When it comes to shopping for shoes, there's a huge generation gap between the elders (senior citizens, baby boomers) and our kids and grandkids. In fact, shoe shopping often involves a rare generation gap. Think about. Men of senior citizen and baby boomers status, with some exceptions, generally are not persnickety about our shoe-shopping. We want our dress shoes to look good and we know how to do a spit-shine, but shoes are not a big issue.

I*t's the women, among senior citizens and baby boomers, who are really into shoes.* Women in their golden years may make shoe connections with Nancy Reagan, among others. The First Lady of the 1980s was into fashion, down to her shoes, and she didn't shy away behind pastel shades, opting first for vivid red. We also may consider Imelda Marcos of the Philippines, who like Nancy Reagan is still with us at this writing, with ownership of her estimated 2,500 pairs of shoes. That's a different pair every day for seven years!

But now, seniors and boomers, let's consider our offspring and their offspring. Starting somewhere during the late 1980s, it seems that the males have become far more interested in their footwear. This has roots in sneakers, especially Michael Jordan's signature Air Jordans, and the interest in shoes among younger men has extended into dress shoes.

Our lesson? If women are so interested in shoes, we can only logically surmise that women also are interested in the footwear of their male partners, perhaps more than the men realize. This is where senior citizens and baby boomers of the male persuasion may learn from their children and grandchildren. Pay attention to your footwear! The lady in your life is doing so, regardless of age.

Platform Shoes from the Disco Era
Celebrate the disco era of the late 1970s, when platform shoes were the "in" thing? The Mint Museum of Art of Charlotte, N.C., is hosting "The Heights of Fashion: Platform Shoes Then and Now," all the way through April 1, 2010. If you're a shoe lover who lives in the region or is visiting, check it out!

SOURCES
http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Aging/2007/7-04-12-PainFree.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imelda_Marcos
http://www.charlottecultureguide.com/event.php?id=6231

Spring is around the corner and with that comes sandal weather. Baby boomers looking for comfortable yet stylish sandals will find a wide variety of name brand sandals ideal for casual or dress wear without compromising personal style and foot comfort. Finding a good sandal that is comfortable and protects the feet while providing the proper balance is sometimes a challenge; however, brands such as Naot, Soft Walk, and Propet - to name a few all - offer stylish fashionable sandals that provide the necessary support to ensure comfort.

One of the most comfortable sandals from Naot is the Montreal sandals from the Cosmopolitan Collection. This is a medium-width sandal made from rich leather accentuated by floral cutouts and available in a variety of colors including midnight, golden leather or steel leather. To ensure comfort, the Montreal sandal features built-in arch support, a shock-absorbing suede covered foot bed, deep heel indentation for balance and a non-skid traction sole made from latex, polyurethane and flexible rubber. Definitely one of the most comfortable spring sandals, the Montreal from Naot retails for $138.95.

Soft Walk also makes a great spring sandal for women who are looking for comfort, a reasonable heel and a stylish sandal. The Soft Walk Pixley is an adjustable double strap sandal made from calf leather and features a lightly padded foot bed and comfortable polyurethane sole, which provides excellent traction. This is a great shoe for casual or dress at a retail price of $83 and is available in a variety of colors including pink, red, white and others.

Men looking for a comfortable spring sandal or comfortable flat will find the line of men's casual shoes from Propet offers a variety of styles from which to select. The Propet Resort Walk is a fisherman-inspired sandal made from leather with an easy hoop and look closure, enhanced arch support, removable EVA foot bed and a comfortable polyurethane outsole, which provides not only comfort but also durability. The Propet Resort Walk retails for approximately $67.46 and is available in black or brown.

Traveling baby boomers will find their newly acquired down time can be spent in a fulfilling way by seeing the world. Since all of the rules have changed with travel, being organized makes all of the difference in the travel experience. Irrespective of the class of service, there are a few personal things travelers want quick access to during a flight, particularly an international flight. Having the right travel kits and easy access to them makes the travel experience that much more comfortable.

For the male baby boomer, there is a great selection of travel kits for men including several leather travel kits. A favorite is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit. Made of smooth leather, the Simple Leather Wash Kit measures approximately 1 inch wide by 6 inches deep and 5 inches high. Features include a platform bottom, single side handle, an interior lining and top-zip closure. Available in a gunmetal color, this is the perfect travel kit to store all of the essentials. The retail price for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit is $94.

The Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit is another top choice from the travel kits for men. Made from soft and supple leather, its features include an interior zip pocket, a full zip-around closure to secure the contents and a soft leather texture. Available in dark mahogany wax hide (brown), the Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit retails for $75.

Victorinox makes an excellent travel kit for women designed to hold full size products and other personal items. One of the leading brands in fine luggage, the Victorinox Mobilizer NXT Locker is ideal for traveling short or long distances and is available in a bright power red. The zip around travel kit features a u-shaped opening for easy access, a large main compartment with zippered pockets, a zippered side pocket, water resistant lining with an antibacterial coating and a handle for easy carrying. Made from nylon, the Victorinox Mobiler NXT Lockerretails for $69 and is ideal for keeping one's necessities close at hand and making one's travel experience convenient.

Baby boomers that have started new walking programs should be aware and knowledgeable about raising the heart rate when walking. It is important that a fitness walking program does not turn into a series of slow saunters. When you begin a walking program, there will of course be a curve to advancing to power walking; however, creating awareness of one's heart rate and paying attention to when the heart rate has been raised is ultimately the fitness goal.

There are several pieces of equipment that allow one to check the heart rate when exercising. One of the most convenient methods is by using a watch that offers such features. There are several styles from which to select. However, it is important to find the piece of equipment with which one is comfortable, so that the importance and awareness of raising the heart rate when walking is easily recognizable.
The Timex 30-Lap Ironman Triathlon Heart Rate Monitor is an ideal choice. Features of the monitor include the following; waterproof, preset feature for desired heart rate, alarm notification when the rate is not met, easy to read display of average heart rate, display of the time spent in the desired heart rate zone, calories burned, recovery heart rate timer, maximum heart rate zone calculation, digital transmission, 30-lap memory and more. The retail price for the Timex 30-Lap Ironman Triathlon Heart Rate Monitor is approximately $79.99.

If you're looking for a piece of equipment that is a little bit more sophisticated, a great suggestion is the Timex Ironman Bodylink System, which provides a 100-lap memory recall of system data. Other features include digital transmission, a heart rate feature inclusive of average heart rate, time in zone, four linked interval timers, recovery rate, max heart rate display and calculation. There are many more extensive features such as alarms, summary mode and interval timers. The retail price for the Timex Ironman Bodylink System is $300.

No matter how simple or complicated the piece of equipment, the key is in purchasing equipment that provides the necessary information regarding one's heart rate when walking.

Millions of baby boomers have retired and settled into new and engaging lifestyles. With these changes come new attitudes like not wanting to deal with crowds and traffic any longer, particularly during the holiday season. For some the change is a total chill mode. Fortunately, the baby boomer generation was included in the Internet phenomenon, which provides the opportunity to do most holiday shopping from the convenience of one's home in his or her pajamas. Add to this perfect picture just the right house music and a superior cup of java.

Practically every gift item one could hope to give during the holiday season can be ordered online anquality designer luggaged mailed directly to the recipient. How beautiful is that? Whether looking for gifts of clothing, shoes, electronics, handbags, luggage, sports equipment, movies, eyewear and even jewelry, it is all possible. Having the privilege and opportunity to have access to a wide variety of products from a trustworthy business is not only convenient but also fun. Yes, there is such a shopper's high associated with ordering online as well as receiving gifts in the mail. The process seems to have a synergistic effect on the purchaser and the receiver.

Say your family member is interested in a popular handbag seen in a fashion magazine or an online store, or maybe you have a college student that is in need of new luggage. Simply visit the preferred online site that carries a wide variety of quality designer luggage and have it shipped directly to the student. It pays to peruse the web site carefully during this time of year, because many retailers offer free shipping both ways should an item need to be returned. It is also very important to do business with a reputable online retailer that has a lot of exposure, is versatile in products and has a solid return policy.

So baby boomers don't fear, you won't have to leave the comfort of your newly acquired chilled out life to shop. Instead you can remain pajama-clad while shopping and shipping at the same time. Wahoo!

Baby boomers who have taken on new athletic ventures during the spring and summer season need only to beef up their athletic gear to stay warm for the fall and winter season. There is no need to discontinue a fitness program that has grown strong during the mild months or revert to training inside. The combination of crisp fresh air, nature and enjoying the outdoors is imperative to excellent physical health and overall wellbeing.

Selecting warm athletic clothing provides added warmth and comfort to the workout process. There are a couple of excellent lines of winter athletic gear from which to select including PUMA, Kuhl, Nike, Moving Comfort and others. A great choice for men's athletic gear for the upper body is the PUMA Winter Top, which is available in Vaporous Grey. Made from 100 percent polyester the PUMA Winter Top has a front zip, reflective logo on the front, reflective seam tape on the back and cuff and thumbhole grips. This is a great piece that can be layered over other pieces without feeling restricted from activity. The retail price for the PUMA Winter Topthe PUMA Winter Top is $69.95.

Winter weight leggings are also important to have, especially for runners. An excellent choice of winter leggings for baby boomer women is the Nike Winter Leggings, which are made from 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex for comfortable fit. Features of the Nike Winter Leggings include soft-rib fabrication, pieced-on waistband for comfort and the Nike logo on the left hip. Designed for comfort and warmth and also ideal for layering in extremely cold weather, the Nike Winter Leggings help to ensure warmth and keep baby boomers active during the winter season. The retail price for the Nike Winter Leggings is $46.

There is a variety of great winter active wear pieces baby boomers can add to their fitness wardrobe, which are all designed to ensure warmth and comfort and to promote the incentive to maintain one's fitness goals. Don't let a little bit of chilly weather get in the way of a great fitness routine.

As winter approaches and baby boomers plan winter vacations, consider being innovative and bypass the traditional luxury cruise. In fact, why not get edgy and adventurous and consider a *ski vacation*? If you are a beginner, it is never too late to learn and that includes seeing baby boomers on the bunny slopes.

Beginners should know that actual ski equipment such as skis and boots can be rented so the focus should be upon warm clothing. Decide what is most comfortable for you and your body type. The focus should be on ski gear such as après-ski attire, ski pants, jackets, one-piece suits and basics. Baby boomers can take liberties with their après-ski attire and get as fashionable as desired, just insure that the gear is comfortable and conducive for the cold weather.

The basic clothing needed for skiing requires warm outer pants, jackets or one-piece suits that are insulated. Baby boomers who are also beginning skiers may enjoy the comfort of one-piece suits. A popular choice among female skiers is the Salomon Psychic One Piece available in Aqua Tint X. The loose-fitting, pull-on-pant, one-piece suit has a zip front closure and high-neck powder collar for warmth. Other features include an attached hood with faux fur trim, multiple pockets, goggle wipe, belted waistband and more. One of the key features of this garment is the vent system designed for maximum breathability while providing warmth and optimum insulation. The one-piece waterproof suit retails for $604.

The Salomon Conspiracy Piece for men is available in purple and made from climaPRO Storm Plain Wave 3L, which is fully waterproof and offers maximum breathability. The loose-fitting waterproof garment is machine washable and offers a pull-on-pant styling with full zip front closure and storm flap, high-neck powder collar, inner bit with suspenders, multiple pockets, hood attachment, goggle wipe and premiere ventilation system and retails for $604.

Where traditional cruise vacations may be the norm for baby boomers, live on the edge this year, ditch the cruise, get suited up, booted up and head for the bunny slopes.

Baby boomers are looking for ways to enjoy life and retirement, but in the process they also want to stay fit while enjoying the deserved down time. Yoga is one of the most popular ways to get fit. Yoga offers the benefits of becoming more flexible and toned, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. One of the important aspects of yoga is comfort. To get into the yoga mode and mood you'll need to get geared up for yoga fitness.

The basic concept to yoga clothing is comfort and flexibility. Baby boomers don't want to wear something so loose the yoga instructor cannot see their form, but you also do not want to wear something tight. Buying clothing geared for yoga is the best bet, simply because the design is created specifically for yoga.

Clothing designed for yoga fitness should offer stretch, breathability, comfort and durability. There are a number of brands of yoga clothing; however, the key is in finding one that works for your specific needs.

Basic yoga pants and a yoga top are needed to comfortably begin yoga class. Many practitioners of yoga prefer the pants that hit right below the knee such as the Unity Yoga Capri by Statik Mountain Co. Available in black and made from 88 percent nylon and 12 percent spandex, the yoga pants have a lined crotch gusset, a low rise waist, flat side seams and are designed to dry quickly. The Unity Yoga Capri retails for approximately $61.

Basic yoga tops are usually tanks, tees, spaghetti tops or even cross-trainer tops with support, which are ideal for yoga. It goes back to the fabric being breathable and the top being comfortable. If well endowed at the top or having upper support is preferable, a great choice of yoga tops is the Moving Comfort Apparel Cross-trainer Support Tank. Available in lime, hibiscus or cocoa, the tank is made from 87 percent Coolmax polyester and 13 percent spandex. The Cross-trainer Support Tank retails for $46 and is ideal gear for yoga.

There are a lot of new hobbies to consider after making the decision to retire early. Bowling is an excellent choice that can potentially turn into a second-life sport. During retirement is the perfect time. After all, bowling with retirement bucks is the best kind of bowling. If you have never bowled, ask a friend who is willing to try new things to go bowling with you the first time. You will quickly realize once you arrive at the bowling lanes how popular the sport actually is. Should you decide this is the game for you, it is time to personalize the game by personalizing your bowling equipment.

Believe it or not, some people have never bowled. First time bowlers will want to ensure all of the necessary equipment needed is at hand. Bowling does not really require a lot of equipment. In fact, the basics are comfortable clothes, a pair of well-fitting, personal bowling shoes (pass up the rent-a-fungus and buy your own shoes), the perfect bowling ball at the proper weight and a bowling bag. The shoes are by far the most important piece of equipment due to the stance and movement required in the game of bowling.

There are a couple of excellent brands of bowling shoes from which to select. Bowling shoes start at about $50 and up, depending on the quality. A basic Brunswick Bowling Shoe (Avada), with cushioned support and EVA midsole with a rubber heel, generally retails for approximately $50. On the other hand, Brunswick also makes The Brunswick Bowling Classic Left Hand Bowling Shoe for left-handed bowlers that retails for approximately $190. This is why it is so important to own a pair of personal bowling shoes. Your shoes are specific to your form and may affect your game.

Bowling with retirement bucks quickly makes you realize that after retirement there is a new life at hand. With that new life, there is also a new game in deciding to take up bowling during the retirement years.

Many baby boomers are becoming quite active in meaningful causes such as saving the environment by being selective about consumer choices. One way to have impact on the environment as a consumer is by purchasing earth-friendly shoes. What are earth-friendly shoes? Basically, earth-friendly shoes are non-leather products made from alternative sources, which are designed to minimize the impact on the environment.

Simple, everyday alternative choices such as purchasing earth-friendly shoes reduce one's carbon footprint on the earth and influence family members to consider alternative consumer choices that support the environment. There are a wide variety of brands that make earth-friendly shoes including Keep, Vasque, Simple, Aquarius Vegan and Dune.

There are several brands of earth-friendly shoes that are attractive, trendy, quite popular and specifically designed to support the environment. Keep is one brand of earth-friendly shoes available for men and women. They are also quite comfortable. Made from rubber, canvas and textiles, the Keep brand of shoes is committed to sustainable living. Several of the very popular brands of Keep Shoes for women and men include styles such as Keep Ramos. This unique and trendy looking flat is brown with brown and purple argyle shirt accents made of cotton. The retail price for the Keep Ramos is $80.

Vasque Brand is another excellent brand of shoe committed to supporting the environment with earth-friendly shoes. Baby boomers are taking on new hobbies such as hiking, running and other outdoor activities. Vasque is known for making one of the most precision outdoor shoes, in addition to being environmentally conscious. A great example of one of the high-performance shoes from Vasque is their Aether Tech SS. Designed for running, the Vasque Aether Tech SS is made with 30 percent recycled content in addition to offering key features that provide motion control, stability and extra cushioning. The retail price of the Vasque Aether Tech SS is $124. Deciding to purchase earth-friendly shoes is just one way to support the environment.

Baby boomers who have worn improperly fit shoes or who have had careers for the past twenty years standing on their feet for hours may have arthritic feet. Baby boomers can take steps to ease the pain associated with arthritic feet by wearing the proper shoes.

What exactly should one look for when purchasing the proper shoes for arthritic feet? Shoes should have a wide-toe box and a comfortable heel. It is also important to replace shoes on a regular basis so that they serve the wearer well. Main considerations when purchasing proper shoes for arthritic feet include finding comfortable shoes that fit properly and do not cause swelling or inflammation. That being said, fit, quality and comfort are paramount.

There are a number of brands of proper shoes for arthritic feet designed for men and women that are attractive, comfortable and affordable including brands such as; Mephisto, Drew, Brooks and P.W. Minor.

With a reputation for making the perfect shoe, Mephisto is one of the top brands that offer proper shoes for arthritic feet. Some of the styles that are ideal for arthritic feet include the Mephisto Leda for Ladies, which is a lightweight sport shoe with a leather upper and durable outsole, which provides lightweight support. One of the top features of the Mephisto Leda is an anatomically designed, removable air-jet footbed created to absorb shock and promote air circulation. The retail price for the Mephisto Leda is $309.

An excellent choice for a proper shoe for arthritic feet is from Drew, one of the leaders in therapeutic comfort footwear. A great style for men is the Drew Albany Clog in Brown Leather. Recommended as a great, all day walking shoe and designed for comfort and flexibility. Its top features include round toes, full leather upper and linings, two removable insoles for a customized fit, a firm heel counter and padded collar to reduce foot slipping. Priced at $110, this is a great shoe for a life of comfort.

Sources:
www.medicinenet.com

After putting in a boat load of time in the corporate world, now is the time to take on the great outdoors after retirement and go camping. If by chance camping has never been a part of the agenda in terms of extracurricular activities, this makes it even more exciting. One need only do the research, get organized and make strategic plans for camping.

Part of making the decision to take on the great outdoors after retirement and go camping involves selecting a camp site that feels comfortable and safe, particularly for the novice camper. Campgrounds will either be private or public. There are KOA Campgrounds, National Parks and National Forests that are ideal for camping. If in doubt about where to camp, check with the state parks and recreation department. Also consider what part of the world you would enjoy seeing when determining a campground.

The next step is to obtain the necessary gear to go camping. The basics include shelter such as a tent or recreational vehicle, a bed or sleeping bag and food. Also pack the necessary items to store and prepare food. Having a good pair of all terrain shoes is necessary, as is camping clothing that is comfortable and provides protection from the elements.

Shopping puts one in the groove to take on the great outdoors after retirement by going camping. Buying the gear is fun; however, knowing how to set up camp and break camp is equally important. When setting up camp, consider the location. Is it on high ground and near a water source? Another thing to consider is shade trees particularly during summer months. If using a tent, be sure you set it up prior to leaving home, as a test run. When you break camp be sure you take everything with you and leave a clean campsite.

Most importantly, do the research prior to arrival so that all expectations are realistic. If in doubt about taking on the great outdoors after retirement or you feel clueless, not to worry, take experienced campers with you.

Sports after 50 can be an invigorating and healthy way of rejuvenating oneself after years of a sedentary corporate life. A large percentage of baby boomers are living life to the maximum and engaging in physical activities but there are a few who are not. Sports after 50 can, in fact, be a life line for some individuals. There are a few things to consider before getting too enthusiastic and taking on new life sports after 50.

First and foremost consider what your lifestyle has been in the past. If you have never been the type of person that carried his or her running shoes to the office and hit the track right after work, don't jump into a running program immediately. There are a number of excellent sports after 50 that won't stress the joints and bones. If you have lived a sedentary lifestyle and have not even so much as put on a pair of walking shoes, first get clearance from your physician for any walking program.

Secondly consider your health and go and take a stress test. Once you have done that, and your doctor clears you to begin a sport, be realistic as to which of the life sports after 50 best suits your lifestyle and personality. Then decide which sports you are more likely to continue to participate in the rest of your life. Most individuals choose a sport early in life. If this is something that just did not make it into the agenda due to life, it's not too late to begin.

There are sports one can participate in without the individual necessarily having to stress him or herself out, while still providing a form of exercise in the long run. Golfing is an ideal example, because it is relaxing yet challenging and involves being engaged mentally and physically. Invest in a good pair of golf shoes and a good driver and head to the driving range before spending megabucks on a set of Graphite Clubs. One final word - fore!

What exactly is the perfect retirement gift? All things considered, freedom is at the top of the list, and with that comes the gift of fly fishing. With early retirement there are a whole lot of perks such as finally have the time to take that special fly fishing trip you've always dreamt of. Whether planning to go out of state or out of the country to go fly fishing, you will want to insure you are well-prepared and have all of the necessary gear for fly fishing including the right boots, chaps, uppers, suspenders, first-aid kit and all-terrain protection.

If this is your first time fly fishing, plan ahead and research the area where you plan to fly fish to determine the season and local specifics. In the case of the Golden Trout Wilderness, one of the most popular spots for fly fishing in California, fishing season begins the last Saturday in April and goes through November 15. The guidelines at this location require that anglers use only barbless hooks and artificial lures, irrespective of the species of fish you're trying to catch.

There are a number of rivers and lakes where you can go fly fishing in the United States. The best golden trout can be found at Cottonwood Lakes in the Lone Pine area of California. Another excellent spot is the Lower Kern River located near Bakersfield, California, which offers a wide variety of fish including carp, trout, catfish and smallmouth bass.

Another great choice is an overnight fly-fishing package in Montana, where trout fishing is abundant. Where you fish will dictate the equipment you need. For instance, in Montana, a fisherman might use hip boots simply depending on whether or not the fisherman needs to go far out in the water. Fly fishing trips in Montana include fishing such waters as Bitterroot River and Clark Fork Rivers. Three-day, two-night packages are available during April, May, October and November. What are you waiting for? It's finally time to relax, get booted and suited up, and get ready to fly fish!

If you have retired early, chances are you have also retired a business wardrobe. Now is the time to update your look to reflect a new lifestyle. The easiest, most-effective and inexpensive way to update your look is by purchasing fashionable eyewear. In today's fashion world, eyeglasses are as important a fashion item as clothing. In fact, most of the same top designers who create runway fashion also design fashionable eyewear for prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Prior to making a purchase, one of the best and most convenient approaches to updating one's eyewear is to research what is on the market. With a few quick searches on the Internet, you will quickly see what fashionable eyewear is in style, what styles are preferred for different face shapes, and the availability of your desired frame. This also provides an edge for the consumer searching for a competitive price.

In terms of sunglasses, most name-brand eyewear such as Oakley, Nike, Ray-Ban, Kaenon Polarized, Dragon Von Zipper, SunCloud, Electric, Aenon, Spy Optic, Initium, Pepper's and many others are available from online retailers at very competitive prices. The price range for several of the models of eyewear mentioned varies greatly, retailing for between $37, for a pair of Pepper's Black Jack Polarized with a prescription ready frame, to $193, for Ray Bans with the same feature.

Updating your look with fashionable eyewear will also entail updating your prescription glasses. There are a number of popular frames available that are prescription-ready such as the Ray-Ban line of eyewear. One example is an aviator style frame from the Ray-Ban Iconic Collection, which is available in silver with gray fade lenses and is prescription-ready. If in doubt about the model selected, simply read the features listed on the retailer's site. There should be a notation that the model is sold as prescription-ready or Rx-able eyewear. Glasses of this quality generally include features such as glass lenses with 100% UV protection and a matching case.