in my own skin. And I still wouldn’t be seen dead in a of increased happiness is connected to losing one’s looks? Because I see nothing contradictory about being a woman linen blazer in your 50s and still being, or indeed wanting to be, fanciable. And I don’t expect this to stop in my 60s, 70s I’m new to being 50 and I’m waiting for it to happen to me: and beyond. the moment when I vanish without trace. My 51st year The unflinching monologue on womanhood delivered by started with the B-list French celebrity Yann Moix making Kristin Scott Thomas’s character Belinda in the latest global headlines after saying that women over 50 were season of Fleabag in which she spoke of the menopause invisible. (Fun fact: he had to put out a request to stop fifty being something to celebrate because you feel free, no something women spamming him with pictures of their longer “a machine with parts”, will surely be on the perky body parts in the aftermath. Poor him. ) curriculum by the time all the babies called Archie start
By Cally Beaton, The Guardian
It turns out that he prefers the “extraordinary” body of a 25-year-old. The thing is, at 50 I know I am objectively more attractive than I was in my 20s, when I was unhappy, insecure, overweight and all round not conventionally hot. I am more attractive than I was in my 30s (raising young kids and juggling a big day job with splitting up with their dad) or in my early- to mid-40s (perimenopause hitting hard and somewhat losing my shit, or at least my way, for a few years).
school.
It took me until my late 40s to start to see myself more clearly. I ditched my career, the kids ditched me (empty nest, not family row), and I began a new life as a performer and standup comedian. Everything was exciting and wobbly and up for grabs and now, performing on stage, radio and TV, I feel I have never been more visible.
Being single and 50 doesn’t mean that I’m not out dating lovely, eligible people. But just like a real person, I’ll stay single until I find a relationship worth not being single for; I’m guessing the people I’m dating feel the same way. The menopause isn’t redemptive – it’s full of pain and loss, sweat and tears; and above all, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. But I’m feeling better on the inside than I’ve ever felt (still a mess, but a bit less of one) and OK with how I look on the outside.
After a five-decade gestation, I’ve given birth to a darling little bundle of self-esteem. In an article about looking forward to the menopause recently, the Observer’s Eva Wiseman had me nodding in agreement right up until the mention of the “linen blazers” and “big plastic jewellery” she seems to think all menopausal women succumb to. At newly 50, I’m as likely to don a “swishy cardigan” as I am to run for a bus in my knickers, or to run for a bus at all. Much is said of the happiness curve that goes up in
But I still care whether strangers think I’m pretty, and about whether I’m wearing the most flattering jeans style. And I still worry that my career may be the next thing to crumble to dust, right after my ovaries. If not caring about those things would be liberating, perhaps I have yet to be liberated or to stop being a crap feminist. Yet I do feel freer now – as if, after a five-decade gestation, I’ve given birth to a darling little bundle of self-esteem.
So don’t make pitying assumptions about invisible women. Maybe the only thing you can’t see is how good things are. Invisibility is one of the UK’s most wished-for superpowers, after all. • Cally Beaton is a comedian, speaker and performer and
her show Invisible is on at the Edinburgh Fringe, Assembly George Square Studios, 31 July-26 August
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BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Delicious Low-fat Chicken ala Dianne
Recipes and Photos from Chef Eben Atwater
www.urbanmonique.com My Friend Dianne Strother Boyd was in need of a ‘low fat, yummy chicken recipe,’ so I put this together. When you’re cutting down on fat and/or going low on salt, what you want is something that has some zing to it, that’ll not only have a nice, bold flavor profile, but will also deliver mouth feel – I give you Chicken ala Dianne.
In a large, non-reactive mixing bowl, combine vinegar, oil, stock, juice from 1/4 of the lemon, the lemon zest, garlic, onion, and honey. Whisk to incorporate.
The combination of flavorful dark chicken meat, leaving the skins and bones on, and a sweet, vinegary marinade will do the trick. It’s an easy dish, doesn’t take a lot of prep time other than marinating, and tastes like you worked harder than you did. When you lose the richness of fat, or the flavor enhancement salt brings, it’s important to compensate with broad brush strokes. With this dish, you get a really nice balance of major taste bases – Sweet, sour, bitter, with lighter touches of umami and salty. You might want to take a look at our Salt Free Seasoning Blends post, too. So here ya, go, Dianne – Hope you like it, (and Bill, too!)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Arrange chicken in a baking pan or casserole dish, and pour marinade over the chicken.
Chicken ala Dianne 4 bone in, skin on Chicken Thighs (roughly 1 1/2 pounds) 2 Cups fresh Grape Tomatoes (you can rough chop big ones if that’s what you’ve got) 1/4 small sweet Onion 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 3/4 Cup Low Sodium Chicken Stock 1 small fresh Lemon 2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar (Honey is fine too) 1 5” to 6” sprig fresh Rosemary 2-3 cloves fresh Garlic 2 Tablespoons Nonpareil Capers, drained 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil Freshly ground Pepper. Zest lemon and cut in quarters. Trim, peel, and mince garlic. Trim, peel and dice 1/4 cup of onion.
Serve with rice, a green salad, and the remaining lemon slices.
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Add chicken to the mixing bowl and allow to marinate, refrigerated, for 30 minutes, then flip the pieces and marinate for another 30 minutes.
Add the tomatoes to the dish and spread them evenly throughout – Ditto with the capers. Break the rosemary into two or three pieces and toss that on the chicken. Season with a few twists of pepper – With capers in there, you really don’t need any more added salt. Bake on a middle rack until you reach an internal temperature of 160° F, then remove dish from oven and allow a 10 minute rest.
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