Stay connected during the holidays 2

 For many, of us, retirement can lead to feelings of loneliness, especially if our loved ones live far away or as happens to young families, they become preoccupied with their own schedules. Here are some ideas on how to overcome these feelings.

Scheduling visits with family or friends during the holiday season can create something to look forward to. Remember that you have to be flexible as many of our children have very hectic lives during the holiday season, and flexibility may allow you to find time to visit. For those of you who can joining a local walking group or fitness class is a good idea. It not only boosts mood but also introduces you to new people.

The holidays are a good time to consider joining a book club, art class, or hobby group. Engaging in a shared activity helps you foster connections, and regular social interaction can add more joy and purpose.

Don’t hesitate to initiate connections. Often, family and friends are happy to hear from you, but they may need a little reminder as they’re busy. Remember when you were younger and how hectic the holiday season was for you. Be patient, reasonable and flexible so you can reach out to make the holidays a little less stressful for your friends and loved ones. Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in relaxing activities. Create a new holiday tradition, such as hosting a potluck dinner or attending a community event.

From Gated communities to Intergenerational housing where to live after retirement 2

 55+ Gated communities are for those seniors who do not want to be around the younger generation. Intergenerational housing is for those seniors who need and want to interact with the younger generations.

They have shown intergenerational programs to benefit people across their lifespans. Children show more interactive and cooperative play, increased empathy and mood management, and improved academic performance. Adults—including parents of young children and caregivers of older relatives—experience better family communication, less worry and social isolation, and greater access to respite care. Older adults benefit from increased strength and balance, decreased social isolation, and improved quality of life. All ages become more accepting of differences and feel more connected to others. In the Seniors Association I am the President of, we are bringing back intergenerational programing and it seems to work.

There is an emerging model of new housing developments is experimenting with mixing older and younger people in one place. Although the two ends of the population spectrum are frequently portrayed as competing for limited welfare resources, pioneers see intergenerational housing as a solution to today’s most prevalent and persisting social issues: declining social safety net, loneliness, and poverty.

After all, there are some who do not want to be surrounded by older people when they grow old. Housing shortages and rental woes have led people to seek alternate options. Two of Canada’s three most expensive places to rent are in British Columbia — led by Vancouver, and closely followed in third place by Burnaby.

As a solution for students accessing affordable housing, Canada Homeshare, a non-profit organization, has partnered with several universities across the nation to devise alternate options. Besides students getting subsidized and safe housing options, this housing model also addresses another concern in our communities: deteriorating mental health in older adults because of social isolation. Having a helping hand in the house can be a benefit for older adults, both physically and mentally.

As the older adult population in Canada increases, it is imperative that there be adequate and appropriate older-adult housing available. Housing is a social determinant of health and is implicated in various health outcomes. A person’s living situation is interlinked with loneliness and social isolation, for which older adults are at higher risk. They correlate loneliness in older adults with a decline in function, lower self-reported health scores, and overall mortality. One way to address these challenges in BC is with an intergenerational housing model, where older adults live in communities that promote ties with younger generations. Several intergenerational programs exist worldwide, and they have significant benefits for all involved. Intergenerational housing projects are gaining traction in Canada and can serve as a method of improving the health and well-being of older adults while providing benefits to society at large.

The older-adult population in Canada will expand over the coming decades. Projections estimate that by 2068, this percentage will grow to between 21.4% and 29.5%. We expect that there will be over 5.5 million Canadians over the age of 80 in 2068, compared to 1.6 million in 2018. This situation requires considerable thought and action from the Canadian health care and political systems.

Canadians are keeping holiday spending in check, some ideas on how to do this

Two years ago, we spent on average $1,810 on the holiday, this year the average Canadian will spend about $1,517 over Christmas, the lowest holiday spend in three years, according to a separate BMO study. If you want to avoid overspending, try the following:

1. Before you go out to buy, ribbons, bows, tree lights, etc, do an inventory—to make the job easier, if you have not done so already, when you pack up keep all the holiday items together.
2. Do not bring your kids shopping with you; studies suggest they’ll help you spend 29% more than your budget.
3. Do not shop with your partner; you’re likely to spend 19% more.
4. Do not use a cart; people who carry their stuff spend 8% less.
5. Pay cash and carry $100 bills; you’re less likely to break them for smaller purchase
6. One way to avoid overspending is not to make too many spontaneous purchases.
7. We have a large family getting together at Christmas so we only give to the children under 12
8. Give to a charity or the food bank, or give of yourself may be better than an expensive present, which may be re gifted.
9. Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, it’s important to know your budget limits and to stick to them.
10. Buying online, leave the site or walk away from the site after you have put the items in the basket, wait at least 24 hours or longer to close the deal—some stores may offer you an incentive to complete your purchase.
11. Allow time and planning and comparison shop
12. Keep your budget in mind and shop carefully to get the best selection and price.
13. Give the gift you make yourself, to people who would appreciate the thoughtful gesture.

Planning to use your credit cards for some of the gifts this year? If you have balances, now's the time to plan head and wipe them out. Especially if those balances are from last year's holiday. You should never want to get to next Christmas without paying off last Christmas.

14. Limit the number of cards you carry on shopping trips. Bring only those that you'll actually use.
15. Keep an eye on your card. Make sure you get it back promptly after each use.
16. Conceal your card while waiting to pay for purchases. Someone in line behind you might try to memorize or copy your account number.
17. When the cashier returns it to you, do not absent-mindedly stick your card in a coat pocket or someplace else where it can easily fall out.
18. Treat receipts carefully. Check them to see if your account number is hidden (with Xs) except for the last four digits. If the full number is visible on a receipt, do not leave it lying around.
19. When your billing statements arrive, compare them with holiday receipts to help spot any unauthorized charges.
20. Be especially selective when shopping online. Shop with companies you know and stick to secure Web sites. Look for a locked padlock, an unbroken key or a lock icon (displayed at the bottom or on the status bar of the screen) to determine if a Web site uses security software.
21. Don't give out your account number unless you initiate the transaction. Watch out for any phone, Internet or mail solicitations that ask you for this information.
22. Fill in blanks on receipts. When dining out, draw a line through any blank spaces on the receipt (i.e. tip/gratuity space if you leave a cash tip) and total the amounts before signing.
23. Pick off-peak times to actually do your shopping. Most kids (or is it just the ones on the “nice” list?) are in school until close to Christmas, so hitting the stores during the day might save you some time and help you avoid impulse shopping. Eat before you go and take a bottle of water along. Every little bit of savings will help keep your budget from becoming naughty!
24. Each month after you pay your debts that have fixed monthly payments (mortgages, vehicle and term loans), only make the minimum payments required on your credit cards with the lowest interest rates, but maximize your payments on the credit cards with the highest interest rates.
25. Once a credit card is paid off, use this extra money to pay down your credit card with next highest interest rate. This will save you money and help you pay down your debt faster.  Consider paying off credit cards with small balances first. Psychologically it shows that you are making progress. Once paid, cut up and cancel the credit cards. Most people only require one major credit card and perhaps one retail credit card with savings incentives during special sales events.

Some interesting ideas

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a Knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm..)

Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them Neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't  Refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)

To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for A few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The Wax will fall out.

Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped  In baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).

Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt  BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S. Pads, I immediately take a pair of  Scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw  Away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would Be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S. Pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!

Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen Peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood.. Works Every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL

Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal For inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.

Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows On a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely Light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell Freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 Hours prior to burning.

To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the Flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt And leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap And enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring In tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the Corn's' natural sweetness

Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your Forehead. The throbbing will go away.


Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future Use in casseroles and sauces ....... Left over wine? What's that? :)

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area And you will experience instant relief.

Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, Get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, Leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to Tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and Then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........

Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China

Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

What other hints do you have, as you can see this has been an uneventful summer