There is a new breed of millionaires – and there will soon be a lot more of these millionaires.  Will you become one of them?

These are not cash-rich people.  They are time rich, those who live a million hours.  This means that they are living 114 or more years.

Today there are about 300,000 people who are validated to be at least 100 years old, and by mid century this number is estimated to grow to about 3.4 million.  There are 75 supercentenarians, meaning that they are 110 years old or more, living in the world today.  Their documents leave no doubt that they are indeed the age they are said to be.

The longest documented life is that of Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997), who died at age 122 years and 164 days. Kama Chinen, born May 10, 1895 in Okinawa, Japan, is now the oldest living person in the world.

As we continue to live longer it will become even more important to age healthfully with Age Esteem

Bonnie In The News age healthfully, age-esteem, Jeanne Calment, Kama Chinen, millionaires, supercentenarians

Flying Lighter

Since AgeEsteemers are among the millions of travelers who fly, I can’t resist sharing this information concerning efforts being made to diminish costs, economize on fuel and eliminate as much CO2 as possible.

Each pound that can be avoided saves money and energy.  Companies like Swiss Airlines has introduced what they call ecological piloting, reduced the number of spoons on board, and is looking to install lighter seats.  All Nippon Airways has a different approach.  They ask passengers to go to the restroom before embarking in order to lighten the load for takeoff!

Bonnie In The News AgeEsteemers, All Nippon Airways, CO2, ecological piloting, flying, Swiss Airlines

A 100 year old doctor is still delivering babies in Georgia, USA.  He has delivered over 16,000 babies since 1947 when he began his practice.  It seems that everywhere he goes he is greeted by someone who he helped bring into the world.

What is his secret?  Being passionate about what you do!

Other people who have celebrated 100 years of living have shared the same important age-esteem traits.

• Purpose, meaningful activities
• Contact with others of diverse ages
• Keep moving
• Continue to learn and to exercise their mind
• Positive attitude

Bonnie A Major Birthday, In The News 100 year old, age-esteem, diverse ages, positive attitude

“What’s going on?”  I asked my husband as we went through yet another security check in Amsterdam.  This time they tapped down the body of every single person even though it seemed as though we had already removed as much clothing as was decently possible.  And as each bag rolled out of  the scanning machine it was opened, searched and often emptied.

My husband and I were on flight NW0243 from Amsterdam to Detroit on Dec. 27th, the day following all the excitement on a similar flight between those same cities.

Our flight was smooth and uneventful, but we were among the first to experience the new security measures for air travel. – Regulations that we did not yet understand, such as remaining attached in our seats with no access to hand luggage or toilets during the last hour of flight with blankets and pillows already gathered…

It was while we awaited our connecting flight in Detroit that we learned of the terrorist attempt the previous day.  Then chatting with crew on our Florida flight we learned that there had actually been three incidents the previous day, though only one made the news.  In fact a fellow passenger on our Florida flight had brought one of the other two incidents to safe closure when he brought down the terrorist!

Meanwhile, our flights were smooth with graceful landings and excellent crews.

Yes, we are pleased to have arrived safely!

Bonnie In The News Amsterdam, Detroit, flight NW0243, security, terrorist

Are You Web-Savvy?

About a decade ago one of the major internet suppliers had an ad showing three grey haired people looking at a computer screen in awe.  The message was that anyone can learn the internet.  It brought a smile to the people who viewed it.  Who would expect older people to use the internet?  After all, it was modern technology!

According to an article on eMarketer last month, data from the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) shows that seniors were more likely than any other age group to conduct e-commerce activities today.  

Children born today are familiar with computers in the same way that their parents were familiar with the television controls.

An important key to AgeEsteem is to keep up with modern technology and to continue to learn something new daily.  The internet offers an opportunity for both of these.

Not yet Web-Savvy?  Why not consider these ideas to strengthen your AgeEsteem and your ability with the web.

1. Investigate classes at the community center or local library.  It can be fun to learn with others.
2. Solicite the help of a grandchild or a neighborhood youth to teach you the ins and outs of the internet.  It will help build their confidence (and AgeEsteem!) to do this with you and will create a new dimension to your relationship.
3. Hire a private tutor or learn the basics on your own using one of the multitude of books available.  Once you have the basics you can use on-line tutorials to learn more.

Bonnie Across-generations, In The News AgeEsteem, CTAM, e-commerce, eMarketer, technology

BBC Newscaster or Barbie?

The BBC is actively seeking to hire a woman over 50 to present the news.

They are being criticized for being sexist and biased toward youth.  For too long now this English public station has had a reputation for hiring young women who look like Barbie dolls, while older men with graying hair are common place.

Sounds like a small step in the right direction.   We need positive images of real people with AgeEsteem entering our homes on the screen.

Bonnie In The News AgeEsteem, Barbie, BBC, biased, real people

“Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy.”   WHO Brasilia declaration on healthy aging, 1996.

Older people  increasingly play a critical role – through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labor force.

This is the 10th anniversary of Older People’s Day being celebrated by the United Nations and many countries of the world.  Let us salute the older people who are doing so much to make this world a better place.

Bonnie In The News, Life Stages - Ages critical role, Older People's Day, United Nations, WHO

London to the rescue

British retirees in Spain (300,000) are having difficulty to make ends meet due to the drastic dive of the British pound sterling in relation to the euro.  Whereas they set up whole communities in Spain where they could live well on their British pensions, many are now barely surviving.   With the devaluation of the pound they find their purchasing power cut by one-fourth to one-third.   The housing market has also taken a dip and those who must sell to survive are finding it virtually impossible.  They also miss out on social aid for older people including special funds for heating and for health care

The British government is now taking measures to create an assistance package to alleviate the situation.

For those of us who live in large countries with one currency, this may seem odd.  It is as though each state had a different currency that could fluctuate.

Bonnie In The News, Personal Finance British, devaluation, Euro, Pound Sterling, purchasing power, retirees, Spain