Use it or lose it ...

19 years ago

is important in various aspects of our lives.

For example - have you noticed that, after you've spent several days ill in bed ... when you put feet to floor, you are surprised at how weak you've become?

That's a problem with astronauts who've spent a while weightless, as well, they say.

Same works for one's brain - if we let it go to seed, its capability will diminish (not to say that it was too great to begin with, for some of us). Keep the old brain active, to keep its capability alive.

Surely some of you have some ideas that are worthwhile sharing, in this space?

If we don't use it - we'll lose it.

I think that would be a shame. Don't you?

It seems to me that there are a number of ways in which we seniors can help one another.

For example: how many of you Canadians know that if you're a low-income person, in many areas volunteers trained by the Income Tax department work in clinics where they'll prepare your income tax at no cost?

Perhaps you know someone who could use that service.

Perhaps you could encourage your group, social club, church, etc. to publicize that information, if they haven't. 'Twould be a good diea if they'd organize and staff such a clinic, no?

For those of you in other countries, does your income tax department provide such a service?

If not, why not?

Get on their tail and suggest (persistently) that they set up such a program.

If you can get others and several agencies to support your proposal, so much the better.

Have a great weekend, all.

ole joyful

Comments (6)

sharlee
19 years ago
Hi,

Yes, there are several avenues for seniors here in the NW. Some are the senior centers, senior communities where folks volunteer & good ole AARP for tax help.

As previously mentioned Turbo Tax was my choice after years of having my accountant do it. Had occasion to meet with her & guess it looked fine. My choice was made on trying to cut back on expenses at this age.

Sharlee
Garden_Momma
19 years ago
They also have a tax program in our area like that (Ohio). Also one for low income. As I have not yet reached retiremsnt age (but climbing that hill pretty fast) I am interested in a lot of things that require that ole 'brain power' to work. I got my GEd at the age of 38, went to college for accounting age 44, 1 semester to finish. I should have graduated Jan 2004 but health issues arose and had to drop 4 of the major classes. I'm thinking this fall I'll finish, I'll probably need to take updated classes but that was included with tuition and just fine and dandy with me..!! Took tax classes this year. I think doing nothing for the mind is a horrible thing to waste. When I was done with taxes, I thought 'Now what can I do?' I love knowledge, doing research. As I have dicovered these different forums I've found ways to do that what I like. I sew, garden and love being a first time grandmother. I still have a family at home to nurture Husband and kids have been very supportive, I htink they think I'm crazy sometimes but they know 'that's me'.

Joyful is right Use it or lose it, and using is a wonderful thing for the present and the future. :0
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azrose
18 years ago
Here's some advice:

1. Widen your circle of friends. Try to have friends younger and older than you, as well as some your own age. Also, get to know people at different educational levels, and in different occupations. Often, those who have little education develop wonderful life skills for survival.

1a. To meet these people, join clubs, volunteer for worthwhile causes.

2. Limit your "trivia" reading. If you have a romance novel habit or if your favorite reading is gossip magazines, try to limit your exposure to those things. If you spend a lot of time reading other specialty magazines of any sort (sports, homemaking, gardening, crafts, for example), try to balance them with some more serious reading such as news magazines or editorial pages of the newspaper.

3. Play strategy games. Play chess or checkers or Chinese checkers, and seek worthy opponents. Try to choose card games that make you think, and select playing partners who make the game a challenge.

4. Pencil puzzles. If you are selecting crossword puzzles that you can complete without thinking very much, move up a notch. Do other types of word games and brain teasers.

5. Work on your vocabulary. One way to do this is to read something that's harder to understand, and look up the words and see how they are used in context.

6. Do jigsaw puzzles. But select the ones that are more difficult. (That can be a challenge as we lose our great eyesight. Maybe a lighted magnifying glass or a magnifying lamp would help.)

7. Write. Sit down at a computer, a typewriter, or with a pencil or pen and paper. Write your life story in sequence. Or take various topics and write your thoughts on them. Or write about people you've known. Things you've done. Places you've visited. You'll probably find it an entertaining thing to do, it will certainly stimulate your brain and your memory. And your grandchildren may treasure the results.
joyfulguy
Original Author
18 years ago
Hi azrose,

My daughter's email address is azsoleil (French for "sun").

With regard to jigsaw puzzles - my ex and I had been apart for well over 30 years prior to her death last year.

But I remember doing jigsaw puzzles with her - she'd find about 9 pieces to my one!

Crossword puzzles are interesting mind-exercisers, as well.

For example: do you know a six-letter word for people that buy lottery tickets, frequent casinos/bingos etc.?

If it starts with "s" and ends with "d", it's likely "s-t-u-p-i-d", or if it ends in "r", likely "s-u-c-k-e-r".

A personal financial advisor, I've (almost) never bought a lottery ticket.

But I've won about $12. (maybe $14.) using lottery tickets. They used to offer free lottery tickets for purchase of a given amount or more of gas at some local service stations.

"Same gas, same price - so why not avail one's self of the bonus?" was my thought.

Hope you're enjoying a great autumn week in your neck of the woods.

ole joyful
joyfulguy
Original Author
18 years ago
Here's another that, dare I say, is worthy of reconsideration?

ole joyful
joyfulguy
Original Author
18 years ago
Here's another that, dare I say, is worthy of reconsideration?

ole joyful

Use it or lose it ...

Comments (6)

sharlee

Garden_Momma

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Use it or lose it ...

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