Rock Your Retirement Show

Of course, retirement and meetup can be done altogether.

Debbie Sanford will share with us how she managed to make new friends after she retirement. You can listen to the show at: http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/retirement-and-meetup-episode-31

Debbie Sanford teaches us about Retirement and Meetup, and how they go together.

Debbie Sanford is a native Californian who lived in the Bay Area for 64 years. She retired in June 2014 after teaching preschool for 24 years. Shortly thereafter, her long-term marriage broke up and her youngest daughter became pregnant. She decided to purchase the “beach house” of her dreams, which was a lovely manufactured home within blocks of the beach. It had always been a fantasy of hers to live near the beach and she wanted to be close to her daughter. Three weeks after she moved, her first grandchild was born.

SOCIAL AND FAMILY

Debbie didn’t know anyone in the area other than her daughter. Already feeling like her life had gone full circle, but she needed friends, she joined the activities in her 55+ living community, met some fun women her age, and shared happy hours and fun times with them. But other things were missing, such as a book club, bunko, and volunteering. She had all participated in the Bay Area for the last 35 years.  Enter the world of Meetups!!  She joined a variety of meetup groups including Hiking, Book club, and Random acts of kindness.   Retirement and Meetup certainly go together!

VOLUNTEER AND PHILANTHROPY

In addition to spending time in Retirement and Meetup, Debbie loves to volunteer and believes by volunteering you are really helping yourself by helping others. Some places she volunteers for are:

* Meals on Wheels

* Encinitas Lions Club

* Kiwanis

* Afterschool programs teaching children who speak Spanish to read English

Before You Retire: Before retirement, Debbie was nervous and a little anxious. She wishes she would have known how happy she would be in retirement.

Getting “unstuck” in your retirement: Look for a meeting in a city you live in for the volunteer bureaus. This meeting will tell you all the volunteer opportunities in all the cities in your area. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a physical activity. There are a wide range of different opportunities you can pick something based on what you like to do.

Remember, you can Rock Your Retirement too, but finding something you love.  Perhaps Meetup.com is the place to find it!

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How to survive retirement as a couple? Let's find out in today's episode. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/retirement-as-a-couple-episode-30

Miriam Goodman is the author of “Too much Togetherness: Surviving Retirement as a couple”.

This book teaches us how to survive retirement as a couple.  I asked her to come on the show because I’ve seen marriages break up after retirement she shared her insights on how to prevent that.  As you know, retirement is not just about money.  Retirement includes all the other things that your financial advisor never told you about.  Miriam can help us stay together after we retire.

To prepare for the book, Miriam interviewed couples with different situations, but many situations included the husband being retired, but the women weren’t ready to retire.

One thing to watch for when one member of a couple retires is that a job gives you structure, community, and purpose.

In order to survive retirement as a couple, you need to replace that structure, community, and purpose, or your relationship may take a hit.

Neither the wife nor the husband is apt to say, “I don’t want to be with you for 24 hours a day,” so have a plan.

Miriam suggests that to survive retirement as a couple, you need to schedule time to be together.  You also need to schedule time to be apart and to do your own thing.  It is usually the role of the women to schedule these activities.  It's also usually the role of women to make sure that the husband is still feeling vibrant after retirement.  Baby Boomer men still have their identity wrapped around what they do for a living.  Retirement can cause men of this age to have a self-image problem.  Once he is no longer the “big cheese” it can also be reflected in the sexual relationship.

Also remember that if something new doesn’t work out, you can always try something else.

Before you Retire: Make sure you have a plan.  Taking long walks is not a plan!  Cleaning out the garage is not a plan!

If you are stuck: For some it might mean therapy. She told a story of how one wife went to the first session with her husband because she wanted to make sure that the therapist knew of his behaviors.

For others it can simply mean a new activity such as dance, tennis or golf.  You can also join a book club, read a book together, or simply get out of the house.   Additionally, it’s important to keep your appearances up and not just let yourself go.

Miriam’s Books:

* Too Much Togetherness: Surviving Retirement as a Couple

* Reinventing Retirement: 389 Bright Ideas about Family, Friends, Health, What to Do, and Where to Live

Miriam’s contact information: email: [email protected]  website: www.toomuchtogetherness.com

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Miriam Goodman, surviving retirement as a couple

Why do people need YOU? Tweet is our today's guest and she will talk about why people need you. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/people-need-you-episode-23

Tweet was born and raised in Illinois and moved to California in 1988 where she lives with her husband and cat. Even then she said that People Need YOU.  She managed an RV park in El Cajon for 17 years and had one of the top-rated parks in the state. They even won an award for one of the best parks in the nation. Tweet retired from the RV park and then worked with her husband who was a construction claims consultant and expert witness.

FAMILY

Tweet and her sweetheart have been together for 30 years. She says the key to a happy marriage is to have your own interests, love each other, but give each other some time to do activities on their own with their own friends.

ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL

Although she's the first one to tell you that people need you, sometimes you just need to get away from it all.  Tweet and her husband love to travel, whether it’s exploring San Diego or taking trips to the Desert. They visit Palm Springs and Palm Desert frequently and they love it there!! Johnny Mathis performed at Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage on 2/13/16. The couple they were with and they all got to go backstage and not only did she get to meet him she got a hug and kiss!   Her age group grew up with Johnny Mathis. Tweet says that Johnny Mathis was with her for her first date, first dance, and first kiss. She’s flying to Illinois to see a lifelong friend in May and will be seeing…. You guessed it Johnny Mathis!

She loves the following businesses in Palm Springs:

Tylers for hamburgers

Kitchen-Kitchen for kitchen items

Serena’s for jewelry

VOLUNTEER AND PHILANTHROPY

She walks her talk.  She says that people need you and she does what she can to help.  Look at all the volunteer work that she does!

* Volunteers for The Lake Church helping with the monthly coffees and also the newsletter.

* Secretary of her HOA and she also organizes a luncheon for the HOA members each month, In addition, she helps with landscaping and works with Arbor Well to help preserve the trees.

* She is also active with Mom’s warehouse, which gives supplies to the Active Duty Junior enlisted military family on camp Pendleton.

* Belongs to a group called the Questers which is a group concerned with the preservation and restoration and education about collectibles.

* Every year, Tweet and her husband host several Marines every Thanksgiving. Tweet bakes dozens of cookies and cooks pounds of bacon, and Mark Country Club is kind enough to freeze these for her.  Tweet said that she’s not very good at making gravy (even though she collects gravy boats) so Mariahs has donated gallons of gravy for her Marines. Then when the Marines come, they can have a home-cooked meal.  Some of them have never had a Thanksgiving meal before.  She said that this has been a tradition that she and her husband have enjoyed for many years.

What do you think people should know BEFORE they retire?

People need YOU

Tweet says to volunteer somewhere: People need YOU.  Libraries, schools, military,

Jim Sweeney is our guest for today's podcast and he will talk about his successful company and what he is doing now. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/jim-sweeney-mike-rafone-episode-28

Jim Sweeney: Mike Rafone Cartoon Character

Jim Sweeney sold his successful company, Sweeney Sales, in May 2005. So what is he doing now?  He has created his Trademarked MIKE cartoon sports character to become the first universal animated brand in sports.

Besides penning 800 blogs, Jim has published 38 MIKE Sports Comic Books. All the eBooks contain clever sports comics and light-hearted commentaries on unique observations about sports.

The 58-year-old Sweeney still participates in sports (slowly!) as a masters athlete and serves as Head of USA for FIMBA – the governing body for masters basketball tournaments around the world.

ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL

Jim Sweeney was a 1980 recipient of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the United States' top collegiate basketball player under 6'0″ tall. He was the captain of the Boston College Eagles. He was nominated by Boston College as a Rhodes Scholar candidate. Raised in Trenton, New Jersey, he attended the Lawrenceville School before receiving an athletic scholarship to Boston College.

Following his 1980 graduation from BC, Jim Sweeney played basketball briefly in Sweden. He returned to the States, got married to his sweetheart, and spent the following years as a manufacturer's rep in the computer industry. While still in his forties, Sweeney and his wife Maura closed their computer firm to launch New Vision Entertainment, a Florida-based LLC focused on the development and promotion of entertainment properties that positively impact culture.

Jim Sweeney: Mike Rafone:

Jim wanted to do something totally different from a creative nature that would be fun and exciting and had the potential to positively impact others.  He created an animated cartoon character named Mike Rafone..

SPIRIT & SOUL 

Yes, this is the same Jim Sweeney that was involved in a scandal about 35 years ago. He tells us how he got through that scandal (it still comes up even today) and how with the help of his friends, his family, and his faith, the scandal made him a better man. He had testified as a witness in the 1978–79 Boston College basketball point shaving scandal in which members of organized crime schemed to control the outcomes of several games. Jim was neither charged nor offered immunity in exchange for his testimony.

Jim says that everyone makes mistakes. The best way to get through something is to move forward and not dwell on the past.  Good advice, Jim.

HEALTH & SEX

At age 58, Jim still wakes up with the sun.  He plays basketball several times a week and travels to other countries to play in masters level tournaments.

Jim inspires and motivates others and lets them know that they, too, can do something totally outside-the-box.

What should retirees know before they retire?   Retirement is an exciting new chapter in life. Life doesn’t stop. Seize the opportunity that retirement and all your new-found time present.

How can retirees get “unstuck”, or motivated?   Follow after your passion.

Enjoy your life to the fullest. Listen to this podcast as Stella says her motto is “Go Do Enjoy!”.  You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/go-do-enjoy-ep-27

Stella Kanterakis says her motto is Go Do Enjoy!

How did Stella get the motto Go Do Enjoy?  Stella was originally from Michigan. She was married for 35 years and is now divorced. She has 2 great sons with 2 wonderful daughter-in laws and 1 beautiful granddaughter. She taught 3rd grade for 10 years and then retired to raise her son's. (Which was her 2nd career). Then, she took a job at Bullocks (now Macy's) for a short-term position which turned into a 3rd career of 19 years.

Stella was so ready for retirement she even made a big production on her last day of work including music, props, audience & video made for posterity, and that's why her motto is Go Do Enjoy!

SOCIAL AND FAMILY

Stella just recently attended her son’s wedding, which was on a yacht. She said you could feel the whole room was full of love. One highlight for her was Mother Son Dance.  She rocked the mother and son dance, and you can say that she lives by her motto, Go Do Enjoy!

Her parents lived with her the last 5 years of their lives. After they passed, (within 6 months of each other) Stella hit a wall but could move forward from it.  Learn how she did it by listening to today's episode.

Go Do Enjoy!

She enjoys a variety of activities including:

* Dancing

* Being on the back of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

* Attending Free concerts

* Hosting parties at her house including her “Big Fat Greek Happy Hour” and a 50 Shades of Grey Party.

If YOU put your mind to it, you can think of things that can help YOU Go Do and Enjoy as well!

VOLUNTEER AND PHILANTHROPY

Stella also lives her motto of Go Do Enjoy by being a Volunteer:

* She is an usher for live theater.  This is how she is able to go do enjoy without having to spend a lot of money! She gets to see the show and helps the theater out at the same time.

* Brother Benno’s at Christmas time to serve free meals

* Dove Library

* Encinitas Kiwanis Club: She is able to live her motto of Go Do Enjoy by spending her time volunteering with the Kiwanis, and through the club, she helps with Captain Book by visiting schools to put on programs and give away free books

SPIRIT / SOUL / HEALTH

Stella believes in always trying to look your best and to embrace the aging process. She takes care of herself by eating healthy and takes a body conditioning class at her local senior center.

Something people should know before they retire: Life is not over when you retire, it's just the beginning of a new & wonderful chapter!! Go…Do…Enjoy!

How to get “unstuck” in your retirement: Go to a Meetup group or church or anywhere this a group of people to meet new people and make friends. Stella says you are the only one who can cure your own boredom.

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Go Do Enjoy

We all heard that Laughing is the best medicine. Vikki is with us today to teach us how we can laugh away our problems. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/laughing-with-parkinsons-episode-26

Vikki is an international best-selling author, humor blogger, and inspirational public speaker.

She wrote the book, “Shake, Rattle, and Roll with It – Living and Laughing with Parkinson's“.  Since my father has Parkinson's Disease, I had to get her on the show!  She did not disappoint!  We talked about her book, her life, and our ailments, including my dystonia.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll with It- Living and Laughing with Parkinson's:

A few weeks after her first book, “Shake, Rattle, & Roll With It, Living & Laughing with Parkinson’s”’ came out, she received an email from a woman who said, “My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s ten years ago. Since then, no one in the house has ever been allowed to talk about it, or even mention the word ‘Parkinson’s.” This created a lot of stress for the family as we all tried to pretend she wasn’t shaking or stumbling. Any reference to her condition was immediately shut down. I bought her your book and set it on her nightstand. She read the whole thing in one sitting that night. The next morning, she came down for breakfast and began talking about her Parkinson’s like it was the weather. She now talks about it and even laughs about it easily. The elephant in the room is gone. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”

We wanted to bring Vikki's award-winning humor to our audience, considering that many of us have parents and loved once with Parkinson's Disease (including myself).  I wanted to find out how she is laughing with Parkinson's, and she sure let us know! After all, her name has “laugh” in it!

Vikki gives us a glimpse into what it's like to have the disease, and how anyone can kick their troubles in the butt by continuing to laugh, regardless of your circumstances.

Vikki lives in Hood River, OR, where she writes the award-winning humor blog Laugh Lines: Humorous thoughts and advice on how to live young when you're… well… not, where she doles out irreverent advice on marriage, offers humorous how-to lists galore, and shares her most embarrassing midlife moments. She talks about mastering midlife with a little common sense and a lot of laughter.

She has been featured on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, Erma Bombeck's Writer's Workshop, The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Generation Fabulous, Midlife Boulevard, Better After 50, and Funny Times Magazine. She also received a BlogHer14 “Voices of the Year” Humor award. Vikki's first book, Shake, Rattle & Roll With It: Living & Laughing with Parkinson's chronicles her hilarious, and sometimes poignant journey, about living with Parkinson's disease. Her newly released book, Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch? Middle Age, Modern Marriage & Other Complications is available now on Amazon.com. You can find more of Vikki’s writing at http://laugh-lines.net

Vikki’s Books:

Shake, Rattle & Roll With It: Living & Laughing with Parkinson's Chronicles

Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch?: Middle Age Modern Marriage & Other Complications

Something people should know before they retire:  Kathy Kinney, who played Mimi in The Drew Carey Show, says in her new book,

Have you heard of ElderHelp? Carrie is with us today to explain how she is helping seniors through ElderHelp. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/stop-this-elderhelp-of-sd-info-could-change-your-life-ep-26

Carrie McClellan is helping seniors through ElderHelp of San Diego.

Elderhelp is a non-profit organization that helps seniors live independently and with dignity.

Carrie started her career as a Social Services Director in a Skilled Nursing Facility.

She worked with many older adults and their families to develop a safe discharge plan when they were ready to return home again. This was an eye opener for her as she realized that many older adults were going home with little to no support from family or friends. If someone was on a fixed income, it was even more difficult. This is when she learned about ElderHelp of San Diego and she’s been the Outreach Manager for nearly 5 years now. She works in the community to ensure that those in need are aware of all the programs and services that ElderHelp of San Diego has to offer.  She also recruits volunteers who help provide many of these services.  They are always looking for volunteers!

We talked about Mary, who has been a member for 10 years. She is in her 80s and has several health conditions that have impacted her life. Throughout the years, Mary has added different services that ElderHelp of San Diego offers. Her family does not live close.  They appreciate and take comfort knowing that there is someone looking out for her.

Learn about some services and programs they offer such as:

* Seniors A Go Go provides escorted transportation.

* Concierge Club offers help with the basic necessities of life such as Grocery Shopping, Friendly Visits, Minor Home Repairs, and more.

* Home Share matches seniors who want to rent a room in their home with adults of all ages who are in need of housing.

* RUOK makes phone calls to people Monday through Friday to check in on them and make sure everything is OK.

For more information or to learn how to volunteer:

For information about programs: (619) 284-9281 or [email protected]

To volunteer, call Carrie directly at: (858) 380-5245 or email her at: [email protected]

Their website is: http://www.elderhelpofsandiego.org

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Jonna is with us today to talk about helping seniors stay safely in their homes. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/helping-seniors-stay-safely-in-their-homes-ep-24

Helping Seniors Stay Safely in their Homes:

Jonna Overson is the founder of Green Tree Homecare. She discovered her passion for helping seniors stay safely in their homes several years ago. She worked to develop a strong understanding of the home care environment and resources available to clients and their families. She takes an educational approach to home care advisement and loves giving clients the tools that they need to create a home care plan that is best for them.

Jonna considers the day a success when they can help a family feel secure that their loved one is comfortable and cared for in the security of their own home.   She helps seniors stay safely in their homes.  Their own homes.  Often retirees are torn between their own retirement needs and the needs of their parents.

We discuss Enduring Care, which offers reduced rates for people on a fixed income.

We also discuss the full range of services Green Tree Home Care can provide. These can range from having someone for just a few hours a day to shop with groceries or just provide companionship all the way to or full-time care for your loved one.  These services deal with helping seniors stay safely in their own hones.

One thing I found most interesting is that they provide specific activities to improve or sustain memory.  Not all home care agencies do this.  Jonna also discusses the difference between using a licensed agency and hiring an independent home care giver and what you need to look out for.

What do you think people should know BEFORE they retire?

Smart planning and dialogue early with family members regarding your long-term care as you age.

We have a lot of listeners who are new retirees or maybe feel stuck in their lives at the moment.  If you were sitting across the table from a new retiree, what’s the one piece of advice that you would give to have a successful retirement?

Find something that interests you and get involved. Find ways to help your community.

Contact information for Jonna Overson: www.Greentreehc.com  Phone: 858-231-7676

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What are the benefits of a Veteran? Tony Bevin educates us about this in today's podcast episode. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/veterans-benefits-for-memorial-day-ep-23

Memorial Day Special on Veterans Benefits:

Tony Bevin joined us for our Memorial Day Episode to teach people what benefits veterans can get.  Many people are not aware of the Veteran's Aid and Attendance Pension Plan.

He helps veterans understand how to obtain long-term care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most veterans are not aware of the benefits available through these programs. Tony has specialized in benefits and planning for families, spouses, and heirs for over 15 years. His knowledge, experience, and depth of understanding of the process and paperwork required is exceptional.  He says that he enjoys the environment and working with the elderly.

He helps take the burden off Baby Boomer children by helping to determine the resources available for their parent's situation.  Tony gives great information on how to qualify for Veteran's Aid and Attendance, along with California's state Medi-Cal program to help pay for Long Term Care.  Sometimes it's better to go for Medi-Cal benefits, and sometimes it's better to go for Veteran's benefits.  Tony can assist your parents with either, since he's been working with both programs for a very long time.

What do you think people should know BEFORE they retire?

Most people think because they have a trust they are covered, but they are often wrong because the language in the trust does not meet the requirements needed to obtain benefits.

We have a lot of listeners who are new retirees or maybe feel stuck in their lives at the moment.  If you were sitting across the table from a new retiree, what’s the one piece of advice that you would give to have a successful retirement?

Be sure to pre-plan for long-term care needs so you aren't caught off guard.

Tony's Contact Information:   Phone: 858-673-8448 Email: [email protected]  Website:  http://www.vabenefitsonline.com

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Michael is our guest for today's podcast and he will talk about acupuncture and its use. You can listen to the show at http://rockyourretirement.libsyn.com/acupuncture-to-keep-healthy

Have you thought of acupuncture to keep healthy?

Micheal Julien provides acupuncture for pain and injuries. He specializes in the treatment of orthopedic pain and disorders as well as sports injuries. He helps active people and athletes of all levels.  This includes retirees, weekend warriors to professional athletes. He has had regular success for 10 years healing injuries associated with golf, tennis, running, surfing, swimming and more.

A Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncturist, he employs a specific assessment protocol to identify the underlying cause of the issue and heal the patient quickly. Michael's personal experience as an aging athlete and his experience recovering from chronic pain helps him in his daily practice. In addition to operating his private practice, Michael has been an intern supervisor and UCSDs Athletic Training Facility.

Micheal became an acupuncturist because of his own pain.  In the 90s he ended up with an un-diagnosable condition and had a long period of chronic knee pain. Someone introduced him to acupuncture. After 3 treatments, the pain went away and never came back. He wanted to share that with people, and his love for his work translates into a thorough, calm and caring approach to patient treatment.

HEALTH & SEX

Can acupuncture help erectile dysfunction?  You'll need to listen to the episode to find out!

* Even if you have a phobia of needles, Michael is able to work around that, in fact, most people find acupuncture to be a pleasant and relaxing experience.

* Learn the science behind acupuncture and how it began

* Acupuncture is used for a wide array of things including pain relief, depression, and drug addiction.

* Acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs has helped people with hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, menopause, and even infertility.

What do you think people should know BEFORE they retire?

Don’t throw in the towel. There are health issues that come up in a life that are limiting but don’t stop activities that bring you joy. Seek thinking outside of your comfort zone, get empowered, and stay active.

We have a lot of listeners who are new retirees or maybe feel stuck in their lives at the moment.  If you were sitting across the table from a new retiree, what’s the one piece of advice that you would give to have a successful retirement?

Figure out what success means to you. Figure out what makes you happy and gives you a sense of well-being.

Contact information:

Phone Number : 858-216-4419  Email : [email protected]  Website: www.cypressacupuncture.com

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