PrimeTime May 2024

Prime Time

The Sweet Month of May

May has always been a special month. My birthday is in May - at the endand often falls on or near Memorial Day weekend. Trees are budding, perennials are blooming, and birdsong is returning. Hearing the birds singing and chirping again brings me joy and makes me smile. And there’s always a parade or two and the start of the cook-out season to add to May’s appeal.

Every month has its blessings and moments of wonder to tuck away into memory. Even January and February have their virtues. Cold, still nights with moonlight shining on snow - sturdy trees reaching up to the stars - stark and bare - like bony fingers - leafless, but alive. It’s always possible to find the good in every month of the year, every season, if we take the time to notice.

But May, besides being my birthday month, was always the lead up to the end of the school year and then summer wasn’t far behind. And this anticipatory feeling wasn’t confined to my growing up years when my birthday was actually an exciting day when I looked forward to being a year older. I was a public school speech pathologist and May’s approach still made me giddy with a sense of the coming of summer freedom as an adult. The getting older part…not so much.

The other annual May event, Mother’s Day, wasn’t really a big deal in our family.

I entered a new decade - a decade that I used to think was “very old”. My daughters gave me a huge surprise party - a restaurant buffet dinner that was wonderful and fun in ev- ery way. There was “vintage” music playing (oldies from the 1960s), and years of family pictures, and all of my relatives from both sides of my extended family, and friends - all ages - from all areas of my life - all were there to celebrate with me.

MY MEMOIRS

by SUSAN DEAN

We’d acknowledge our mom with hand-made cards or simple gifts made in school, and maybe a dinner out so that she wouldn’t have to cook. I received my share of hand-made cards and gifts when my three daughters were young - and I think I still have every one of their creations tucked away somewhere. They’ll find them all someday, long after I’m gone. And they’ll remember and reminisce and smile and shed a few tears while showing their kids…and their grandkids…well… maybe they’ll save a few from the dumpster as they’re cleaning out the house!

As they got older my daughters reminded me every year how I had a lot of nerve being born so close to Mother’s Day as it put pressure on them a mere two weeks apart. I’ve always told them that they don’t have to do anything for either my birthday or for Mother’s Day, but if they still felt they had to do something then to keep it small and simple. A card, a plant, new garden gloves, sharing brunch, and for the most part, that’s what we do.

Except for last year when I reached one of those “milestone” birthdays - when

All ages - it really is just a number. Friendship and love transcend the intervening years - erasing the gap through the connections that we cherish.

I share a May birthday with one of my grandsons. Anthony turns 17 this year - our birthdays are five days apart. My daughters all have children. Rachel has Michael and Abby - 19 and 17, Joy has Emilia - 6, and Gretchen has Anthony…and she also has Jack - who just turned 18 months.

All three of my daughters have a reason to celebrate Mother’s Day, but for Gretchen, it’s especially true. She and Anthony’s father went their separate ways when Anthony was about three and a half. Gretchen worked full-time and put herself through school eventually finishing her doctorate in occupational therapy - a single mother patching together baby-sitting and trying to make ends meetmuch like I did during my single motherhood days.

And then she met and married Mike and about a year later, Jack came along. Anthony and Jack are fifteen and a half years apart. A teenager and a baby. So Gretchen celebrates Mother’s Day and motherhood from both ends of the childrearing spectrum. Anthony is driving and finishing up his junior year of high

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A New Family Fisherman

by LARRY GRIMALDI

Having grown up in the heart of the Providence Jewelry District, when it really was the center of the world’s costume jewelry industry, I was not a fisherman. The closest I ever came to fishing was quahogging with my father and uncles at low tide at Conimicut Point in Warwick a few times. They didn’t seem to have patience as they would open and eat some of their harvest right there while wading in the cove. I also went on a few “fishing expeditions” when my mother sent me over the Point Street Bridge to the Fish Company on the Providence River to buy those bivalve delicacies.

On a few occasions, I went with my two best high school friends to cast a line off the docks at Fort Getty in Jamestown. I was never very successful and I am convinced that the flounder, tautog, and other ocean bounty gathered in the salt water to laugh at me. These suspicions were confirmed during several vacations on the Outer Banks by endless surf casting, catching only seaweed. For me, fishing is best reflected in this anonymous quote, “Fishing is the sport of drowning worms.”

Once, I went on a fresh water angling trip with a family friend. I snagged a horned pout, probably the ugliest specimen in the aquarian kingdom. Suffice it to say that the early morning wake-ups and a chill in the morning air did not inspire my passions. Given my history, it should come as a surprise that that my grandson Nicholas has become a fisherman.

Last spring, Nicholas expressed an interest in going fishing in New Hampshire with my brother-in-law, Peter. We made trip to Woodsville where Nicholas and Peter made plans for a couple of days of fishing. Nicholas had gotten a taste of fishing (may I suggest a fever) on an earlier family trip to the Michigan lakes area.

Each morning, they set out (at sunrise I guess because I was asleep) to ply the cool waterways meandering in this northern New England town. Each day, they returned with trout or pike strung out on a line as rewards for their efforts. In fact, one morning they went out in the rain to fish. Peter even showed Nicholas how to clean the fish for dinner or storage in the freezer to be devoured at a later date. (Another reason for me NOT to become a fisherman).

Since this adventure, Nicholas has convinced his father to take him fishing at local sites. I’m still trying to figure out what is so attractive in a sport where sitting around and waiting with an inordinate amount of patience (which is not my greatest charac-

ter trait) is required for participation. Nevertheless, Nicholas has found a new outlet for his youthful enthusiasm, in addition to hockey, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, and track. To paraphrase an old west saying. “He’s a man of many parts.”

It’s very obvious that Nicholas is the new fisherman in the family and it’s not just a passing fad. He genuinely enjoys it. His newest passion is best described by the unattributed adage, “Carpe diem does not mean fish of the day.”

Larry Grimaldi is a freelance writer from North Providence. Many of his previous PrimeTime columns have been re-issued in the anthologies, “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter” and “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volume II.” Columns published in these books are used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information about these books, or any of his other books, e-mail lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com

Now Available

Larry Grimaldi of North Providence has released his new book, “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volume II”, published by Stillwater Books of West Warwick.

As with Volume I, the book is a collection of monthly columns which have appeared in “PrimeTime” editions of regional newspapers published by Beacon Communications. Volume II also features some previously unreleased essays and poetry.

Grimaldi also co-authored “Wandering Across America,” a chronicle of his cross-country drive with his wife, Kathy; and a cookbook titled, “Cooking With Mammie” with his wife, and grandchildren Katharine, Sophia, and Nicholas Bianchi.

All books are available on Amazon.com, or by e-mailing lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com

school. Jack is toddling around and getting into everything and learning to talk. Half-brothers - one is six feet tall and the other is two and a half feet tall.

Anthony once lamented that Jack wouldn’t remember watching Anthony play sports. Jack has attended Anthony’s football and basketball games starting with when he was in a stroller and cooing as an infant, and now babbling and running around as a toddler. But I told Anthony that maybe someday he’ll coach Jack in sports when Jack is fifteen and Anthony is thirty. Anthony thought about that for a minute and seemed to like the idea. I could picture Jack as a teenager and Anthony as a young man, perhaps with a family of his own, teaching Jack as he might also be teaching his own children.

One anecdote that Gretchen shared with me was from the early days when Jack was still an infant - maybe two or three months old. Anthony wanted Gretchen to give him a ride to pick up take-out food, but Gretchen told him, no, that there was plenty of food to choose from in the kitchen. Anthony answered, “You’d feed Jack if HE was hungry!” Which, of course, made Gretchen laugh, but also highlighted the challenges of raising a teen and an infant at the same time.

Another thing that Gretchen noted was that in the beginning Jack and Anthony had similar sleeping patterns - up half the night - one needing nourishment and diaper changes and the other needing nourishment while playing video games.

I’ve witnessed Jack and Anthony together on many occasions. Anthony enters the room and Jack runs to him with a big toothy smile and wraps his arms around Anthony’s shins - because Jack’s head barely reaches Anthony’s knees. Anthony sometimes pats the top of Jack’s head and sometimes picks him up, but always acknowledges him in some way with a touch and a few words.

One time, Anthony opened up

the freezer, which is the lower half of the refrigerator. Jack stood next to Anthony and watched him pull something out. Jack stuck his hands into the freezer, too, and Anthony gently removed Jack’s hands all the while talking to him. Anthony went into the living room with his snack and Jack followed. Anthony sat on the couch and Jack climbed up and plopped himself onto Anthony’s lap. Jack and Anthony stared at each other and both started to laugh. Then Jack snuggled against his big brother’s chest, happy and secure in his big brother’s embrace.

May - a birthday month for Anthony and me. Mother’s Day - a special celebration for Gretchen with her two boys. Half-brothers who will hopefully stay close throughout their lives long after I’m gone. My wish is that Anthony will always remember and cherish the early years, when he was a teenager and Jack was a baby. I hope that Jack will continue to look up to Anthony, and when they’re both adults that they will still learn from each other, share their lives with each other, and continue the bond that they have with each other. A bond that will forever erase the difference in their years

Jack Breen and Anthony Merola

Fighting Fraud on a New Digital Frontier Unclaimed Refunds

YOUR TAXES

by MEG CHEVALIER

The Internal Revenue Service announced that almost 940,000 people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020 but face a May 17 deadline to submit their tax returns.

The IRS estimates more than $1 billion in refunds remain unclaimed because people haven’t filed their 2020 tax returns yet. The average median refund is $932 for 2020. In Rhode Island the estimated number of individuals is 2,600 with a median potential refund of $986 and a total potential refund of $2,980,500.

“There’s money remaining on the table for hundreds of thousands of people who haven’t filed 2020 tax returns,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out for people who may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds. There’s a May 17 deadline to file these returns so taxpayers should start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”

Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

But for 2020 tax returns, people have a little more time than usual to file to claim their refunds. Typically, the normal filing deadline to claim old refunds falls around the April tax deadline, which is April 15 this year for 2023 tax returns. But the three-year window for 2020 unfiled returns was postponed to May 17, 2024, due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The IRS issued Notice 2023-21 on Feb. 27, 2023, providing legal guidance on claims required by the postponed deadline.

The IRS estimates the midpoint for the individual refund amounts for 2020 to be $932 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $932 and half are less. This estimate does not include the Recovery Rebate Credit or other credits that may be applicable; the IRS has previously reminded those who may be entitled to the COVID-era Recovery Rebate Credit in 2020 that time is running out to file a tax return and claim their money.

“People faced extremely unusual situations during the pandemic, which may have led some people to forget about a potential refund on their 2020 tax returns,” Werfel said. “People may have just overlooked these, including students, part-time workers, and others. Some people may not realize they may be owed a refund. We encourage people to review their files and start gathering records now, so they don’t run the risk of missing the May deadline.”

By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2020. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2020, the EITC was worth as much as $6,660 for taxpayers with qualifying children. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2020 were:

• $50,594 ($56,844 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children:

• $47,440 ($53,330 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;

• $41,756 ($47,646 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and;

• $15,820 ($21,710 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2020 tax refund that their funds may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2021 and 2022. In addition, any refund amount for 2020 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loans.

Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2020 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

If

CATHERINE TAYLOR

AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how we live as we age. Financial security, including fraud prevention, is essential to that empowerment. Fraud is everywhere, but one of the fastest-growing scams is by means of cryptocurrency ATM machines. And it’s going on in Rhode Island, home to some 120 crypto ATMs found in gas stations, convenience stores, laundromats, and other small shops.

The machines look and operate like bank ATMs, except they allow users to send and receive payments in cryptocurrencies. But their use by criminals is a big concern. FBI data shows that Rhode Islanders lost a total of $2,245,844 to cryptocurrency scams in 2023. Part of the problem is that cryptocurrency machines are not regulated in many states, including Rhode Island, and do not have the basic features of normal ATMS, such as paper receipts and daily transaction limits.

A scam unfolds in two steps: A scammer will contact a potential victim and sell some “credible” story or get-rich offer that leads the person toward an enhanced emotional state of mind. Scammers reel in victims via romance scams, investment scams, tech-support scams, sweepstakes scams – and new ones every day. Once a scammer has someone believing what they want them to believe, the thief will direct them to send money via a nearby crypto ATM. In doing so, the victim may unknowingly surrender personal account information. If this sounds familiar, it’s because these swindles are similar to how criminals use gift cards to fleece the unsuspecting. In 2023, AARP Rhode Island fought successfully to pass a state law that now requires fraud warning signs wherever gift cards are purchased in the state.

Now, we’re leading an effort at the State House to combat cryptocurrency fraud by urging lawmakers to approve Senate Bill 2504 and House Bill 7266. Sponsored by Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Julie Casimiro, the legislation would require disclosures prior to usage of a crypto ATM, a daily transaction limit of $2,500, and a detailed receipt that would include information that could aid a fraud investigation.

Rhode Islanders need these protections, and helping guard their savings is a year-round AARP Rhode Island priority. We recently provided testimony in favor of the bills with recommendations to make them stronger. We’ll keep up the fight. Meanwhile, I encourage you to contact your state lawmakers and encourage them to pass ATM cryptocurrency legislation.

Fraud Fighting Fridays

Again this year, AARP Rhode Island and a dedicated team of volunteers will spread out across the Ocean State to fight identity theft by providing free document shredding.

Identity thieves thrive on getting their hands on documents that allow them to steal identities and drain accounts. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Rhode Islanders were hit last year with $18.5 million dollars in identity-theft losses. Too many of these crimes are tied to discarded bank and credit card statements, old tax returns, utility bills and paperwork associated with loans, mortgages and leases.

Last summer, AARP Rhode Island collected and shredded nearly 10 tons of documents. Starting in May, you can take advantage of FREE document shredding on Fraud Fighting Fridays

Drop-offs are from 9 a.m. to noon; no more than two boxes per person; no businesses please. Registration recommended but not required. See the shredding schedule, along with other upcoming AARP Rhode Island events, below. Please spread the word to help make Fraud Fighting Fridays another big success.

With spring in full swing, we hope to see you out and about. And online, too. Have fun and stay safe.

May Online Events

May 20, 12 noon - Lunchtime Tech Talk: Smartphones at a Glance

May 22, 6 p.m. - Laughter Yoga

May 28, 4 p.m. - Tai Chi/Qi Gong

May 23, 30, June 6, 3 p.m. - Virtual Bike Safety Workshops !

June 3, 12 noon - Lunchtime Tech Talk: Protecting Your Personal Information Online

June 12, 1 p.m., Everybody Dance

May In-Person Events

May 22, 10, a.m.- Providence, Fraud Basics: The Scam Landscape & Staying Safe

May 23, 7 p.m. - AARP-RI Sponsored Bike Newport Full Moon Bike Ride

Learn more and register at aarp.org/RIEvents

Fraud Fighting Fridays

Warwick May 31

East Providence June 14

Cranston, June 28

Providence, July 12

Cumberland, July 26

Registration, location directions and more at aarp.org/RIShreds

Phone:

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Cruise Ship Specialties

RETIREMENT SPARKS

by ELAINE M. DECKER

When most of you think of cruise ships, you probably imagine destination cruises to places like Caribbean islands, Nordic fjords or European rivers. Today you’ll learn about specialized cruises where the ship sails into international waters and drops anchor. Each deck features a different activity; the cruisers sign up in advance and usually stay on that deck for the duration of the cruise.

This idea came to me after seeing an article in the New York Times revealing that some cruise ships now have jails and morgues. Imagine sharing a cruise with a boatload of imprisoned felons. Or exploring the ship and happening upon a door labeled “Morgue.”

On the other hand, selecting your trip based on some activity you love and being able to spend a week doing it on the bounding main with others who also love it could have strong appeal. Herewith are my suggestions for specialty cruises.

There will of course be a deck dedicated to yoga, but there will be no goats. Each type of yoga will have its own section of the deck with mats color-coded so that participants don’t accidentally plop their butts in the wrong section. Imagine if a kundalini adherent wound up on a vinyasa mat!

The increasingly popular discipline of wall climbing will also be represented. “Rock” placement will begin with an easy section toward the stern of the ship and become increasingly more difficult as the wall progresses toward the bow. Climbing shoes will be available for rent for those who neglected to bring their own. And no, you can’t show off by climbing barefoot.

An obvious deck will be one devoted to Mahjong. Just imagine rows and rows of tables with perfectly coiffed ladies in gold lamé dresses and sequined ballet slippers! A cruise made in heaven for women who don’t know what deck their husbands are on and don’t care. The men, on the other hand, may very well be on one of the upper decks enjoying the cigar bar and perhaps visiting the tattoo parlor. The cigars won’t pollute the rest of the decks; the smoke will waft out the portals and drift upward.

We expect the deck that is dedicated to line dancing to be over-subscribed, so if that’s one that interests you, be sure to book early. That will also enable you to request your preferred dances. The Electric Slide and the Cowboy Cha Cha will be included even if no one re-

quests them. The Cupid Shuffle will help beginners get into this predictable wedding activity. Rest assured you won’t be subjected to the Macarena or the YMCA.

Not surprisingly, there will be a deck dedicated to sun bathing. It will have normal cabins, but a considerable portion will be open to the sky. A secluded section will be reserved for those who want to stretch out in the altogether. In the evening this deck will feature celestial navigation. That secluded section will still be available for nude “relaxation.” If these turn out to be in demand, there will be a sign up sheet for reservations. Please don’t use aliases for this sheet.

You might expect to find decks for card games and board games but there won’t be. Those are far too pedestrian. Not to mention how difficult it would be to decide which ones to include and which ones to eliminate. So no poker; no bridge; no canasta; no checkers; no Monopoly; no Clue. Likewise, you can forget jigsaw puzzles and book clubs. Also, we have no interest in competing with other cruise lines, so we won’t have a casino or a pickle ball court.

Our final deck is what I call the participation deck. Cruisers who sign up plan either to participate in the entertainment activity or to enthusiastically heckle the performers. This is a shared deck. The stern hosts the stand-up comedy performances. Wannabe comics test their chops here. The bow hosts the poetry slam, where aspiring poets try out their own material. Hecklers can wander between the two areas.

Including the prison and morgue, there will be nine decks on these specialty cruises. (The cigar bar and tattoo parlor will share a deck.) You’ll have plenty of choices, but book your passage early to be sure to get the deck with your favorite activity.

Copyright 2024 Business Theatre Unlimited

Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Downsizing—A Humorous Guide, Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com

Heating Up Replaces Cooking

ACCORDING TO DON by DON

My wife has prepared thousands of meals over her lifetime. At 85 years of age, she thinks that it is time she retires from that task. Poor health, which prevents her from standing over a hot stove, added to that decision. As did the taste of my attempts at preparing a meal.

Dining out and take out have been our Number 1 and Number 2 options.

Prepared meals have become Number 3.

My weekly trips to Dave’s find affordable, homecooked, tasty options that satisfy our palates.

Most of their prepared meals run between $6 and $10, and some feed both of us. The single portions allow us to eat different entrees, as we usually do in a restaurant.

We particularly enjoy the American Chop Suey, Beef Burgandy, and Shrimp Scampi.

Dave’s also has a large display of freshly cooked meats, fish, veggies and starches for creating our own dinner.

There are usually three or four chicken choices, a couple of salmon, and a variety of Italian and other ethnic dishes.

Stuffed clams and scallops, meatloaf, and lasagna are among our favorites.

FOWLER

We have also discovered great prepared meals at Trader Joe’s.

Many of the ethnic meals give you the option of the oven, microwave, or stove. I often choose the stove, as it gives me the feeling of being a chef preparing an exotic dinner.

Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic foods are carefully prepared, frozen, and ready to eat in minutes.

Chain stores like Shaw’s and Stop and Shop also have an aisle with prepared frozen dinners like Stouffer, PF Chang, and Bertolini.

Check out some of the small neighborhood markets and delis in your neighborhood, like the Athenium Diner in Cranston or Italian Corner in East Providence that prepare meals for take-out.

Take advantage of the opportunities offered these days to enjoy some of the gourmet and home-style foods you can find. Then take the money you save and enjoy the baked stuffed shrimp at Twin Oaks.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Mental Health and AgingSeniors Are a Woefully Underserved

LAW ADVICE

by DON DRAKE CONNELLY LAW OFFICES, LTD.

“The month of May is dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health,” stated professional fiduciary and certified elder law Attorney RJ Connelly III. “Mental illnesses are complex medical conditions that can significantly impair a person’s cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. With appropriate treatment, most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms. In our blog today, we would like to focus on the mental health issues that affect older adults, a segment of the population that is often overlooked when discussing this issue.”

An Overview of Seniors and Mental Health

As people age, they face many challenges that can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being. Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are some of the most significant contributors to the disease burden of older adults. Such diseases can impede the psychological well-being of older adults and heighten the risk of depression.

“Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults,” said Attorney Connelly. “Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, dementia, and substance use disorder are some of the most common mental health conditions that older adults experience.”

According to research funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration), up to 25% of adults aged sixty-five and older experience mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depression and mood disorders are prevalent among this age group, affecting approximately 5% of seniors aged sixty-five and above. The number rises to 13.5% among those requiring nursing care or hospitalization. Anxiety disorders, which are often linked to depression or bipolar disorder, are diagnosed in almost 8% of adults aged sixty-five and above at some point in their lives.

Dementia, a syndrome that causes cognitive impairment and mental health decline, is a prevalent mental health issue among seniors, affecting approximately 11% of seniors, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent form. Substance use disorder is another mental health issue that is increasing among seniors and can lead to all the mental disorders mentioned above.

Recent data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that a substantial proportion of older adults, approximately 2%, suffer from substance abuse disorders. Un-

fortunately, the true prevalence of this issue is likely underreported due to the stigma associated with it.

Seniors and Suicide

“Suicide is a significant issue that has a profound impact on many people, especially older adults,” Attorney Connelly said. “According to the National Institutes of Health, the rates of suicide among this demographic are alarmingly high, with men aged eightyfive and above possessing the highest rate of any group within the country.”

The reasons behind this increased vulnerability to suicide among older adults are multifaceted. One such reason is that older adults tend to plan their suicide attempts more meticulously and employ more lethal methods, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful attempt. Further, older adults are less likely to be discovered and rescued, which further amplifies the chances of death. The physical fragility of older adults also plays a crucial role, as they are less likely to recover from an attempt.

“According to the CDC, common risk factors include but are not limited to depression, mental health problems, substance use disorders, physical illness, disability, pain, and social isolation,” continued Attorney Connelly. “These factors can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and entrapment, leading individuals to believe that suicide is the only solution to their pain and suffering.”

In contrast, protective factors constitute the conditions or attributes that promote resilience and reduce the likelihood of suicide.

Protective factors include access to care for mental and physical health problems, social connectedness, adaptive coping strategies, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life. These factors can foster a positive outlook, enhance stress resilience, and facilitate help-seeking behaviors. By identifying and addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors, suicide prevention efforts can help reduce the incidence of suicide and save lives.

Signs to Be Aware of

Mental health is essential to overall wellbeing, and attention to the various symptoms that may indicate an underlying mental health condition is essential. The symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating, which can interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress. A depressed mood lasting more than two weeks and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness can also be indicative of a mental health condition. Similarly,

thoughts of suicide or self-harm, memory loss, especially recent or short-term memory problems, social withdrawal or loss of interest in hobbies, and trouble handling finances or working with numbers require a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Physical Symptoms

There are physical signs that may suggest the presence of a mental health issue in a loved one. These signs include a disheveled appearance and poor hygiene, which may indicate that the person struggles to maintain daily routines and personal care. Changes in weight and appetite are also essential to note, as they may indicate that the person is experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that affect their eating patterns. Further, difficulty in maintaining the home or yard can also be a sign of a mental health issue, as it may indicate a lack of energy, motivation, or interest in the person’s surroundings.

If you notice these signs in your loved one, encourage them to seek professional help and support. Mental health conditions are treatable, and with proper care and treatment, your loved one can make a full recovery and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Available Treatments

Depression is a significant mental health concern among seniors, and the American Psychological Association (APA) recommends various psychotherapeutic interventions to address it. In severe cases, secondgeneration antidepressants may also be prescribed. Regarding a dementia diagnosis, several treatment alternatives are available

that demonstrate promise in slowing the progression of the disease. These interventions may include lifestyle and behavior modifications and a range of therapies. For older adults with anxiety and substance use disorders, the most effective approach to mitigate and prevent these conditions is through similar methods. Additionally, depression has been shown to respond positively to many of the same interventions.

Consequently, preventing mental health disorders in seniors typically emphasizes healthy aging practices and treatment approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, physical exercise, and social support. It is also crucial to address any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to mental health concerns, such as chronic pain or sleep disorders.

“Mental Health Awareness Month aims to increase our understanding of mental health issues, reduce associated stigmas, and highlight the significance of emotional and psychological well-being,” said Attorney Connelly. “Mental health and aging is an issue that we tend to underestimate as a society. This month’s event presents an opportunity to educate ourselves, foster empathy, and advocate for improved access to mental health resources and care for our seniors. By doing so, we can establish a culture of acceptance and support by discussing mental health openly, promoting self-care strategies, and advocating for inclusivity and understanding.”

How to Erase Negative Self-Talk and Feel Better

(StatePoint) It’s been four years since the collective trauma of the pandemic created widespread grief, anxiety and isolation, but the psychological wounds of this period have not fully healed.

The American Psychological Association reports continued elevated rates of anxiety and depression among Americans, and mental health experts say that negative self-talk plays a large role in these conditions and other psychological issues. The good news? Individuals can work on subtracting a harmful inner monologue from the equation.

“Simple tools can help people break the cycle of negative self-talk and find some inner peace,” says Elizabeth Scott, PhD, a wellness coach, health educator and author of “8 Keys to Stress Management.”

That’s why Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen) is supporting the Erase SelfNegativity Initiative in partnership with key mental health and wellness experts, including Dr. Scott, and with guidance from

America’s largest grassroots mental health organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

As part of the initiative, Dr. Scott and NAMI have created a guided exercise to help individuals begin their journey toward erasing the disempowering influence that negative self-talk has on their lives. The exercises include writing down the negative beliefs one holds about themself and then destroying or erasing the writing, a practice that has been found by research to be helpful in minimizing those beliefs.

“Simply externalizing these negative thoughts empowers us to rewrite our narrative and opens the door to giving ourselves more grace,” says Dr. Scott.

Dr. Scott stresses that similar to maintaining physical health, consistency is key with mental health. This is why every April 10 will be recognized as National Erase SelfNegativity Day and the initiative will use the 10th of each month, as a day to start or

revisit the writing exercise and reflect on personal progress.

Here’s what’s needed to get started:

1. A quiet, restful location,

2. A desire to create change

3. Paper

4. A FriXion erasable pen, which offers more than just the ability to write and erase completely; but also symbolizes the power individuals have to change things and write more positivity into their story.

The Erase Self-Negativity Worksheet can be found by visiting eraseselfnegativity. com. For additional resources to understand how common, and treatable mental health issues can be, visit nami.org.

“While we can’t control the negative messages we might receive from the outside world, we can work on what we tell ourselves. With just a few minutes of quiet time, we can harness the transformative power of writing in a way that will challenge the damaging assumptions we hold about ourselves and foster more self-compassion,” says Dr. Scott.

Container gardening tips

Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy.

For gardeners without sufficient space or for those with mobility issues, container gardening can be an ideal way to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Better Homes & Gardens says most plants are not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as some of their basic needs are met. This means watering correctly for the type of plant, and ensuring sufficient drainage.

The following are some other ways container gardening efforts can prove successful.

Watch water. Planet Natural Research Center says plants with thin leaves typically need ample water, and plants with thick leaves need less. Use this as a guideline to gauge water needs. Size correctly. Plants should be sized to the container. Consider dwarf varieties of certain plants if your containers are small.

• Choose the right soil. Fill containers with a commercial potting soil rather than soil from the garden. Garden soil can dry into a solid mass, while commercial mixtures have amendments like peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and other ingredients to help with soil texture and moisture retention.

• Mix it up. When planting containers of flowers and other greenery, Good Housekeeping says to include ‘a thriller, a spiller and a filler’ as a good rule of thumb. The thriller is the focal point, the spiller a trailing plant, and a filler has smaller leaves or flowers to add bulk and color.

• Poke holes. Drainage holes are essential so that soil will not become waterlogged. Holes don’t need to be large, but there should be enough of them so that excess water can drain out readily.

• Select the right container material. Container materials may be affected by gardeners’ budgets, personal taste and other factors. For those who live in hot climates, selecting a light-colored container can help prevent further soil heat absorption.

Container gardening is a healthy and enjoyable activity that can pay dividends in various ways. TF205960

A Green Thumb is a Healthy Thumb

The Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

Relieves Stress

Whether you have a small patio or acres of land, keeping your outdoor space full of bright colors and the fresh scent of flowers can help bring a sense of calm and peace. Getting in touch with nature and being exposed to sunlight can uplift your mood and help you forget about life stresses. Many studies also suggest that reducing stress can also help minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Don’t forget, indoor gardening is an option too.

Boosts Immune System

According to science daily, getting dirty can actually help boost your immune system. Many studies have shown that friendly bacteria known as Mycobacterium vaccae, commonly found in garden dirt can alleviate symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Keeps You Moving

Seniors with limited mobility can often find it challenging to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. Tending to a garden is an easy way to keep seniors moving! If your senior loved one has arthritis, using the right gardening tools can help them to enjoy gardening too!

Create a safe, tick-free zone in your yard

Despite their diminutive stature, ticks are a big concern for people, particularly those with pets.

As the weather warms, ticks are out looking for a host to climb on and get a blood meal. Ticks are a significant concern because they can be infected with bacteria, viruses or parasites, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and babesiosis are just a few of the many tick-borne diseases. These pathogens can be passed to humans and pets via the bite of infected ticks.

At least one variety of disease-transmitting tick had been found in all of the lower 48 states, according to the CDC. In addition, researchers at Cornell University identified 26 species of ticks along the East Coast alone. Preventing tick bites has never been more important. The process starts right in one’s own backyard.

According to Consumer Reports and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, controlling wildlife that enters one’s yard can help keep tick numbers down. Open access means animals can enter and so can ticks. Fencing and pest manage-

ment solutions may help.

Other ideas include landscaping techniques that can reduce tick populations:

• Remove leaf litter from the yard.

• Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edges of the lawn. Mow regularly to keep the lawn short.

• Create a barrier between wooded areas and the yard if it abuts a forested area. According to Consumer Reports, a three-footwide path of wood chips or gravel can prevent tick migration by creating a physical barrier that’s dry and sometimes too hot for ticks to tolerate. Such a barrier also serves as a visual reminder to anyone in your household to be especially careful if they step beyond the perimeter.

• Bag grass clippings, which can serve as habitats for ticks.

• Remove old furniture, trash and other debris that can give ticks places to hide.

• Remember to use a tick-repellent product when venturing into wooded areas. Flea and tick products also are available for pets; consult with a vet.

Ticks are problematic, but various measures can help control tick populations in a yard. GT194820

Prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your summer fun

Summer is a beloved time of year that’s often dominated by time spent outdoors soaking up summer sun. But all that extra time outdoors can make people vulnerable to mosquitoes. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, mosquitoes are more than just hungry, unwanted backyard guests. In fact, mosquitoborne diseases, including the Zika virus, the West Nile virus and dengue, pose significant threats. While not all mosquitoes carry disease, even those that don’t can still bite humans, leaving them to deal with discomfort and itchiness. Taking measures to control mosquitoes outside your home can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

• Remove places where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in standing water. Once a week during summer and other times of the year when mosquitoes might be buzzing around, walk around your property to remove standing water. Bird baths, flower pots, kids’ toys, pools, old tires, and trash containers are some of the more common places where water can collect and present perfect places for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Turn these over to empty any standing water you find. Re-

move empty flower pots and old tires from the property, and make sure water storage containers are tightly covered at all times.

• Address areas where mosquitoes like to rest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that mosquitoes like to rest in dark, humid areas. This includes car ports, garages and beneath patio furniture. Outdoor insecticides can prevent mosquitoes from resting in such areas. When inside a home, mosquitoes may be resting under a sink, in closets, beneath the furniture or in a laundry room. Indoor insect sprays and indoor insect foggers work quickly and can be highly effective, but reapplication might be necessary, as they won’t prevent more mosquitoes from entering the home at a later time.

• Check your window screens. Mosquitoes might prefer the outside, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enter a home looking for meals if given the opportunity. Inspect window screens to look for holes that may provide mosquitoes with access to your home’s interior, replacing any damaged screens immediately. When leaving or entering a home, make a concerted effort to close doors as quickly as possible. GT194824

IN THE GARDEN WITH LESS ACHES AND PAINS

Warm up

Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree. Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting, and other movements that work the entire body. Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come.

Use proper form

Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. The occupational therapists at Bend Spinal Care say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by positioning objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back.

Keep items close

Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles. Long-handled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground. This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time. Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. The therapists at ProCare Physical Therapy say that working below shoulder level whenever possible can prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time.

Invest in new tools

Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Long-handled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency.