shAARP Talk: Observations from AARP

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.