There is a lot on parents’ minds as we enter the fall season. It’s a stressful time with questions like, “Do my kids need hiking shoes for the fall and winter weather?” or, “How can my kids stay safe on their way to school this year?” When my kids were growing up, those were the kinds of questions that flooded my head every BACK- TO- SCHOOL SAFETY T HE DO ’ S AND DON ’ T S O F GE T T I NG T HERE
FINDING FULFILLMENT IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS WHY MORE ADULTS OVER 55 CONT INUE TO WORK According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upward of 40% of people aged 55 and older are continuing to work past the normal retirement age. There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to stay employed, with one of the biggest being a lack of retirement funds, but some are also using work to keep their minds and skills sharp. In fact, most of the jobs that the 55-plus crowd goes after keep them engaged with the community and help them lead more active lives. The BLS categorized the jobs many older workers are currently pursuing: • Real estate appraisers/assessors • Property/real estate/community association managers • Technical writers • Tax preparers • Construction/building inspectors • Crossing guards • Clergy These seven jobs are projected to grow between 8–14% over the next six years according to BLS data. They often pay well and don’t always require a full-time commitment. Many even offer flexible schedules, which can help older workers spend more time with peers or loved ones. This balance is exactly what many older workers are looking for, especially those who are “part-time retired.” More importantly, however, most older workers find these jobs fulfilling. They allow older folks to interact with the community and stay active, both of which, research suggests, are essential to healthy living as people age. For many, working past retirement, or not leaving the workforce entirely, can be a win-win-win: It’s a win for your bank account, a win for your health, and a win for the community.
September. To alleviate some stress, follow these quick tips to get your kids to school safely this fall.
REVIEW YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL ROUTE Make sure your kids are
familiar with the landmarks on the route they take to school. Once a week, walk with your kids through the route and test them afterward on one landmark to recognize on each block. These can be street signs,
shops, business buildings, etc. Always make sure your student calls or texts you when they arrive at school, as an extra precaution.
TEACH YOUR CHILD THE RULES OF THE ROAD Make sure your children understand the rules of the road if they are biking to school. Here is a list of the basic rules bicyclists need to follow.
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Use hand signals.
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Yield before turning.
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Ride only in the bike lane.
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Yield to those already on the road.
Be sure to check the local weather daily. If it looks like there is a chance of rain or worse, encourage your kids to leave earlier and walk to school to avoid the weather. BRUSH UP ON BUS STOP RULES It’s never a bad idea to remind your kids of the importance of staying in the bus stop area. They’re typically streetside, so the less children run around near them, the better. Make sure they know the route to the bus stop, even if it’s close by. Kids can have a habit of forgetting things, so it’s never a bad idea to remind them of rules and routes. Pack a small umbrella in their backpacks just in case fall weather hits as they wait for the bus. These are just some of the tips to get your kids to school safely and help ease those fall headaches you may be experiencing. If you want to learn more tips and tricks, I urge you to visit the National Safety Council’s website, NSC.org.
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