Tag: health

Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy Book Review

mediterranean diet for beginners

 

Introduction

The title of Gina Crawford’s most recent book says it all. For an introduction to an exciting new lifestyle you need an easy to read quick guide delivering “no fluff,no filler, and going straight to the point” as Mrs Crawford would put it. This book is just that.

Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy was released in January of 2015, and reveals the “healthiest, most well respected and scientifically documented diet in the world.” Continue reading “Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy Book Review”

Who will care for the carers in our society beyond 2017?

Geriatrics and elderly careWho will care for the carers ?

According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), more of us are worrying about how we will be cared for when we are older. A growing number of us have taken on the  responsibility for the care of parents, but the IPPR sees a growing ‘family care gap’ developing as the number of older people in need of care  exceeds the number of family members able to provide it. This gap is expected to be apparent for the first time in 2017

The huge challenge is to meet the care needs of an ageing baby boomer generation.This could increasingly continue to fall on adult children and their partners, with women being seen as the main carers and most likely to have to give-up work to take on the care responsibilities. The IPPR draws out a number of key issues which demand a rethink of how we look after each other in later life. There is the refocusing of the respective roles of state and individuals, also the widening of the narrow  focus on physical and health needs to include those needs necessary  to lead a decent life in older age.
Whose responsibility is it anyway?
The state though holding a pivotal role has never been the main provider, in the post-war period, of care and support for the elderly. It is family support that has carried most of the weight for this, at an estimated annual value of £55billion.
As budgets for spending on elderly care continue to be severely constrained, a recent NHS survey reveals that few of us believe government has the right social care policies. Post-war society has changed rapidly as the baby boomer generation age. More people now live alone, and family members often live far apart for both social and economic reasons. Looking forward,the IPPR in its report, is seeking to highlight solutions that place greater value on mutual  support provided by resources working within families,neighbourhoods and community networks.
So finally what can be done?
In making its recommendations the IPPR,believes the post-war model of social care needs a fundamental rethink, as it does not meet the wants and needs of the elderly, nor does it it prepare society to deal with an ageing  population.
A core recommendation is
  • the building and development of new neighbourhood networks  designed to help older people stay active and healthy, and support families find the right work care life balance.

This would work with other recommendations for

  • better care-coordination and single point contact
  • giving power to older people, families and carers to buy services directly using a community based ‘shared budget’
  • stronger employment rights enabling carers to better able combine work and care.
You can read the full IPPR report here…

Baby Boomer Health – Advice About Baby Boomers And Retirement


The topic of baby boomer health is popular these days as more and more people from this age group are becoming senior citizens and approaching retirement age.  This age group is well known for being in denial about aging and financial planning,

However, reality has begun to show it’s face.  Thus, there are many issues that directly affect the baby boomer generation that need to be considered, especially with today’s economy being the way it is.

According to media RKR, which publishes a book about “Baby Boomers Health And Retirement” website — http://mediaRKR.com/baby-boomer-health/ — pointed out;

“..It has been often said that the mindset of a typical baby boomers is to avoid planning for their demise as well as long term financial planning.  However, this mindset is quickly changing, as managing aging and end of life issues are becoming center stage…”

“…With the baby boomers rapidly approaching retirement, here are the top factors that are of major concern:

– Understanding The Process Of Aging
– Avoiding Alzheimer’s Disease
– A Plan For Staying Physically Fit
– Planning A Proper Diet
– Keeping The Heart Healthy
– Vitamin And Mineral Supplements For Anti-Aging
– Reducing Sugar Intake To Avoid Contracting Diabetes
– Improving Time Management Skills
– Stress Management Techniques
– Financial Management Strategies
– Starting A Second Career

…if you are, or someone you know is a baby boomer, then now is the time to get your hands on information that offers tips and advice about how to enjoy your golden years, in good physical and financial health.” …

Further information about Baby Boomer Health and Baby Boomers Retirement can be found by visiting:
http://mediaRKR.com/baby-boomer-health/

Media RKR is your source for a wide variety of informative books, reports and guides to help improve your lifestyle.

 

Health Perception


Health Perception

An important area to focus on as you transition towards retirement is in the area of Health Perception.

Health Perception measures how you see your health as being an important part of your retirement life. It reveals to you your own appraisal of your health. The retirement assessment can tell you if you have some health concerns (in your own opinion), that you do not believe you are in the state of health you would like to be in, or it can tell you that you believe you are in great health.

A low score in the area of health perception shows that you see this as less important for your overall retirement success, making your health an area of concern. What most people want in retirement living is dependent on health, so a low score automatically makes this become a critical area. The good news is that you now have this information at a time in your life when you can make some changes if you decide to.

Health can be affected by attitudes: by what we believe. Our belief about our physical state of health directly affects what we can do and how we feel. Our inner beliefs influences our body, these can’t be separated. This area of mindset is discussed more thoroughly in the The ‘Secrets to Retirement Success Home Study System™’, where an entire section is dedicated to Mindset.

A low score in the area of health perception indicates a strong concern about your health. Because health is such a critical item, this area needs to be considered carefully. If your scores do not meet with your identified plan then you need to consider changes in your life style and belief system. Your assessment will identify whether this is an area of concern for you or not.
Resolve to live a long and healthy life. If you aren’t already, become in tune with your lifestyle, making sure it includes healthy foods, exercise, and some form of relaxation and stress control. You need to be vigorous in finding better and healthier ways of staying fit and healthy! You have considerable control over your state of health by the health practices you engage in. Use these beliefs to motivate you to continue staying healthy.

When people believe they are healthy, they either continue working or move towards an active retirement lifestyle. When people believe they are ill, they want to retire as soon as they can so they can rest and remove themselves from an environment that seems stressful. Retirement becomes a solution to their condition. Often, you’ll hear phrases like, “getting out” or “needing some rest”. These are strong motivators that push individuals to retire early.

Seek an active retirement lifestyle or find a way to become involved again in a second career or job. Be prepared to be active and busy while enjoying the benefits of living a fun, healthy life! Your views and the actions you take are a part of the relationship you have with yourself. Life should be enjoyed!

Your Assignment:

What changes, if any, can you make to become more healthy? Do you engage in at least twenty minutes of vigorous exercise (such as fast walking, jogging, swimming) three or more times a week? Do you drink no more than one cup of coffee or tea or one can of caffeinated soda pop per day? Can you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, eat meat or other fatty, high-cholesterol foods no more than once a day?

Each of these things you can do contribute to your health. Don’t feel that you have to start them all at once. Add in one new activity that you’re not already doing and do it consistently for a month before adding in a second area. Before you know it, your health will improve and your view of your retirement may change too.

Next week we’ll talk briefly about the area of Projected Financial Security and Planning
While you wait, if you’re looking for ways to figure out what your retirement will look like, and you know you definitely DON’T want to leave it to chance, contact me for a 30-minute ‘Get Acquainted Session’ to see if there are ways I can help you. Simply email me at [email protected] and we’ll set up a time to chat.

This information is based on the original work created by Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D. in his book The New Retirement and the training certification through the Retirement Success Profile (RSP).

Tracey Fieber is founder of “The Secrets to Retirement Success System™”, the most complete Retirement Transition program for executives and small business owners.

Using her own principles, Tracey went from a corporate executive to a retirement filled with adventure, passion and purpose, in less than 8 months!

Tracey is the celebrated author of the Retirement Success Home Study System™, and author of the upcoming book “How to Retire to a Life of Adventure, Passion and Purpose”. Get your free CD “7 Steps to Cracking the Retirement Code”, available on www.NewFaceOfRetirement.com.

 

Take Action Now to Protect Your Health in Retirement – Six Action Items For Retirees


Article by Burton Widener

There is probably nothing more important to the enjoyment of the retired lifestyle than good health. Poor health limits your retirement options dramatically. It may restrict where you can live. Your willingness and ability to travel are both negatively affected by poor health. It’s hard to enjoy seeing new places if you can’t get around, or are tied to medical support facilities or special medical devices.

Assuming you are currently enjoying reasonably good health, take action to maintain your health now.

Here are a six tips for maintaining your health:

Select a doctor who has experience in treating older adults if you can. They are much more likely to understand the aging process. It takes some experience to determine if your symptoms are just part of the natural aging process, or signify something more. Get regular checkups. Most experts recommend twice a year physicals for anyone over 65. Follow your doctor’s advice. Why spend the time and effort to visit a doctor if you are not going to listen to him/her? If you don’t like the advice, get a second opinion. Find a way to insure you take any prescribed drugs in accordance with the required regime. If you find you are having difficulty remembering the correct times or dosages, find some kind of a routine to help you remember. Don’t be proud, after the age of 60 or so we all find our memories getting less and less reliable. Stay physically active. Most experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes of exercise three or four times a week as a minimum. The exercise does not need to be all that vigorous. Even walking for 30 minutes every other day can really improve your overall conditioning. Important; you should always consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. Don’t delay unpleasant or costly tests or procedures. Again, if you question the need for a particular test or procedure get a second opinion. Nobody likes six foot tubes being pushed into places where the sun never shines, but it may save your life some day, so grin and bear it (no pun intended). Both you and your spouse need to be realistic when looking ahead. If either of you have a chronic medical condition that is likely to result in long term health deterioration, plan for it now. Don’t put yourselves in a position that does not allow you to meet evolving health issues.Pick your retirement location carefully. Often it is prudent to be located near a medium or large metropolitan center. This will usually give you more options in terms of medical specialists or medical facilities. Your health may also determine the type of living accommodations you will select. For instance, restricted mobility may mean you are limited to single floor residences. The need for specialized care may dictate living in an assisted care facility.

Who Is Going To Pay? – Probably You

Health care costs are rising at an alarming rate, and senior citizens are feeling the pain. Only the lucky few have health care benefits that they are not paying for themselves. And even those that do can’t be sure their health care retirement benefits will continue. Ask a retired auto worker or airline flight attendant how precarious retirement benefits can be. Private, full coverage health plans are quickly becoming out of reach to most retired persons. Realistically, most retired persons are going to be dependent on Medicare for their health care coverage. You need to spend some time understanding what your options are. It’s more than likely you are going to want so called “gap” insurance to supplement the standard Medicare coverage. The rules for switching from private programs to Medicare are also important to understand, as a mistake can end up costing you some big penalties.

The latest drug care program is so complicated it’s almost impossible to figure out exactly what to do. Spend some time to read and understand all you can before making any decisions. A good place to start is at the official government website. You might want to consider getting some professional advice as well. Most medical insurance companies have people who understand the complexities of the issue, so they can be a source. Check your local business directory. In some areas, there are companies that specialize in helping you select the appropriate coverage. A word of advice here; prices for standard coverage are regulated, so the major task is selecting the plan that is best for you, and then deciding which insurance company you want to use.

Don’t risk having failing health shorten your enjoyment of your retirement life. Following these six simple tips can help insure you enjoy your retirement well into your senior years. That’s the whole idea isn’t it?

About the Author

About The Author: Burt Widener writes extensively on issues concerning retirement. His website at http://www.allthingsretired.com offers a range of articles and other resources to aid retired persons find answers to common questions regarding retirement. The site is updated frequently to keep the content current. You can contact Burt at: [email protected].

 

 

Want to become the next big author?

  • Want to become the next big author? Tips and Quips.

  • Could you write your autobiography?

  • Are health-related websites good for your health?

Three questions for you this week, with some more information I hope will be of interest to you.

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Want to become the next big author?

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From Laurie Pawlik-Tienlen, writer and blogger, who writes Tips and Quips for Successful Writers:

‘These writing tips from famous authors will help you learn how to become a writer. After all, the first step to becoming a writer – to calling yourself a “real” writer – is defining what “real writer” means to you. And that’s what these writing tips and quips from famous authors are all about!’

Catch these Tips and Quips at:

theadventurouswriter.com

She continues:

‘To get the ball rolling, here’s one of my favourite quips and tips:

“What I did have, which others perhaps didn’t, was a capacity for sticking at it, which really is the point, not the talent at all. You have to stick at it.” ~ Doris Lessing.

There will be more on becoming the next big author next time.

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Are health-related websites good for your health?

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Last time, I drew your attention to a number of websites which have been accredited with the Information Standard for reliable information on health matters. The internet is an amazing source of information on health related matters, but it is also a place of misleading and downright wrong information for the unwary.

In addition to the 10 sites I posted to the Your Health page at

http://www.the60life.com , here are two more which are certified members of the Information Standard:

1.    At the National Electronic Library for Medicines, you can find out more about a particular drug which may have been prescribed for you by your doctor.

http://www.nelm.nhs.uk

2.    The second site is BootsWebMD , where in addition to lots of health advice for both men and women, you can access a sophisticated symptom checker giving an A-Z of health conditions.

http://www.webmd.boots.com

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Could You Write Your Autobiography?

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In case you missed this last topic time, here’s a writing project with a difference. Could you write your own autobiography?

This report from the website,  laterlife.com:

“Now you can receive expert guidance from published author Jackie Sherman who has been running “Writing your Autobiography” courses since 2008 and for the first time is offering a home-based course for Laterlife visitors with personal feedback at the end of every module.

  • Do you regret not knowing more about your parents or grandparents and don’t want your descendants to feel the same way?
  • Do you have stories in your head that you really want to share?
  • Have you been asked by family or friends to write your memoirs but keep putting it off?
  • Do you want to be a writer but don’t know what to write about, or wonder if you will be good enough?

Or

  • Do you know someone else who is always talking about their life but needs encouragement to put their story down on paper?”

You can check-out the home-based course at

laterlife.com

’til next time.


Study shows men get happier as they grow older


So Victor Meldrew, beloved leading fictional character in a once long running  BBC TV sitcom series,’One Foot In The Grave’, should be looked on as much misunderstood.

According to a correspondent for the Kansas City Star newspaper : ‘the perception of the elderly as a bunch of wrinkled curmudgeons who mope around the house looking deflated and defeated is wrong. And that misperception has prevented many elderly from being diagnosed and treated for depression.

‘Apparently, men do not get meaner, irritable and more sarcastic as they get older. In fact, among the men participating in the Study of Adult Development — the longest longitudinal study of adult life ever conducted — men seem to get happier as they get older.The study has followed two groups of men for 68 years: 268 men who graduated from Harvard University and 456 men who grew up in the urban neighborhoods of Boston.

‘Depression in men, characterized by irritability and anger (and sarcasm is a form of anger) did not increase with age, according to the study ‘,carried out at the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard’s medical school.

Read more:  at kansascity.com -men get happier as they grow older

What you may not know about your health


  • What you may not know about your health
  • How to avoid losing your garden plants to disease
  • Could you write your autobiography?

This week we look at websites providing information on health and related matters. Are they any good? Well, although not infallible, below are three tips on testing the quality of the sites you are accessing.

We also look at a potential problem in the garden. Yes, we are looking at the spectre of disease spreading to our plants this year. Good simple gardening habits may chase this one away.

Ever thought of writing your autobiography? Oh, I see, only the famous qualify for a worthwhile level of readership? Do read on.

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What you may not know about your health

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What you may not know about your health, you may not find out on the internet. The internet is an amazing source of information on health related matters, but it is a place of misleading and downright wrong information for the unwary.

Apart from the erroneous stuff there can be presentation of information that, taken out of context and interpreted by the medically untrained, is utterly scary. So to avoid undue anxiety, you should at least follow the following three search tips:

1.    To identify the seriously informed and balanced treatment of content from the purely frightening and the commercially exploitative, look out for domain names that include endings like .org, .gov ,.edu , or.ac. These names indicate that the site is an academic one, perhaps run by a charity; and is probably a not -for-profit operation.

2.    Search for appropriate websites using words which will bring you a result that is nearest to what you are looking for specifically. For improved relevancy enclose your search words in inverted commas, and be as specific as possible, e.g. “rheumatoid arthritis”, rather than “arthritis” which will throw-up many  more results than you  need.

3.    Lastly, when you access a site look for the Information Standard mark which certifies its reliability.http://www.theinformationstandard.org

For a list of 10 health sites certified by the Information Standard go to the new Your Health page athttp://www.the60life.com/?page_id=579

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How to avoid losing your garden plants to disease

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Here are three tips to help keep your plants healthy and free of disease:

1. Don’t water from the top of the plants. Fungus loves moisture. If
you wet your leaves and stems, you’re just encouraging fungal growth.
It’s better to use a soaker hose so your plants aren’t getting wet.

2. Don’t water at night, especially if it’s humid. Watering at night
keeps things moist for longer. This might be ok if you live in the
desert, but it’s a bad thing if you live where it’s humid. As such
water during the day to give your plant leaves and stems a chance
to dry out. Doing so helps prevent fungal disease.

3. Do clean your tools. Some plant diseases are catchy, like a virus.
You can prevent the spread of disease by frequently cleaning your
tools (and even your shoes) as you tend to your garden.

For a fre.e Organic Gardening Academy e-course go tohttp://www.growingorganicnow.com

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Could You Write Your Autobiography?

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Here’s a writing project with a difference. Could you write your own autobiography?

From laterlife.com:

“Now you can receive expert guidance from published author Jackie Sherman who has been running “Writing your Autobiography” courses since 2008 and for the first time is offering a home-based course for Laterlife visitors with personal feedback at the end of every module.

  • Do you regret not knowing more about your parents or grandparents and don’t want your descendants to feel the same way?
  • Do you have stories in your head that you really want to share?
  • Have you been asked by family or friends to write your memoirs but keep putting it off?
  • Do you want to be a writer but don’t know what to write about, or wonder if you will be good enough?

Or

  • Do you know someone else who is always talking about their life but needs encouragement to put their story down on paper?”

You can check-out the home-based course at

http://www.laterlife.com/laterlife-writing-your-autobiography.htm

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, grab that e-course from The Organic Garden Academy which is available to you now, without charge, athttp://www.growingorganicnow.com

Back soon…

Do remember you can pick-up more regular tips and news athttp://the60life.com

Yours,

Mike Paterson,

The 60Life Weekly

[email protected]

Why having a laugh can make you more creative

From Mike Paterson at The60LifeWeekly

15th January 2011

• Why having a laugh can make you more creative

• Where you can find much you need to know as a new or established writer

Hi,

I hope the New Year is going well with you.

As well as bringing to you a wide range of information covering many issues and content of particular, but not always exclusive, interest to the 60-lifer, I am reminded that writing, and learning more about writing, is important to you. This week, then I am looking at a handbook that should always be readily to hand on your bookshelf.

Another ready source of inspiration and guidance that we can access to follow our hobbies, sports, or business interests is the ubiquitous magazine or periodical. Yes, they do tend to be almost everywhere, in the library, newsagent, superstore, and doctor’s surgery for example, but do we actually read them critically as a source of valuable ideas and content? Many magazines have an online presence now which can give you a valuable insight into the printed publication, as well as good free information. More about my Magwatch coming soon in a later issue…

As for this week, let’s start with a laugh…

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Why having a laugh could make you more creative******************************************************************
As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Well now to the natural health benefits which can be attributed to a happy mood, we can add the benefit of greater creativity. Yes, it is now official: A Positive Mood Allows Your Brain to Think More Creatively.

Over the weekend, I caught a television programme in tribute to Ronnie Barker of the 70s/80s tv comedy show ” the two Ronnies.” The sketches – you can see the “Fork handles” sketch on youtube.com – were so funny and the word craft so skilful, I had to watch it all, and felt so much better for having done so. Apparently, watching funny films or video can create the right mood to enhance a person’s ability to be more creative. Ronnie Barker’s successful comedic career may prove the point. I believe he wrote most of the material used. His average working day, apart from being very productive, must have been a riot! He was very funny, and a very clever man.

“Generally, positive mood has been found to enhance creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking,” says Ruby Nadler, a graduate student at the University of Western Ontario. She and colleagues Rahel Rabi and John Paul Minda carried out a new study published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. For this study, Nadler and her colleagues looked at a particular kind of learning that is improved by creative thinking.

a-positive-mood-allows-you-to-think-more-creatively

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Where you can find much you need to know as a writer
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For many years, I have bought the Writer’s Handbook published by Macmillan and edited by Barry Turner. This year is no exception. I am again the proud owner of a handy 786 pages just brimful of useful information; this 2011 edition includes articles on
• characterisation,
• writing children’s books,
• ghost writing,
• and what makes a successful writer, and much more…

There is something of interest for everyone. I also particularly like the access owning a copy of the Writer’s Handbook 2011 gives me to a dedicated website and searchable directory.
The Times rate this work: ’The book no writer should be without.’

Now, there are other excellent reference handbooks for writers, if you want to shop around. One such is the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2011

If you have been thank you for tuning-in! More soon…

Do remember you can pick-up more regular tips and news at http://the60life.com

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly
[email protected]
If you have missed earlier issues of The60Life Weekly – these can be found by scrolling down the categories in the right hand column at http://www.the60life.com.

More creative writing tips for you

From Mike Paterson at The60LifeWeekly

21st October 2010

· More creative writing tips for you

· Could you profit from writing and publishing an e-book?
· This one’s for the guys: this simple test could save your life

Hi,

This week, the news in the UK is full of the Government’s announced spending cuts, and their likely impact on services, benefits, and employment… but last week, there was news that could be very good soon for men of a certain age…check it out…

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Check this out. A simple test may save a man’s life
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Occasionally, we have to look at the hard stuff: According to a report on the saga.co.uk website, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK with new cases reported annually. Every year about 10,000 men die of the disease.

However, scientists may have found a way to create the first effective urine test for prostate cancer, reports the Nursing Times.

‘A protein called MSMB found in urine is present at a lower level in men who have the disease. Its level also seems to be influenced by how aggressive the cancer is.

‘Hayley Whitaker, from Cancer Research UK charity’s Cambridge Research Institute, where the study was carried out, said: “We looked in tissue and urine from over 350 men with and without prostate cancer to find out how much MSMB they had. We then looked to see who had the genetic change. It was really exciting to find out that the genetic change and the amount of protein were linked.’

“The protein is easy to detect because it is found in urine and would potentially be a very simple test to carry out on men to identify those most at risk of developing the disease.”

Look after yourselves. Check it out

prostate-cancer-urine-test

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If you want the financial independence and passive income stream from selling a popular ebook, the satisfaction and prestige that comes from being an author, and if you want to do it while you’re still young enough to enjoy it….then this might be the most important letter you’ll ever read. Click below now.

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More creative writing tips for you

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Michele Roberts as the Writer-in-Residence at Bookbite has a new blog on its website, providing writing tips. She was born in 1949, and has published 20 books of fiction, poetry and essays. Her novel ‘Daughters of the House’ won the WH Smith Award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

You can now follow her tips on her blog at

more writing tips for you

This week on her blog she’s looking at: re-writing, re-discovering and working with the negative

more writing tips for you

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Did you know? Authors who started writing in their later years include Kenneth Grahame, who wrote’ The Wind in the Willows’ in his retirement, and Frank McCourt, who had ‘Angela’s Ashes’ published when he was 66.

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Don’t miss your next weekly issue!

If you have missed earlier issues of The60Life Weekly – these can be found by scrolling down the categories in the right hand column at the60life.com

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at

http://[email protected]

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

Why creative writing is all about ideas

The60LifeWeekly

26th August 2010

• Creative writing is all about ideas
• The fruit that may act as your brain’s natural housekeeper
• Dealing with the silence of the autodialers in our homes

Hi,

Recent feedback tells me that 60lifers out there are interested in more information about writing: both fiction and non-fiction; health issues including nutrition and appropriate exercise; and money management and related issues. So, I shall be including over the next few weeks what I can find on creative and non-fictional writing, and the other topic categories.

Below, please find three more topics for the week…

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Creative writing is all about ideas
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According to UK writer, Nick Daws :
‘Being a creative writer is all about ideas. Readers and potential writers are always asking successful and creative authors the question, “Where do you get your ideas?” – to which the writers often stumble in reply, or have no real answer. It’s an unsatisfying transaction every time – so why is it that writers can’t say where they get their ideas from? I think it’s partly because they don’t really know, and partly because the way they collect ideas is individual to them, and so any answer they gave would be no use to the asker of the question…

… in one of [Terry Pratchett’s ] books I noticed he postulated the theory in an aside that ideas were like rain. Great thinkers and writers stood out in it and caught as many ideas as they could, while non-writers and non-thinkers sheltered from it. A lovely thought – simple, beautiful and very Terry.’

Check out more of this fascinating insight at mywritingblog.com
Nick Daws’ blog is worth a regular visit if you are truly interested in writing.

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The fruit that may act as your brain’s natural housekeeper
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According to Medical News Today :
‘Scientists have reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Their study, presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), concluded that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which cleans up and recycles toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline.

Shibu Poulose, Ph.D., who presented the report, said previous research suggested that one factor involved in aging is a steady decline in the body’s ability to protect itself against inflammation and oxidative damage.’

medical news today

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Dealing with the silence of the autodialers in our homes
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Britons receive six cold calls a month, finds Which? studyScams, sales pitches and ‘silence of the autodiallers’ all intimidate consumers
(1)Tweet this (22)Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 26 August 2010 Article historyBritish consumers receive an average of six cold calls a month, a survey has found.

The study by Which? found that many of the calls are scams, but big industry is “just as guilty” of using the tactic.

A two-week diary kept by Which? members found British Gas, BT, EDF, E.ON, Homeserve, Sky and TalkTalk were among those who cold-called the most often.

The consumer group’s survey of 2,092 people found two thirds had received at least one cold call in the past three months, and the average was around six calls a month.

One in four people had found such calls intimidating and one in five had felt pressured to buy something.

The diary-keepers found that four in 10 calls were sales calls, which are legal if the householder has not taken action to prevent them.

Another 32% were silent calls, when “autodiallers” phone multiple numbers but do not have enough staff to speak to those who answer.

Among those surveyed, 75% wanted the calls banned and 60% said they immediately hung up on cold-callers.

guardian.co.uk/money/2010/aug/26/six-cold-calls-monthly-survey

I hope you find the above information useful. I’m going to follow Nick Daws’ blog .
Coming-up in the next issue will be three more items, giving news and tips about things that concern us.

Don’t miss your next issue on 2nd September!

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at
[email protected]
PPS: If you have missed earlier issues of The 60Life Weekly these can be found in the archives at
the60life.com

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

Why do optimistic people live longer?

The60LifeWeekly

12th August 2010

· Why do optimistic people tend to live longer?

· 8 ways to improve your finances in just a few minutes a week

· How to increase your chances of preventing cancer

Hi

This week we look at three more topics of interest to most of us.
At any age, our health is of paramount importance to us. Also, at any age, our wealth, or lack of it, is a frequent pre-occupation…

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Why do optimistic people tend to live longer?
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First up, though, a question: are you a glass half-full person, or does your glass tend usually to be half-empty?

According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic optimistic people live longer lives, by almost 20%!!!

From a report written by Jonathan Wells – Advanced LifeSkills]:

‘Most of us enjoy being in the company of positive, optimistic people. Their sunny outlook on life is both refreshing and encouraging. It is easy to see the benefits that we gain from associating with those who are filled with optimism, but what about them?

Have you ever wondered whether or not there are any tangible, long term benefits associated with having a positive outlook? Does our attitude really affect our health as some have claimed, or is this just one of those scenarios that sound reasonable but can’t be proven.

Science meets the challenge

The BBC recently reported on a long term study conducted by the prestigious Mayo Clinic aimed at finding the answers to those very questions.

Between 1962 and 1965 they interviewed more than 1,100 patients and gave each of them an optimism ranking based on their perception of life. Then they tracked those people for the next 30 years to see if they could identify any noticeable differences.

For a full report, and tips for a longer happier life you can check-in at

familyhealthguide.co.uk/10-tips-for-a-longer-happier-life

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8 ways to improve your finances in just a few minutes a week

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So how much time does it take to turn-off unnecessary lights, switch-off the TV, and other appliances, when not in use? Hang out more clothes to dry on a line instead of using the tumble dryer. Money Mail reckons these few small steps alone can save the average family about £82 per annum. And there’s more…

1. Switch to paying your car insurance premiums annually
as many insurers charge interest of up to 15% if premiums are paid in monthly instalments.
2. Trace missing funds- a dormant account or a deferred/lost
pension . Start by going to www.unclaimedassets.co.uk to point you in the right direction.
3. Track down the cheapest motor fuel in your area by entering your postcode at www.petrolprices.com
4. Visit www.saynoto0870.com if you are calling 0845 or 0870 numbers to see if there is a local number you can call.
5. Search the internet for the latest offers and vouchers. Among the best sites is www.vouchercodes.com
6. Take-out for free that DVD or book that you are only ever likely to read but once from your local library (if you have one)
7. Obtain a railcard to save almost a third off your travel costs.
8. Check you are not paying too much income tax. A quick look at your coding notice should help. If you are in doubt check it out at the HMRC helpline on 0845 3000 627

And there’s more, another you can check out 42 more ways to make or save money at thisismoney.co.uk

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How to increase your chances of preventing cancer

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According to familyhealthguide.co.uk :

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Cancer

[From a report by Millie Barrett BSc(Hons), mBANT]

There are more than 293,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year in the UK, and more than 1 in 3 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. More than 1 in 3 people – that is a shocking figure.

According to Cancer Research UK, approximately half and probably more, of all cancers could be prevented by diet and lifestyle changes.

So we do have the power to act and reduce our personal risk of developing cancer – but how?

The following nine recommendations come from the World Cancer Research Fund Global Network (WCRFGN), which is made up of a panel of international experts working in the fields of cancer prevention, epidemiology, human nutrition, obesity and public health. Many of the recommendations are familiar public health goals based on maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

The WCRFGN recommendations:

· Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight
· Be physically active as part of everyday life
· Limit consumption of energy-dense foods and avoid sugary drinks
· Eat mostly foods of plant origin
· Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat
· Limit alcoholic drinks
· Limit consumption of salt and avoid mouldy cereals or pulses
· Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone
· Mothers to breastfeed and children to be breastfed exclusively for six months and as complementary feeding thereafter

You can check out more at familyhealthguide.co.uk

I hope you find the above full information useful. Often a simple reminder of things we should do helps save cash in these times of ecomomic difficulty. Yes, I will switch-off that light next time when I leave an empty room!

Coming-up in the next issue will be three more items, giving health and wealth related news and tips. Debt relief tips, flagged last time, will be for another week.

Look out for your next issue on 19th August!

Yours ,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: If you have your own stories, tips, or feedback please send them to me at

[email protected]

PPS: If you have missed earlier issues of The 60Life Weekly these can be found in the archives at

www.the60life.com

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.