At a time when baby boomer women should be embracing the second half of their journey, some of us are finding ourselves struggling with the cost of the travel.
According to the latest findings of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, reveals the toll on emotional health for women in the core group of Boomers -- now in their mid-40s to mid-50s -- has a significant effect on our economy and the health of our nation. An increasing number of women who still have jobs are feeling increasingly dissatisfied with their work environment. These women are reporting increases in sadness, stress, worry and lost sleep.
On top of that you have many boomer women who have taken on the role of family caregiver for aging parents, while . is a woman in her late 40s who still has at least one child at home and works outside the home while providing an average of 20 hours a week of hands-on care for a loved one.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
AARP’S National Spelling Bee Winner from Georgia
Fifty-eight-year-old Tony Johnson (#7 in the photo) is a baby boomer who can spell. His ability to spell earned him $5000 and a five-year AARP membership as he was crowned champion of the 2011 AARP National Spelling Bee held in Cheyenne, WY last month.
Johnson, a practicing psychologist from LaGrange, Georgia, correctly spelled “uakari” in the 39th round of the competition that began with 40 spellers from across America. Johnson’s studying regimen for the last year: “I systematically went through the dictionary from A to Z.”
Sixty-six-year-old Michael Petrina, Jr., from Arlington, VA missed “uncinariasis” to place second, taking home a check for $500 and a 2-year AARP membership. Third place with a prize of $250 and a 1-year AARP membership went to Scott Firebaugh, 57, from Knoxville, TN, who incorrectly spelled the word “aphaeretic.” Spellers ranged in age from 50 to 81.
The 2012 AARP National Spelling Bee will be held Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Little America Hotel in Cheyenne, WY. Complete registration information is available at www.aarp.org/spellingbee or by calling 1-877-926-8300.
Additional finalists in this year's spelling competition include:
4. Norman Zucker, 64, from Petaluma, CA
5. Susan Hartner, 66, from Hillsboro, OR
6. Robert Moy, 54, from New York, NY
7. Jim Sherry, 69, from Troy, AL
8. Roxana Bradley, 62, from Albuquerque, NM
9. Kathleen Cramm, 68, from Parker, CO
10. Ron Lewis, 63, from Missouri City, TX
11. Linda Phillips, 71, from Newport, RI
11. Marlene Harry, 59, from Brownsburg, IN
12. Curtis Beckman, 65, from Denton, TX
12. Mary Ann Fenske, 63, from Wichita, KS
12. Kate Karp, 62, from Long Beach, CA
So what do you think---Can you spell well enough to win $5000?
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
AARP Internet Radio is a Boomer Hit
The AARP has decided to add a little pizzazz behind its name with the introduction of AARP Internet Radio.
The free streaming service with 18 channels went online July 3 for US and Canadian residents, offering music programmed for over-50 music fans as an easy-to-access digital music resource.
The online venture, referred to as "radio for grown-ups," is a partnership between AARP and the Concord Music Group and covers a selection of genres, from R&B, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Jazz, Latin and even an entire channel devoted to Paul Simon.
I tried it. I liked it! So after you tune into my radio show, The Boomer Beat on WCOM Radio, you can keep with more of your favorite music on AARP Internet Radio.
The free streaming service with 18 channels went online July 3 for US and Canadian residents, offering music programmed for over-50 music fans as an easy-to-access digital music resource.
The online venture, referred to as "radio for grown-ups," is a partnership between AARP and the Concord Music Group and covers a selection of genres, from R&B, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Jazz, Latin and even an entire channel devoted to Paul Simon.
I tried it. I liked it! So after you tune into my radio show, The Boomer Beat on WCOM Radio, you can keep with more of your favorite music on AARP Internet Radio.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
The Boomer Feud Between Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley
"Why can't we all just get along?"
When Rodney King uttered those now famous words following his ruthless beating at the hands of police back in 1991, who knew that would be the same question many in the black community are still asking today.
This time President Obama is the one who is taking the whipping and it's coming from two unlikely sources: Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West. Here are two respected boomer men who, for whatever reason, have chosen to step outside the box and give plenty of ammunition to Obama-haters with their words---and even sometimes, with their SILENCE.
It's a funy thing about celebrity. Once you get a taste of it, some people will do whatever it takes to hang onto it---to keep their name in the spotlight so they can keep selling their books and making a name for themselves.
Well, it appears Tavis will have to find another media platform to use to smear the President, since he is no longer a part of the Tom Joyner Morning Show as indicated in this blog post by the FlyJock himself:
My New D-Word for Tavis and Cornel
Before I get to Mark Halperin, let me give you a little background.
They say that if you’re angry with someone, you should write a letter, get all the mean stuff out, and then tear it up or delete it. When you’re a little more calm, you write another letter or confront the person face to face.
About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Tavis Smiley and decided to table it because I said some things I didn’t want to publish. You’re probably thinking I went too hard him, but no. In reality, I hadn’t gone hard enough – and I knew it. I said I’d wait until something pissed me off so bad that I would have the words harsh enough to express what I was really feeling about him and his side piece – I mean side kick – Cornel West.
Well, yesterday, when Mark Halperin – a well-respected journalist, employed by a well-respected magazine and a contributor to a well-respected news network – had the audacity to call the president of the United States a dick, that was all I needed.
While I am appalled at Halperin’s statement, I have no expectations of him as a man and know nothing about his character. I am appalled, however, that as editor-at-large of Time magazine, he is responsible for among other things, deciding what stories will be covered in that publication. As the person in charge of political content, it is upsetting to know that he probably has not been objective in his dealings with material I and so many people look forward to (until now) reading each week. Needless to say, I’ve cancelled my subscription to Time magazine and hope you will too.
But I’m even more disgusted with Smiley and West, two brothers who I did have expectations of – and thought I knew. These two have done much worse than what Halperin has done because they set the tone for it, opened the door to it, and must take much of the blame for creating a climate that would make a white, professional journalist feel comfortable verbally and vulgarly attacking the first black president of the United States.
When you think you know a person, when you’ve given a person a forum to present his views, when you’ve had a hand in a person’s success, you want to believe that he is the same person he always was.
Remember THAT Tavis – the one who could take any complicated political story that had an impact on black America and “break it down” for us every Tuesday and Thursday in less than five minutes. The one who coined the phrase “radio advocacy” and alerted us any time anyone – from a private business owner to a politician to a corporate giant – even thought about doing black folks wrong. The Tavis that loved black people so much that he would sometimes, during his commentaries, be moved to tears. Where is that guy? You know, the guy that would have been telling me, “Fly Jock, Halperin has got to go.” For a while, I thought he was still with us, even though people around me (and many of you) tried to convince me otherwise. “Tavis is a hater.” “Tavis is only about himself.” “Tavis is jealous of the president.” I wouldn’t believe any of it. I had so much respect for him before his primary goal became selling books, and, later, selling out.
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, one that celebrates our freedoms, including freedom of speech, I wish someone would use that as a defense of what Tavis, Cornel and Mark Halperin have said against our president. When dangerous words incite and brew up hatred and violence, there is a line. And these three crossed it.
In case you believe I think Tavis and Cornel called the president an offensive name, I don’t. I think they did something even worse. Any black people with any sense know that racists on the job, at school, at church or on the bus wait for opportunities to feel comfortable enough to spew their evil thoughts. If a black person tells a racist joke in front of a racist or laughs at one, it won’t be long before the racist begins to fire off a couple of his own. Mark Halperin and others are no different. They hate the president because he is black, and Tavis and Cornel, by not having the sense to not give them the opening they waited for, went all in. And this is what we get.
So, yes, MSNBC, fire Mark Halperin. I hope he never works again. I’ve already fired Tavis and Cornel. There’s nothing either can ever do for me or with me again.
I’ve got a new D-word for the two of them: Done.
When Rodney King uttered those now famous words following his ruthless beating at the hands of police back in 1991, who knew that would be the same question many in the black community are still asking today.
This time President Obama is the one who is taking the whipping and it's coming from two unlikely sources: Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West. Here are two respected boomer men who, for whatever reason, have chosen to step outside the box and give plenty of ammunition to Obama-haters with their words---and even sometimes, with their SILENCE.
It's a funy thing about celebrity. Once you get a taste of it, some people will do whatever it takes to hang onto it---to keep their name in the spotlight so they can keep selling their books and making a name for themselves.
Well, it appears Tavis will have to find another media platform to use to smear the President, since he is no longer a part of the Tom Joyner Morning Show as indicated in this blog post by the FlyJock himself:
My New D-Word for Tavis and Cornel
Before I get to Mark Halperin, let me give you a little background.
They say that if you’re angry with someone, you should write a letter, get all the mean stuff out, and then tear it up or delete it. When you’re a little more calm, you write another letter or confront the person face to face.
About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Tavis Smiley and decided to table it because I said some things I didn’t want to publish. You’re probably thinking I went too hard him, but no. In reality, I hadn’t gone hard enough – and I knew it. I said I’d wait until something pissed me off so bad that I would have the words harsh enough to express what I was really feeling about him and his side piece – I mean side kick – Cornel West.
Well, yesterday, when Mark Halperin – a well-respected journalist, employed by a well-respected magazine and a contributor to a well-respected news network – had the audacity to call the president of the United States a dick, that was all I needed.
While I am appalled at Halperin’s statement, I have no expectations of him as a man and know nothing about his character. I am appalled, however, that as editor-at-large of Time magazine, he is responsible for among other things, deciding what stories will be covered in that publication. As the person in charge of political content, it is upsetting to know that he probably has not been objective in his dealings with material I and so many people look forward to (until now) reading each week. Needless to say, I’ve cancelled my subscription to Time magazine and hope you will too.
But I’m even more disgusted with Smiley and West, two brothers who I did have expectations of – and thought I knew. These two have done much worse than what Halperin has done because they set the tone for it, opened the door to it, and must take much of the blame for creating a climate that would make a white, professional journalist feel comfortable verbally and vulgarly attacking the first black president of the United States.
When you think you know a person, when you’ve given a person a forum to present his views, when you’ve had a hand in a person’s success, you want to believe that he is the same person he always was.
Remember THAT Tavis – the one who could take any complicated political story that had an impact on black America and “break it down” for us every Tuesday and Thursday in less than five minutes. The one who coined the phrase “radio advocacy” and alerted us any time anyone – from a private business owner to a politician to a corporate giant – even thought about doing black folks wrong. The Tavis that loved black people so much that he would sometimes, during his commentaries, be moved to tears. Where is that guy? You know, the guy that would have been telling me, “Fly Jock, Halperin has got to go.” For a while, I thought he was still with us, even though people around me (and many of you) tried to convince me otherwise. “Tavis is a hater.” “Tavis is only about himself.” “Tavis is jealous of the president.” I wouldn’t believe any of it. I had so much respect for him before his primary goal became selling books, and, later, selling out.
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, one that celebrates our freedoms, including freedom of speech, I wish someone would use that as a defense of what Tavis, Cornel and Mark Halperin have said against our president. When dangerous words incite and brew up hatred and violence, there is a line. And these three crossed it.
In case you believe I think Tavis and Cornel called the president an offensive name, I don’t. I think they did something even worse. Any black people with any sense know that racists on the job, at school, at church or on the bus wait for opportunities to feel comfortable enough to spew their evil thoughts. If a black person tells a racist joke in front of a racist or laughs at one, it won’t be long before the racist begins to fire off a couple of his own. Mark Halperin and others are no different. They hate the president because he is black, and Tavis and Cornel, by not having the sense to not give them the opening they waited for, went all in. And this is what we get.
So, yes, MSNBC, fire Mark Halperin. I hope he never works again. I’ve already fired Tavis and Cornel. There’s nothing either can ever do for me or with me again.
I’ve got a new D-word for the two of them: Done.
Friday, July 01, 2011
North Carolina Makes List for Aging Boomers
According to the Brookings Insitute, Raleigh and Cary in North Carolina are among the 10 most rapidly aging cities in America.
Over the last 10 years, the number of people over the age of 45 grew 18 times faster than those under 45. According to the Census Bureau, every day for the next 19 years, 10,000 boomers in the United States will turn 65. This year in North Carolina, more than 84,000 are expected to pass that threshold. (source: Charlotte Observer
The 10 Most Rapidly Aging Cities in America
10) Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton,Oregon
9) Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, TX
8) Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario, CA
7) Alburquerque, NM
6) Madison, WI
5) Provo-Orem, UT
4) Colorado Springs, CO
3) Boise City, Nampa, ID
2) Raleigh-Cary, NC
1) Austin-Round Rock, TX
Over the last 10 years, the number of people over the age of 45 grew 18 times faster than those under 45. According to the Census Bureau, every day for the next 19 years, 10,000 boomers in the United States will turn 65. This year in North Carolina, more than 84,000 are expected to pass that threshold. (source: Charlotte Observer
The 10 Most Rapidly Aging Cities in America
10) Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton,Oregon
9) Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, TX
8) Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario, CA
7) Alburquerque, NM
6) Madison, WI
5) Provo-Orem, UT
4) Colorado Springs, CO
3) Boise City, Nampa, ID
2) Raleigh-Cary, NC
1) Austin-Round Rock, TX
Monday, June 27, 2011
Baby Boomer Women Not Prepared for Retirement
The financial picture for single baby boomer women is looking bleak. According to the latest research, single female baby boomers are the least-prepared to financially navigate their way through their senior years.
About 40 percent of female baby boomers are single now -- up from 30 percent in 1989. Nationally, there are about 17 million single females ages 46 to 64; about two-thirds of them are separated, divorced, or widowed.
Although many baby boomer women stayed home, at least for a time, to raise their children, the generation brought the first sizable number of women to the workforce. But those who joined the work force earned less than their male counterparts, nationally about 77 cents to the man's dollar.
And many who devoted their prime to motherhood find themselves divorced and returning to a work force that doesn't have space or patience for them. These women have less time to build up their Social Security savings or 401(k) plans.
The Federal Reserve Board found in 2001 that only a third of single women had any sort of retirement savings account; at the same time, fewer than 10 percent of single women had pensions through their jobs.
The AARP says boomer women are ill prepared for long-term-care needs. According to a survey of boomer women, more than half of female baby boomers do not have a long-term-care insurance policy, and two-thirds said they couldn't afford the premiums.
Click here to read more: Boomer women and retirement
About 40 percent of female baby boomers are single now -- up from 30 percent in 1989. Nationally, there are about 17 million single females ages 46 to 64; about two-thirds of them are separated, divorced, or widowed.
Although many baby boomer women stayed home, at least for a time, to raise their children, the generation brought the first sizable number of women to the workforce. But those who joined the work force earned less than their male counterparts, nationally about 77 cents to the man's dollar.
And many who devoted their prime to motherhood find themselves divorced and returning to a work force that doesn't have space or patience for them. These women have less time to build up their Social Security savings or 401(k) plans.
The Federal Reserve Board found in 2001 that only a third of single women had any sort of retirement savings account; at the same time, fewer than 10 percent of single women had pensions through their jobs.
The AARP says boomer women are ill prepared for long-term-care needs. According to a survey of boomer women, more than half of female baby boomers do not have a long-term-care insurance policy, and two-thirds said they couldn't afford the premiums.
Click here to read more: Boomer women and retirement
Friday, June 17, 2011
Baby Boomer Teachers Wanted
The Teacher Ambassador Program is looking for a few good baby boomers.
The “Teacher Ambassador Program” will train Americans for English-speaking positions at magnet high schools in 13 Chinese cities. It’ll differ from other programs by training participants in how to:
• Appropriately incorporate American styles of teaching (project-based learning, dialogue, critical thinking, etc.); and
• Identify and pursue culturally appropriate community service opportunities in and out of the classroom.
It’s run by United World College-USA (which operates schools and colleges around the world that’ve brought 40,000 students from 100+ countries to learn together, bond and work towards a more peaceful world) and the Ameson Foundation, a charitable organization in NY that focuses on cultural and education exchanges in China.
China is super hungry right now for American teachers (for various subjects, many of which are AP), and some of their best current teachers (in public schools) are folks in their 60s.
The website, if you’re interested: http://www.uwc-usa.org/tap
The “Teacher Ambassador Program” will train Americans for English-speaking positions at magnet high schools in 13 Chinese cities. It’ll differ from other programs by training participants in how to:
• Appropriately incorporate American styles of teaching (project-based learning, dialogue, critical thinking, etc.); and
• Identify and pursue culturally appropriate community service opportunities in and out of the classroom.
It’s run by United World College-USA (which operates schools and colleges around the world that’ve brought 40,000 students from 100+ countries to learn together, bond and work towards a more peaceful world) and the Ameson Foundation, a charitable organization in NY that focuses on cultural and education exchanges in China.
China is super hungry right now for American teachers (for various subjects, many of which are AP), and some of their best current teachers (in public schools) are folks in their 60s.
The website, if you’re interested: http://www.uwc-usa.org/tap
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)