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House Sitting - One Woman's Never Ending Story

aadmin — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:56:25 +0000

Americans have specialized in alternative lifestyles that can be traced back to Thoreau’s call to step to the beat of a different drum.

California’s Kelly Hayes-Raitt has heeded a distinctive rhythm by financing a political activist’s life as a house sitter in Lake Chapala, London, Paris, Copenhagen and the outskirts of Amsterdam.

Her nomadic existence has offered the opportunity to write and edit about Iraqi and Palestinian refugees at LivingLargeInLimbo.com and by blogging for Violating Sanctions.

Hayes-Raitt is a lifelong political activist and spokesperson for campaigns championing women's rights, environmental cleanup, consumers' rights and other social justice causes.

She has house sat in Chapala, Mexico since 2010, her away home from mid-September to mid-February and from April to June.

Setting Up House Sitting Arrangements

Hayes-Raitt, 52-years-old, has established a trusted relationship with an older retired couple. They cover all the expenses of the house, including a house keeper, a pool maintenance man, and gardeners. She’s responsible for making sure the house runs smoothly during their absence, including caring for their dog.

She rents out her house in Los Angeles – an ongoing source of rental income – incurs no housing expenses in Lake Chapala. With lower expenditures in Mexico, compared to California, she saves on income.

“It’s perfect,” said Hayes-Raitt. “I love the community.” She feels she has roots in Chapala because she’s lived there many seasons. “I enjoy the house and the dog and I’m friends with the neighbours.”

HouseSitMexico.com has been an excellent web departure point for the roaming activist – and TrustedHousesitters.com – where home owners with pets search for house sitters.

Retired people in Mexico often return to the USA or Canada for medical care or extended visits with families and grandchildren – or they’re seasonal retirees – half the year in Mexico – the other back home. A house sitter ensures safety and security, especially pet care.

The Role of the House Sitter

Flexibility and a spirit of adventure are the key house sitter traits. Every home has its quirks so they need to be comfortable with pets and all household routines – and be available on the house owner’s timetable – their departures and return dates. “It requires emotional, financial, and time flexibility.”

Hayes-Raitt's resourcefulness is supplemented by“a hell of a lot of faith.” She'll leave Chapala for Los Angeles in January 2014, then off to Europe for the summer months. But she’ll be unable to firm up her plans until April or May when summer house sitting season opens across the Atlantic.

Her run-down on house sitters types:

Vacationers who want to spend several weeks or months without paying for accommodations
Toe-tippers. People who want to check out retirement in foreign communities
Entrepreneurial house sitters who create income from their rental property and pare down expenses while living in a foreign country
Writers and artists – like Hayes-Raitt – who free up time for their passion
A combination of the above

Whatever the aims for boomers and younger middle-aged house sitters, Hayes-Raitt advises that they know their goals and basic needs.

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Octogenarian Finds his Niche with Online Fine Art Marketing

aadmin — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 13:53:20 +0000

Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art – Andy Warhol

If the 20th Century artist had lived to see the coming of the Internet Age he might have branded his website with this quote.

Peter Worsley, an 84-year-old painter from Santa Barbara, CA, has adopted a brand of his own – I paint ordinary people, doing everyday things, at interesting places.

After working 50 years in aerospace and computer marketing, Worsley retired in 1996. Now, a painter, he displays his fine art on a website he created by mastering Dreamweaver.

He advises 21st century professional artists to market their artwork by paying special attention to branding. “It’s the ideal way to rise above the thousands of other artists. A website is indispensable.”

Worsley has found his niche. He opposes traditional Madison Avenue mass marketing as a ‘push’ medium. “Today, inbound marketing is the key.”

He understands the process. His website captures visitor information; he follows up with e-mails in search of potential purchases for his paintings. “Successful artists need to spend a third of their time marketing to maintain their client base; two-thirds of their time spent creating” – the elder artist’s formula for success.

In 2011, the National Endowment for the Arts identified 2.1 million artists in the United States. With so many artists seeking work, these statistics are an incentive to promote online.

After retirement, Worsley wanted to pursue another profession. He discovered he had a talent for painting and meticulously studied under other artists.

He always has been entrepreneurial and has developed a popular newsletter that is automatically distributed to Twitter and on his Facebook newsfeed.

His affinity for social media is heighted by his use of Pinterest. Women are about five times as likely to be on the site as men, the largest difference in gender of any site featured in the PewInternet report The Demographics of Social Media Users – 2012.

“Females are not identified as collectors of art,” Worsley states, “but they are big influencers of art collectors.” He ensures his art work is well-represented on Pinterest and claims success at having his art re-pinned along with their descriptors and links.

The indefatigable artist/marketer knows that it’s never too late to set another goal. He intends to write an e-book on how artists can market themselves in the 21st century.

Paintings in this article are courtesy of Peter Worsley - Fine Art Painter.

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SOS - Sweet Pair of Cats Look for New Home in Retirement Community

aadmin — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 08:00:26 +0000

Several years ago, we started caring for a very lovable pair of cats after their owner died. Now, we are moving and though we have to be out of our house in a couple of weeks, we have not yet found a place to go.

During this transition, we will not be able to keep our very lovable and sweet cats Kenny and Willow. This is a really tough situation and we are looking for a new or a temporary home for this sweet twosome.

Because they are older and super sweet, a few friends suggested that we reach out to nearby retirement communities in the Central New York State Area to see if they would be interested in having a sweet resident pair of cats.

All Kenny wants is love and to sit on someone's lap and purr, and once shy Willow gets to know you, she just wants to nestle in your arms and knead. Both cats are rescues, are indoor cats, and in very good health.

Kenny is a ginger and white male, about 12 years old, and Willow is a long haired tortoiseshell/tabby, about 11. They are both very affectionate and friendly. We don't want them to go to the SPCA or live in a crate or be separated. They need love and attention and have so much love to give in return.

They really are sweethearts and are just SO appreciative of any minute of affection! I am attaching pictures. If you might be interested, or know of anyone who might need some love and extra furry company, please let me know or pass along this message.

We really want to "do right" by them and it would be so great to find them a wonderful home, even if for a couple of months until we have a place to live. We are happy to help pay for their care and think that they would make the most wonderful pets for older people, being older and mellow characters themselves!

Many thanks,

Victoria Campbell & John Stetch
(607) 539 6076 (home)
(607) 200 4100 (cell)
vivzs@hotmail.com
jjstetch@gmail.com

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Retired carnival worker returns to the midway

aadmin — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:56:01 +0000

George Fania, 68, recently had his wish to return to an Amusements of America carnival granted, thanks to national nonprofit, Twilight Wish Foundation. Fania, a resident of Summit Ridge Center in West Orange, spent over 40 years of his life working as an electrician, with many of them spent with Amusements of America, working on traveling carnival rides and machinery.

He was forced to retire due to back issues, but misses work, his co-workers and former boss, Morris Vivona very much. Fania faithfully reads Carnival Magazine to stay abreast of the industry, but still misses that part of his life.

Fania’s volunteer advocate at his nursing facility, Audrey Larsen, submitted the wish application on his behalf. Throughout his life, Fania gave back to his community, often donating his services to those less fortunate.

He was also a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts for many years. His wish to revisit an Amusements of America traveling carnival was granted on June 18, 2013 when he was transported from his nursing facility to the St. Gregory the Great carnival in Hamilton Square, NJ.

Fania spent the day with several former co-workers, including former boss, Vivona. Special thanks to Lifestar who donated the transportation of Fania to and from the carnival.

According to Larsen, who attended the wish granting, Fania was overwhelmed by the event. “They (his former co-workers) were unbelievable; they spent the entire day with him,” said Larsen. “

George was overjoyed to re-connect with his career and co-workers and hopes to maintain connections with his carnival family.”

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The Harsh Fashion Realities of Aging Women

aadmin — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 17:47:32 +0000

Style consultant Sherrie Mathieson is on a mission to modernize aging women’s fashion. Working with older clients into their 80's, she aims to develop a wardrobe based on simplicity.

She believes older women need to forgo competition with their younger counterparts and opt for classic restraint and clean lines.

“I see women committing the most egregious mistakes,” says Mathieson who is the author of “Forever Cool: How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style” and “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets.”

The Fashion Mistakes of Older Women

Their apparel can be unflattering and outdated. Below is a list of Mathieson's concerns:

• Roomy or bulky clothes that attempt to hide a woman's weight and figure
• Clothing that is too tight and too revealing
• High heels. Difficult for walking, especially for older women
• An overload of accessories – diamonds, rhinestones, gold and lamé
• Animal prints such as leopard prints
• Leather or fake leather, especially black
• Short skirts, revealing cleavage, to imitate younger women
• Makeup. If makeup is worn it needs to have a natural tone
• Black outfits which are too harsh against older womens' skin
• Dressing down. Older women who gain weight may resort to bulky t-shirts and jeans
• Pastel colors like pink, light blue, pale yellow and mint green – typical of Sun City
• T-shirts that say: "My Grandchild Loves Me"

How Older Women Can Dress and Remain Vibrant

Mathieson’s classic fashion approach for senior women counters the plethora of senior style faux pas. Apparel should include:

• Clothing with clean lines and modern fabrics
• Ensembles that fit correctly on the figure
• Simple white shirts or denim shirts
• Polo shirts - the collar frames the neck, diverting attention away from wrinkles
• Athletic wear designed for casual comfort
• Sporty sneakers, flats and rubber-soled shoes for walking ease
• A durable bag that complements an outfit
• Clothes that pack effortlessly without requiring excessive care for travel purposes
• For the pool, a one-piece bathing suit in a solid color, not overly revealing

The classic wardrobe favored by Mathieson originates in the preppy look of New England and the Southern states. Its simplicity evokes a modernity that preserves a younger look for older adults.

After women achieve an easier, streamlined approach, they can layer; add a shawl or a bracelet if chosen wisely.

Before becoming a fashion consultant, Mathieson worked extensively in high fashion. She has spent years as a consume designer in film, TV, MTV, and has dressed rock bands.

Now, she feels prepared her to advocate for an aging population, an overlooked demographic in her consideration.

“They’re basically ignored and improperly handled by the media,” she insists. “People who are easily dismissed.”

Clothing is an intimate form of self-expression for older adults and can be elevated beyond the harsh realities.

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How Older Adults reconnect with music's spotlight

aadmin — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:51:32 +0000

In late June, 2013, 77-year-old Helga Beier will perform a 20-minute recital at the Theatersaal of the University in Bremen, Germany.

Her piano playing was brought to a standstill during World War II while in her 20s. Germany was at war and people couldn't make long-term plans.

A half a century later, she rediscovered the instrument, exactly realizing the repertoire she wanted to practice and perform.

Retirement freed her from financial and family pressures, providing her with time to reunite with the piano.

Unexpectedly, she turned away her attention from the traditional classical repertoire – Mozart or Beethoven – and focused on contemporary classical music like Kurtag, Boulez, Cage or Schoenberg.

"Not precisely mainstream," says her teacher Juan María Solare.

“It was a difficult choice for her, finding a teacher who loves and understands experimental avant-garde music," says Solare, a Buenos Aires-born pianist and composer who has lived in Germany since 1993.

Helga had listened to hours of classical and pop music but she needed to experiment with something new.

Another student of Solare, Markus Deinhard, a 50-Plus pediatrician, will also perform in the recital at the Theatersall. He has played piano as a hobby since youth and approached Solare to overcome his time constraints.

The physician practices music after working hours, integrating it in his life as a non-professional. His challenge is to attain the right notes and give shape to music through performance and interpretation.

"He wants to understand how the piece was composed,” Solare says.

The 20 minute recitals before a small audience provide an adequate challenge. "More than 20 minutes would be too much pressure, playing less wouldn't be enough."

The return to a musical instrument is a pay-back for a debt to themselves, a fulfilment of the need to positively reconnect with their past. Intrinsic motivation is the key for older adults returning to music. They’re uninterested in becoming professionals.

Despite years or decades, they recognize they haven't lost their musical skills. Complacency is the obstacle. They've retained their aptitude, but still need to make a rigorous sacrifice to attain a higher stage. The reward is to accept the test and pass with flying colors.

"My art as a teacher is to sense what I can do to require the personal best from each student, neither over nor falling too short.”

"This is bliss! They can create music without second thoughts," Solare says. "They're not worried about selling songs or undermining the joy of making music.”

For Helga and Markus, public concerts give their musical efforts an external, visible goal, as they do for Solare's younger piano pupils. Annual recitals before a small audience – usually fewer than 50 people – are concrete indicators of improvement.

They have rediscovered the joys of performing live music with the help of a capable teacher.

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Low-income senior receives therapy dog as donation

aadmin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:52:42 +0000

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” As dog lovers know, our canine friends offer pure unconditional love and loyalty, playing many roles in our lives: family member, psychiatrist, friend and defender.

Ari Yoder experienced this relationship with her beloved service dog, Sammy. Sammy was her constant companion and, in addition to being her service dog, was also a therapy dog. Together, they volunteered in a drug treatment facility where Sammy had regular pet therapy groups.

Sadly, Sammy became seriously ill at the age of nine and had to be euthanized. His death left Yoder heartbroken and she could not bear to replace him for several years.

But, time heals all wounds, and she recently realized that she missed the constant companionship of a dog, as well as the volunteer work that the two of them did together. But, because she lives on a fixed income, she could not afford the start-up costs associated with adopting a dog.

Yoder, 69, submitted an application to Twilight Wish Foundation, a national nonprofit that grants wishes to low-income seniors, asking for assistance with the costs associated with adopting a dog such as adoption fees, immunizations, and supplies. Twilight Wish accepted her wish application and worked hard to raise the funds to cover Yoder’s adoption expenses.

Many groups and individuals were also touched by her story on Facebook and the Twilight Wish website and donated generously. Happily, Yoder found Danny, a six-year-old Golden Labrador, at a local shelter, and adopted him on Thursday, March 22, 2013.

Yoder has been active in community service since she was in high school, including volunteering with the Peace Corps in Micronesia and serving as a disaster specialist for the American Red Cross for several years. She currently volunteers for the West Seattle Senior Center as a thrift shop cashier and in their computer lab, teaching computer skills to other seniors. Yoder plans to train Danny to be a therapy dog and continue giving back to the community.

“This lovely dog has brought unconditional love and companionship into my life,” said Yoder. “In just over two weeks, he has changed my life. Thank you, thank you, Twilight Wish!”

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