Welcome to Life By Design Over 50.

Now you’re over 50 make your time count! What do you really want to do? • What experiences do you still want to have? • Do what makes you happy! Keep on learning and growing find new hobbies and interests. Most of all enjoy yourself and have fun! . Remember that connection to others is the 'Key To Happiness'. Live and Love Your Life Over 50.

Archive for January, 2010

by Shirley Price

by Shirley Price

Learn to Paint at Home with the Learn and Master Painting Course

If you have ever wanted to create a piece of art that you would be proud to display in your home or maybe to give as a gift, it’s not too late to make it a reality.  With the learn and master painting course even if you don’t have the skills right now you can learn to paint and do it extremely well.

Many of us have old beliefs that stop us from doing things we want to do.  Maybe somewhere you have heard that if you weren’t born with a talent then you couldn’t learn it. Well that is absolutely untrue! If you have that natural ability it is going to be easier but regardless you can do it too. You can learn to be a musician, to sing, dance and paint. There are many things that you can learn that you might be really successful at.  Now that we have the lean and master collection by Legacy learning there’s nothing to stop you but you! No more searching for the right place to register for a class and trying to fit it into your schedule that is no longer a problem with these great learn at home DVD courses.

Like many of you for years I was convinced that there is no way I could learn to paint or play an instrument because I wasn’t born with the artistic, talent gene, and because of this I was never encouraged to even try. Fortunately, beliefs and thinking can change and we now know that with the desire and commitment anything can be learned and mastered.

Thanks to programs like the Legacy Learning-Learn and Master Painting Course it’s proven that anyone serious about learning and taking action can become an artist. And for those that already have some talent in this area and wish to excel they can use this course to improve dramatically by learning the specific skills that hold them back from reaching their full potential. You also have the advantage to learn to paint at home at you own convenience, at your own pace and repeat any lessons whenever you desire to.

I am a bit of a sceptic! I like to do my homework before making a recommendation about anything to others.  I also want to make the best purchase and investment possible with the information I have. That is why I have actually had the opportunity to review and research this learn and master painting course and other courses from Legacy Learning.  My conclusion is that very favorable and I am impressed by the products.  I have also read a number of other very favorable and credible testimonials on the Learn and Master Courses.

Learn and Master Painting

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Categories : Hobbies
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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

Time seems to fly by. It’s probably not too difficult to recall the moment that you brought your own child into the world. We have watched our baby grow into an adult and have a family of their own.

As parents of parents we may have been missing having our own children around full time but we get to gain so much more joy through the arrival of our grandchildren.
Although we feel the excitement of the new arrival, often we are not quite ready to be called Grandma or Grandpa. This is a new experience for us and can be a bit challenging at times as we learn our role in this new family dynamic.

Getting used to your new role

The arrival of a new grandchild will bring the memories flooding back to the times of raising our own child. And now it’s time to discover the many ways we can enjoy our grandkids

Enjoy your grandchildren

Enjoy your grandchildren

too. We may have more time to actually appreciate and enjoy our grandchildren even though on a physical level we may come up against some challenges that were not there when our own kids were small.

Unfortunately, for some families the ideal grandparent/grandchild relationship is not possible as some grandparents and grandchildren are separated by many miles and often for long periods of time when they live in different parts of the world.

Staying Over

For those of us fortunate to have our grandchildren living closer we will probably see them on a fairly regular basis. Maybe they will even come to visit on weekends and holidays. You may even end up being a caregiver for your grand-kids if both of their parents work, or maybe a part time baby sitter while their parents have a night out. It’s always a good thing if your grandchild gets used to staying with you overnight. There may come a time when it may become a necessity to have them overnight and then it’s easier on everyone. Read More→

Categories : Relationships
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By Andrea Preece

By Andrea Preece

Keeping current in today’s job market

The workplace is changing at a faster pace than ever, it was just in the past few years that there seemed to be some panic that there would be a shortage of workers, but as the world market has changed the opposite seems to have happened, so as things change we must change too.  Here are a few tips to help with the transition whether you are in the workplace and wanting to keep going or if you are re-entering the workforce.

So how do you keep your edge and keep fresh and vibrant in today’s fast paced employment atmosphere?

Keep up with the trends

Keep up to date with what’s happening in the workplace. Ask yourself what is needed and what do you need to do to meet the demands. Are you up to date with technology, are there some computer courses that you need to update?

Computer Savvy

Not only must your office skills be spot on your computer skills must be up to date. The needs of most offices and businesses will include: Navigating the internet, E-mail and it’s applications, Word processing, PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheets .

Go Back to School

Fill in the gaps with education. If you lack in any area of demand, especially computer skills, remember that it’s never too late for more education. Many instructional courses are offered at your local community college, library or Neighbourhood  Association. “Lifelong learning is an important aspect of professional growth as well as keeping your mind sharp. Assessing your skills and determining if there are any gaps will help identify potential areas for additional education. Read More→

Categories : Lifestyle
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Jan
18

Divorce and the Over 50s

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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

Don’t get me wrong I am not an advocate for divorce at any age. Nor am I an advocate of living a miserable life.  When you know there’s nothing but misery left in your relationship and you’ve done all you possibly can to try improve the problems to no avail, why prolong the misery? To divorce is a huge decision, life as you know it will change for sure. There are those that have gone through divorce several times and for others it’s so devastating that some never really get past it.

The life you want over 50

As we get older we need to be more aware of how things are really going in our own lives.  Are we happy?  Because, there comes a time when we realize if there are things we want to

Discovering what's important

Discovering what's important

change we had better get on with it.  As we age we see friends and family members having to deal with challenges they never expected. Some get sick and less mobile often forcing them to change their later life plans.

Discovering what’s important to you

Today more than ever people are getting divorced after the age of 50. They realise that they want more from life than they are getting, and it’s not materialistic things that they are looking for, it’s more than that.  By the time you reach your 50s many have had most of the things people strive for. They realise that it’s not the material things that make you happy. Some have been in unhappy marriages for many years. Some wait until the kids have left home before they decide to do anything about it.  For others it’s after they retire from their careers and suddenly find that they would be spending most of their time with this other person that they don’t even really know anymore and they decide they want out.

Relationships Take Work

I think we all want the happy ever after life and when we don’t get it we feel can feel cheated and disillusioned.  Statistics say that it usually only takes about 15 months before most couples fall out of that initial first love. With that in mind you can see why relationships take work, like anything else to thrive they need a lot of nurturing.

Our relationships affect everything.

If we are happy we will be healthier and more productive and those around us will be happier too. If we are unhappy and miserable we will be stressed and anxious and less productive and others will feel the effects. The way we function in our personal and professional lives, our moods, confidence and self esteem are all affected by the state of our relationships. And yet it is one of those skills we learn on the job just like parenting. Plus, we often take what we have experienced in our own family environment into our relationships. Read More→

Categories : Relationships
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Joe odur

Joe odur

The Caribbean Islands offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a honeymoon getaway or family vacation destination. If you are 50+ and want a trip of a life time, then a visit to the Caribbean Islands should rank high up on your list. The Caribbean comprises of a group of islands, for instance the Bahamas and Jamaica.

Snorkel in the Caribbean

Snorkel in the Caribbean

In recent years, the numbers of people visiting the Caribbean for vacations, honeymoons and romantic getaways have increased tremendously. If you are contemplating taking a trip to the Caribbean, you may perhaps be looking for justification as to why you ought to.

Obviously, every family, every individual, and every couple have their own reasons for going on vacation; however, the Caribbean constantly seems to delight and enthrall each one who takes a trip to the islands. Because of this, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time, if you do decide to take your next vacation to the Caribbean Islands.

The Caribbean is also well-liked amongst tourists because of its beauty and attractiveness. There are very few beaches as good as the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean islands. The majority of visitors will probably never see anywhere as stunning ever again in their natural life once they leave these Islands. Actually, many families make the decision to visit these locations for the very reason that it is an unforgettable experience. Then again, the Caribbean beaches and their loveliness are ideal for lovers and couples of all ages. No wonder many couples prefer to honeymoon in the Caribbean..

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Categories : Travel
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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

It’s very possible that you may live to regret it. It is hard to think about your retirement years when you are still in your thirties or younger.

After all retirement seems so far away. It could be another 30-35 years before that time comes around so it’s easy to think, what’s the rush?

Take Retirement Seriously or else...

Take Retirement Seriously or else...

Many over 50s and the already retired can tell you that this time of life comes around much faster than you plan for.

Investing for your future

When you are young you think you have lots of time to invest and save for that time in your life when you will no longer be bringing home a pay cheque. Many tend to think it’s not important to concern yourself about retirement investments when you are young. So you make the decision to live life having and do what you want, at least for now. You know that you can make up for it by saving extra later…right!

Don’t delay saving for retirement

While leaving saving until later may have seemed like a great idea at the time, things come up and you find there never seems to be anything left over to save. Especially once you have established a lifestyle of live for today. The problem is that sixty and sixty five has a way of creeping up on us way quicker than we could possibly foresee leaving many of us unprepared and low on funds.

Read More→

Categories : Retirement
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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

New Orleans

New Orleans

The situation in New Orleans back in 2005 should have been a wake-up call for us all. Having been in New Orleans just 2 months before Katrina hit and then later seeing on television the devastation that was caused was unbelievable. We had been at the centre where all those people stayed for so long. The hotel we stayed in had windows blown out, the streets where we walked, and the friendly people we met were changed forever. There is no way I could ever even imagine it could happen – but it did. Hopefully we will never see such an event again.

It’s important that we take precautions in our own every-day life too! Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak

Be Prepared

You never know when an emergency situation may occur.  There may be severe storms, accidents and many other unexpected situations that happen in life. There have been many incidents of an afternoon hike turning into a Search and Rescue mission. How many people have we heard of that have gone off the road in their vehicles due to icy conditions, or from falling asleep at the wheel etc. and sometimes they have been missing for days. I’m sure not one of these individuals got up that day and thought they were going to end up in a situation such as that.

Safety for Outdoor Lovers

For the outdoor lovers particularly, the hunters, fishermen, rock climbers, skier, How prepared are you in the event of an emergency, an accident, or even getting lost? If you ever found yourself in such a situation you would hope that you would be capable of making some important decisions to get you out of the mess you find yourself in.

Smart Planning

Making smart planning decisions can help to avoid accidents in the first place. And, for those situations that arise that you have no control over at least be able to maintain self control and act accordingly to the situation at hand. Providing that you are not severely injured and in fairly good physical condition the last thing you would need is to be too stunned by the problem you are facing to be able to make decisions that may save your life or someone else’s. Here are some tips in case of emergencies: Read More→

Categories : Lifestyle
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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

You may have noticed recently that there has been a considerable amount of talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s in the news. With such a huge aging population this is obviously a global concern. I read that every five minutes there will be a new case and that and this will increase to every two minutes within the next 30 years. It was also stated that we need to prepare for the tidal wave of dementia.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t always wait for old age

If someone in your life has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s you know only too well the devastating effect this has on families. Most of us tend to think that only

reduce the risk of alzheimers and dementia-Keep your Brain active

Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia-Keep your Brain Active

the old will be affected by these conditions as dementia generally takes a grasp after the age of 70. This is not always the case as early dementia can start around the age of 45years.  A few months ago I met a lady who is in her early 40s. She had moved from another country with her husband who is in his later 40s. What was to be an exciting new life for them soon turned into a nightmare!  Not long after their arrival her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Within about a year his condition had deteriorated to the point that she felt that he was already gone. He was in a special care facility and didn’t even know who she was.

Maintain a Healthy Mind

Keeping our mind active and alert as we age is just as important as taking care of our bodies by eating well, exercising and staying as healthy as possible. Having mental stimulation and a mind that’s kept active will help to keep your brain fit.   Many do so by doing crosswords, reading, learning new skills, and by being involved with their hobbies and interests. Also there are a number of brain exercise programs available like the Posit Science Brain Training Software which will help you or your loved one to focus better, remember more and think faster.Train Your Brain Clinically Proven Brain Fitness Programs from Posit Science

Take responsibility for your brain health

We don’t know for sure if we will be affected by dementia because there are a number of factors that come into play.   Lifestyle and genetics are sure to play a big part so we need to take some responsibility for our own mental health and wellness. Early detection of this disease can slow the process down and help lead to a better quality of life. Read More→

Categories : Health/Fitness
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Jan
07

Concerns for Aging Parents

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By Shirley Price

By Shirley Price

As we reach 50 and over unless our parents have already passed on most of us will start having a number of concerns about our aging parents. The degree of assistance that

Concerns for Aging Parents

Concerns for Aging Parents

you can personally provide them if and when they need it will depend a lot on whether you live close to them, also according to the level of care they may need depending on the state of their health.

When distance is an issue

If you’re like me and live in a different country to your parent(s) the chances are that you are not physically able to assist them as much as you would like.  This in itself can be very stressful and a big concern for many of us.  We may be able to help financially to some extent. Maybe help them with purchasing medical and mobility aids if they need them like a walker or other aids to help them be as comfortable and mobile as possible, but it’s not the same as being able to be there in person offering our personal support.

When you live far away even though you may talk on the phone on a regular basis; there can be a lot of guilt that goes along with all the other concerns. I have been very fortunate that my mother has maintained reasonably good health and at 88 years of age is fairly active and able to continue to go out on a daily basis. My mom and her husband, who she married when she was 70, continue to live in their own home. My dad passed away when my mom in her 50s. Read More→

Categories : Relationships
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Jan
03

Retired and Single

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by Shirley Price

by Shirley Price

So… what’s next for You?

If you’ve been working really hard all these years, you may have been so focused with your job that you were not even thinking about a love life.  You are certainly not alone in this world of growing singles.

Re-evaluate your Life

When it comes to that time when work no longer consumes your time it’s a good time to take the opportunity to re-evaluate your life.  To know where you’re headed and what you want now that you have the time to make other choices.  What are you going to do and who are you going to be doing it with?

Do you even want a Relationship?

Many people enjoy being single, yet I believe if most are totally honest a large percentage of those singles would like to have someone to share some of life’s experiences with either on a full time or part time basis.

Set In our Ways

As we get older many of us are set in our ways and wonder if it would even be possible to live with another person. Even if we have lived with someone previously after living alone for a long time it could take a bit of getting used to. Of course finding the right person could change everything, even your mind of “never again”! Read More→

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