Your home is a safe haven from the world, a place to relax and unwind with family and friends. Unfortunately, hidden dangers may be lurking behind the walls that threaten your safety and that of your loved ones. That's why it's a good time to find out just how safe your home is from electrical hazards.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there's plenty of reason for concern: Nearly 32,000 fires in the home were caused by faulty house wiring or damaged wiring devices each year between 1999 and 2002. However, there is something you can do to safeguard your home from dangerous electrical hazards. The Leviton Institute recommends that with May being National Electrical Safety Month, homeowners conduct an inspection of their home and outdoor areas as part of their regular spring-cleaning projects.
First, make sure pool pumps, hot tubs and outdoor appliances that require electricity are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets with weatherproof covers. Ground fault circuit interruptors safeguard you and your loved ones from dangerous electrical shock. GFCIs detect when current is leaking from an electrical circuit to ground and automatically shut off the power at the receptacle. They have saved thousands of lives since their introduction in 1972. When choosing a GFCI, it's important to ensure the device is stamped with the UL logo.
In addition, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other place around the house that has a water source within six feet of the receptacle needs GFCI protection. Check all outlets and switches for cracks, broken parts or loose-fitting plugs. Replace defective devices immediately, as well as those that feel hot to the touch. You should also inspect all power cords and extension cords: Those showing signs of cracking, fraying or obvious wear should be replaced immediately. Never run extensions under rugs, carpets or furniture where damage can hide.
Make sure outlets are not overloaded. Most household outlets are typically rated around 15-20 amps. Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can exceed that rating and create a fire or shock hazard.
When you use an extension cord, always plug the appliance into the extension cord first before plugging the extension cord into the outlet.
GOOD LUCK!
What is movie and movie history
Movie is a term that encompasses individual motion pictures, the field of movie as an art form, and the motion picture industry. Movies are produced by recording images from the world with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or special effects.
Movies are cultural artifacts created by specific cultures, which reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them. Movie is considered to be an important art form, a source of popular entertainment, and a powerful method for educating - or indoctrinating - citizens. The visual elements of cinema give motion pictures a universal power of communication; some movies have become popular worldwide attractions by using dubbing or subtitles that translate the dialogue.
Traditional Movies are made up of a series of individual images called frames. When these images are shown rapidly in succession, a viewer has the illusion that motion is occurring. The viewer cannot see the flickering between frames due to an effect known as persistence of vision, whereby the eye retains a visual image for a fraction of a second after the source has been removed. Viewers perceive motion due to a psychological effect called beta movement.
The origin of the name "film" comes from the fact that photographic film (also called film stock) had historically been the primary medium for recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms exist for an individual motion picture, including picture, picture show, photo-play, flick, and most commonly, movie. Additional terms for the field in general include the big screen, the silver screen, the cinema, and the movies.
Movies are cultural artifacts created by specific cultures, which reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them. Movie is considered to be an important art form, a source of popular entertainment, and a powerful method for educating - or indoctrinating - citizens. The visual elements of cinema give motion pictures a universal power of communication; some movies have become popular worldwide attractions by using dubbing or subtitles that translate the dialogue.
Traditional Movies are made up of a series of individual images called frames. When these images are shown rapidly in succession, a viewer has the illusion that motion is occurring. The viewer cannot see the flickering between frames due to an effect known as persistence of vision, whereby the eye retains a visual image for a fraction of a second after the source has been removed. Viewers perceive motion due to a psychological effect called beta movement.
The origin of the name "film" comes from the fact that photographic film (also called film stock) had historically been the primary medium for recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms exist for an individual motion picture, including picture, picture show, photo-play, flick, and most commonly, movie. Additional terms for the field in general include the big screen, the silver screen, the cinema, and the movies.
The Different Methods of Hair Removal
Getting rid of unwanted hair from your body can sometimes be a very painful process. But knowing the right procedure can help you to avoid unwanted rashes and acne. Everybody has a different skin type, so knowing which hair removal method suits your skin is important.
The different methods of hair removal are:
Shaving: With the help of a razor, you can cut off the tip of the hair shaft which has grown out through the skin. You can get disposable razors, razors with disposable blades, and also electric razors. Men use these razors to shave their faces, and women use them to shave their underarms, legs, and bikini areas. Always use blades with safety guard wires to minimize nicks and cuts on your skin.
Shaving is an inexpensive method. You can do it yourself; all you need is a razor and a shaving gel. But this method can cause burns, cuts, and bumps on your skin, and can be rather uncomfortable. Even ingrown hairs occur, as while shaving the hairs are cut below the level of the skin, so when the hair grows back, it grows within the surrounding tissue and not out of the follicle. The hair curls around and starts growing into the skin, and irritation, redness, and swelling can occur at the hair follicle.
Plucking: With the help of tweezers, you can pull the hair out from its root. You have to stretch the skin tightly, grip the hair close to the base, and then pull it out. Plucking will last for about 3 to 5 weeks. Though this is time consuming, it is inexpensive, as you do not have to go anywhere to get it done. It can be painful, and you may notice temporary red bumps, as the hair follicle gets swollen and irritated.
Depilatories: Depilatories are hair removal creams or liquids. This is an easy method, as depilatories can remove hair from the skin's surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. It can last up to 2 weeks. They are easily available and are inexpensive. You can use it on your legs, underarms, and bikini areas. It has a bad odor though, and some people can even have an allergic reaction to it, which may cause rashes or inflammation. People with sensitive skin should be careful.
Waxing: In this method, a sticky wax is spread on your skin, and then a cloth strip is applied over the wax and quickly pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. Normally the wax should be warmed, but some can be applied cold. It can be done at a salon or at home. Waxing makes the area smooth and is long lasting. It lasts for about 3 to 5 weeks. The hair regrowth also looks lighter than it does after other methods of hair removal such as shaving. This can be a painful procedure and you may even get bumps and inflammation after waxing, but the result you get is worth the pain. Professional waxing is also expensive compared to other hair removal methods. Diabetic patients and those under acne treatment should avoid this method.
Electrolysis: In this method a professional electrologist would insert a needle into the hair follicle and send an electric current through the hair root to kill it. This gets done over a series of several appointments. It is a long procedure, and even a small area like the upper lip may take a total of 4 to 10 hours, and a larger area such as the bikini line may take 8 to 16 hours. This is a permanent method, but it is expensive and time consuming. The process can be painful, and dry skin, scabs, scarring, and inflammation may result after treatment.
Laser: Here a laser would be directed through your skin to the hair follicle and stop growth. Large areas of skin can be treated at the same time. It can last up to 6 months. This method is best suited for light-skinned people having dark hair, as the melanin in the hair absorbs more of the light; thus making treatment more effective. The treatment can be expensive and may cost up to $500 or more.
Prescription Treatments: Medicinal creams are available by prescription, such as eflornithine for treating facial hair growth. The cream is to be applied twice a day until the hair becomes softer and lighter. Side effects may include skin irritation and acne.
Another method that doctors prescribe is antiandrogen medications to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. Androgen hormone can be responsible for hair growth in unwanted areas, and antiandrogens can block the androgen production.
It's your personal choice whether or not you want to remove your body hair. Hair removal would not affect your health in any way, so you shouldn't feel pressured to remove it if you don't want to. But if you do wish to get rid of unwanted hair, choose a method that would suit you best. Remember that each person is beautiful in his/her own way, so always respect your body.
The different methods of hair removal are:
Shaving: With the help of a razor, you can cut off the tip of the hair shaft which has grown out through the skin. You can get disposable razors, razors with disposable blades, and also electric razors. Men use these razors to shave their faces, and women use them to shave their underarms, legs, and bikini areas. Always use blades with safety guard wires to minimize nicks and cuts on your skin.
Shaving is an inexpensive method. You can do it yourself; all you need is a razor and a shaving gel. But this method can cause burns, cuts, and bumps on your skin, and can be rather uncomfortable. Even ingrown hairs occur, as while shaving the hairs are cut below the level of the skin, so when the hair grows back, it grows within the surrounding tissue and not out of the follicle. The hair curls around and starts growing into the skin, and irritation, redness, and swelling can occur at the hair follicle.
Plucking: With the help of tweezers, you can pull the hair out from its root. You have to stretch the skin tightly, grip the hair close to the base, and then pull it out. Plucking will last for about 3 to 5 weeks. Though this is time consuming, it is inexpensive, as you do not have to go anywhere to get it done. It can be painful, and you may notice temporary red bumps, as the hair follicle gets swollen and irritated.
Depilatories: Depilatories are hair removal creams or liquids. This is an easy method, as depilatories can remove hair from the skin's surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. It can last up to 2 weeks. They are easily available and are inexpensive. You can use it on your legs, underarms, and bikini areas. It has a bad odor though, and some people can even have an allergic reaction to it, which may cause rashes or inflammation. People with sensitive skin should be careful.
Waxing: In this method, a sticky wax is spread on your skin, and then a cloth strip is applied over the wax and quickly pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. Normally the wax should be warmed, but some can be applied cold. It can be done at a salon or at home. Waxing makes the area smooth and is long lasting. It lasts for about 3 to 5 weeks. The hair regrowth also looks lighter than it does after other methods of hair removal such as shaving. This can be a painful procedure and you may even get bumps and inflammation after waxing, but the result you get is worth the pain. Professional waxing is also expensive compared to other hair removal methods. Diabetic patients and those under acne treatment should avoid this method.
Electrolysis: In this method a professional electrologist would insert a needle into the hair follicle and send an electric current through the hair root to kill it. This gets done over a series of several appointments. It is a long procedure, and even a small area like the upper lip may take a total of 4 to 10 hours, and a larger area such as the bikini line may take 8 to 16 hours. This is a permanent method, but it is expensive and time consuming. The process can be painful, and dry skin, scabs, scarring, and inflammation may result after treatment.
Laser: Here a laser would be directed through your skin to the hair follicle and stop growth. Large areas of skin can be treated at the same time. It can last up to 6 months. This method is best suited for light-skinned people having dark hair, as the melanin in the hair absorbs more of the light; thus making treatment more effective. The treatment can be expensive and may cost up to $500 or more.
Prescription Treatments: Medicinal creams are available by prescription, such as eflornithine for treating facial hair growth. The cream is to be applied twice a day until the hair becomes softer and lighter. Side effects may include skin irritation and acne.
Another method that doctors prescribe is antiandrogen medications to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. Androgen hormone can be responsible for hair growth in unwanted areas, and antiandrogens can block the androgen production.
It's your personal choice whether or not you want to remove your body hair. Hair removal would not affect your health in any way, so you shouldn't feel pressured to remove it if you don't want to. But if you do wish to get rid of unwanted hair, choose a method that would suit you best. Remember that each person is beautiful in his/her own way, so always respect your body.
Gold Coins Are An Excellent Investment
If you are looking for coins with definite investment potential, gold coins are an excellent place to start. Though they are expensive when starting out, the investment value of gold itself makes them a very attractive option. And, because gold is bought and sold routinely on the commodities market, it is easy to stay on top of the price of gold, making it easy to follow the price of your gold coins. Which makes gold coins the equivalent of stocks or bonds for the coin collector.
Admittedly, it is not always easy to get into the market for gold coins. After all, gold is expensive, so coins made from gold are going to be pretty pricey. However, there are usually several weights available, so you will be able to find something that will fit your price range. However, when looking for gold coins, it is usually fairly easy to find a dealer. Many coin dealers are attached to the gold coin market and, if they cannot sell them to you directly, they will be able to connect you with someone who can.
There are also several internet merchants who offer gold coins, but it is a good idea to be careful when shopping online. After all, there are a lot of proper merchants out there, but there are also a lot of shady folks looking to make some quick money. So, before purchasing online, do some research and check the vendors out thoroughly. Be especially careful of anyone selling coins for prices that are lower than the market value for gold. This is a case where anything that seems too good to be true absolutely is too good to be true, because nobody is going to sell you anything at a loss – especially not a commodity like gold.
Of course, because gold is a commonly bought and sold commodity, the value of your gold coins can be tracked easily. The price can be found online, in the newspapers, and on the evening news. And, because the prices of gold coins are tied to the price of the gold that it contains, you don't have to worry about the coin market itself. While collectible coins may have upswings and downswings, gold not only increases in value over time, but it also tends to keep its value very well. Which means that gold coins are a way to stabilize your investments as you place your money into a very tangible resource.
When looking for a solid investment that does not require a great deal of knowledge and research, gold coins are a very good place to start. They are easy to find, their value is easy to determine, and they are steady, reliable investments that will hold their value better than almost anything else. And, let's face it, gold coins are just plain neat to look at. So, if you are looking for a tangible, sturdy investment that is not only valuable, but attractive as well, gold coins will make you happy every time.
Admittedly, it is not always easy to get into the market for gold coins. After all, gold is expensive, so coins made from gold are going to be pretty pricey. However, there are usually several weights available, so you will be able to find something that will fit your price range. However, when looking for gold coins, it is usually fairly easy to find a dealer. Many coin dealers are attached to the gold coin market and, if they cannot sell them to you directly, they will be able to connect you with someone who can.
There are also several internet merchants who offer gold coins, but it is a good idea to be careful when shopping online. After all, there are a lot of proper merchants out there, but there are also a lot of shady folks looking to make some quick money. So, before purchasing online, do some research and check the vendors out thoroughly. Be especially careful of anyone selling coins for prices that are lower than the market value for gold. This is a case where anything that seems too good to be true absolutely is too good to be true, because nobody is going to sell you anything at a loss – especially not a commodity like gold.
Of course, because gold is a commonly bought and sold commodity, the value of your gold coins can be tracked easily. The price can be found online, in the newspapers, and on the evening news. And, because the prices of gold coins are tied to the price of the gold that it contains, you don't have to worry about the coin market itself. While collectible coins may have upswings and downswings, gold not only increases in value over time, but it also tends to keep its value very well. Which means that gold coins are a way to stabilize your investments as you place your money into a very tangible resource.
When looking for a solid investment that does not require a great deal of knowledge and research, gold coins are a very good place to start. They are easy to find, their value is easy to determine, and they are steady, reliable investments that will hold their value better than almost anything else. And, let's face it, gold coins are just plain neat to look at. So, if you are looking for a tangible, sturdy investment that is not only valuable, but attractive as well, gold coins will make you happy every time.
Tips to making your own web site for free
Website making is something that does not happen overnight. It needs lots of planning, research and good layout and design before starting to build the site. Previously, it was required to learn HTML (hypertext markup language) to make your website. However nowadays, there are so many options on the website to create free web pages, that this is not necessary.
You can create your own web pages using a WYSIWG (What You See Is What You Get) editor like Microsoft’s Front Page. With this software, you can write your web page like you would any document and then drag and drop images easily. Some practice may be needed, but by buying some templates, you can cerate a professional website for free.
If you don’t intend to hire a person for the graphic designing of the website, you can do it on your own. You can make your website colorful by either designing the graphics on your own or by using some of the free templates found on the Internet. You just have to download these templates, and then use them on your free web pages. You can also find lots of free software to help you in graphical designing on your website. <
The next step in creating a free website lies in registering your own domain name, rather than building a site from the various free hosts available. This is because with a free host, you don’t have that much freedom in building and designing your free web pages. Moreover, you have to put up with the annoying pop-ups and banner-ads. So you will have to find a company to store your files on the Internet. This web host will have to be paid monthly for its service.
Once the web host and the domain have been chosen, it is important for you to do some research for unique content to place on your free web pages. If there is any article matter that you need for your website, you can get hundreds of free articles on the Internet on various topics. Using these free articles, you can very much create your own web pages. The more interesting the articles and their headings are, the more visitors you will have to your website. Once you have got the web host, domain, text matter and graphical matter for your website, you have completed the process of creating your own web pages for your website.
You can create your own web pages using a WYSIWG (What You See Is What You Get) editor like Microsoft’s Front Page. With this software, you can write your web page like you would any document and then drag and drop images easily. Some practice may be needed, but by buying some templates, you can cerate a professional website for free.
If you don’t intend to hire a person for the graphic designing of the website, you can do it on your own. You can make your website colorful by either designing the graphics on your own or by using some of the free templates found on the Internet. You just have to download these templates, and then use them on your free web pages. You can also find lots of free software to help you in graphical designing on your website. <
The next step in creating a free website lies in registering your own domain name, rather than building a site from the various free hosts available. This is because with a free host, you don’t have that much freedom in building and designing your free web pages. Moreover, you have to put up with the annoying pop-ups and banner-ads. So you will have to find a company to store your files on the Internet. This web host will have to be paid monthly for its service.
Once the web host and the domain have been chosen, it is important for you to do some research for unique content to place on your free web pages. If there is any article matter that you need for your website, you can get hundreds of free articles on the Internet on various topics. Using these free articles, you can very much create your own web pages. The more interesting the articles and their headings are, the more visitors you will have to your website. Once you have got the web host, domain, text matter and graphical matter for your website, you have completed the process of creating your own web pages for your website.
Learn Management With Desktop Wallpapers
Learning over the ages has undergone many changes. In recent years many rapid changes have taken place, from classroom teaching to online education. Could you ever think that management could be taught with the help of Desktop wallpapers? Here is how it is being done now days.
Learning - Let us look at learning. How do we learn? By reading, reflecting and thinking and then remembering what we have been taught. Mere remembering will not be sufficient because unless we reflect and think, we don't get the meaning of the message.
How do we learn? How do we reflect? We reflect by thinking about something over a period of time. That is why students look at their textbooks from time to time. At this stage of learning, desktop wallpapers play a big role in teaching. Management sciences can be taught with small headings, quotes and messages. If you wish to learn management with the help of desktop wallpapers, download them on your desktop. The text will always be in front of you. As the text is on the right side of the wallpaper, it will not clutter your screen.
Desktop wallpapers and learning - As the text always remains on the screen, the eyes take the information both consciously and unconsciously. Our mind keeps pondering over what is written and i estimate that it should take about two days for an average student to learn the lesson. Download few desktop types of wallpaper and find out your own speed of learning. This learning has many benefits. It is free. It is effortless. You don't have to devote extra time to it. It is easy.
Learning - Let us look at learning. How do we learn? By reading, reflecting and thinking and then remembering what we have been taught. Mere remembering will not be sufficient because unless we reflect and think, we don't get the meaning of the message.
How do we learn? How do we reflect? We reflect by thinking about something over a period of time. That is why students look at their textbooks from time to time. At this stage of learning, desktop wallpapers play a big role in teaching. Management sciences can be taught with small headings, quotes and messages. If you wish to learn management with the help of desktop wallpapers, download them on your desktop. The text will always be in front of you. As the text is on the right side of the wallpaper, it will not clutter your screen.
Desktop wallpapers and learning - As the text always remains on the screen, the eyes take the information both consciously and unconsciously. Our mind keeps pondering over what is written and i estimate that it should take about two days for an average student to learn the lesson. Download few desktop types of wallpaper and find out your own speed of learning. This learning has many benefits. It is free. It is effortless. You don't have to devote extra time to it. It is easy.
3 Things You Must Have In Order To Profit From Your Hobby
With over 70% of people who responded to a recent survey revealing that they were thinking about starting a business of some sort, working from home is becoming more the norm than ever before.
The problem for many people is that they don't really know where to start and how to turn their dream into something tangible.
3 critical things you'll need in order to turn your hobby into a profitable business are -
#1 – A Positive Attitude
By far your biggest asset in turning your favorite hobby into a thriving business is a positive attitude. I think it was Harry F. Banks who said, "Attitude determines your altitude".
If you are going to pursue your dream and make it a reality, you must have a positive attitude and the willingness to commit to what it takes to make it happen.
So many people start out on the road to turning their hobby into a business, and then at the first sign of an obstacle, they give up, often just before they start to see results.
A positive attitude will help you to break through the barriers and temporary setbacks and reach your desired goal.
#2 – The Determination To Succeed
Many people who fall in love with the idea of turning their hobby into a business are looking for an easy way out and at the first problem, they give up and let circumstances crush their dreams.
By developing a fierce determination to succeed, your chances of creating a profitable business are infinitely higher and you are virtually setting yourself up for success.<
While there are not guarantees that you will eventually make it, having the determination to push on regardless of minor problems and find solutions is the mark of a true winner.
Determination and a positive attitude can work together to help a dedicated person succeed where others have failed
#3 – A Proven System
The final and some would say most important thing you'll need is a proven system for marketing your products and/or services.
You need a step by step process that you can follow to ensure your success; something that other's have used successfully to achieve the same goal you have.
It's no use having an incredibly positive attitude and loads of determination if you choose a system that's flawed and never had a chance of working in the first place.
Look for proof that other people have followed any system you are considering and become successful.
Unfortunately, many people waste money, and more importantly, valuable time, chasing the latest fad or scheme offered by unscrupulous promoters. Most of these schemes haven't agot hope of succeeding, but people fall for them every day.
Don't ever take the promoter's word that it will work for you…demand unquestionable PROOF that many people, from all walks of life, have been able to use what he or she is offering to turn their hobby or passion into a profitable business.
When it comes to the system, results are the only thing that matters…
The problem for many people is that they don't really know where to start and how to turn their dream into something tangible.
3 critical things you'll need in order to turn your hobby into a profitable business are -
#1 – A Positive Attitude
By far your biggest asset in turning your favorite hobby into a thriving business is a positive attitude. I think it was Harry F. Banks who said, "Attitude determines your altitude".
If you are going to pursue your dream and make it a reality, you must have a positive attitude and the willingness to commit to what it takes to make it happen.
So many people start out on the road to turning their hobby into a business, and then at the first sign of an obstacle, they give up, often just before they start to see results.
A positive attitude will help you to break through the barriers and temporary setbacks and reach your desired goal.
#2 – The Determination To Succeed
Many people who fall in love with the idea of turning their hobby into a business are looking for an easy way out and at the first problem, they give up and let circumstances crush their dreams.
By developing a fierce determination to succeed, your chances of creating a profitable business are infinitely higher and you are virtually setting yourself up for success.<
While there are not guarantees that you will eventually make it, having the determination to push on regardless of minor problems and find solutions is the mark of a true winner.
Determination and a positive attitude can work together to help a dedicated person succeed where others have failed
#3 – A Proven System
The final and some would say most important thing you'll need is a proven system for marketing your products and/or services.
You need a step by step process that you can follow to ensure your success; something that other's have used successfully to achieve the same goal you have.
It's no use having an incredibly positive attitude and loads of determination if you choose a system that's flawed and never had a chance of working in the first place.
Look for proof that other people have followed any system you are considering and become successful.
Unfortunately, many people waste money, and more importantly, valuable time, chasing the latest fad or scheme offered by unscrupulous promoters. Most of these schemes haven't agot hope of succeeding, but people fall for them every day.
Don't ever take the promoter's word that it will work for you…demand unquestionable PROOF that many people, from all walks of life, have been able to use what he or she is offering to turn their hobby or passion into a profitable business.
When it comes to the system, results are the only thing that matters…
Anti-Aging Rule: Choose Your Friends Carefully
My mother always reminded her kids that people judge you by the company you keep. The admonition was meant primarily for my brother who tended to prefer the company of neighborhood rowdies – the kids who ran around with their shirttail hanging out, their knickers not pulled up, their hair uncombed, and used inappropriate language like "gosh" and "gee whiz." (Yes, yes, I know. But that was back in the Dark Ages.)
She was right – people do judge you by people with whom you associate. But in our contemporary culture, few people are concerned about the judgment of others. However, if you are at midlife, and you want to retain youthful characteristics and vibrant good health, the company you keep is very important for a reason rarely discussed.
And that reason is this: We develop "old" thinking and behaviors from observation and emulation of "old" or "older" people we associate with most frequently. They could be family members, close friends, neighbors, or co-workers. And let's not forget the influence of archaic conventional wisdom and consensus thinking. "Oldness" is insidious and viral. You really have to watch what you allow into your head and adopt as your own.
Does someone in your family insist on being catered to not because of an infirmity but because "I've done for others all of my life, and now it's time for others to do for me"? Grandma did it, so you do it, too. We should do for our elders, but not when elders are perfectly capable of caring for themselves. It's unkind and unwise to encourage dependence. If entitlement or other "old age" behavior causes unhappiness in your family, it can stop with you.
Aside from family life, one of the best places to catch the oldness virus is in retirement communities or any living situation where you are in contact primarily with people your own age.
Retirement communities, for the most part, are beautiful. They are quiet, well maintained and many offer amenities that can keep you going nonstop: Trips, classes, social and sports events, state of the art exercise equipment, music, arts, crafts, tennis, swimming, theater -- you name it. What more could you want if you are over 50?
What you should want, and must want, if you are determined to Put Old on Hold is regular association with people of ALL ages and circumstances. If you are at midlife (50-55), healthy, and choose to buy into a retirement community, think about the environment you will be in for a very long time.
In a new community that stresses active lifestyles, there will probably be many residents about your age. But what happens as time goes on? Assuming the community remains stable, there probably won't be too many younger people moving in over the years. You may consider that a bonus, but remember this: Over time, your closest friends and acquaintances will likely be those within the community, especially if your lifestyle becomes more settled. This is something to consider ahead of time.
The life span has increased by 27 years in the past century. Those bonus years represent a long time to live in a situation where predominant topics of conversation, eventually, will be about aches, pains, which neighbor is in the hospital or who died last week, and which widower is up for grabs, and what his favorite casserole is. The reality is this: If you are at midlife and you choose to segregate yourself in a seniors-only environment, the "oldness" virus will get you sooner than later.
Young people, as irritating as they often can be, can also be open, patient, kind, understanding and tolerant. For me, one of the joys of working is the opportunity to interact with young people. On more than one occasion, their presence has helped me lighten up on impatience and crankiness. You cannot pay for that kind of therapy!
Exposure to young people is essential if you want to broaden your worldview and stay current with what is happening beyond your world and circle of friends. You may not approve of what you see and hear but it does help you cope with reality – something that older people often have a hard time dealing with.
Deliberately put yourself where younger people are. Take or teach classes at the local community college. Join organizations that do not segregate by age, i.e. seniors-only or boomers-only groups. Volunteer to mentor teens who could benefit from your wisdom and experience.
Indeed, if you have a choice, choose your friends, associates and living environment carefully as you age. They can and do affect how well you age and the quality of your life.
She was right – people do judge you by people with whom you associate. But in our contemporary culture, few people are concerned about the judgment of others. However, if you are at midlife, and you want to retain youthful characteristics and vibrant good health, the company you keep is very important for a reason rarely discussed.
And that reason is this: We develop "old" thinking and behaviors from observation and emulation of "old" or "older" people we associate with most frequently. They could be family members, close friends, neighbors, or co-workers. And let's not forget the influence of archaic conventional wisdom and consensus thinking. "Oldness" is insidious and viral. You really have to watch what you allow into your head and adopt as your own.
Does someone in your family insist on being catered to not because of an infirmity but because "I've done for others all of my life, and now it's time for others to do for me"? Grandma did it, so you do it, too. We should do for our elders, but not when elders are perfectly capable of caring for themselves. It's unkind and unwise to encourage dependence. If entitlement or other "old age" behavior causes unhappiness in your family, it can stop with you.
Aside from family life, one of the best places to catch the oldness virus is in retirement communities or any living situation where you are in contact primarily with people your own age.
Retirement communities, for the most part, are beautiful. They are quiet, well maintained and many offer amenities that can keep you going nonstop: Trips, classes, social and sports events, state of the art exercise equipment, music, arts, crafts, tennis, swimming, theater -- you name it. What more could you want if you are over 50?
What you should want, and must want, if you are determined to Put Old on Hold is regular association with people of ALL ages and circumstances. If you are at midlife (50-55), healthy, and choose to buy into a retirement community, think about the environment you will be in for a very long time.
In a new community that stresses active lifestyles, there will probably be many residents about your age. But what happens as time goes on? Assuming the community remains stable, there probably won't be too many younger people moving in over the years. You may consider that a bonus, but remember this: Over time, your closest friends and acquaintances will likely be those within the community, especially if your lifestyle becomes more settled. This is something to consider ahead of time.
The life span has increased by 27 years in the past century. Those bonus years represent a long time to live in a situation where predominant topics of conversation, eventually, will be about aches, pains, which neighbor is in the hospital or who died last week, and which widower is up for grabs, and what his favorite casserole is. The reality is this: If you are at midlife and you choose to segregate yourself in a seniors-only environment, the "oldness" virus will get you sooner than later.
Young people, as irritating as they often can be, can also be open, patient, kind, understanding and tolerant. For me, one of the joys of working is the opportunity to interact with young people. On more than one occasion, their presence has helped me lighten up on impatience and crankiness. You cannot pay for that kind of therapy!
Exposure to young people is essential if you want to broaden your worldview and stay current with what is happening beyond your world and circle of friends. You may not approve of what you see and hear but it does help you cope with reality – something that older people often have a hard time dealing with.
Deliberately put yourself where younger people are. Take or teach classes at the local community college. Join organizations that do not segregate by age, i.e. seniors-only or boomers-only groups. Volunteer to mentor teens who could benefit from your wisdom and experience.
Indeed, if you have a choice, choose your friends, associates and living environment carefully as you age. They can and do affect how well you age and the quality of your life.
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