What’s your recipe for a long and healthy life? 

 What inspires and strengthens you? Have a story to share?

The Administration on Aging wants to hear your story — and if your entry wins–share it to inspire others. 

The contest is called Recipe for Strength and it is sponsored by the Administration on Aging.  Share your story via poetry/prose, video or photography.  The contest is being hosted by the Administration on Aging in celebration of Older Americans Month in May. Age Strong!  Live Long!  is the theme for month-long activities.  To find out more and read the rules go to the Administration on Aging website. 

The winner in each category will receive a certificate of recognition and their entry will be publicly announced and prominently displayed on the Administration on Aging’s website.

Entries must be submitted by April 30, 2010, 11:59 p.m. EST.  See the AOA site for full details.

Key Toppers

Holiday gift giving can be challenging when it comes to figuring out just the right gift to give an older person.

Gifts for grandma or great-grandma, gifts for grandpa or great-grandpa, gifts for a favorite aunt or uncle, or a neighbor you watch over. Finding a unique gift is hard.  

It’s especially hard if the individual has physical limitations or have downsized to smaller living space.  What can you find that promotes their independence, yet can be fun?  

You want something nice, thoughtful and easy to use – not something that seems old and medicinal?  Elegant but simple to use?  Technology made simple? The Internet comes to your rescue.

Here are some websites we’ve come across that can help spark ideas for a special gift this holiday season or a gift for a birthday.  Many of these sites have special discounts for the holiday season.

Gold Violin– this company specializes in products that promote independent living. The site is easy to navigate – by health condition, by room, by activity –and a special gift section.  From stocking stuffers to books to gadgets and nostalgia.  Beautiful pill boxes, covers for keys to help identify what they’re for, talking clocks and lots more.

FirstStreet – you’ve probably seen this company’s commercials for the Jitterbug telephone and TV Ears, but they have a lot more gadgets that might meet the needs of your elder.  The site says it’s for “boomers and beyond” – so gifts appropriate for the younger, older set as well.  If you’re looking for an easy to use computer, check out their Go Computer.

Elderluxe– More upscale products for baby boomers and seniors.  Like the digital grab bag that displays a photo slideshow for grandma! Need help?  They offer a concierge service by email to help you find the perfect gift.

Solutions – products that help make life a easier includes a special section of holiday gifts.  Not a senior specific site, it includes products for all ages.

 ReadHowYouWant– looking for a book for an avid reader with sight limitations?  Try ReadHowYouWant.  You can customize the print size on a wide selection of books to make them accessible—large print, Braille, Daisy digital audio files –bestsellers to classics.

Have you found a great source of gifts for older people?  Have some gift ideas that have worked particularly well?  At a time when we’re all trying to save a bit on our holiday gifts, have you found some unique gift sites that also offer special deals?

Share your favorite gift websites and gift ideas for older adults.

*Longevity Alliance does not have business relationships with any of these organizations.

Life at 100 can be pretty good – and who should know better than a group of 100-year-olds.  They’re up on technology; stay connected with family and friends; and, cherish their independence, according to a recent survey. 

 Maybe we can all learn some lessons about attitude and planning for a long life from this group of centenarians.   

 What is their advice for a healthy aging? 

• Stay close to friends and family.
• Keep the mind active.
• Laugh and have a sense of humor.

This peek into the lives and attitudes of centenarians gives us some insight into the lifestyle and actions of those who age well and can play into our own thinking and planning for the future.

Technology — It’s not just for the young.  Of those surveyed, 19% use a cell phone and 21% reported that they go online, with 12% sharing photos. More than half know about Nintendo’s Wii Fit and 3% dated someone they met on an online dating site.

Independence – The 100-year-olds said independence comes with simple things, such as the ability to take care of themselves on a daily basis, staying in good health, and being able to make their own financial and health decisions.

 Pop Culture – These folks aren’t sitting on the sidelines.  American Idol was their favorite TV show.  When asked who they would most like to have dinner with – the top three choices were Bill Cosby, Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey.  On their “do not invite” list — Britney Spears and Howard Stern.

There are common themes that are coming across in the three years the survey has been conducted, according to Dr. John Mach, a geriatrician and chairman of Evercare, a part of UnitedHealth Group which conducted the survey.

 “It’s more about the things under our control – our lifestyle choices, our spirituality and our interest in staying engaged in the world around us.  Centenarians are a remarkable generation of Americans whose life experiences, positive outlook and desire to continue to try new things should be an inspiration to us all,” he said.

Those who reach 100 are one of the fastest growing demographics. The population of people 80 and older is projected to increase 233 percent by 2040, compared with a 160 percent increase for people 65 and over and 33 percent for the total population of all ages.

Good reasons to plan now for your health and wealth as you age.  And, also to take the advice of today’s centenarians and stay active and involved.

 What do you think about living to 100?  Are you planning now for a longer life?