This piece was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle on May 23, 2023. By Jan Ellison Baszucki At 4 a.m. the Friday before Christmas, I lay curled up and crying on my bedroom floor, convinced my son was no longer alive. Matt, then 21, had been a star in elementary and high school, but he beganContinue reading “Doctors said my son’s bipolar disorder couldn’t be healed by diet. They were wrong.”
Author Archives: bigretiredlife
Advice From 80 Year Olds to 50 Year Olds
In an effort to help people make the most out of their retirement, we at Big Retired Life conducted original research. We solicited advice from the residents of The Forum, an affluent retirement community in Cupertino, California, to see what words of wisdom they wanted to say to their younger selves. We posed a simple question:Continue reading “Advice From 80 Year Olds to 50 Year Olds”
Holiday Gift Guide: Well-being Edition
More presence; less presents—That’s my motto. Yet, gift giving is one way we can show love to the ones we love during the holiday season. I’ve crafted a handpicked gift guide of my top 15 favorite gifts focused on well-being, usefulness, and in some instances, something life-changing. Here’s the gift list breakdown: Gifts to PromoteContinue reading “Holiday Gift Guide: Well-being Edition”
Going It Alone Through the Holidays
It can be hard to be alone during the holidays. Although conventions say the holidays are a time to focus on others, for some, it might be the time of year to take special care of yourself. You can embody the spirit of the holiday season with gratitude, connection, happiness, and generosity, by spending timeContinue reading “Going It Alone Through the Holidays”
Try Birding
By Richard J. Nevle Think of birding as an invitation to pay attention to the world around you. Think of it as a practice of observing and noticing. Think of it as a way to connect to our avian companions, a way of being close to a part of nature that’s available wherever we are,Continue reading “Try Birding”
A Life Worth Living: My Outlive Insights
Are you thinking about reading Outlive, the New York Times bestseller from Dr. Peter Attia? Here are our top five insights from Outlive.
Retirement Living Options
It’s a wrap! Choosing the perfect place to live when you retire is a major decision. That’s why we’ve curated a series of articles focused on various retirement living options and their distinct benefits. Through our research, we found a common thread that runs through all five options––the power of advanced planning. Check out ourContinue reading “Retirement Living Options”
A Mental Health Checklist for College Students and Their Parents
This post is a companion piece to our article, “Prioritizing Mental Health for College Students,” by educational consultant, Andrew Bryan, where we proposed prioritizing a healthy lifestyle of restful sleep, consistent exercise, a protein-based diet, and limited alcohol/drug use to fortify mental health. The transition to college can be a challenging time, especially for studentsContinue reading “A Mental Health Checklist for College Students and Their Parents”
Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic
As social creatures, humans have an innate need for social connection. It’s as essential for survival as food, water, and shelter. Yet, in an increasingly digitally connected world, loneliness is on the rise. The U.S. Surgeon General officially declared it an epidemic due to its detrimental effects on both individuals and society as a whole.Continue reading “Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic”
Try Learning the Guitar
By Diana Sunshine In our series, Active You, we’ve been on a mission to showcase the incredible benefits of staying active and learning new things. Not only is embracing new challenges invigorating, it’s also fantastic for your brain. Learning, in particular, is a crucial ingredient for nurturing neuroplasticity—the brain’s amazing ability to adapt and grow.Continue reading “Try Learning the Guitar”
Lifelong Learning: A Pathway to Longevity
There are numerous studies, including one from National Health Institute (NIH), that have consistently demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of education live longer and healthier lives. In addition to educational attainment, a commitment to lifelong learning is a key component. But why? The Link Between Education and Longevity 1. Health Literacy: Education equips individualsContinue reading “Lifelong Learning: A Pathway to Longevity”
Retire to College
This post is part of an ongoing series on where to live as you age For most people, college was the best years of their life. Are you ready to relive that excitement and vibrancy in your retirement years? Well, you’re in luck because the concept of University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRCs) is growing, offering aContinue reading “Retire to College”
Helping Your College Student Prioritize Mental Health
By Andrew Bryan It’s college drop-off season. Amidst the celebration of accomplishments, know that today’s true picture of college life is not always rosy. According to Inside Higher Ed, “College students are experiencing all-time high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality…the highest rates in the survey’s 15-year history.” College can be a challenging time forContinue reading “Helping Your College Student Prioritize Mental Health”
Four Ways to Travel Alone
That’s a wrap! Our four-piece series on ways to travel alone is complete. While retirement is often seen as a time to travel, many people put off those dreams simply because they don’t want to travel by themselves. We’ve broken down four ways to embrace solo travel and explore the world. Discover what option worksContinue reading “Four Ways to Travel Alone”
Try Yoga: Finding Your Practice
By Josie Bryan The time of year has rolled around when you might be thinking about trying a new way to stay active as the start of fall nears. Whether you have participated in various yoga classes over the years or have only dappled, consistent yoga practice is beneficial for your overall well-being. It isContinue reading “Try Yoga: Finding Your Practice”
Reconnecting with Life-Long Friends
By Sean Flynn “When was the last time we saw each other?…” “Remember when we….” “It is so good to hear your voice…” If you find yourself sharing these or related sentiments, it’s a pretty good sign that you are reconnecting with a friend. These are the rewards for reaching out unprompted to a goodContinue reading “Reconnecting with Life-Long Friends”
Consider Intergenerational Cohousing Communities
This post is part of an ongoing series on where to live as you age In our ongoing exploration of retirement living options, we have stumbled upon an intriguing and rising trend in the United States: intergenerational cohousing communities. We were captivated by a compelling Facebook quote that spoke of love and belonging within aContinue reading “Consider Intergenerational Cohousing Communities”
Don’t Let Jet Lag Get You Down
By Stella Taylor Bergan, Health and Human Performance Coach Are you traveling across time zones this summer and hoping to escape that pesky energy drain otherwise known as “jet lag”? If you are one of the 60-70% of travelers who experience some disruption to their circadian rhythms due to traveling across time zones, there areContinue reading “Don’t Let Jet Lag Get You Down”
Take a Modern Pilgrimage
By Josie Bryan For thousands of years, individuals have embarked on walking pilgrimages around the world. While traditionally a religious experience, pilgrimages offer a unique travel opportunity to clear your mind, move your body, and feed your soul. According to Adventure and Spiritual Restoration: Older Adult Motivations for Undertaking a Pilgrimage on El Camino deContinue reading “Take a Modern Pilgrimage”
It’s Time to Dance
By Diana Sunshine When recently tasked with writing my six-word memoir, I came up with “First on the dance floor—always.” As someone who trained as a classical ballet dancer for 14 years, I never pass up an opportunity to dance, whether at a large celebration, alone at home, or to my daughter’s horror—with my husbandContinue reading “It’s Time to Dance”
Hack Aging with Tiny Habits
Aging is a gradual process marked by subtle daily changes that often go unnoticed. It’s common, yet incorrect, for people to assume that they will always be capable of performing even the simplest tasks without difficulty. To counteract this decline, the concept of “Tiny Habits,” popularized by BJ Fogg, offers a powerful approach to buildingContinue reading “Hack Aging with Tiny Habits”
Granny Flats for Multigenerational Living
This post is part of an ongoing series on where to live as you age By Josie Bryan As individuals grow older, housing options become more limited, so it’s crucial to find the right solution. Retirement communities can be expensive and often lack the comforting sense of home and family. While aging in place inContinue reading “Granny Flats for Multigenerational Living”
How to Plan a Family Reunion
By Margot Slade Consider the virtues of a family reunion: Compared with visiting your relatives individually, it’s less stressful on the body (fewer planes, trains, automobiles), pocketbook (again the planes, trains, automobiles) and mind: You’re not wedded — some might say beholden — to the same person or group for hours or days. Family reunions,Continue reading “How to Plan a Family Reunion”
Try a Reconnection Tour
Third in a Series If you are one of the 12 million Americans classified as a solo ager who wants to travel more, we have an enticing and novel idea for you: a reconnection tour. Just because you are aging independently doesn’t mean you lack friends or extended family scattered across the country or evenContinue reading “Try a Reconnection Tour”
Try Mountain Biking
Looking for a fantastic way to soak up the great outdoors and revel in nature’s beauty? Mountain biking is just the activity leaving you feeling invigorated and accomplished with numerous benefits. It’s a safer endeavor compared with road riding with cleaner air to breathe where you don’t have to worry about cars on paths, trails,Continue reading “Try Mountain Biking”
The Profound Power of Sleep
By Anita Motwani, COO Nidra Sleep Masks Did you know that you spend a third of your life sleeping? While it may sound hard to believe, the Population Reference Bureau study boldly states that “sleep may be as important to health in old age as diet and exercise.” It’s no exaggeration to say that sleepContinue reading “The Profound Power of Sleep”
Tips for Aging in Place
This post is part of an ongoing series on where to live as you age By Scott Stanley If you read our previous article, Aging In Place vs. Retirement Communities: Which is The Right Choice for You?, and have decided that aging in place is your best option, then we have some tips to shareContinue reading “Tips for Aging in Place”
The Truth About End-of-Life Care
Many of us will face a time when we will need to take on the emotional and challenging task of caring for our parents at the end of their lives. If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s our best advice from three individuals who cared for theirContinue reading “The Truth About End-of-Life Care”
Group Travel: Ideal for Solo Agers
Second in a Series We all know it can be scary to think of traveling alone even when you want to step outside of your comfort zone and gain new experiences. If you read our recent post, Solo Travel, and thought, “No way––that’s not for me!”, then we have a few other ideas for you.Continue reading “Group Travel: Ideal for Solo Agers”
Try Surfing
by Diana Sunshine, Big Retired Life Founder It’s never too late to try something new and test your abilities. Surfing is often only thought of as an activity for the young and adventurous, but as someone who learned to surf at the age of 50, I can tell you this isn’t true. Like myself, olderContinue reading “Try Surfing”
Healthier Habits, Happier Life
By Stella Taylor Bergan, Health and Human Performance Coach A couple of months back, I wrote a compelling Facebook post about the benefits of cleaning up daily habits, and it was a hit leaving friends clamoring for more. My post started like this: OK, here is the truth – you want to live longer – cleanContinue reading “Healthier Habits, Happier Life”
What to Consider When Looking for an Active Senior Community?
This post is part of a series on where to live as you age By Hollis Bischoff, Senior College Admissions Advisor If after reading Aging In Place vs. Retirement Communities: Which is The Right Choice for You?, you have decided to move to a retirement community, I’d like to share my experience and advice onContinue reading “What to Consider When Looking for an Active Senior Community?”
Reframing the Empty Nest—You’re a Free Bird
By Lucia Tedesco Picture this: your kids are all grown up and have flown the coop. You’re standing in your empty house, wondering what to do next. Do you sit in the corner, crying over every memory Facebook throws back at you? Or do you put on your favorite playlist and dance around the houseContinue reading “Reframing the Empty Nest—You’re a Free Bird”
Solo Travel
By Sharon Lee Mathis Retirement is often seen as a time to travel and explore the world. However, many people put off those dreams simply because they don’t want to travel alone. The thought of solo travel can be intimidating, but I can tell you from experience, it’s incredibly rewarding. In fact, according to SoloContinue reading “Solo Travel”
Try Strength Training
As winter rages on across the United States, it can be hard to maintain a regular exercise routine. From the west coast’s record-breaking snow and rain to the ice storms in the midwest and Nor’easters on the east coast, outdoor activities, even winter ones, may not be an option. However, there’s a solution: indoor bodyweightContinue reading “Try Strength Training”
Seven Predictors of Longevity Within Your Control
It’s a wrap. We’re excited to share that Big Retired Life’s “Top Priorities” section now features a comprehensive series on the seven predictors of longevity that are within your control. This series is based on findings from Harvard’s Study of Adult Development and provides actionable tips to help you incorporate them into your life. WhetherContinue reading “Seven Predictors of Longevity Within Your Control”
Aging In Place vs. Retirement Communities: Which is The Right Choice for You?
This post is part of a series on where to live as you age By Scott Stanley One of the most significant decisions you’ll make in retirement is where you are going to live when your physical health declines. In this post, I will delve into two of the more popular options—aging in place andContinue reading “Aging In Place vs. Retirement Communities: Which is The Right Choice for You?”
College Decision Season
By Hollis Bischoff, Senior College Admissions Advisor Helping Your Child Choose Their New Home For the Next Four Years (aka Choosing a College) Last fall, your child eagerly pushed the apply button for their curated list of colleges, and the last few months have been a rollercoaster of ups (acceptances) and downs (denials, deferrals, andContinue reading “College Decision Season”
Advice For Widows From Widows
Losing a spouse or life partner can be one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. For everyone in a long-term relationship, the reality is that one partner will pass away at some point, and the other will need to continue on alone. It’s important for both partners to acknowledge and prepare. It’sContinue reading “Advice For Widows From Widows”
Try Meditation
By Diana Sunshine I know some of you might wonder why this “Active You” post is about meditation. I mean, sitting and trying to empty your mind doesn’t sound all that active, right? But trust me—meditation is an active, daily practice that takes dedication and provides some pretty surprising benefits. For me, meditation has beenContinue reading “Try Meditation”
Breathe Easy
You’ve heard the phrase ‘smoking kills’ one too many times, but it’s true. Non-smokers live longer and healthier lives. Actually, not smoking is one of the seven dominant predictors of successful aging within some personal control. But it’s not just cigarettes: vaping, smoking marijuana, and even exercising in poor air quality can all have detrimentalContinue reading “Breathe Easy”
Don’t Let Your Skills Go To Waste
By Elaine Lum MacDonald Retired professionals have a rich trove of knowledge—skills, insights, and connections—that can be leveraged for good use. The knowledge that each individual holds due to their unique experiences and wisdom gained through time is one of the most unactualized human assets we have. What if that underutilized knowledge could be transferred?Continue reading “Don’t Let Your Skills Go To Waste”
Embrace Your Sports Fandom
By Bill Onderdonk I remember taking my then 5-year-old daughter to her first San Francisco Giants game in 2010. I was there with my father-in-law, a lifelong Giants fan. When Pablo Sandavol, aka Panda, hit a grand slam, my daughter excitedly exclaimed, “I’m a lucky charm!” The 2010 season ended with the Giants winning theContinue reading “Embrace Your Sports Fandom”
Who rescued who?
If you have a dog, there’s a chance you rescued them from a shelter. As your dog benefits from your care, did you know they’re also helping you? There are myriad health advantages of dog ownership. The most compelling being a 2019 Journal of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes meta-analysis that showed dog ownership wasContinue reading “Who rescued who?”
Got time? Take up golf!
By Michele Kirsch, founder of Chirpy Golf Undoubtedly, many people don’t take up golf because it’s a sport that takes a lot of time. Well, that’s true to an extent. Yet, once you have the time, the sport is easy to start, and you’ll enjoy it so much that you won’t notice the time commitment.Continue reading “Got time? Take up golf!”
Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
By Stella Taylor Bergan, Health and Human Performance Coach Maintaining a healthy body weight after retirement is an important concern for many people as they enter a new phase of life. As daily schedules change, you may or may not spend more time engaging in habits to keep mentally and physically at your best. HealthyContinue reading “Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight”
Thrive Through All Three Phases of Retirement
The Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go framework is a common way financial planners divide retirement into three distinct phases to understand how financial needs change over time. Instead of using this framework as a financial tool, apply it as an intentional mindset on how you can thrive throughout your retirement. The fact is that everyone willContinue reading “Thrive Through All Three Phases of Retirement”
Passing Down Family Recipes
By Diana Sunshine Every Thanksgiving, I love listening to NPR’s Susan Stamberg share Mama Stamberg’s zesty cranberry relish. She claims it’s Pepto-Bismol pink, and although it sounds terrible, it’s incredibly delicious. Susan has shared it with thousands of listeners and the recipe lives on. Recipes are passed down generation to generation, many of them unwritten.Continue reading “Passing Down Family Recipes”
Going It Alone Through the Holidays
It can be hard to be alone during the holidays. Although conventions say the holidays are a time to focus on others, for some, it might be the time of year to take special care of yourself. You can embody the spirit of the holiday season with gratitude, connection, happiness, and generosity, by spending timeContinue reading “Going It Alone Through the Holidays”
Try Skiing
If you are an active person looking for a fun winter sport—try skiing. It’s great for physical, mental, and social well-being—all beneficial to longevity. Physical fitness: A 2011 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that 12 weeks of skiing leads to an increase in aerobic capacity, leg muscleContinue reading “Try Skiing”