ttradeshows.com

By Sally Grey

The elderly members of our society are most often seen only on the fringes, as people who have ‘outlived their responsibilities’. Many times, it happens because the society itself does not visualize a specific role for the elderly people in the social fabric. Many aged people also start believing that they can no longer contribute meaningfully to their family or the society once they cross a particular age. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Senior citizens help pave the way for the younger generation. Their experience, maturity and wisdom can be invaluable in many situations. In fact, senior citizens should be actively encouraged to participate in the societal activities sharing their wisdom and experience with the younger generation.

As senior citizens, you can also take matters into your own hands. There are many elderly people who actively participate in social causes to keep themselves mentally agile and physically fit. Volunteering at your local church is good way to give back to the society. It helps you grow spiritually and keeps you busy post retirement. Foster grandparent programs are also offered by churches. Here, senior citizens mentor and tutor children from low-income and broken homes. There is nothing better than imparting education to the under-privileged. This contribution of yours to the society is invaluable at more than one level.

You can also actively volunteer for emergency services such as firefighting. For such activities, you may need a basic level of fitness. So try these out only if you feel fully confident about your ability with physical activities.

Using your experience and skills to help others, like neighbors, deal with everyday problems is another great way to put what you have learned throughout your life to good use. For instance, if you are a retired plumber, you can give some practical advice to a neighbor who wants to install a swimming pool. A former banker can offer investment advice to his/her friends or neighbors, while a former insurance agent can give tips on the right insurance products to buy. Alternately, you can work as a consultant or in a part-time capacity and use your experience, skills to assist organizations and other people. You can even earn some money while engaging in this type of consulting, which could be an additional benefit of doing some meaningful work.

Teaching underprivileged children is another wonderful way to make a positive contribution and stay mentally agile. Many elderly people who do this kind of voluntary teaching believe that being in the company of young children makes them feel young at heart once more.

Participation in social activities helps you regain a sense of purpose in your golden years, which is important to stay happy and satisfied in life. It also makes those around you understand just how valuable you still are. When you give back to the society, it holds you in high esteem, which is great for your confidence as well as self image. So go ahead, engage in activities that you enjoy most and make the most of your sunset years.

About the Author: For more information about health and

Brenda Rusnak

, check her out on Inside Toronto.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=656483&ca=Aging

By Scott Mackenzie

When people think of home renovations and landscaping, they often do not consider using concrete. However, there have been many innovations in the use of concrete that have made it an aesthetically pleasing feature that will add charm and elegance to a property and home. As well, concrete is an inexpensive, durable, and long-lasting material. With a little creativity, it is easy to enhance and beautify any part of the home and property using concrete. Below are a number of popular concrete home renovations and landscaping ideas for your front yard:

1. Garden stepping stones: Adding concrete garden stepping stones is a creative way to enhance and beautify the front yard. You can create innovative stone shapes and have your own choice in size of the stones to create walkways and enhance certain areas in the front yard such as placing them around he door way or in front of the flower garden or around trees or shrubs. The most popular preference is creating walkways because you can have custom design including color or stain preference, and your own unique design. You can exercise your creativity to make your own unique garden stones.

2. Concrete Patios: Creating a brick design for a concrete patio is a popular choice. Stamped concrete is a technique used to create the brick design. The concrete is altered and color is added to the surface of the concrete to make it look like bricks. As well, the concrete can be altered to look like cobblestone and wood. The choice is yours so you can pick the best concrete design to suit your home and property. It will give you the flexibility to create a patio that is unique and appealing, As well, you never have to worry about rot, termites, or degradation. Homeowners now have the ability to have their patios customized to their own unique preference. A concrete patio is a great addition for families. It cannot be damaged by children and it can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The children can have fun on the patio playing games and other activities.

3. Concrete Walkway: Creating a concrete walkway is a great way to enhance the beauty of the front yard. You can create a walk way based on your personal preference. You can use your own choice of design, pattern, and color. You can even plant flowers along either side of the walkway for added elegance. Cobblestone and brick designs are very popular choices for a walkway.

4. Concrete Driveway: A cobble stone or seashell concrete driveway is a very popular choice. This type of driveway is achieved by using stamped concrete. The concrete stamps are used to apply the impressions and the result is concrete that mimic the chosen design. A special color dye can be added to make the concrete more like the pattern that is being imitated. Homeowners now have the ability to have their driveway customized to their own unique preference.

Improving the front yard is always a rewarding home renovation project. In the front yard, homeowners are now able to create patios, driveways, walkways, and any other area that can use enhancement using concrete. Decorative concrete is an inexpensive way to add value to the home and property while making it more beautiful.

About the Author: Looking for a

concrete contractor

? Then be sure to visit the experts at Elite Concrete, one of the top concrete contractors in Toronto and the GTA offering

stamped concrete services

including patios, driveways, walkways and even full landscaping designs.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=529677&ca=Home+Management