Many thanks to Coert Visser for leading the way back to this 1949 study by Bertram Forer about the gullibility of human beings regarding "personality" descriptions and distinctions.

Because I use a statistically valid, field-normed natural strengths assessment in my coaching practice, I am exquisitely sensitive to the confusion that's often created by magazine-style personality quizzes and surveys. When people have been gulled by these kinds of "tests," they can become quite cynical about the value of temperament indicators. And rightly so.

We human beings are much more alike than we are different. AND we are different. It seems to me crucial that we understand our differences so we can learn to appreciate others' strengths - as distinct from our own - and begin to curb our native tendencies to generalize our strengths and preferences and project them onto others.

I want all my clients to have access to this classic study AND to take maximum advantage of the full range of data I can provide them using the ProScan, too.

Top Senior & Boomer Blogs & Sites on Twitter

by Michelle Seitzer

SeniorsforLiving.com, a.k.a @Seniors4Living, tackles the Twitter network to uncover some of our favorite senior and boomer blogs on the Web today… and there are certainly many more to be discovered! From caregiving resources and retirement think tanks to boomer business advice and caregiver journals, this list is about as diverse as the boomers and seniors living life to the fullest!

@4Gma
http://thegmadiaries.blogspot.com/

We've all heard of the Nanny Diaries. Well, in the G-Ma Diaries blog, Renae shares "the good, the bad and the ugly" about caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer's disease.

@adultorphan
http://www.orphanat60.blogspot.com/

Resources for adult children caring for aging parents abound. Here, Annette Gonzalez shares her experiences with those boomers who have already lost both parents.

@ageinplacepros
http://www.ageinplacepros.com/

A one-stop shop for goods and services that help seniors age in place successfully.

@ageopportunity
http://growingbolder.com/blogs/

This self-defined informal think tank's M.O. is to explore the influence of the "age revolution" in today's world and invites people from all walks of life to join the conversation.

@AgingSuite
http://agingsuite.com/

Aging Suite is another great hub for aging in place information.

@ALFA_Online
http://alfa-resource.org/

For information on all things senior living, look no further than The Assisted Living Federation of America's blog. ALFA boasts 500+ large and small company members across the country with the goal of "raising the bar for operational excellence" in the Assisted Living communities they serve.

@AllThingsAging
http://allthingsaging.blogspot.com/

Here's a fascinating site for research junkies: the University of Indianapolis has a Center for Aging & Community that "collaborates, educates & conducts research to enhance the quality of life for all people as they age."

@alzheimersread
http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/

Need to know something -- anything -- about Alzheimer's? Stop by the reading room; it's a leading site for news, advice, and insight into this dreaded disease.

@askmanny
http://tudiabetes.com/profiles/blog/list

Alzheimer's isn't the only disease plaguing boomers and seniors. Check in with Manny Hernandez and connect with the diabetes community for resources and support.

@babyboomerwomen
http://www.nabbw.com/blog/

Baby boomer women can't miss this one: Dotsie Bregel's blog empowers what she calls the "healthiest, wealthiest and best-educated generation of women to ever hit mid-life."

@bcelebrated
http://www.bcelebrated.com/Blog/

Create an autobiographical legacy site for your children and your children's children to enjoy for years to come.

@bgeyser
http://carenetworks.com/Blog/

Brian Geyser, founder of carenetworks, is determined to help senior care providers see the wonders of social media and integrate them accordingly.

@BoomAration
http://boomaration.ning.com/

This online community invites boomers and their families to express themselves… and get the scoop regarding jobs after 40, family, food & wine, finance, travel, and more.

@BoomerHealth
http://boomerhealthtips.com/daily-tips/

There's no time like the present for boomers (and seniors) to achieve wellness and vitality. Mary Louise English at Boomer Health shows you how.

@Carebuzz
http://carebuzz.com/blog/

Founded by a former family caregiver, Carol Marak's Carebuzz connects friends and families to elder care resources in their neck of the woods.

@Caregiving
http://www.caregiving.com/

Kudos to Denise Brown for a fabulously comprehensive site for caregivers, including online support groups for people from every walk of life.

@CaringTrans
http://www.caringtransitions.net/

Moving, downsizing, and estate sales are the specialty here" and resources on making the big transition.

@CVS_Cares
http://www.forallthewaysyoucare.com/

For a great place to share your story of providing care -- or being cared for -- check in with Maggie, a community manager at "For All the Ways You Care" (sponsored by CVS Pharmacy).

@daccarte
http://www.transitionagingparents.com/

Dale Carter knows the road that many adult children must take while caring for aging parents is a rough one; check her blog for ways to lighten the load.

@DLindberg49
http://www.davidwlindberg.com/

Baby Boomer Davy's Locker is the wildly creative name of this blog for those 50 and up. Take a look inside and see what the hype is about!

@DonnaLHull
http://myitchytravelfeet.com/

Travel the globe vicariously through Donna Hull's blog -- it's the self-proclaimed "Baby Boomer's Guide to Travel" and definitely has us wanting to get up and go!

@ElderCareRN
http://takingcareofthefolks.com/blog/

Shelley Webb's experiences as a writer, RN and caregiver for her father empower readers with empathy, education, encouragement, and enrichment.

@GeezerGuides
http://www.geezerguides.com/

With a name like Geezer Guides, how can you resist surfing to this site for information on travel, retirement income, and nostalgia?

@GetResults
http://www.thesuccessionplanner.com/

The results-oriented John Reddish shares his talents as a Business Consultant, Succession Planner, Speaker, Coach/Mentor and Author with baby boomers who visit his site and seek out his services.

@gerohelper
http://www.examiner.com/x-7516-Hartford-Elder-Care-Examiner

Consider GeroHelper (aka Melanie Saulnier) as your go-to-gal for all things gerontology.

@GilbertGuide
http://www.gilbertguide.com/

Of note at Gilbert Guide is a blog called the Daily Wrinkle, which helps visitors stay up to date on products or services to aid and abet that crazy little thing we call aging.

@gottadancemovie
http://www.gottadancewithus.com/

The senior hip-hop dance team for the New Jersey Nets has made a movie and is taking the social media network by storm. Check them out!

@grandcare
http://www.grandcare.com/buzz/

Smart homes for smart seniors, boasts Grandcare's Twitter bio. This cutting edge technology equips seniors in need of help with aging in place.

@growingbolder
http://growingbolder.com/

Journalists, Web developers, and broadcasters have joined forces to create this inimitable intergenerational social network.

@helpage
http://www.helpage.org/blogs/blog/category/age-demands-action/

An international organization based in the UK, HelpAge's mission is crucial: fight age discrimination, help elders overcome poverty, and ensure their rights to live the dignified life they deserve.

@LovingGrand
http://lovinggrand.blogspot.com/

Make sure you have a box of tissues handy for this site: a granddaughter shares the difficult journey of caring for her grandmother who lived with Alzheimer's disease along with a multitude of links to Alzheimer's-related resources.

@ltctweeter
http://www.ltcfp.com/web/

Get the facts on long-term care insurance and financing at this site.

@maggiedana
http://www.maggiedana.com/

Maggie Dana is a British author whose novel Beachcombing is a "coming-of-middle-age" story that explores boomer women issues like loss, sorrow, redemption, and love.

@MikeGamble
http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/
When it comes to providing timely news and insight about senior care, elder issues, and related topics, Mike is always on point. He's a dedicated Tweeter, with a Facebook page as equally engaging.

@mkpelland
http://www.womendaybyday.com
Maryan is a writer with numerous credits to her name, but it is her Women Day By Day blog that is the focal point of her Twitter account. There, she and some amazing guest bloggers share inspirational and realistic stories and advice about aging gracefully, triumph, and seeing beauty in the every day.

@mcknightsltcn
http://editor.blogs.mcknights.com/

McKnights is an extremely comprehensive location for the latest long-term care news.

@MrElderCare
http://www.mreldercareonline.com/

It's all about communication -- whether you're Twittering or trying to take away dad's keys. Mr. Elder Care is a financial planning expert specializing in "bridging the communication gap between boomers and their parents."

@natalieTM
http://www.ageless-sages.com/
Natalie's picture books for elders is such a unique concept and you can instantly sense Natalie's commitment to showing others how to make the most of the golden age is commendable (and makes for some informative and interesting tweets!).

@olderandactive
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/olderandactive

Albert Motz's site will equip seniors and boomers with all the tools needed to foster an active, healthy, positive lifestyle " get moving!

@ourparents
http://www.ourparents.com/forums

The forums at OurParents.com provide a valuable place for you to seek out answers to your senior care-related concerns and learn from the experiences of others. Thanks to DC-based John McKinley for this free and unbiased tool.

@PattyGrace
http://www.agingwithgrace.net/
For an informed perspective on caregiving and senior care issues, Patty Grace delivers. Her Aging With Grace site empowers caregivers to handle the challenges that arise in a sensitive manner with an abundance of engaging resources.

@PaulaRobinson
http://myeldercareblog.com/sanitasole/

Paula Robinson, RN and owner of Sanitasole Senior Services, offers expert advice on senior health issues and her wide array of service options.

@PositScience
http://www.positscience.com/your-stories

Exercise your brain every day with the tools at Posit Science.

@RetireLife
http://www.retirelife.net/

Megan Shea was inspired to start RetireLife after her involvement with caring for her grandparents. Get access to a variety of resources, advice, and help at her site.

@SandwichINK
http://www.sandwichink.com/

If you're a card-carrying member of the Sandwich Generation (caring for aging parents and young children or grandchildren), Kaye Swain's SandwichINK is a great destination for news, resources, ideas, and encouragement for the journey.

@seniorDECISION
http://www.seniordecision.com/

Making the decision to move a loved one to a care facility is a big deal. This site provides ratings and reviews for facilities in your area.

@steveeldercare
http://eldercareabcblog.com/1/

Canadians care, too! Steve Joyce, CEO of Eldercare ABC, invites caregivers to join the online community and support one along the way.

@StoryofMyLife
http://www.storyofmylife.com/User/users_browse_journals.aspx

Here's a site someone like me could spend hours on: Story of My Life features the story of one fascinating person per day and has the grand goal of collecting and preserving the life story of anyone and everyone who has walked this earth.

@Timberry
http://timberry.bplans.com/

This baby boomer entrepreneur advises readers on the basics of planning, starting, and growing your business… and living a full life in the meantime.

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You missed I Don't Feel 50, which has been fighting Age Discrimination and the Generational Digital Divide in the UK for over 12 years. It's also a very lively forum. Follow I Don't Fell 50 on Twitter.
by graham submitted on Oct 20, 2009

Carebuzz is delighted to share in the buzz on Top Elder Care sites! You are the best, Seniors for Living! Thank you very much. We love your selected list...many are on the Carebuzz favorites too! Our best, Carol Marak, http://www.workingcaregivercarebuzz.com
by Carol Marak submitted on Oct 26, 2009

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Next time I forget, I can find this here. Ahhhh.... Posterous, I love you!
And you, too, Screenr!

Rarities singled out,
wiped from the repertoire.

No longer under provocative guidance,
the background music to his world.

Most beloved,
both were immediately revered.

But in the face of controversies
that had a deep personal resonance,
beauty and shining nobility
dismissed as mere prettiness,
emotional expressiveness
deemed superficial this year.

Blinded by merely rehashing
preposterous accusations
hurled against his dark side.

Even at the lowest ebb
of reason and tolerance,
his own persuasive and evil figure
suffered an almost total eclipse.

Insightful prelude to this formidable quartet:
Roots.

Think hard:
Build novel ideas of the novel.

Realist response:
There is nothing new under the sun.
Farsightedness is a job.

The rich will always be with us.

I don't want to bring anybody down, but I need to tell a little story about something that happened to me today so I can put it down and let it go.

When I flew into Dirty Dogs today to wash my 14-year-old Shepherd companion, Lady, the woman who owns the shop greeted me with the same cheery hello she's shared every time I've gone to her shop this year.

When I asked how she was doing, her voice was a little down. While she said "Fine..." her daughter called out across the room, "She's lying!"

The shop owner ducked her head and led me over to one of the stalls to set me up to wash Lady. And I asked again how things were going for her, really. The last time I'd been in with Lady, she and I had a tough conversation about her mother having had a serious stroke and needing a lot of care and how hard it was to care for her teenage kids, her grandson, and now her mother, and keep the shop going, too.

This time, when she looked up, there were tears in her eyes and she said, "Well, I guess you didn't see me and my grandson on the cover of the Sunday paper, then..." Since I hadn't, I asked her to tell me more.

She said they had been interviewed and photographed for a story about more home foreclosures in the beautiful Rogue Valley and that she was losing her home this week.

Then, her daughter came closer and said, "Go on, Mama, say the rest..."  She went on to tell me that two days after the front page story in the paper, her younger brother, aged 43, who has been caring for her mother while she ran the business during the day, had gotten up at 5 am to go to the bathroom and then dropped dead of a heart attack.

Tears welling up in her eyes, she said, "I just don't think I can take any more of this... I cried so hard Monday I didn't think I could cry anymore. But here it is Wednesday and I'm still not over it. We had the funeral and now we're having to make all the arrangements for him. My mother wouldn't even go to the funeral. I don't think she realizes he's dead. We're trying to see now if my brother's wife will still take care of Mama...And I've got to find a rental for me and my grandson this week."  Her voice trailed off and she shuffled off to greet another customer.

I felt so helpless listening to her I could hardly breathe. All I could do was listen and later tell her how sorry I was that this was all happening to her at once. I warned her not to go anywhere near any rentals offered by Commercial Property Management - the company that screwed me to the wall earlier this year. And I left her a tip I couldn't really afford when I paid for the wash.

Driving back to Ashland, I promised myself that I'm going to go wash Lady again sometime in the next three weeks,  whether I can afford the time and the money to drive back up to Medford to do it again or not. I want to help my lady friend's business to keep her going...

Dear God!

This year has been the hardest year of my life, too. One tragedy after another. At this point, my last biological relatives have quit communicating with me.  It's just too much for them even to listen to what's happened, much less give me any support. They get overwhelmed and start blaming me for things other people have done to hurt me. Like Clifford Odett's "Paradise Lost" all over again.

It's kind of like blaming the penguins for the icebergs melting. They should have known better... They and the working poor. We all should have known better... Better than what?!

2009 is going to go down in so many of our memories as the year we held on for dear life ... while some of us didn't make it. A lot of us didn't make it.

I wish I could say that I honestly believe 2010 is going to be better. But it really doesn't look like that from here. It's going to be better for the bankers, maybe... but not for small business people ...

When I'm tempted to forget that we're all in this together, I want to remember my experience this afternoon at Dirty Dogs. I'm praying for my lady friend...

If you're local and have a dog - or have a friend with a dog - and the dog could use a washing -  please go by and visit Dirty Dogs. You'll get a great service and you could make a big difference in a brave woman's life who's doing the best she can to keep going in a very, very tough situation.

Dirty Dogz Self Service Wash

Know wha' I'm talkin' 'bout?

Add speech bubbles to your own photos or any photo that's got a URL. Lots of fun...

Let the games begin!

I posted some photos today on my biz blog that Hunter Hill made during my talk at the Mountain Meadows Friday Forum, November 13th.

The story about my 4-week cloud computing course called "Up, Up and Away!" is there, too.