Rock Your Retirement Show

Life is a journey. Lot’s of retirees think about retiring as a couple. But what about retirement as a surviving spouse? In this interview, I talk with Ann Nelson. After suddenly finding herself a widow in 2009, Ann needed to learn – and fast – about finances, survival, and ultimate retirement. Ann is the author of Retire Well, Retire Happy. On her journey, she has found that in the end, it is not all about the money. Living a happy and worthwhile life is extremely important. Her book is about how she navigated through the retirement maze and found her way after being left a widow. In 2009, Ann was semi-retired but still working part-time flipping houses with her husband when he passed away. Ann knew she had to figure out her retirement as a surviving spouse We talked about the very sudden and surprising passing of her husband who had a heart attack at the dinner table. This was the catalyst for the following chain of events in her life: * She found herself making burial and funeral arrangements * Anne had to continue renovating homes herself. She worked for about a year before fully retiring. She did find working helped keep her mind busy. * Then she also realized she had to learn how to sort out finances due to her husband’s death It wasn’t until she went back to her and her late husband’s home town, she began to grieve.  You have no control over grief and you have to allow yourself the time to grieve. Even though it’s been over 8 years since her husband passed she still grieves sometimes. She had to reimagine herself and where she was going since her life had changed so much Ann has been keeping herself very busy in her retirement. She is writing and has her own podcast. Ann is also a retirement consultant and has taken courses to learn about investing. She is also a member of a variety of groups: * Lions Club * Toastmasters * Australian Independent Retirees Association * National Seniors In her book she not only talks about the investing and finances in retirement, she also talks about being happy in retirement. (You know I LOVE that!) The non-financial aspects of retirement such as traveling, learning and living arrangements. Her book is called Retire Well, Retire Happy and can be found on her website: http://www.annnelson.com.au/ Ann’s advice: Unless you are involved in outside activities, retirement can be a struggle. Prepare for retirement as a couple but also prepare and think about retirement as a surviving spouse. This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Alan was nicknamed “Motorbutt”. How did Alan Mindell get his nickname?  After dancing for years, Alan started running.  He wound up with some injuries, but got into shape.  At age 76, Motorbutt runs three times a week.  How often do you run?  (I don’t run. Ever.) He wanted to come on the show to talk about the Senior Games. The Senior Games are San Diego’s (and other counties) answer to the Senior Olympics. They are 50 years old in 2017 and there is a wide list of sports that are covered. These sports include Track & Field; Pickleball; Archery; and Ping Pong to name a few.  If you do a Google search, you can find a list of contests and sports.  In San Diego, for the 2017 games, there will be 25 sports, including individual and team sports such as softball, volleyball, and soccer. Alan’s sport is the 400 meter. That’s once around the track.  He said that the coolest thing he ever saw was a 100 year old man who competed in the Pole Vault.  Because he was the only participant, he was able to set a world record.  Listen to the episode to hear how he did it…it’s pretty interesting! And, if you are looking to make friends, it’s a great place to do that too! Attend the monthly luncheon.  Check your local Senior Games to see what they offer. Exercising is one of the best ways we know to stave off disease in our older years.  It’s one of the best ways to stay young and healthy.  Why not take that knowledge, along with some friendly competition, to keep in shape? I asked Alan for his advice for someone who has never exercised before. He said to start slow. Spend a few weeks going “light”.  We at the Rock Your Retirement Show don’t give medical advice, except for this:  Before starting any exercise routine, see your physician. After you get the OK, go out there and have some fun in the senior games!

I interview Michelle Brelaz to talk about putting relationships back together. Michelle puts relationships back together and her goal is to reduce the divorce rate one couple at a time. She is a certified coach, trained through the official school of Anthony Robbins. Michelle also has a Diploma of Counseling and a Degree in Psychology. She has a deep desire to understand the differences between men and women so that she can provide training that facilitates respect between the genders. In time, she would like to take her training to schools – to help prevent relationship problems before they start. Michelle had no intention of going into this line of work, but an incident where her husband lashed out and hit their daughter was the catalyst for her starting this path for her career.  She felt the counseling they went to “un-did” them and pulled them apart. She decided she wanted to focus on putting relationships back together. Pain talks. Pain has a language all of its own. People say things when they are in pain, they don’t say when they’re in love. So how is Michelle putting relationships back together? Michelle feels that counseling for couples should be done individually rather than partners going to counseling together and she will never counsel a husband and wife together. People say things when they are hurt that aren’t really part of the problem or important to the relationship. Words can hurt and they are difficult to take back. She has her clients send her a list, in order of importance, of things they want to discuss. Women multi-think and they to need a few extra sessions to process everything. She typically has 6 sessions with women and 3 with men Do not blame each other. There is no one to blame. Michelle gives us some great tips to stay away from Divorce. Some of those tips are:  * People rush into relationships before talking about big issues such as money and children * Once people marry they become selfish. Keep that “What can I do for my partner” attitude you had in the beginning. * Sit down every 2 weeks and review the last two weeks. Talk about feelings, fun things, what made them happy, good things that happened. * Your relationship is a small part of your life. Don’t give up your life, friends hobbies, sports etc. * Take care of yourself first and then help your partner and children * Keep Respect Michelle’s advice: Your relationship in retirement can almost seem like a newly wed stage of getting to know each other again and spending a lot of time together. If you think you want to get a divorce, go and get as much help as possible. You are going to lose money, relationships, extended family, and dating at a later stage in life is very difficult. To get today’s Freebie, 3 tips for improving your relationships immediately, go to: www.RockYourRetirement.com/relationships Contact information for Michelle: https://yusrelationshiprepairspecialists.com/ Mentioned in the interview: Allison Armstong Tony Robbins (Robbins-Madanes Training)  Joan Price Rock Your Retirement Episode 061 This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

I talk with Lisa Woodruff about organizing your home Lisa Woodruff believes organization is not a skill you are born with. It is a skill that is developed over time and changes with each season of life. She has helped thousands of women reclaim their homes and finally get organized with her practical tips, encouragement, and humor through her blog and podcast at Organize365.com. Got clutter? I Do. I am the “queen of clutter” or, as Lisa put’s it, “I have a hard time separating the memory from the object”. Makes perfect sense right? Since listening to Lisa’s show, I have been making progress. I am a HUGE fan of Lisa’s show and wanted YOU, my listener, to be able to learn tips on organizing your home. Paper.. how to deal with all of the paper! When you look at a stack of 100 sheets of paper, you think that is 100 different items that you need to deal with. Lisa looks at your stack of 1000 pieces of paper and she knows that there are no more than 8 categories in that stack of paper and she can go through it super quickly. Lisa gives an amazing tip on how to go through the archived paper. You know, the mounds of paper you have in your filing cabinet or scattered all over your desk, or taking over your kitchen table..that paper. Using Lisa’s method, you can be completely through an entire filing cabinet in just a few months. The Sunday Basket The Sunday Basket is a system for processing mail, kitchen counter “to do” papers, and ongoing household projects. Some examples of things you might put in the Sunday basket are: * Mail * Receipt for some prescriptions that you picked up * The dry cleaning ticket * The little card you get from the doctor’s office telling you it’s time for your next visit * A birthday card you bought for your granddaughter * Let’s say you planned on re-hanging some pictures and you went and got command hooks. You would put those in there. The rule is that you pick a day of the week (Lisa does hers on Sunday) and you take every single thing out of the basket. You then ask yourself one question; can this wait until next Sunday?  If the answer is yes, the item goes back in the basket. If the answer is no, it is left out to be taken care of. She even suggests making a Sunday basket for your spouse or for your loved one that you are caring for! Lisa gives so many tips on organizing your home in this interview there is no way I could write them all here. If you have any great ideas or tips on organization feel free to post them in the comments below! Lisa’s Books: The Mindset of Organization, Take Back Your House One Phase at a Time If you would like to contact Lisa you can email her at lisa@organize365.com or you can go to her website https://organize365.com/ Or you can check out her virtual Sunday Basket Classes at https://thesundaybasket.com/ Websites mentioned in this interview: Zoom This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

In this interview, we talk about the emotional aspect of retirement. Becky Kueker was 69 years old when she decided to retire from a 20-year career as a partner in a successful woman-owned commercial architectural firm in St. Louis. This was all part of her grand plan. It was the “Plan” she had created and was totally invested in since she was 40 years old. She was ready to close that door and walk out embracing a whole new chapter in her life. She and her husband had saved, invested, researched and carefully planned their retirement. They even kept a “retirement binder” for all those years with laminated financial spreadsheets, great places to retire, exciting long-awaited trips to take, and all the “how to self-help” retirement books she could read. What she never expected was that her retirement plan had covered everything expect the emotional aspect of retirement. Becky became depressed after she retired. She lost a lot of self-esteem and self-worth. Becky’s husband still works and she was spending a lot of time alone. She talks about an AARP Article called Out-of-Sync Retirement Syndrome. I think there are many retirees that go through sadness or even depression after retirement. Becky felt like she went from running a 25 million dollar a year company to the newly retired pack of old people. When you walk out and close that door on your work life, part of you literally disappears. Over-the-Hill Cards aren’t as funny when it’s you that receives them It took Becky 2 years to get over her depression. She did some silly things during this time, all while hiding most of it from her husband. * Becky would put on her pajama’s, Elmo slippers, and a ratty old robe. She used a hairbrush as a microphone and walked around the house singing to Elvis CD’s * Stayed in bed all day reading books she had never read before. * Watched Netflix and old movies * Discovered Overstock.com and online shopping Becky made her “retirement binder” but what people really need is an “Emotional playbook Binder”. Plan for the emotional aspect of retirement as well as what you want to do with your life and your marriage before you retire. How did she get out of her depression? Becky wrote her book called Hiding in my pajama’s. In talking with people for research on her book, she discovered so many people that go through the same thing. She and her husband also decided they needed their own space. So they bought a new home that allowed them space if they needed it. Becky says it is also important to find hobbies for each of you to do separately, but also plan activities and dates together. Discover the best version of yourself and get dressed and comb your hair every day. Becky’s Book- Hiding in My Pajamas Email:  bkueker@gmail.com This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Henry talks with Dorothy Nicol about her vintage dresses and gowns. Dorothy is 87 years old. She has lived her entire life in the small town of  Lismore which is located in Victoria Australia. She absolutely loves her hometown and she wanted to do something to help the town and the community when she retired. Dorothy says her hobby is living in the 20th century Dorothy has an amazing collection which includes thousands of 20th-century vintage dresses and gowns. She began collection many years ago and the collection grew so much, she needed more space! Henry and Dorothy talk about how she purchased a property she had cherished since she was a young girl, and turned it into a small tourist attraction. Sometimes Dorothy feels like she is unorganized because she has so many items! She admits she isn’t like a boutique shop, she prefers the quaint, charming feeling of her store. She likes for people to come into her shop and be able to look around and touch the items. Touching most often is not allowed with vintage garments. There are a lot of fascinating stories that go along with vintage dresses and gowns Dorothy is very sentimental. You can hear her well up with emotion as she talks about these stores and the wonderful people she has met throughout the years. Henry also takes a walk down memory lane with Dorothy as she reminisces about growing up in the town she loves so much. She began working at the age of 16 as a telephonist which was a manual switchboard Operator. She held that same job until she married in 1950 and never worked anywhere else. If you have seen old movies where the operators are pulling plus, that is what Dorothy did!. She has never learned to use the computer and is full of nostalgia. She prefers a time when lives were a lot more uncomplicated and there was more of a community feeling. This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

I was SO excited that I got to Catherine and Barry Cohen. I am sort of a “fangirl” (but not in a creepy weird way), They have a podcast I listen to all of the time called Together 24/7 and I am a fan! It’s about building businesses together but we talked about always being together. Which, they pretty much are! Barry said that he and Catherine were genetically programmed to work together. Catherine’s parents built a retail shoe business and have worked together most of their 55 plus years of marriage. Barry’s father is 83 years old and still working! They said that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself and his wife would end up killing him if he was home all day every day.  (Sound familiar?) Barry and Catherine are business strategists and have a company called Business Solutions for Growth. They work with businesses to help them create a plan of action for their business. We talked about what starting a business as a couple after retirement might look light. Retirement can be boring. A lot of people do this not necessarily for the money, but to do something they really enjoy. Obviously, you love each other, but If you don’t like each other, retirement is going to be hard. Some couples enjoy always being together however, there are some things Barry and Catherine say are important to remember: * Find common ground * Communicate * Have mutual respect for each other * Enjoy each other What if always being together isn’t for you? * Vacation separately * Have days to hang out with friends * Keep the things you were doing separately before you retired * Decide which activities you enjoy doing together and what activities you want to do separately. Regardless of whether you plan on spending every minute together in your retirement or plan on doing things separately, Barry and Cat say you should figure it out before retirement. Decide what you are going to do, write a list and talk about it. Prepare for always being together. If you are thinking of creating a business, Barry and Catherine have offered my listeners a FREE 30-minute discovery session. You can contact them at info@businesssolutionsforgrowth.com or by calling 602-399-7430 This post about Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com How do you handle always being together? Do you have any ideas or thoughts? We would love to hear them in the comments below:

Henry interviews Di Lockwood on her passion for art. Before retiring at the age of 54, Di was a teacher for about 37 years. She always has a strong love for art and she knew once she retired she was going to pursue her passion for art. She even planned and prepared for it before she retired by studying and taking courses. When she did retire, she took up visual arts and decided she like printmaking the most. Di created an art gallery in her home. It is a not for profit gallery and she only charged a small amount just to help pay for the insurance she has to have. Di doesn’t do what she does for the money (she doesn’t really make money) she truly loves what she does and has a true passion for art. Henry sat down with her and talked about her passion.  Di talked about her experience teaching art. She told us a story of a young man from Afghanistan who she said, was extremely talented. He had never painted once in his life until he was in the Darwin Detention Center. (Which is an Australian Immigration detention facility) Henry and Di also talk about: * How she made a studio in her home  (wouldn’t that be lovely!) * Her idea to set up a not for profit art gallery for emerging artists * How she was able to provide a space where refugee women could gather and she helped them establish themselves in the community * Jackson Pollock’s painting ‘Blue Poles’ Not to be outdone, Di has her own Facebook Page!  If you would like to check out Di’s Facebook go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/librandogma/ Thank YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes. This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Let’s face it, our spouses can get on our nerves! And once you retire, you’re gonna be spending even more glorious (or not so glorious) time together. In this episode, I talk with Lori Ann Davis on marriage advice after retirement. Lori has over 28 years’ experience empowering individuals and couples to live richer, happier lives. I asked her to come on the show because she is the author of Unmasking Secrets to Unstoppable Relationships: How to Find, Keep and Renew Love and Passion in Your Life. You want a marriage that is not only surviving but is actually thriving. According to Lori, just because you don’t fight and your marriage seems OK, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is. She gives some great marriage advice after retirement. Key Elements for working on your marriage (and Lori says yes, you have to work on your marriage all the time)  * Constantly reconnect with each other * Be interested * Get to know them on a deeper level * Make sure you are spending enough time together * Talk about your expectations for this phase of your life * Discuss your dreams and interests The Do’s and Don’ts DO: * Discover who your spouse is * Date each other * Remember why you chose each other DON’T * Spend 24/7 together * Rush into anything if you have grown apart * Spend zero amount of time together What do you do if you have grown apart? * Sit down and start dating each other again * Look for the positives and the good things * Renew the passion and intimacy * Flirt * Sit next to each other * Stop for a kissing break * Entice * Hold hands * Leave a flirty message on the pillow or sent a flirtatious text * Make out and be playful Lori and I also talk about when it’s time to get help for your relationship whether it is a counselor or a coach. Lori says the sooner you get help the better and don’t wait until you have given up. Should you give marriage advice to a friend if they ask for it? Comment below if you have any thoughts on this subject. Book:  Unmasking Secrets to Unstoppable Relationships: How to Find, Keep and Renew Love and Passion in Your Life. Contact information: www.lorianndavis.com This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Henry interviews Di and Ross Lawrence who run a business selling deer antler velvet in their retirement. Before Di and Ross retired, they ran a deer farm. Di worked part-time as a bookkeeper and Ross ran the farm. As they got older, they knew they would have to leave their farm as it became too much work for them to maintain. Ross even got pretty seriously injured. In 2014, they decided it was time to sell. Henry talks with them about the transition from farm life to life in the suburbs. It was an easy transition for them. They bought their home before they sold their farm.  Ross and Di downsized their belongings.  They were prepared for it. It was, however, difficult for Ross to leaving the animals he had taken care of for so long. Ross knew he wanted to stay in touch with the deer industry after he retired. He already had a small online business selling deer antler velvet products and he decided he would continue that business in his retirement.  What is Deer Antler Velvet? Deer antler velvet is the entire immature antler. It is harvested before it calcified to its normal state. Once they remove the antlers they do grow back each year. It has been used for thousands of years as a food product. It is also used in Chinese medicine to promote good health and is used as a natural remedy for a wide variety of things. Henry talks with Di and Ross about their business and the various uses for their product. Di and Ross haven’t only been “working” in their retirement. Di has been enjoying getting her new home together. She has been able to catch up on sewing, reading, and she has been able to start doing more walking. Ross has plans to start golfing and they have been doing some traveling. All of those things we don’t usually have time to do before we retire. If you would like to contact the Lawrence’s, you can email them at ross@deerfarm.com.au. Find them on the internet at www.deerfarm.com.au.  You can also find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deervelvetantler This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

If you are like me, your animals are a big part of your family. In this episode, I talk with Von Braschler about dealing with pet loss and grief.  Von is the author of the book Natural Pet Healing and the e-book Healing with Your Pet: Our Psychic Spiritual Connection, which is based in part on his 4-year popular podcast which was called “Healing with your Pet.” He rescues cats and has volunteered as a dog walker and groomer for the Humane Society. He is also a certified pet massage therapist.  There are steps that you really need to go through in dealing with pet loss The most popular names in the US for pets are no longer Fluffy or Spot. Instead, they are names such as Max, Sam, Ginger, Misty, Jake, and Samantha. These are like children’s names and they become our family. According to Von, the bond we have with our pets these days is stronger than ever before. Pets are not spending as much time outside, they live in the house with us, therefore, our bond with them gets stronger. Most of us will go through many… many pets and will sadly lose them and go through grief. Unless someone has lived with an animal or had a pet that is close to them, they do not feel the bond and they can’t truly empathize with the grief you go through. What are the steps for dealing with pet loss? * Take lots of photos and make a book out of them * Keep collars, tags (keepsakes) * Celebrate their life * Surround yourself with sympathetic people * Allow yourself to grieve * If you have another pet, you can comfort each other and grieve together * Have a small ceremony * Join a pet loss support group either online or in person * Have age appropriate animal (someone who is elderly may not want to get a parrot who will live a very long time) Books:  Natural Pet Healing: Our Psychic, Spiritual Connection Healing with your Pet: Our Psychic, Spiritual Connection (Kindle Edition) Contact Information: If you would like to reach out to Von you can go to facebook.com/vbraschler  Websites we mentioned in our interview:  AARP * The Humane Society Special Thanks to: * Angie Strehlow who helps us get great guests that help us with our retirement lifestyle while keeping everything on track…and helps with these show notes! * Les Briney, my husband, and Danny Ozment of Emerald City Pro who edits the show and makes my guests and me sound terrific * Henry Shapiro, host of Retired Excited that airs on Fridays * YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Judith French is breeding dogs in her retirement. In this episode, Henry speaks with Judith French.  Judy was in nursing before she retired.  She has also been married for 54 years!  She was looking forward to her retirement so she would have more time to do things such as gardening and reading. Judith truly loves breeding dogs.  She spends a lot of her free time doing this and she loves her dogs.  Judith began breeding animals even before she retired. In fact. she grew up in a family which bred and showed animals, so she is no stranger to the show arena. Judith initially started with cats, but then switched to breeding dogs.  She and Henry discuss the many breeds she has raised and loved throughout the years. Mentioned in the show:   https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/member.asp?name=WATERMILL *Please note: We realize that dog breeding is a sensitive subject for some of our listeners and readers.  The Rock Your Retirement show does not endorse… nor does it condemn breeding dogs.   Kathe currently enjoys two rescue dogs and a bird.  She believes that pets can keep you healthy and help you live longer.   Each person must decide on his or her own whether to get a pedigreed dog, show dog, or a rescue dog. Have a comment?  Post it below.  And if you’ve been listening to our retirement lifestyle show, reviewing the show on iTunes really helps others find us. This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

Our guest for today is Sue Goldstein, BA, CCRC, AASECT-CSE, IF (That is a ton of credentials isn’t that?!) and she’s here to talk about Sexual Medicine. In 2007, Sue and her husband moved from Boston to San Diego to open up San Diego Sexual Medicine. She educates people on sex, sexual dysfunction, sexual functionality, basically everything that has to do with sexual medicine. She also recently co-authored a book called “When Sex Isn’t Good”. You’re never too old for sex According to Sue, you are never too old for sex and it’s never too late to regain sexual health. Research tells us that being sexually active actually decreases your stress level. There are a lot of benefits! * It is good for your health and your relationship. * It improves self-esteem * There is more fun in relationships and * There is more of a playful ease in relationships. The oldest man they treated for erectile dysfunction was 91. So, as the saying goes “where there’s a will there’s a way!” “The man with the young woman on his arm is not looking for a trophy wife, he’s looking for a lubricated vagina” We went over so many enlightening and fascinating things. Here is a short list of some of them: * Menopause (Sex doesn’t have to hurt!) * HSDD (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder) * Erectile dysfunction * Injection therapy (Can’t be as bad as it sounds can it?) * Prostate cancer and treatments to help with getting an erection * Implants for men * Hormone treatments * Laser therapy * Testosterone * The “G” Spot I learned so much from conducting this interview on sexual medicine. If you would like to comment or have any information on treatments you have used (or want to learn more about), feel free to join the conversation and comment below. Contact Information: Phone: 619-265-8865 * Email: information@sdsm.info * Website: http://www.SanDiegoSexualMedicine.com Book: When Sex Isn’t Good: Stories & Solutions of Women With Sexual Dysfunction  Special Thanks to: * Angie Strehlow who helps us get great guests that help us with our retirement lifestyle while keeping everything on track…and helps with these show notes! * Les Briney, my husband, and Danny Ozment of Emerald City Pro who edits the show and makes my guests and me sound terrific * Henry Shapiro, host of Retired Excited that airs on Fridays * YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

David Mickle has had a passion for steam trains for 50 years. Before David he retired at the young age of 70, he worked as an electrician. He looked forward to retiring so he would have more time to pursue his passion for steam trains. When David was a young child he was fascinated with steam trains. His passion for steam trains only grew as he got older. Henry and David discuss his volunteer work on the on the Puffing Billy which is a voluntary Railway group that operates a steam train in Australia. David was a volunteer laborer and helped to restore the cars and railways after a landslide. They also discuss David’s involvement with the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club. David was one of the very first members of this club and was also involved in the club for over 50 years. Dave also restored a steam engine with the help of his friend. It was manufactured by the Yorkshire Steam Wagon Company and has a horizontal boiler on the front with Ackermann steering. There is nothing automatic about this steam wagon either. You have to stop to change gears. Henry and Dave talk about the restoration process and it really is amazing. In listening to Henry’s interview David, you can really tell how important this hobby is to David. He is a man with some fascinating stories who is more than happy to share them. There is some amazing history and heritage behind steam trains. Do you have a passion for steam trains? You don’t have to actually own a steam train if you are interested in them. There are steam engine organizations where you can volunteer doing things such as working on the trains or driving the trains. What is David advice for retirees? Find a hobby and keep your body active and your mind active. Sounds like great advice! Websites Mentioned in this interview: * Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club * Puffing Billy Have you ever ridden on a steam train?  Leave a comment below to tell us about your experience. Special Thanks to: * Angie Strehlow who helps us get great guests that help us with our retirement lifestyle while keeping everything on track…and helps with these show notes! * Les Briney, my husband, who edits the show and makes my guests and me sound terrific * Henry Shapiro, host of Retired Excited that airs on Fridays * YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com

I am talking poop with Melissa Ramos! Melissa is a Nutritionist focusing on Chinese Nutrition Therapy and owner of Sexy Food Therapy Inc. She helps people feel sexy from the inside out with a focus on digestion and hormone imbalances. Melissa’s journey began when she got sick. She started to see a nutritionist and discovered she had digestive issues. Melissa went and studied nutrition and from there, she studied Chinese Medicine right afterward. She began a blog basically just for fun. In the beginning, she was blogging about how she emotionally ate the right way and was documenting a lot of dating stories. To her surprise, a bunch of people started reading it and the business focus changed. A lot of it changed based on her personal struggle with digestion and a near death experience that she discusses in the interview. The Poop Whisperer People get nervous about talking openly about poop. They will go to an entirely different floor of an office building to poop just so that no one knows they are going. Talking poop is important as it can tell a lot about your health. As you get older your digestion declines. 70% of women will get fibroids by the age of 50. So what do YOU need to know about your poop? What should you be looking for? (And according to Melissa, yes, you should be looking) * Frequency * Shape * Pellet poop * Loose Poop * Color * How many wipes * Proper bowel elimination Don’t poop enough? Melissa gives us some great tips in the interview on what we can do to increase the frequency and improve our bowel movements. Happy Pooping! Contact information: http://sexyfoodtherapy.com Special Thanks to: * Angie Strehlow who helps us get great guests that help us with our retirement lifestyle while keeping everything on track…and helps with these show notes! * Les Briney, my husband, and Danny Ozment of Emerald City Pro who edits the show and makes my guests and me sound terrific * Henry Shapiro, host of Retired Excited that airs on Fridays * YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes This post about retirement and Retirement Lifestyle first appeared on http://RockYourRetirement.com