Plan for the Long Run - Enjoying Life as You Age

On May, 2009, MedLine Plus (part of the NIH) announced the results of a recent study, "Volunteering may increase retirees lifespan."

They sited reasons such as more social interaction, increased exposure to information, and feelings of self-worth as reasons for the lowered chance of death.

When I volunteered I learned new skills, met interesting people, solved problems, and felt appreciated for the work I did. Retirees can choose a field that interests them and can leave it when they feel like it. Volunteering often offers flexibility in schedule too.

If you know someone who is retired and a bit cranky staying at home, you might suggest a volunteer activity. Sometimes crankiness can be due to aches and pains. Outside interaction may refocus the attention on other things helping to forget about those physical discomforts.

If you know an older person with sore muscles or arthritis pain, you might give them a gift of warmth and comfort -- a Maine Warmer. It can be microwaved for heat to help relax sore muscles, and increase blood flow and flexibility. It can be frozen and used as an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain for those who have had surgery or a mild injury from a fall. Check out Back Warmers, Neck Warmers, and Ice Packs for the knees.