Tag: Seniors

Sixty and Beyond: 5 women who prove your best years are yet to come!

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Most people think that life is long over for sixty-year-old women, but nothing is farther than the truth. The older we get, the wiser and more dynamic we become. We waste less time on trivialities and we spend more time on the things that matter.

If you’re heading toward the sixties and beyond, don’t sell yourself short. The best years of your life are ahead of you. Just look at the accomplishments of these five women.

Svetlana Alexievich

Noble Prize Winner Literature 2015
(awarded at the age of 67)

 

Helen Mirren

Oscar Winner Best Actress 2007
(awarded at the age 61)

 

Linda Buck

Nobel Prize Physiology or Medicine 2004.
Also, awarded honorary doctorate by Harvard University
and elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society
(at the age of 68)

 

Angela Merkel

Chancellor of Germany
(at the age of 62)

 

Meryl Streep

3-time Oscar winner.
Also, reached the most Oscar nominations of a single person
(at the age of 67)

 

So don’t let the amount of candles on your birthday cake dictate how you will live the rest of your life. It’s your time to shine!

Do you know of any inspiring women over sixty? Please share below.

Photo credits

Svetlana Alexievich

Helen Mirren

Linda Buck

Angela Merkel

Meryl Streep

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

7 Books that Will Keep You Younger

7 Books that Will Keep You Younger

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Are you ready to live longer? It’s never too late to start enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life. Learn brain exercises, financial wisdom, and lifestyles that will reset your genes with these seven books on aging from the bestsellers list on Amazon.

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1. The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest

Region by region, Buettner reveals the “secrets” of longevity through stories of his travels and interviews with some of the most remarkable–and happily long-living people on the planet. It’s not coincidence that the way they eat, interact with each other, shed stress, heal themselves, avoid disease, and view their world yield them more good years of life. Buettner’s easy to follow “best practices” and list of healthy lifestyle choices from the Blue Zones will empower readers to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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2. 399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young.

Based on the science that shows that people middle-aged or older who solve word games and brainteasers have a significant cognitive advantage over those who do not, 399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges is the illustrated game book specifically created to cross-train the brain. Here are 399 games to stretch, challenge, and push the reader, all of which stimulate the formation of neurons—literally, regrowing the brain.

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3. Aging Backwards: Reverse the Aging Process and Look 10 Years Younger in 30 Minutes a Day

The body is programmed to self-destruct as we age, but the speed at which it self-destructs is up to us. Recent scientific studies have proven this fact! In Aging Backwards, Miranda Esmonde-White offers a groundbreaking guide on how to maintain and repair our cells, through scientifically designed workouts.

Healthy cells prevent joint pain, muscle loss and weak bones—helping to control weight, increase energy, and improve strength and mobility. Miranda offers readers of all ages the tools they need to look and feel young. Complete with tips, tools, and her Eight Basic Age-Reversing Workouts accompanied by instructional photos and web clips, Aging Backwards will help you grow younger, not older!

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4. Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy – Until You’re 80 and Beyond

Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond.

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5. How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get from Your Financial Advisor

World-class author and innovator Ernie J. Zelinski guides you to:

  • Gain courage to take early retirement; in fact, the earlier the better.
  • Put money in proper perspective so that you don’t need a million dollars to retire.
  • Generate purpose in your retirement life with meaningful creative pursuits.
  • Follow your dreams instead of someone else’s.
  • Take charge of your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
  • Better envision you retirement goals — including where you want to live.
  • Above all, make you retirement years the best time of your life.

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This book is written for you…
  • If you want to thrive and find spiritual strength, wellbeing, wisdom, and wonder as you grow older.
  • If you are willing to recognize that we live in a new period of history where we can live longer and with more vitality than people ever have.
  • If you are ready to embrace this new reality and live the fourth quarter of your life creatively, lovingly, and joyfully.

 

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7. Younger: A Breakthrough Program to Reset Your Genes, Reverse Aging, and Turn Back the Clock 10 Years

The scientific reality is that 90 percent of the signs of aging and disease are caused by lifestyle choices, not your genes. In other words, you have the capability to overcome and transform your genetic history and tendencies. Harvard/MIT—trained physician Sara Gottfried, M.D. has created a revolutionary 7-week program that empowers us to make the critical choices necessary to not just look young, but also feel young.

Have you read any of these books on aging?

Which one would you recommend?

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

vitamins and herbal supplements

Vitamins and Herbal Supplements – Waste of Money or Healthy Habit?

Published on by Brigitte Nioche1 Comment

Vitamins and herbal formulas are a multi-billion dollar industry. Natural remedies for memory, energy, weight loss, joint pain, and even libido abound. Everyone is looking for the Holy Grail, but is it necessary to take vitamins for longevity and do herbal formulas even work?

VITAMINS

Most doctors will tell you that calcium and Vitamin D are necessary to ward off osteoporosis. Folate is crucial to prevent birth defects. B vitamins give an undeniable boost of energy. But studies have also found that the typical multivitamin may not extend life or fight disease. A healthy diet should be enough to give all the body all the needed nutrients.

HERBAL AND NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS

Herbal remedies were human beings’ first medicine. Chamomile, ginseng, echinacea are among the most commonly used herbs. So are fish oil, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and glucosamine. But most supplements have not been studied thoroughly enough and have no guaranteed effect. Other herbal compounds could interfere with medication and exacerbate health problems. Even though herbs seem like harmless leaves, roots, and flowers, don’t experiment with any herbs until you’ve spoken to your doctor.

IT’S UP TO YOU

Most of the claims in made by supplement manufacturers cannot be corroborated by the FDA. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t work. They may just not have been tested for such a use. You’ll find people who swear by certain supplements. So, if you want to try the latest remedy for low energy, sagging skin, or aching knees, what have you got to lose? Just make sure there are no possible risks or interactions first.

 

Do you believe vitamins make a difference?

What’s your favorite herbal supplement?

Share below!

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

Beauty Over 60: How to Wear a Fragrance

Published on by Brigitte Nioche2 Comments

Fragrances and come and go, but the dreaded term “old lady perfume” still lingers. It can be a challenge to find the right fragrance the older we become. Sweet scents, like vanilla or fruit, may not be sophisticated enough for an older woman. Stronger colognes and perfumes can be too overpowering. So how do we buy and wear a perfume that enhances rather than distracts?

Perfume shopping tips

Buy perfumes that match your own personal style – For example, if you like to wear dark-colored clothing and heavy textures, a light citrusy scent will not fit. If you live in a hot, humid climate, it’s probably best to avoid the heavier fragrances.

Don’t buy the cheap stuff – Cheap perfumes can be harsh and smell strongly of alcohol. They become stale-smelling very quickly. Splurge a little bit on yourself and buy a nice perfume from a well-known brand.

Perfume wearing tips

Beware of personal care products – medicated creams, powders, and lotions will lend to that “old lady scent” and can clash with your perfume. Try to find fragrance-free products, or ones with a non-offensive smell.

Throw away old bottles of perfume – it’s tempting to hold onto a perfume and only use it for special occasions, especially if it was a gift, but scents go bad quickly. As recommended by this article in In Style, fragrances may last for 3-5 years, but it’s best to buy a new bottle after a year.

Don’t be discouraged from more sophisticated scents

Some people associate bolder fragrances with older women. However, as Elizabeth Musmanno, president of The Fragrance Foundation, stated in this article on The Fashion Spot, “Classic fragrances with a strong point of view continue to hold strong for 2017.” The most important thing to remember is to go out and buy whatever makes you feel good.

What is your favorite perfume?
Please leave your tips and questions in the comment section below.

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty Over 60: 5 Ways to Look Radiant

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Self-care is more important as we grow older. Our bodies require more maintenance than they did when we were young. To feel confident and happy, we must not only pay attention to our health, but our looks. Here are 5 ways to improve both.

  1. Whiten Up

Yellowing and staining of teeth is tremendously aging. Luckily, there are many affordable choices for tooth whitening. Whitening strips are a quick, affordable, and super-effective way to brighten teeth without damaging your enamel. Whitening pastes or professional treatments at your dentist are also great options. Afterward, you’ll be inclined to smile more, which gives you a natural radiance.

  1. Acid Peel

A glycolic or lactic peel will take dead layers of your face, lessening the appearance of wrinkles, removing dull skin, and allowing your skin to attract more water. You can go to an aesthetician for professional peels, or buy formulas online for at-home use.

  1. Juicing

Radiance begins on the inside. Take care of your body on a cellular level by drinking a fresh juiced vegetables every morning. Carrots, red peppers, other carotene-rich foods will add a healthy color to your complexion. Cucumbers are wonderful for hydrating and detoxification. Tomatoes, beets, and greens are also nutritious additions.

  1. Workout

A light workout will get your circulation going and help melt away stiffness. Exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. Walking outside works wonders. Being out in nature encourages a general sense of well-being. A few minutes of sunlight tones and tans skin and produces vitamin D, which is crucial to healthy bones and fights depression. A positive attitude fights age and a smile gives a natural facelift.

  1. Deep Sleep

It’s more difficult for many people to get enough sleep as they grow older. If you’re having trouble staying asleep, you can try natural remedies like melatonin, valerian, magnesium, linden tea, and chamomile. Lavender essential oils and candles are a relaxing addition to your pre-sleep ritual. Electronics like the TV or smartphone disrupt sleep patterns. Turn them off or remove them from your bedroom altogether.

What are you favorite ways to stay radiant after 60? Please leave your tips and questions in the comment section below.

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

Picture of the Day – Which One are You?

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

This is from the pages of AARP – you might have seen it – but if not I don’t want you to miss it –

I think the shoe fits some of us?

                                                          *******

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

Love and Sex – Don’t Give Up On It!

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Does love and sex have an expiration date?  Certainly not! And the men and women who live into their 90s and beyond prove this again and again.

For example, we read a lot about what is going on in retirement homes – and it’s a lot – or about couples in their 80s getting married. Or how seniors who go-on line to find a new partner after their wife or husband died, which the many over 50 dating sites confirm.

Of course when going on line chances of success might depend on how far away someone is from 70. Being 40 or 50 or 60 might give more choices, but that should not hold one back from trying. A friend of mine just told me that his 90 year old father whose wife died recently went on a dating service site to check things out.couple-in-egypt-jpeg-2

Oh no, please don’t shatter my believe in love and romance by telling me he is only looking for a housekeeper. I am the eternal optimist when it come to love. I think you can be in love at 20 and at 100, or anywhere in between.

Many older women say ‘not for me anymore.’ Do they really say ‘no?’ Or are they afraid of not finding somebody, so they have shelved that part of themselves.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying we should always be on the prowl,  or hang out in bars, but we shouldn’t close the door when somebody comes walking through. And maybe you don’t want to be somebody’s wife again – been there, done that – but wouldn’t it be nice to have a companion to share your thoughts and feelings with? Maybe a friendship with benefits, as it’s called today. (The expression comes from a film by the same name which was released in 2011).

My friend Danielle – no, I won’t tell you her age, but she is no youngster – is  divorced for many years. Then she met James who had recently lost his wife and was lonely.  After a year he asked her to marry him but she said no.

“Don’t you love him?” I asked her

“Yes I do and I enjoy the sex, but I don’t want to be in a marriage again, and I don’t want to live with him either.”  A friendship with benefits indeed.

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Martin, an acquaintance who is about 40 years old told me, “A man can feel if a woman is available or not. It’s not something she does or says.  I can’t really put my finger on it but I can tell right away when I meet a woman if  she is willing.

Maybe the happiness gurus are right when they say your thought can control your destiny. Could that be why some good looking, attractive women are alone and others – not so  good looking – are with a man? Does their thinking make the difference and not their look?

It might be time to find out by changing how we think and open the door for a little fun, or even a friendship with benefits!!

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything

brigitte-headshotBrigitte

 

 

 

 

Mentors Needed for Social Media Tasks

Published on by Brigitte Nioche4 Comments

The last time I talked about what impact Social Media has on older people. How it can improve the rest of our life. How it will give us a purpose, something to do, but most importantly how it will connect us to this new world. But we can’t do it alone. We need help. We need a mentor.

The definition of a mentor in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.

Yes, that someone used to be us. We used our life experience to give advice, to lead and to teach. But now there is a new reality. One that unfortunately disregards what was valuable before the Internet. And anybody born with an iPhone in their hand does not even want to know of how it was before. I have two grandchildren, 12 and 9 and when I forget that something which is not on the computer is of no consequence, and start telling them a story about the old days -being well brought up – they feign interest, but never take their eyes off their iPhone.

So to catch up we need a mentor – but where can we find one?

  • Senior Citizen Centers
  • Public Libraries
  • At work – if you still work, or volunteer ask your younger coworkers
  • Online – if you already have a computer (but remember going to classes with other humans will feel better and you will learn easier)

And if you live in New York City or vicinity contact:

  • New York Department of Aging
  • Senior Planet
  • OATS – Older Adults Technology Services

And finally the grandchildren. They love to help when it has to do with the Internet. They even take their eyes off their phones to show you what to do on yours. Of course we have to be humble and grateful for their help as otherwise a remark like – ‘Moma I will give you an easy one so you won’t have trouble doing it’ – coming from a 9 year old will sting.

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Learning what to do on my iPhone –

Mentors come in many forms and shapes, young, younger and very young. Peu importe – every bit of information will help. Good Luck!

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

social media and boomers

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

Published on by Brigitte Nioche11 Comments

Retirement – a dream come true for so many, including the baby boomers whose numbers, according to statistics increase by 10,000 every day. Retirement fulfills the dream of not working anymore, of being free and walking on the sunny side of the street. But how sunny is that street. A street that might stretch for 10,20,30 year to come. And what is there to do on that street?

Some find their grandchildren there, or they find places to travel to, or helping others by volunteering, but will these really carry us to the end of that long road? Maybe and maybe not.

But there is something that could make us walk along that street with our head held high and feeling once more that we are part of the world and not just passing time. What is it?

Social Media

Here I have to take a moment and tell you how much I have resisted it. I didn’t like it. I struggled with it, and even went as far as I thinking I didn’t need it. Truthfully I would have preferred not to start and end my day with opening and closing that square window in my office which is part of the computer. So what made me change my mind?

Social Media

Why don’t you go online? Follow us on Twitter! Do you have a Facebook page? Get your statement by going to our website. Do you want to pay on line?  These are all questions facing us at one time or another and there is no getting away from it –  so the answer is (excuse the cliché) if you can’t beat them join them.

And by joining them we can:

  • Learning a new skill
  • Giving our life a new purpose
  • Connecting with the world
  • Feeling once more part of the world

Oh, all this is a challenge and not so easy to do. But haven’t we overcome lots of challenges in our life – why not this one?

To help me do this I have been looking for a program that will teach me. No, not online because that is where my problem lies and I won’t get it. So if you are like me, and want to take on this new challenge, try to find a class you can attend in person. Most libraries have such classes and even computers you can practice on. Or ask friends who already made the connection to Social Media to search the web to find a course for you.

And above all don’t be part of the 35% of seniors (a statistic mentioned by Senior Planet founder Tom Kamber) who don’t have a computer. If you don’t have one, get one and if you have one, learn all about it -be on the highway of life not on a  road leading to nowhere.

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And never forget – A Smile Changed Everything!

2016-01-27 12.40.02 (5)Brigitte

 

 

ALONE BUT NOT LONELY

Published on by Brigitte Nioche2 Comments

alone but not lonely - Brigitte Nioche

When I first lost my husband it was a difficult time. I felt lonely. I felt left behind. Daily life was not fun anymore and the worst thing was to go to a restaurant. Sitting alone and seeing mostly couples around me made me wonder if the world really moves in sets of twos?

But with the passing years things changed. Now when I sit in a restaurant and look closer at couples – older and younger – who I envied before  – I see something else.  Some look like they wished they were somewhere else. Some don’t say a word to each other all through their meal. Some are on their cell phones, and sometimes both are. But if only one is busy on the phone their partner looks increasingly displeased.

Observing this I feel relieved and grateful that I can just enjoy my glass of wine, and  going even step further I remember my blessings:

  • I don’t have to cook everyday
  • I can come home late or later – or not at all
  • I can buy that expensive handbag without having to justify my purchase
  • I can stay up as late as I want
  • I don’t have to wash socks
  • I can travel anywhere I feel like going
  • I am free to do what I want- when I want

These are just a few of my reason, but I am sure every single woman reading this and enjoying her freedom has her own list. Would it be too much to ask to share it with us? Grateful if you could leave a comment!

And never forget – A Smile changes everything!

Brigitte

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