The number of grandparents raising grandchildren has increased significantly over the last ten years. This is “LifeCycles” with Laurie Edwards-Tate, President, At Your Home Familycare.

Five million children under age 18 live in a grandparent-headed household. Twenty percent have neither parent present. Another two million children live with other relatives besides parents, like aunts and uncles, cousins, or older siblings.

While most will tell you they get great joy from their role raising these children, they also face financial, health, housing, education and work challenges. Retirement plans are put on hold.

These numbers tell us there is a need for more support and resources for “grandfamilies” so they can more effectively help these children and our nation’s next generation.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Job seekers over 50 face some special challenges. This is “LifeCycles” with Laurie Edwards-Tate, At Your Home Familycare.

Age bias exists. Here are some challenges you need to be able to overcome in a job interview.

First, be sure your technical skills are up to date. Highlight them, and be able to prove it with examples or training certificates. Reassure the interviewer you like working with people of all ages include younger supervisors.

Address stereotypes about being tired, slow, having health issues or going through the motions until retirement. Project energy, confidence and enthusiasm. Stand tall. Give a firm handshake. Wear up to date clothing. Get a modern hairstyle. This goes for men, too. And smile!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The San Diego community will come together this month to raise funds and celebrate hope.  I’m Laurie Edwards-Tate, with “LifeCycles.”

Walk M-S San Diego takes place at LEGOLAND California on Sunday, April 22^nd, and at Liberty Station on Saturday, April 28th.  Every hour in the United States, someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. M-S is a disease of the central nervous system that stops movement. It can result in paralysis.  To move closer to a world free of MS, Team At Your Home Familycare celebrates its 28^th anniversary by joining thousands who will walk at LEGOLAND to raise money supporting local programs for the 45-thousand people in San Diego and Imperial Counties affected by M-S. Can you help?  We would be honored by your support.  Visit At Your Home Familycare-Dot-Com and click the M-S Walk button. On behalf of the many families counting on you, THANK YOU!  For “LifeCycles,” I’m Laurie Edwards-Tate.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Reverse mentoring is a growing workplace trend. I’m Laurie Edwards-Tate with “LifeCycles.”

We normally think of senior employees mentoring junior people. But many experienced workers need help learning new technology  and social media, and keeping up with workplace trends. So senior managers are paired with younger employees. They learn the skills they need to stay cutting edge. Younger employees learn about management and have access to powerful decision makers.

Companies also say these programs reduce employee turnover, strengthen teams and  raise morale. Reverse mentoring was first developed at General Electric. It’s now in place  at Hewlett Packard and Cisco Systems. Why not try it in your company?

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Where you live can make you grow older. I’m Laurie Edwards-Tate with “LifeCycles.”

Last week we reported a survey by the website Real Age looking at factors that influence aging. Real Age surveyed 28 million adults, and learned that smoking, drinking, high stress and unemployment, along with obesity and high cholesterol cause premature aging. Real Age says Knoxville, Tennessee is the city where residents age before their time. Other cities making the list: Memphis and Nashville; Louisville Kentucky; Oklahoma City, and the home of Super Bowl 46, Indianapolis.

Living in an unhealthy city means you’re fighting a tougher battle, because you are exposed to more bad influences. Support groups can make a big difference. This is true anywhere you live.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.