New On the RLM Website

As baby boomers start the transition into retirement life, this diversified group shares one thing-the desire for experience. Contrary to popular opinion, this isn't a homogenous group, but one that is varied and complex. The desire to make the most of life is feeling most boomers share

In recent weeks, we’ve been discussing small business you can start in retirement. Meet Judy Jurisich who took the ‘retirement’ business to a whole new level by creating the New Orleans Cooking Experience.

As baby boomers reach retirement age, they want to create their own change in the world. They want to make a positive difference. One of the most successful volunteer organizations is Earthwatch which has programs on all the continents.

Warren Bland continues his journey through great retirement communities with a look at Bloomington, Indiana.

Senior Health, Senior Diet and Lemons

Eating changes as we get older. I’m beginning to believe that many of our health issues in retirement life could be minimized with a shift in diet. Trust me, I’m not there yet, but I try to be more conscious of what I eat.

Case in point. I’ve had a problem recently with heartburn and acid build-up in my digestive system. This is going to sound counterintuitive, but it was suggested I eat more acid. What? I told my husband and he started eating lemons. Low and behold, his heartburn decreased significantly.

I love lemons. When we walk every morning, we pass lemon trees in people’s yards. Many months ago, I knocked on the door of a neighbor and asked if we could pick her lemons. The lady was delighted and we’ve been helping ourselves ever since.

My husband likes to peel the lemon and eat it raw. I can’t do that, but started putting squeezed lemon in my juice drink every morning. I put ½ lemon in the drink. Guess what? I have less heartburn.

This is obviously not going to change senior health by itself, but I’m intrigued. In researching the lemon, I found it acts as a tonic to the liver, stimulating the production of bile to help digest food if taken in the morning. It is high in vitamin C and can relieve symptoms of asthma, and sore throat. It my also help with arthritis and rheumatism because it flushes toxins from the body. I have asthma and I certainly won’t stop taking my medication because I’m consuming more lemon. Please enlist the aid of your healthcare professional before changing medication. I am finding that eating a more natural and healthy diet helps me feel better.

I want to include lemon in more recipes, but I’m having a hard time finding lemon recipes that don’t include a lot of sugar, milk products or eggs. Does anyone have interesting lemon dishes that are also great for a senior diet?

Note: This is a painting I did of a lemon grove.

Retirement Work

I made a request last week for stories of people who found interesting jobs in retirement. I had a great response and will be sharing these in the upcoming weeks.
I want more stories, so be on the lookout for retired jobs to share with others.

Margarite shared her experience as a substitute teacher. She lives in California, so you will want to check out the requirements for your state.

My idea for part time work is Substitute Teaching. I did it the entire time I was working on my MA and it worked well for me. I had a special credential that allowed me to work in high schools also, so switched to that level. All one needs to Sub is a BA in any area, the schools are flexible if you have a Math degree they will let you work in pretty much anything one wants to do, PE, science, debate, I did both boys and girls PE, band and orchestra as they just needed a certified Sub in the room. I knew enough Spanish & French to get by, so one can sign up for anything really. One doesn’t need a Teacher’s Certificate to Sub, just a BA and the CBEST test. It is given frequently and there are books available to study for it. It tests in 3 areas, English writing, Math and Grammar. The best book is CBEST for Dummies. One can take the test as many times as needed to pass, then a TB test and go off to whatever school district needs subs. The pay is usually $80 to over $120+/day depending on school districts and if extended subbing is needed. Who knows if the person enjoys it they might even want to become a Teacher!

In retirement, teachers are also returning to substituting. There are many other areas where you can work with children. If you don’t have a degree, you might look at being an aid in a classroom or childcare facility. Look at programs in non-profits, such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs, and programs through your park and recreation. Consider being a tutor. Parents are always looking for qualified babysitters, for the night, weekend or when they travel. There is always a need for foster parents and foster grandparents.

The new retirement should be called Retirement Inc. The boomers retirement will be different. Now is the time to create your own retirement income security.