Resources and Newsletters

Post-Career Planning Guide If you are within a few years of retirement or have already retired, you’ll find the Post-Career Planning guide helpful. It provides assessments, questions, and additional reading that will help you prepare to live your best post-career life. 

Newsletters: Each monthly newsletter includes a feature story about someone 50+ who is living their best life. The stories these individuals have shared about their lives are truly inspirational. Also included in each newsletter are evidence-based articles about how we can live our best lives now and in the future. In addition, many of the newsletters include information about various learning opportunities – a number of which have been free. 

To subscribe/unsubscribe, contact Paula: Paula@boomerbestu.com

Disclaimer: Other than personal stories, sources are typically provided for informational articles. However, Boomer Best U does not provide legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Contact the appropriate professionals if you need specific expert advice in any area.  

Click on the links below to read each issue. Enjoy!

April 2024 News features Greg Henderson, an Airforce veteran, a former bank executive, a writer, a volunteer, the founder of the Southern Oregon Business Journal, and a lifelong runner. Greg has some great insights and knowledge he shares in this issue. Also, read about the crisis of loneliness and what we can do to help address it. Then learn about the findings from a 75-year Harvard study on happiness. Read about the Oregon Trail and one of the more famous travelers and her legacy. Finally, register for two upcoming free webinars presented by experts in their fields. 

March 2024 News represents our 60th issue! Enjoy reading about Angela & Scott Spence as they decide to give up the life they knew for a less stressful one. Also, read about the benefits of hill climbing, learn about a couple of historic cities, discover how you can stake your claim on a historic site, read about some great learning opportunities, and more. 

Feb 2024 News Issue 59 Features a career DJ who now envisions starting a radio station for older adults–our music and news that is relevant to us.  Also, sign up for a free tax webinar, learn about an upcoming free webinar about the adventures of a winemaker+, learn about Medicare Open Enrollment, and more. This is a packed issue! 

January 2024 PDF:

Growing up in a remote region of Hunan Province in China, ‘Sami’ (her English name) has faced numerous challenges and has taken many risks, including marrying a foreigner and moving to a new country. She is now a business owner and offers some valuable insights. Her husband, David Reeck, shares her inspiring story. Also read about free educational classes online, the value of stretching as we age, a free, upcoming webinar addressing the psychology of hate groups, among other topics, and learn about a valuable resource if you are struggling to adjust to widowhood. 

December 2023 PDF: Diane Jacobawitz lived her dream as a professional dancer. She also created a dance school. She now teaches older adults. Read about the benefits of dance, the importance of keeping flexible, and other relevant articles for living our best lives. 

Nov news 2023 features an inspirational couple who have shared 61 years together making a difference in the lives of people they have touched.  Also read about the health benefits of expressing gratitude and reflect on past and present Thanksgiving traditions and history. 

 Oct 2023 Newsletter includes a feature story about Kate Durket. She was raised in Alaska, ran the Iditarod, raised a wolf from a pup, and later moved to Oregon and became a dog trainer. This amazing woman and advocate for justice will inspire you.  Also read about therapy dog training, the benefits of learning sign language, and the potential for remote, part-time work in retirement. 

Sept 2023 Newsletter This issue features Marki James, DPT, whose expertise is in balance issues. She shares insights and advice on how to prevent falls. She also explains how she personally maintains her health and keeps her life balanced with a potentially hectic schedule. Also, read CDC facts about falls, learn the benefits of walking, and the importance of stretching before exercising. This is a health-focused issue!

August 2023  In this late summer edition, we’ve featured Mark Rochester, a retired educator, a rock band member, a bicyclist, and hiker.   Also read about biking benefits and options. James Hill, an expert on aging, discusses options available for aging in place. Learn about how to create a heart-healthy lifestyle (and why you will want to do it). Finally, if you are widowed or know anyone who is, then read my latest Next Avenue article about empowerment strategies for transitioning into widowhood. 

 July 2023  Newsletter: Debi Wakeling is redefining how we view life after sixty. She enjoys active living, likes adventures (including skydiving and zipling), and loves to travel. Her story will inspire you to live your best life at every age. We also take a look at spirituality in this issue as other contributors have mentioned it as does research on healthy aging. There is a lot in this issue. Click here to read it!

June 2023 Newsletter: Al Tuckey is a veteran, a retired public works manager, and a volunteer. He also is an advocate for yoga and likes to talk to other men about how this practice can help them. Also related related articles about health benefits of yoga, challenges of retirement, and next month’s focus on spirituality. 

May 2023 Newsletter: Laurette Foggini has served in various roles that have improved life quality for people as they age, includingvolunteering with a visiting grandparent program, overseeing home care managers,
and caring for her mother. She is a Certified Care Manager and the author of two children’s books about
connecting with grandparents and other older adults. She shares her journey and insights about care needs of older adults. Also read about Care options in a related article. Finally, get a summary and some selected pieces of advice in celebration of 50 Boomer Best U Newsletters.

April 2023 Newsletterfeatures Jeff Nesler, manager of Coming of Age NYC. Jeff has gained valuable insights about positive aging and shares some of his wisdom in this issue. He is also a editorial consultant and offers suggestions for starting your own consulting journey. This issue also includes resources or retirement, financial well-being, and a longer healthspan. 

March 2023 Newsletter features John Blackwood, an educator and cybersecurity expert. His story is both inspirational and informative. In this issue, you will also learn about the importance of an MVP list and how to create one. Gain some insights on Chat GPT, and learn about the importance of travel insurance before taking that trip out of the country. 

Feb 2023 Newsletter

Environmental Gerontologist Monica Eastway, M.S., is the creator and founder of Eco-Generation Park, a model that brings people together in caring farming communities; it is “elder-cenered, intergenerational, and resident-sustained.” Eastway’s mission is to “raise awareness and inspire all ages to bring care outdoors and grow nature connectedness.”

Also read about the first-of-its kind, online Grandparents Academy.

Jan 2023 Newsletter

The first feature story in the new year is about Carol Tuckey, a woman who has lived an active life and enjoys practicing yoga and believes in the importance of stretching. Read related articles about benefits of different types of exercise. Also, enjoy a soul-felt poem by Helen Laurence. 

December 2022 Newsletter features Dr. Emery Smith, a retired sociologist. Read about his insights on racism, grandparenting, and more. Also read articles about health and fitness, including the benefits of Tai Chi. Then take a quick assessment on your health habits for 2023. 

November News2022   features writer and podcaster, Don Akchin. He publishes EndGame, a weekly newsletter about growing older with grace and joy. You can also read a financial advisor’s take on the current investing climate. In addition, get some insight on the current state of Medicare, and learn about a significant condition that drives costs up and what you can personally do about it.

October 2022 Newsletter highlights the life work of Robbin Close. Robbin grew up with a passion for music. Her passion became her mission later in life as she helped change children’s lives through a violin program in Santa Fe schools. Also learn about Social Securty myths, how to avoid being targeted by burglars, and what you need to know about Medicare. 

September 2022 Newsletter features Pamela Woods, a retired insurance executive who learned to work hard and adapt. She is now living her best life in retirement. Also get an update on two of our previous featured people. Learn about the benefits of decluttering, and discover the MIND diet. 

August 2022 News features Jeri Frank, an energetic former educator, a dancer, jogger, and exercise enthusiast who loves reading and the outdoors. Her inspirational story will lift your spirits.  Also read about the benefits of dancing and discover links for various types of dance tutorials. Learn more about Medicare open enrollment periods, and discover the importance of a net worth statement at every stage and age in our lives. 

July 2022 News Tony Rosa served as a K-9 officer in the U.S. Army and also volunteered for a tour in Vietnam.  He served in the LAPD for 32 years and then became an international police advisor. He currently volunteers about 1000 hours a year maintaining and improving a community recreational area. His story is truly inspiring. Also read about the added benefits of having dogs in your community, learn about naturally occurring retirement communities, discover the importance of empowerment as we age, and read about a widow’s perspective (mine) on the importance of empowerment. 

June 2022 News: Susan Williams, founder of Booming Encore and a leader for empowered aging, shares her insights and expertise with readers. Also learn about two online learning opportunities available this month through Fitness over 50. Finally, read about the classic stages of life transitions and read about two of the biggest transitions after fifty–retirement and widowhood. 

May 2022 News: Aaron Tall Chief Usrey had held down a high-stress position for over twenty years. The stress nearly ruined his health. Today, Tall Chief is living half-time in Ireland with his partner on a small farm. His biggest stressor now is whether the hens stay in their coop.  Also read about travel highlights in Ireland and learn how to make a little extra money renting out an Airbnb room in your home.

April 2022 News: April is National Poetry Month. Our feature story is about a life-long poet, Nancy Nowak.  Read about her insights and learn how and why we might want to embrace this form of expressive art as well. Also, learn about World Health Day and how older adults are getting involved in addressing the climate crisis.  Read about the challenges of becoming invisible as a maturing adult and how one woman chose to make herself visible.

March 2022 News: Neuroscientist Shaun Morrison recalls his experiences at Woodstock and shares his journey to becoming a scientist. He also discusses the importance of ‘brown fat’ for our metabolism.  Also read about how you can support Ukrainians by purchasing art, learn how to access short, educational videos on finances, and challenge yourself to think about how you might spend your 100th birthday!

February 2022 News: Mike Waters, a health and fitness expert shares insights on functional fitness and health and offers advice on how to live your best life. Also, read other articles about staying healthy and fit.  Other articles related to this month’s theme include studies on staying healthier and living longer with lifestyle changes. Finally, learn how to get help (with a real person) when trying to figure out Medicare.

January 2022 News: The feature story this month is about a man who covered ‘big name’ stories as a national reporter for USA Today. Later, he discovered that the work he really wanted to do involved making a difference in communities and in the lives of people in those communities. 

Dec 2021 News Helen Laurence said she didn’t choose to become a poet. Poetry chose her. I hope you enjoy reading about her journey and how she found her sense of purpose. I’ve also included an article on the benefits of physical activity and another article about resilience and aging.

Nov 2021 News C Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist shares insights about aging, the brain, and why ageist language must be addressed. Also, read about the benefits of cultivating a positive attitude towards aging, how an optimistic attitude can be developed, a couple of quick facts on Social Security, and how men and women have different experiences transitioning into retirement. 

October  2021  When two national park rangers moved into a rural community, they asked why there were no parks near their neighborhood. They were told that the neighborhood was designed for older adults, so no parks would be needed. Why would anyone think that older adults wouldn’t need parks? Jim and Beth Houseman drew community members together and provided the leadership needed to establish an accessible, intergenerational community park and recreational area. Read more about the Housemans and their work in this issue. Also, read about some of the latest phone scams and how you can protect yourself. Get information on some free learning opportunities, and pick up some information on health and well-being.

September 2021 newsletter Our feature story this month is about Dr. Connie Zweig, a best-selling author, and former psychotherapist. Her insights and journey are quite interesting.  Also included in this issue are some observations Pepper Winn made while on a recent trip to Africa. She reminds us of our fortunate we are to live where we do. Allen Huffstutter shares some exciting news about a play he had written. Finally, read a short piece on the importance of stretching before engaging in physical activity. 

August 2021 newsletter I hope you enjoy the articles in our August newsletter. The feature story is about an individual who is sure to inspire. Also, we’ve included information about how anyone can get their financial and other essential documents decluttered and organized in a meaningful way. Then, in honor of Women’s Equality Day (August 26), we’ve included a guest article focusing on women’s financial needs as we get older. Another article, reprinted with permission, honors a woman who recently made history in her quest for equality. 

July 2021 News Danny Santos has dedicated his life to public service. He has been an advocate for social justice and human dignity. He served in four Oregon Governors’ Offices and was an associate dean at Willamette School of Law.  Also included in this issue is an update from Susan Rochester on her border project and an update from David Reeck on his cancer recovery. 

June 2021 News Connie “Pepper” Winn is an army veteran and was a regional vice president for career services. She is currently working in a supervisory role for the Oregon Racing Commission.  Pepper is a world traveler, a volunteer, and a biking enthusiast. Also included in this issue is a message for men about their health from someone who survived prostate cancer. In addition, Cindy Eastman shares her experience as she and her husband shift to a plant-based diet. 

May 2021 News This issue features Marisa Fink, a regional director for the YMCA, a world traveler, a biking enthusiast, and a Blue Zones advocate.  Read more about Marisa’s interests, insights, and passions. This issue also includes articles on Blue Zones principles, the benefits of learning a foreign language, and more.

April 2021 News  At 14, Bruce Eastman discovered his love of medicine and Native American culture after reading the biography of Charles Eastman, a Native American physician and activist. Read about Bruce’s journey and also discover news about heart health, information about supplemental insurance, and more.

March 2021 News  Author and personal branding expert, Wendy Marx shares her reinvention journey and offers personal branding insights. This issue also includes suggestions on how to call out ageism, health tips, and advocating for respectful care in health settings.

February 2021 News Janon Rogers is a 4th degree black belt in Taekwando and a business owner. She explains the benefits of marital arts training for individuals of all ages. Additional articles on the benefits of martial arts are included in this issue. 

January 2021 News Shakespeare, drama, teaching, and travel are all part of what Jillanne Michelle loves. Over the past several years, she has taken students to a Shakespeare festival to see plays on stage. Read how studying Also read how studying Shakespeare may have benefits for your brain. Then read an article that raises questions about a well-advertised brain supplement. 

December 2020 News Marsh Anne Landing Winery founder, Greg Cramer believes in the power of a positive attitude. “Focusing on the positive rather than the negative seems to empower my vision for the better outcome.” Read other articles about the benefits of a positive mindset.

November 2020 News  Author and retirement coach, Mike Drak believes “each of us has been given unique skills, abilities, and a special mission that needs to be fulfilled.” Read how Mike discovered his mission and lives his best life. Read other articles and short pieces on mental attitude, health, and other useful information.

October 2020 News Author, retirement consultant and coach, Marianne Oehser believes retirement can be the best time of your life when you are prepared for it. When she first retired, she soon realized that a life of leisure wasn’t for her. She later created the life she really wanted and helps others do the same. A related article addressing losing a job before you are ready to leave. Also read short tips for your best life. 

September 2020 news Ken Carloni,  recalls how he was fascinated with the living world as a child. “I wanted to be a biologist and never really wavered from that goal.” Read about Ken’s many adventures and the work he is currently doing, post career. In this issue, also read about ways to reduce stress and learn what a 105-year-old doctor advised for living well. 

August 2020 News In Jenny Carloni’s childhood home, there was a dedicated phone to help support the League of Women Voters. Today, Jenny, a former educator, is the president of the League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley. She is also a social justice advocate. Also in this issue, read about speaking with purpose and power, and learn strategies for life transitions. 

July 2020 News Business owner and author, Ben James, CFA, CFP says “money is just another tool in your tool chest.” Even as a child, he demonstrated an interest in money management, ironing and starching his paper route money.  Ben shares some advice on living your best life. Also read about professional tips on decluttering your house. Get information on becoming a professional organizer as an encore career.

June 2020 News Transitions coach Reed Dewey explains, “Making a difference and making a contribution, even in a small way, keeps me going…having a purpose and ‘life meaning’ is what I hope I’m moving towards.”  Learn how Reed’s life work lead him to become a transition coach. Also read about the relationship between volunteering and longevity, physical activity and health, and real estate and net worth statements. 

May 2020 NewsMelinda Benton grew up viewing writing as “a fun code to figure out.” Eventually, she became a journalist. Today she teaches journalism at a community college. Read other articles about why we need to stay hydrated, health care costs after retirement, and how to distinguish between real and fake news.

April 2020 News Donna Beegle grew up in extreme poverty. Today, she is an internationally recognized authority on poverty-related issues. She helps educators understand the challenges of poverty.  Read an article about organizing finances and why it is important to support local news.

March 2020 News Renaissance woman and healer, Tess Marino is a life-long learner, a retired hospice nurse, a poet, and a writer. Read about her self-discoveries and current work. Also read an article about the health of Social Security.  Learn about the challenges of becoming a caregiver. 

February 2020 News Gregg Smith is an avid fly fisherman, a hiker, a gardener, a novelist, and a full-time English professor. Read about what keeps Gregg going and discover some of his writing tips.  Also included in this issue is an article about how we can start holding employers accountable for ageism in the workplace.

January 2020 News As a human resources executive, Joe Stamm met a lot of older workers who had a lot to offer but needed an open door. Joe left the corporate world to open his business, Jobsearch50.com – a service that connects older workers with employers who recognize the added value experienced workers can offer. In this issue, also read how elderspeak may affect health. 

December 2019 News Former high school English teacher, Cindy Eastman discovered her true path as a self-employed health insurance professional. Cindy loves helping others and making connections with people.  Read how this vibrant woman is living her best life today. Also read how businesses can tap into the 50+ market. 

November 2019 News James Hill completed his graduate work in gerontology and has applied his knowledge as a field examiner for the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. James shares some of his insights in this article. He also shares his love of cooking. Also read an article about becoming an entrepreneur and discover a good read about the history of older women in America. 

October 2019 News Kemberly Todd values opportunities to connect with her community. She is a program manager for a Small Business Development Center, a former TEDx speaker, a Toastmaster, and a community volunteer. Just reading about Kemberly’s life could give you a shot of energy. Also read a surprising poem one nursing home resident left behind.

September 2019 News Betty Tamm, owner of Triple Oak Vineyard shares her love of adventure and how many of her dreams have been fulfilled. Betty also opens up about losing her first husband and later, the process of rebuilding her life. In a separate article, read about the historic town in which Betty’s wine tasting room is located. (Hint: Susan B. Anthony once slept in this town.)

August 2019 News David Reeck has been in 45 countries and spent 10 years in China applying his electrical engineering background. When he returned to the U.S., he sold electric bikes for a while. Now he is working with his community to help establish electric vehicle charging stations. Read some of David’s tips for travel. Also read an article about how older workers can be assets in the workplace.

July 2019 News NiAodagain retired early to follow her team and become a professional writer. Her story is one that can inspire others to take a risk and live the life they’ve always wanted. Also included in this issue are articles about refusing to let others define us and one on the value of stretching for better health.

June-2019 News Jasmine Sitt owns Jasmine’s Catering and Event Center. She is also a part-time college instructor.  About aging, Jasmine says, “If you are happy, it radiates and your energy is contagious.” Learn more about how Jasmine uses her time and energy to inspire others. Also read an article about estate planning. A recipe for Garman Masala is included in this issue.

May 2019 News Charles Young has pioneer roots and pioneer values. At 73, he loves the outdoors, hiking mountains, and history. He has also completed 30 marathons. He believes in service and has volunteered his time working with a local museum of history. He currently teaches history to eager college students. Also read an article about E-bikes.

April 2019 News Artist and educator, Susan Rochester shared that when she turned 50, she panicked as she started to think about her own mortality and what she still wanted to achieve.  She has since returned to her interest in Southwestern art and borders. She is using her art to help others see the U.S./ Mexican border in new ways.  Also included in this issue – an article about the power of sleep.