Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Employment for Seniors

As our population becomes increasingly composed of Seniors, many companies are recognizing that this age group is an untapped source of skilled and talented labor. And the “Baby Boomer” mentality of this age group is very different from previous generations for whom just reaching retirement was a very typical goal. However, in years past, the broad availability of well funded pension programs allowed a large proportion of our working population to reach retirement age, stop working, and “relax” with the grandkids.

But, not only is it now more difficult to have secured that financial security, many people who reach the magical age, or number of years on the job, just aren’t emotionally ready to remove themselves from the active and social life that employment provides. Consequently, we are seeing many people who are in the “Senior” category either continue to work at their careers of many years, or maybe return to employment after a few years in a completely different line of work.

Employers are taking advantage of this because it can be a source of workers who have experience, are reliable, have a strong work ethic and exhibit a lower rate of turnover. Also, Seniors are often willing to work only part-time and have a more flexible work schedule than a younger employee with family responsibilities at home.

So, if you are considering going back to work to gain a little financial freedom to do more, or to afford a few luxuries, or if you just want to re-engage socially with a set of co-workers, don’t be afraid to start your search. There are a lot of resources that specialize in finding the right match between employers and seniors.

And who knows? You might find a whole new career that will give you a good adjunct to your current income.

Good luck on your search.

Tom Binder

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Heart-Healthy Holiday Season

Right at Home, a provider of In Home Care and Assistance services included a timely article in their Newsletter "CARE" on how to maintain a healthy heart during the holiday season. The article is by Dr. Rita Redberg, a leading cardiologist at the University of California San Francisco. Although the holidays can be a hectic time, Dr. Redberg provides 10 tips for getting through the season feeling healthier and less stressed.

The two I like best are:

1. When going for the chocolate, start with "dark chocolate with intense flavors and savor a small piece of it. If it keeps you from eating that whole box of milk chocolates, it's done the trick."

2. When shopping, "take the stairs. Or pass up that parking space closest to the store and walk a little farther. Every step helps." You know my feelings about exercise: we never get enough!!

You can read the entire article by clicking on the link below.

http://www.poststat.net/rightathome/pub.59/issue.927/article.3843/

So, don't wait until your New Years resolutions start on January 1. Start now to help your heart stay healthy over the holidays.

Happy Holidays

Tom Binder

Campbell Senior Resource Fair, January 20, 2009

Do you ever wonder about services available
for seniors in Santa Clara county?

Stop wondering and come by the Senior Resource Fair to visit 50 vendors who service seniors. This is for all people 50+ years old. Open to the general public. You will meet many service providers that can answer your questions.

Come to: Campbell Community Center: Orchard City Banquet Hall
1 West Campbell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008


Refreshments and great door prizes! Sponsored by Senior Roundtable

See you there.

Tom Binder

Monday, December 15, 2008

What is a Grandparent

A little insight for all grandparents!!!

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?? (Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)

-Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.
-A grandfather is a man & a grandmother is a lady!
-Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them.
-They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run.
-It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.
-When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.
-They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on cracks.'
-They don't say, 'Hurry up.'
-Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.
-They wear glasses and funny underwear.
-They can take their teeth and gums out.
-Grandparents have to be smart. They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?
-When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.
-Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.
-They know we should have snack time before bed time and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.
-A 6 YEAR OLD WAS ASKED WHERE HIS GRANDMA LIVED. ''OH,'' HE SAID, '' SHE LIVES AT THE AIRPORT AND WHEN WE WANT HER WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.''
-GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!
-It's funny when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

This helped me understand my grandkids!!!!

Tom Binder

Friday, December 12, 2008

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

I have been asked several times, “What is an SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)?” So here is an abbreviated explanation.

As our expected life span continues to increase and the average age of our population increases, the Real Estate community has recognized that this shift in demographics will result in a new set of housing demands. And almost every issue dealing with housing will have its own special twist related to Seniors. Consequently, a special training program has been developed to help REALTORS® understand these requirements and opportunities. And those who take this special training are awarded the SRES designation.

Some of the topics covered which can be unique for Seniors include the following:
-Homes with features specifically to accommodate the needs of Seniors
-Overall concept of “Universal Design”
-Taxes
*Capital gains issues with death of spouse
*Tax base transfer when moving
*Tax base step up with death of spouse
*Tax deferral on investment property through Internal Revenue Code 1031 Exchanges
-Aging in Place resources and services
-Services available to assist in logistics of moving and downsizing after many years in one home
-Estate Planning issues and need to utilize an estate planning expert
-Housing alternatives for Seniors

Recognizing the constantly changing rules and regulations, SRES provides us a newsletter and frequent programs to help monitor all of the relevant changes. In addition, we participate in organizations and meetings like the Senior Roundtable to develop a network of service providers for Seniors so that we can bring the best expertise to our clients when needed.

I will be pleased to discuss housing issues with anyone who may be thinking about making a change. Also check my earlier postings, Staying in Your Home or Downsizing, http://wgseniors.blogspot.com/2008/11/staying-in-your-home-downsizing-or.html and Caregiving for Seniors, http://wgseniors.blogspot.com/2008/11/caregiving-for-seniors.html.

I hope you're farther along with your holiday preparations than I am! I really should start doing some shopping soon!!!

Best regards
Tom Binder

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Baby Boomers' Plans to Move

A poll conducted for AARP shows some very interesting information concerning the intentions of Baby Boomers concerning moving or staying in their current home.

One in four baby boom generation households (26%) expects to move from their current home in the future, with the majority looking for a single-level home that is more comfortable or convenient, according to a new survey prepared for AARP.

Echoing past surveys, most boomers (79%) say they would like to stay in their current home for as long as possible. Some – less than 10% -- said they would like to stay in their current home but don’t think they will be able to do so.

Many of those who expect to move said they will be looking for a better house, a better climate or a home that is closer to family and friends. More than half of those boomers (age 45-64) planning to move expect to look for a home that’s all on one level (59%). About half said they will look for a newer home (50%) or a smaller home (49%).

The poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for AARP was released to coincide with the announcement of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards from AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honoring innovative thinking in the field of home and community design.

Older boomers are significantly more likely than younger boomers to think that they will move into a single level home (68% vs. 54% of those planning to move), but age is not the only factor that affects expectations. Boomer men are more likely than women to believe they will move into a newer home (61% vs. 42%) or move into a home in a warmer or better climate (41% vs. 25%) Boomer women are more likely than men to think they will move into a smaller home (54% v. 41%).