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Career Corner: Don't Throw Away That Thank You Note!

by Amy Potthast

I know you probably didn't enter mission-driven work so that you could tally up your good deeds, but collecting and tracking information and evidence will help you in your current job and during your next career transition.

50+: Igniting a Revolution to Reinvent America

For the first time in history, long life is not a rarity, which is great news for America's 78 million boomers, the oldest of whom turn 60 this year. While many view these changing demographics as a problem, AARP CEO Bill Novelli views them as an historic opportunity for our nation, believing that we can afford to grow older as a society, and that we will be better for it.

Ready for the Mobile Internet Boom?

By Carole Damon, Executive Director, Volunteer Coordinators' Council 

There’s a new wave coming that will, once again, change the way we communicate.  According to Tony Goodrow, President of Volunteer², a volunteer management software development company, connecting to the internet by desktop and laptop computers will soon give way to mobile internet devices.  Apple sold 300,000 iPads in the United States alone on the device’s first day of release.  AT&T, Sprint and Verizon all report high sales of phones that aren’t just phones anymore, but highly portable mobile internet devices.  And according to research firm, eMerketer, the US can expect the number of mobile internet users to reach close to 45% of the population by 2013.

What does this mean to you?  For one thing, it means that your social marketing efforts will receive greater exposure.  Customer relationship marketing agency Merkle claims that “consumers with an internet-enabled phone are one-third more likely to be active on top social networks”.  So, the more people investing in these devices, the more participation there will be on networks like Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In, and the more people who will be likely to learn about your organization.

More than 3M seniors may have to switch drug plans

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR
Associated Press Writer

More than 3 million seniors may have to switch their Medicare prescription plan next year, even if they're perfectly happy with it, thanks to an attempt by the government to simplify their lives.

The policy change could turn into a hassle for seniors who hadn't intended to switch plans during Medicare's open enrollment season this fall.

And it risks undercutting President Barack Obama's promise that people who like their health care plans can keep them.

A new analysis by a leading private research firm estimates that more than 3 million beneficiaries will see their current drug plan eliminated as Medicare tries to winnow down duplicative and confusing coverage, in order to offer consumers more meaningful choices. Instead of 40 or more plans in each state, beneficiaries would pick from 30 or so.

It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

By Prill Boyle

Have you ever wondered what your calling is?

Not long ago, I began a speech by asking how many members of my middle-aged audience still didn't know what they wanted to be when they grew up. After a few giggles, more than a quarter of the people in the room raised a hand.

Some might argue that if you haven't found a calling by the time you're in midlife, chances are you won't. Meg Wolitzer, author of The Ten-Year Nap, goes even further. In a New York Times interview, she once declared: “The notion that everyone has a calling, that everyone has a talent, that everyone has a passion, isn't true.”

The Boss Is Half Your Age, What Are You Going to Do About It?

By Gary R. McClain, Ph.D. 

Meet your new boss. She's about the same age as your oldest child. Feel your heart drop into the pit of your stomach about the same time that your jaw lands on the keyboard? Welcome to another wrinkle in the continuing saga called maturity!

Traditionally, the workplace reflects the natural progression of professional development. Even into our 40s, our superiors are often older than us, while our professional peers are in our own age group, and the new kids on the block are just that: Kids.

That is, until a young hotshot is brought in to provide new direction, if not shake things up. Or you become more specialized in your professional niche and step off the management track. Or the organization restructures. Feeling doomed to a replay of "Death of a Salesman?" Not if you think and act strategically.

City Market Summer Book Sale Series

Saturday, September 4, 2010
8:00am

400 West Grand, North Walkway next to Steamboat Arabia 

On the first Saturday of every month this summer (May-October) in the City Market, 400 Grand St., Kansas City, MO, the Friends of the Library will hold a series of book sales on the North Walkway next to the Steamboat Arabia. Book sales will continue through October.

The books range in price from $0.50 to $5.00 and cover many genres.

For additional information, contact KCLibraryFriends@gmail.com, or call (816) 701-3468.

Encore Careers: Dick Goldberg

After working 25 years as a writer, Dick followed his heart and helped launch a Philadelphia nonprofit that helps individuals explore their future.

Dick Goldberg began his encore career as National Director of Coming of Age after working as a freelance writer for 25 years. He wrote an off-Broadway drama, Family Business; episodes of the PBS-TV series, American Playhouse, and two TV series, Kate and Allie and MacGyver; a feature film, The Imagemaker; and the Franklin Institute Omnimax film Philadelphia Anthem. He’s also written book and restaurant reviews for The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer and was a Guggenheim fellow.

What if My Aging Relative Resists “Outside” Help? Helping Seniors Accept Help

From: http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/04/what-if-my-aging-relative-resists-outside-help-helping-senior-accept-help/

Two of the most important issues for seniors are to remain independent and keep living in their own home. But health and cognitive issues can sometimes make normal day to day living a bit more challenging.

While some seniors accept assistance with no problem, many others can be initially resistant to the thought of someone helping them, particularly if the assistance is provided by a non-family member.

In many cases though, assistance is necessary in order to maintain the safety and well-being of the senior, and the peace of mind of the family.

Despite an obvious need for assistance, sometimes the urge to remain independent is strong. According to a survey by Home Instead Senior Care, only one-quarter of seniors actually ask for help directly, so encountering resistance from the other 75% is very normal at first.

Social Media and Technology Use Among Adults 50+

by: Jean Koppen, AARP Research & Strategic Analysis | from: Surveys and Statistics | June 2010

AARP commissioned a national telephone survey of the 50+ population, including an oversample of Hispanic adults age 50 and older, to gather information on this age group's use of social media and technology and thereby better serve all Americans age 50+ through its website.