Today Is Your Day Boomer

Today is your day Boomer! Actually tomorrow is a big day....it is May 1, which means May Day or Labour Day in some countries, but globally it is recognized as International Labour Day. And since, most or all of us Boomers, worked for a long time....we benefitted greatly from the actions of labour to better our working conditions. According to one website: "Do you enjoy not having to work weekends? The 40-hour work week? Having sick days and paid time off? You can thank labor leaders for that. Thousands have marched, protested and participated in strikes in order to create fairer, more equitable labor laws and workplaces – and still do today." So, Sunday is a day to celebrate and honour the hard-working men and women in our world who pay into our pensions and tax reserves to give us a better life.....workers who also provide us with services and resources that make our retirement more enjoyable! Thank you....and thanks also to the many Boomers who are still working and co

Today is your day Boomer! If you want to hang out with fellow Baby Boomers, the Okanagan Valley in BC seems like the place to be. The latest numbers from Stats Canada indicate "Canada's California" as a higher-than-average Boomer destination. The Canadian average for Boomers is now under 25% for the first time in decades, but in the Okanagan, it is much higher. In Kelowna, 36,300 of the 144,575 people were born in the baby boom, or 25 per cent. In West Kelowna, it’s 27 per cent of the population, and in Lake Country it’s 29.5 per cent. In Vernon, Boomers account for 29.8 per cent of the population and in West Kelowna 27 per cent of the population were born during the baby boom, while the number is 29 per cent in Lake Country. In Penticton, Boomers account for 31.6 per cent of the population. Interestingly, the average age of a Canadian is 41.....while the average in the Okanagan is 45. This picture shows Summerland, where I live, and it is definitely in the grey-hai

Today is your day Boomer! And maybe it is your day to get out in our glorious spring and look at or buy some flowers. One of the most popular spring flowers is the tulip....available in 75 varieties from around the world. Apparently, the tulip originated in Asia about 1000 years ago and the origin of the word comes from "turban" because of how it somewhat resembles the head covering. What else? Wikipedia tells us about tulip festivals and whether or not the flower is edible: "Tulip festivals are held around the world, for example in the Netherlands and Spalding, England. There is also a popular festival in Morges, Switzerland. Every spring, there are tulip festivals in North America, including the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, Washington, the Tulip Time Festival in Orange City and Pella, Iowa, and the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tulips are also popular in Australia and several fe

Today is your day Boomer! I don't want to make a huge deal over this small act of kindness, but it is worth writing about. A "good samaritan" is someone who does a good deed for somebody, especially a stranger. The "strangers", in this case, were a momma duck and 13 babies crossing a very busy highway in Pitt Meadows in BC's Lower Mainland. The unidentified woman stopped her car and performed like a traffic cop for a few moments making sure the busy commuters didn't run over the duck family. One onlooker said "the ducks...after some hesitations – and a slight detour around the car to her right – made it safely across the busy road. It was very sweet to see – we are all in such a hurry these days, it was nice to see everyone stop and let them pass – not one horn honked!" Boomers, this type of personality trait is one I especially value! It is humanity defined, in my opinion, and is a welcome break from war, COVID protests, random violence

Today is your day Boomer! We pay tribute today to the oldest person in the world who passed away on the weekend. Her name was Kane Tanaka, and from Japan, she was 119! And.....she almost broke the record of oldest living person ever, which was 122. Also, have you noticed that the most of the oldest people in the world are from Japan and are women? About one in every 1565 people are over a century in age and 88% are women. Must be something in the water.....?! Here is more about Kane: born in 1903, Tanaka married a rice shop owner at the age of 19, and worked in the family store until she was 103. She twice survived cancer and lived through a multitude of historical events, surviving two world wars and the 1918 Spanish flu -- as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. Wow, I retired at age 60; she retired at age 103, 43 years after me. How lucky am I. And Boomers, think about it. The average age of female death in Japan is 87; that means she was 32 years beyond that. And speaking of

Today is your day Boomer! Yup, alot of us need new hips, knees, and other body replacement parts as we age. I have a number of tennis and golf friends who have already gone under the knife and most recovery stories I hear are excellent. Unfortunately in Canada right now, the wait lists are very long....mostly due to COVID....and the stories of prolonged pain are getting worse. So bad, in fact, that many of us are choosing what is called "medical tourism" and venturing to other countries for surgeries. Lithuania is a popular choice right now with a hip replacement running at about 15,000$....plus your flight, hotel, food etc. Yes, it is private, not public health care, so you pay for it, but for many in-pain Boomers, it is worth it! Meanwhile here at home, at the end of March, Canada’s health minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, said the country’s universal health-care system is “at risk” and announced a $2-billion pledge to help fix the surgery backlog. “These delays are a bur

Today is your day Boomer! Yesterday, I showed you some bits of advice from a reading entitled "The Back Nine". It is perfect for Boomers, as many of us enter the final phase of our life....the so-called "Golden Years". Here is more from that thoughtful piece: "But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but, I see the great change....Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant..but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd become. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit! And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of s

Today is your day Boomer! A close friend of mine sent me these thoughtful thoughts....they come from a piece called "The Back Nine", which, as a golfing analogy, refers to our last phase of life. It is only part of the story, but it is perfect for Boomers! Here you go; enjoy. CONSIDER THIS: ~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect! ~Going out is good.. Coming home is better! ~You forget names.... But it's OK because some people forgot they even knew you!!! ~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything like golf. ~The things you used to care to do, you aren't as interested in anymore, but you really don't care that you aren't as interested. ~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV 'ON' than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep". ~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. ~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"...&q

Today is your day Boomer! I don't know about you, but people all around me are getting COVID. And I guess because most are experiencing relatively-mild symptoms, they are not too concerned. For example, most people are not wearing masks anymore...in all types of situations, indoors and outside. And even if they do get the virus, they take the at-home test, self isolate for awhile, and they are done. So, how bad is it in Canada? A recent poll indicates almost one in four has had COVID! And "the more social you are — going out to restaurants, bars, and concerts — makes you a little bit more vulnerable to getting the disease. Vaccination status also played a role, with 38 per cent of unvaccinated respondents saying they had been infected compared to 20 per cent of their vaccinated counterparts". For many of us, it seems like a non-issue now....almost like "if we ignore it, it will go away completely" attitude. Good luck.....hospitalizations are going up and

Today is your day Boomer! Take a look at this picture and realize one thing.....climate change is here to stay. For you non-believers, look at the scientific evidence all around us. Huge hailstones in Texas never seen before, massive winterstorms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan this week in April with accumulations up to 50cm, glaciers receding all over the world at a rapid pace, and provinces like B.C. prepping for another big forest fire season.....no, sorry, now changing to a year-round strategy to combat fires. In my area, already three small fires in the past two days and it is only early spring. Yikes....the evidence is there if you research it and follow the news. Boomers, we have to adjust. For example, I know someone on the B.C. coast that just bought a house and insisted on buying one with air conditioning. What? They are two blocks from the cool summer breezes of the ocean and they want air? Yup....one summer season of heat domes will do that to you! Be ready Boomer

Today is your day Boomer! A special person in my circle of family and friends announced their retirement yesterday. A BIG day in her life and I would just like to say congratulations....many times over! I retired early at age 60 and many Boomers I know are trying to do the same thing. And I strongly recommend it! Go early and enjoy the little things in life: a second cup of coffee in the morning, two walks a day, grandkids, increased spouse time, new hobbies and more time for old hobbies, around-the-house projects, and simply....more time to just breathe. Most of us worked for 30-40 years, raised kids, and scrimped and saved money. We've earned the right to just kick back and enjoy the third phase of our lives. Just do it....and enjoy. Cheers!

Today is your day Boomer! You know all four of these guys may soon be gone! Yes, John and George have already passed, and Paul and Ringo are in their 70's......and still performing! I watched Paul do his thing in Vancouver a few years ago and, I admit, it was the best concert I have ever attended. Now, Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band are coming to Penticton, BC in October and tickets go on sale today! The cheapest seat is 80 bucks, but I can tell you from watching other concerts in the SOEC-like The Doobie Brothers-there is not a bad seat in the house. Here are the other Canadian concert dates if you live out of my area: 09/26 –Montreal, Quebec @ Place Bell 09/27 — Kingston, Ontario @ Leon’s Centre 09/30 — Mt Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino 10/01 — New Buffalo, Mi @ Four Winds Casino 10/02 — Prior Lake, MN @ Mystic Lake Casino 10/04 — Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Canada Life Centre 10/05 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ Sasktel Centre 10/06 — Lethbridge, Alberta @ Enmax Centre 10/0

Today is your day Boomer! We are all getting older Boomers, but maybe we can get older....slower! Exciting new research from the U.K. has just been announced that may reverse the aging of skin cells by 30 years. The research program indicates that they partly restored the function of older cells, without losing their specialized function. And these partially rejuvenated cells also showed signs of behaving more like youthful cells. What does this mean? One doctor says "eventually, we may be able to identify genes that rejuvenate without reprogramming, and specifically target those to reduce the effects of aging. This approach holds promise for valuable discoveries that could open up an amazing therapeutic horizon." For example, they mention Alzheimer's and cataracts as possible aging medical targets for Boomers and seniors! Right now, the average age of death in Canada is 82; it is supposed to rise to 84 by 2050, but with this new research.....maybe, just maybe, it w

Today is your day Boomer! I don't know his age, but from this picture it looks like Jay Carter might be a Boomer. But even if he isn't, he is a big inspiration for our generation! Jay, from Fernie, B.C., has skiied every single day in the local Alpine Ski Resort this season! That's every single day.....well over 100 times, and his plan is to continue right through the last day on April 17th. Wow, that is amazing! Carter says the season has been great so far, but that comes from his grateful attitude towards any skiing at all. “How do you complain about skiing, it’s the greatest thing in the world.” Asked whether skiing every day of every season would become a regular ‘thing’, Carter says “it remains to be seen.” “Next week I am going to sleep in.” Jay missed his ski time alot during the pandemic and wants to make the most of his winter days. And Boomers, that is what this blog is all about! Think of the benefits: regular exercise, fresh air, getting out into nature,

Today is your day Boomer! Julian Lennon is a Baby Boomer and is doing his part to influence the terrible war in Ukraine. The son of the famous Beatle has performed and recorded his father's poignant and emotional peace song "Imagine" and it is now available online. Previously, Julian said he would only do the song if the world was ending, but as he watched the atrocities of the Ukraine War unfold, he changed his mind. "The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all hoping for ... As a result of the ongoing murderous violence, millions of innocent families, have been forced to leave the comfort of their homes, to seek asylum elsewhere." Julian is especially asking for support of the multi-million refugees forced to leave their homes and is asking that you financially support the charity "Global Citizen". Boomers, please watch the video. It will remind you of John, just after the breakup of The Beatles; it will also tear at

Today is your day Boomer! It is the fastest growing sport in North America and it is obviously very important for Boomers. It is pickleball and a group of Boomers in Victoria are doing something about it! They lost their courts recently in the James Bay area and decided to hold a peaceful, but effective, protest in front of city hall. They set up a temporary court and played in front of the civic building. "We just decided we would step out here and show council and the mayor what pickleball is all about,” said local pickleball organizer Janine Douglas. “The message we’re trying to send is this is a sport that is just growing phenomenally … There’s a lot of seniors, but there’s also a lot of young people too because it’s a sport you can play with families.” The issue is noise. Local residents say the courts are too close to houses and too noisy. The banging sound of bat on ball is irritating, so the courts came down. Not so fast, say the Boomer protestors. Let's talk

Today is your day Boomer! It will be one of the most compelling human stories in sports. When Tiger Woods steps onto the grass at the famous Masters golf tourney in Georgia today, he will literally "step" very carefully. He will try to walk and golf one of the most hilliest courses on the PGA Tour just 14 months after shattering his legs multiple times in a car accident. In fact, one leg was so bad doctors wanted to amputate! Woods is known for playing in pain; and yes, he has won major tournaments before with an extremely bad back and iffy knees. He is tough and proud and loves to play.....and we love to watch this man. Despite his wonky personal life, he is a magnet for golf watchers because he can do things with a golf club that only you and I can dream about. He is the greatest player of all time, and even at age 46, he is a contender with the 20-year-olds! And Boomers, that is another reason why we may admire and watch him. He reminds us that even older guys a

Today is your day Boomer! Health is a big concern of mine right now as I prepare for open-heart surgery this year. For many Boomers, it is also on their minds as they "age".....and of course our doctors tell us constantly to exercise, eat right, don't drink too much, get enough sleep, and avoid smoking. But what are our biggest worries? According to medical website scripps.org, here are North American Baby Boomers 10 greatest health concerns: COVID, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, depression, osteoporosis, arthritis/joint replacement, flu/pneunomia, and something called "Sandwich Generation" stress....which is described this way: "In addition to caring for their own families, many boomers are caring for elderly parents. The stress of being a dual caregiver can be significant, especially on those who are also working, struggling financially or dealing with other challenges. “It’s important to take care of yourself first,” says o

Today is your day Boomer! Many Boomers think of warmer climates when considering holidays and travel. You know, some beach time....tropical rainforests, ocean gazing etc. But how about something different? Some family members of mine recently spent a week in March in the Rockies in the snow and sun.....hiking near icy rivers, lakes, and waterfalls with sun-crested mountains in the background. They also hit the local hot springs and spa. Speaking of cold, have you considered Iceland? It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and cheapest since 2008. It is also considered the friendliest nation in the world to visit and, of course, the winter ice scenery is stunning. And speaking of stunning, this picture features "ice waves" in chilly Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. As well, icebergs in Lake Winnipeg sometimes have stripes, formed by layers of snow that react to different conditions. Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with me

Today is your day Boomer! For some reason Boomers, this day in history....April 4th....is a biggie. Check out this list: In 1896, gold is found in Yukon. In 1968, activist Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated. In 1973, the World Trade Center opens in New York City. In 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 714th career home run, tying Babe Ruth’s record. In 1975, Microsoft is founded. In 1986, Wayne Gretzky sets an NHL record with his 213th point of the season. In 1989, NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar plays in the last game of his career. For me, the athletic accomplishments are huge....but I am thinking, for most Boomers, the start of Microsoft is the most influential. The Bill Gates-Paul Allen company changed our world so dramatically and still to this day is likely the computer hardware and/or software you and I are using right now! The Seattle-based corporation made 168 billion last year and a big indication of success is its stock price as of today....$312 American. More importantly is h

Today is your day Boomer! Yesterday's "good news" was partially about Boomers returning to the U.S. for some cross-border shopping. We can do this now without expensive and time-consuming COVID tests. So, what are the prices like? A survey yesterday in Bellingham, Washington...which is just across the border from Vancouver, BC revealed some pretty good savings! Check this out: "After converting to Canadian dollars, a typical jug of whole milk in Bellingham sold for $2.49, while the same product in B.C. was $5.89. A carton of 18 large white eggs in Bellingham was the equivalent of $3.12 Canadian compared to $5.89 in B.C. A loaf of whole wheat bread, on the other hand, actually cost more in Washington, retailing for the equivalent of $2.49 Canadian at Fred Meyer, but available in B.C. for $2.29. And then there’s the gas, which was selling for US$4.29 per gallon, which according to USGAS.ca converts to about CAD$1.42 per litre." In my BC town, gas sells for

Today is your day Boomer! Okay Boomers, do you want the good news or bad news today? How about both? It is April 1st, so the bad news is that someone may play an April Fools joke on you today. Watch out for crazy media stories and Saran Wrap on the toilet! More bad.....the price of alcohol goes up today as another federal excise tax kicks in; this even applies to to non-alcoholic beer! Also, gas is going up about 2 cents a litre as another Carbon Tax increase takes effect....oh boy! On the good side, you can cross the border now into the U.S. without a COVID test; this opens up the ease of travelling for Boomers who are coming back from warmer states. April means spring is officially here and we can expect nicer, warmer days ahead. And for Boomers who still have a job, it is International Walk To Work Day and this means: "Walking can be a great stress reliever. It not only works the muscles and increases heart rates, but also allows the senses to take in different enviro