We’re almost at the age of retirement now and thinking what do I want to do when I grow up? Most of us have worked our whole lives for someone else. What do we have to look forward to after working 20 or 30 years with a company – a gold watch?? Is that all there is?
Are our 401K plans what we expected them to be? Did we put enough away on our own to cover our retirement expenses? Do we have to continue to work past the 65 retirement age? Or are we finding ourselves wanting?
Wanting – desiring – needing?? Wanting more time to enjoy the things we never had time for when we were busy working and raising our families. Desiring to travel and experience different cultures in the world or give our full attention to the hobbies that make us feel fulfilled. Needing to feel free and relaxed without going to the “job”. How can I achieve this?
I’m a baby boomer myself. I was tired of working for someone else. Life and setbacks along the way did not afford me the opportunity to put enough away to retire early while I am still healthy and want to play for the next 20 years instead of work. We are living longer and are healthier than the last generation was at 65.
At this age, it is also a time of reflection. Where have I been and where am I going? Have you found yourself asking those same questions? If so, what did you discover about yourself? I discovered that I was looking for something more meaningful in my life. I wanted to give back to the world. I earned a good living at my “job” but really couldn’t afford to quit because I still had bills to pay. So I asked myself “how I could earn a living, put money aside for retirement, have free time to enjoy all those things that I always wanted to, and help others along the way?”
I came to the conclusion that I could start my own in-home business. But what kind? There are zillions of home businesses out there. One of my priorities was being able to help others achieve their own goals in life. Another priority was to become financially independent myself.
Since I am a student of personal growth already, I looked at this concept as a business. I went on the net and again found numerous options. So research here I come. I did my due diligence. I was looking for something that would resonate for me. A business that would give me all the attributes that was on my “want” list.
I landed on the personal development business. I felt that this type of business could “kill two birds with one stone”. I could give back by mentoring others achieve their goals and become empowered and could earn a great living doing it. But just as important – I am having a blast doing this. I get to work with my husband and build something together. We talk and share more than we have in years. We have a common goal. We are growing in new ways that I never thought possible. Working a personal development program with your partner is so rewarding. Also the excitement of waking up everyday knowing that I can talk to new people not just about how my life has been changed but about how they want their life to change. What are their dreams about? I see such initial excitement from others about the potential of how a personal development program and business will change their lives. When I first began this business I was so full of hope and excitement that I felt like a little kid going to first grade again. Scared but excited at the same time.
We even get to live our dreams of travel. We are going to Hawaii and Rome for our annual conferences this year. Imagine a large group of people with all the same positive thoughts and energy in one room. It is enlightening to say the least. Wow what a deal!!
So, if any of you other baby boomers like me need more out of life, enjoy helping others achieve their dreams, and tired of your “job”, I encourage you to check out a personal development business working your own hours from your own home.
About the Author: Sheri Falcone is a novice author, student of personal growth, and entrepreneur who enjoys helping others become truly empowered and achieve their dreams. She has turned her passion into a lucrative personal development business, www.setnolimits.info. This business system provides all the tools you will need to create greater prosperity. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she believes laughter and appreciation are our emotional healers.
I have a patient named Bill who is a cancer survivor. He recently beat Lymphoma. Bill is a new patient who is aware of “doing everything natural”. Bill comes to see me for a health maintenance package. He’s healthy today; we need to keep him that way.
Luckily, Bill has an open mind. He now knows he has to eat organic, and, maintain the 3 peg points to health: Diet, Exercise and NO Smoking. At 60, Bill looks at least 10 years younger, he does not smoke, walks a mile a day, eats lots of organic green leafy vegetables, and fruit. He stays calm and sleeps approximately 6-7 hours a day. Not all baby boomers I’ve met, and, treated are like Bill. He is lucky to have good genes, a loving family, and, keeps busy with his investments. He proclaims, “I’m saving money when I come here for my monthly health tune-ups. I know I was diagnosed and, treated for cancer and I need all the help I can get. I think it helps me stay calm and clean “He knows he has the best of both worlds Chinese medicine complementing his regular health plan. He realizes that whatever disease he may already have can get cleaned up, and, he get to live a longer healthier life.
Most baby boomers are not so lucky. There is a recent study that reports a small percentage of baby boomers that are having trouble with health insurance, or, healthcare costs, money management, and, debt problems. The study also proclaims that a lack of confidence in the healthcare system is growing. Alternative medicine can help, it can be a solution because it is cost effective, efficient, and, works quickly. It is safe, affordable, and, treats the person as a whole.
Medicine is a business. Furthermore, older workers and their spouses who do not have large incomes are concerned and worried. A recent study states that 72% are interested in receiving Medicare before they reach 65. Two-thirds of those who make $60,000.00 and over are “very or somewhat interested” in early enrollment in Medicare. Healthcare has become a big issue. The report also o says that one-fifth of older workers and their spouses 7 million Americans — either have no healthcare insurance or have been uninsured at some time since age 50.
Raul, My Retired Baby Boomer
Let’s talk about Raul, my other Baby Boomer. Raul is young at 67. He is retired, and, lives alone. Raul has numbness on one side, from the right thigh down to his foot. He fell down the stairs of his residence, and is unable to walk without a cane. He was referred to me by his physician for his stubborn pain and numbness.
Raul’s problem was dense. Raul lives alone, and, does not eat enough greens with his meals. It was suggested that he consume 20 ounces of fresh greens and squashes, weighed before cooking, with 4 ounces of protein three times a day, or, about the size of your palm. I asked that 1 of those three meals include fresh fish, steamed, baked, or grilled and preferably not fried. We worked twice a week for 4 months with acupuncture treatments ~ his progress was consistent ~ he eventually stuck with the diet of GREENS, and fish. Because of the trauma he suffered with the fall, it took us 4 months to free his lower limb of its channel obstruction, for Raul to walk normally. If he did not choose to use acupuncture, I believe Raul would have developed arthritis in his right leg.
Since he was a child, Raul worked in his father’s businesses. He is used to running between jobs and home. Single in the big city, Raul has not always had the opportunity to cook or prepare his meals. Now that he is able to relax and take better care of himself, Raul’s health turned around with acupuncture and nutrition, literally. In 3 months, he has more energy, has a balanced gait having regained the use of both his legs. He now lives a new life balanced with dark green vegetables, squashes, fresh fruit, fish, and nuts.
In a report to The Commonwealth Fund, The National Institute of Health states that over 60% of adults, ages 50 to 64 who are working (or who have a working spouse) have been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition. This ailing population suffers from many of the following ailments: Arthritis, Cancer, Hypertension, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol.
I think integrated medicine is worth trying, it’s worth the exploration by the ailing baby boomer population. One of the main obstacles to this exploration is that acupuncture and its herbal prescriptions are not always covered by health insurance. If the health plan covers it, it’s not enough. One popular plan limits acupuncture visits to 22 visits a year. Unfortunately herbal supplements are not covered.
In Chinese medicine, it may require a month of 2-4 times a weekof treatments for a year’s history of the pattern, or problem. The patient more often than not could suffer more than one problem or pattern in a year and 22-visit plan may not be enough. In China, they treat the patient every day, for 10 consecutive days. Because the body naturally changes with its nutrition and stressors, Chinese medicine outlines disease patterns, instead, of giving it a name. There is also the obstacle of perception, that of “quackery”. Quickly noting that this obstacle is almost non-existent because of the direct result of public demand for Oriental therapies. Now it is known as Integrative Medicine. It is becoming, growing in the mainstream with the support received from recognized institutions like The World Health Organization and other government entities like the National Institute of Health.
In my personal practice, in addition to providing Oriental therapies and prescribing natural herbal solutions I also preach the importance of diet, specifically a diet I refer to as “The Greens Diet” which is also referred to on this website. The Greens Diet consists of 20oz of fresh green leafy vegetables (i.e. Spinach, Kale, Mustard Greens, Swiss chard, and Beet tops) and squashes ~ weigh uncooked. 4 oz of protein 3X a day. A fruit a day is allowed in this diet but the main component is the consumption of a large amount of vegetables.
I use this diet to treat diabetes, moodiness, depression, ADHD, and, the overweight. In Oriental Medicine there is the concept of the “Five Element Protocol”. In this protocol, greens or the energy of wood nourishes the liver organ. It’s energy and emotion is: to go forward, to spring up, to re-start, to grow, to bring in freshness, to “do”. Without getting into too much detail, the liver organ is the general, directing other organs where to send their energies. With the liver nourished, it can effectively assist other organs including the pancreas in its work of food and drink digestion.
By being proactive, there’s that old, and simple reminder about taking care of one’s health: incorporating elements of the “Greens Diet” into one’s current diet, refraining from smoking, and exercising moderately. Integrating your approach to medicine, including alternative medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine with your health plan, may in the long run decrease a baby boomer’s high health insurance costs. Costs go down when the much healthier and more buff baby boomer’s visits to the health care provider are decreased. Trying natural remedies helps prevent illness, healing safely with less adverse effects. Traditional Oriental Medicine treats more than the symptom; it goes to the root cause, it strengthens the problem organ. Without a doubt some conventional medications are very effective in addressing symptoms, but, may have side effects including: damage to the liver, stomach lining, and drug dependence.
Maria Locsin, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac., earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the College of the Assumption in Manila, Philippines (1976), and, a masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbology from Emperor’s College, in Santa Monica,
California (2001). Maria is certified by the California State Board of Consumer Affairs, and, The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture, and, Oriental Medicine (2000). She is licensed to practice Acupuncture, Herbology, and, Chinese
Medicine. Maria also completed postgraduate studies in Solid Waste and Recycling Programs from The University of California at Los Angeles, (1990). Still a student of Chinese Medicine Maria treated hundreds of patients and held supervisory duties providing evaluations and guidance to Level I interns. Just into her first year of studies, one of her greatest accomplishments was treating her bedridden father, who was able to walk for the first time in years.
Maria has been passionately practicing Chinese Medicine since 2003. Fluent in three languages, her recent experience with Clinica Medica San Miguel includes helping seniors, and, the Spanish-speaking population with nutritional counseling and acupuncture. She takes pride in helping ?my seniors of Huntington Park?. She also
was on Spanish TV and radio, marketing Clinica San Miguel and preaching the benefits of Oriental Medicine. Today she shares a clinic, treating various diseases, and, ailments with other accomplished Acupuncturists in West Los Angeles. Her Chinese
Medicine ?ministry? sometimes takes her to homes of patients who are homebound.
Are Baby Boomers that much different from other cruise passengers? According to many cruise line executives this one group of guests has probably created more changes in cruise ship programming than any other travelers since Noah’s Ark. The same group that made cell phones, BMW’s and flat screen TV’s a cultural phenomena is having a strong impact of how cruise lines go to market.
At a recent industry conference sponsored by Cruise Lines International Association, Marketing Chairman Dan Hanrahan (who is also president of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises) pointed out that the lifestyle and interests of baby boomers has led to some unique new experiences on board for all passengers.
Baby Boomers, he said, tend to collect experiences as they get older versus physical possessions. So computer classes are often more popular than Bingo.
While at home, busy boomers dine out more often and therefore seek a wider variety of dining experiences on board a cruise ship. This has led to a movement from one or two main dining rooms with fixed seating times to more flexible alternative restaurants approximating the feel of a good bistro at home. Flexibility of dining times has led to a change in the old first and second seating system that has been around for 40 years. One cruise line, NCL threw out the concept completely when it introduced Freestyle Cruising a few years back and its new ships boast up to 10 restaurants touting an eat-when-and with-whom-you-choose option. Most other contemporary cruise lines offer a more limited version of this concept ranging from Princess Cruises Anytime Dining to Holland America’ recently announced As You Wish open seating program in a section of their main dining rooms. Along with the dining hours and options, healthy lifestyle selections on cruise ship menus including spa cuisine has been a steadily growing trend.
Speaking of spas, cruise ships have witnessed a transformation from a small sauna and one massage table to elaborate complexes that offer everything from Thalassotherapy pools to hot stone massages. On board gyms have followed that trend with most ships now dedicating thousands of square feet and coveted ocean view space to their exercise facilities.
Ashore, Boomers seek excursions that are more action-oriented although soft adventure is the key here. They want adventure but in a comfortable environment. Cruise lines call it Culture in Comfort. Forget the tours buses, today’s cruisers are more likely to be found river rafting in a cave or cycling down a volcano than buying t-shirts at a local shop.
Cruise ship casinos have evolved from afterthoughts to carefully planned and important centers of revenue. The rule of thumb is the larger the ship, the more extensive the casino. The notable exceptions are Disney Cruise lines (a corporate choice) and NCL America (Hawaiian law) ships that offer no casinos at all. But on the rest, you can find everything from the most popular slots to Texas Hold em poker.
Of course, Boomers need to stay connected, so internet cafes on the ships are an important asset to them. And while some of us don’t especially like this idea, cell phones are beginning to work at sea as well as in ports where there is service. Busy boomers are used to instant gratification in their communications world and expect this to carry over to cruise vacations.
And last but not least are the musical proclivities of the boomer generation. They grew up on jazz, blue grass and rock and roll. The cruise lines keep this in mind when planning and selecting musical groups and live shows. In the mind of these travelers the only rap they are interested in is probably a sea weed wrap at the spa!
See you on board.
Joe Ewart is a 30 year cruise industry veteran and a member of the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame. He is CEO and editor of http://www.CruiseJungle.com an informaational cruise web site desgined for consumers.
