Encore Careers For Boomers and Seniors: Over 50 Find New Job Satisfaction

According to Kerry Hannon's article in What's Next, "moving into a new field later in life can be fulfilling." Just ask the banker turned chef, the corporate exec turned minister and others.

8.4 million Americans ages 44 through 70 have embraced encore careers. Some need the money but others need purpose in their lives.

Ms. Hannon suggests 6 steps to making the transition easier:

1. Appraise your skills, interests and personality. And plan the change well before you leave your current job.

2. Do your homework: Look for field with strong growth potential. Check out the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.

3. Network by finding a group of like-minded people who have already made the career change. Learn from their experience. Also, connect with people in the fields you are considering.

4. Upgrade your skills.

5. Evaluate your financial picture.

6. Don't let your age get in the way.

Best of luck and let me know!

For more on jobs and second careers, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Hotel Rooms For Less Money: Find a Great Hotel Room Without Breaking Your Budget

Andrea Bennett at Travel and Leisure says that hotels are looking to fill beds by turning to value-added promotions such as free nights and reduced rates for advanced bookings. However, some of the best deals are offered as part of the guest recognition programs of the big hotel chains. There are bargains a-plenty if you pay with points and some hotels are reducing the number of points redeemed for a similar quality room or are even upgrading. Look for promotions and deals available to members only (even on former blackout dates). Pointmaven.com instructs you on how to maximize hotel points and to search by plan or destination. Flyertalk.com posts up-to-the-minute loyalty program news. AND THERE'S MORE AND EVEN BETTER NEWS... Cheapostay.com lets you know about up to 50% hotel discounts world-over. Search by name, city, airport or landmark. Every Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. through Wednesday at 12:00 a.m. hotels.com lists approximately 400 new discount packages when booked through them. If you wonder about a hotel, check out travelpost.com and see how other visitors have reviewed the hotel. Finally, visit kayak.com to view the lowest room rates each day for the next 2 months. For the ultimate guide to travel, see this 50somethinginfo.com and select Air Travel, Buses, Cruises, International Travel, Train Travel, Travel America or Traveling With Disabilities.

Live to 100: How Boomers and Seniors Reach Triple Digits

Thanks to the research of Jody Fransch, we boomers and seniors can improve our likelihood of reaching triple digits.

Our genes play a huge role, she says, but so does being active for 30 minutes a day, eating 5 daily servings of fresh fruits and veggies, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol.

Here's how:

1. Stay active. Don't retire.

2. Floss your teeth regularly. The bacteria that builds up on them may be clogging your arteries.

3. Exercise. It improves your mood, mental sharpness, balance, muscle mass and bones.

4. Get your ZZZZZ's. Sleep regulates and heals cells so get at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

5. Eat whole foods, not supplements.

6. Become a creature of habit if you already aren't one. Centenarians tend to adhere to strict routines.

7. Focus on family and community.

For some of the best tools to help you live to 100, try this site.

For more on anti-aging, check out 50somethinginfo.com.

Holiday Gifts For All Ages: Finding The Perfect Gift

Car-Man and I cherish our throws. We curl up on the sofa at night under them and watch some of our favorite programs.

Then Debbie Burak, founder of VeteranAid.org, introduced me to a custom woven throw made from a digital or print image.

This not only makes the ideal gift, it comforts:

Those who have lost a loved one

Children who have a parent deployed

Those in hospitals, rehabs, nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Those separated by distance

Those remembering their favorite pets

Those reminiscing about happier times.

Ms. Burak is extending a 10% discount to my readers if you enter coupon code TENOFF at the checkout.

Create a family heirloom by following the simple ordering instructions. Your gift will be the best gift. I promise.

Other gifts which are sure to please:

For Grandma

For Grandpa

For less money

For everyone

For Last-Minute

An Apple a Day Keeps Colon Cancer At Bay: What To Eat For Colon Health

What you eat is important for colon health, according to Real Age. The fiber found in apples (pectin) appears to protect your colon from cancer-causing compounds. Choose cloudy over translucent juices because they contain more disease-fighting antioxidants.

Head for Red Delicious bin at your supermarket. Wash them well and don't forget to eat the nutrient-enriched skins.

Other key factors to colon health are:

Get screened for polyps

Load up on whole grains

Drink milk and stay away from sugary drinks

Add sliced onions to your salads

For more on colon cancer, visit 50somethinginfo.com. And read my cousin's real-life situation conquering colon cancer.

Special Times To Save Money (Consumer Reports): When You Should Buy

Consumer Reports suggests you adjust your alarm clock to get the best deals.

Find the least expensive airline seats on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Buy your seat after 3 p.m. (Eastern time), Tuesday - Thursday.

Bowl before 9 or 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Shop farmers markets near closing time for the best buys.

Discounted movie tickets may be available in the morning or early afternoon.

The cost of live theater tickets may be greatly reduced within a couple hours of curtain time--but be prepared to pay in cash.

Check your utility company to see if rates are lowered during off-peak times.

Dating For Boomers and Seniors: How to Find YOur Soulmate

When you're in the dating pool, you're thinking about where to go, what to wear and what to say.

AARP has something to say about making the whole process easier:

Try group activities such as wine tasting, cooking classes or seminars.

Join groups that focus on your hobbies.

Put on your dancing shoes.

Pack a picnic or better yet, shop together for the picnic fare and find the perfect spot.

Go to a gallery or a museum.

Try boating--canoe, row boat or dinner cruise.

Join a book group or meet at an author's lecture.

Pull out your golf clubs or tennis racket.

Visit a nursery.

And most of all, have fun!!!