I am grateful to have found a job that I actually want to go to everyday.  Let me rephrase that:  I am thankful that I have been afforded the opportunity to enjoy what I do to earn a living.

During these past several months, I have been advised to take whatever job is offered, apply for anything that becomes available, take every exam/test that opens—just get myself on a list, any list, and of course, my favorite smack down reminder, “Your Cadillac salary days are over. Just get something that pays something, anything.”

These individuals all meant well.  They are all in their 50s and some in their early 60s; they understand the daunting challenge I was facing trying to find employment in an ageist society and recession-induced economy.

I don’t want to live a life of workplace disappointment, bitterness, resentment and that’s-not-my-job job-hating existence.  I want my work life to be more than just a paycheck.  That was my attitude at the beginning of my working career.  I hope to be spared reverting to that mindset at the twilight of my public sector career.

At the end of the day, I am the only one who has to live with the way I choose to earn a living.

Yes.  I am truly grateful that this circus of circumstances has taught me that I still have what employers want; that I can still, at 57, get job offers and actually get hired—and offered a decent and livable salary.

Yes.  After 43 years in the workforce, I am thankful to be still enjoying going to work!

The New Kid…At 57

But, they forgot to factor in one reality; this is my work life challenge, not theirs.

It hasn’t been easy being the “new kid” in my new job/work assignment.  I have been humbled in so many ways that have left my work persona/ego bruised, battered and blistered.

But you know what?  I’ll get over it.  I will get through it.  You don’t get to be 57 on this planet in this day and age (economy) without having cultivated some survival skills. My emotional and mental state of mind, of feeling like ET during the IT-driven job hunting process and just wanting to go home (old job) are slowly ebbing away.

Some work/career lessons I learned decades ago prove to be still relevant and useful strategies for my workplace survival kit. 

I don’t have to be popular, but I do have to be civil.  Regard others the way I want to be regarded.
It’s rarely about me. When necessary, I try to remind myself that there is usually history (politics) at play in a new work culture that I have absolutely no clue about. So why take a difficult or unpleasant situation personally—especially when I know I had nothing to do with creating it?
No matter what culture/work environment philosophy is preached or promoted, understand that the real work culture that is actually practiced by my new coworkers is what I must learn to navigate without compromising my work ethic.
Is it about the work or is it about the money?  As long as it’s about the work, I will be okay; but if I focus on dollars and decimal digits, I won’t thrive or survive in such a work environment.

Retirement is still winking ever closer.  In the meantime, I’m enjoying my new public sector career journey!

Veterans Day is a perfect opportunity to recognize men and women who have served the United States as members of the Armed Forces. When we asked for some stories about veterans throughout the Oasis network, there were many from which to choose. We’ve selected Dean Zimmerman and Ethel Mariam this time around, but look forward to hearing more great stories from veterans who are now part of the Oasis community. We thank each of you for your service and commitment to our country!

Witness to history and seeing the world

He considers himself a Korean War veteran, at least officially, but as a young recruit drafted right out of high school in 1945, Dean Zimmerman (right) experienced the aftermath of World War II up close.

He found himself assigned to guarding German prisoners of war as they awaited transport to their trials at Nuremberg and in 1947, he was among the troops assigned to protect the Morgan Line, to cool down claims to the Free Territory of Trieste between Italy and Yugoslavia.

Zimmerman served in the U.S. Army in a number of capacities, from rifleman to company clerk to supply sergeant in the medical depot to squad leader, squad sergeant and master sergeant.

Zimmerman, 88, retired from the army in 1965, and remained in the Reserves until 1975. He proudly wears his U.S. Army veteran hat, and says people thank him for his service to his country, although he still seems amazed at the opportunities he had as a result.

“As a kid from a small town in southwest Iowa, the army definitely gave me a better life than I might have had,” he says. “I saw the world—nine countries.”

Zimmerman enjoys participating in the bus trips and finds himself drawn to classes on history and current events at the Indianapolis Oasis.

Making WAVES and history

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ethel Mariam (left) was ready to join the U.S. Navy. There were a few hurdles: she was only a senior in high school, her parents wouldn’t allow it and there simply weren’t any women in the Navy yet. That didn’t stop her.

“I wrote to the navy, and they told me to wait a year. By then there was an opportunity for women. I talked my parents into it and two weeks before my 20^th birthday, in 1943, I became one of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), U.S. Naval Reserve.

“We were there to replace the desk jobs stateside so that the men could go overseas,” says Mariam. “We wanted to be there,” she recalls.

Mariam served in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1946, and then went home to go to school at St. Louis University. Not long after, she was commissioned to organize a group of women in the reserves and stayed, advancing to the rank of captain in 1974.

Today, at 92, Mariam remembers the exact dates that she was elevated in rank and in what capacities she served during her 38 years in service.

“Many people didn’t want the WAVES, but I think we were the best thing that ever happened to U.S. forces. We paved the way for women to serve as they do today.”

Today, Ethel volunteers as a class coordinator at the St. Louis Oasis, where she has been very involved in the technology training.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and a great time to take a look at how we can keep ourselves safe online.

In our work training elders and eldercare professionals to prevent scams, the single biggest request we get is for more information about computer security. Many older adults simply have no idea of the risks, while others say they just won’t go near a computer out of fear that something bad will happen.

Neither option is a good answer. Instead, we want to help all of our seniors take a different approach to computers and the internet– one that acknowledges the risks, does something about them, and opens the amazing online world for their enjoyment. Whether it’s taking a course online to pursue lifelong learning, or just keeping up with the grandkids, older adults deserve the information and guidance they need to feel confident and secure in their online forays.

Recently we were very fortunate to interview on our podcast, The Scammercast, Marc Goodman, FBI futurist and author of the important book, Future Crimes: Everything’s Connected, Everyone’s Vulnerable, and What We Can Do About It. He described what’s known as The UPDATE Protocol, in which he uses each letter in the word “update” to guide your actions to keep yourself safe from 85% of the known cyber-threats. Here’s a brief summary:

• Update frequently: Automatically update your operating system, computer programs, and apps.
• Passwords: Use long passwords with a mix of characters and change them frequently.
• Download: Download programs only from official sites and watch out for dubious apps that ask for questionable permissions.
• Administrator: Create a separate standard user account for day-to-day tasks and surfing (especially on social media) and only use the administrator account for things like updates.
• Turn off: Turning off your computer when you aren’t using it will automatically reduce your risk by a third because crooks can’t touch your machine when it’s not turned on and connected to the Internet.
• Encrypt: Both Apple and PC computers have free programs for encrypting your computer’s hard drive, which means that someone else can’t read your stuff if your computer is lost or stolen.

If you’re not sure about how to take these steps, be sure to find a reputable tech person to provide assistance. Oasis Connections offers some fantastic training programs to help seniors navigate the online world.   Other suggestions include Apple or Microsoft Stores, office retailers such as Office Max or Staples, and computer specialty stores such as Micro Center.

You can learn many more steps to take to increase cyber security by listening to our podcast featuring Marc Goodman. Please subscribe to the podcast, as we have many more episodes in the pipeline dealing with cyber security and identity theft. We’re also proud to be a partner with the National Cyber Security Alliance and their Stop.Think.Connect program for online safety.

Be sure to like our page on Facebook and leave us a comment or question.

Curtis Bailey has practiced law in the metropolitan St. Louis area since 1991. He helps individuals and families preserve their wealth by designing comprehensive estate plans so they can live prosperously knowing that the legacy they leave will benefit and enhance the lives of their loved ones. He is co-director of Senior Scam Action Associates and is devoted to educating seniors, their caregivers and professionals that work with seniors about how to protect themselves from scams and fraud. He is co-host of the Scammercast podcast .

Art Maines, LCSW, has been in active clinical practice for 15 years. He is the author of Scammed: 3 Steps to Help Your Elder Parents and Yourself and also speaks and provides training on elderly fraud prevention and recovery at the state, national, and international levels. Art is co-director of Senior Scam Action Associates, co-host of the popular podcast Scammercast and has made numerous media appearances on television, radio, and podcasts.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is a scary word, but understanding breast cancer risks can allay fear and reduce unnecessary stress. Let’s start with frequently asked questions.

Does the risk of breast cancer increase with age?

The answer is yes, according to a National Cancer Institute report. The report indicates the risks that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer during the next 10 years by age:

• Age 50– 2.38 percent (or 1 in 42)
• Age 60– 3.56 percent (or 1 in 28)
• Age 70– 3.82 percent (or 1 in 26)

These probabilities are averages for the whole population. An individual woman’s breast cancer risk may be higher or lower depending on a number of known factors and on factors that are not yet fully understood. Keep in mind that a 2.38 percent chance at age 50 is also a 97.62 percent chance of not having breast cancer.

At what age and how often should mammogram screening begin?

A variety of well-known organizations have different recommendations on the age to begin and how often to repeat. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning at age 40 and repeating annually. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend women begin screening at age 50 and repeat the test every two years. The Mayo Clinic suggests working with your doctor to decide what is best for you based on your individual breast cancer risk.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, studies continue to uncover lifestyle factors and habits that alter breast cancer risk. Ongoing studies are exploring the effect of exercise, weight gain or loss, and diet on breast cancer risk. To help lower the chances of a cancer diagnosis, we can:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Limit alcohol
• Quit smoking

Conquer fear with knowledge and take control of your health. Find more information with the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

Our bodies go through many natural changes as we age. Some are external and for many, hard to accept, like hair loss and wrinkles. But other changes are internal, and influence the very quality of life.

The changes in our aging muscles, such as reduction in strength and endurance, impact our ability to fully participate in activities and maintain our independence. Loss of strength means it is harder to open a jar, carry grocery bags or turn a door knob. Loss of endurance can make it harder to vacuum, work in the garden or play a sport.

Natural changes aside, disuse of our muscles from a sedentary lifestyle has possibly the greatest impact on our daily activities. Studies have shown that Americans 50+ are among the most sedentary.

Daily exercise and physical activity can slow down the effects of aging and improve our quality of life. A program of aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises will help improve functional fitness levels. Always talk to your health care professional before starting any exercise program.

The National Institute on Aging has a new campaign, Go4Life, designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life. The Go4Life web site offers free resources on exercises designed to improve not only endurance and strength, but also balance and flexibility. The free online tools help you set fitness goals, track your progress and get coaching tips.

If you want to socialize while you exercise, Oasis has a variety of group fitness programs, including: Building Bones, Chair Yoga, Pilates 50+, Better Balance and more.

Taking positive steps to improve your quality of life through exercise and physical activity can reduce the effects of aging and increase the joy of living life to the fullest.

Older adults are still working. And that’s not changing anytime soon.

According to a Pew Research Center study released in January 2014, the percentage of Americans ages 65 to 74 who are still in the workforce is expected to break the 30% mark in 2022. In the same year, it’s estimated that 67.5% of adults 55 to 64 will remain in the workforce.

The reasons people opt to continue working vary, but a recent article in U.S. News and World Report identifies four primary scenarios:

• They are still rebounding from the financial crisis during which their assets were lost.
• They are catching up from the extended period of low interest rates that reduced the value of savings.
• The age that people can claim full Social Security benefits is no longer 65 for anyone born after 1937.
• Longevity and good health allow older adults to work longer, providing more time to save for a shorter retirement.

Whatever the reason for the extended stay in the labor force, older adults often report challenges remaining relevant in their current jobs or having the skills to find and qualify for new employment.

“Technology and language tend to be the sticking points for mature workers,” says Frank Alaniz, Missouri Regional Workforce Liaison of the Missouri Job Center/SLATE American Job Center. “I tell my mature workshop participants, ‘It’s not how old you are, it’s about how up-to-date you appear.’ Many in our mature workforce have fantastic skills, but they still think it’s 1999. Managers are now 30-something and speak a new language. That language is technology, and older workers need to understand and embrace this new language and thought process to be successful in today’s job market,” says Alaniz.

He describes how different generations expect to receive messages in the workplace.

“It’s very simple,” he says. “We have the Millennials who tell me if it doesn’t show up on their phones, they will never see it. Next we have the Gen Xer’s who tell me, ‘email it to me, so I can read it.’ And then there are the Baby Boomers who say, ‘email it to me, so I can print it off to read it.’ It’s all about understanding the new terms: FAX now = Email; Email now = Text, etc. As a facilitator, I have to talk to three language groups: 20-somethings, 35 to 45-somethings and people 50+ in a way that everyone can understand.”

After translating the intergenerational code words for communicating in the professional world, the next critical step is understanding how to use the new technology effectively. Being relevant in today’s office means workers of all ages need to continually adapt to a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The most in demand technical skill for most employers is Microsoft Excel. Workers in today’s digital society may be tasked with one or all of the following technological job activities: understanding how to use the Google Drive or Microsoft Office Online; using smart phones or tablets to text and to order, track or sell merchandise or services; post and monitor social media channels; use PowerPoint; and manage and send digital images.

The Oasis Connections Program offers in-depth training designed specifically for adults 55+ who are looking to gain or improve computer skills required in today’s workplace. Connections courses cover a wide range of topics: very basic classes on use of computers, internet, smart phones and Tablets; use of Google and Microsoft Office business applications; and up to intermediate level Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. There are currently more than 35 courses including two focused on helping people with their job search: The Complete Job Search and Resumes and Cover Letters.

The Complete Job Search is about preparation and planning, identifying your interests and skills, and the online resources you need to succeed in finding a job in today’s environment. The course introduces students to the realities of online searches, email communication, social media networking, and cleaning up public social media accounts that might prove embarrassing as a job applicant. The course also includes two chapters on resumes.

Resumes and Cover Letters offers in-depth guidance on creating an effective resume and cover letters. Templates for both types of documents are available.

Oasis Connections is made possible with generous support from AT&T.

It is a great pleasure to tell you all about the upcoming Silver Screen Series. Jointly presented by the Creve Coeur Arts Committee and Maturity and Its Muse, the Series is in its third season.

Thanks to the continued generosity of AMC Creve Coeur 12 and the City of Creve Coeur, we are happy to be able to offer the Series FREE to ALL who want to attend. This year, our post-screening discussions will be led by well-known academics, artists and critics, all of whom volunteer their time to enhance the viewing experience.

The Series will be held on Thursdays this year and all films begin at 1 p.m. at the AMC Creve Coeur 12, 10465 Olive Blvd (at Old Olive). We know you will want to join in!

September 3: Away From Her, starring Julie Christie
Based on the short story, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” Away from Her tells the story of a couple whose marriage of over 40 years is tested when the wife begins to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and moves into a nursing home. Discussion will be led by  volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Association will share their personal experiences as spousal caregivers.

September 10: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Dev Patel

Lured by the promise of a life of leisure in lush surroundings, seven British retirees decide to outsource their retirement to exotic India. Though their new home is not what they expected, they find that life can begin again when they let go of their pasts. Discussion will be led by Colin Campbell, PhD and Sun Smith-Foret, MSW, MFA. Campbell is Professor of English and American Literature Emeritus from Principia College. He has taught theatre and Shakespeare and has developed his interest in film as an art form. Currently he lectures around the country on the subject of Mary Baker Eddy’s book, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures.
Smith-Foret is practicing psychotherapist and an artist, represented by the Duane Reed Gallery. Her Silver Screen Quilts are works of cloth, paint and mixed media referencing film and cinema. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, juried art shows in galleries throughout Missouri since 1978. She lectures and provides workshops on art and cinema throughout the region.
September 17: Something’s Gotta Give, starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton
A 63-year-old perennial playboy is having the time of his life wining and dining women half his age. But after a heart attack leaves him in the care of his much younger girlfriend’s mother, he finds himself falling for the first time for someone who may be out of his predetermined league. Discussion led by longtime journalists Ellen Futterman and Eric Mink. Futterman, former reporter, columnist, critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, now serves as Editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light and as Communications Content Editor for the Arts and Education Council. Mink, a freelance writer and editor, teaches film studies at Webster University in St. Louis. He is the former Op-ed Editor and columnist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a former television critic for the Post-Dispatch and the New York Daily News. Eric’s column appears in the St. Louis Jewish Light on the first Wednesday of every month.

September 24: Driving Miss Daisy, starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykroyd
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, Driving Miss Daisy chronicles the 25-year relationship between a wealthy, strong-willed Southern matron and her equally resolute African-American driver. This fun, true- to-life film is about one of the most challenging transitions that comes with advancing age, retirement from driving. Discussion leaders Dr. Tom Meuser, PhD and Dr. James Stowe, PhD will discuss how Miss Daisy’s experiences can inform those facing the prospect of driving retirement today. The presentation will include helpful advice, personal rules of thumb, and discussion of resources to make this important transition easier. Meuser is Associate Professor of Social Work & Gerontology, Director, Gerontology Program, Coordinator, UMSL Life Review Project, University of Missouri – St. Louis. Stowe is Clinical Research Specialist Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri, where he leads translational intervention trials of the neuroscience driving simulation laboratory. The purpose of the lab is to prolong safe driving life expectancy. He co-chairs the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s Subcommittee on Elder Mobility and Safety — a statewide group focused on the older driver portion of Missouri’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

When I share the lineup, I hear, “This is gonna be the best year yet” and “Wow! Stars on the screen and stars for our conversations. Count us in!”

Let us count you in, too. Remember, if it’s September, then it has to be the Silver Screen Series: Films celebrating creative aging through the arts. Please mark your calendars. I look forward to welcoming you!

For more information, contact Lynn Hamilton, Executive Director, Maturity and Its Muse at 314-420-1444 or lynn@maturityanditsmuse.org.

For those of us projecting what our financial picture might look like upon retirement, funds from Social Security are almost always factored into the equation.

Today, Social Security seems like a given, although questions about the program’s sustainability are part of an ongoing conversation about aging and the economy. For the millions of American who have been paying into it for all of our working lives, there is an expectation that these resources will be, well, part of our security. We hope when the time comes, to be able to join the nearly 57.5 million (18%) of Americans receiving Social Security benefits. Understanding the complexities of the program can be a challenge. Fortunately, the U.S. Social Security Administration website offers a wealth of information.

In order to understand how and why Social Security has evolved, it’s important to remember that this resource hasn’t always been available, although it seems like it. In truth, Social Security is getting up there—80 years and counting on August 14. It was on that day in 1935 that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Bill into law. The program has changed over time, and to have a more complete understanding, a look back at the program’s history is helpful.

The Social Security Administration provides a step back in time with in-depth information, as well as little known facts like these:

• The first person to receive Social Security benefits was a man named Ernest Ackerman, who received a lump sum payment of 17 cents in January 1937.

• Regular monthly benefits were not distributed until January 1940.

• The first person to receive regular monthly Social Security benefits was Ida May Fuller.

• Social Security numbers were first issued in November of 1963.

• To date, 453.7 million different Social Security numbers have been issued.

Click here for more information about the history of Social Security.

Many believe that bad habits are hard to break and good habits are just as hard to develop. It’s fair to say that most adults who have made the transition from an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy way of living have not done so in a linear fashion.

The process of making physical activity a consistent part of one’s daily routine often comes in fits and starts. Many get started on an exercise routine and find that it fizzles. Why is this? Are we bored? Discouraged by what seems like a lack of progress? A little bit lonely because we are taking the challenge on by ourselves? Are we struggling to keep the time for exercise carved out from our daily routines? For a lot of would-be physically fit folks, the answer is yes, yes, yes and yes!

For anyone who needs a jump start and encouragement to keep the momentum, there are some great tools available with Go4Life.

Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, is designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage adults to develop their own individualized plans to be active every day. With a variety of helpful, FREE resources, Go4Life provides a framework for how to:

• get started

• select the best plan for you

• measure your success

• stay motivated

Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they’re doing enough. Go4Life emphasizes the importance of being creative and ensuring that all four types of exercise— endurance, strength, balance and flexibility—are incorporated into your routine. This keeps boredom at bay and is a good way to make sure that you are increasing your chances of being healthier on all fronts.

The goal doesn’t have to be climbing mountains or running marathons, although these are certainly worth pursuing if you are so inclined. After years of leading a sedentary lifestyle, it’s easy to forget how good it feels to be able to do some of the very basic things that most of us are able to do when we are younger or more physically fit.

Isn’t it wonderful to think about being able to cut a rug on the dance floor at a family wedding? Or give your grandchildren a run for their money on your next trip to the park? Walk your pets? Get back on that bike? Do your own yard work?

If these things sound appealing to you, give some thought to getting started with Go4Life. The resources are free, so you have nothing to lose!

Just visit the Go4Life website, and download what you think can work for you. The resources include just about anything you need to get started: tip sheets, inspiring success stories, a DVD, audio book, exercise guide, even access to a virtual trainer!

There is also another way to learn more about Go4Life fitness strategies. These tips are part of the OASIS Healthy Habits for Adults classes, which also provide helpful information on eating healthier. Contact your local OASIS to find out more about a class near you.

As one enjoying the last chapters of life, I have read a lot about organizing financial matters, making end-of-life plans, downsizing, and so forth. Sometimes included among these “wonderful” topics is that of leaving a legacy.

Sure, I could write letters to my children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be kind and loving, care for the earth, stay close to their Creator, and leave the world a better place because of the lives they live; I may do that. I can make lists about who gets the china, the silver, the jewelry.

A posting in Facebook recently made me think of a different type of legacy members of my generation could leave. This person, whom I don’t even know, posted a photo of two small crosses that her grandmother had tatted many years ago that were a precious memento. This picture generated many comments from her friends who either remembered their own grandmothers enjoying that craft or were envious that they didn’t know how to do it or had never even heard of “tatting.”

I must admit I don’t know how to tat, although my mother did until her arthritis stilled her hands. I found good beginner videos on YouTube, so maybe someday. But I do know how to knit and sew. I know how to play bridge and mah jongg. I did try to teach my daughter how to knit once while she helped me recover from a knee replacement. It was a slow process, but one that brought a lot of laughs as each row she knitted ended up with a different number of stitches than what she started with. She eventually mastered at least the fundamentals of knitting, but then cast that aside when the time restraints of mothering began.

My father taught me how to play cribbage, and she’s learned that from me. I hope she will pass that along to her daughter — to be played on a real board with real pegs, not on a computer screen!

I can only hope that today’s young people will take some time away from their electronics and explore the arts and crafts that have been passed down for many generations. I know I for one, am going to get out the knitting needles and dust off my sewing machine when my seven-year-old granddaughter comes to town. Many years from now maybe she’ll say, “My Grandma taught me that.” And who knows, maybe we’ll both learn to tat.

And then I’ll write that letter about making the world a better place.