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Are you ready to go on a journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await? If you’re an older woman with a passion for travel, there’s no better way to explore the charm of the continent than by hopping on a bus and hitting the open road.

1. Best of Western Europe Tour – This fast-paced 9-night one-way tour explores seven countries and 19 memorable experiences, all with a knowledgeable tour leader. Enjoy the highlights of iconic cities, historic landmarks, and natural wonders, all while benefiting from flexible booking options.
2. Best of UK & Ireland – Go on a 12-night UK and Ireland adventure that includes 21 unforgettable experiences, all guided by an experienced leader. Explore cities, historic landmarks, and natural wonders while traveling in comfort on a modern coach.
3. European Tapestry – Explore Europe’s rich tapestry on a 14-day tour through seven countries, from Amsterdam’s canals to Monte Carlo’s casinos, featuring stunning scenery and encounters with skilled artisans.
4. Classical Greece – Prepare for a captivating journey through Classical Greece, exploring historical sites and engaging in cultural experiences while learning to dance the sirtaki and mastering Mediterranean cuisine. This small group adventure promises an immersive exploration of Greece’s rich history and vibrant culture.
5. EUROPEAN ACCENT – Go on a 14-day Europe tour from Amsterdam to Paris via Rome, covering 15 cities in 7 countries with comfortable accommodations and culinary delights. Witness epic landscapes, explore iconic cities, and delve into centuries of history, all while forging new friendships along the way.
6. SPANISH EXPERIENCE – Explore the vibrant spirit of Spain on a 9-day tour, from Madrid to Seville, Granada, and Barcelona. With comfortable accommodations and delightful meals, experience the best of Spain’s culture, from flamenco rhythms to Gaudí’s masterpieces.
7. Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle – Experience the enchanting beauty of winter in Iceland with the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, hiking in Þingvellir National Park, and encounters with Icelandic horses. This unique winter adventure promises a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences in an otherworldly setting.
8. European Traveller – Go on a 10-day journey across Europe, exploring five countries and nine cities from London to Rome. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and the romance, history, and adventure of Europe’s charming streets and stunning landscapes.
9. Premium Portugal – Discover the multifaceted beauty of Portugal as you journey from the birthplace of port wine in the Douro Valley to the ancient University of Coimbra, exploring hidden gems in Porto’s backstreets and immersing yourself in Lisbon’s rich history. With a local leader, uncover the authentic Portugal, rich in history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and refined cuisine.
10. The Best of Turkey – Experience the best of Turkey’s landscapes and history in a time-efficient journey, starting at Gallipoli, visiting Troy, Ephesus, and Pamukkale, and ending in Istanbul. This adventure offers a rich blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and vibrant city exploration.

Read WHERE AND WHEN TO SEE EUROPE IN BLOOM.

How to Choose a European Bus Tour

With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you select the tour that best aligns with your interests, preferences, and needs.

Determine Your Interests

Start by identifying what interests you the most. Are you a history buff, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or an adventurer? Understanding your interests will help you narrow down your choices.

Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your European bus tour. Prices can vary significantly, so having a budget in mind will help you eliminate tours that are out of your price range.

Choose the Duration

Decide how long you want your tour to be. Some tours are as short as a few days, while others can last several weeks. Ensure the duration of the tour aligns with your availability and stamina.

Select Your Destination

Europe is vast and diverse, so pinpoint the specific countries or regions you’d like to explore. Do you dream of the Mediterranean coast, the charm of Eastern Europe, or the iconic cities of Western Europe?

Research Tour Operators

Look for reputable tour operators that specialize in European bus tours. Check their websites, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends or online travel communities.

Itinerary and Inclusions

Carefully review the tour itineraries to see what each one offers. Are there specific landmarks, cities, or experiences that are must-see for you? Also, check what’s included in the tour package, such as accommodations, meals, guided tours, and transportation.

Group Size

Consider the size of the tour group. Smaller groups can offer a more personalized experience, while larger groups may be more budget-friendly but potentially less intimate.

Accommodations

Check the quality of accommodations provided during the tour. Make sure they meet your standards for comfort and convenience.

Guides and Expertise

Find out if the tour includes knowledgeable guides who can enhance your understanding of the destinations you’ll visit.

Special Interests

If you have specific interests or requirements, such as dietary restrictions or mobility issues, inquire whether the tour operator can accommodate them.

Compare Options

Once you’ve gathered all this information, compare different tour options side by side to see which one best suits your desires and needs.

Read the Fine Print

Carefully read the terms and conditions of the tour, including cancellation policies and any additional costs that may apply.

By following these steps and considering your interests, budget, and personal preferences, you can confidently select a European bus tour that promises an unforgettable and enriching travel experience.

Read BUS TOURS FOR SINGLE WOMEN OVER 50.

European Bus Trips for Women Over 60

Best of Western Europe Tour

Over 10 days, you’ll explore seven fascinating countries, from the historic landmarks of the United Kingdom and France to the natural beauty of Switzerland and the culture of Italy.

Transportation is on a modern air-conditioned coach, complete with reclining seats and an onboard toilet. Any public transport used as part of the tour is included, except on free days. Your tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners, with vegetarian options available upon request. Meals are your chance to savor the flavors of each destination.

A dedicated and experienced tour leader will accompany your group throughout the journey, managing all logistical details and ensuring a seamless experience.

Prepare for a total of 19 unforgettable experiences, including a driving tour of London’s most famous landmarks, dinner at a traditional British pub, champagne tasting in Reims, and visits to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, and many more exciting destinations.

• Tour Operator: Expat Explore
• Days: 10
• Cost: From $2,100

Best of UK & Ireland

Go on a 13-day adventure through captivating destinations with this comprehensive tour, offering a blend of 2, 3, and 4-star hotel accommodations in twin rooms, with private bathrooms. Single travelers can opt for a single supplement to ensure a private room.

Included are 12 breakfasts and 6 dinners, with vegetarian options available upon request.

Travel in comfort aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach equipped with reclining seats and onboard toilets. A seasoned tour leader will guide your group throughout, expertly managing all logistical details, making your journey hassle-free.

Experience 21 remarkable moments, from exploring historic Bath and the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon to witnessing the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway and enjoying a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge.

Discover the beauty, culture, and history of these enchanting locations on this all-encompassing tour, creating cherished memories and embracing unique experiences at every turn.

• Tour Operator: Expat Explore
• Days: 13
• Cost: From $2,555

European Tapestry

Experience a 14-day European tour that weaves together the rich tapestry of seven countries, from the enchanting canals of Amsterdam to the glitz of Monte Carlo. Delight in the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, the Swiss Alps, and the Tuscan hills, while meeting the skilled artisans of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers of Rhineland.

This expertly crafted itinerary seamlessly combines fascinating cities, idyllic countryside, and delectable cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Europe’s timeless tales and cultural treasures.

• Tour Operator: Globus
• Days: 14
• Cost: From $4,149

Classical Greece

Go on a journey through the heart of Greece, where your packing list includes a sun hat and a curious mind. Prepare to be fascinated by the fascinating tales of Sun Gods, ancient philosophers, and Olympic legends.

From Athens’ iconic Acropolis to the sacred Temples of Olympia, the mountainous ruins of Delphi, and the awe-inspiring monasteries atop the Meteora rock formations, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Greece’s most legendary figures and even dance in them, thanks to a lively sirtaki lesson.

This adventure is not just about sightseeing, it’s also a culinary odyssey where you’ll uncover the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and learn to craft traditional tzatziki cucumber dip. So, pack your appetite and a sense of wonder as you prepare to explore Greece in a unique and engaging small group setting.

• Tour Operator: Globus
• Days: 8
• Cost: From $2,089

European Accent

Experience the adventure of a lifetime on a two-week Europe tour from Amsterdam to Paris, passing through Rome and other incredible destinations. Over 14 days, you’ll go through seven countries, explore 15 vibrant cities, and spend 13 nights in comfortable accommodations.

This tour is a whirlwind of European highlights, including beautiful cities like Venice, Paris, Rome, and Avignon. Dive into centuries of papal history, cruise down the powerful Rhine River, and create unforgettable memories with new friends.

This 14-day expedition is your passport to discovering the beauty, culture, and history of Europe’s most celebrated destinations. Don’t miss the chance to explore the continent with like-minded travelers and make memories that will last a lifetime.

• Tour Operator: Costsaver
• Days: 14
• Cost: From $2,228

Spanish Experience

Step into the lively rhythm of Spain on a 9-day journey that will sweep you from Madrid to Seville, Granada, and Barcelona. With 8 nights of comfortable accommodation and an array of delectable meals, this trip encapsulates the essence of Spain.

Your adventure in Spain is a celebration of life, from leisurely afternoons of siestas to the spirited rhythms of flamenco and late-night tapas bars. Stroll through buzzing plazas, where well-dressed locals prepare for a night of revelry and greet the next day with a relaxed start.

As you travel this captivating country, you’ll marvel at Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, uncover the medieval treasures of Toledo, and be swept away by the beautiful Andalusian plains. Spain showcases its best, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of this mesmerizing experience.

• Tour Operator: Costsaver
• Days: 9
• Cost: From $1,508

Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle

Iceland’s allure takes on an otherworldly enchantment during the winter season. It’s a time when the Northern Lights grace the sky with their mesmerizing dance, creating a celestial spectacle that leaves visitors in awe. The contrast between the cool, crisp winter air and the geothermal hot springs, with their billowing steam, adds a touch of magic to the landscape.

Explore ancient lava caves that hide secrets of Iceland’s volcanic past, and chase the awe-inspiring waterfalls that dot the landscape, including the iconic Gullfoss.

Winter in Iceland is a time of wonder, where natural beauty and cultural experiences intertwine to create an adventure like no other.

• Tour Operator: G Adventures
• Days: 5
• Cost: From $1,519

European Traveller

Start a 10-day journey across Europe, beginning in London and concluding in Rome. This adventure will take you through five countries and nine remarkable cities, with nine nights of comfortable accommodation awaiting you.

Your days will begin with delicious breakfasts, providing the perfect fuel for your exploration, and you’ll savor three delightful dinners during your journey.

As you stroll through charming European streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in romance, surrounded by a rich history, and fueled by a sense of adventure. Relax on the shores of Lake Lucerne, where the tranquil waters and stunning scenery will mesmerize you. Witness master craftsmen at work in the canals of Venice, creating intricate treasures that reflect the city’s artistic soul. Finally, marvel at the magic of the snow-capped Swiss Alps, a pristine and awe-inspiring landscape that embodies the essence of winter wonder.

• Tour Operator: Trafalgar
• Days: 10
• Cost: From $2,285

Premium Portugal

Explore the multifaceted beauty of Portugal on a journey that traverses grand cities, medieval villages, and enchanting coastlines. This Western European haven is a treasure trove of imagery waiting to be discovered.

Begin your adventure by exploring the birthplace of port wine and uncovering the hidden gems of the Douro Valley. Immerse yourself in history at the ancient University of Coimbra, where time seems to stand still. Wander through the labyrinthine backstreets of Porto, learning the secrets of this charming city. Finally, travel into the heart of Lisbon, a city that exudes glorious beauty and history at every turn.

Throughout your journey, a local leader will guide you, providing an authentic glimpse into Portugal’s rich history, diverse regional cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the artistry of its refined cuisine. Portugal is a land of captivating stories waiting to be told and an experience that will stay with you long after your journey is over.

• Tour Operator: Intrepid
• Days: 8
• Cost: From $4,175

The Best of Turkey

For the traveler seeking to make the most of their time in Turkey while immersing themselves in its remarkable landscapes and rich history, this journey is the perfect choice. The adventure starts at the historic WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, a place of great significance and reflection.

Next, dive into the captivating realm of Greek myths and explore the intriguing ruins of the legendary city of Troy, evoking the tales of ancient heroes and epic battles. The journey continues with a visit to the well-preserved streets of Ephesus, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of those who lived in antiquity.

This trip offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an enriching experience in Turkey that will leave you refreshed and inspired to explore Istanbul’s bustling streets.

• Tour Operator: G Adventures
• Days: 8
• Cost: From $1,019

Read 6 SLOW-PACED TOURS FOR SENIORS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like bus tours? Have you been on a bus tour in Europe? What do you enjoy about bus tours? Tell us about it in the comments below.

According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in three people between 65 and 74 years old has hearing loss, while 50% of those 75 years and older have an age-related hearing impairment. Senior citizens face unique healthcare challenges with hearing loss.

The latest smartphones come with different settings and apps to help hearing-impaired individuals easily communicate with others and make their lives easier.

This article covers the 10 best Android apps for hearing-impaired seniors that turn your phone into an assistive device for the elderly.

1. Live Transcribe & Notification

Used For: Live Captions for videos, podcasts, phone calls, audio messages, video calls, and more. The app captures speech and sounds and displays them as text on your phone screen.

Live Transcribe & Notification is developed by Google and is one of the best apps for hearing impaired individuals. The app generates live captions with the help of automatic speech recognition and enables the deaf and hard of hearing to have a conversation by using their Android phone.

Other key features are:

• The app is powered by Google’s speech recognition technology and uses machine learning to generate captions, similar to YouTube’s auto-generated captions.
• Live Transcribe helps you communicate in the moment with real-time captions whether you are meeting someone or ordering a coffee.
• Live Transcribe supports over 80 languages and dialects.
• It supports non-speech sounds including clapping, laughter, music, applause, whistling, and more.
• Google has also released an offline mode of the app that works without internet connectivity.

Live Transcribe is a free and easy-to-use app that enables hearing-impaired individuals to have conversations easily using their Android phones. With support of 80+ languages, it can be used by most Android users and has over 500 Million downloads on the Play Store.

Get Live Transcribe & Notifications on the Google Play Store

2. Sound Amplifier

Used For: Making everyday conversations and sounds more accessible for hard-of-hearing individuals by amplifying the sounds and filtering the noise.

Sound Amplifier, developed by Google, is the best sound amplifier app for Android. It amplifies the sounds around you, and the conversation mode helps you hear better in noisy places by reducing the noise, boosting quiet sounds, and tuning frequencies.

Perfect Hearing Assistance

Sound Amplifier is the best app to filter out background noise. It works in the background so you can watch videos and still hear people. A great tool to understand speech better in noisy environments. Works best when paired with noise-canceling headphones.

Multiple Uses

It works while watching TV so you can hear at a comfortable level without disturbing others. You can use it during a meeting or lecture in school to be able to hear the presenter better. It is great to filter distracting surrounding noises like music in a busy restaurant.

Sound Amplifier is one of the most useful Android apps for the hearing impaired and acts as a hearing aid, making everyday conversations and sounds more accessible for the hard of hearing.

Get Sound Amplifier | How to use Google’s Sound Amplifier app

3. Otter

Used For: Recording and transcribing  meetings, interviews, lectures, and everyday conversations.

The basic function of Otter is to record the audio and live transcribe the meetings and conversations. It is one of the best apps for taking meeting notes in real time and recording them in a searchable and shareable format.

You can stay focused on the conversation and rest assured that information and conversation are captured for future reference.

The key features of Otter include:

• Recording the audio and following the live transcribe.
• Capturing and sharing notes for virtual and physical meetings.
• Highlighting the snippets from the meeting and generating takeaways.
• Assigning action items to individuals with a single tap.
• An automated outline of the meeting.

Otter is a great app for the hearing impaired and other individuals to record, transcribe, and share conversations in real-time so you can focus on the current event without worrying about taking notes. The app is a great tool to remain informed and productive.

Get Otter for Android

4. Volume Booster

Used For: Boosting the volume on Android devices to receive an amplified sound.

Volume Booster provides a high quality, louder sound on your Android phone to listen to your favorite podcast or music or watch videos. The sound quality is clean and accurate without interference and noise.

You can increase the volume up to 200% with a single tap. This is the best free volume booster for Android and has excellent reviews and ratings from users.

Get Volume Booster for Android

5. Hearing Test

Used for: The best hearing test app for Android.

If you are looking for an app to test your hearing, Hearing Test is your best shot. It’s rated the best app based on users’ feedback and the accuracy of results when compared to doctors’ charts and results. There are a few buttons on the start page that are responsible for all functionality of tests. The results are presented in graphs reflecting performance at different frequencies.

To get the best results of the hearing test, follow these tips:

• Use cleaner (if possible newer) headphones and avoid using damaged headphones.
• Find a quiet place and time for the test. You will need silence for a few minutes during the test.

You can take a screenshot of the results to keep a record in case you delete or uninstall the app in the future.

Get Hearing Test for Android

6. Petralex

Used For: Converting your Android phone into a hearing aid.

Petralex is one of the useful apps for hard-of-hearing individuals, offering all the functions of a hearing aid. Seniors can use their Android phones with simple headphones as a delicate and unnoticeable hearing aid.

This app uses the microphone on a phone or headphones to capture sounds, then makes them thrice as loud and removes background noise. It’s an ideal app for hearing-impaired seniors because it helps with:

• Hearing the slightest sounds and whispers: The processing power of modern smartphones amplifies the sound and you can even hear the whispers and do not need a separate hearing aid.
• Providing great quality of sound: The sound is amplified and the app gets rid of background noise and personalizes the sound.
• Easy-to-use interface, buttons and controls suitable for elderly users. New profile-creating feature for any environment and fast, pre-saved profile selection.

This app is the best hearing aid app for Android users and one of the must-have apps for hearing impaired individuals.

Get Petralex for Android

7. Ava: Transcriptions & Captions

Used For: Live transcription of speech to text for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Ava provides accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing seniors by using captions to live transcribe speech to text. The elderly can use Ava to transcribe or live caption speech to text in meetings, classrooms, doctor’s appointments, shopping and other everyday conversations.

It can be used offline, but WiFi or cellular connectivity improves accuracy. The group conversation feature is easy to set up and use.

Get Ava: Transcriptions & Captions for Android

8. Rev Audio & Voice Recorder

Used For: Audio recording, dictation and transcription.

Rev Audio & Voice Recorder is another powerful audio recording app that comes with a transcription option. One thing that makes Rev a great audio recording tool is that it has no annoying ads and is free and simple to record audio.

Transcription is a paid service. Some of the features that make it one of the must-have Android apps for hearing impaired individuals include:

• Recording high-quality audio including interviews, lectures, meetings and more.
• Dictating memos and notes.
• Editing and organizing recordings on your phone and sharing them with others (via dropbox, email and your favorite sharing apps).

If you need an app for high-quality audio recordings without noise, Rev is your best bet. There is no recording limit. You can search and skip to any point while playing back a recording.

Get Rev Audio & Voice Recorder for Android

9. InnoCaption

Used For: Real-time call captioning for people with hearing loss.

InnoCaption makes phone calls easy and accessible for deaf and hearing-impaired seniors with the real-time captioning solution. If phone calls are difficult for you due to tinnitus or hearing issues and you have trouble understanding new voices and high-frequency sounds and have a hard time taking calls in noisy areas, InnoCaption is a must-have app for you.

This app enables you to make phone calls independently and keeps a record of all transcripts until you delete them.

• FCC-certified and funded by FCC, available for free.
• Make and receive calls with your existing number.
• Live stenography: Automated transcription including voicemail and past call transcripts.
• Sync contacts for quick and easy dialing.

Get InnoCaption Live Call Captions for Android

10. Olelo Captioned Calls

Used For: FCC-certified captioned calling app.

Olelo empowers deaf and hearing-impaired individuals to make and receive phone calls. The instant live captions help the elderly with hearing loss to have a better experience using their phone. The key features of this app are:

• Real-time captions: See the instant captions in less than 1 second, as the other person is speaking. The conversation flow is not interrupted by caption delay.
• Accuracy: FCC has rated Olelo the most accurate captioned call provider.
• Simple to use: All the saved contacts are synchronized and you can dial and answer calls as you would normally do. Voicemail is transcribed by accurate speech recognition, and you can access transcripts in call history.

Emergency 911 calls are captioned in real-time. Olelo is free for users with hearing loss and is part of the FCC IP CTS program that ensures functionally equivalent phone service for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Get Olelo Captioned Calls for Android

One of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss is that you cannot improve your hearing. I hope this article shows you how technology is effective in providing a better overall hearing experience.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Is it difficult for you to hear in loud environments? What do you do to solve this problem? Does background noise affect conversation clarity? Are there apps that you use to serve as a hearing aid?

As women over 60, we have had many an occasion to look back on what has brought us to where and who we are now, and at this stage we may be envisioning and planning our next chapter. Some of us continue to work full-time in our respective fields while others have either lightened their professional obligations or are fully retired.

If You Are Fully Retired, How Is Retirement Feeling to You?

Public relations efforts have played a significant role in shaping societal attitudes toward retirement in the United States, including influencing perceptions of older Americans and the idea of retirement itself. These efforts have often been employed to communicate messages that advocate retirement at age 65 as a positive and desirable moment in life.

In 1960, the term “golden years” was popularized by Del Webb, the real estate developer responsible for promoting sales of age-restricted properties to the elderly in Sun City, California, which resulted in a further glorification of the retirement milestone.

The real picture is starkly different: numerous scientific studies over the years have shown that retirement, as we have come to think of it in the Western world, increases the chances of suffering from clinical depression and loneliness, and of having at least one diagnosed physical illness. The adjustment to retirement, changes in routine, and social isolation can contribute to these challenges.

What Was Retirement Like in the Past?

To gain perspective, let us reference history: What did people who were getting older generally do vis-a-vis their occupations and professions? Well, when they got older, they simply slowed down and did less, and when they were unable to continue with what had occupied them in their working lives, they sought other meaningful endeavors.

Customarily, the transition was more gradual, not an abrupt cut off from full employment activities to doing nothing, which is why retiring in this way feels and is so unnatural.

How Are We Doing Today?

Statistics show that the honeymoon period after retirement as we know it lasts about one year. Because a majority want to be purposefully engaged, they end up after retiring having to start all over again to redefine who they are and where they fit in, and they often blame themselves if they don’t spring back quickly or figure things out fast enough. In all honesty, this is an understandable response to social conditioning that no longer serves them and perhaps never did.

Since many of us have more freedom now than we did while raising families and/or pursuing a career, time works in our favor in discovering an organic and integrated sense of well-being as we move through our culminating chapter.

If you have reduced your work obligations or are still loving to work full-time, good for you! If you have retired and have unfilled time on your hands, consider making these much-needed contributions to your family and community.

Being Useful as a Mentor

Become an attentive and helpful auntie or grandparent, if you’ve been blessed with having grandchildren, a volunteer, or a mentor, all excellent choices for staying connected.

The mentor-mentee relationship is, after all, archetypal. Socrates and Plato from ancient Greece; Dante and Virgil of Dante’s The Divine Comedy; Polonius and Laertes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet; Mr. Knightley and Emma in Jane Austen’s Emma; Gandalf and Frodo in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings; Atticus Finch and Scout in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird; and, more recently, Professor Dumbledore and Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series are iconic examples from world literature.

Without a doubt, mentoring the young is one of our primary responsibilities to the next generation, sharing what we have learned about life and in our respective careers. Although the young have more than ample resources at their fingertips online, nothing trumps the passage of important life information and lessons as much as person-to-person communication and relationship; a relationship with someone who listens and cares.

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

—Booker T. Washington

Where to Look for Mentoring Opportunities

A number of organizations and nonprofits – for example, Mentor, National Mentoring Partnership, and iMentor, to name three in the U.S. – can get you started or you can reflect on your daily interactions to determine how a young person you may know or are acquainted with might benefit from what you have learned and lived.

Begin by making it a point to talk to young people when you’re at the grocery store, the post office, the library, public events, etc. Open the dialogue with an observation or a heart-felt compliment. Find a reason to “see” them. Remember that isolation at any age occurs when we fail to recognize ourselves as members of a larger community.

This form of active involvement will require initiative on your part as the young are often hesitant to approach elders. They, too, have been socially conditioned to view us as people in mental and physical decline, old geezers on our way out, rather than as valuable repositories of knowledge and wisdom.

When you remove the mask of the retirement reality myth, you are unlimited in how you design and engage in the closing chapter of your life’s fascinating story.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How’s retirement working out for you? Is your retirement different than your parents’ or grandparents’? How are you using your time – to redefine, to mentor, to volunteer?

We all complain now and then. It’s human nature. But it’s a slippery slope and the more we complain, the worse it gets. When it gets out of control and becomes a habit, we’ve contracted that insidious disease known as negativitis. Inflammation of negative thinking. It’s a dreaded condition that’s highly contagious, affecting our physical and emotional health, and potentially our social life.

The thing is, our brains have a negative bias. We are biologically designed to sense danger and react to it. The problem is that if we stay in that negative mode, our brains rewire and focus on the negative, with little room for joy and positive thinking.

We all need a friend’s ear now and then, and that’s normal and comforting to know that we can. But it’s about balance, perspective, and outlook.

What Are the Symptoms?

Perhaps you know someone who suffers from negativitis, or you’re wondering whether you’ve contracted this disease. What are the signs and symptoms of this dreaded, spirit-numbing condition?

You have contracted negativitis if you:

1. Focus primarily on the bad, your challenges, and what’s wrong with the world.
2. Whine and complain about things you can’t change or have very little control over.
3. Disregard potential solutions that are suggested to you.
4. Blame people and circumstances around you for your current life status.
5. Believe that your problems are worse than the problems of most people.
6. Have a tendency to rant on social media.
7. Attract other people with negativitis and, collectively, dwell on all your problems, feeding off each other.
8. Repel positive, more resilient people who may find your outlook and conversations draining.
9. View positive people as Pollyannas who have rose-colored glasses and keep their heads in the sand.

The more yes answers, the more likely it is that you’ve come down with this ailment.

Are There Complications?

Negativitis cripples our mojo and spirit, spreads gloom, and prevents us from seeing the good and joy around us. It can make you feel unhappy, irritable, frustrated, and lonely. Left unchecked, negativitis often leads to its ugly cousins: anger, cynicism, apathy, and victimization.

Studies have also shown that the perpetual stress from negative thinking is also linked to a weakened immune system, depression, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and general aches and pains. The mind-body connection is real and has been studied for years. What we think and choose to focus on has a direct impact on our physical and mental health.

And, the sad reality is that having negativitis may impact your social life. Downers and whiners are no fun to be around. They complain a lot, have a negative world view, and spread gloominess. The listener spends time listening, validates on occasion, and faces a lot of yeahs, buts and you don’t understands when offering potential solutions. The listener leaves the conversation feeling drained, and it takes some time to get his/her spirit back.

What’s the Cure?

The good news is that negativitis is treatable and curable! A resilient state of mind exists within everyone, but it gets smoldered due to excessive negativity. So, how do we become more resilient, positive, and optimistic? With a bit of self-reflection and effort.

Here’s the cure, the prescription.

Get the Power

Negativitis occurs when you perceive the pressures and forces around you to be greater than your ability to succeed and overcome them. The first step toward curing this condition is to acknowledge that you have the power to overcome most negative forces and you have complete control over your reaction to life’s challenges.

Start using phrases like I can, I am strong, I am resilient, and I have the power to choose. Positive self-talk is critical and begins the process of rewiring your brain toward optimism.

I highly recommend reading the book Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hansen, Ph.D. The book lays out a simple method that strengthens our brains, counterbalancing the negativity bias.

Build Resilience

Those who suffer from negativitis often have the misimpression that optimistic people have fewer problems. Those with a sunnier outlook have their problems too, but their response to negative circumstances is what distinguishes them.

Resilient people bounce back quickly because they don’t let setbacks keep them from moving forward. They avoid dwelling on their troubles. Instead, they move quickly toward problem resolution and ignore (or compartmentalize) what they can’t control.

To build resilience, we literally need to condition our brains and reframe things as we face situations that we initially believe to be negative, not positive. That way when the big setbacks happen that hit us hard (death of a family member, serious illness), we are better equipped to deal with them.

It’s like a jar. If we fill it with a bunch of little annoyances, the jar will already be pretty full when we encounter the big stressors in life. There will be no more room in that resilience jar.

Stop. Pause. Reframe

I wrote this down earlier this year and it works. If you find yourself complaining about something (either in your mind or out loud), just stop. Then, pause and take a moment to reframe the problem. What’s positive about the situation? What haven’t you noticed? How might someone else look at this perceived setback differently? Is there a solution?

For example, let’s assume your flight is delayed by an hour or two. You begin to complain. Stop, pause, and recognize that you have no control over the departure time of this flight. You can either choose to continue complaining (trust me, I’ve been there), or you can reframe this travel setback. You now have time to grab dinner, read your book, or catch up on emails. Maybe there are some shops that looked interesting as you made a bee-line for the gate.

Even the smaller everyday annoyances can be reframed. It’s raining… the flowers and lawn need it. Traffic is heavy… look around at the fall leaves and listen to an interesting podcast. I caught a cold… wow, I’m lucky, it’s been over a year since I’ve had one. It takes practice when your tendency leans negative, but take them head on, one challenge at a time.

Follow the 24-Hour Rule

It’s human nature to vent about something negative that happened to us. We all do it, usually without much thought. But if we must complain, the advice in Dr. Laura Schlesinger’s book Stop Whining, Start Living is good.

To paraphrase, you get 24 hours to whine about something. After that, you need to move on and solve the problem, or recognize that it is outside of your control or accept that there is no solution.

Understand Your Sphere of Control

We each have a sphere of control that defines what we can control, what we can influence, and what we have absolutely no control or influence over. When faced with an obstacle or problem, identify where it falls within your sphere. Focus on solving the dilemmas that you can control, or perhaps influence.

For those situations where you have no control, acknowledge your feelings and shift your focus. Believing you have control over the problems that you actually have no control over will only worsen negativitis and lead to frustration, anger, and rumination.

For many (regardless of religious beliefs), theologian Reinhold Niebuhr’s serenity prayer offers meaningful guidance: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Compartmentalize

There are some problems that gnaw at you, typically the biggies. Often, they’re the ones that keep us up at night and are often outside of our control. They sometimes cause us to ruminate, and we lose our ability to maintain our focus and serenity. Introducing… the gift of compartmentalization.

When we compartmentalize, we are putting our problems and related emotions into compartments within our heads and hearts, dealing with them only when we need to. It enables us to set things aside and recognize them for what they are: challenges that may not be solved overnight, problems that are outside of our sphere of control, or situations that we just need to accept. It’s not about being in denial, but rather about setting them aside and not letting them get in the way of the rest of your life.

Limit the News

It’s important to stay current with world events and read the news. That said, too much news can weigh you down, depending on your tolerance for information that leans negative. Resist filling your day listening to TV and radio news channels, reading newspapers, and pouring through online news. From politics to climate change to world conflicts, it can be too much for anyone to shoulder events that are largely outside of our control.

Create balance and also seek out positive news (it does exist!). Check out positive news sources such as Good News Network and Positive News.

Skim Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) have their benefits, but also their dark sides. Facebook and X, in particular, have become platforms that many view as avenues to vent, spread fake news, and share negative memes and current events.

Consider your social media outlets and how you feel after you’ve scrolled through your newsfeed and tweets. Taking on other people’s problems and rants can take its toll if you spend too much time on social media. If you have “friends” that use Facebook to rant or who consistently post downers, consider unfollowing them.

Resist Temptation

Focus on the positive and build your immunity against negative thinking. Resist the temptation to get sucked into drama, complain, and engage in conversations that gripe about issues you can’t change. When online, avoid participating in combative, negative “conversations” that can make you more stressed and angry. Recognize that no minds were ever changed in online debates and such exchanges do nothing to purge negativity.

Be Grateful

Gratitude gets a lot of attention these days and for good reason. Studies have shown that when we articulate why we are grateful and what we’re grateful for (either verbally or on paper), we are happier. It is much easier to cope with negative events when we balance it with a peek on the bright side and practice gratefulness.

Watch Your Company

In the words of motivational speaker Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” The people you hang with influence what conversations dominate your attention. If you surround yourself with negative people who complain a lot, it can take a toll on your outlook and attitude. After all, misery truly does love company.

Conversely, upbeat, positive people can have the opposite effect and be inspiring, energizing, and uplifting. It’s not that positive people don’t discuss their problems (they do), it’s just that they do so as a means to find a deeper understanding or a solution. It’s effective complaining, with the goal being to potentially solve the problem, not solely to vent.

Exercise

Whenever I’m stressed, exercise is my friend. When we exercise, blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain. This boost in oxygen and energy equates to a brain that performs better, which is an awesome way to clear out negativity and clearly think through how best to address a problem.

Avoid Rants

Take a moment before complaining to someone or grumbling on social media. It is often better to stop, pause, and process it. It gives us time to simmer down and the need to vent subsides. When we vent to others, we spread gloom and run the risk of bringing them down.

It just takes practice to process things in our brain and deal with it there. Our brains are powerful and we have the ability to think things through, solve problems, and shift gears, all without opening our mouths.

Practice Acceptance

There are big problems that simply have no solution, only ways to cope. It may be a parent or spouse with dementia, the death of a friend or loved one, or a serious illness. These are the biggies that test us and can bring us to our knees if our resilience jar is already filled with smaller challenges that may have unnecessarily weighed us down.

Compartmentalization can help us through these major setbacks, as well as good focus on actions and coping mechanisms that may help to ease the pain. But sometimes the answer is just acceptance of what is and finding peace with just letting it be.

We all have the power to be resilient and avoid getting negativitis. It is not life’s problems that cause us to be negative, but rather our reaction to the setbacks and challenges inherent to being human.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How often do you suffer from negativities? Does it cripple you? Which of the strategies on my list have you tried and which are new to you?