Don't worry, be happy - and healthier!

I'm delighted to present this debut edition of the KAA-Boomer, a monthly e-letter highlighting the latest news, trends and topics of interest to boomers at home, at work and at play. Read on to enjoy this month's articles on health and happiness, exercise and mood disorders, controlling debt, job interview tips and retirement timing.

Don't worry, be happy - and healthier!

2008 is off to a great start for KAA-Boomers with further news that being happy is good for you.

A new British research study of nearly 3000 healthy KAA-Boomers aged 50-74, led by Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College, London, found that those reporting more positive emotions had lower levels of cortisol, stress-related hormone. Chronic high levels are associated with high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and reduced immune function. And sorry, guys, but it appears that women get an extra health boost: happier women have lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, two indicators of inflammation in the body.

But how do we get happier? Remember those old Reader's Digest columns, "Laughter is the Best Medicine?" Turns out, they were right.

Other recent studies indicate that laughter is nearly as effective as exercise when it comes to boosting health and mental performance, making you smarter, more productive and more creative. Amused people have been shown to have increased blood circulation, raised levels of immunoglobulins (disease-fighting antibodies) and more dopamine, a brain stimulant.

So, if you're making resolutions for 2008, make sure to add "Be happy, have fun and laugh more!" near the top of your list. I am.

This month:

The exercise prescription: If you've been feeling out of sorts, you're not alone. Everyone has good days and bad days, but how do you know if you've got a problem? Approximately 8% of all adults, KAA-Boomers included, suffer from some form of mood disorder. The good news is that exercise can help. [Read more]

Get control of debt BEFORE you retire. You may have big plans for retirement, but can you afford them? Fifty percent of KAA-Boomers will retire with debt. Here are a few simple tools to help you get control of debt now for smooth sailing in the future. [Read more]

Closing in on a new job? Check out these interview strategies and tips for the KAA-Boomer applicant and put your best foot forward. [Read more]

When should you retire? Timing is everything. KAA-Boomers can have their retirement cake and eat it too - by taking some simple pre-retirement planning steps now to ensure a problem-free future. [Read more]

Our poll for this month asked the question:
Will you consider working after retirement? 74% of people said YES!

Next month's poll - Do you think you are slowing down? Vote Here

For more information relating to KAA-Boomers in the workplace, you might want to check out the current issue of KAA-Boom, an e-letter intended to foster awareness and highlight issues and trends regarding the mature worker. [KAA-Boom]

Let us know what works for you. We'd love to hear your comments, suggestions and feedback.