Betty White: Senior Superstar

January 31, 2012 by greystar

Lots of people say that life's third act is the best. Want proof? Just look at 89 year-old entertainment legend Betty White. She's spent seven decades in show business–she even helped demonstrate television at the 1939 World's Fair!–and her career is more vital than ever. The Emmy-Award winning actress, best known for her starring roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls, is blazing new ground for senior citizens and shows no sign of stopping. Here are some of Betty’s recent career highlights:

– In 2010, Betty became the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live. She was such a hit on the show that she earned a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

– She's now starring in the popular TV Land sitcom Hot In Cleveland, and she has recently held guest spots on a number of top TV shows, including Boston Legal, 30 Rock, That 70s Show and My Name is Earl.

– She appeared in 2009’s The Proposal alongside Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Hollywood watchers credited Betty with the movie's massive success.

– She appeared in a now-iconic Snickers commercial with Abe Vigoda during Super Bowl XLIV, which won the top spot on the USA Today Super Bowl Ad Meter.

– In 2011, she appeared in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie The Lost Valentine, which received the highest rating for a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie in the past four years and won first place in the prime-time slot for that date.

And those are just her ventures on screen! Betty is also America's foremost animal health advocate, and she has authored multiple books. Her latest book, If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t), was published in early 2011. Betty White’s life is a source of inspiration for seniors everywhere – her positive energy, her commitment to pursuing her passions, and her dauntless sense of humor. If you want to age with grace and style, there’s no better model than Betty White.

By David Shankbone (Betty White David Shankbone 2010 NYC) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Betty White, Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, Senior Living

Part Time Jobs For Seniors

November 22, 2011 by greystar

Whether you’re looking for extra income or simply the satisfaction of keeping busy, a part time job can be a great way to enhance your senior years. Entering the workplace as a part-time employee will allow you to forge new friendships, stimulate your mind, and attain a stronger sense of financial security. Here are four excellent options for senior-oriented part time work:

Retail. Retail employment can offer ideal part-time opportunities for seniors, including jobs as a cashier, manager, greeter, or stock room associate. You’ll enjoy the social aspect of working with customers, as well as the flexible schedule that comes with many retail positions.

Non-Profit Work. Don’t let the phrase “non-profit” deter you. Many jobs in non-profit organizations are paid. Working in the non-profit sector will allow you to make significant contributions to the world and contribute to your wallet.

Library Assistant/Aide. If you love books and people, why not work in a library? You might work at the check-out desk, help patrons find books, or help with library events such as readings and story-time hours. You’ll have fun interacting with people of all ages in an environment that’s buzzing with mental energy.

Tour Guide. If you’re a senior who loves to learn and share knowledge, why not be a tour guide? You’ll enjoy leading people on tours of museums, historical monuments, or sight-seeing spots in your local community. What better way to keep your mind and body active while connecting with others?

These are just some of the many venues for part-time work available to you as a senior. For more information about part-time job opportunities available to senior citizens, click here: http://jobler.com/part-time-jobs-for-senior-citizens.html. Good luck with your job search!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Part Time Jobs for Seniors, Senior Jobs, Senior Lifestyle, Senior Living

How to Be a Safe Senior Driver

October 18, 2011 by greystar

Let's face it: aging impacts the stuff that makes us safe behind the wheel. Though some people find it necessary to stop driving as they get older, you don't necessarily have to stop hitting the road. As an elderly driver, here are some tips to keep you safe when you hit the gas pedal:

Look out for your eyesight.

Certain eye conditions and medications that can impede your ability to focus or hamper your peripheral vision. Other eyesight issues that can arise as you age are light-sensitivity, blurred sight, or difficult with night vision. You want to be sure that you can clearly see road signs and traffic lights from a reasonable distance, and that you can fully see the motions of the drivers around you.

How's your hearing?

If you’ve started to experience decreased hearing sharpness, this could be dangerous on the road. Drivers need a strong hearing ability in order to pick up on the many audio cues of the road, like sirens, horns, squealing breaks or accelerating engines.

Watch out for changes in your reflexes and reaction time.

The ability to react quickly is a crucial skill for safe driving. If you find that you’re taking a longer time to process events and, as a result, reacting more slowly, this is an important warning sign that you may need to reduce your driving, get help, or possibly stop altogether.

Be mindful of your memory.

If you find yourself forgetting familiar routes or basic driving functions (like using turn signals, for example), pay attention to these changes. Have a doctor evaluate your memory issues before getting back on the road.

Staying safe means paying attention to your body. If you see your doctor regularly, you can feel great about revving your engine and hitting the road. Happy driving!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: How to Be a Safe Senior Driving, Senior Health, Senior Lifestyle, Senior Living