Party for the Medal Winners of the 2025 Pasadena Senior Games

 

This afternoon I attended a party for the medal winners of the Pasadena Senior Games.  “Wear your medals!” The invitation stated.  I got ready early, walked the dogs, and drove down the mountain onto the 15 South, and then took the 210 West to Pasadena.  It was a sunny and quiet day.  I found parking near the Metro station and the senior center.

Since we arrived early, I chatted with a couple of men in the lobby.  Both were lean and athletic.  They pushed themselves very hard, and let me know their accomplishments and times.  Both were gold medalists.  “Lots of Type A’s,” I chuckled to myself.  The woman sitting next to me at lunch had a backpack full of medals that  she had accumulated this year!  She has plans to complete a triathalon tomorrow.   It sounds like a demanding and exhausting lifestyle.

Some were headed to the Nationals and World Games.  I will wait until next year.  I am mostly interested in private lessons and training.  I love the learning aspect.  It makes the games so much easier, by giving me a toolbox.  Some people never lose that competitive edge.  It’s still nice to relax and take a rest, though.  

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Shifting Your Expenses in Retirement

 As the years pass in retirement, you may find that your priorities change.  You could become more interested in travel, or decide to take up a new hobby.  If you keep track of what you’re spending, you can cut back in a separate area of your budget to make up the difference.

For example, while in Anacapri, I chose to stay in an inexpensive bed and breakfast, with a simple room.  I was able to take the local bus to my favorite restaurant each afternoon, right on the water.  I could walk around and visit the  local shops, markets and cafes.  It was easy to entertain myself by knitting on the patio, reading a book, or writing in my journal.  The views and people were exquisite.

This year, since I am spending money on private table tennis lessons, I will most likely cut out a trip to Europe next Spring.  The extra gas and drive time to get the best training have to be accounted for,  and I’ve already made adjustments made to the budget.

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A Joyous Time at the Pasadena Senior Games

 

This morning I played table tennis in Pasadena at The Senior Games.  I was going to wait a year to enter, but decided to just go for it.  My brother died of a stroke at 49, and tomorrow is not promised.  I decided to do it for the experience.

The woman in the above photo won Gold.  Her name is Bonnie, and she is Taiwanese.  She is a spectacular and highly trained player.   She was incredibly kind and patient with me.  “Stephenie, let’s take a photo together with our medals,” she suggested.  I was so touched.  I won Silver due to low enrollment.

I visualized winning a medal for weeks before the competition.  I thought it was funny that I won one by default, since I was way out of my league. That’s how visualization works, you begin with the end in mind.  

My goals were to stay in the game, return all the serves, make all of my serves without errors, and to keep the ball low.  I was able to reach those goals.  Getting in shape for the tournament took many hours of lessons, coaching, and practice.  

Bonnie’s doubles partner played like a confident star in the Men’s Singles.  After our match, he shouted out to me, “I can’t believe you’ve only been playing for three months!  You have big potential.”  That was such a thrilling compliment.  Another man told us that he couldn’t believe we were seniors.  Bonnie looks about seventeen, with long, firm legs.  In the above photo, I am practicing with a talented eighteen year old.

Fun times! So glad I didn’t chicken out…

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Are You Competitive?

 

When my dad was still alive, he went and played bridge at the bridge club every day. “I like the competition,” he told me.  I found that interesting, since he got along so well with everybody.  He still liked to win.  He would get discouraged when he didn’t play well.  Well into his eighties, he was still winning tournaments, and traveled around the Bay Area to attend them.

I think of him often when I am playing matches in table tennis.  I am not used to competing, because as a dancer, we all had the job.  It was more important to cooperate and work together.  There weren’t winners and losers. It has surprised me how people’s personalities can change once you start keeping score.  Some players’ eyes start blazing.

I am happy if I play well.  My main goal is to improve.  Staying calm, being a good sport, and learning how to keep score and break ties are what I’m working on right now.  I find that the masters stand quietly and surprise people with their ease of technique.  They don’t worry about mistakes.  They are non reactive.  Off the table training makes a huge difference, too.  Strength, agility, and speed can help make up for technical deficiencies, especially when competing with seniors.

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Staying Fit in Retirement

 

Fitness can continue through your entire life, if you make adjustments.  Although I can no longer take ballet or gymnastics classes, hiking, table tennis, yoga, kayaking and mat exercises are still  very doable.

Going barefoot and touching a tree ignites the grounding current.  This is very powerful and electric.  Children do this naturally, going barefoot in the summer.  I loved the magnetic healing forces I felt from the grass in Vienna, while visiting the outdoor pool with my dancer friends.  We spent three lovely months there, on tour with the Broadway hit, “42nd Street.”

Swimming in Anacapri had the same effect.  Being out in nature and absorbing the sunshine, the healing effects of the saltwater, and the gorgeous views kept me feeling young and happy.  

Members from the Senior Games report that participating in a sport makes them feel like a kid again.  The body loves a challenge.  It doesn’t want to be beat up, but when you are lean and fit, you feel more yourself…capable and confident.

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Standing Up to Bullies

 

Standing in your truth is key when dealing with a bully.  One thing I struggled with when I was younger was that I wouldn’t think of a comeback until after the incident had happened.  I would freeze in shock.  Now that I am older, I have learned to react immediately. 

Quite often bullies are insecure.  They usually see something in you that they will never ever have.  Many of them lie.    They may be envious of your gifts and want to tear you down and make a scene.  The thing is, individuals who are accomplished and successful have usually worked very hard to get to where they are.  Discipline, integrity, and results are connected.

I give immediate consequences to bullies.  I do not give them my energy or time.  They will have to look elsewhere to get power.  I report their behavior and describe it exactly.   Bullies are often insecure and in denial about their own problems.  They could be addicts or alcoholics.  Some are living a lie, afraid of admitting their true sexual preferences, or experiencing stressful financial problems.  Their attacks on others, who are usually conscientious rule followers, give them a quick shot of adrenaline.  POW!

Have you dealt with a bully in your life?  What happened?

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Avoiding Scams as a Senior

 

More seniors than ever are reporting being tricked and robbed by predators, relatives, and “friends.”  As my father became elderly, I was upset to find out how many people close to him had taken advantage of his kindness, prosperity, and trust.  He became naive, and trusted people who my mother would have vetted when she was alive.  If I pointed out to him that someone was stealing from him, he could become like a little boy and cry, “No!”

Because seniors often have money set aside in a retirement account, certain people may try to gain access to it.  When I was a customer at our local credit union, a few people who worked in card services tried to swindle me out of money through a website overcharging for hotel rooms. Fortunately, I provided screenshots of the advertised rate and the hotels one site’s jacked up rate as proof.  The credit union had to refund my money.

The woman on the phone tried to intimidate me by yelling and through intimidation.  “This is a scam” I replied, hanging up the phone.  I reported it to a government agency, and they  investigated.  My money was returned.  After another episode that happened on a cruise, I closed all my accounts.  An elderly woman standing in line in front of me was also closing hers.   Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away from manipulators.

Have you experienced any scams as a senior?  How did you handle it?

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Using Your Talents

 

One of the most grounding and satisfying things we can do in life is to use our talents.  We are not meant to sit on them!  Frank Sinatra said in an interview that he vocalized two hours a day, whether he was performing or not.  It showed.  That gave him the confidence to always be able to perform.

Our specific abilities lie latent within us and need to be developed.  If they are not, they stay dormant, like a piece of unsculpted clay.  Through training, practice, and study, we will improve and reach our potential. 

Even as we age, certain talents can still be developed.  Although I can no longer take ballet classes, I find rehearsing my music, playing table tennis, and knitting clothes to be very rewarding.  My father played bridge every day, until he was eight-eight, and he loved it.  He taught the beginners, mostly women,  and confided in me that they never improved, which annoyed him.  I thought it was funny.  I think they were there for social reason, and possibly in hopes of meeting a rich man.

What are your gifts?  How do you express them?

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A Simple Solo Week in Enchanting Anacapri, Italy

 

I recently returned from an inspiring and incredible journey to Anacapri.  I spent a week at a charming bed and breakfast, in a simple room that was only 750 Euros for the week.  That included a hearty breakfast!  What a deal.  Each morning I had a frothy cappuccino, salami and cheese sandwich, kiwis and oranges from their garden, and a delicious glass of juice.  I think it was papaya…something orange, sweet, and delicious!

I flew business class into Naples, Napoli.  From there, I hopped on the Ali bus, (for five Euros,) to the port, and purchased a ferry ticket to Capri, a stunningly beautiful island.  I had arranged with Claudio, the owner of the bed and breakfast, to pick me up at the port.  He and his little dog arrived and transported me up the steep and narrow street to his lovely home.  staying  in a neighborhood was so special…It felt like living like a local.  I absolutely loved it.  

We were a twenty-five minute scenic walk from the beach.  I decided to avoid crowds, touristy sites, and rushing, and instead knit on the patio and went to the beach every day.  It was so relaxing and peaceful.

The nature was so powerful.  My body was filled with spiritual light and energy from the healing water I felt a strong and grounding effect on my aura from the huge rocks and embankment.

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A Relaxed Schedule

 

A relaxed schedule can be a huge stress reducer.  Whether at home or on vacation, I find it is much healthier not to have a jam packed day filled with pressure.  It’s a relief to have free time.  Focusing on what’s most important, and letting go of extra activities can lead to better sleep, a calm mind, and a happier existence.

Having the space to enjoy your meals, spend time in nature, and do what matters will prevent exhaustion and burnout. For me, that means taking a swim, knitting outside in the garden, and savoring meals and coffee al fresco.  How about you?  Do you have a relaxed schedule?

Resting in Retirement

 

Although many retirees worry about becoming bored in retirement, I have found I have the exact opposite challenge.  I need to schedule time for rest.  Between all of the physical activity I get, playing ping pong, hiking, doing yoga, Pilates, and my Russian conditioning exercises, I can easily become exhausted.

So, I decided to work efficiently, and not overtrain.  That habit brought me under the surgeon’s knife.  My mom used to tell me I was overexercising, and she was right.  It led to osteoarthritis.  Now that my replaced hips have healed, I am limiting the hours that I will push myself,  physically, even if I feel pressured by others.  We only get one body.  Exercise can be addictive.  

Spring is here!  I love it when the tulips and daffodils bloom.  The fruit trees have blossoms, too.  It is still chilly enough to sit by the fire, though.

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Structuring Your Days in Retirement

 As you can see, the woodpeckers still have plenty of acorns left in their stockpile.  I love how they prepare for the winter by meticulously  drilling holes in the Jeffrey Pine Trees.  There are still numerous acorns littering the ground, after the fire we experienced up in Wrightwood, California.

Having activities that you enjoy on your calendar makes time pass quickly and enjoyably in retirement.  I found the ping pong practicing I did last week with the robo machine greatly improved my performance at my most recent game.  My teammates noticed!  It’s exciting to improve at something you have a talent for, at any age.  This group of senior ping pong players is very passionate.  They are excellent!  It’s fun to watch.

This group of ladies enjoyed a recent live concert of Scott Joplin’s music with a 1920’s costume theme.  We all belted out the tunes in  the sing along, and jumped up and danced to some of the best songs.  My favorite was “When The Saints Go Marching In.”  

What is your weekly schedule like, as far as activities?  Do you attend any groups, play sports, or engage in fitness?  How does it benefit you?

You Need an Income in Retirement

 

I recently spoke to a woman who is very concerned about having enough money in her old age.  She mentioned that she had fears of becoming homeless or a bag lady.  The pressure in her situation is real.

My father taught me that you need an income during retirement.  He pointed out to me that net worth is not income.  This is so important. I have talked with women who tell me, “God is my security.”  This is not a viable plan.  We have to take action.  They could consider using their talents in a job that may be simple but helpful.  Even working as a cashier or at the front desk at say, The Senior Center can provide cash for groceries, utilities, and auto needs.

In my case, dividend paying stocks give me the money I need to stay on my budget and to continue investing.  Your money has to grow and last,  or it will deplete and disappear.  Some women don’t face this fact.  It is a hard truth. Caretaking and being domestic will not pay the bills.  These are very valuable activities, but unfortunately, oftentimes they are just expected, for free.

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