How do you spend your time?

A growing body of research is examining how older Canadians spend their time.  Over the next few posts, I will take a look at the research put out by Stats Canada on this issue. The findings are important because in Canada people are retiring later and living longer. For example, the 2016 Census showed that more people are working past the age of 65: nearly 1 in 5 Canadians aged 65 and over reported working at some point during the previous year, which was almost double the proportion in 1995.

Understanding how my generation spend our time is essential as many of us continue to contribute to society in other ways (such as volunteering and caregiving)—our contributions do not end when we are no longer formally employed. Research has found that those of us who volunteer give more hours than those in any other age group. Our generation is more likely to engage in charitable giving and, although we are the least common group of caregivers, we are the most likely to spend the greatest number of hours providing care.

Once my age group retires, what are we doing with our free time? We could be using our time to volunteer, exercise or travel or we could be spending our post-retirement years in a more inactive way. Existing research has shown that, as we age, there is a definite shift in time allocation from paid work to leisure activities. It is also important to note that, according to this research, part of that increase can be attributed to more passive leisure activities and not necessarily active pursuits. In addition, existing health research has found that many of us spend the most time on sedentary activities.

Existing research shows the importance of being socially engaged throughout the ageing process. Ageing is a transitional period when people experience changes not only in physical health but also in social roles that can influence how seniors organize their time and social activities. Social engagement in meaningful activities and maintaining close relationships is important for many older adults. Maintaining connections to family and friends, however, may be more difficult for my generation, because our social networks become smaller with age.

'' BANANAS...'' A very few interesting FACTS?

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again, but as always check your facts, just in case you make a monkey of yourself.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brainpower. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found the pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS...
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with a dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

ENGLISH IS HARD

1.            The bandage was wound around the wound.

2.            The farm was used to produce produce.

3.           The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

3.     We must polish the Polish furniture.

4.             He could lead if he would get the lead out.

5.            The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

6.            Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

7.            A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

8.            When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

9.             I did not object to the object.

10.       The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

11.       There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

12.      They were too close to the door to close it.

13.      He coughed when the bough broke through rough handling even though he thought the slough caused sloughing.

14.      “I NEVER SAID SHE STOLE MY MONEY"

a.   This sentence has 7 different meanings depending on the stressed word. This hit me like a brick. And people wonder why authors use italics and bold so readers understand what the hell is going on.

b.   I never said she stole my money.

c.    I never said she stole my money.

d.   I never said she stole my money.

e.   I never said she stole my money.

f.      I never said she stole my money.

g.    I never said she stole my money.

h.   I never said she stole my money.

             To clarify:

b.   I never said she stole my money. (Someone else did.)

c.    I NEVER said she stole my money. (I would never rat her out like that.)

d.   I never SAID she stole my money. (I merely IMPLIED that she stole my money.)

e.   I never said SHE stole my money. (I just said SOMEONE stole my money and never pointed any fingers.)

f.      I never said she STOLE my money. (She's just taking a long time about paying back that loan.)

g.    I never said she stole MY money. (She stole money, sure, but I've got no horse in this race.)

h.   I never said she stole my MONEY (But I'm pretty sure I had my car keys on my person, and now she’s sitting in my car and driving with a grin on her face. But I still have my money so I am still wealthy but carless. so that's okay?)

15.   Words are funny, Words are queer

      Words are not as they appear

              written by Jennifer Spears

Fun ideas to keep you young

1.               Make vanilla pudding Put in the mayo jar. Eat In public.

2.               Hire two private investigators Get them to follow each other.

3.               Wear a shirt that says "Life." Hand out lemons on street comer.

4.               Get Into a crowded elevator and say "I bet you're all wondering why 1 gathered you here today."

5.               Major in philosophy. Ask people WHY they would like fries with that.

6.               Run into a store, ask what year it is. When someone answers. yell "It worked!" and run out cheering.

7.               Become a doctor. Change your last name to Acula.

8.               Change your name to Simon. Speak in the third person.

9.               Buy a parrot. Teach the parrot to say "Help! I've been turned into a parrot."

10.         Follow joggers around in your car blasting" ye of the Tiger" for encouragement.

11.         Pick a time to wake up. Get up a few minutes earlier every day until you reach the goal.

12.         Only hit the snooze button twice.

13.         Live simply, only buy what is needed.

14.         Prioritize breakfast Make sure to eat all your meals.

15.         Turn on music instead of the TV. It is less distracting and more motivating.

16.         Remember your goals and the big picture.

17.         Try something new: yoga, baking. DIY projects, meditation (try guided YouTube videos] or art classes.

18.         Floss your teeth daily. Stay consistent.

19.         Quit one bad habit; nail biting, smoking. eating out of boredom, etc.

20.         Go to bed on time. Don't lay in bed browsing on your phone.

21.         Take time for self-care. Do something nice for yourself during the week

22.         Read your favourite book, take a long bath, get your nails done, etc.

23.         Go skydiving! It costs around $200 or less.