Boomers Resource Network

What's Age Got To Do With It?

2009-06-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I gave a presentation for the Wood County Comm. on Aging at a 55+ women's retreat. It was titled, What's Age Got To Do With It? 10 tips for looking sassy and classy.

After my presentation a woman came up to me and said she wanted to have the whole image package (color and makeup analysis, closet makeover and shopping.) She said she was 74 years old and that her daughters had been after her to update her look. She warned me that she still had things in her closet from 1965.
The ironic thing was, while I opened my big, 'ole datebook, she whipped out her blackberry!

Isn't it funny how we can be progressive in area thing but dated in another?

Commercial Opportunities for Boomers?

2009-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Once you start looking for something, you begin to see it everywhere. That explains why lately I walk around with dollar signs in my eyes! Older generations are more active than they used to be; transportation and assistance groups make it possible to maintain independence into one's eighth and ninth decades (and beyond!) .

As I go about my daily activities, I am surprised to see that very few businesses have made even the slightest accomodation for their older customers. Front entrances are cluttered or hard to find; printed materials are hard to read (made worse by careless choices of light-colored ink, small letters, dark backgrounds); store layouts often funnel their less-agile patrons smack into the whirl of harried customers coming and going, shepherding children, grabbing carts (not naming any names, K--ger!).

Toledo-area publishers (with a few exceptions) have begun to shrink their pages and micro-size the content in order to fit, thereby rendering their products less useful to the very people who still appreciate newsprint and subscriptions: the loyal older reader. It seems to me that many small changes could be made to improve the customer experience, especially in industries that claim to face extinction because the times have changed.

Could a consultant make money advising businesses how to adapt their products and practices to fit the needs of their aging customer base? After all, a business that caters to "the elderly" will be drawing on an enormous population of boomers, for decades into the future. Is this an area where boomers could begin to request some improvements, recognizing that there's money to be made?

Taking Care of Mom

2008-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

The cycle of life can be a tough cookie.

Our parents care for us for the first 18 years of our lives. We are dependent on them for these years. Then we begin to break away, live on our own, start up our own family and get all involved in soccer games, paying bills, cleaning house and writing that business proposal for the boss. Many times family members become spread out across the country and when Mom needs help, you must drop what is happening in your life and turn to care for your mom.

Well, you still have your job, your house and your kids. Soccer games are still going on, bills need attention, house is a mess and that business proposal needs to be rewritten because the boss wants to include the 5 year forecast ...... Oh, and you're out of milk.

Assisted Living facilties can help allieviate much of the stress off the family when mom (or dad) is in need of a bit more daily living help. I have had the opportunity to help several families coordinate the move of their loved ones into Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio.

I worked with mom to make sure she packed what she NEEDED in her new home. Unfortunately, you just can squeeze a house of stuff into a 1-2 bedroom apartment. Many bags of trash went to the curb, items were set aside for the family to sort through, a few loads were taken for donation. Then coordinated the moving company to load up mom's items and take them to her new home.

Then helped unpack what was brought. Made sure mom's bed was made. She had a drinks and munchies in her home. Mom was pretty much ready to settle down for night's rest. She was never alone through the entire moving process.

All this happened and you were able to stay on track with your responsibilities.

Does this make you a evil, bad daughter/son for allowing someone to help you and your mom?
Not at all.

Mom is in a beautiful, safe new home.
You no longer have to worry about mom being alone.

How awesome is your mom?

Late Bloomers

2008-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Are you a late bloomer? Are you just now finding out what your true passion is and transfering it to a new job or career. Or maybe you have retired and don't want or need to work any more and you do what you are passionate about as a hobby or volunteering.

Maybe you are just starting to think about what you want the rest of your life to look like. The possibilities are endless. Really, all you have to do is make up your mind you are going to do something and do what it takes to get there.

I'm a late bloomer. When I was 17 I went to work in a bank and worked for seven more of them over the next 34 years. I thought it was the only thing I knew how to do! How limiting our beliefs can be. For me, the words "image consultant" just popped in my head one Saturday morning while I was cleaning the kitchen and I knew beyond a doubt that I would be one even though, at that point I had no experience in that area. Something just told me it was going to work. Two months later I had registered the name of my business, Take The Time: Image Matters! with the state. Three years later, I am having the time of my life. It is not what I expected it to be. It is so much more fun!

Because I am a late bloomer and I have seen so many of my clients bloom, my target market is Late Bloomers. I work with women who have decided that age is not a factor in living the life they want, and want their appearance to reflect that decision.

Three things that will make you look old:

Sweatshirts or tees with cutsie pictures on them

Matching pants and tops

Lined bi-focals

Are you a late bloomer?

Body Image

2008-08-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood!

2008-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

My husband and I thrilled to have moved his parents into a new nursing home. And when I say "new", I really mean new. Newly built and most important, a new concept in nursing homes. This new nursing home is Avalon by Otterbein in Monclova. There is also one in Perrysburg. The Monclova home just opened in April and my husband and I went to their open house last week. We had his parents moved in just five days later.

This is the new type nursing home based on a "social" concept instead of a "medical" concept. Avalon is a cluster of homes that each house eight people. My in-laws got adjoining rooms and have made one their bedroom and the other the living room. There is a big kitchen where everyone is encouraged to help out if able, and the residents are even asked to help plan the meals! Every one dines at one long table where lunch and dinner is served family style where platters and bowls are passed. If there are visitors there during mealtime they are happily served as well at no cost. The residents can have breakfast whenever they show up, allowing them to sleep as long as they want! And, they use "real" dishes. No more plastic hospital plates.

At the old nursing home they didn't have showers in the tiny bathroom and there were certain times of the week when it was their turn to use the shower. Now they have two huge bathrooms with enormous walk-in showers!

There is a fireplace and sitting area in every house, as well as a back patio with flowers and a grill. The residents can do their own laundry. My mother-in-law is thrilled about that!

Everyone who works there is extremely warm and friendly. When we brought Mom and Dad to look at it, they were greeted with smiles and hugs.

I am in no way bad-mouthing their former nursing home. It wasn't much to look at but it was rated one of the best in the state. However, it felt like I was visiting them in a hospital and now I am visiting them in their home!

Too make this place even sweeter, in addition to being private pay, it is also Medicaid approved!

Check out their new digs at www.otterbein.org/corp_newn_2.htm.

Join us at a Boomers Forum on August 28

2008-07-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Boomers Resource Network of Lake Erie Region Presents:

Boomers Informational Forum
Open to the Public

Thursday, August 28, 2008
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Uncle John’s Restaurant
3131 Secor Rd., Toledo
(Lunch Optional)

We will discuss:
1. Wellness - All Areas
2. Financial Needs - All Areas
3. Obtaining Education For A New Job
4. Entertainment and Travel

For more information, call Loren Frendt at 419.865.8503.

Helping Charlie

2008-07-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

"Charlie and Sandra" moved into their new senior villa about 8 months ago. Like many times, the move was very quick due to declining health reasons. Charlie and Sandra were unable to prepare or move themselves, and their family was unavailable. They relied on hired movers to pack and get their items to their new home.

Eight months have past and Charlie and Sandra still have a garage packed with items that have never been unpacked. Some items are keepsakes and collections lost amid the piles.

Both Charlie and Sandra use motorized scooters to get around, and all these boxes make it quite challenging. There are paths for them, though ideally these things need to be sorted and removed.

This was going to be another dirty job. Thought I would snap a shot of me in action - Bandana, respirator and ready to get messy. Some people think I'm crazy for doing these really gross projects, and this one was right up there with the best of the worst ones.

Then Charlie returns home after lunch, sees the amazing progress made in his garage and he begins to cry a bit. He tells me a bit of his story, how thankful he is for the amazing life he has had to date and the frustration he is beginning to feel for the loss of his wife whose dementia is becoming quite advanced.

At this point, I begin to forget all the nastiness of my job and I am thankful for being able to make a huge impact in Charlie's life. His garage is cleaned out, keepsakes found and collections safely stored. The majority of items and boxes were damaged and needed to be trashed. Those things that could be used were donated and three crates of canned goods will be taken to Cherry St Mission, a local food bank.

Couple hours into this project I did think to myself:
"I must be nuts for getting involved in this."

Though now looking back, it's projects like this that truly make me realized why I do what I do: Helping people feel better about life.

Why do you do what you do?

Northwest Ohio Boomers Speak Up!

2008-06-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, Mature Living News published the results of a survey of northwest Ohio "Boomers" the monthly newspaper conducted

What's top-of-mind for this active generation?

Health and Wellness
Reinventing Self
Entertainment and Travel

Thank you to the MLN staff for giving the Boomers Resource Network permission to post those the total results of the survey, here:

1. AGE GROUPS: 43 to 49-15% 50 to 56-36% 57 to 63-58%
2. GENDER: Male 21% Female 88%
3. MARITAL STATUS: Married 48% Divorced 34% Single 15% Widowed 6%
4. RETIREMENT PLANS: Travel 24%,Volunteer 10%, Work 12%
5. NAME FOR AGE GROUP: Boomers 38%, Seniors 11%, Middle Age 14% Others-Oldie but Goodie, Ill Prepared, Jr. Citizen.
6. OWN COMPUTER:Yes 91%, No 20%
7. INTERNET ACCESS: Yes 76%, No 20% How often? Daily 32%, 4x a Week 16%
Internet uses- Email 19%, Business 13%, Pay Bills 6%, Research 19%, School 2%, News 7%
8. CELL PHONE: Yes 87%, No 18% In addition to home phone:Yes 76% No 8%
9. RADIO AND TV STATIONS: Highest- K-100, 2nd -93.5. Tied- 105.5 & 101.5. Highest- Channel 13, 2nd- Channel 11
10. FAVORITE TWO TV SHOWS: CSI, Greys Anatomy
11. ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION TOP 3: Movies, Travel and Eating Out
12. TOP SPENDING HABITS IN ORDER: Eating Out 82%, Shopping 47%, Travel 44%, Entertainment 42%, Golf 16%
13. READING MATERIAL: Self Help 19%, Newspaper 12%, Health 11%, Christian 13%, Novels 17%, Cooking 10%, Spiritual 9%, Biographies 8%, Inspirational 5%
14. EXERCISE REGIMENT: Yes 63%, No 57%. Belong to a Gym? 35% Yes, 65% No
15. WEIGHT CONCERN?: 87% Yes, 19% No
16. CONSCIOUS EATING HABITS: 99% Yes, 1% No
17. TAKE MEDICATION: 74% Yes, 26% No
18. DO YOU TAKE SUPPLEMENTS?: 74% Yes, 26% No
19. ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: Chiropractor 27%, Massage 28%, Acupuncture 11%, Yoga 12%, Tai Chi 4%,
Bio Feedback 3%. Plus: Meditation, Rolfing and Energy Medicine
20. TRANSPORTATION: 93% Car or SUV, 6% Bus, Bike 1%
21. SERVICES: Errand Services 8%, Benefits 32%, Financial Planning 37%, Disability Insurance 22%, Life 43%, Long Term 23%, HMO/ Health Plan 45%
22. SPENDING LEISURE TIME: Movies 79%, Casinos 25%, Crafts 27%, Theatre 28%, Concerts 43%, Traveling 69%, Museums 27%,
Computers 34%, Gardening 44%, Grandkids 50%, Sports 29%, TV 49%, Reading 64%, Golf 8%, Organized Clubs 9%, Educational Classes 22%, Volunteering 24% Plus: Exercise
23. RESIDENCE: Apartment 28%, Condo 1%, House 70%, Mobile Home 1%
24. HOW ARE YOU COMPARED TO YOUR GRANDPARENTS?: Top Answer-Spend more time with Grandchildren
25. RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: Yes 2%, No 98%
26. CHILDREN LIVING AT HOME: Yes 26%, No 74%. No Parents Living- 16%, Parents Living- Independent 39%, Need Assistance 20%, Nursing Home 9%
27. ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP BOOMERS GENERATION:AARP 20%, Health 8%, Social Activities 7%, Library 4%, Financial Planning 10%
28. GREATEST CHALLENGE IN LIFE: Financial 42%, Health 25%
29. SERVICES TO MEET NEEDS: Exercise & Health 27%, Socializing 10% Plus: Housing, Social Security, Financial Planning, Home Maintenance, Travel, Cost of Living.

What Boomer Women Want

2008-05-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

Last year the National Association of Baby Boomer Women, http://www.nabbw.com/, invited women to participate in a survey, asking them what they wanted. Following are the top 10 things, not neccessarily listed in the order of importance:

Love

Peace and safety

A world where truth is the highest value, particularly from our leaders

Financial security (51% of boomer women are single)

Travel

Government sponsored benefits available if needed

Affordable quality health care

Participate in our own health care

Realistic portrayal of our generation in media, movies, ads, etc.

Fashion world recognize that we still want to feel and look pretty

What is important to you?

"Grays Have More Fun"

2008-05-11T15:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was out shopping when a woman passing by said she liked my hair. I told her that I was amazed to find out how pretty my natural color was. As she walked away, she said, "gray is the new blonde, you know."
Here is what Ray Lesser, editor of The Funny Times in Cleveland Heights, has to say about that:
Grey Is The New Blond

by Ray Lesser

Some women are willing to do anything to attract a man, even if it means letting their hair turn gray.

For ages women have been trying new things to become more appealing to men. In ancient times they rubbed themselves with flowers and herbs to mask the ever-present odor that comes from dressing in dead animal skins, and only taking a ritual bath once a year. They tried painting their faces different colors using mud, blood, and soot, which I'm sure also did wonders for their complexions. Women even fastened bones, feathers, and small live animals in their hair to impress the opposite sex of their worth and elegant sense of style. Much of their efforts were probably wasted on the men of that time, who mainly noticed women who brought them a sizzling piece of meat to eat, preferably with a coconut shell full of fermented jungle brew and the sports section of the newspaper.

But in addition to women's best efforts, natural sexual selection was also at work. Men seemed to be more attracted to women with blonde or red hair, perhaps because it was rare and seemed exotic, or perhaps because it was easier for them to spot at a distance, even if they weren't wearing their glasses, which weren't going to be invented for another several thousand years. It wasn't long before many members of "the fair sex" were artificially making themselves even fairer. Classical Greek women dyed their hair red with henna and sprinkled it with gold powder. During the Renaissance, upper class ladies of Italy sat for many hours in the heat of the sun in an attempt to bleach their hair blonde using onion skins. This beauty treatment worked best in attracting men wearing necklaces of garlic and carrying strings of dried anchovies.

By the mid-20th century, the cult of the blonde reached its apex. Thanks to constantly improving hair dyes, ever-darker women could follow the advice of the famous 1960s Clairol commercial: "If I have only one life to live, let me live it as a blonde bombshell like Marilyn Monroe, only not so crazy and suicidal!" One recent study found that five out of every six blonde American women had some chemical help, spending over $100 million annually to help support the dumb-blonde joke industry. (Q: What does a postcard from a blonde's vacation say? A: Having a wonderful time. Where am I?) Though, as Dolly Parton says, speaking for many of her stereotype, "Blonde jokes don't bother me because I know I'm not dumb, and I know I'm not blonde."

Today, the popularity of blondes remains high, sometimes bordering on bizarre, as evidenced by ads for some egg and sperm donors that offer bonuses for blondes. As Rita Rudner noted, "Blondes must have more fun. How many brunettes do you see walking down the street with blonde roots?"

But the newest, attention-grabbing hair color seen on big city streets and in salons, is gray - or more appealingly called white, silver, pewter, platinum, or ice. Older women are tired of constantly dying their hair, and are beginning to realize that their new natural color makes them stand-out just as much as any bleach blonde.

Personally, I love this trend. Even guys want to remain in style, and now I realize that my hair, what little of it I have, is getting more stylish every day. Also it makes it much easier for me, as one of the silverbacks of my urban jungle, to comprehend the signals that the fair sex is sending my way. When I encounter a blonde of any sort, whether she be covered with tattoos and piercings or wearing heavy makeup over her wrinkles, I know for certain - these women are not trying to impress or engage the likes of me.

Instead I find myself drawn to the stylish new silver goddesses, looking as natural and carefree as when they were teenagers, except for the limps. Their snow-white locks speak of innocence, mixed with the kind of experience that can only come from having lived with seven different guys. Unlike their light-haired, ditzy counterparts, I find them to be knowledgeable, wise, thoughtful, and, best of all, willing to laugh at the same jokes I've been telling for 25 years.

I know we all like to play the game called "looking good," although everyone has their own interpretation of the rules. Some of us think we look our best in perfectly tailored Italian suits, while others want skintight pre-ripped jeans. Fashion and beauty are a shallow business, but we live in a shallow culture, and anyway, as someone once said, "If truth is beauty, how come nobody has their hair done in a library?"

Still, if the current beauty trend is that you look your best when you look like yourself, then I'm going to try to enjoy being in style for as long as I can.

OK, boomer babes, I challenge you to take a look at your real hair color. As Mikey used to say, "try it, you (might) like it."

SHIFTING

2008-05-07T08:17:00.001-07:00

My friend, Beth, has opened Elizabeth's House on the campus of Notre Dame Academy. Her May newsletter was just sent and I thought what she had to say about her mother was very interesting. The article follows:

Elizabeth's House
A gathering place for women who want to:
Rethink - Renew - Reinvent

May, 2008
Welcome to May at Elizabeth's House!
In honor of Mother's Day I offer a story about mothers and daughters shifting together. My mother just returned home to Virginia after a month-long visit with me and my family. During that month we did just about everything together, including plenty of time at Elizabeth's House, and something has shifted. Mom shifted, and I shifted.
I think it started with yoga. Between her arthritic hip and restless legs I never thought she would try it. But she did, and she liked it, and she "wasn't even sore!" Then there was the image makeover with Louise where she discovered her best colors, best styles, and that as you age, when it comes to make-up, less really is more. The next thing I knew mom was at the salon getting a new "do" that highlighted her gray hair and a style that didn't require a weekly trip to the "beauty parlor." As an added bonus mom was treated to an EFT (emotional freedom technique) session with Sharon which, to her amazement, relieved the arthritic hip pain. To all that, add a great new purse and a few cool accessories and the shift become more apparent. On the way to the airport she was thinking about how fit the women over 50 and 60 looked in last night's yoga class. She thought that maybe it's time to pay more attention to her health.

When I asked her what she attributed the shift to mom said "I like being around women who are taking care of themselves and are open to new ways of doing it." "It has inspired me." I like that answer, it's simple and straightforward. Thanks, mom. Your shift has inspired me. Happy Mother's Day.

Thank you to Cheryl, Louise, Sharon, Barb, Linda and all the Women of Elizabeth's House who inspire and support the lives of other women. If you don't have these kinds of women in your life, you know where to find them.
Peace,
Beth

Who's Brain is Draining?

2008-05-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting article in the Toledo Free Press.

Brain Drain revisited
By Bruce Rumpf Special to Toledo Free Press news@toledofreepress.com

Yes, I believe that we have the whole “Brain Drain” issue wrong. As most people have read, Brain Drain has to do with the idea that young people are moving out of our region. In fact, it's not just the young people, but from what we have been told, it's the smart young people who are moving out of our area with no plans to return.
My take on that issue is the sooner the smart people move out of the region, the better chance I have of competing. Just kidding. The real answer is that Brain Drain has nothing to do with smart young people moving out of the region; it has to do with retaining the smart people 50 and older.
A few years ago when Job1USA was involved in a private/public initiative for the creation of The Source, Lucas County's employment and training center in Downtown Toledo, one of its programs involved helping older workers find gainful employment. Because the definition of “older worker” was older than 50, I asked that the term be changed to 50+ because I was older than 50 and “+” in school was a positive.
I imagine a few of you who are at or near 50 might share my opinion.
I believe Brain Drain involved those 50 and older because the last time I looked, young people have less money than their elders, who usually attain a level of financial success as they age.
Young smart people need to have some experience in other regions of the country to appreciate what their hometown has to offer; the grass is not always greener concept. That experience could be found in going away to school or finding gainful employment in larger or smaller markets.
If we retain the 50+ group in our region, chances are that the younger smart people will return. Why? Family ties are the top reason kids return home. If we retain the 50+ people, we have a greater chance of the young, smart Brain Drainers returning.
On the flip side, if we don't retain the 50+ group there is little or no chance of that young group returning.
A few months ago, Job1SHOW had Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, as a guest on its radio show that airs on WTOD-AM 1560. Prior to moving to Arizona, Broome was economic development director for the City of Toledo. Broome participated in the successful campaign to “Keep Jeep” and have Chrysler invest billions in a new plant.
During the show, we expressed our views on Brain Drain. Broome not only agreed with me on the topic, he also added a fourth reason to retain the 50+ group in our own community.
“ … Some of the economic vitality in the Phoenix market comes from that 50+ group that moves into our market,” he said.
The level of expertise that these people lend to Phoenix's budding entrepreneurs is one of the ingredients of their success. This group makes great advisers to their boards and they sometimes become investors in Phoenix's local businesses. Most come to Phoenix with having cashed out of their homes and other real estate, only to reinvest in the market there.
The 50+ group brings retirement dollars that are placed in their local banks. Many times they buy new cars and join their area's country clubs.
The families of the 50+ group travel to Phoenix, spending money at the airports, restaurants and retail establishments. Sometimes these families relocate to the Phoenix area, again bringing new dollars to the city.
This is how a market such as Phoenix has grown successfully.
Our solution in Northwest Ohio? Simple. Let's find out what would keep our 50+ citizens engaged in our area. We can't change the weather, but anyone can travel to warmer climates during the cold months. We can become part of the solution by participating again in our political process by encouraging people to run for office and supporting strong job development. We can remarket the strength of the region.
Why is Bass Pro spending $50 million in Northwest Ohio? We have the largest concentration of boating, fishing and hunting licenses anywhere in the country. We have the largest river on the Great Lakes, an asset we are utilizing with the Marina District project.
We have a hard-working, educated work force. In UT, we have the third largest university in Ohio. Our port and logistical capacity has huge upside potential.
Finally, we have the 50+ group. We need to stay; we need to re-engage and we need to demand more of our elected officials, the business community and ourselves. We need to re-energize our hopes and our future.
We need to give our children a reason to come back to the region.
Bruce F. Rumpf is president of Job1USA, a Human Resource Firm headquartered in Toledo. Job1USA specializes in work-force solutions in staffing, security, nursing and executive recruiting. Rumpf may be reached by phone at (419) 255-5005 or by e-mail at brumpf@job1usa.com.

My husband and I moved to Toledo 16 years ago. We never intended to stay beyond a few years, but now have no intention of leaving. Everything we need to enjoy a good life is in this city, mainly, good friends. I hope none of them plan to move to Florida!

Louise Kahle

Take The Time: Image Matters!

www.take-the-time.com

A Mother's Day Gift for Mom

2008-04-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

My friend, Beth, is enjoying a month-long visit from her mother. As an early Mother's Day gift Beth gave her some time with me. Beth decided that her mother would really enjoy having color analysis, a makeover and a shopping trip.

Margaret and I first talked about how color worn next to her face can effect your appearance and then she saw it first hand as I draped her with different shades of warm and cool colors. Next, I reapplied her makeup to give her a younger look. Margaret was wearing a foundation shade that was too dark in the attempt to cover up "flaws" on her skin. The only thing this acheived was making her look "made up" and older. Tip: When you see a line of color along your jaw line, you need a different shade. And never pull the foundation down onto the neck to avoid that line. That is so "old lady."

The eyeliner under Margaret's eye was too heavy and smudged. I taught her to use a very light touch with short strokes instead of drawing a line. Another tip: The purpose of eyeline is to make your eyelashes look thicker, not to look like you have lines drawn around your eyes.

The bottom line was that Margaret needed to use a magnifying mirror to put on her makeup. She balked at seeing her face that close up, but I told her I had been using one for several years and after the initial shock, you get used to it. When your eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, using a magnifying mirror to do your makeup is as essential as having a full-length mirror in your bedroom!

Margaret wanted to go to Coldwater Creek, http://www.coldwatercreek.com/, for her shopping trip, so off to the mall we went. First, we had a nice lunch and then the shopping began. Margaret had been told she couldn't wear skirts because she was short-waisted. I showed her that it was how she wore her tops with the skirt that mattered. The last tip: If you are short-waisted, you need to balance the bottom half of your body by wearing your tops untucked. This especially looks great when you wear a belt over the top and below your waistline.

In not much more than an hour, Margaret had chosen a skirt, two jackets and two tops. She is thrilled with her new look and "loves" me, as her daughter said.

Contact information:

Louise Kahle

Take The Time: Image Matters!

419-343-8579

www.take-the-time.com

louise@take-the-time.com

Just Blame Me

2008-04-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

I am helping a family move their mother from her home in Toledo,OH to an assisted living home in Pittsburgh, PA. "Mary," her son "Bob" and I met a couple weeks ago to discuss the details for this project - what was to stay and be packed. We also met with a moving company to coordinate the delivery of Mary's furniture and personal belongings.

Mary's daughter, "Nancy," flew in from Colorado to work with me on getting her mom's home packed up and ready for the move. Based on conversations I had with Nancy, I was prepared for some friction with her mom.

Friction was hardly the case.
More like an explosion!

Mary had far too many clothes, pictures, home decor and furniture for her new home. Paring down what she had and what she needed was difficult. Early into the day, I told Nancy to let me take all the heat for what we were about do to. Figuring, I would be away from her mom much sooner than her.

Well, Mary was getting pretty ticked off(even swearing at me)for getting her to sort through her clothes, handbags, kick knacks and papers. The last straw of the day was blown when Nancy and I packed up some kitchen decor while Mary rested in her bedroom. Mary came into the kitchen and just lost it - yelling at both of us, demanding we unpack her items.

As Mary went to unpack the boxes, I piped up, "NO!"
(I felt like I just yelled at a puppy)
"You're not in charge," Mary yelled back.
Very calm and firmly stated, "Well, in fact, yes I am. I am here to help move you into your new home. The boxes that are packed will remain that way," as I slid a big, heavy box in front of the closet door.

I went on to explain that my concern is that Mary's new home is not overcrowded with items, furniture and clothing. Mary's wishes were to be honored as best as possible. Nancy nodded and signed a bit of relief, thanking me a bit later for taking the heat from her mom.

Moving is quite difficult under the best circumstances. Many families like Mary's face the daunting task of moving their parent to an assisted living facility. Emotions run extremely high and buttons are pushed on both sides. In the end, the parent will be in a much safer enviroment and the children will have peace of mind knowing mom/dad is cared for in their absence.

As emotionally difficult as this is becoming, it is rewarding knowing I am helping a family with their mother and getting her into a wonderful new home.

How have you taken the blame for someone?

Welcome

2007-11-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the BRN blog. We have created this online space to allow members of the Boomers Resource Network of the Lake Erie Region to post relevant information and events for local Baby Boomers.

All members of the BRN strive to provide the following Core Values to help Baby Boomers navigate through retirement -- and beyond:

Spirituality: Seeking wholeness through expressions of faith that include gathering and/or worshiping with a community of believers, personal prayers, acts of services and spiritual guidance.
Relationship: Nurturing the basic need to belong and to connect to others; Finding the ongoing answer to who we are with others.
Security: Assuring safety and protection that we will be OK. We will help local Boomers find freedom from fear, anxiety, danger, sickness or injury.
Lifelong learning: Pursuing knowledge, enhance skills, and keep the mind active and engaged in everyday tasks and conversation.
Wellness: Cultivating the well-being of the mind, body and spirit through active prevention of illness with the desire to prolong life while maintaining nutrition, fitness and overall health.