Author: Admin01

Have you ever heard of “longevity literacy?” I certainly had not. This new-to-me term is associated with how well we predict how long we are going to live. From a study about this topic, I learned that over half of us underestimate how long we will live!

The study focused on the financial decision-making implications of this underestimation. Of course, they found that people who underestimate their lifespan tend to not save the financial resources needed to live comfortably for all their years after full-time work. I pondered what other consequences might occur that may impact the quality of life beyond the life span we anticipate.

A Thought Experiment

Let’s begin to understand the implications of “longevity literacy” on how we may choose to live our lives.

Experiment 1

First, put yourself in the mindset that in your 60s or 70s you are simply winding down, navigating the best you can into your final days. The creative, meaningful, active parts of life are over; you will try to maintain your independence for as long as possible. As my dad put it, he was “waiting for God.” Or, as a woman on social media stated, she is happy in her recliner watching the world go by. In effect, you are deciding that your age is the final chapter of life.

Now, from this state of mind, think about what your life will look like in three years. What do you expect in your life if you are ‘winding down’? What are you doing? How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

Experiment 2

Next, put yourself in the mindset that in your 60s or 70s you may well live another 20 years, or more. After all, a healthy 65-year-old woman in the US is expected to live 20 more years and that is on average. That means, if you are healthy, it could well be 25 or 30 more years. Over two decades of life is certainly more than one chapter in your book of life! Perhaps think of it as Part 4 with multiple chapters. There is time to create, to contribute, and to learn new things.

Now, think about your life in three years. What do you expect your life to look like? Who are you with? What are you doing? How do you feel each day?

My Experiment

I’m almost 77, so on average I am expected to live 11 more years. I figure I am on the far side of that ‘average’. I’m expecting about 20 more years. I am active and take care of myself. My grandma and aunts all lived into their 90s, and I sure look like them!

When I put myself in the mindset of waiting for my final days, I lose all inspiration to do anything. In fact, it startles me with what ease that feeling of ennui and despondency can slip in. Why bother? I am instantly stuck in thinking of the inevitable dreary days ahead, as more decline looms. No thank you!

If I put myself in the mindset that there are up to 20 years of life ahead, I immediately fall into a “what do I want to do with them” thought pattern. There are more gardens to grow, places to travel, things to learn, adventures to be had and friends to enjoy. Suddenly, I can’t wait to set the days ahead into action to love every minute I have.

I May Not Live So Long

What if we overestimate our lifespan, and our time is shorter than we anticipate? In my mind, the benefits still are all positive. Can you think of a downside?

Each of us has our own path. For example, I realize that having had cancer twice may have an impact on my longevity… or not! I believe in living from the positive view. I choose to relish every day I have. What do you choose? Those of us who have faced our mortality through illness or accident often are the ones most tuned into the value of living all of our days to the fullest.

Wouldn’t you rather live with an inspired mindset, no matter the number of years? It is much more fun!

The Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Another benefit is that a positive mindset about aging can serve to add years of life as well as quality to those years. So, a positive mindset about what is possible as we age becomes, to a degree, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you wake up ready to make the most of the day, you probably are more likely to connect with others and be more active than if you were just letting the day go by. Right? Both connections and activity contribute to a longer and healthier life. If we have 5, 10, 15 years we may not anticipate, why not do what we can to live them with vitality and happiness?

If we are writing chapters in our book of life, imagine how it would feel to decide to write the final chapter, then sit there with pen and paper, yet write no more. Can you feel how a person would begin to shut down? Then, imagine writing right up to the last phrase. What feelings does that garner, in contrast with the first?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you thought about how long you might live? What do you imagine your last decade might look like? What do you want? Does realizing you may live longer than you thought change how you approach life?

When is a real estate appraisal needed or required? Who is legally allowed to conduct a real estate appraisal? What does a typical real estate appraisal cost? So many questions to ponder – and I’ve got answers!

Calls to my appraisal office have often started with the person on the other end saying, “I need a home appraisal.” I would quickly respond, “Why do you think you need a home appraisal?” The answers I got were varied, and I found that many callers did not need an appraisal at all.

What Really Is a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is a process where a licensed real estate appraiser determines the fair market value of your home (fair market value is the determined price that a property will sell for in an open market between a willing buyer and seller, both of whom are reasonably knowledgeable about the property).

What if a local real estate agent or a builder estimates or evaluates the fair market value of your home, is that an appraisal? While your realtor or builder may have a good estimate of value, their valuation is not considered a home appraisal.

Home appraisals are counted as such only when they are conducted by a licensed real estate appraiser and clearly state that the value is an appraisal of the property.

When Do You Really Need a Real Estate Home Appraisal?

Mortgage companies, final estate settlements and divorces are common reasons why you may be required to enlist a home appraisal by a licensed appraiser. If you have a very unusual home or a home with extraordinary amenities, a home appraisal may be necessary to accurately obtain the fair market value.

Mortgage companies require appraisals to make sure the property they are loaning money against is properly valued to prevent loss in case of default. Estate settlements and divorce settlements most often require an appraisal in order to avoid potential family disputes.

When May It Be Unnecessary to Hire a Home Appraiser?

A real estate home appraisal typically is not required to place your home on the real estate market for sale or for simply preparing a personal financial statement of your assets/liabilities. Real estate agents’ or builders’ estimates can be provided in these cases.

Keep in mind that professional real estate agents or knowledgeable builders are not licensed appraisers and cannot legally claim that their estimate is an appraisal of value, though their estimate may be fairly accurate.

How Much Will a Real Estate Home Appraisal Cost?

In most markets, home appraisals can range anywhere from $200.00 to $1000.00 depending on the size of the home being appraised and the complexity of the appraisal needed. If your property is truly unique or difficult to access, the cost may rise even higher.

I once had an appraisal assignment to value a small home built in the middle of a lake. The appraisal was extremely difficult to inspect and took many more hours to obtain cost and sales data collection due to the rarity and complexity of the property.

Your best bet is to ask the appraiser for a quote or bid prior to them appraising your home so there will not be any surprises.

Another very important point to remember is that any real estate home appraisal is an opinion of value by the licensed appraiser appraising the property. Granted, the appraised value is the result obtained by a licensed appraiser based on the data they have collected during inspection, including history of closed sales, listings, and other data, however the estimated value is no guarantee that your property will resale for that exact amount on the open market.

What Preparations Should You Do If Your Home Is Going to Be Appraised?

An appraiser typically looks at a home improvement as if no furnishings or wall décor is present because they are not included in the home’s valuation. However, in reality, a well maintained home still is your best bet of assuring that your appraised value will be optimum.

A good rule of thumb is to take the time to look around your home for interior and exterior paint chipping, leaking faucets, scratched flooring, moldy showers, delayed landscaping and others, and spruce it up a bit if possible.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but making your home more presentable is always a good idea. Also write down a list of items to leave with the appraiser that have been repaired or replaced recently such as new roof, new appliances, etc.

Prior to your home appraisal, it never hurts to have closets, crawl spaces and attic accesses uncluttered where an appraiser can easily access them.

How Long Does an Appraisal Take?

An appraisal of your home should take at least an hour or more and you can expect results of the appraisal in a few weeks. I know that it is super tempting to ask the appraiser a value estimate when they are on site, but please be aware that your appraisal will take many hours to complete prior to the appraiser arriving at your estimated fair market value.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you considering having a home appraisal? Have you recently had a home appraisal and what was your experience? Do you think your home appraisal fair market value was accurate?

Everyone’s taking sides.

As women age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, both aesthetic and cellular, many of which may not be visible but can be felt in our everyday lives. Our circulatory system is a vital part of our existence, and our blood serves as a filtration system that provides essential oxygen and nutrients to every single cell, organ, and system in the body. This means that blood must flow efficiently from head to toe.

Signals of Imbalance

Our bodies consistently send us signs of balance and imbalance that may occur due to various factors, such as:

1. Sexual decline
2. Brain fog or cognitive impairment
3. Acid reflux or gastrointestinal imbalance
4. Insomnia
5. Fatigue or lack of energy
6. Poor blood flow in the hands and feet, often accompanied by numbness or tingling

These issues are not just uncomfortable, but they can also significantly impact our quality of life. The good news is that by understanding the underlying causes and taking proactive steps to improve our circulatory health, we can empower ourselves to address these challenges and regain control of our well-being.

Let’s explore each of these issues in more depth:

Sexual Decline

Reduced blood flow can lead to difficulties in achieving arousal and orgasm. Improving circulation may enhance sexual function and enjoyment, allowing you to reclaim your intimate life with confidence and fulfillment.

Brain Fog or Cognitive Impairment

Reduced blood flow to the brain can affect cognitive function, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Enhanced circulation supports brain health and cognitive clarity, empowering you to stay sharp and engaged as you age.

Acid Reflux or Gastrointestinal Imbalance

Poor circulation can impact digestion, leading to issues such as acid reflux. Improved blood flow supports digestive health by ensuring that the gastrointestinal system functions optimally, helping you feel more comfortable and energized.

Insomnia

Inadequate circulation may contribute to sleep disturbances. Better blood flow can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, leaving you well-rested and rejuvenated.

Fatigue or Lack of Energy

Poor circulation can lead to feelings of exhaustion. By improving blood flow, you can increase energy levels and overall vitality, empowering you to live an active and fulfilling life.

Poor Blood Flow in the Hands and Feet

Symptoms like numbness or tingling can be alarming and uncomfortable. Enhancing circulation can alleviate these symptoms and improve overall comfort, allowing you to engage in activities and hobbies without limitation.

As we age, it becomes essential to take a closer look at our diet, lifestyle, and wellness routines. One key factor is our body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, which is naturally synthesized in the body and acts as a vasodilator. Nitric oxide is produced in the nasal cavity and plays a crucial role in improving blood flow and circulation. Research has shown that nitric oxide has significant implications for various health conditions.

The Benefits of Nitric Oxide

Sexual Health

Nitric oxide facilitates increased blood flow to the genital area, improving arousal and sexual function. By maintaining healthy nitric oxide levels, you can reclaim your intimate life and experience greater pleasure and satisfaction.

Cardiovascular Health

Enhanced nitric oxide levels promote vasodilation, leading to better blood circulation and lower blood pressure. This supports overall heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, empowering you to live a longer, healthier life.

Nervous System Health

Improved blood flow aids in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to nerve cells, supporting overall nervous system function. This can lead to improved nerve function, reduced numbness or tingling, and enhanced overall well-being.

Brain Cognitive Health

Increased blood flow to the brain enhances cognitive function and memory retention. By keeping your nitric oxide levels optimal, you can maintain sharp thinking, clear focus, and a vibrant, engaged mind.

Respiratory Health and COVID-19

Nitric oxide has also been recognized for its potential in supporting respiratory health, particularly in the context of COVID-19. It has been studied for its ability to act as a vasodilator, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.

In clinical settings, nitric oxide therapy has been used to support patients’ pre- and post-COVID pneumonia, helping to improve oxygenation and reduce the severity of respiratory distress. It can aid in dilating blood vessels in the lungs, enhancing gas exchange and supporting recovery.

Restoring Balance in the Body Is Important for Longevity

Overall, sexual health is crucial for longevity because restoring balance to the body can reverse and restore several imbalances. Our bodies use about 90% of magnesium for heart health and muscle relaxation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and protects our cells, while vitamin B12 is vital for brain function and neurotransmitter health, also positively affecting mood. Additionally, potassium is necessary for overall bodily function and nutrient transport.

Aging does not mean that sexual health becomes unimportant or non-existent. In fact, it becomes even more essential to maintain regular checks and balances. While food offers many benefits for our diet, it’s also important to consider supplementation to ensure you are getting enough nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to keep your system healthy and functioning at optimal levels.

In Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to address your circulatory health, including promoting nitric oxide production through dietary choices (such as consuming beets, leafy greens, and citrus fruits), regular exercise, and possibly supplementation, you can empower yourself to lead a vibrant, fulfilling life, well into your golden years. Embrace this opportunity to prioritize your health, and remember that it’s never too late to make positive changes that can enhance your quality of life.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you noticed issues with blood circulation? How has this affected your everyday life? What imbalances have you noticed and how are you dealing with them?

Are you an exercise cheater? I know I am.

Given the chance, I always opt for the easier-exercise way out – whether intentionally or not. I just tend to want to get it over with quickly.

When I do sit-ups or some other exercise, I’ll often just count – but not necessarily one for each rep. When doing sit-ups, I may actually only perform 10 but yet I’ve counted 15. When I lift weights, I may not do the extension fully, or completely, yet still count them.

I’m also a big cheater when walking and biking. I love being outside and often will just start to enjoy the walk or bike ride and look at the trees, and the sky and birds, and before I know it, I’m either strolling or biking very slowly. This is fine to do sometimes, but I can’t really call it a ‘workout’.

Here are tips I try and do to stay motivated and get a good workout. Hopefully, you’ll find some useful tips to help amp up your own workout.

Modified Intervals

Modifying my intervals is the best method for catching myself slacking and pumping up my workout. It’s a less intensive version of high intensity interval training.

When I’m walking I’ll pick different milestones, e.g., the green mailbox, and walk quickly and purposefully, pumping my arms until I reach that green mailbox.

Once there I’ll continue my normal pace until the next milestone. I’ll do these small intervals throughout my walk to remind me I’m not there to merely enjoy the scenery, although it is quite pleasant. The same thing is true for running on a treadmill or biking. This is a surefire way to burn extra calories.

Increase Weights or Reps

I often wear a weighted vest when I walk as it gives my walks an extra little boost. The extra weight of 5-10 pounds is especially noticeable when I wear it hiking. Some people often carry small hand weights as well. Just be sure they’re not too heavy or you can hurt your joints.

Group Classes/DVDs/Streaming

A group exercise class is a great motivator for me. Being in a class with other people really helps me to perform my best – there’s an audience after all. It’s a great motivator by watching both the instructor and other class members. It’s great to know I’m not in it alone.

I find exercise DVDs or online yoga classes to be the next best thing. I need to have someone counting for me (hah) and doing the reps with me. It helps to keep me honest.

My group bike rides greatly help intensify my workout. First, they’re often longer than I normally ride on my own, but because I’m with a group having fun, I don’t even notice it.

There are always a few fast riders to help motivate me to try and catch up with them. Group bike rides are also a great way to make new friends.

Exercise in Front of a Mirror

This method helped me when I was doing physical therapy exercises for my broken arm. When I performed the exercises in front of my therapist, he would often point out where I need to exert more effort and control the movement.

At home, I found I did a better workout if I could see myself lifting the weights and pretend my therapist was there watching me. I would hear his voice in my head going over the tips he had given me as I aimed for full extensions and control.

Don’t Forget Concentric and Eccentric Motion

The concentric (or positive) contraction shortens your muscle, while the eccentric (or negative contraction) lengthens your muscle. For example, if you’re doing arm curls, you want to put as much effort into the descent of the weight as the ascent.

You don’t want to allow gravity and the weight to just pull your arm back down. You want to slowly drop the weight down and slowly lift it up controlling the motion.

Focus, Focus, Focus

If I’m planning my shopping trip or checking my phone, I’m not focusing on my workout, thus cheating myself of good exercise. To get my best workout, I need to be in the moment and focus on what I’m doing. This helps me get a more intense workout and reduces the chance of injury.

If you’re lifting weights and not focusing, it’s quite easy to injure yourself by even the smallest twist or turn. This is the time you took for yourself – make it your best workout.

Mix It Up

It definitely helps me to vary my workout routines and sometimes even add something new to the mix. I love to bike ride and have now switched to riding a recumbent trike which is perfect for me. Riding my trike has become my favorite cardio routine.

I’ve also added swimming since moving to FL, and I use my home TRX system for weight training during the week. The TRX system is convenient and easy to use and provides an excellent overall body workout.

Variety in your workout not only keeps it interesting and fun, but it’s beneficial to work different parts of your body. Trying new types of exercise is also a great way to meet new people, whether at the gym or on the trails.

Music

Sometimes it helps me to increase my motivation by playing my favorite upbeat tunes. The music should enhance your workout, however, and not be a detractor. When walking, fast tunes help me walk faster, or I’ll even use the song as part of my interval training, e.g., I’ll walk fast until this song is over.

Accountability and Monitoring

One motivational tip I’ve started to incorporate again is accountability and monitoring. I’ve started wearing a heart rate monitor to help me know when I need to pump up the intensity or slow down a bit.

Heart rate monitors come with instructions to help determine your normal range and how intensely you can work out. Some exercise classes even base their whole program on being in a certain range or color.

Monitoring your heart rate can make a big difference in your workout routine, especially if you’re an exercise slacker like me. I’ve started wearing my heart rate monitor again for walking and cycling to help me keep up a good pace.

There are also a lot of devices out there to further monitor your steps, your speed on the bike, walking or running and your mileage, etc. There are countless apps that link to this data as well.

For my cycling, I like to monitor my speed and cadence and heart rate. All serve as reminders to keep the intensity or slow down in the heat.

Sometimes even a simple timer can help by reminding me how long I need to work out. Many people also use scales for accountability. I haven’t been able to face that, but it can be a good control method.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What methods have you found to perform your best in your workouts? How do you keep motivated so you don’t fall in an exercise rut? Please share your tips in the comments below.