shAARP Talk: Observations from AARP

While Medicare has been through quite a bit of drama this year, there is a simpler question about the health care program we can ask ourselves in the meantime: is Medicare speaking to its users in a language they can understand? More specifically, is its website user-friendly?

Older Americans use the internet, and use it well; that's no big news to us. But a new study showed that three-fourths of older adults couldn't find a beneficial drug prescription plan on Medicare's website, as well as couldn't seem to figure out a way to sign up for home care service. In short, Medicare's website might not be as easy to navigate than it should be.

The researchers even did a brief training before the 112 participants aged 50 and older began to use the site. Some subjects even stopped searching after a while. Researcher Sara Czaja, co-director of the Center on Aging at the University of Miami Medical School, says, "There are some problems ... some design features with the site that make it difficult for people to use, and they can't get the maximum value out of it," adding, "Some of them just gave up trying."

A CMS spokesperson said that while they've done their own extensive research to make sure the site's navigation is easy to handle, and "[m]ore research is probably needed to assess the usability of the site, and should be performed by people who have a basic understanding of the size and complexity of the program."

Speaking of questions about Medicare, AARP.org has a feature up, "Ask Ms. Medicare" with this week's question: When should I sign up for Medicare? Check it out!

Well the ranks of the over 50 crowd grew one incredible musician (and quite the eccentric) richer yesterday. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, the Thriller himself turned 50 and was interviewed by ABC. In many ways, Jackson is the poster child for the constantly changing and adapting life of the baby boomer. Over the course of his career, Michael Jackson has gone from this:

To this:

And then sadly to this.

These days, Jackson still loves music but his focus has shifted toward his children and providing them with the childhood he never had. Michael says he can still pull off all of his old moves and he isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Uh-oh. A new study shows that the bankruptcy rate is apparently sky-rocketing among older Americans. Via NPR:

The Consumer Bankruptcy Project examined a sampling of noncommercial bankruptcies filed between 1991 and 2007. Researchers found that the older the age group, the more bankruptcies there were. People 65 and up were more than twice as likely to file during that period, and the filing rate for those 75 and older more than quadrupled.

Harvard Law Professor Elizabeth Warren, one of the study's authors, said older Americans are hit by a one-two punch of having to keep working but facing medical problems, and the two are often intertwined.

People are entering retirement with debt, still struggling to pay off their mortgages. Between that and paying for medical treatment, it makes sense so many are going bankrupt! Not good.

Imagine if you could customize your home they way you create a computer. Not a chef? Cut out the kitchen and add a sun room. Are those stairs getting to be a dangerous challenge? Add a bedroom on the ground floor. While this might sound either crazy expensive or just crazy, in the near future it might be neither. As I write this, people are working on designing modular homes in which rooms could be added or removed in a matter of days, not weeks or months.

The advances in home design go far beyond modular homes. Environmentally friendly homes have come a long way recently. Check out this smart home which monitors its electricity use (it's a really small number). Solar panels on the roof generate most of the electricity needed, and sensors that open windows to let in a breeze to cool the house and reduce air conditioner use. All of the systems in this house are monitored through a computer and can be viewed by the owner on a screen. Now that we have houses that can take care of themselves, all we need is a house that will pay for itself!

As a part of their series on retirement issues in the 21st century, USA Today had a not-so-happy piece today about how many of the 1.6 million people becoming eligible for Social Security this year are actually postponing retirement because of health care costs and other economic problems the country is currently facing. Via Kaiser:

In 2007, only 45% of large companies subsidized health insurance for early retirees, compared with 88% in 1991, according to Hewitt Associates. As a result, many employees who retire before age 65, when they become eligible for Medicare, would have to find a new source of health insurance, such as the individual coverage market, Rick McGill, head of retiree medical consulting at Hewitt, said.

A recent AARP piece has a bit more of a positive spin on the trend of delays in retirement. After all, we shouldn't assume all people will automatically want to retire once they're eligible for Social Security; many older Americans love their work, and aren't ready to give it up.

With the inflation raising the cost of nearly everything, the economy still stuck in the cellar, and high energy costs sticking around, Americans are really feeling the pinch. A new AARP survey gives a clearer picture of some of the ways older Americans are struggling to cope. More than half of the survey respondents making less than $50,000 a year said paying utility bills this year is harder than it was last year. 75% of people interviewed said their heating and cooling expenses were up from last year and just under 80% believe the trend will continue. Among people's biggest gripes, just 17% of respondents believe that politicians have done enough to address rising energy costs. Have your heating and cooling costs been on the rise?

According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sharing prescriptions is commonplace in America. While it's most common for women 18-44, overall 27% of men and 29% of women admit to sharing medications. Allergy medicines and pain-killers were the most common offenders. Clearly this is risky behavior with unknown drug interactions and side-effects posing a threat to any prescription sharers. Is this something you would consider doing or that you've heard of taking place?

An article in last Sunday's Chicago Tribune reported that while just 35 percent of Americans over the age of 65 use the Internet, that number is up from 30 percent in November 2006. Boomers and older generations are not just using the Internet to check email and book travel. More and more adults are joining LinkedIn and Facebook for networking purposes, and even grandparents are now exploring the world of social media as a way to stay in touch with grandchildren.

With so many applications, widgets, pokes, requests and invitations, it can be tough to know when to accept or deny, what information to share or hide, and how to get the most out of your social media experience. This article on BusinessWeek.com offers business-related tips for choosing your friends and deciding which picture to post on your profile. Hint: Not a Glamour Shot!

Internet service provider EarthLink also has some great advice on general social networking security precautions and steps you should take to protect your identity. Here are eight tips:

• Read the privacy policy first - Review a site's privacy policy so you can understand the features and privacy controls offered to users. Review different sites before deciding which one to join.
• Know who's watching you - Some sites have options to restrict who can access your page, allowing you to keep your posted information public, private or restricted to a certain group of people.
• Use anonymous email addresses - As a precaution, you should consider using different e-mail addresses when setting up social networking accounts. Some email providers like EarthLink offer users different email addresses that interconnect so you can keep your information private and limit spam.
• Don't give out personal info - Never post personal information on your page, such as your Social Security number, address, bank accounts, etc. When you give someone personal information, such as your phone number, it can be taken and used by unwanted sources, even communicated via e-mail or posts.
• Use a strong password - Smart social networkers will always use strong passwords that contain both letters and numbers and aren't immediately associated with the person's identity. Try to keep passwords to five characters or more and change monthly to avoid password phishing -- when outside sources steal your password and then post messages under your persona.
• Keep your computer protected - It's a good idea to make sure your computer has anti-virus and anti-spyware features that help protect it from unwanted spam, viruses and other privacy breaches.
• Post only what you want others to see - Many people can potentially see your page, even if you have privacy settings. That means that not-so-subtle picture of you could be seen by future employers, colleagues or even the police. Any information or images you share could be seen by more people than you are comfortable with.

While attention on America's aging population has focused on the 70 million people who comprise the Baby Boomer generation, another aging population is quietly entering its older years. That is the 45 million pets the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says are ages seven or older--placing them squarely alongside their human-boomer counterparts. In fact, a seven-year-old dog or cat is roughly 45 human years old, putting it at the youngest end of today's Boomer spectrum.

Nationally recognized veterinarian, author and Baby Boomer Marty Becker, DVM, offers five common health problems to be watching for:

1. Weight Gain
2. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
3. Stiff Joints and Slower Movement
4. Changes in Coat and Skin
5. Eye Abnormalities

Check out the The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health for information on how to care for your pets at all ages and stages of their lives, and learn how to recognize changes associated with aging.

This is sort of outrageous.

A study is Maryland found that "[p]atients older than 65 are much less likely to be taken to a Maryland trauma center than younger patients with the same medical emergencies." After studying 26,000 trauma patients statewide from 1995 through 2004, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that unconscious age bias may be a factor in the disparity of immediate trauma treatment between younger and older folks. Ya think?

Considering the size of the study in the state, I wouldn't be surprised if this bias exists nationwide. Via the Baltimore Sun:

The study found that 50 percent of patients 65 and older were not taken to trauma centers as opposed to 18 percent of younger patients. While the disparity was notable for patients 65 and older, researchers found that it began at age 50.

The article delves into potential reasons why this bias might exist, like the fact that for young surgeons, an older patient's fall is less exciting than a gunshot wound by a younger victim, or that diagnosing elderly patients might be more difficult since older folks tend to have more general aches and pains. And I say those are pretty horrendous reasons to prefer one trauma victim over another. Maybe it's just me, but the level of excitement or difficulty shouldn't be deciding factors when it comes to saving lives.

A huge age discrimination lawsuit was recently settled (one of 23 to be resolved) over Hollywood talent agency International Creative Management. And the agency is only one of many others who are being sued by screenwriters over 40 who are saying they were "gray-listed" by the TV industry and pushed out of their jobs in preference for younger writers.

This isn't just some typical Hollywood scandal lawsuit; it's apparent that this is a problem within the industry, so much that ICM has also agreed to to develop an panel of experts to examine its representation practices, as well as create a "job relief" program designed to promote the top 25 percent of older TV writers.

Paul Sprenger, lead attorney for the writers, says "What we're trying to do is factor age out of decision-making."

ICM actually hasn't admitted to doing anything wrong, and the $4.5 million in settlement they're paying in one case will come out of insurers, but at least they're taking action with this new panel and program. Some other defendants in this slew of cases are major U.S. networks like ABC and Fox, and huge production companies Walt Disney Co and Warner Bros. We can only wait to see how those pan out.

Despite continual advances in audio recording and playback, a large contingent of dedicated music fans refuses to move on. These people won't end a decades long love-affair with the vinyl. Call them old-fashioned but these folks say there's nothing quite like that warm sounds you get from a record. A quick look at the numbers seems to show that this vocal minority is rapidly growing. Sales of vinyl LPs increased by over a third from 2006 to 2007. And not only are people spending money on records, but they are buying needles that cost up to $15,000 a box and turntables running in the six-figure range. While you don't need to spend that much to appreciate the quality of a record, it shows the depth of affection that aficionados have for old school audio. What's your favorite way to listen to music? Record? CD? Cassette? A-Track?! Let us know, comment below.

An from Anne Springer, the "Senior Lookout" columnist for the Ii>Gloucester Times (MA).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 76 million Baby Boomers, or 43 percent of the current work force, will be eligible to retire within the next 10 to 15 years. As they retire, the conventional wisdom is that the workforce will shrink, with employers and government alike pondering how the economy will cope. Both are said to be seeking ways in which they can encourage many of the Boomers to retire later, thus softening the blow, since the following generations are much smaller, and with a smaller percentage of qualified workers.

[E]mployers who do believe that we are facing a "boomer brain drain" are restructuring some jobs to make them less tedious and more interesting, or allowing employees to take time during the workweek to volunteer for a local charity, or get in a round of golf. Such enhancements to the fringe package may keep long-time employees from collecting their gold watch and leaving, taking all their experience and talent with them. And, it may also act to entice younger workers, some of whom would welcome some flexibility, too.

Another way companies plan to avoid the talent drain when Boomers retire is to make mentors out of them, or hire them back as consultants, trainers, or to work on special projects on a contract basis.

This isn't too surprising, but is definitely motivation to start running! According to a new study by the Stanford University Medical Center, older joggers were half as likely to die an early death than non-runners.

They also experienced a generally healthier life, and didn't even suffer osteoarthritis or need total knee replacements more so than non-runners. In other words, "running slows the ageing clock." Reseacher Professor James Fries says: "What we found was that if you're a regular, vigorous, long-distance runner or practice other forms of vigorous physical activity for your life, then you'll have a prolongation of the good period of life, that is, the time where you don't have any physical disability," he said.

The research also found that older runners were half as likely to die an early death from conditions like cancer.

It sounds like this doesn't just apply to running either. For those who aren't big runners, there are plenty of other alternatives to stay healthy and fit. Check out AARP's Health and Fitness Ambassador, Martina Navratilova, who can give you tips on how to start an exercise schedule.

Yea yea, we know, the economy is tanking. Jobs have been disappearing and now, after a couple of weeks of falling, oil prices are on the rise again. But wait, before you start sinking any further into despair, there may be hope on the horizon. For starters, jobless claims are down for the second week in a row. This may just be the start of a serious recovery in the job market. According to University of Michigan economists, the economy could add as many as 3.5 million jobs over the next two years. These jobs will largely come from an automotive industry retooling to make smaller cars, and a booming alternative energy industry. Let's hope these economists are right.

Over on BloggingStocks.com, personal finance expert Dan Solin offers advice on how not to react to hard times.

Rising gas and food prices, the disappearance of home equity, downsizing by large and small employers and a credit crunch are a perfect storm for cash-strapped investors. Many are tempted to tap into low-hanging fruit: their 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Is this a good idea? Other than as a last resort, this answer is "no." Even in good times, the number of employees who cash out of their retirement plans is alarming. More than 45% of departing employees cash out of their 401(k) plans.

This post is one installment of a twelve-part series called "recession moves not to make." Check it out.

Well this is good to see. "Saving the planet may be the next big trend in retirement living," said Leslie Moldow, head of the American Institute of Architects' Design for Aging Committee.

That's right - the newest fad in retirement living is to build homes that save more energy, improve indoor air quality, preserve the natural habitat, conserve water and rely on recycled materials. Environmentally friendly architects and designers are increasingly being hired to build retirement homes in an effort to support the "green design movement."

While it's natural to think going green automatically means making sacrifices, that's not always the case. "Our commitment to green practices fits nicely with our overall objective of delivering high-quality retirement living. What we save on utility bills, for example, we can use to improve residents' care," says Bernie Francis, board director of Dallas-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp., a pioneer in "graying" the green design movement.

Even if you don't live in one of these places that were green-designed, there's nothing wrong with supporting the environment in other ways in your home; check out AARP's suggestions on living green! And if you decide you want to get more involved in the green movement - check out LiveGreen for discounts, coupons and fun events!

In two very different surveys taken over the last three years, one country has ranked as the happiest in the world. Any guesses? Give up? Well if you guessed Denmark, you're right! What is it about this little country that's got everyone in such a good mood? According to researchers, it's a combination of a strong social strong social safety net, high per capita GDP, and a great school system. Though the high taxes and far left leaning government may seem off putting to many Americans, the system seems to be working for Denmark.

If you're tired of getting locked into hefty, expensive cell phone plans, AARP has just the thing you've been looking for. Thanks to a deal with Consumer Cellular, AARP members can now sign up for cell phone plans starting for as little as ten dollars per month. Should you choose to end your service, you can do so without being hit by the massive fees of other service providers. Interested? Look for yourself.

53-year-old Greg Norman's surprise showing at the British Open a few weeks ago--and 41 year old swimmer Dara Torres' heroics at the Olympic trials--has Bill Lohmann of the Richmond Times-Dispatch probing the larger story of sporty boomers.

According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, the number of health-club members 55 or older in 2005 was 8 million, an increase of 314 percent since 1990. The number in the 35-to-54 age category, 13.5 million, represents an increase of 113 percent.

The success of aging famous athletes on the world stage might lead even more boomers to join health clubs or sign up for more golf lessons, which would certainly please Pulliam and other teaching pros. At the least, such triumphs of age will reinforce what boomers already know, said Hunter Schwartz, director of operations at the James Center YMCA in downtown Richmond.

Alas, this welcome increase in athletics among boomers also has a downside.

In May, the American College of Sports Medicine convened a symposium on "Overuse Injuries in the Baby Boomer: The Results of Years of Abuse." Health-care professionals discussed the problems of acute injuries such as broken bones, ruptured tendons and ligaments, torn rotator cuffs, ankle sprains and knee injuries suffered at a young age. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons even has a name for sports injuries among boomers: "boomeritis."

The phenomenon of the aging boomer athlete was documented by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission this decade when it reported that sports injuries among boomers increased 33 percent from 1991 to 1998. As boomers continue to try to stay young and fit, chances are this trend will only get worse.

To avoid "boomeritis" Jane Brody of the New York Times says "exercise, exercise, exercise!"

Congress may be out of town, but the political season is really heating up. With the Democratic and Republican National Conventions around the corner, we can look for big political developments and major campaign announcements. What will happen when the votes are counted for Clinton and Obama at the Democratic National Convention? Who will McCain and Obama name as their VPs? To stay up on the latest campaign news, AARP's The Bulletin has a site with the most up to date stories on what's going on with the Presidential campaigns as they ramp up for the convention.

The Wall Street Journal's blog Juggle has an interesting post on the issue of the younger boss. You would think most people dread the younger boss; after all, much of the time it's a new boss who comes into a company that you know better than them. But it seems a lot of people vary in their experiences. Blogger Jennifer Merritt wonders:

That may be true, but I wonder if having a younger boss -- particularly one without children and with a 24-7 mentality of messaging and communicating -- could be tough if you have a family. Constant communication can seem overbearing and a younger boss might not care about working until 8 p.m., or won't understand that your lack of chit-chatting isn't unfriendly, just a tactic to be efficient and make it home in time to say goodnight to your children.

But are those experiences Jennifer is wondering about an issue of age, or an issue of whether you're simply a good boss? What do you think?

In just the latest evidence of the benefits of exercise, a study by Stanford professors shows that running can help reduce the effects of aging. Runners over the age of 50 were able to stave off disability for a shocking 16 years longer than their non-running counterparts. In addition, death from heart disease can be nearly halved by running regularly. The researchers surmised that running can add four years to your life.

Aside from running, a training regimen including weight lifting and various athletic activities can help people remain vigorous and extend life. People who engage in these types of activities have seen increased mobility, improved ability to conduct everyday chores and tasks, and a resurgent sense of confidence. Research has shown that even light workouts have significant benefits to offer older Americans.

The Christian Science Monitor's Bright Green Blog takes a look at recent Department of Transportation numbers and an AARP survey that shows people are hopping on their bikes, riding the bus and hittin' the pavement more.

Our own Elinor Ginzler was featured, here's what she had to say about this trend:

Four in 10 said they have used public transportation, walked or ridden a bicycle more frequently since gas prices have risen, according to the AARP poll, which was being released Wednesday.

Elinor Ginzler, AARP's senior vice president for livable communities, said she's concerned that communities don't have adequate sidewalks, bus shelters, bike lanes and public transportation options as more people look for other means to get around.

"More Americans age 50-plus are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus," Ginzler said.

Are you going green because of gas prices?

USMagazine has a great slide show of starlets who are beautiful, smart and just happen to be lookin' good at 50!

Congrats ladies!

It was such an important moment for us as AARP to be so visible and present at this Medicare rally at the Capitol. Seeing members from both sides of the aisle come together to assure that important provisions of Medicare are preserved and enhanced for this program was inspiring. Most of all we all became more hopeful that we can work on breaking political gridlock and get back on track to secure our collective well being for our country.

We will all benefit from having physicians receive adequate compensation, seeing that the efficiency and safety of using technology for e-prescribing, assuring that our retired military are also cared for and ultimately - older Americans see an overall improvement in their health care.

A big thanks to our many volunteers who were able to be present in their famous AARP red tee shirts..it was a visual reminder to all of our collective voice.

I've been following the blog MedGadget and they recently announced an offshoot called MedPolitics (a blog that gives a voice to doctors). We're wishing them the best of luck and certainly we'll be following them.

Who woulda knew? AARP reports from the International Alzheimer's Conference in Chicago, where research is being highlighted on the effects of being a older and single. While we posted last month on the fact that older single women aren't the sad, old maids that stereotypes often make them out to be, that doesn't mean that not having a partner can't potentially have an effect on your health. In fact, this new research shows that having a partner midlife had a 50 percent lower risk of having dementia later in life. Some more stats:

• People who were single throughout their lives had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
• People were divorced and stayed divorced from midlife on had triple the risk.
• People who lost a spouse midlife and stayed single had more than a sixfold risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than their married peers.

What author of the study, Krister Håkansson, asks is a good question: "What is it about being in a couples relationship, whether married or not, that is protective? Is it the cognitive and intellectual stimulation that comes with living in a relationship or is it something related to other things, like social or emotional factors?"

Their guess is that it's a social network of friends and family and lack of isolation, which makes sense considering the fact that people who were lifelong singles were "much better off" than those who were divorced or lost a spouse in midlife. (Lifelong singles are guessed to have a better network of family and friends already established.)

The thing that can be upsetting about these kinds of studies is that it seems as if you almost don't have a choice in what happens to you; you get divorced and don't find another spouse, what can you do then? But rather than seeing this study as some impending doom for dementia, we should see it for what the actual implications really seem to be here: that a strong network of close loved ones is what matters in life.

*Picture from Brand New Images/Getty Images

While we're all watching Michael Phelps' historic quest to beat Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals...

Spitz was in our studios earlier this year talking about life after swimming - and how swimming in the 1972 Munich Olympics was different from today.

Phelps "reminds me of myself," Spitz recently said.

In case you didn't know, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is unbelievable. At 41, she's the oldest Olympic swimmer ever and on Sunday she became the oldest Olympic swimming medalist of all time. Her first Olympics were in 1984 where she won her first gold and she hasn't stopped since. In addition to being a former model, Torres is also a mother, making her feats in the pool even more amazing. If you're inspired by her story you're not alone and you actually have to opportunity to see her in person. Dara Torres will be appearing at AARP's member event, Life@50, on September 4th with Martina Navratilova so come down to Washington and see her yourself. See ABC's segment on Dara as their "Person of the Week" below:

After winning his 5th gold in Beijing in the 4 x 200 meter freestyle medley (demolishing the competition and the old world record in the process), Michael Phelps stands as the winningest Olympian of all-time with 11 gold medals. So far he has been untouchable in these Olympics. The question is: Is Michael Phelps the best Olympic athlete, or maybe even the best athlete of any kind ever? If he wins his 3 remaining races, some say this is a foregone conclusion, he will have broken Mark Spitz's record for most gold medals in a single Olympic games with 8. At that point it would be hard to make a case against Phelps being the single most dominant athlete of all time. Check him out for yourself and let us know what you think:

If you're at work and need a brain break, check out Ann's space. Ann, a 56 woman from St. Louis, MO explores everything from family to aging on her personal blog. She's poignant, funny and has an interesting perspective on the world. She's been blogging for about a year now (or so say her archives), so check her out!

Everyone knows that eating more fruits and veggies is good for you, right? But, if you're like me, you still don't get enough. Life - and my picky taste buds - always seems to get in the way of advance planning and culinary genius.

That's why I like this new logo that's getting slapped on over a 1,000 products in grocery stores across the country. Anything that has this "Fruit & Veggies More Matters" logo has already met strict nutrition guidelines for fat, sugar, fiber and sodium. Beats trying to do calculations with the complicated nutrition charts on food labels!

Stores that are participating include A&P, Bi-Lo, Kroger, Meijer, Publix, Safeway, Schnuck's, SuperValu, Ukrop's, Wal-Mart, and Weis.

Plus, the website has all kinds of shopping tips, recipes and ways to get the grandkids involved in cooking healthy. Check it out here.

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

One of the major problems facing America's health care system today is the astronomical cost of treatment. While you might be able to extend your life through major surgery, the tension that results from the stress of medical debt could end up killing you. However, there are several acts (some easier than others) that people can take to lop off some of that debt and pay off their medical expenses.

This BusinessWeek piece is unbelievable. It's titled, "Would We Fire Older Workers If We Could?"

And it's certainly not a joke. Author Liz Ryan asks readers:

We DO love youth culture, here in the U.S. We celebrate fresh thinking and new ideas. Age discrimination claims in employment are on the rise. Are our anti-discrimination laws the only things that are keeping our employers from following the airline's lead and booting the oldest employees? Can new ideas and older talent pools co-exist?

Is she really asking this question? It's as if older folks are in some sort of bubble confined away from the rest of the world, incapable of thinking of fresh ideas. In the "About" part of this section of BusinessWeek, which is titled, "Generational Tension," it says, "Our experts on the millennial workplace, Liz Ryan, David Stillman, and Lynne Lancaster explain how to close the generation gap."

Well I must say, if they're interested in closing that gap, wondering aloud about firing all older employees and implying they have little to offer to the workforce is not going to do it. Rant over.

"Voluntourism" is hotter on the travel trend list than just about any destination these days. But with so many people in need these days, what's a commitment phobe to do? Check these ideas courtesy of DailyCandy.com and AARP:

• Spend two weeks in Costa Rica and help local schoolkids learn English. Read about AARP The Magazine editor Ken Budd's experience here.
• Join Hands Up Holiday for a Yucatan experience that includes helping elderly stay active and independent and beachcombing.
• Visit Belize to snorkel and help protect precious coral reefs or dive with dolphins in Greece with Earthwatch diving and snorkel expeditions.

And for those of you that desire a more pampered jaunt, check out Ritz-Carlton's Give Back Getaways and when the hard work is over you can sink into your luxurious accommodations. They even have one that is helping restore a seniors home in Singapore this October. Sign me up - I can paint, garden and sightsee all in one shot!

Did the 1960 Olympics mirror or even cause major changes in society? In his new book Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World, David Maraniss makes the case that events from that year's Rome games reflected and accelerated the cataclysmic changes that would reverberate throughout the world in the 1960s.

From race relations to the Cold War, Maraniss paints with a broad brush, and makes a strong case that the Olympics that year were not "just" games.

In the clip below Maraniss and Prime Time Radio host Mike Cuthbert discuss Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila, his amazing story and what it meant for the world watching the 1960 Olympics.

Click here for the full interview with Maraniss and for AARP's Bulletin Today coverage of the 2008 Olympics, click here.

It looks like the wonders of technology may be bringing older folks a shoe that may help them avoid falls. This is not just any old shoe, people - it's an iShoe.

Erez Lieberman of MIT actually originally created the shoe as an experiment for astronauts with balance issues after returning home from the weightlessness of space life. But after Lieberman's grandmother had a bad fall, he realized that the invention could serve as a "balance diagnostic" to assist doctors and patients prevent falls before they occur.

Essentially what the shoe does is use its insole to measure the pressure of the foot and report it to a person's doctor, and in extreme cases, report an alarm when a fall actually occurs. But for the most part, this awesome tech shoe will serve as a warning so that future falls can be detected, and avoided. And considering that falls are a leading cause of death for people over 65, we'll be welcoming the iShoe with open arms.

Via Gizmodo.

Have you read Connie Shakalis' essay What I Really Know About Summer Nights: Learning From the Family Next Door on AARP Bulletin Today yet? If you haven't, you should - it's a lovely account of enjoying summer through the delighted eyes of her neighbor's children. Makes me think of summer when I was a kid - "Be home by dark!" takes on a whole new meaning when it's light till 9! My cousins and I would ride our bikes all over town, coming home only for ice cream money and a quick "Hey Mom!"

What about you - what's your favorite summer memory?

The New York Times had an interesting piece awhile ago on a heated debate about the fact that women in their 80s and 90s aren't being urged to get mammograms on a regular basis:

As with most cancers, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Yet while doctors tell women to have annual mammograms after age 40, they often advise 85-year-olds to go two or even three years between scans.

The problem, doctors say, is too little data. Large clinical trials, including those that have found that mammography saves lives, tend to focus on younger people and exclude the very old.

A recent study that tried to assess the usefulness of mammography among 80- and 90-year-olds found that very few women in this age group, 22 percent, underwent regular screenings for breast cancer, but that those who did were more likely to find the cancer early enough to avoid a mastectomy and survive at least five years.

The question is raised whether breast cancer screenings should really be a large focus when there are other more common physical conditions at that age to be looking out for, like heart disease or chronic pain. But considering the fact that two-thirds of people over 85 are women, some are saying it's just as important.

Another issue raised is that women over 74 years old haven't been studied in clinical trials on mammography, so organizations setting guidelines for older women have to use potentially inaccurate information because it's coming from research with younger subjects. In other words, the actual process of getting a mammogram or a biopsy may be a risk for women older than 80, particularly if they have other conditions like dementia or heart disease.

Check out the whole article, the read is worthwhile.

Knowing first hand the benefits of yoga, I didn't need to read "Yoga: At the Heart of Fitness" from a recent AARP Bulletin Today to know how great yoga is for me - mind and body. But after years of people poking fun at "that stretching thing," it is reassuring to have my feelings about the benefits of yoga confirmed by science. A recent study at Emory University measured the effects of a regular yoga practice on older adults with chronic heart failure. In just eight weeks, the subjects improved their ability to withstand the stress of physical activity and increased their body's ability to use oxygen efficiently. Most importantly, the participants reported having an enhanced quality of life. And that's what it's all about - quality of life. So give yoga a try or, if that's not for you, take a look at these other healthy living tips.

The Olympics kick off today! Opening cermonies are actually going on as I write this. And while the Olympics are always exciting, these games are particularly post-worthy. Why? Older Olympians are playing a huge role in the games this year. There is a 58 year old sailor and a 67 year old rider in the equestrian events amongst several others. These people are just the latest proof that "over the hill" is simply a myth. Make sure to check them out.

In case you haven't heard, or missed yesterday's Today Show, For