Category: senior citizens

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365 Coaching Tip: 364th & 365th – A FULL YEAR!

December 30th Coaching Tip: Eat Slow. Eat Less.

Not only do I need to go slow, but now I’m coaching myself on my overall wellness, with a supreme amount of focus and discipline to eat slowly and eat less. No more whoofing down some food quickly. It’s not worth it! Now it’s about eating slowly, taking a break, walking around the home, doing a quick chore, then having another bite of food, then a few steps, etc. There is no need to risk eating fast, nor eating more than a helping. Zero reason; it’s not worth it.

When I say eat less, many of the books on longevity indicate that these seniors stop eating when they get full, or right before they get full. They walk after eating, intentionally. Some even indicate that they eat just 80% of a full meal. I’m implementing eating less; for example, today I had two spoonfuls of tuna salad, with no bread or crackers. Eat slow and eat less.

December 31st Coaching Tip: Celebrate, I Did It!

At the beginning of 2025, I set a goal to blog about a coaching tip every single day of the year. It’s one thing to set a goal, but it’s another thing to be committed to the goal, implement a new habit of thinking about and then writing about a daily coaching tip. I did it, yes, I did it. Did I fall behind a few times throughout the year? Of course I did, of course. But the key is that I was disciplined and committed to the goal and was intentional about taking time to catch up. In fact, today is January 15, 2026, and you’ll notice, I am finishing my last coaching tip of 2025: Celebrate, I did it! Am I a lil late in getting it done? Yes, I am.

It’s my hope that you have enjoyed reading these 365 Coaching Tips as much as I have enjoyed capturing them, writing them down, editing them a lil bit (they definitely need to be edited by a professional editor), and sharing them on this JenWilfong.com blog. How am I celebrating this significant achievement? I ordered myself a gift, that will arrive today via Fed Ex; it’s a gift that I buy myself during key times in my life, times and moments that I truly want to memorialize. For example, one of the gifts was bought when I started received stock options as a leader at Caterpillar back in 1997; another time was when I started my second real estate LLC; and another was when we were returning from an amazing trip and concert in Portugal. Celebrate when YOU accomplish a significant goal. Celebrate that you DID IT!

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365 Coaching Tips: 340th, 341st & 342nd

December 6th Coaching Tip: Big Ten Champs; It’s Not A Dream.

Two years ago, the Indiana University football team had more losses in Div. 1 football than any other program. Kinda the worst, right? Fast forward two years later, and IU football is the top ranked team in the country, the 1-seed in the College Football Playoffs, the only undefeated team remaining in all of Div. 1 college football, and the Big Ten Champions,

IU upset the Ohio State Buckeyes, although both teams were undefeated and Ohio State was a 4.5 point favorite. IU’s team scored just enough points, 13, to beat OSU by 3, as they only scored 10 points. The defense on both sides was playing; both field goal kickers missed short kicks that they had hit all season; but the quarterback for IU was just simply better. He was able to march the offense down the field with pinpoint passes when necessary.

This new coach, Curt Cignetti, has instilled “unshakeable belief” with this team and his entire IU organization. The leadership at IU is supportive, too. Belief. Having belief can bring you Big Ten Championship feelings, and it’s not a dream. It really happend.

December 7th Coaching Tip: Tell The Truth.

Received a phone call today from a friend who wanted to share a difficult situation that he got himself into and was responsible for. To his credit, he reached out to me to let me know. I listened, asked a few questions, but mostly let him talk. At the end of the call, I thanked him for entrusting me and telling me what was going on. Then, I shared a story with him about some bad times that hit my grandfather when he was a young father and in his 30’s. Then I gave him one piece of advice: write a letter or go visit them face to face and tell the truth.

Today’s tip is to write a letter to who you impacted negatively. Apologize and offer to repay the remorse; ask for forgiveness. If you can, talk to them face to face. Let them know you care, that you’re human, and you’re asking for forgiveness and empathy. Telling the truth goes a long way, in writing or face to face, or both. Tell the truth.

December 8th Coaching Tip: Rose Bowl Bound.

With the Indiana University football team winning the Big Ten Championship a couple evenings ago, we are now in full-planning mode to watch them as the #1 seed in the College Football Playoffs (CFP) play on New Year’s Day 2026.

Tickets to the game are driving up anxiety levels with some of my friends who are also going. Airlines are maximizing and charging hefty prices. Hotels are piling on, too. But, it will be worth it. For me and my friends, this is about goals, wellness, and being purposeful. It’s a bucket list kinda trip to see YOUR team play on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl game. I love roses, but I’m not going for the parade. I’m going to see IU win the Rose Bowl, so that we can then be Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA) bound.

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365 Coaching Tips: 328th, 329th & 330th

November 24th Coaching Tip: Time With The Younger Generation.

These three posts will bounce and weave around each other. Ask yourself the questions: are you spending time with the younger generation(s)? Are you staying in-touch and relevant? Are you listening to their concerns, hopes, and dreams? Are you willing to assist them? Or, are you out of touch and complaining about them and their desires?

Today, my uncle and I spent the entire day together. We left my mother’s home, and decided to drive a couple hours to our newly remodeled home since he wanted to see it. By the way, he absolutely loved it. We ended up staying overnight there, after we drove around the campus at IU, and had some dinner and ice cream. He enjoyed spending time with me and seeing how I did the remodel. I enjoyed hearing more stories about his times at IU and what he’s working on currently.

November 25th Coaching Tip: Time With The Older Generation.

My uncle and I took it easy today, before we headed to the airport for his trip back to Colorado. We drank some coffee, talked, and then walked down to my basketball barn and got some shots up for about half an hour. As we were shooting, he reminded me to make sure that I’m out there shooting at 80+ years old…like he was doing today. It was a good reminder to me, from him, to keep going, keep moving, keep shooting baskets. I learn so much from hanging out with the older generation. Spend time with them.

November 26th Coaching Tip: Mentoring Goes Both Ways.

Kids can teach you alot, if you just ask them questions and remain curious. I got to talk to two of my great nieces and nephews over the weekend. I can tell that my great niece is a leader of others, and her style and way with communication helps her be effective. I can tell that my great nephew loves being competitive and around top talent in sports. He loves sports, his PE class, and his buddies.

Mentoring can and should go both ways; older generations have alot to learn from the younger generations (from technology to style to new trends) and the younger generations have alot of wisdom that they can gain from the older generations. Both generations have to be willing to care, listen, ask questions, and be grateful for the insights that are being shared. Mentoring should go both ways, not just one way, from older to younger.

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365 Coaching Tips: 325th, 326th & 327th

November 21st Coaching Tip: Baking Up Traditions.

For decades, I’ve been baking bread, pumpkin bread and pie for Thanksgiving. It’s just what I do. One of my nephews loves my pumpkin bread, so I double up the recipe to make him a couple extra loaves; I give a couple loaves to my mom (she adds her cheeseball on top of the pumpkin bread) and of course, I make me some extra muffins as well.

Our family over the last few years just isn’t eating as much as we have in the past, so I have had more leftovers of my baking goods than previous years. As we celebrate in the future, making a single batch will probably be just fine. But I don’t want to stop baking; I love baking at Thanksgiving. It’s a pleasure to make goodies for my people, deliver it, and share the yummy-ness. I love traditions and until I die, I’ll keep baking pumpkin bread.

November 22nd Coaching Tip: Don’t Miss Celebrations Of Life.

As mom and I are prepping for our early Thanksgiving dinner, I let her know that I would need to leave in the middle of the day to go attend a celebration of life for my friend of nearly 20 years, Mike. My mom and dad were great examples of showing up: they made the decision to attend funerals to share their respects, meet with the family, and share stories. Showing up is a challenge at times of grief; sometimes it is exhausting to make the effort to go share your respect. However, I choose to think of it this way: whatever I’m feeling about this loss, the family is most likely feeling it all at a much deeper level. So just go to funerals, or send that sympathy note/card, or make a contribution in their honor to a charity of their choice, or call them a few weeks after the funeral/celebration of life is done and gone. Bottom line, don’t miss them.

November 23rd Coaching Tip: Early Thanksgiving.

Again this year, we as a family had to be flexible and make a Thanksgiving dinner work for nearly all of the family members to attend at my mom’s home in NW Indiana. We landed on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving this year; last year it was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. My mother loves Thanksgiving and decorated her home so beautifully. She has a tradition of many of us sitting at her long, Amish-made cherry wood table, saying the Lord’s prayer together as we hold hands, and then topping it off by each of us sharing our thankfulness. It brings us to tears. This year, mom reminded everyone of how her grandmother (Kate) came here from Lithuania, from Antwerp to Ellis Island, after her boyfriend (William) had come three years earlier, worked, saved enough money to get her on her voyage to the USA. This message by my mom was so thoughtful, especially during these times of immigration crisis’s all over the world due to instability in the daily lives of many. Our early Thanksgiving was a beautiful gathering of our family and homemade food. We make it work, even though not everyone was able to attend.

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365 Coaching Tips: 310th, 311th & 312th

November 6th Coaching Tip: Loyalty Matters.

When I started living in Naples, I had a great Uber driver who took me from the airport to my home. Ben was a nice, not nosey, had a calm demeanor; he was pleasant and mentioned that he’s from the Midwest (Rockford, IL). Then we got to talking about my many years in Central IL, and the bond began. Fast forward a few years later, I don’t even use Uber when I’m in Naples. I leverage Ben; he’s been loyal and available to me, and I’m loyal to him. It matters; loyalty brings a comfort factor that is hard to describe, but you know it and feel it. Ben’s parents are similar to mine; his dad recently passed, and his mother is still very much alive. Similar story for me, too. Loyalty matters; keep those close that are helpful and always show up.

Another loyal person in my life is my painter, Carlos. He has traveled two hours north to paint a lake home for me eight years ago and recently traveled an hour south to paint a property there. He doesn’t complain; he always says “yes” when I ask him to complete some painting for me personally in my summer home or for my real estate business. I don’t even get other quotes; Carlos is fair, and we both are loyal to one another. Loyalty matters.

November 7th Coaching Tip: Invites Work.

Since we have the remodeled farm house now all completed and almost fully decorated, I’ve been inviting friends and family to come visit. Tonight, one of my IU women’s basketball teammates came to visit. It was so fun to see her reactions, as she was one of my friends who saw it late in 2024 when I had just started this huge remodel project. As they say, “she got it.” Then we loaded up in the car, went out for dinner, and headed to an IU women’s basketball game. The gals won, and we snuck out of the game in the fourth quarter. My friend was home just an hour later; she’s now sharing with my teammates that we all need to get together there for a game and full weekend together. We are now inviting them for a weekend in January 2026.

We still have work to do on the landscape around the home and one of the barns still needs attention, but we are getting there. And inviting people to come visit is already creating memories…and it keeps me focused on getting more work done.

November 8th Coaching Tip: Play Til The End.

Today, the undefeated IU football team plan on the road at Penn State University; PSU has fired their coach a few weeks ago, and this was their first home game since that firing. My gut had me a bit nervous about this IU vs. PSU game. IU was up 17-7 at halftime, so I decided to drive somewhere for about an hour. Sure enough, it quickly turned into a tight game. PSU closed the gap in the third quarter to 20-10, and then in the fourth quarter, took the lead 20-24. IU got the ball back with less than two minutes remaining in the game, and they marched down the field with a number of outstanding passes, thrown accurately by our quarterback. With 36 seconds remaining, IU scores on an amazing catch that the receiver was able to catch way up high, control high body, and tap his toe to score the TD. He played to end, because he did miss a catch with 1:51 remaining. He stepped up, controlled his emotions and his physical abilities, and made the catch of the year in college football. He played to the end.

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365 Coaching Tips: 277th, 278th & 279th

October 4th Coaching Tip: Full of games.

College football was in full swing this weekend. Lots of games, but for some reason, I kept a close eye on the Baylor game. Down by a bunch, the Baylor football team scored 18 points in the fourth quarter. And on the last play of the game, Baylor blocked a 37-yard punt that allowed the Bears to win the game by one point. Not a lot of commentary was heard about this game; neither team was ranked. However, WHAT AN EFFORT. The Baylor men never gave up…all the way down to the very last play. To win the game,, they all knew they HAD to block the punt. In witnessing the replay of the blocked field goal, I noticed that not one but multiple Baylor players jumped very high into the air to try to block the punt.

Although the day was full of games, it was the extraordinary effort by Baylor that captured my attention.

October 5th Coaching Tip: Patience Worked.

The hunt for frozen blueberries took us all over Michigan today. Although we had been in Michigan for three days, we had only been to one road-side market that had fresh blueberries. As those three days crept in to the fourth day, it was time to switch our hunt to frozen blueberries. And finally, at our last orchard stop, I walked in and went directly to the freezer area and boom, there were two bags of blueberries (2 x 10 lbs). Our patience worked out, especially after we pivoted and changed our search from fresh to frozen.

Be wise. Read the signals. Patience will be rewarded. It worked.

October 6th Coaching Tip: Go See Our Senior Seniors.

Over the past few days off, we visited a 96-year-old uncle in Traverse City and another 81 year old uncle near Detroit. With all the driving, traffic, hotels, etc., was it worth it? YES. We learned so much history from the 96-year-old about times during his childhood, while he was in the Navy, his work for the Michigan department of Natural Resources, etc. He forwarded photos to us for two days after our visit. He was thrilled that we cared about HIM. And my 81 year old uncle reminded me that he was a good track and field athlete; he high jumped, ran the 440, ran cross country, and pole vaulted. He referenced 10′ 9″ multiple times, so I’m guessing that he pole vaulted that high. Amazing, that’s almost 2X’s my height.

Go see our senior seniors. I’m 61 years old and a “senior citizen” now. But I view the 60’s as the go-go decade, the 70’s as the slower-go decade, and the 80’s as the slow-go decade. The senior seniors aren’t “me”; they are older and ready to share their stories to those who care to listen. It’s only of the most intentional and kind things that one can do.

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365 Coaching Tips: 235th, 236th & 237th

August 23rd Coaching Tip: Grandma Valeeta.

Grandma Valeeta was my grandfather’s (George) second wife. She was a sweetie, always welcoming with a smile on her face and an infectious laugh, and she was a great cook. During my college years at Spring Break, I would go to Florida for spring break. I would go see them at their home in Ocala, FL, eat some scrumptious food, go to grandpa’s 17-acre mini farm to watch him train a few horses. “Pap” would always remind me that I could stay with him during spring break. So glad that I did, because as I age, those were some very sweet memories. I learned alot about him, his calm style, his purpose with caring for animals in the morning and getting some natural movement in, while socializing with the farm neighbors.

Today would have been Valeeta’s birthday. She is now buried next to my grandpa. And at my passing, I will be buried by them as well. Back home in Knightstown, IN.

August 24th Coaching Tip: Write Thank You Notes.

After my brother and wife hosted a wonderful weekend (for my birthday, a family gathering with my uncle and cousin, and celebrating Mom Barb’s anniversary date w/ Dad), I decided to write a number of thank you notes to everyone who really made the weekend special. Don’t ever estimate the value of the handwritten note; two of the people who received them (my 84 year old mom and my 80 year old uncle) called to thank me for writing and mailing them a thank you note. Be intentional when you are grateful. Your kindness and purposeful actions are so appreciated. Write thank you notes; they’re priceless!

August 25th Coaching Tip: Long Weekends Revive.

With me taking off Friday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 29, I’m truly welcoming in these three four-day work weeks. Three? Yes, because then the next week is Labor Day (Monday off). Although work is intense and we’ve had two retire in the last couple weeks, I’m intentionally managing MY schedule to help ensure that I’m in the best wellness that I can possibly be in. If we plan loosely our time off, work can sometimes consume us. My partner and I are regularly going thru our calendars to optimize time together, priorities and commitments with our family and friends, and yes, work. I’m finding that long weekends can really revive me; that extra day is so healing and relaxing and the four-day work week is a bit easier to embrace and complete with high performance.

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365 Coaching Tips: 223rd, 224th & 225th

August 11th Coaching Tip: Retirements Are Huge Decisions.

It cracks me up when I hear younger people say, “I know what you mean…” when someone is trying to make up their mind about retiring. Actually, I think, no, you have no clue; zero clue. You’ve never retired. Maybe your parents or grandparents or an older friend have retired, but you haven’t retired.

When someone is discussing retiring, listen to them and ask questions. Listen to their story of all the ways in which they made a career, or help manage a business, or lead their family. Ask questions about what they loved the most, and what were their regrets that others could learn from. In my coaching work, many discussions are about “when will I retire” and “what will I do with my time after I retire”. We openly discuss what are they going toward, and how will they deal with a potential change in their own feeling about their identity. Some are considering working part-time to stay socially engaged as well as leveraging their decades of experience to continue to help and be value added to others. Retiring is a huge decision.

August 12th Coaching Tip: Ongoing Commitment.

Yes, I completed the National Senior Games on Aug. 2, 2025. However, I now have a renewed and ongoing commitment to my overall wellness, fitness and strength levels. Of course I took a few days off and will here in August, but as the Fall and Sept/Oct creep up, it will be time to renew my ongoing commitment to keep my V02max above 36 by doing regular high intensity interval training as well as improving my basketball shooting accuracy. I’ve been inspired by a 80+ year old gymnast; audiences are amazed at how she still does the balance beam routines. She said it is simple, she never stopped doing them; she maintained her ongoing commitment for decades.

August 13th Coaching Tip: Be Honest.

Trying to buy a few things on Facebook Marketplace for the remodeled home that we are working on for a final “move in” date of Aug. 29, 2025. One seller on Marketplace was pleasant and professional, and we treated each other with timeliness and respect. I went to see the furniture that she had listed, and it was as she claimed it was: great shape, rarely used. However, another seller was less than honest. She wanted $200 for me to hold it, until I arrived. I zelle’d her “son” the $200. Then she let me know that her partner had already made a commitment to sell the piece of furniture to another person. By then, she was apologizing…but also saying that if I sent the remaining amount, they would agree to sell it to me. At that point, I was done with them. She lacked integrity, and she still has not returned my $200. Scam? maybe. Dishonest? absolutely. Be honest.

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365 Coaching Tips: 217th, 218th & 219th

August 5th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Mind.

As we returned from the intensity and competition of the National Senior Games in Des Moines, I prioritized recovery this week. I took it really easy yesterday; only took a couple strolls and got a few shots up in the LA Fitness gym nearby. This evening, I went to bed earlier than I normally do…even though I wanted to stay up and watch a key WNBA game that started at 10pm E. My mind is still on a bit of a high and buzzing with joy and excitement from my results at NSG; my blood pressure last week was un-usually high (130’s-150’s/97). I checked my BP multiple times this week, and it’s right back down to my normal levels of 107/68.

To prioritize my mind today, I really got organized this week (returning from vacation is always filled with a slew of emails and follow up). I prioritized what emails MUST be followed up quickly; I flagged them with a “red” flag. For medium and lower priority emails and calls, I requested connecting with them the weeks of Aug. 11 or Aug. 18, and even proposed the week of Aug. 25 or after Labor Day. A number requested, “after Labor Day works great for me, too.” And for me personally, I scheduled a massage and pedicure for this week, before we head to the lake this weekend for some downtime. Prioritize your mind; clear thinking will help make sound decisions.

August 6th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Body.

As mentioned above, it was very important for me to get a massage early this week. And I splurged and got a 90-minute massage. Very glad that I prioritized this, as I have less soreness now and no injuries from last week at the NSG. While I was competing last week at the NSG, I made it a priority to eat and hydrate very well, drink zero alcohol, and get plenty of sleep (approx. 8 hours/night). I also had access to an indoor pool that had a surprisingly cool water temperature, so after each competition, I got in it and just walked around and swam slowly to cool my body a bit. We also brought a foam roller, and I used that to help roll out my hamstrings and calves. Take care of your body; you’ve only got ONE! (Note: we were in Des Moines for the NSG in three different venues for 5-6 days. I’m pleased to report that I did not see one injury while I was there. That’s a remarkable statement, since all athletes were 50-101 years old).

August 7th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Feet.

Our feet take the pressure of every single step we take; there’s nothing like our feet. When we lose our feet or our ability to walk, it can be quite depressing and debilitating. I’ve witnessed colleagues, friends, and a couple of my family ignore their feet/toes/ankles until it was “too late”. Now they have to wear unique shoes or special inserts or compression socks every single day. It was a priority for me to get a pedicure today and talk to the nail tech about a couple small areas on my toes that were tender. She really listened, inspected, and then helped those two areas, along with making my toes look pretty in Hoosier red nail polish. As I have moved from 50 to 60 years old, I’m learning a lot about how my body and feet like certain footwear. Don’t laugh, but I must have 8-10 pair of Nike Pegasus jogging shoes and Ooofos sandals and slides. My feet like them, and my feet don’t hurt. Why change it up if it is working. Take care of your feet.

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365 Coaching Tips: 211th, 212th & 213th

July 30th Coaching Tip: Your Fans.

Going to the National Senior Games for the very first time in my life (I’m 60 years old, in August turning 61) has been a journey of training and challenging myself…pretty much by myself. Throughout this journey, it’s been pretty darn cool to see who are my fans. Some of 100% no brainers, i.e. mom and my besties. But the surprises have been extended family and some remote friends. The common thread is that the surprises are fans of this NSG journey because they too have a common interest in wellness and running. Know who your fans are and also be a fan of others. They will never forget when you’re their fan!

July 31st Coaching Tip: Show Up For Life.

As in life, so goes the National Senior Games. Although senior athletes qualified and then registered (paid a registration fee), a number did not show up. For example, in the 100m sprint that I ran today, 19 of the 50 registered runners did not show up. I was proud that I did show up. Today at 8:55am, the weather and track were cooler at the Iowa State University Cyclone Sports Complex. I felt great and scoped out my competition, and I could quickly tell that my recent 8-9 weeks of training was going to allow me to sneak up on some people. Indeed, that was the case. Although I was in the first heat, in lane 1 (slow person), I was able to finish fourth in my heat and ran my fastest 100m by a second and three seconds faster than I ran my 100m that qualified me in Indiana. Thus, thrilled to have finished 15th overall out of 30 competitors. I’m happy and also relieved that I did it. Tip for today is a simple but bold one: show up for life.

August 1st Coaching Tip: Take The Call.

When people need to talk to you, really try hard to take their call. They need something or need someone to talk to. Today, I finally was able to chat with a longtime work colleague and now friend; he is growing his business and wanted to run a few things by me.

I consider it a privilege and an honor if someone is reaching out to me. But I must also be ready to listen and be fully present when we are talking; I would want the exact same thing. Kindness may be overused today, but it is truly to give someone time. Take the call.