Withdrawal

The last few weeks I've been without my laptop and I've just felt so lost without it!! How did we ever get along without all the modern day electronic gadgets that have become essential parts of our everyday existence?

I admit it - I'm addicted.

I love checking email, researching new topics on the Internet, playing the EONs crossword puzzle and now I'm on FACEBOOK which I'm finding is very time consuming. I find it fascinating and am still trying to learn all the bells and whistles, but I love the challenge. It's really fun to hear from friends that have been buried in the woodwork for years........and I'd go, "Wow, I wonder what happened to...." and now I know.

EONS

Looking for a website where you can play "brain games" for free?

Then check out EONS. It's a great website for Boomers who are looking for a mental challenge.

It's a versatile website offering not only games such as the LA Crossword Puzzle, Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy, but also has several groups you can join based on your interests and hobbies.

Check it out at: http://www.eons.com/my_eons

Alzheimer's

I went to a Red Hat Luncheon this afternoon where the Creekside Line Dancers performed. While watching them I thought of the recent conversation I had with my primary care physician who I've nicknamed "the Russian chick" as her last name is so difficult to pronounce.

When I had my annual physical we discussed how to prevent Alzheimer's. It's one of the biggest fears facing us Boomers as we age. We all know of someone who has suffered from this debilitating illness. We've heard the horror stories of loved ones who have driven down the wrong side of the highway or answered the door without their pants! None of us want to end up like that, so we're all looking for ways to stay sharp.

The dancers reminded me that my doctor said there are 2 things that will definitely help us:

Structured dancing -- Not freestyle like when we were young and did the twist. But structured dancing, like learning a line dancing routine is great because it helps you both physically and mentally.

Crossword puzzles -- Working a daily crossword puzzle with help your mind stay alert. Go to http://www.eons.com/ for a daily crossword puzzle as well as other brain games.

Let's hope you don't need it for a long time -- but if you want additional info on Alzheimer's, go to http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagnosis.asp?gclid=CKKhn7egspgCFRlcagodDDV_Vg

Texas Holdem

I live in an Active Adult Community near Denver. It's great because there are many opportunities here to play cards. We have several bridge and men's poker groups that meet weekly. Playing cards is a good activity for retirees as it helps to keep your mind sharp and enhances your social life. I've been playing poker and other card games for years. A group of us ladies recently began meeting once a month to play poker. It's a fun, relaxed group and we play several different types of poker games, like Texas Holdem, High Chicago and Omaha. Our community also holds monthly poker tournaments. Last month, 16 players spent a lively evening playing in a Texas Holdem Tournament. I was excited to make the final table and even more thrilled that my poker playing skills held out and I won the Tournament.

If you can't find a local card game, then try a free online game at http://www.pokerstars.com/ where you can sign up and use free play chips to participate in free online games. Another great website for games, crossword puzzles and tons of info on retirement issues is http://www.eons.com/.