Date post: | 08-Apr-2016 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | todays-boomer |
View: | 218 times |
Download: | 3 times |
Today’s BoomeR
Today’s
John Vardallas What the Founder & CEO of The American BoomeR.com Really thinks about being
60
Boomer Travel:
Boomer Healthy Eating: Top 10
Foods for better health
Vol.1 No.1
Plan ahead and gain
more in 2012
Make a Difference:
Volunteer
The Inaugural
Issue!
Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B ---Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Work-Tirement Boomers
plan for new “Golden Years”
2 Today’s BoomeR
Alaska – By Sea & By Land 2012 “CU Leadership Strategies Forum”
May 14 – 24, 2012
Scotland, Ireland, France & the British Isles Cruise 2012
“CU Elected Leaders Symposium” June 7 – 19, 2012
Western Caribbean Odyssey 2012 “CU Discovery EduCruise”
June 17 – 24, 2012
Odyssey of the Ancient Crusaders 2012
“CU Winds of Change EduCruise” September 21 – October 3, 2012
Hawaiian Isles Tropical Adventure 2012
“CU Success Strategies Symposium” November 3 - 10, 2012
Today’s BoomeR 3
Founder John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha
Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Maragha
Contributing Writers Karyl Richson
Advertising Team
The American BoomeR.com
John Vardallas CAE, CUDE
CEO/Founder Professional Speaker
Business/Lifestyle Strategist
Boomer Sage and Blogger
(608) 577-8707
Alexandra Maragha
Executive Director of Communications,
Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR
Today’s BoomeR Vol.1 No.1 Today’s BoomeR is published
six times (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov,
Dec/Jan) a year by The American BoomeR.com
769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission
is prohibited.
The American Boomer
@American_Boomer
Today’s
This Issue
February / March 2012
Volume 1, Number 1
“Work-Tirement” 5
Boomers plan for new “Golden Years”
Make a Difference 6
Volunteer
Being John Vardallas 8
What the Founder and CEO really thinks
about being 60
Boomer Healthy Eating 10
Top ten foods for better health
Boomer Travel 12
Why cruising is the way to go
Social Security 16
Plan ahead and gain more in 2012
B2B Marketplace 17
Business 2 Boomers Marketplace
4 Today’s BoomeR
(feature) p. 10
p. 4
p. 12
Social Security:
Plan Ahead in 2012 p. 3
D IAMOND IN THE ROUGH
I would like to think that my parents are proud.
Proud for most things that children would want
their parent’s to be proud of, but most of all, I
would like them to be proud for embodying an
extension of their values and experiences as
Baby Boomers.
I treasure the stories, the moments and all of
the “good times” that shine through and create
diamond moments; reflecting the past and
shining light towards the future.
EDITOR’S LETTER
Today’s
I welcome all to enjoy this inaugural issue
of Today’s BoomeR magazine and indulge
yourself in our stories about travel,
healthy eating, making a difference, our
featured Boomer and much more each
issue. This issue features John Vardallas,
a visionary in guiding, inspiring Baby
Boomers to reach past their full
potentials.
This magazine is the oracle of resources
and information for Baby Boomers by
Baby Boomers and those who value the
Boomer generation to enlighten and en-
thrall. Future issues will feature lifestyle,
health, finance, style, food, travel, retro
music, muscle cars, pet care, relationship
topics and much more aimed to connect
Boomers while guiding and reflecting
their active and diverse lifestyles. Our
featured “B2B– Business 2 Boomers
Marketplace” is the only Boomer
marketplace that allows for all things
Boomer to be just one click away!
I encourage your feedback and voice to
be heard. Here’s to all those who shine!
Alexandra Maragha
Editor-In-Chief
Today’s BoomeR 5
Boomers must
Plan for new
golden years:
“Work-Tirement”
? Since the proposed changes to Social Security and concern for
future funding have become a national debate, many Americans
are starting to think seriously about revising their retirement
plans. People are now healthier and expected to live longer and
with the recent unprecedented downturn in the economy and
stock market losses, many of us Boomers will have to delay full
time retirement and extend their work life. It is no longer unusu-
al to spend as much time in retirement as in working full-time.
More than half of American say they plan to work in retirement
according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.
Many retirees are depending on relatives, government assis-
tance and part-time work to survive. The 70-year-old at the gro-
cery check-out is likely to be partnered with another retiree bag-
ging groceries or greeting customers at a discount store.
Special Challenge for Boomers
Baby Boomers will make up the largest population of retired
workers in history with the longest life expectancy. Boomers will
be the most diverse group of retirees. Their biggest concern is
will they outlive their money. They may be funding their chil-
dren’s education, supporting adult children and caring for elder-
ly parents. It is for these reasons Boomers will be engaging in
Work-Tirement to keep up with their financial needs. While
some Boomers have done an adequate job of saving for retire-
ment, many wait until it is too late. People have a difficult time
estimating their retirement expenses because they fail to keep
track of their own spending habits.
Estimate Your Spending Habits—Give Yourself A Financial
Check Up
It’s a fallacy to assume that your spending habits will dramatical-
ly decline during retirement. Many retirees travel and pursue
other activities that keep themselves occupied. The first step in
retirement planning is to get an estimate of your expenses—
your annual cost of living. There are several ways to do this:
· Keep a journal of everything you spend for a few months
· Compile your years expenses via cancelled checks, bills and
cash withdrawals
· Determine your take-home pay over a period of time. Calculate
what you’ve saved—what’s left will give you an idea of what you
are spending.
Retirement Income
After you’ve estimated your expenses, you’ll need to determine
if your retirement income will cover your living expenses. Only
one-third of Boomers save enough of what they need to retire at
their income level, according to USA Today. The “three-legged
stool” of retirement income consists of personal savings, Social
Security and pensions have now been expanded to five to in-
clude maintaining good health and job skills/competencies. It’s a
good idea to get an estimate of your Social Security benefits.
You can go online and use their tools to get this information by
visiting the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov.
If you have a pension of 401K, calculate your benefits. If a previ-
ous employer went out of business, you may still be able to
claim benefits. The Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation guar-
antees pensions and lists names of people that have unclaimed
money due to them. You can find the list at www.pbgc.gov.
Add up all of your personal savings and determine how much
you can withdraw each year. Make sure to determine any other
expenses you’ll likely have during your retirement. Many boom-
ers feel that they will be or already have become the primary
caregiver for an elderly parent or family member. Likewise, a
nursing home can cost from $50,000 to $75,000 a year.
All of these dynamics will re-define retirement and may call for
us Boomers to stay engaged in work beyond our golden years.
More resources on this issue can be accessed at
www.theamericanboomer.com for more details.
By John A. Vardallas
6 Today’s BoomeR
Make a Difference:
Volunteer
While monetary and other material donations and contributions
are always helpful to individuals and organizations, one of the
best ways to make a difference in the lives of others is to
volunteer.
Time is very valuable. Many
Boomers balance family, careers,
and other obligations all at once while trying to make time for
themselves. Your time is valuable to yourself and those in your
daily lives and can mean just as much or even more for others
when one is able to volunteer.
Many organizations are underfunded and seek volunteers to
help with many aspects of their operations. Volunteer work can
range from face to face interactions with those that an organiza-
tion may help directly—such as reading a story to a child or
walking a dog, or by enlisting a specific skill that one has or
offering your professional services at no cost. A common
misconception about volunteering that hinders some is making a
More than half of
Americans say they plan to
work in retirement. Here
are some resources for
Boomers to help with the
Job Hunt.
Encore.org
Retiredbrains.com
Grayhairmanagement.com
Comingofage.org
Americorps.gov
See more Boomer Resource
Links and information at
TheAmericanBoomer.com
Boomer
Resource
Links: Re-Careering
By Alexandra Maragha
Today’s BoomeR 7
long term commitment. While many
organizations often seek and appreciate
more long term or recurring availability,
many equally welcome help at one time
events, or leave the door open for people to
help when they can.
Volunteering can also be a great thing to do
with friends and family and a great activity
for groups and business organizations to
partner with and give back directly to
causes that impact their local communities.
A friendly conversation that evokes a smile
on the face of a stranger or a soft touch to
an animal longing for affection can seem
small, but through volunteering, can be a
priceless and rewarding experience and
make a difference.
Do you know a Boomer who Makes A Difference
in the lives of others?
Tell us and they could be recognized in a future issue of
Today’s Boomer!
“Like” The American Boomer on Facebook
to connect and tell their story
8 Today’s BoomeR
Being
John Vardallas
At 63, John Vardallas is redefining the phrase “you are as old as you
feel”. As CEO and Founder of The American BoomeR.com, he aims to
inspire and motivate Baby Boomers to see and surpass their potential,
live their dreams and to make a difference.
Interview by Alexandra Maragha
Today’s BoomeR 9
Who really is John Vardallas? How would you
describe yourself
I am sort of a renaissance man seeking to be
all that I can be while using my skills to help
others be successful. I think of myself as a
provocateur who seeks the best that life
offers.
What led you to found The American
BoomeR.com?
I channeled 30 years of teaching and training,
passion, education, work experiences and the
desire to help people and organizations reach
their potential into a mission and purpose for
my business. I love inspiring people to do
better. Most folks can do and be more than
they think.
You just turned 63, how does it feel and what
do you think about age and ability?
On being 63, aging does not bother me. Aging
successfully is key for me. It means the daily
thought of knowing you are living and pursu-
ing your life’s passion—whatever that might
be. Success is a state of mind not measured in
years lived. Its not about how many years you
live, its about the life you put into your years.
Life is a journey not a destination. The free-
dom and capacity to enjoy one’s passions is
the ultimate measure of success. As I continue
my own journey through life, that defines my
aging process and level of success. When I
turned 60, I created the phrase “60 is the new
40”, so I can say at the age of “43” I am doing
pretty good.
You are very accomplished at this point in
your life, do you feel that you have fulfilled
your goals and what’s next?
As I age, I have never had the feeling that I
have accomplished my goals. They are sort of
a continuum that I keep stretching, therefore,
challenging myself. I feel its ok to be satisfied
with dis-satisfaction. Regarding thoughts of
what’s next, I tend to live my life working
backwards from my mortality. I long ago
asked myself one key question: How do I want
to be remembered? The answer has guided
my pursuit of personal and professional pas-
sions. My feeling is that once we realize our
own mortality and that we really do not have
a lot of time on this earth, we begin to live
more giving and fulfilling lives on a daily basis.
What is the one thing that you want to be
known for?
I am part of the generation that fought for
change in America. My legacy I aim to leave is
to be known for the person who helped make
a difference while “s-aging” gracefully!
10 Today’s BoomeR
BOOMER HEALTHY EATING:
Top 10 foods for better health
B e sure to incorporate these
top ten healthy foods into your
diet for optimum Boomer health.
You may already eat some of
these foods, but knowing the
benefits can help motivate and
maintain steps in preventative
measures against many health
concerns, increase energy,
longevity and maintain health.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a major source of the strong antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and helps us to function better mentally in old age.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A major part of a Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is shown to help reduce death from heart disease and cancer and is naturally cholesterol free.
Red Grapes
This includes red grape juice and wine.
Today’s BoomeR 11
Purple grape juice tops other juices in antioxidant activity having four times more than orange juice.
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts lower blood cholesterol. Nuts are high in fat, but most is good-type monounsaturated and/or omega-3 fatty acids.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain anti-cancer agents and help stabilize blood sugar and insulin, which may promote longevity.
Salmon and other Fatty Fish
These fish are high in amounts of the type of fat-omega-3 fatty acids-that performs “miracles” throughout the body, fighting virtually every chronic disease known.
Blueberries and other “Purple” colored
foods
Blue berries and other purple colored foods such as pomegranates, mulberries, aecia berries, egg-plants, and beets are all antioxidant rich foods.
Garlic
This herb is packed with nutrients known to help fend off cancer, heart disease, aging and other health problems.
Spinach
This super health-promoter is second among vegetables only to garlic in antioxidant capacity and is rich in folic acid.
Tea
Green and ordinary black tea pack the same amounts of antioxidants and have equal benefits.
See this and other Boomer healthy eating tips and recipes in
the Boomer Healthy Eating Guide from
TheAmericanBoomer.com
12 Today’s BoomeR
BO
OM
ER
TR
AV
EL
Set your sightsSet your sights
and sailsand sails
for the best for the best
way to travelway to travel
CRUISING Story by Alexandra Maragha, Photgraphy by John Vardallas
Today’s BoomeR 13
14 Today’s BoomeR
F or more than 160 years,
passenger ships have been
exciting travelers to come
aboard to experience ocean
adventures with a mix of high seas
romance, exotic foreign
destinations and relaxation. Today,
with larger and more luxurious
ships, varied routes, on-board and
destination options and activities
for all types and interests, sea and
river cruises are calling out to
travelers like never before.
With every new ship that is built,
cruise lines are luring new cruisers
with sexier and more comfortable
staterooms, high seas ambiance
and cuisine that will fit any palate.
For Boomers, cruising is overall a
safe and cost effective method of
travel.
Taking a trip to your most desirable
destination does not have to break
the bank and can allow you to
determine the length of time you
take to get the full experience you
want.
For more ‘dollar conscious’ Boom-
ers, compared to land based vaca-
tions, cruising is the most cost
effective way to vacation.
Many itineraries will allow you to
experience as many as five
different countries within a weeks’
worth of travel, minus the hassle
and cost of visiting the same places
“a la carte”. Once you check in and
board, you will never have to worry
about knowing where you will call
“home” during the time of your
trip.
After experiencing more than 80
countries in the last ten years, it is
safe to say Johnny V is “hooked on
cruising”. For this Boomer, who did
not start regular cruising until he
was 50, he insists “it’s the best way
to see the world.”
“Cruise ships have taken me to The
Great Wall of China, the Great
Pyramids of Egypt, the glory that
was Greece and Rome,
Today’s BoomeR 15
piranha fishing on the Amazon
River, the bottom of the world in
Ushuaia, Argentina and Cape Horn
and experience the history of the
czars in St. Petersburg Russia.”
Cruises offer vast destinations that
according to Johnny V, “have all
helped knock my ‘bucket list’ down
several notches to a manageable
number as I age.”
Cruising is also a great way to meet
people of like interests and even
rekindle or discover new romance
as well. Cruise lines now cater to
the single boomer traveler (male or
female) by offering individual
cabins and events on board.
“I have had the privilege to
connect with people and cultures
that have left a profound influence
on my life- not to mention
experiencing the terrific panoramic
sun rises and sunsets at sea that
only be described as nothing short
of spiritual”, said V.
Boomers can now expect to
experience everything from
Broadway shows, marquee
entertainers, world class culinary
meals to exotic shore sightseeing
and cultural tours.
In addition, the variety of on ship
activities like zip lining, surfing,
dancing, and seminars keeps
expanding with every cruise
offered. Now even river cruises are
featuring open air balconies,
luxurious cabins and solariums.
Since Boomers make up the
majority of the profile of cruisers
worldwide, more upgrades and
amenities can be expected in the
future.
So heads up “matey” and consider
getting onboard the next time
you’re planning a getaway. Check
out all of the cruising options avail-
able to the Boomer generation.
You can connect with
The American Boomer.com for
more resource information about
Boomer cruising.
Many itineraries will allow you to
experience as many as five different
countries within a weeks’ worth of
travel, minus the hassle and cost of
visiting the same places “a la carte”.
For the past 12 years Johnny V has been a Senior Speaker of CU Edu Cruises
(Seminars at Sea) and has cruised to over 80 countries.
16 Today’s BoomeR
Social Security: Plan ahead and gain
more in 2012
Think about retirement
Whether you’re 26 and beginning a career or 62 and
thinking about the best time to stop working, give some
thought to what your retirement plan will be. Social
Security is the largest source of income for elderly
Americans today, but it was never intended to be your
only source of income when you retire. You also will
need savings, investments, pensions or retirement ac-
counts to make sure you have enough money to live
comfortably when you retire. The earlier you begin
your financial planning, the better off you will be. For
tips to help you save, visit www.mymoney.gov.
Plan ahead
The best way to begin planning for retirement is by us-
ing the free resources provided by Social Security. Start
by using our Retirement Estimator, where you can get a
personalized, instant estimate of your future retirement
benefits using different retirement ages and scenarios.
Visit the Retirement Estimator at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Make sure you have all your numbers
While tax season may seem far away, now is the time
that many taxpayers start gathering records and docu-
mentation for filing tax returns. One of the most im-
portant things you need is a Social
Security number for everyone whom you will claim as a
dependent. If you don’t have a number for one of your
dependents, you need to apply now to have the Social
Security number in time to file your tax return. Learn
more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Do a little light reading
The best way to learn more about Social Security, the
benefit programs, and what they mean to you and your
family is to browse through our online library of publica-
tions. You can find overviews as well as more detailed
booklets. Our library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs is
always open.
Help a loved one
Sometimes we get the most satisfaction out of helping
someone else. If you have a grandparent, parent, rela-
tive, or friend who could benefit from Social Security,
share our website and online services with them. You
can even help a loved one apply for retirement or Medi-
care benefits — or for Extra Help with Medicare pre-
scription drug costs — in as little as 10 minutes. Wheth-
er you forward a publication or sit down to help some-
one apply for Social Security, the place to go is
www.socialsecurity.gov.
We hope you’ll consider some of these resolutions.
Happy New Year from Social Security!
By Karyl Richson
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI
Happy 2012 from Social Security!
With the new year, many people put together lists of goals and resolutions. Allow us to share with
you some new year’s resolutions that you may find worth keeping.
Today’s BoomeR 17
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
Rates 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page
1 time $300.00 per ad $600.00 per ad $800.00 per ad
6 times $250.00 per ad (When paid in Full)
$500.00 per ad
(When paid in Full)
$700.00 per ad
(When paid in Full)
Advertise with us and connect
directly with America’s Baby
Boom generation!
Be apart of the
“B2B - Business 2 Boomer
Marketplace” and allow
Boomers to visit your
Today’s BoomeR storefront
direct! Become one click away
from your Boomer consumer!
For more information about how to Advertise email
Don’t Miss an Issue!Don’t Miss an Issue! Subscribe to Today’s BoomeR FREE by visiting
www.theamericanboomer.com!
Today’s
Advertise With Us!Advertise With Us!
Take Advantage of our Special
2012 Introductory Rates!
MARKETPLACEMARKETPLACE
Click on the “storefront” ad to enter each store in the B2B Marketplace!
18 Today’s BoomeR
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
Today’s BoomeR 19
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
20 Today’s BoomeR
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
Today’s BoomeR 21
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
22 Today’s BoomeR
B2B—BUSINESS 2 BOOMERS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace for Everything Boomer!
Today’s BoomeR 23
April/May Issue:
Retro Rides are
Back! Detroit
flexing its
Muscle in 2012
Boomers
“Hooking-up”
Spring Break
Destination Tips
Boomer Healthy
Recipes
Here is a Sneak Peak of the Here is a Sneak Peak of the Here is a Sneak Peak of the
Next Issue of Next Issue of Next Issue of Today’s BoomeRToday’s BoomeRToday’s BoomeR! ! !
Don’t Miss out! Subscribe Free @ Don’t Miss out! Subscribe Free @ Don’t Miss out! Subscribe Free @
www.TheAmericanBoomeR.comwww.TheAmericanBoomeR.comwww.TheAmericanBoomeR.com
Relationships: Bridging the
Generation Gap