tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22967865071773020552024-02-19T06:24:11.579+00:00The Pluses of Being 50 PlusFocuses on the pluses of being 50 plus and provides the latest statistics, case studies and stories about the healthiest, wealthiest and longest living generation in history. This is the back up to The Rainbow Years:The Pluses of Being 50+.Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-19535919567723469902020-05-31T17:39:00.003+01:002020-05-31T17:39:59.785+01:00Portfolio Careers will increasingly be the choice of all age groups following the pandemic<br />
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You should read a fascinating article <cite class="post__by">by Sunshine Farzan in Fast Company in which she talks about how</cite><cite> </cite>professionals of all generations appear to be turning to “portfolio careers”. Most of what I quote below comes from her fascinating and very well written article. I hope she takes this as a compliment as opposed to proof of my laziness! The stats are largely US based but I believe that her findings would also represent much of the development in the UK and other countries.<br />
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"While many
professionals may unwillingly find themselves ousted from stable
full-time employment, emerging opportunities in the marketplace may also
prove the portfolio career to be a boon for professionals of any
age—especially those looking for higher income prospects, personal
fulfillment, lifestyle changes, independence, flexibility, or
excitement. "<br />
<h2>
Baby Boomers are financially and personally motivated to keep growing</h2>
"It turns out nearly half (49%) of freelancers are over
the age of 50–by far the largest segment of the freelance workforce.<a href="https://www.freshbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018selfemploymentreport.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><br /></a><br />
The
anticipated lifespan for baby boomers has increased, so many are choosing to work longer. But financial pressures are also at play in
keeping boomers in the workforce.<br />
Instead of remaining displaced, many boomers who find themselves
unemployed will likely circumvent job market instability by working
outside of the conventional “one job” model. According to <a href="https://www.wonolo.com/blog/in-the-age-of-hustling-baby-boomers-win-at-the-gig-game" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data from the freelance platform Wonolo</a>
collected before COVID-19, boomers have been leading the pack in the
global gig economy as they take on more jobs, earn more money, and
receive better feedback than their younger counterparts.<br />
Apart
from financial pressures, many boomers are also taking on freelance work
to enjoy a sense of personal purpose. Having a portfolio career allows
them to dedicate time and energy to the causes they support, such as
consulting for a nonprofit or offering leadership training to emerging
professionals."<br />
<br />
"Boomers’ seasoned portfolios have prepared them for portfolio
careers, allowing them to leverage their decades of experience to
command higher contracted rates than their younger counterparts.
Furthermore, like fine wine, professional networks tend to get better
with age. A 2017 <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/40446838/why-gen-xers-and-baby-boomers-are-beating-millennials-at-freelancing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study from LinkedIn</a> found that 81% of contractors on its <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profinder?src=aff-lilpar&veh=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&trk=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&clickid=1oqTE1yIZxyOUjZwUx0Mo38WUkizzE2ONwaEwg0&irgwc=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freelance marketplace Profinder</a>
cited word-of-mouth referrals and personal networking as their primary
sources of work. With their social and professional networks already
years in the making, boomers could have a leg up in scoring freelance
jobs in the COVID-19 economy."<br />
<br />
"She suggests that Boomers should consider scaling up
gradually. "They need to market themselves strategically and be
conservative with spending at first. Some may not realize that physical
office space is no longer necessary, especially in a post-COVID-19
economy. Furthermore, it may not even be worthwhile to make expensive
investments in branding and website development initially. Reputation,
network, a basic social media presence, a services brochure, and a
compelling white paper might be all they need to launch a portfolio
career."<br />
<h2>
Gen X is ready to embrace new career horizons</h2>
"Gen X’s reputation for being cynical and antiauthoritarian may
not just be a stereotype when it comes to their experience in the
traditional workplace. According to <a href="https://learning.linkedin.com/blog/advancing-your-career/stress-at-work-report--who-is-feeling-it-the-most-and-how-to-com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn Learning</a>,
Gen X is, by far, the generation most stressed at work. They’re also
more likely than millennials to be “actively disengaged” with their
jobs, <a href="https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/163466/generation-gap-workplace.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to Gallup</a>. And, according to <a href="https://www.metlife.com/employee-benefit-trends/ebts-thriving-in-new-work-world-2019/?cid=i1es9&utm_campaign=g_gb_1q19_met&utm_term=ba&utm_medium=public+relations&utm_content=pr_e2019+ebts+comms+outreach_prlink1&utm_source=publication1&utm_id=i1es9&WT.mc_id=i1es9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data from MetLife</a>, only about two in three Gen-Xers say they are happy at work compared to 75% of millennials and 74% of boomers."<br />
<br />
"With
stronger levels of dissatisfaction building before COVID-19, it is safe
to assume that this crisis may push Gen-Xers, in particular, to steer
their careers in a new direction. According to <a href="https://wealth.bmoharris.com/media/resource_pdf/18-0996_BMO_Wealth_Insight_Gig_Economy_US_Ev4.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data from BMO Wealth Management</a>,
50% of Gen-Xers who have portfolio careers cite “having autonomy and
control” as a top motivator for self-employment—the highest of all
generations.<br />
With an average of 20 years in the workforce,
Gen-Xers boast an impressive combination of business experience, soft
skills, technical skills, and established connections to help them
thrive in portfolio careers. They may be the most well-balanced of all
the generations currently in the workplace, a trait that could prove
advantageous in the post-COVID-19 economy.<br />
<br />
Despite the reputation for the cynicism of hierarchy, Gen X accounts for 51% of leadership roles globally, <a href="https://www.ddiworld.com/research/global-leadership-forecast-2018" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to DDI World</a>.
This means that many Gen-Xers are already in stable, successful roles.
Those who want to pursue a portfolio career instead should make sure
they are first mentally and financially able to leave, with an
alternative plan ready to execute. They need to make sure not to risk
current employment by having the conversation too soon, especially in
the job market lag of COVID-19. To avoid cold feet, approach the exit
conversation firmly committed to leaving. If they cannot commit, the
timing may not be right.<br />
It’s also critical to research any
legalities that might impact transition, especially in the evolving
regulatory environment of COVID-19. For example, noncompetes are very
common in employment contracts, and it is necessary to be aware how this
might limit a portfolio career."<br />
<h2>
Millennials are a recession-proof brand</h2>
"As the children of parents whose jobs and nest eggs became
increasingly less secure in the 2000s, millennials entered the labor
market amid the global financial recession and have experienced record
unemployment, rapid digital transformation, and rising demand for new
skills that are constantly evolving.<br />
The economic despair of
COVID-19 may conjure up sore memories from years’ past, but many
millennials will be able to draw from the lessons they learned from
starting up in a down economy. In particular, they’ve learned the value
of constantly reskilling and not placing all their eggs in one basket.
According to <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/pdfs/pr/20190605-side-hustles-survey.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data from Bankrate</a>,
about half of millennials already have a side hustle, which challenges
them to keep expanding their skill set and diversifying their career
goals.<br />
While millennials have an oft-cited reputation
for being lazy, the data tells quite a different story. Millennials are
willing to work as hard, if not harder, than the other generations: 73%
report working more than 40 hours a week and nearly 25% work over 50
hours, according to a <a href="https://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/660ebf65-144c-489e-975c-9f838294c237/MillennialsPaper1_2020Vision_lo.pdf?MOD=AJPERES" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">global study from ManpowerGroup</a>.
And the same study found that, while millennials still favor full-time
employment, over half say they are open to nontraditional forms of
employment in the future.<br />
<br />
With only a few years of a steady paycheck–and many still paying off
student loan debt–it is important that millennials are prepared
financially to make the move into a portfolio career. This means either
having projects lined up that will bring in immediate cash flow or
having a cushion until they begin generating incoming. This cushion
should be at least three to six months, but it may be better to have
more in some industries. It’s also important to have health, life, and
business insurance to remain fully protected in the absence of full-time
employment.<br />
Some other challenges facing millennials are
perceived inexperience and escalating competition. They’ll likely be
entering a field where consultants in their 40s and up have multiple
decades of experience—and there might be a few hurdles to get over
before landing that first client. This is where business planning and
professional development become crucial for millennials.<br />
<br />
Before beginning on a portfolio career journey, it is very important
to strongly develop an identifiable, marketable area of expertise. After
all, clients expect more knowledge, resources, and capabilities than
they themselves have, and preferably a niche offering rather than
something broad. A general range of expertise, such as marketing, won’t
be distinguishing enough. But digital marketing for small businesses may
help bring in clients, especially in the COVID-19 where most business
networking has moved online. Finding a suitable and profitable niche can
be challenging but, with enough due diligence and creativity, it is
possible to carve out a niche and captivate the interest of prospective
clients."<br />
<h2>
Zoomers want to be their own bosses anyway</h2>
Even
before COVID-19 disruptions, many professionals from the youngest
generation entering today’s workforce were heading toward portfolio
careers rather than full-time traditional jobs. In fact, nearly half of
Gen Z or “zoomers” workers are already freelancers—and this number is
only projected to grow in the next five years, according to a <a href="https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2017/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">report from Upwork</a>.
This same report found that 73% of zoomers freelance as a lifestyle
preference rather than out of financial necessity, compared to 64% of
millennials and 66% of boomers.<br />
<br />
Zoomers are digital natives and have grown up in a tech-driven
world. The oldest members of this generation were just 12 years old when
the first iPhone was released. Having been immersed in technology their
whole lives, zoomers have many of the technical skills highly in demand
in today’s marketplace. And this is a generation that values reskilling
and lifelong learning. According to <a href="https://learning.linkedin.com/blog/learning-thought-leadership/gen-z-is-shaping-a-new-era-of-learning--heres-what-you-should-kn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data from LinkedIn</a>,
67% of Gen Z professionals feel that the skills necessary to succeed in
today’s workforce are different than those in previous generations.<br />
Apart
from having marketable technical skills, zoomers will need to refine
their soft skills and other attributes necessary to succeed in a
portfolio career. These include a strong work ethic, focus, confidence,
tenacity, and the ability to strategically network.<br />
With fewer
years under their belt, it may be helpful for zoomers to start their
portfolio career as a part-time endeavor. Moonlighting tests the ability
to be independent while still retaining a full-time gig to gain
expertise, develop a professional network, and become more financially
stable.<br />
<br />
It’s also helpful for zoomers to develop relationships with advisers
and mentors. This trusted network can provide valuable guidance and
feedback. A trusted mentor can help test and refine a plan for a
portfolio career. They can also provide useful insights and perspectives
on what is in demand in the marketplace and how to best apply skill
sets."<br />
<h2>
The future of work</h2>
"In the current COVID-19 landscape, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/30/coronavirus-jobs-survey-49percent-of-companies-considering-layoffs.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">half of companies are considering layoffs</a> as a long-term operational strategy. But what happens when the post-COVID-19 recovery begins and companies need to rehire?<br />
The
trend toward contracted freelance work has been making waves in the
global economy, even before COVID-19 sent many of us home. Freelancers
are the fastest-growing workforce segment in the <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/eurozone-forecast-2018.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">European Union</a> and, in the <a href="https://www.score.org/blog/state-of-freelancing-in-america" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United States, freelancers</a> will represent more than half the nation’s workforce by 2027. In the <a href="https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/84-of-talent-managers-in-apac-say-they-hire-gig-workers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Asia Pacific region</a>,
84% of hiring managers are outsourcing work to freelancers, and 79% say
a more flexible workforce will help companies navigate an increasingly
globalized business climate.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2296786507177302055" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> As COVID-19 disrupts the global workforce and prospects for contracted
work continue to outpace employment growth, it is possible that many of
the jobs lost will be filled by portfolio career seekers–across all
generations–looking to develop multiple skill sets, follow new passions,
achieve personal growth, or simply enjoy the change of pace."<br />
<br />
Wonderful article Sunshine. I cannot recall ever quoting from someone else's work in the way that I have done here. I bet she has a portfolio career! And this was the world that Katie and I saw emerging a decade ago when we wrote our book!<br />
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</script>Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-43744262284810094762012-08-11T00:08:00.000+01:002012-08-11T00:08:08.970+01:00Liverpool self-employment course from Royal Charity helps over 50s bring new business to the area<script type="text/javascript">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Unemployment amongst over 50s is rising in the North West, but HRH The Prince of Wales’ charity, The Prince’s Initiative, is tackling the problem by bringing its successful self-employment course to Liverpool.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> There are 3.5 million</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> people between the age of 50 and 64 out of work in the UK. Redundancy and unemployment is a huge problem for the over 50 community; many of whom possess a wealth of skill and ambition, yet are turned away from employment because of their age. The Prince’s Initiative believe that self-employment is a fantastic and fulfilling solution for the over 50s; 48% of over 50s are more likely to succeed in business creation than any other age group.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Prince’s Initiative is the only national organisation dedicated to supporting unemployed over 50s explore self-employment. With </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">29,545 </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">over 50s claiming job seekers allowance in the North West, The Prince’s Initiative’s “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” course taking place in Liverpool could not have come at a more appropriate time. The course kicks off on 9<sup>th</sup> September and takes entrepreneurs over the age of 50 in straightforward steps through the challenging process of planning to start a business.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rod Boyes, attended one of the “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” courses and has since gone on to create his own company Pinegrove leather. He says of the course, “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The course was fantastic and helped me learn all the necessary skills needed to set up in business - such as cash flow and negotiating with customers and suppliers - as well as providing an inspiring and fun environment to learn within”.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are unemployed or facing redundancy, why not join The Prince’s Initiative at their “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” course in Liverpool by emailing </span><a href="mailto:info@prime.org.uk"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">info@prime.org.uk</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, calling 0845 862 2023 or visiting prime.org.uk/courses for more information.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2296786507177302055" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><br />
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</script>Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-46703523319053580322012-06-26T18:31:00.000+01:002012-06-26T18:31:32.013+01:00Rainbow Years now at a much cheaper price<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7i9xUztDPoK1StWe3IbcD_nbcNlVoLziuQs8DfnPllULlgeuqJgs0Wdji2DfG6an4c_tqaoGonATsyJMheBctzHa-hoZJwrvfsnHtSQgLUr_ET1vOUMPt5e8Qy58W3r-ElKXiEKD6_N8/s1600/978-1-904750-59-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">We have been concerned for some time at the price asked for our book. We are glad to be able to announce that it can now be bought on Amazon.co.uk for £5.95 plus £2.80 p&p. <span style="color: magenta;">Each book will also be signed by Mike Scally and myself</span>. Go onto the site and you will see it under NEW books. These are not second hand and are in pristine condition.</a></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The over 50s are often portrayed in the media as old has-beens that simply love nothing more than gardening, watching daytime TV and eating Werther’s Originals! The truth is the over 50s are far from ready to kick the bucket just yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rebels & Innovators: Johnny Rotten, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Madonna – all of these celebrities are over 50 and continue to innovate and cause a stir. This group is hardly the conventional stereotype of the older generation often depicted in the press. When it comes to innovation the over-50s are in a league of their own: Bill Gates is in his 50s, as was the late Steve Jobs when he died last October at just 56. In the years shortly before his death Steve Jobs launched a range of innovative products – the iPod, iPad and the iPhone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Carers: While the over 50s are older, they are not too old to not find themselves caring for older relatives. Most over 50s offer in some shape or form provide <a href="http://www.worldofhealth.co.uk/your-stairlift-solutions-explained/">support</a> to their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can include anything from <a href="http://www.worldofhealth.co.uk/your-stairlift-solutions-explained/">stairlift solutions</a> to helping out with bills and shopping. They look after people; they are not looked after. This is something that is often forgotten about by younger people – and advertisers!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Entrepreneurs: <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most </span><a href="http://www.theplusesofbeing50plus.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/entrepreneurs-older-than-we-think.html">entrepreneurs are over 55</a><span style="color: #333333;">. Research by Nominet Trust found that, contrary to popular belief and the best efforts of TV shows like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Apprentice</i>, in London, the largest number of British entrepreneurs are 55 years and over, rather than 20-somethings like Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey. </span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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More than a third (38%) of people in London believe that entrpreneurs
fit into the 25-34 age group, when in fact they are more likely to be
over 55, a new survey shows.<br />
Research by Nominet Trust found that,
contrary to popular belief in the capital, the largest number of
British entrepreneurs are 55 years and over, rather than 20-somethings
like Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey.<br />
<br />
The findings come as the charity urges over 65s in the region to innovate online.<br />
Its
research found that perceptions of how older people use the internet
and what they have to offer are largely incorrect. It found that most
people believe over 65s are luddites when, in fact, this age group has
the fastest growing number of users of digital and social media.<br />
<br />
Nominet
Trust's Ageing and the Use of the Internet report highlights that there
is huge potential to mobilise our ageing population's enterprise and
digital savvy to use the internet to address social problems in their
lives and communities. In particular, the report shows there is a
pressing need for products, services and technologies for older people
designed by older people.<br />
<br />
For this reason, Nominet Trust is
launching a £250,000 challenge, with funding and support available for
the strongest projects that could work with older people to: use the
internet to address specific social problems facing older people; design
new and better ways for older people to get on to and use the internet;
and develop and use technologies which older people feel comfortable
with.<br />
The Nominet Trust is calling for bright sparks in London to come forward.<br />
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A significant proportion of family holidays are paid for by
grandparents, according to research from a leading insurer.
<br />
<img src="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Grandparents-often-pay-for-holidays_3291_800702218_0_0_7037567_100.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" /> <br />
Grandparents are increasingly paying for family breaks, according to new research by Gnu Insurance.<br />
The insurer polled 1,000 over-50s and found that 43 per cent of
people in this age group have paid for their children and grandchildren
to go on holiday at some point.<br />
Nearly one in four grandparents said they paid for a family holiday
every year, while 56 per cent dip into their savings once every two
years.<br />
The survey suggests that grandparents will collectively spend more
than £2 billion on family breaks this year, accounting for nearly
one-tenth of the nation's outlay on holidays.<br />
Paul Thilo, general manager at Gnu Insurance, remarked: "The over-50s
have more spending power than ever before when it comes to holidays.<br />
"Not only are retirees making the most of their freedom by travelling
more, they are also responsible for funding a lot of family holidays,
for all generations."<br />
However, grandparents may become less generous with their savings in
future, as figures show that older age groups are currently suffering
the highest rates of inflation.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">indulging in overt sexual behaviour could lead to premature ageing in men through 'burnout', according to scientists studying fertility patterns in birds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A 10-year research programme into the sex lives of bustards, birds with a very flamboyant mating display, showed a dramatic decline in the quality of sperm among the more 'showy' males.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The mating display of the male Houbara bustard, known as 'booming', sees striking ornamental feathers flare up before the bird runs around while making a low-pitched call.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The males can 'boom' for as much as 18 hours a day, six months of the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dr Preston, who is based at the University of Burgundy in France, led his team in measuring the length of time each male spent 'booming', and then compared that with changes in fertility, which is usually associated with ageing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The more time the birds spent 'booming', the more dramatic was the decline in their fertility.</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Men - if you recognise any of this in your own behaviour - beware!</div><script type="text/javascript">
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</div><script type="text/javascript">
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They claim that firstly older drivers generally do not have more accidents and secondly, according to research literature, aged based population screening does not produce the desired safety benefits. Indeed, they argue that screening tends to take drivers who have never had an accident off the roads. "These people potentially lose their independent mobility for no reason. This is a serious issue as mobility has been linked to quality of life and psychological health'.<br />
<br />
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So what does Age UK have to say about this and of course our politicians? Abandoning screening would save considerable amounts with minimum social costs according to these studies.<br />
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<br />
<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uZ7-n930zJo&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uZ7-n930zJo&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-86212201374982186192011-06-30T20:13:00.000+01:002011-06-30T20:13:55.013+01:00Over 50 and female?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabafterfifty.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ceri-Wheeldon-4-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fabafterfifty.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ceri-Wheeldon-4-199x300.jpg" /></a></div>Then you should definitely have a look at this site specifically for women. Its called <a href="http://www.fabafterfifty.co.uk/about-us/">fabafterfifty </a>and is the creation of Ceri Wheeldon. Lots of articles and an excellent blog. I think we could do with a similar one for blokes! Any volunteers out there?<script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Kinsey Sex Institute states that the average 18 to 29-year-old has sex 142 times a year; 30 to 39-year-olds 86 times a year; 40 to 49-year-olds 69 times a year; and the over-50s have sex 52 times a year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Diana then gives us many reasons as to why this need not be the case with some interesting case studies. Perhaps alarmingly </span><span style="font-size: small;">1 in 20 couples are virtually celibate, rising to one in 10 among the over-45s.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We have better diets, take more exercise and have increased free time to focus on our health. More than 70 per cent of over-50s do more exercise than when they were younger, the report found. </span><br />
<div class="clear"> </div><div class="thinCenter"> </div><span style="font-size: small;">A similar number now pay more attention to their diet, with a dramatic decrease in the number of take-aways and ready meals they eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Only a fifth of them said they would have consumed the recommended amount of fruit and veg a day while in their 20s, compared to an impressive 75 per cent today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Just goes to show that just because we get older we are still open to learning as new data hits us. </span><br />
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Spanish and Italian researchers fed 12 healthy volunteers half a kilo of strawberries over two weeks. <br />
Results showed that eating strawberries regularly can boost levels of antioxidants in the blood and also help prevent red blood cells undergoing haemolysis, a process which sees them fragmenting. <br />
Scientists from <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Marche-Polytechnic-University">Marche Polytechnic University</a> in Italy and the University of Granada in Spain say that the power of strawberries lies in the high levels of phenolic compounds they contain, which have antioxidant properties. <br />
Oxidative <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Stress">stress</a> can also occur as we age, when we exercise or even give birth, highlighting the potential of the humble soft fruit. <br />
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Statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions showed an increase of 103,000 adults taking part in apprenticeship schemes over 2010 and 2012. he Government has pledged investment for a further 360,000 apprenticeships in 2011. <br />
But Chris Ball, chief executive of The Age and Employment Network (TAEN), said: "The figures for 2009/10 show that only 1.8% of those people enrolled on apprenticeships are over the age of 50.<br />
"While this percentage figure may seem small, it is an increase over the previous year. The overall numbers of people aged over 50 enrolled on apprenticeships increased from 5,376 in 2008/9 to 8,900 in 2009/10.<br />
"Employers who are giving older workers the opportunity to undertake apprenticeships should be applauded."<br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It found that after gardening and eating out, passion is the third most popular pastime for people in their 50s. For nearly one in five of them (18 per cent), it topped the list.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">For those in their 30s, the most popular pastimes were going to the gym, eating out and watching television. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Sex came tenth on the list in this age group, with only 3 per cent rating it as their favourite activity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The favourite pastimes of the over-50s reflect a trend towards simpler pleasures in tough economic times. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Traditional middle-age treats such as cruises and holidays did not feature in the top ten, while exercise did. Walking came fourth.</span><br />
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<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yHYemDX844k&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yHYemDX844k&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Many people tell me how concerned they are about their memory not being as good as it used to be. Interesting to see Keith in this video who is worried about it at 45! He did the right thing in checking out if there was a physical problem here. There was not. So he proceeded to get advice on what to do to improve his daily memory. All of his ideas might not be right for you but listen with an open mind. Now exactly what did he say ..............Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-36410290281292386712011-05-29T08:53:00.001+01:002011-05-29T08:53:42.367+01:00Ageing Muscles Benefit from Post-Exercise Protein Drinks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjajQk-iLD_l8jpzzip4-jRc73bWgRjiowHS6boAhVyhmqNEdtx1OJkv5Qnatn0uQvkyic9ArmgT7aPMG999teooHHNP94ZJ9cLQK_fDcNTyicVUKdosgRhIYGsWDayCN2k4uJbhw0eg/s1600/P1000692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjajQk-iLD_l8jpzzip4-jRc73bWgRjiowHS6boAhVyhmqNEdtx1OJkv5Qnatn0uQvkyic9ArmgT7aPMG999teooHHNP94ZJ9cLQK_fDcNTyicVUKdosgRhIYGsWDayCN2k4uJbhw0eg/s320/P1000692.JPG" width="259" /></a></div>As a runner I was particularly interested in this <a href="http://www.medindia.net/news/Ageing-Muscles-Benefit-from-Post-Exercise-Protein-Drinks-85622-1.htm">research study </a>which claims that we will benefit most from exercise by drinking <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.medindia.net/news/Ageing-Muscles-Benefit-from-Post-Exercise-Protein-Drinks-85622-1.htm#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">protein</span></a> drinks after aerobic activity. This will increase the training effect after six weeks, when compared to carbohydrate drinks. Additionally, this study suggests that this effect can be seen using as little as 20 grams of protein.<br />
<br />
I shall be remembering this as I train for my annual Jane Tomlinson 10k charity race in Leeds on June 19. I am running for the Stroke Association this year after my wife Valerie was struck down with a severe stroke last October and currently cannot walk properly and cannot talk. If you would like to contribute go to<br />
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<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/BarrieHopson">http://www.justgiving.com/BarrieHopson </a><br />
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- now making up 3 per cent of the UK workforce.<br />
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Self-employment has become an increasingly popular option for older workers with 43 per cent of men and 25.5 per cent of women working past 65 now classified as self-employed.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons for this, however, is likely to be age discrimination which makes it more difficult for older workers to get full or part time jobs. <br />
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Older workers also show strong loyalty to their employers with 83 per cent of those working past 65 staying with the same employer for the past five years and 41 per cent staying for over 20 years.<br />
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There were 870,000 people
over 65 in employment
between October and December 2010, compared with 412,000
in January to March 2001
- now making up 3 per cent of the
UK workforce.
Self-employment has become an increasingly popular option for older workers with 43 per cent of men and 25.5 per cent of women working past 65 now classified as self-employed.
Older workers also show strong loyalty to their employers with 83 per cent of those working past 65 staying with the same employer for the past five years and 41 per cent staying for over 20 years.
While it is encouraging to see that more people over 65 are being able to stay in work if they need or want to, older workers still face barriers in the workplace and the jobs market. Long-term unemployment and economic inactivity rates continue to be higher for older workers.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
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Youngsters actually have a rosier impression of their elders than older people give them credit for. <br />
While the over 50s typically think members of the iPhone generation see them as "past it", that is not the view held by most 18-to-24-year-olds. <br />
A survey has found that today's young people think those of their parents' and grandparents' generations are friendly, knowledgeable and - for want of a more up-to-date expression - "with it". <br />
"Around 67% of over 50s believe 18-to-24s perceive them as 'past it', but the reality is that just 18 % of 18-to-24s actually have that perception," the <em>Telegraph </em>quoted Ros Altmann, director general of Saga, which commissioned the poll, as saying. <br />
"And while only 11% of over 50s think younger people perceive them as friendly, the reality is that around 29% of 18-to-24s do actually think older people are indeed friendly. <br />
"Just 17% of over 50s think 18-to-24s consider them knowledgeable. However, the truth is that 42% of this age group perceive oldies as being great founts of knowledge," she added.<br />
YouGov conducted the research for Saga, which interviewed 1,148 adults in February.<br />
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<br />
Such a step has been needed for years, and can surely only be a positive move for the <a href="http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/lmsuk0311.pdf">900,000</a> people – and rising – who already work beyond age 65. <br />
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</script>Barrie Hopsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724300194272578042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296786507177302055.post-71514381525949872822011-04-03T17:16:00.001+01:002011-04-03T17:18:07.011+01:00Age Unlimited Scotland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/2/21/1298283116848/old-technology-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/2/21/1298283116848/old-technology-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We always like to emphasis the opportunities for older people in setting up their own businesses. They tend to fail less often than those set up by the under 50's. Whether this be what G'ment sources rather patronisingly call 'lifestyle businesses' which usually involve one person pursuing an interest for profit or setting up a business with the potential for growth and employing others - the opportunities are there.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.nesta.org.uk/areas_of_work/public_services_lab/ageing/age_unlimited_scotland">Scottish operation </a>explores ways to help people in their 50s and 60s to become social entrepreneurs. As such they can play a central role in the design and delivery of innovative new services, which improve their local communities. And they can continue playing an active role in society. <br />
The NESTA funded agency supported 15 new ventures including Mamie Donald, who at 73 is a self-professed video games addict. Mamie spotted an opportunity to provide video gaming workshops for older people, introducing them to the benefits of IT and online social networks, thus reducing social isolation in the very old. Another older convert has just bought himself an iPad so that he can read the digital edition of his newspapers at 5am each day.<br />
The programme takes a different approach to traditional enterprise support which focuses solely on the idea the would-be social entrepreneur puts forward and often uses off-putting business terminology. Instead, they develop the idea and the individual simultaneously through group workshops which offer personal development training as well as practical advice about how to make their idea a reality. <br />
They give participants practical skills to challenge and improve the quality of their venture idea, to help make it feasible and sustainable. Through peer sessions with like-minded individuals the programme raises confidence and builds ambition levels, which in turn drives the idea forward. <br />
This year they are introducing mentoring into the programme – training more established social entrepreneurs in mentoring techniques and then pairing them with the new 'older entrepreneurs'.<br />
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From the start of the programme they encourage ventures to think about commercial style business models rather than relying on public sector funding. This forces participants to think about long term sustainability early on. <br />
Through Age Unlimited Scotland, <a href="http://www.nesta.org.uk/">NESTA</a> has reached people who wouldn't see themselves as social entrepreneurs; many doubted their own abilities and wouldn't normally have put themselves forward for this opportunity – they are modest and just had "a bit of an idea". Participants describe the programme as a worthwhile but emotional journey, fast-paced and a huge learning curve. NESTA is learning a lot too. Supporting new older entrepreneurs is time intensive - start-up challenges can seem like huge barriers and many like ongoing reassurance that their idea is credible and a worthy investment of their time. <br />
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