Baby Boomers

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

18 | BABY BOOMERS.

The Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, but they’re not slowing down.

Instead, they’re rewriting the rules when it comes to getting older — still tackling the great outdoors, working hard and planning for a future that’s brighter than ever.

Doing what I want The biggest ‘pro’ of getting older PAGE 19

Over the hill Tackle a hike no matter the weather PAGE 20

Plan for success It’s never too late to start saving PAGE 22

Not so bad, after all Aging is no longer a dirty word PAGE 23

Courtesy photo

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

BABY BOOMERS. | 19

The age of doing what I want I

got a pimple on my nose a week Pro: I laugh more often — mostly at ago. myself.

Had this happened to me from Con: Bumps and bruises take longer to the time I was about 10 and into my heal.

40s, it would have been a calamity. But, Pro: I enjoy my job, but it’s not the now that I’m 50 — I don’t care. world.

I really welcomed turning 50.

Ahhh, 50.

Con: I can no longer move large pieces It even has a nice sound to it. of furniture with ease.

I feel more powerful than I ever have.

Pro: I refuse to move large pieces of And though I still have to adhere to furniture. laws set forth by society, now that I’m 50, I do what I want.

Con: My waistband is larger than my My dad used to have a saying: inseam.

“Youth is wasted on the young.”

Pro: I don’t care I didn’t truly know whether my clothes what he meant by that, from Macy’s or being of course a youth THE GREAT come Walmart. (I prefer at the time, but now OUTDOORS Walmart, because it that I’m 50 and have RICHARD CLEMENS has a sporting goods three children of my section — why not kill own, it really hits home. two birds, right?)

Not that I think Con: My daughters still seem 10 in my my kids are completely wasting their eyes, but the “boys” that come around time, but I do see lots of energy being all drive cars. misdirected. Hours in front of the mirror, feeling a sense of loss if they can’t Pro: My wife gets better-looking as she text message, and the overly emotional approaches — ah, turns — er, 40ish. reaction if they can’t go to the mall.

I remember when I thought 30 was Turning 50 for me has felt like an old. Now I realize 60 is going to be a accomplishment. A true milestone breeze.

— an award if you will, for learning the So, turning 50 has been enjoyable. It skills of patience and perseverance. got here faster than I expected, but as I Though being 50 has some drawsaid, I’ve also learned patience. I like to backs, too. stop and smell the roses.

Here are, for me, the pros and cons: Con: I can’t drink coffee after 8 p.m.

I won’t be able to get to sleep Pro: I don’t ask if I can go fishing.

Con: I rarely get asked for my ID when buying alcohol.

Richard Clemens has lived in Tracy since 1990 and has been a fly fisherman and upland game hunter since childhood. He is also an avid member of the Tracy Fly Fishers. He can be reached by sending comments to tpletters@tracypress.com.

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FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

20 | BABY BOOMERS.

Come cold or high water stage road. I made this 7-mile hike in late August 2012, and with a warm summer breeze, the golden hills and dusty trails made for a pleasant hike.

This Jan. 8 hike would be far different.

OUNT DIABLO The weather forecast called STATE PARK — The for chilly morning temperafirst hike of the year tures, and standing at the is always special. It sets the trailhead I made a quick check tone for the rest of the year. of the weather. Danville was I had hoped for an easy jaunt listed at 30 degrees on my on the southwest slopes iPhone as I started out of Mount Diablo State just after 8 a.m.

Park. But I got a little The hike would more than I bargained take off from Macedo for with a cold, soggy Ranch and head out adventure to start my along Wall Point Trail. year of hiking.

I would pick up the My jump-off point was SNAP Briones-Mount Diablo the Macedo Ranch stagSHOTS Regional Trail, which ing area near Danville.

GLENN MOORE would take me into the There are several hikes neighboring Diablo in the park that start Foothills Regional Park. from Macedo Ranch, and I Continuing along, I would chose the Shell Loop Ridge. make a decent on Buckeye The hiking trail winds Ravine Trail to Stage Road, through foothills and pastures, which leads to Dusty Road and eventually joining with an old Wall Point Trail for my return

Hitting the notso-dusty trail

M

Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

FROZEN IN TIME: Ice traps air bubbles in water beside the Wall Point Trail in Mount Diablo State Park on Jan. 8.

Wet, cold conditions made for treacherous hiking and some still-life photo opportunities.

to the staging area.

Heading out, I tried to stay warm with a brisk pace, but the ruts in the trail from the rain and countless hoof prints from grazing cattle made for slow going.

Nearing Diablo Foothills Regional Park, I made a short detour to the sandstone China

Wall rock formations jutting out of the hillside for a few pictures as the sun rose above the hills.

Back on the trail I crossed my first indication of how cold it really was. The path of a hiker or jogger had iced over, leaving a series of silvery footprints shining against the mud.

Reaching Buckeye Ravine, I

began a slippery descent down along the narrow trail. Pockets of ice clung to the path, making the slick mud even trickier to navigate. Reaching Stage Road, I thought I had left most of the difficult trail work behind. But I was about to SNAPSHOTS, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

BABY BOOMERS. | 21

I was hiking through a stream bed as I sloshed along, my feet growing cold in sodden socks. receive a soggy surprise.

Looking down the trail, I One of the reasons I picked could see a ribbon of water. I this hike was that a regional kept walking — my feet were hiking book described the so wet, I didn’t even try to find seasonal Pine Creek that parthe driest parts. allels the trail, which crosses Eventually, I reached the the creek several times in the rainy season. It might make for Dusty Road junction and began a steep climb up away from good photos, I thought. the creek. At the Wall Point Starting the back end of the Trail marker, I began the last loop along leg to the stagStage Road, ing area on I could hear Looking down the trail, feet that were the creek as I could see a ribbon of getting numb it rolled along the nearly next to the trail. water. I kept walking from three miles of The creek — my feet were so wet, wet hiking. had spilled I didn’t even try to find Back at my across the car, I was glad trail in several the driest parts.

I remembered places. I looked to pack a towel for easy ways and a pair of dry socks for the to cross, making use of rocks drive home. and shallow spots as it flowed The first hike of the year had downstream. turned from a simple hike to a One section of trail was cold and wet adventure. There flooded for about 20 yards. A nearby bed of reeds looked dry, were plenty of photo opportunities and a lot of funny so I decided to try and cross moments as I splashed along. the creek there.

It was great way to start the Unfortunately, the reeds hiking season, and I am lookwere floating on top of the ing forward to another year of creek, and as I stepped in, I adventures on the trail. felt the water pour into my hiking boots.

Glenn Moore is a photo editor for the With waterlogged boots, I Tracy Press and is a frequent hiker headed along Stage Road to find of the hills around Tracy and the the creek had flowed into the Tri-Valley. Contact him at 830-4252 or gmoore@tracypress.com. trail even further. It looked like

SNAPSHOTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

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MUDDY TRAILS: At left, a hiking trail in Mount Diablo State Park was turned into a rivulet by winter rains but couldn’t stop Glenn Moore from a weekend trek Jan. 8. Above, cold conditions ice over a footprint left in the mud days before.

Glenn Moore/ Tracy Press

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

22 | BABY BOOMERS.

What’s your plan for financial success?

By Charles Manne Submitted to the Tracy Press

The old adage, “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan,” can be especially true when it comes to finances. And, given the current economy, the best time to start taking control of your finances is today.

Being financially responsible doesn’t just happen.

It’s a conscious decision you make to live within your means.

Slowly, American consumers are catching on.

A nationwide survey on the financial state of U.S. households, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, found only 13 percent of households are saving 7 percent or more of their disposable income, although 36 percent of households expect to save at this level in five to 10 years.

While that trend may be encouraging, there remains ample room for improvement.

Remember, it’s never too late to plan.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, you should

have a strategy that helps meet your current financial needs while creating a path to help you reach long-term financial goals.

Whether you’re just starting out or are nearing retirement, a strategy is necessary, and the good news is no matter what your age, it’s never too late.

A proactive approach can help avoid disappointments later on. Consider the following scenarios: Start a savings plan. By just saving a small amount today, you can make a huge difference later on. What financial goals can you set today to help make your dreams a reality?

Are your loved ones adequately protected?

Would your partner or family be able to maintain its standard of living in the event something happened to you? Buy a life insurance policy — or increase your coverage — and make sure your loved ones are protected.

What about college expenses? If you’re a parent or guardian, it’s never

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too early to start saving for your children’s college expenses. Start a college education fund so they won’t be burdened with student loans and can attend the college of their choice.

If you’re nearing retirement, consider what amount of your income you can allocate into retirement savings vehicles, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs and other investments. With retirement possibly lasting 20 or 30 years, the more resources you have, the more likely you’ll be able to enjoy it.

No matter where you are in life, a proper financial strategy will help you achieve your financial goals, maintain your current lifestyle and ease worries about the future. Take action today to help realize tomorrow’s goals and dreams.

Charles Manne is a licensed insurance agent (California license 0G69542) of the New York Life Insurance Co. and was recently appointed to the Tracy City Council. He can be contacted at 229-7972.

Renting out the American Dream Courtesy of NewsUSA

Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream, but that may be changing.

Uncertainty in the housing market has led many would-be buyers to rent instead.

According to a recent online survey commissioned by the National Apartment Association, 76 percent of consumers think that renting is preferable to owning a home in today’s market.

Likewise, some homeowners believe it’s better to rent their home than to sell it for less than it’s worth, if they can sell it all.

However, those considering renting their property shouldn’t make a hasty decision. Neglecting to weigh the costs and potential risks could put first-time landlords in a poor situation. Moco Inc., a company that provides screening services to property owners, managers and employers throughout the United States, offers the following tips:

Look at the numbers Renting might not be the best option. If you’re going to lose money each month, it might make more sense to sell, even if you

won’t get your asking price.

Consider all potential costs, including property taxes, income taxes on your tenants’ rent, maintenance and the normal wear and tear your property will experience.

Remember that you won’t be able to pocket all of the rent money — you will have to put a portion of it back into the property.

Find quality tenants Prepare for a careful screening process.

Many private landlords can’t access the quality screening products available to larger businesses without going through a lengthy certification process.

But there are some, such as MyScreeningReport.com, that can make it easier for landlords by comprehensive reports, from credit history to criminal background checks.

Use an all-encompassing lease Whether you use a template or hire an attorney to write your lease, make sure that the lease clearly states your expectations.

The lease should state who is responsible for what, when you expect rent to be paid and what penalties you will impose if it is late.

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THANKS TO OUR 2012 PARTNERS: Ray and Jean Shipman Charles Manne Mary and William D. Bennett Robert and Lynn Lamoure Nadia Robinson John and Jennie Ryan Edmund and Bernadine Dyrda Ronald and Lorna Ziller Roy and Mary Hawkins Dana and Debbie Miller First Tracy Mortgage Ace Hardware Applebee’s Caldron’s Jewelers Carl’s Junior Casa Flores Casa Grande Costco Devon’s Jewelers Elaine’s Boutique Chili’s Mike Bacchetti Enchanted Florist Esther Romo Famous Dave’s Freebird Burrito Michael and Jill Oden Marlene Reeves William & Adeline Vahlensieck Bruce and Debbie George Barbara Gaustad David Sinclair Don and Julie Vehrs Joel Andres Steve Abercrombie Kevin Abrew

Main Street Music Mi Pueblo MJ Bistro Munchkin Baby Products Olive Garden Richard and Pam Hughes Safeway SaveMart El Senior Frog II Starbucks Supercuts Texas Roadhouse Things Remembered Togo’s UOP KFC Vino 100 Virginia Mechanical Vita Dolce Winchester Mystery House Ye Olde Dogs Larry Benson McLane Food Service Beauti Controls Sister Mary Lancaster Knights of Columbus St. Bernard’s Church Souza Realty Josephine C. Deguzman John Frerichs Marietta and Mike McLellan Jack and Barbara Lawlor Janet Lawlor Kevin Farrar David Weisenberger (partial list)

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FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2013

BABY BOOMERS. | 23

Welcoming the aging process G rowing older has real benefits — not the least of which is the senior citizen discount.

Another thing older folks enjoy is free time to watch even older people in the Senate on C-SPAN. There is a certain irony in seeing folks more mature in years acting like children.

A wonderful perk to getting older is that you can retire from actual employment and start working everywhere for free.

Everyone needs volunteers, and you feel wanted.

We are not boomers, or members of genTILTED eration X, Y or Z. I am of a C-minus, but WINDMILLS sort we know the transiMIKE MCLELLAN tions people go through as they age. Those changes can be accepted or fought.

But fighting the aging process is counterproductive. Maturing is often more positive than negative.

At 60 years of age, you do not get adolescent acne. You can find enjoyment playing a game of softball, but have nothing to prove. You have many more interesting stories to tell.

There is also a sense of acceptance about who you are.

Writing on my laptop this morning, the sunlight from the window illuminated my face’s reflection in the monitor.

There are no longer crow’s feet at the corners of my eyes. The lines are more

like a relief map of the Sacramento Delta. The frown lines are gullies. Yet, I’m still kind of cute.

Having earned every wrinkle as a battle scar, one must delight in them as signs of experience. There is no need to try to erase them with Botox or Bondo.

The best alternative is to embrace growing older as if it is normal and natural — because it is.

Still, there are people who dislike this whole process so much that they spend vast amounts of money having things lifted. After too many procedures, your navel needs to be hidden by a necktie. Why? There is no need for surgery. My personal approach was once denial, but now is pride. While shaving, I recognize the familiar face in the mirror. It has taken six decades to get accustomed to it.

Under the occasional furrow, I see a stillvital man wrapped in a slightly older body.

There is history there.

There are the days, months, years of adventure and hard work. There, too, are the laugh lines caused by laughing.

There are the remnants of great times, good times and a few challenges.

Acceptance is a major component of growing old gracefully. Growing up and older is a wonderful adventure.

However, let me be counted as one of those people who appreciate it when someone learns my age and says that I do not look a day over 50. I believe them.

Looking to shake things up?

Then why not learn something new?

Welcome to Prestige Senior Living at Manteca, where our staff takes care of all the details while you have all the fun.

You’ll never run out of fun things to do at Manteca.

Start a card game…

…dine with friends…

Mike McLellan can be contacted by calling and leaving a message at 830-4231 or emailing him at DrMikeM@sbcglobal.net.

…or take an art class to challenge and entertain your youthful spirit.

At Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca you’ll always find something fun and entertaining to engage you. And of course, one of the best things about living here is all the new friends you will make. You’ll be joining a family of loving and active people who never let anyone feel lonely.

This modern, Tuscan-themed senior community offers residents age 59 1/2 or better a caring experience, and the assistance they need with daily activities and health care services.

Call (209) 239-4531 today to schedule a lunch and tour of our villas, including a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom accommodations.

Prestige Senior Living at Manteca 1130 Empire Avenue Manteca, CA 95336 www.PrestigeCare.com License #397004125