Life Coaching for Baby Boomers

Back in the seventies when I was studying population demographics as part of my science degree, the common teaching was that the world would not be able to produce the amount of food needed to supply the anticipated population explosion by the year 2000.

Now in 2008 we can clearly see that although some parts of the world are starving, we do indeed have the capability to produce enough to feed the world, even if we do not have the motivation to distribute it equitably.

This has come about due to approaching food production as a science to achieve higher yields at the lowest possible price and changing food preservation and production processes making many more types of highly processed foods available.

However, the ability to feed the western world has come at a price in terms of our health. In countries where the diet is still predominantly traditional home cooked meals there isa much lower level of so called “lifestyle” diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart attack, cancer, stroke, attention deficit disorders (ADHD) and so forth.  Whilst it is accepted that diets high in animal fat,refined carbohydrates such as sugar, high in salt and low in nutrition, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle are responsible for the logarithmic increase in lifestyle diseases, there seems little motivation for society wide lifestyle changes.

Peter Dingle in his article in the Oct edition of Nova observes that people who come from countries where these chronic lifestyle illnesses are non-existent take on the patterns of these diseases within one generation of moving to their adopted country due to the adoption of the new lifestyle and diet. Indeed, evidence is appearing of an increase in obesity in China since the inclusion of western fast-foods, as a significant part of the diet, by younger people.

Fresh fruit daily.

Evidence supports that increasing the amount of fresh raw & cooked fruit and vegetables and the inclusion of more fish high in Omega-3 oils, in the diet, along with the reduction of processed foods high in fat, sugar & salt processed carbohydrates and daily moderate exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of lifestyle illnesses occurring and in some cases reverse the symptoms without prescription drugs.

So lets do everything we can to enjoy our longevity as we baby boomers get older by adopting the following simple steps.

1. Daily exercise in the fresh air
2. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit & vegetables per day
3. Eat grilled fish at least 3 times per week
4. Eat wholemeal cereals and breads
5. Drink at least 2 litres of water every day
6. Eat 6 small meals per day rather that 3 large ones.
7. Limit or eliminate processed foods from your diet
8. Consult a nutritionist, dietician, naturopath or your doctor if you are either underweight or overweight before  commencing a new exercise or diet.
9. Join a Yoga or Tai-Chi class
10. Volunteer for a community service - proven to contribute to the release of endorphins - the happy hormones

A recent article by  BOB MOOS of The Dallas Morning News, DALLAS, USA, explores the trend for US Baby Boomers to work beyond the traditional retirement age, with more than half interested in work that helps others.

“Boomers’ interest in charitable work comes as nonprofit agencies face a serious leadership deficit, said David Simms, an executive with the Bridgespan consulting group. A surge in retirements and a proliferation of nonprofit agencies will create a need for 640,000 senior managers over the next decade — more than double the current number, he said.”

This pattern is likely to repeat in Australia as demands increase in the community sector for additional services and skilled managers, leaders and workers to lead these valuable organizations through the challenges ahead. To view the full article click here. http://www.bnd.com/business/story/458334.html

If your are interested in offering your services to a non-profit organization why not visit the following websites http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/html/s01_home/home.asp or http://home.people.net.au/~camdenmow or www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au

Just come across a great site that hires Caravans to Baby Boomers. Perhaps before you purchase your Caravan or Camper Trailer for your big trek around Australia you could test out the lifestyle by hiring a van for a short period. http://www.babyboomerscutloose.com.au/
Exploring Australia by caravan or camper trailer is a dream for so many Baby Boomers and retirees and it offers a great lifestyle while seeing remote and beautiful locations in Australia.

Relaxing after a days travel

Australians over the age of 50 are rejecting the idea of entering a nursing home when they become unable to live at home. Thaey want the government to look at alternative means of care and accommodation. However, their strongest desire is to be independant for as long as possible. Those who live in the city are more inclined to view living in a nursing home in a negative manner, whereas the respondents in the Gallup Poll from the country were more positive. Some key findings are quoted below: Up to 61 per cent of people over 50 believe that they only need to think seriously about aged care accommodation when the family home ceases to become an option; Those aged 50-59 years are the most negatively disposed to nursing homes, and those over 70 years the most positive.; People who have worked in a nursing home are the most negatively disposed to them; 82 per cent of over 50s would prefer a new style of accommodation and care for older people. The challenge is now to provide alternative types of accommodation.   Source: The Benevolent Society  from communityNet e-news 27

Baby boomers want alternatives to a future in nursing home, poll shows - The Benevolent Society

 

 

 

Many well known charities arrange treks in exciting places in Africa, China, Mexico, Peru, Nepal and other locations to raise much needed funds for their cause. A couple of years ago I joined around 30 other people to trek 60kms on and alongside the Great Wall of China. This picture shows our group setting off on the first day. Some parts of the trek were an easy stroll but the 20km on the Wall itself was very hard work even though I had spent 12 months training uphill and down dale right across the UK and in Italy even hiking up the staircase of the Cupola of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican city in my hiking boots - what a racket that made. However, its the people you meet and the memories that you keep that far outway the aches and pains of tired muscles. I would highly recommend this as a worthwhile to see new parts of the world, meet new people, have an adventure and raise money for worthwhile causes.

Those of us who are in our 50s and 60s who still have dreams and goals that have not been fulfilled may benefit from life coaching. What is life coaching?
We often reach a place in our lives where we feel we are standing still or even going backwards in our lives.Life Coaching is one of the fastest growing sectors in the western world. Some of you may be familiar with what Life Coaching is and others may only think of a coach in terms of a sports coach.Life Coaching is a process of facilitating solutions for the client by providing a safe environment for self exploration. The coach and the client develop a partnership to help the client achieve goals, motivate and encourage them through major life changes.Transformational Life Coaching can assist you to clarify your goals and aspirations. The powerful relationship that develops between you and your coach acts as a catalyst to support you holistically in achieving a better quality of life. By building a professional relationship based on trust, commitment and confidentiality, a space is created that enables you to develop a greater awareness of your unique potential. Transformational Life Coaching brings about a sense of freedom and empowerment for you. Often you will experience renewed energy for forgotten dreams and passions.