Planks Pushups Groans!

A Wednesday selection of our 'Older Adults' Class of 2016
with our valiant leader, Clinton  (Front Centre)

Here we are at our last session at 'Fitness First, Mosman' for 2016 as we follow Clinton's instructions and benefit from his expertise and encouragement.  He tailors his classes to suit a wide diversity in fitness goals and physical ability levels and the participants, including myself, have expressed improvement in functional fitness. 

Often supported by TRX 's  we perform mainly strengthening and balancing exercises, with other mat exercises such as 'plank' and push-ups "groan", all of which assist in maintaining fitness and flexibility.  

He will often explain why a particular movement relates to daily life such as enabling good balance if you trip, making the movement more meaningful; partnering up occasionally in an activity adds to the important social aspect.

Most of us have been attending the 3 half hour a week sessions all year and intend to continue next year, hopefully with Clinton, but we are confident that if he is unable to take the class that he will ensure that we are looked after to continue our good work.

At the same time we enjoy the company of other people and afterwards often share viewpoints over a cup of coffee. 

There are many thoughtful and caring people around Mosman; our group was fortunate to have such a motivated instructor. Thanks Clinton.

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Cicret Bracelet technology is a blast!

 Hi Babyboomers

I'm coming back with a blast of technology!

They keep coming up with amazing ideas.   Not quite sure we want it or can cope with it but, nevertheless it's here!

This is the coolest bracelet going and will be very marketable soon.

Are we ready for this? And it's waterproof too.

Look what they have developed in Israel.

Forget everything you think technology can do. This goes beyond that!!

This will be available next year.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J7GpVQCfms

Could be good and may fit in well in the future.

Claire



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Babyboomers relish in moment in Balmoral swim

Hi there
What a great day - the photos say it all!
Overheard from "We can beat cancer" participants - "Relish the moment - can you believe you are here doing it? Be proud because you are amazing."
Makes me wish I was doing it too.

Claire
ps - by the way - there were people of all ages particiapating  including children and some  in their 80's, many of whom swim every day.

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Featuring the Babyboomer body - it's OK to be white!

 

OK BB
I'm going to be featuring the Babyboomer body because two glasses of good red wine have stopped the throbbing in my nose and upper right chest after a day procedure at RNS (local hospital).

It's important to pass it on to our children and grandchildren, even though they already know, that skin has 'memory', and my nose and right chest remembers the times I allowed them to be exposed to the sun. 

My Anglosaxon pale skin areas were exposed  pre awareness of skin memory and future damage from the sun's rays.  Initially, it was when, our family was out there having fun perhaps caravaning in Dad's homemade caravan in New Zealand.  If you caught too much sun on the weekend you would peel by Wednesday or Thursday when my sister and I had fun peeling the skin from each other's shoulders, like little monkeys.

Then there was the 'greater awareness stage' - a time when I wanted the look of the time, which meant being brown, even though I was a " 'pakehah - white person in Maori'."
By this time we had moved to Australia  and I was a teenager, with a brand new forbidden bikini.  Bondi had the whitest of sand and my visit there included a full body spray of coconut oil, resulting in my entire body being fried by the sun.  It also meant that the wearing of  the forbidden 'bikini' was revealed when  I returned home looking like a tomato - and that was how my dad treated the burn ie with ripe tomatoes. 

Fortunately our education has moved us on from this state of mind.  However many of us remain there and still want to be tanned. 
I actually don't want that any more and am reminded today that it's OK to be white.
Clara

Feedback  keeps me going.
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OK - this is my book - Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours

Hi Babyboomers

Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours is a coffee table book

Ok this is my book.  It's taken 2 years to write and it's been an amazing learning curve in so many ways.  I thought you might like to know what else I do with my time when I'm not blogging.

Mosman Meanders and foreshore flavours has been described as a ‘Must have gift' – Pages & Pages, after the book’s successful launch in December 2012.  It’s worth considering as a gift, with Mothers Day coming up as it will appeal to, families, residents and ex-patriots as a reference or a memento.

It’s a photographic style coffee table book, featuring  walks along the magnificent foreshores between Mosman and the Spit, and contains reference to the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.   Bushland walking tracks provide opportunities to view major Sydney icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as some of the newly opened, navigational and maritime sites.   The book lists casual food and cafe destinations with recipes for readers to experience themselves.

You can pick up a copy  through local bookstores and some local cafes, or purchase online at http://mosmanmeanders.blogspot.com.au .  This blog link will tell you more about the book which has proven popular, through the Pages & Pages on-line brochure, with expatriates  of Mosman.

 

My journey has released me from the spectre of retirement and since I'm now addicted to writing, there is a new book following of course. 
This one is going to be about retirement or more correctly about non-retirement, which will include interesting insights into this period of our lives.
Cheers C


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Older Australians enjoy an active sex life as much as the younger ones

Hi BB
Good article from our Ita. 

Sydney Morning Herald - 25/2/2013

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Emerson defines New Year Success

 

Wishing you all a successful New Year

 New Year "Reflections from my garden" video is below

Clara

 

 

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Today is my birthday. Am I coping?

Hi Babyboomers
Today is my birthday - dangerously close to being unacceptable.

 

Am I coping? Yes, I have several strategies in place, of which 'denial' is the most effective. 

Seriously, however, involvement in something I love is what makes me happy that I have lived beyond the years that my parents and sister did.  Reinvention is another fantasic way to beat the years - recently I published a book  - weelll OK - "Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours" which I'll no doubt tell you about.  It has kept me busy for over two years and is now out there, doing OK.  How about that?  So I could tick 'Author' off the list but believe that writing is in my blood.

 

Now marketing it is keeping both my husband and myself busy. 

I can actually talk about him here - his name is G, with the reason I can, being that he "doesn't understand or read blogs".  

 

G gave me his presents weeks ago - a bike and helmet.  I'll tell you about the bike in another post - it has a little electric motor to help go up the many steep hills around the foreshores.  I'm actually quite nervous since I've fallen off twice, just need to practice. 

The day started with a coffee at a favourite cafe at Balmoral  and joined in the buzz created by the Balmoral Braves, a group of icebergers who swim all year round and reward themselves after the swim  with coffee and camaraderie. 

 

We are going out to dinner tonight to 'celebrate' at one of our local French Vietnamese restaurants which I'm told has lots of lovely little tasty courses. I spent the rest of the day catching up with blogging since writing a book is a demanding task.   

 

So it's been a good day with phone calls from friends and family -

 I'm going to end my session by  starting a new book.  A wonderful new friend (another strategy) says, "You must always have a painting on the go, or a book etc, because you can't die until you finish it."

Clara

 

 

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On a roll with ancient Chinese health & beauty techniques

Adapted from an article from 'SPA Australasia Nov 2011'   by ANTHONY KINGSTON .

Some health and beauty practitioners are starting to look back to one of the largest and best-recorded beauty systems, that of the ancient Chinese. Some of the “new” trends use common techniques of the ancient orient, including jade rolling and skin needling.

Ancient Chinese beauty techniques have been proven safe and effective by thousands of years use.  Jade rollers have been found in tombs dating back to the 12th century

Jade Rolling  - Simple and gentle, the jade head is rolled over the skin to promote movement of lymphatic fluid, which helps relieve fluid retention around the face and reduce swelling. The technique is particularly effective for relieving bags under the eyes and reducing sinus congestion.  When used on the throat the reduction of fluid in this

area helps to tighten the appearance of the skin.

With so much buzz around skin needling, or collagen induction therapy, in the last few years, few people realise how much these techniques owe to Chinese culture.

Skin Needling - The original form of skin needling was acupuncture, which was first used for facial rejuvenation during the Shui dynasty between 581 and 618 AD.  Following this, a variety of skin needling tools were invented for both health and beauty (the two were rarely separated in ancient Chinese culture). One of the earliest was the dermal hammer or seven-star needle, which contained seven tiny needles and was used for treating scars and blackheads among other beauty concerns (very similar in design and use to the modern dermal stamp). Around the same time, Chinese practitioners were, also treating hair loss with what can only be described as an early precursor to the dermal roller.


You can find out more about how needling is relevant today by visiting the link below. 
http://www.dermaviduals.com.au/Product/MTS-Roller-Clinical-Use.html    Clara



Derma Aesthetics Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 18 143 228 906

p: (+612) 9968 4914 f: (+612) 9969 8658
e: enquiries@skincorrection.com.au

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Antiageing qualities of a good belly laugh

 

Hi Babyboomers
 We love a good belly laugh. I actually believe it is the basis of a real friendship when you share a similar sense of humour - when you really really laugh!!!!! And it feels sooooooo good.
Being with babies, toddlers and grandchildren spark this fresh new insight into how we are - and I adore them. When my children were at this stage, I smiled so much I was afraid that I would develop eye wrinkles. But I now know that those laugh lines on my face are an endorsement of my view of life. So I embrace them.

When my daughter picked up her first phone (the first of many calls!!!!!) she said " BlahBlahblah HaHaHa BlahBlahblah HaHaHa!!!! which made me realise that her mimicking was of my phone habit. Time moved on and phone manners morphed and swayed, but laughter always prevailed with my son and daughter. It is the glue that holds us together during the good and tough times. With it we move forward with grace - without it, we can get lost in a self centred focus.
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/baby-laughing-hysterically-15098This little girl knows this already!
Clara

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Priorities and Confessions of a gym dropout

Clara is now a gym drop-out and
prefers other  activities



 
Dear Babyboomers
Now a self-confessed 'Gym Dropout' since last year, I adopted the idea of 'Exercise with a Purpose' - the concept being that if you have places you need to go, then walk there, or spend time in the garden sweeping  paths etc.  Cutting the hedge, for example, is a great way to exercise the dreaded upper arms while working in the garden definitely helps to restore positive mental equilibrium. I recall one of Jane Fonda's exercise tapes had one exercise called "PULL WEEDS ! PULL WEEDS! - she was always so urgent in her requests so I did as I was told.


I am currently writing a book about walks in my area so this also provides many opportunities to get out there and exercise / walk with a purpose along with regular morning walks. Then the 10 minutes of additional exercise such as some pelvic floor / abdomen stuff, some resistance activities using a stretchy car octopus, and a few basic moves using 2kg / 4lb weights.


All that is good. But - while I'm in confession mode - I do get up early, to walk with G. I really really really want to, but sometimes I really really really really want just a few more precious lifesaving minutes in foggy sleep. Fortunately for me, G heaps disappointment upon me so being an approval seeker, I do my best. However, with daylight saving ending soon, it is going to be darker, colder, harder. Follow my progress!  Re the 10 minutes exercise - you know what - it doesn't always happen. One exercise I do religiously, however, redeems me slightly - ie in waiting for the shower to heat up - with hands behind you grasping the edge of the bath, fingers pointing forward, 20 strong knee bends with pelvic awareness; this  exercises many essential muscles all at the one time, including the dreaded upper arms I keep referring to. This is my naked truth! And the good part is I am still asleep.

A new mantra - ie "I'm going to walk before I talk, jog before I blog and stretch before I sit," because for me, it's all about routine and priorities.
Clara
ps - It would be great to hear what works for you.


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"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright"...... Lucille Ball

Dear Babyboomers -

"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright....... " Lucille Ball. 

She was a smart woman who knew what she was talking about!  My reply when asked how old I am, is "If a woman tells you her age, she will tell you anything."  A special young friend of mine asked the other day, "How old are you?"  I paused significantly before answering, "I can't answer that question because I don't want to tell you a lie."  Of course as a 5 yr old he didn't really understand why I didn't want to reveal this basic fact but he has to learn early.

The reason I didn't tell a little white lie is because I have had my fingers severely burnt in a similar interaction, where a 5 year old just learning about numbers asked the same question (why are they so obsessed with age?)  I answered, foolishly, "39." 

"Oh, Clara,'' she said, squinting intently into my sunlit face and comparing it mentally with her mother's 30's face and said, "You haven't looked after your skin well."

I rest my case - you have to teach them early - do not ask a woman's age!

Honestly Clara/Lucille

Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was an American comedienne, film, television, stage and radio actress, model, film and television executive, and star of the sitcoms I Love Lucy, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy and Life With Lucy. One of the most popular and influential stars in America during her lifetime, with one of Hollywood's longest careers, especially on television, Ball began acting in the 1930s, becoming both a radio actress and B-movie star in the 1940s, and then a television star during the 1950s. She was still making films in the 1960s and 1970s. - Wikipedia

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Babyboomers devouring Avocado Dip with wine for antiageing effects

Hi Babyboomers
I usually post food blogs at http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/ but thought you might enjoy hearing about the amazing antiageing qualities of the avocado.
So what's all the fuss about Avocados?


Answer - They are an incredible superfood, as well as being delicious and versatile.






Avocado Dip - au naturale




My first tasting of avocado was as a newly married new foodie, discovering alternative foods to which my mum had served. In the 60's, avocados were referred to as Avocado Pears. Expecting a sweet taste, the oily, savoury taste and texture was a shock, a little like drinking your first cup of real coffee or glass of red wine.In designing a fingerfood menu Avocado Dip is a great start.
2 avocados – chopped or mashed
1/2 lebanese cucumber, sliced lengthways, deseeded, then chopped finely
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup Greek yoghurt
Sea salt and cracked pepper
Chopped Mint or basil (or both) added at the end
Serve with vegetable sticks and /or Lebanese bread toasted – Lebanese cucumber, carrot, celery, capsicum.
Or do what we do - simply scoop from the flesh of the avo with a cracker - (my favourite being 'Salt and Vinegar Rice crackers' but a low GI cracker or bread would be better)


Re Avos - Don't be like me in the past - thinking that they contained oils and therefore avoiding them when in fact they are great for maintaining a healthy weight since fats are vital for good health. (Avocados contain fat, 60% is monounsaturated, 20% is polyunsaturated, and only 20% is saturated.)


Avocados are a wonderful fruit containing a mass of vital nutrients and fibre, are low in sugar and salt free, and contain per 100g-11% of the RDI of vitamin A, 11% of Thiamin, 19% of Riboflavin, 21% of niacin, 42% of vitamin C and 13% of magnesium, to name a few.


While lowering cholesterol, being a fantastic antioxidant and brilliant for your skin, when consumed prior to or during alcohol, avocado inhibits the ability of alcohol to cause fatty liver. So next time you're having a glass of wine try eating home-made avocado dip with veggie sticks.


Eat more avo's
Clara

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'Successful retirement' and serious antiageing stuff welcomed

Dear Babyboomers

Thanks for your incredible response to my post "Serious Antiageing Stuff", which encourages me to continue along the passionate path I have chosen. 

The reason I feel passionate, is because the way I deal with an unknown future is to address it and put it out there for comment and because I know that there are many women (or men, not necessarily targeted), who would like to contribute to 'Ideas towards 'Successful Retirement'. 

There are many questions to ask, and discussions to have to reconcile the past with the present and future - let's do it!

Perhaps I will ask a question per day.  What do you think?
For the times - they are achanging. Go to http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/ to view the exciting decades we have spanned.

Cheers Clara


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Serious babyboomer anti-ageing stuff - It's now or never, Girls (and boys)

Dear Babyboomers

OK, let's get serious about this babyboomer anti-ageing stuff.  No, not the email jokes, and yes, some of them are underwhelmingly funny, ha ha, but others too close to the truth to be comfortable especially when one has experienced the occasional 'Senior's Moment' due to  inattention of the moment.  I have banned any ageist talk from my territory - trust me, your inner young vital self hears this stuff and absorbs it, so best to avoid it.

My darling husband, known blogwise as G, now knows better than to refer to me affectionately as, "Old Girl".  He now knows that all it gets him is a very negative response.   Also, G, you are not the detective on my brain case.  I am responsible for my own brain and don't need references to when I choose to be forgetful.  I  have been responsible for decades - which has ensured that the children in my care have been responsibly and lovingly  nutured. 

However, now they are responsible for themselves - yes - and now it is time for us.

OK, that's all I have to say for today.

Passionately Clara

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