The past few weeks I have taken great joy in the fact that I can open my bedroom window and patio door! There’s nothing like the wonderful breeze that floats into my condo bringing with it the change of seasons.

I hear the chirping of baby birds and the sound of boats attempting their first journey on the river. The soft voices and laughter of individuals who are out for a walk float into the room.

Someone is creating an amazing smell on their barbecue and I try to guess who is the chef and what is the menu.

I notice that the sun is warmer and very welcoming, coaxing me out to my lounge chair so I can soak it up. The newest blades of grass are being trimmed by a master artist who maneuvers his mower in an interesting pattern.

And through all of this, I think of the things that I am going to change in my micro world. First of all, I know that I will replace winter gloves, coats, sweaters and socks with other wardrobe choices. Light dresses and flip flops in bright colours appear.

Then I think about how to dress up my tiny balcony. Wash the barbeque, bring out the patio cushions and think about what plants and colours will grace the pots this year.

This is a great time to think about how much easier it will be to get around without having to depend on snow brushes, and winter boots. Previewing weather conditions are suddenly unnecessary and a trip by vehicle can begin without delay. In fact, grabbing keys is the only pre=requisite for a good walk in nature.

There is a lightness about spring. Sunlight, clothing, new beginnings.

It is no wonder people talk about having a spring in your step or feeling spring in your heart.

This year seemed like a long, cold season that was haunted by pandemic restrictions and more isolation than most of us wanted.

But winter has passed and now we can enjoy the fact that we made it.

It’s finally spring! What are you doing to do to welcome it?

Let’s start with an emotional celebration!

Source by Linda Hancock

Many people think a nursing home is a nasty, soul-less place where residents either lie in bed or sit endlessly in a rocking chair, waiting out their days until the inevitable happens. The reality – at least in a good nursing home – is far from that. Many people enter a nursing facility when they have lots of life in them yet, and look forward to years of fun and companionship, with daily activities to keep both their bodies and brains active.

In fact, studies have shown that regular stimulating activities help half a decline in depression among nursing home residents, staving off dementia and keeping their spirits as well as their bodies alive. Activities are vital to keeping up residents’ mental and physical well-being, and even staff and visiting family and friends can take part – willingly – in the activities a good nursing home provides.

If you are looking to find a nursing home for a loved one who’s still capable of loving life, it’s important that you discover what types of activities are on offer – and how often they are available. In fact, nursing homes that take Medicare or Medicaid patients have to have a designated activities director to get the proper funding. But how well they carry out their job is something you will have to assess yourself…

“I think the residents I talk to who tell me there is nothing for them to do but sleep, eat and read the paper are looking for purpose to get up every morning,” writes Vicki30CNA on the allnurses.com website. “They do not look forward to the next day as they all run together. And our residents that are not as able get little to no stimulation besides toileting and shower. A few fold bibs every AM and see it as their ‘job’, but that job takes them a half hour. Then what, they tell me. I hate to see their last years months days so empty and without purpose. “

If you want to avoid this from happening to someone you love, read on. A wide variety of activities should be on offer at every nursing home, so make sure this is the case when considering a nursing home. Some residents may enjoy going out for lunch several times a week, shopping or visiting the local art gallery or cinema. Others will prefer on-site activities that stimulate their hearts and minds.

It might be a good idea to have a chat with the nursing home activities director to see what’s available. Here is just a handful of activities that a good nursing home should willingly provide…

Self-Starting Activities

Great as they require little preparation and can be planned by the residents themselves. They include:

Gardening. Depending on residents’ scope of mobility and interest, gardening can be as rigorous or as gentle as they want it to be. If there is a real garden that’s fantastic, if not then hanging baskets, small pots of herbs and indoor cactus or orchid collections can still keep the interest going.

Arts and crafts. Even older residents enjoy making something – especially when they feel it’s going to a good cause. Knitting blankets, making baby clothes or entering art or photographic contests can keep people busy and help them make a contribution to society at the same time.

Games. You might think bingo is the most popular nursing home game – and you’re right. But there’s more to competitive games than just bingo. How about bridge, mah-jong, canasta or chess – the sky’s the limit. One-on-one games are great for encouraging closer relationships among residents, and group games are also good for fostering a sense of community.

Musical-based activities. Don’t limit the fun to sing-alongs – you may even have professional musicians among the residents, or you may discover some hidden talents.

Volunteer-led Activities

Nail care, Bible study, hair salon day – all you need is a volunteer with a skill – and the time to make a difference in someone’s life.

School groups. It may sound cliched, but young people have a lot to learn from oldsters. This can take the form of Granny teaching little Albertine to knit, or visiting a school once a week and reading to the little ones. Many schools, in fact, encourage people from the outside – assuming they have been police-checked – to help kids who need a little bit extra with one-to-one reading or math exercises.

Local community groups. People who have a special talent often enjoy visiting nursing homes on a regular basis and sharing their skills. This can be giving residents massages or reflexology sessions, teaching them a special aspect about gardening, or giving a talk about growing orchids.

Scout groups. Often, scout troops visit nursing homes – gathering together to do something fun such as bake chocolate-chop cookies or build a birdhouse. The two groups can learn from each other and make use of each other’s skills and talents.

Local charities. People from charities often give their time to older people, whether that means preparing outings or having a Pet Therapy day when the local vet or employees from the animal shelter bring animals to visit.

Nursing Home-Led Activities

Themed events, such as birthdays or religious celebrations. Some creative residents get together with staff to plan events such as Hawaiian nights, Chinese New Year celebrations or Halloween or Thanksgiving festivities. Friends and family can be invited to join in – perhaps even residents of neighboring nursing homes as well.

Outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics or a stroll through a park or garden center. In some cases volunteers may be called on to help residents with mobility issues.

A bit of culture. Going to the theatre, opera, museum or cinema can take some planning, but its worth it. Again, volunteer helpers and drivers may be necessary.

Alternative therapies. Everyone can benefit – as long as they’re not too invasive. Massage, yoga or Tai Chi can help residents have fun, get fit and relax.

Keeping people as happy and healthy as possible for as long as possible. both physically and mentally, should be the goal of every nursing home. Activities should be varied and interesting, suited to the different abilities, needs and interests of the residents. They should be not only fun but worthwhile, enabling residents to form new relationships, develop new skills, and keep up their fitness levels.

“We have a ‘senior prom’ in May, where the local single Marines escort our residents (wheelchairs and all) for dancing and food, writes CoachCathy on the allnurses.com site. “We have gowns and suits donated by the local thrift stores. Local hair parlors come and do the hair and nails. Everyone has a blast.

“And we had a Winter wonderland theme last December – we made snowmen with diaper boxes painted white – and had a snowman decorating contest. The residents had an indoor snowball fight (with cotton balls). It was so much fun!”

Source by S Matthews

Disappointment didn’t begin to explain my feelings. This was the second miscarriage in six months. Having one child already, in my heart I wanted so much for him to have a sibling. I was grateful to my doctor for understanding my devastation and for my husband’s attempt of support but there were very few others who understood the depth of feelings I was experiencing. This happened in the early seventies.

During the 1980’s I became involved in the beginnings of the hospice movement. In my training I learned much about grief mostly unknown to the general public. The most important lesson I learned was to help grieving families personalize their celebration of their loved one. After five years at hospice, I went to work as a bereavement director at a nearby funeral home. I received an education unlike any other. The funeral director highly encouraged direct participation in the funeral ritual to promote physical and emotional healing.

One young couple whose first child was miscarried came to us for help. We encouraged them to name their baby and tell us all the wonderful things that happened to them when they found out they were pregnant. Mommy and Daddy shared many special memories with us. In the midst of their sorrow, they smiled through their tears sharing the hopes and dreams they had in the first few weeks of the pregnancy. How disappointed they were when their dreams ended in miscarriage. We helped them make arrangements for a simple memorial service.

Their little one was tiny, only about eight inches long weighing less than two pounds. I found a tiny doll outfit that the baby could wear. We arranged a viewing in a small intimate room in the funeral home as if it were a friendly bedroom. I placed an afghan on a rocking chair next to the tiny casket, an angel night light, a few stuffed animals and a child’s board book. The appointed time came for the parents to see their little one–to first say hello and then goodbye.

Mom and Dad were visibly moved the moment they walked in the door. There were tears but also smiles. We left them alone with a few encouraging words. After some time, they indicated they were ready for the next step. Their parents and loved ones drifted in a few at a time to lend their support. The healing had begun.

People, who have had bad experiences with death or no experience at all grieving over the death of someone they love, often think something like this scenario sounds macabre but those who have know that something special just took place and they now have some beautiful memories of their child.

Years later a grandchild of mine was miscarried. I had the privilege of making a little blanket for him and purchasing a tiny toy that was tucked into the small wooden box my son and his wife purchased and decorated. His daddy conducted his funeral service. Family and friends prayed and sang together as we comforted mom and dad and each other. The healing had begun.

So, what can be done if a friend has a miscarriage? First contact them with words of love, caring and your own disappointment. Any positive thoughts about your feelings when you heard about the pregnancy would be greatly appreciated for they are a tangible proof that this child touched your life. Perhaps you could find a special piece of jewelry, a window prism or other small memento to give the parents as a gift in memory and celebration of their child. Another token of your caring could be a perennial flowering plant or tree. Anything that will reinforce that this tiny human being made a mark on the world will give hope and comfort to his or her parents. I wish I would have had this knowledge when my own miscarriage occurred. I’m sure I would have healed much faster.

Knowing what I now know, I would encourage moms who’ve miscarried to write about their feelings and observations in a journal set aside especially for this baby. Making something like a stepping stone, a small scrapbook or planting a specially chosen perennial will bring some closure. A cement lamb or duck set in a special place in your yard is another idea couples have found helpful. The most important thing is to do something in honor of your child even if it’s to take a long walk. Every child makes an impact in the world no matter how little. Begin the healing.

Source by Penny Halder

It is common knowledge that Spain’s bullfighting matadors and coriadors are part and parcel of Spain’s historic traditions. Paradors, a charming revelation to those unfamiliar with Spain, are as much a part of Spain’s heritage as its bullrings.

It is easy to find our lodging – it is the castle atop the town. This is a Parador, one of a chain of unique state-run lodgings which are as much a part of Spain’s history as are its bullfighting matadors – ancient monasteries, castles, palaces and hospitals which have been restored with modern comforts to meet contemporary needs, yet keep their original charm and character. Generally located on the outskirts of city centers and towns, these hostelries offer a glimpse into traditional Spain.

As we approached the Parador Siguenza, the view was breathtaking. Perched on a hilltop above its charming eponymous town, this ancient castle is set in Guadalajara, one of Spain’s lesser known provinces which forms part of the Castilla la Mancha Region.

The castle has a magnificent ancient history which immediately intrigued the children. Built in the 5th Century, it was originally a Moorish citadel built upon a Roman settlement. Reinforced by the Moors in 712, it was converted into a bishop’s palace by the Christians after the re-conquest in 1123.

Within its ancient walls, we discovered a beautiful lodge, with al the facilities of a modern, top-notch hotel. The spacious welcoming rooms with both four-poster and comfortable twin beds and modern bathrooms boast traditional Castilian furniture. The view from the balcony, overlooking the countryside, is stupendous, especially at sunset, when the sun’s rays bathe the landscape in hues of gold and ochre. In the cool evenings, the kids especially enjoyed spotting wildlife such as deer and eagles.

The Parador’s thick stone walls enclose a lounge – the original stately dining room of the castle. This huge room, whose walls are adorned with banners and suits of armor, dwarfs the furniture made to accommodate its guests with its multitude of brilliant overhead chandeliers lighting the vast area. The grand dining room, where you can savor excellent regional dishes such as fried bread crumbs with eggs and bacon, cod prepared with manchego cheese, and the famous borrachitos seguntinos for dessert, looks out over the land surrounding the castle. In addition, the Parador houses a Romanesque chapel, and two medieval stone courtyards flank its interior walls. The kids had the adventure of their lives exploring the castle and pretending to be royalty.

The small, fascinating village of Siguenza, with its narrow, winding streets, sits at the foot of the Parador. A cathedral town since the first millennium and the residence of lord bishops and rulers, it is one of the best preserved medieval towns. The lovely cathedral houses the tomb of Martin de Arce, a page of Queen Isabella. Other places to visit include the Roman salt mines of Imon and the monastery of Santa Maria de la Huerta. Especially exciting for the children are the many game reserves in the rural area surrounding the Parador.

Only 100 km from Madrid and easily accessible, the Parador made a perfect family weekend retreat, providing all with fun and adventure. One of the jewels in the crown of the Parador chain and perfect for families, it is an example of why Paradors in Spain are so popular.

Source by Sylvia Arad

There are many different manufacturers of massage chairs to choose from but the one that has stood the test of time is Panasonic. They have been making massage chairs for over 35 years. One of their newest recliners is the EP-MA20 massage chair. This massage chair review will point out some of the salient features of this advanced recliner.

The EP MA20 has been designed with a new intensity control sensor. This is said to give a more evenly balanced massage for any body type. A newly designed smart motor is powered by a microprocessor that is six times faster than the previous one available from Panasonic.

This new balanced massage has been achieved by developing a new roller that applies equal pressure to all contact points. With the new advanced microprocessor, information about your body is relayed to the massaging mechanism. It adjusts much more quickly than previous designs.

The new intensity control sensor allows you to use the remote control to increase or decrease the intensity of the massage. This allows you to get a little deeper penetration or less penetration depending on your desires. The intensity control Sensor is located on the remote control and can be adjusted as needed.

This recliner also comes with an air massage system. The air system uses 14 airbags which are located in the leg rest. These airbags are specially designed to better fit the calves and feet for a soothing compression style massage.

Another important feature of this recliner is the foot reflexology massage. This recliner has removable reflexology plates located underneath the feet. These specially designed plates stimulate the trigger points of the feet for a relieving reflexology massage.

Panasonic has also incorporated a stretching system into the recliner. This helps to alleviate stiffness in your lower back, hips and thighs. The air system in the leg ottoman squeezes the lower legs while simultaneously lowering the leg rest to stretch the lower body.

This is also a powered recliner. You can adjust the chair back automatically by utilizing the remote control. Motors are used to recline the chair back and raise the leg rest to find a comfortable position.

The remote control comes with three preset programs. These preset programs are automatic programs which have been established in the recliner. This gives you the ability to have a full body massage at the touch of a button.

The three preset massage programs are Swedish, deep and shiatsu. Each of these distinct programs gives you a full body, 15 minute massage. This is a great way to relax and let the recliner do its thing.

You can also focus on specific parts of the body. There are five different massage courses to select from. Choose from neck, shoulder, middle back, lower back or full back. The massage will be limited just to the area selected with the manual massage course.

The design of this recliner is quite contemporary. The recliner has silver accents on the armrest and also on its base. The armrests are long sloping ones which are very long. The chair back is very thick to accommodate the newly improved roller motor system.

If you are looking for some of the more advanced technology in massage chairs available today, then check out the Panasonic EP-MA 20 massage chair. This comes with a variety of soothing programs. It provides relaxing and relieving massages.

Source by Todd Neavitt

So it’s summer and time to open the pool. Hmmm where did everything get put back in the fall? Hopefully you packaged all of those little parts in the filter or in a clearly labelled box so that you can find them easily now. If not, happy hunting. But really, opening the pool is just as important as closing it, only you do everything in reverse and instead of looking forward to high winds and blustering snow, you can look forward to floating in the clear water and hosting pool parties.

Basically the first thing you want to do is drain the water off of your pool cover. Good luck getting it off if you don’t. Once that is done, you’ll want to remove it and let it dry. No one wants to put a pool cover away wet! Hang it over a swingset or some chairs or simply lay it out on the driveway or on the grass, whatever works best for you.

Now you are left with some water in the pool and likely some leaves and other debris too. Get all of that out and refill the pool to its proper depth. This will allow you to use the vacuum later on. Before the water rises too high, get those pipes and fittings back in, you don’t want the water pouring out of those holes!

Reconnect your pump and filter, which should still be clean since you would have put it away clean in the fall, right? Once all is well with the water level, it’s time to wipe down the walls, vacuum up all the left over debris and make the water great to swim in. This usually involves a dose of shock, a highly concentrated chlorine product that will eliminate all the bugs and bacteria and leave your water sparkling and clean.

Now is a great time to get your water tested and to put the right chemicals in to get a balanced and healthy water. pH is an important thing, if it’s off by just a little bit it can mean an uncomfortable swim for your family. If in doubt, or the job just seems way to much to do alone there are companies that specialize in opening and closing pools so you don’t have the added work and fuss.

Once that pool is open, enjoy because it won’t be long till it’s pool closing time once again.

Source by Amanda J Hales

Using facial masks is a great way to complement and improve the performance of the your skin care regimen. It is not to replace your existing facial care routine, but to work in conjunction with regular products. In our daily life, the pollution, stress, alcohol, smoking and hectic schedules all can aggravate the aging process. Regular moisturizers and sunscreens may not be sufficient to protect our skin and maintain the optimum condition.

Applying facial mask is probably the easiest way to maintain a beautiful and healthy skin. It can be done in a spa, or simply do it yourself from the comfort of your own home. Although you may look a little funny for a little while with the mask on your face (about 20 minutes), the result can be very appealing. If applying facial mask at home, you can relax on a lounge chair, read a book or even vacuum the carpet while doing it. It is a great facial care to boost the health of the skin once a week.

How does facial mask work? It is based on the concept of occlusive dressing technique, or ODT:

• When the skin is temporarily covered with facial mask, moisture is sealed in the epidermis instead of released out to the air. This results in soft and supple epidermis.
• If high concentration of nutrients are included in the mask, the absorption of the nutrients will increase in a enclosed environment.
• In a covered condition, the surface temperature of the skin will rise slightly and stimulate circulation.
• Some facial mask will constrict when starting to dry. It results in tightened skin.

There are different types of masks appropriate for different skin types. The 2 major categories are: deep cleansing masks and deep hydrating masks. Deep cleansing masks are specially formulated to absorb oils and draw out impurities from your skin. They should also be gentle enough to heal blemishes and prevent inflammation. It is a great complement to daily cleansing. Deep hydrating masks are designed to give your skin a periodic hydrating boost. They help stimulate blood circulation and leave you skin feeling soft and supple. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of masks include:

— Remove the excess oil

— Minimize the appearance of pores

— Cleanse and nourish the skin

— Reduce skin irritation

— Nourish and calm the skin

— Moisturize and soften the skin

— Reduce the number of blackheads and whiteheads

— Stimulate blood circulation

When applying a mask once or twice a week, your skin will be smoother, softer and cleaner. No matter what climate and humidity you live in, it is a great facial skin care to enhance the daily skin treatment and restore your skin’s natural radiance.

Source by Caty Chen

An Adirondack chair can be used in various ways when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. There are numerous creative ways to make the most out of any Adirondack chair some of which are listed below.

So, let’s explore each method together!

• Pot Holder

One can use a spindle chair’s top to hang or hold the flowerpots. It will look incredible when the small colorful pots will be hanging on the wall on a wooden block. Adirondack chairs are suitable for flowerpots because it can provide a stronger grip to the pots and wood will give a natural appearance to it. The best part about it is that you can place it anywhere. All you have to do is just split the top of the Adirondack chair, paint it, and screw in some metal holders placed equal distance apart. You can paint your new flowerpot holder according to the theme of the home.

• Garden Planter

In case your chair is missing a seat, turn it into a planter. Take away the remaining part of the seat and put the pot inside it. Place it in the backyard or garden. But make sure that the pot is a perfect fit for the chair so that it doesn’t look awkward. So, what are you waiting for? Hold your toolbox and make the best garden planter right now.

• Picture & Key Hanger

If there is any creative way to use the Adirondack furniture, using it as a picture hanger is one of them. Imagine your guests entering the living room and being amazed by the collection of pictures hanging on the wall. Yes! Using the blocks of the chair for pictures is a great idea. Just combine the blocks of the chair in any design (square, triangle, or many others), use clothes pins to hold the photographs and voila! You are all set to daze everyone. You can even hang keys on it too. So, augment the walls and let everyone adore your new photo hanger.

• Comfortable Swing

As a kid, almost everyone enjoyed swinging. It’s time to relive your childhood. If the legs of the Adirondack chair are broken, transform it into a swing. Even if the legs of the chair have become weaker but the upper portion is still stronger enough to bear your weight. The backyard, living room, and terrace are the ideal areas for the swing.

• Back Coat Rack

The cracked underbody of the chair can turn it into nothing but trash. However, using the elegant design of the back of the chair as a coat holder is something that everyone would love to have. All you need to do is just paint the back of the chair with your favorite color, nail down the hooks, and place it in a suitable area. So, pick your position and place the coat rack.

Conclusion

Whether you have brought an Adirondack chair from a named and famed store or from a garage sale, using these methods instead of throwing the chair into the trash when it breaks is the best idea. Pick your favorite method and implement it to enhance the appearance of your home.

Source by Jack Athwani

Retirement – A New Beginning

Going back about fifty years, retirement was considered to be the short gap between receiving a gold watch and the last rights!

Happily today retirement is accepted as the start of a whole new life adventure.

With the likelihood that we will retire with all our faculties intact and fully functioning and with a good number of years in front of us, we now need to take a little more time to plan our retirement years to make sure we get the absolute most out of them.

Whatever your retirement dream – from a home in the sun, a boat on a river, or simply pottering about in the garden – all of these things are possible with careful planning.

But have you ever wondered why so many of us constantly push the practicalities of retirement planning to the back of our minds while rushing through our lives complaining about the pressures of work and dreaming of the day when we can finally put our feet up?

What is it that causes this dichotomy in us?

I think that most of us would agree the two main causes are lack of time and reluctance.

And yet each and every one of us knows how important it is to plan and save for our retirement!

After all we are quite literally bombarded by the media week in week out with facts about the pension time bomb and the fact that many of us will apparently struggle for the price of a cup of tea let alone a beautiful villa in the sun when we get to 65!

So, with all that information taken on board what can we do to make our retirement a happy one?

Whether you’ve got a full 40 years to save and plan, or if retirement is just a few years down the road and you’re worried that it may be a little late to start any radical pension planning, this three part retirement planning roadmap should save you time, remove your reluctance and cover the three key aspects of retirement planning – namely our physical wellbeing, our financial wellbeing and our spiritual wellbeing in retirement.

In other words, read on for some practical tips to ensure that you retire healthy, wealthy and wise.

Healthy – Physical Wellbeing in Retirement

Every single day of our lives we grow, we mature, we develop…and we grow older.

And when we’re very young we sometimes view retirement as something that equates to old age. We have images of old people in rocking chairs with blankets over withering legs rocking away the last days of their lives! No need to plan then – just throw me a blanket and I can do the rest myself!

But as we mature and grow older we soon come to appreciate that there can be a considerable amount of time between finishing our working lives and needing to settle into that rocking chair – and that that time is ours to enjoy to the full!

And while it is true that the body ages and that no man can turn back the tides of time, none of us has to get old unless we choose to do so!

Our bodies may age but we don’t have to!

So, there are really two considerations when it comes to the ageing process and welfare in retirement – namely the physical aspect and the emotional aspect.

The Physical Aspect

As ill health can smite any one of us at any age, we should consider our physical wellbeing throughout our lives; both from the point of view of prevention and the point of view of cure.

Prevention

When we actively take steps to encourage good health we are far more likely to enjoy longevity; and in taking such action we could make the difference between a happy healthy retirement and an old age blighted by failing health.

Keep active. Many of us have sedentary lives; we drive to work, sit in an office, drive home and then sit down to watch the telly. But keeping active should really be seen as a mandatory part of our lives, right through and into retirement.

While busy lives may make it difficult to find time for set exercise, there are always things we can do to improve our overall fitness. Consider parking your car two streets away from the office and walking the last ½ mile, take the dog for long walk (he’ll love you!), buy a bike, go on a walking weekend or weed the garden. Simply by adding a little physical activity into our working lives now, we will be pushing back the years and ensuring that we are able to fully enjoy the freedom that retirement will afford us when the time comes.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy nutritious food, adequate sleep, avoid nicotine and keep alcohol consumption within sensible limits.

Reduce stress. Everyone suffers from stress sometimes, and we are all well aware of the long term damage stress can do to our health. So, do everything within your power to reduce your stress levels. And if it is beyond your control to remove the stresses affecting your life, never feel embarrassed or afraid to seek help. If you can identify the primary reason for your stress maybe you can begin to see what you need to do to fix it. I know this is so often easier said that done – but please remember it is your health and your happiness at stake here and that has to be your priority.

Be Proactive. You know your own body better than any one else. Listen to it, and react accordingly when it is trying to tell you something. Don’t ignore potential symptoms, recognise them and get them treated.

Cure

In recent years health care costs have risen between two and three times faster than inflation and naturally enough health insurance has become more costly at the same time making it seem altogether too unattractive an option for some people.

But while the vast majority of us would never dream of driving our car uninsured or living without household insurance, we do exactly that with our own bodies! We trust our health to luck and good fortune!

Consider, if you will, the following facts: –

– The British National Health Service is stretched to its limits with up to a million people on waiting lists at any one time.

– Few other countries in the world offer any form of ‘free’ medical treatment, if you are thinking of retiring abroad bear this in mind.

– In retirement most people live on a fixed income which does not allow for exorbitant and ever increasing health care costs.

– As we get older our bodies need more TLC and fine tuning, and age makes us more susceptible to ill health and increases average recovery and recuperation times.

These facts show why it is important to consider health care costs when it comes to retirement planning. And in considering health care costs and retirement, factor in increasing health insurance premiums if you have insurance. Factor in health care costs if you are relocating abroad without insurance. Factor in the potential need for private treatment ‘back home’ for serious conditions, and also consider the fact that you or your spouse may need long term, full time care later in life.

But don’t panic!

At this point many people panic and decide to do nothing. (Guilty?)

They can only see a potentially huge cost that they simply can’t afford. But health insurance comes in many forms. Find a reputable company to advise you, get a second opinion and shop around! And while you may not be able to afford the ‘platinum 5 star package’ you may still be able to afford a little peace of mind and an acceptable level of care should you need it.

The Emotional Aspect.

How come some people seem old at 40, while other people can exude youth, life and vitality that belies their age?

Presuming good health, I can only assume that mental attitude is at play here!

So how can we make sure we’re the ones full of beans in our 80s rather than the ones on tranquillisers in our 40s?

Learn to love life! Life knocks us all about sometimes – and at times we’ve probably all felt like we’ve gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. However take some time to consider the good things about your life. Make an effort to reflect upon the positive; enjoy life’s simple pleasures and create a balance that always leans towards the positive and not the negative.

Keep your mind active! Keep learning and developing throughout life. Never feel that you’re too old to learn new skills – it’s simply not true that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks!

Focus on positive emotions rather than negative ones! Negative emotions bring mental and physical disharmony and ill health. If you dwell on regrets, disappointments or resentment you will be weighed down with bitterness and miss out on life. People who can forgive and love will remain youthful simply because they will have anticipation and excitement in their lives. And if you don’t love or feel loved you’ll quickly start to age and feel lonely.

Don’t stop dreaming and hoping and longing! Stay future focused. You will find that your motivation, desire and anticipation for the future and the realisation of your dreams will keep you positive and active and that your stamina will be boosted, your energy levels heightened and your mental attitude will stay young.

Wealthy – Financial Wellbeing in Retirement

Financially speaking, the ‘cost of delay’ in terms of retirement planning can be illustrated like this – if a 25 year old and a 35 year old were to start saving today for retirement at age 55 and the 25 year old invested £300 a month towards retirement, the 35 year old would have to increase his contributions to £803 a month to achieve the same potential returns!

I know, I know, talking about money – especially pensions – is the fastest way to send anyone to sleep. But seriously, it’s never too soon to take charge of the financial aspects of retirement planning!

And if you’re still not convinced, according to research out of 100 young people now aged 25, 1 will be rich in retirement, 4 will be financially independent, 5 will still be working, 12 will be completely broke, 29 will be dead, and 49 will be dependent on their friends, family and charity. That means that of those who live to retirement, 93% will be dependent on friends, relatives and charity!

Scary isn’t it?

So now that you’re ready to start your retirement financial planning (!) here are some important aspects that you need to consider.

Your own personal circumstances are unique: consider seeking professional and personalised independent financial advice before taking action – but do so as soon as possible.

Consider joining your employer’s occupational pension scheme (if one exists!) or getting yourself a personal pension – and the sooner the better!

Be realistic about how much you should be contributing towards your retirement – based on your age now, the age at which you hope to retire, and the lifestyle you hope to achieve in retirement.

Increase your contributions as your income increases and pay in as much as you can afford while you’re earning.

If you’re on a lower income you may wish to consider alternative savings vehicles – ISAs, National Savings or mutual funds for example. These can all be accessed prior to retirement if needs be. However, consider the tax effectiveness of any savings vehicle and remember that pension contributions generally have a higher rate of tax relief.

If you have a pension plan already in place but are unhappy with it or wish to change it, know that pension surrender or early encashment are rarely the best options available to you.

As you get older, consider topping up your pension.

Find out about your State pension entitlements and plan when you want to start receiving your private pension income. You can access funds from the age of 50, but of course it goes without saying that the longer you save, the longer your fund has to mature and the more likely you are to get better returns on your investment.

Never forget that the value of an investment can go down as well as up!

Think about the long term practical and taxation issues relating to the receiving of pension income if you choose to retire abroad or if you have been investing offshore. If you choose to retire in a country not classed as being within the European Economic Area your State pension (such as it might be) will not necessarily increase in line with inflation. Seeking professional advice is the first step in the right direction to finding the right financial solution – it will save you time and money in the long run and reduce your cost of delay significantly!

Is it too late for me?

Some people reading this article will agree with what I’ve written so far and then say –

“Great, but I’m 55 years old already, is it too late for me?”

The simple answer is that it’s never too late!

You just have to plan differently.

Being realistic is essential – if you don’t have a private pension, if you have little in the bank and have had no great luck on the lottery recently then it may be wise to shelve the yacht plans.

But taking the popular retirement plan of a house in the sun for example, that dream may well still be possible.

Consider North Cyprus or France for example – the difference in property prices between UK and both countries often means that there is a good opportunity to sell a UK home and buy in North Cyprus or France and put some cash in the bank.

Being careful is essential – let’s just say that you discover you can trade your 3 bed semi in for a 5 bed villa with a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Well, maybe a better deal for you would be to trade in a for a 2 bed bungalow, leaving a surplus of cash in the bank for further retirement enjoyment – the lower running costs of a 2 bed bungalow versus a 5 bed villa would also mean that your savings could go a lot further.

Never give up on your retirement aspirations – just massage them to fit your financial capabilities!

Wise – Spiritual Wellbeing in Retirement

According to current research around 74% of the British population dream about retiring abroad.

What with the lure of sunnier climes and the fact that the UK housing market has boomed in recent years enabling people to consider selling up, retiring to the sun AND putting some extra cash away in the bank, it is unsurprising really.

But if you decide to move away from your friends and family in retirement, or if your friends and family decide to leave you behind, how will you cope?

Loneliness and depression among the over 50 age group is an all too commonly reported problem nowadays. The death of a much loved partner, divorce, separation from friends and family or the departure of children from the family home can affect this age group particularly hard. And loneliness can often come to those people who do not prepare for their retirement when they suddenly feel the shock of leaving the day to day routine of a job behind, and miss the social contact they enjoyed in the work place.

While we can’t plan to avoid loneliness and sadness caused by the death of a loved one, we can make sure we have a good network of friends and family who are there with us always. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy sharing your retirement and to help you avoid loneliness in retirement.

Try and build up strong friendships with lots of people while you’re still in your 40’s and 50’s as it may be harder when you’re in your 60’s.

If you’re planning a retirement abroad (whether overseas or simply in another part of your home country) know that it can be fun and exciting but also a little bewildering!

Think about the friends you’ll be leaving behind and make sure that you part on good terms! Make sure your friends are aware that you’re not ending your friendship by moving away, and insist that they visit you in your new home – I’m sure they won’t object! Also, make provision and effort for regular contact via email or telephone.

If you move abroad you’ll probably meet many like minded people who’ve decided that retirement to the sun is their dream too. As everyone will be experiencing similar emotions: from the joy of a beautiful home to the loss of familiarity and close friends: you will have a tremendous advantage in that everyone will be as keen and eager to meet and make new friends as you are.

Retirees abroad often reflect on how much more open the people are in their new country; the need to be a part of a new community far outweighs any shyness or reluctance to join in! If you retire abroad, jump in with both feet and make an effort to meet and enjoy the company of the people in your new community.

Try learning a little of the language of the country you would like to retire to- the joy of being able to communicate in a foreign language even on the simplest level can add a new dimension and fullness to life and one of the best ways to understand any new culture is through language.

Throughout life make sure you keep your family ties strong. Stay in touch with extended family, get back in touch with long lost relations and remain close to your immediate family if you possibly can. If a family rift has occurred consider being the peace maker – it takes a ‘better person’ and a very strong and mature person to be the first to apologise.

And finally – if you do find that you suffer from loneliness there is no point whatsoever sitting and brooding about it. If you do that you will never beat it. You have to be proactive, seek out new friends and relationships. Get out of your house. Join a club, a society, an organisation and meet new people – even if you are not the sort of person who likes to get involved or join in – take a chance, you never know it might just pay off! Surely anything is worth one try if the result could be the alleviation of your loneliness?

The start of a new adventure

Retirement isn’t something to fear or dread – it’s the start of a whole new life with levels of freedom that you’ve probably never experienced before! Hopefully this article has covered the key points of effective retirement planning for you, and you can follow the retirement planning roadmap and secure yourself a healthy, wealthy and wise future.

Source by Rhiannon Williamson

There are quite a variety of rocking horses that are available in the market. If you are looking for a traditional or antique one, let me just clear out that they can tend to be really expensive. Finding an alternative, there are springs horses are quite cheap or rather affordable. These can be fun for the children to have a ride on. Another suggestion includes the plush rocking horse for your child as they usually adore plush toys. Therefore, having a plush rocking horse would be adored by them extensively, since it would be their sole possession.

Plush toys look quite real because children can play all sorts of adventures with them, yet at the same time, a plush rocking horse is likely to get damaged if it is of standard quality and the child would feel the impulse to have a ride on it. It is quite sturdy and it usually is supported by rockers that are made of wood. Sometimes they can be made of metal or plastic as well depending on the quality and the price. They are available in a variety of sizes, quality and prices. Usually they are found to be priced at an average $50 to several hundred dollars. There is an abundant variety of styles and therefore, you can also make a diverse selection other than just a rocking horse.

Multiple types’ carousal horses in various sizes such as medium, large and extra large for those who are in search for something different, unique and exclusive. There are times when we are inspired by the beauty of antique and medieval horses and are designed in a special way. These carousal horses are one of a kind and are used for decoration pieces as well. There are handcrafted ones as well that require special care and attention.

There are leather works and saddles arranged on horses that are handmade, hand stitched and stamped with their exclusive brands.

There are rocking horses that are made of lime wood and are basically replicas of old rocking horses that are in fact quite expensive and can not be afforded by the ordinary individual. Therefore, there are companies that provide with replicas of old antique rocking horses that are in other case beyond range.

There are springs wooden horses as well that are durable, comfortable, and have moulded plastic stirrups. These are hand decorated with colourful moulded base gauge. These have new full-length spring covers that have been added for protection. The spring is fully extended and has motion-activated sound box with eight different phrases and sounds.

Some of the basic classic wooden rock horses are available in the market. The features of these include natural solid wood construction with smooth polish and finish. It has a wide rocker base for secure and stable grip handles that can be handled with safety.

There are plastic rocking horses as well. These are in majority manufactured by China and include swinging fitness, are available in different designs like cats, giraffes and quite secure within the bounds of your house.

Source by Renshaw Jones