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GAZETTE
SENIORS Editor
Kimberly Bamber
Graphic Design
Anna Joyce
Contributing Writers
Karen Finucan Clarkson Ellen Cohen Scott Harris Jim Mahaffie
Advertising Director
Neil Burkinshaw
Prepress Manager
John Schmitz
Special Sections Coordinator
Ashby Rice
PUBLISHED BY THE GAZETTE/POST-NEWSWEEK MEDIA, INC. 9030 COMPRINT COURT, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
Gazette Seniors is produced by The Gazette’s Special Sections and Advertising departments. It does not involve The Gazette’s newsrooms. COVER PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO/NYCSHOOTER
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Do you know someone in Montgomery County 50 or older with an interesting story to tell? Do you know of an organization that provides entertainment, travel or arts opportunities for older adults? We want to know about it! Email us at seniors@gazette.net.
SIGN ME UP
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u How Pet Therapy Can Improve Quality of Life
W
hen Charlie hears he’s going to visit Teresa Hemline, he gets excited. “His ears perk up,” said his owner. Hemline looks forward to the monthly visits as well. “I just love being able to interact and have that closeness with a dog, even though he’s not my dog,” said the 54-year-old Silver Spring resident. Finances and disability preclude Hemline from having a dog of her own. “For someone like me, with physical problems that keep me from getting out, the visits really mean a lot; they make things more enjoyable.” BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON
“With more and more adults passionate about staying in their homes longer, pet therapy can keep them from feeling isolated,” said M. Jane Markley, Charlie’s owner and a volunteer withTherapy Dogs International (TDI). For the past three years, Markley, a 61-yearold Derwood resident, and Charlie, a Shetland sheepdog, have been bringing smiles to the faces of older adults in both residential and institutional settings. Those smiles, according to studies at the University of Missouri, are the result of certain “feel good” hormones—such as oxytocin, prolactin and norepinephrine—that increase in the body when people interact with pets. “Research shows that petting animals can lower blood pressure and relieve depression,” said Ruth Benker, director of communications for Fairfax Pets On Wheels (FPOW). Now in its 26th year, FPOW connects dogs, cats and bunnies with people living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. It is recognized by the Ameri-
can Kennel Club. The nonprofit, all-volunteer group, which serves 14 facilities in Northern Virginia, has roughly“300 volunteers,both human and four-legged,” said Benker, who owns a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Teddy. FPOW’s volunteers donate some 8,000 hours of pet visits each year, she noted.
Each pet visit is “unique to the individual,
pet and facility,” said Benker. Some residents are interested in conversation with the owner, while others want only to spend time with the animal. “Some dogs will do tricks and make residents laugh, but mostly they give a lot of love.” “Although Charlie and I know where we’re going and who we’re going to see, each visit can be different depending on what’s going on in the life of the person we’re visiting,” said Markley. But regardless of their See PET THERAPY, 24 April 2013 | Gazette SENIORS
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TENNIS, EVERYONE? Why this sport is gaining popularity among older adults BY JIM MAHAFFIE
“T
ennis is huge in this area,” said Carol Cohen, hen, president of the Montgomery County Tennis nnis Association (MCTA). “We have the perfect rfect mix of all the factors that together make for exemplary plary tennis—facilities, weather, university tennis programs, ams, outstanding pros, and, of course, a successful county unty tennis association offering year-round tennis for all skill levels, ages and interests.” “The popularity of tennis in this area is why there’s e’s a huge need for us,” said Ellen Johnson, membership secretary of the Fairfax County Golden Racquets, whose hose purpose is “to promote the sport of tennis among senior enior citizens of Fairfax County,Va., as a means of recreation, tion, physical fitness and the sharing of good fellowship,”” according to their mission statement. The Golden Racquets, said Johnson, is designed mainly for retirees with more flexible schedules that allow them to play only during the day. MCTA and the Golden Racquets are just two tennis organizations offering organized league play in n the area. A search on nNetis, nnetis.com, a database thatt lets you search for area courts, clubs and shops, finds three hree tennis organizations, about 10 private tennis clubs and more than 1,300 tennis courts in Fairfax County.There here are five tennis associations and more than 1,400 courts ourts in Montgomery County, according to nNetis, and more than 4,800 courts are listed in the entire Washington gton metro area.
places like Merrifield, Burke and the Fairfax Racquet Club in Virginia. In 2012, according to Cohen of MCTA, 823 registrations were received for the association’s 50 & over Senior League, Senior Mixed League and its Super Senior-60 and -65 leagues. That represented 13 percent of the total league membership. “We believe the actual number is quite a bit higher, since this estimate does not include anyone aged 50 and above who played on an 18 & over Adult League team—and we know many did,” said Cohen.
There are many public and private tennis
facilities in the area. The Montgomery TennisPlex, which just opened its doors in September, is a 12court, indoor/outdoor tennis facility at South Germantown Recreational Park in Boyds. The tennis complex already has a very active tennis ladder of more than
“Generally speaking, our area managers gers
have observed a decline in tennis court use by all ages,” ges,” said Matthew Kaiser, deputy public information officer fficer for the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Casual playy has been replaced by more organized groups of women and schools. Certainly, there are lots of people taking tennis nnis lessons.” According to Johnson, seniors join tennis clubs and organizations in order to find some diversity in oppopponents. Golden Racquets assigns each of its more than gh to 300 members a rating, from 3.0— just good enough blesplay games—up to 4.2—a very good player. Doublesakes only matches are arranged by these ratings. “It takes all the work out of trying to find a competitive and fun tennis game,” said Johnson. Members play at least once es in a week at a number of indoor and outdoor venues 6
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PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM GAVIN, MID-ATLANTIC MATCHPOINT
Dana Plude, of Rockville, at the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Section National Tennis Rating Program Championship Tournament
PHOTOS: MONTGOMERY COUNTY TENNIS ASSOCIATION
ABOVE: The 2008
PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM GAVIN, MID-ATLANTIC MATCHPOINT
TOP: Robert Vinson, of Laurel, at the 2012 MidAtlantic Section National Tennis Rating Program Championship Tournament RIGHT: Tommy Heintschel
of Rockville
8.5 USTA Women’s Combo championship team (L-R): Linda Vinh of Bethesda; Ellen Wallendjack of Bethesda; Beverly Vayhinger of University Park; Eve Helmer of Severna Park; Kelly Moler of McLean, Va.; Chung Bell; Debra Broadus of Hyattsville
Most active tennis players across the U.S. are 41 to 50 years old, but there are tens of thousands more who are 50 to 80 or older, according to research from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) League Task Force, which was organized to examine the existing league structure in American tennis. Data comes from actual numbers of USTA League participants reported for 2008, according to David E. Pullen, executive director of the Montgomery County Tennis Association.
80 players who challenge each other on reserved courts, moving up and down the ladder in ability and competitiveness, said Lydia Xiao, an instructor, front-desk worker and volunteer at the facility.
“We have adult classes and leagues
with lots of people of all different ages,” she said. “There’s a fairly competitive Sunday league and also a doubles mixer on Fridays, which is more social and fun.” A private-public partnership between The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Jack Schore Tennis, Montgomery TennisPlex has no membership requirements, according to facility rules and regulations on montgomerytennisplex.com. The Aspen Hill Club on Homecrest Road in Silver Spring is proud of its active senior tennis community. “Senior tennis is very strong and active, with both doubles and singles play,” said longtime Tennis Director Jeff Klein. “We’re actually bringing senior beginners into the game and that’s exciting too. It’s really a
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lifetime sport.” The club offers beginner to tournament-level play, both socially or competitively, instructional drills and various match play programs. Organized tennis is one popular aspect of the game, but there are many more informal groups playing regularly in the area. Bethesda-resident Catherine Sands is a member of a group that’s been playing since the 1970s. “The cast has changed during the years, but there have always been six to eight of us,” she said. The women, 68 to 75 years old, have had various physical ailments and travel a lot, “but the amazing part is that we’re all playing really well,” said Sands. Her group plays on Friday afternoons at the indoor courts at the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda. Information on indoor and outdoor facilities, as well as public tennis instruction programs in Montgomery County, can be found at montgomeryparks.org. Public courts in Fairfax County are listed at fairfaxcounty.gov/living/parks.
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SIGN ME UP
TAKE A
HIKE
E x p l o r i n g M o n t g o m e r y ’s G r e a t O u t d o o r s BY JIM MAHAFFIE
M
ontgomery is a large county— just over 491 square miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are 418 parks, more than 35,000 acres of parkland, and more than 200 miles of both paved and natural surface trails, according to the county’s Department of Parks’ fact sheet. So there’s no excuse not to get out and about! Today’s seniors are not only 'the greatest generation,' they are also the walking generation. Many have their favorite trails, and use them regularly. “For me, it’s the C&O Canal, particularly the stretch from Carderock to Great Falls,” said Gene Granof, 76, of Bethesda, who prefers to run or bike along the canal. “Going from [Old] Angler’s Inn [in Potomac] to Great Falls on the detour (upper) trails provides some spectacular views when the leaves are down.” He also said that he enjoys the views of the Potomac River along the Capital Crescent Trail on the stretch from Fletcher’s Boathouse in Washington, D.C., to its terminus in Georgetown. Nick Hefter, 79, walks daily to and from his Bethesda home in the Bannockburn neighborhood and the C&O Canal towpath, a walk that he has done for more than 40 years, he said. A meteorologist who works at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in College Park, he also walks there, too. “I walk lunchtimes on a wonderful paved trail by the College Park Airport.” He said he appreciates the flat Northeast Branch Trail, which is part of a trail network between 8
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Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, as opposed to hiking the steep hills along the Potomac River. Like a little more strenuous hiking? Edward Tilghman of Bethesda is 65 and recently spent almost a year training for a demanding climb he undertook up Mount Rainier, a 14,410-foot active volcano in Washington state, according to the National Park Service. Locally, he likes the rugged Billy Goat Trail, a rocky scramble along the edge of the Potomac River between Great Falls and Old Angler’s Inn within the C&O Canal National Historical Park. He also loves Sugarloaf, a small mountain near Dickerson and Comus on the border of Montgomery and Frederick counties. “Most of the time we’re trying to get some elevation with our practice hikes (both ups and downs),” he said. “Sugarloaf is ideal for what we want, with a number of different routes up and back, and the trails are well marked.” “We also have a number of paved HeartSmart Trails,” said Melissa Chotiner, media relations manager for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the agency in charge of the regional park systems Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The hard surface, level paths are usually a mile in distance and very suitable for seniors to use for exercise. Chotiner noted that HeartSmart Trails are available at Brookside Gardens at Wheaton Regional Park, South Germantown Recreational Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park in Silver Spring.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY PARKS
TOP: The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail is hikeable now, but when fully complete, it will span 25 miles from Prince George’s County north through Montgomery County to Patuxent River State Park. RIGHT: The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail stretches from Riley’s Lock on the Potomac River and C&O Canal all the way to Route 355 and then Patuxent River State Park.
M-NCPPC Natural Surface Trails Construction Manager Bob Turnbull believes the county has an excellent trail system. “We take care of 140 miles of natural surface trails, which include dirt paths, mulch paths and gravel roads,” he said. Turnbull said terrain is varied and thus provides different experiences. “Most trails are designed with disabled guidelines, so there are very few extreme grades,” he said. “Surfaces are usually at least 3-feet wide and most more than that.” Turnbull recommended several hiking trails; his personal favorites include the Equestrian Trail Loop at Wheaton Regional Park, a 1.5-mile trail that he said is accessible from Glenallen Avenue, Kemp Mill Road or the park nature centers. He also likes the 23 miles of natural surface trails at Little Bennett Regional
Park in the upper part of the county, in particular the Western Piedmont Trail, an old gravel road that he said is closed to traffic and runs along a creek. “It’s just beautiful for excellent bird-watching and scenic views,” he said, noting his crews are currently working hard on improvements to the Little Bennett trail system. Other favorites for senior hikers tend to include Blockhouse Point Conservation Park Canyon Trail just off River Road in Darnestown and the more than 7-mile-long Little Seneca Creek Greenway in Clarksburg, he said. On montgomeryparks.org, the M-NCPPC website, hikers can find all trail information, detailed maps of most of the trails available in the county, updates on construction projects and more. April 2013 | Gazette SENIORS
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The Win-Win of
VOLUNTEERING BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON
“N
ever in my wildest imagination did I dream I’d be doing this” in retirement, said Richard (Dick) W. Getzinger, a 75-year-old North Bethesda resident. “It caught on with me and I’ve gradually been consumed by it. The more actively involved I’ve become, the more I enjoy and benefit from it.” Getzinger’s experience as a volunteer with the RSVP/ AARP Tax Aide program in Montgomery County seems to bear out research showing that volunteers have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which has reviewed numerous studies on the health benefits associated with volunteerism, noted that community service in older adults can “strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during dif-
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ficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust.” It is the bonds that have developed over his 10 years of community service that Getzinger finds most rewarding. “Part of the enjoyment is the repeat clients, those people who come back year after year and get to know me personally. They’ll call and say, ‘I’d like Mr. Getzinger to do my taxes again,’” he said. The all-volunteer tax aide program is one of two sponsored by RSVP, part of a national volunteer network for people 55 and over. “Last year, over 80 volunteers dedicated 13,000 hours to prepare 4,200 tax returns for free for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers, with special attention to seniors,” said Kathleen Meaney Stobie, RSVP program director. The other RSVP program is Bone Builders, which offers classes designed to prevent or slow the development of osteoporosis. RSVP also serves as an information clearing-
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN MEANEY STOBIE
house for seniors interested in exploring volunteer opportunities. Its 550 active volunteers, who range in age from 55 to 102, reported 100,000 hours of community service last year, according to Stobie. Not only do older adult volunteers make a significant contribution to the local economy, having provided services in the county valued in excess of $2 million last year, but they are invaluable to many nonprofits. “It’s not just grunt work” that they are doing, said Stobie. “RSVP volunteers are tax counselors, literacy tutors, Meals On Wheels team members, docents, grandreaders, consumer advocates, pro bono consultants, Brookside Gardens’ naturalists, longterm care ombudsmen and Bone Builders class leaders.”
Weather permitting, Jane Barrett can be found
searching for non-native invasive plants along Sligo Creek, near her Silver Spring home. Barrett, now in her 70s, became a weed warrior for the Montgomery County Department of Parks when she retired.While she often works solo, Barrett enjoys the company of students. “Last year a group of first- and second-graders from Glen Haven Elementary School helped me pull garlic mustard in the spring. It was fun and educational. The kids learned how to tell the good plants from the bad,” she said. Barrett appreciates the benefits of volunteering.“When you get older, you want your mind to be active as well as your body. As a volunteer, I’m up and moving, not sitting in front of the television getting stiff and achy. Volunteering lets me meet new people and helps me keep up with
"...YOU WANT YOUR MIND TO BE ACTIVE AS WELL AS YOUR BODY.
As a volunteer, I’m up and moving, not sitting in front of the television getting stiff and achy.” –Jane Barrett
what’s going on in the neighborhood.The satisfaction that comes from helping the community is very fulfilling,” she said. “I don’t know why more people don’t do it.” Nearly 28 percent of Maryland residents 16 or older volunteer, putting the state 23rd nationally in 2011, according to CNCS. About a third of Marylanders between 55 and 74 volunteer, as do a quarter of residents 75 or older. Barrett also volunteers at Brookside Gardens, the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Heyman Interages Center and the Audubon Naturalist Society. Through her work with the local Project Linus chapter, she has taught middle-school students how to knit, donating the supplies, and assembled hundreds of knitted and crocheted quilt squares into blankets for sick children. Her volunteer hours in 2012 came to about 600, putting her in the group that derives the greatest benefit from volunteering. Individuals, especially those over age 70, who volunteer at least 100 hours, about two hours a week, enjoy significant mental and physical health benefits, according to CNCS. Among Marylanders 75 or older who volunteered in 2011, the average number of annual volunteer hours was 100. Some of Barrett’s volunteer hours come from being a member of the RSVP SWAT (Seniors With Available Time) Team, which provides immediate, short-term assistance to nonprofits. “The beauty of it is that you can do things if and when they fit your schedule,” she said. See VOLUNTEERING, 26
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SIGN ME UP
Neighbors
HELPING Neighbors BY JIM MAHAFFIE
N
eighbors Assisting Neighbors is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that supports seniors who want to “age in place” in their community. The national movement is, in fact, very local, with communities around the country founding NAN programs for their own friends and neighbors. Miriam Kelty is president of the NAN organization in Bannockburn, a community of some 500 homes in Bethesda. Kelty retired as director of extramural activities with the National Institute on Aging and has studied communities with resources for aging in place, such as Beacon Hill Village in Boston and others in Australia and Scandinavia. She also serves on the Montgomery County Commission on Aging and the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. Gazette Seniors spoke to her about NAN and what the organization has accomplished in her neighborhood.
u What is NAN? How did it come about?
It’s a quickly growing, ‘It takes a village’ movement to help people who need it, not only in their own homes, but also in their communities. NAN came to Bannockburn in 2007 when Helen Pelikan, a neighbor, sent an email out on the neighborhood Listserv thanking the community for their help during a period of health issues. Neighbors had brought meals, took out their trash and shopped for them. Helen suggested that others in the neighborhood might need support, too. I responded along with others and together we formed NAN. Coordinated by block managers and volunteers, NAN assists neighbors—not just seniors—who need transportation, errands, equipment loans, household organization, help with chores or just a social visit.We became a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization in 2009. NAN is also approved for community service learning credits from Montgomery County schools.
u What kinds of things could neighbors depend on NAN for, for instance?
Almost any aspect of their lives, really, as long as we have a volunteer to help.You may need meals for short periods of time.You might need other resources, such as home care or social service agencies. Chores, repairs and maintenance—one thing people seem to appreciate is having someone help with these decisions. Can it be fixed 12
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ED AND MIRIAM KELTY
Walt Whitman High School student Hannah Stahl interviews Bannockburn resident Esther Delaplaine for the Wise Elders project, one of the initiatives of the Bethesda neighborhood’s Neighbors Assisting Neighbors organization.
easily or do they need to hire a pro? And when the contractor comes, can someone stay with them at their house? Older people worry about being taken advantage of. NAN also puts on at least one social or educational program a month for the purpose of fostering socialization. A big issue with aging in place is social isolation and loneliness. So these events are aimed at people of all ages, with kids and younger adults, too. This neighborhood is full of experts in various things, like writers and musicians. They’re eclectic and interesting people, and when they share with others, it becomes another way of keeping people involved.
u So what has NAN accomplished lately in your neighborhood?
Here in Bannockburn, drivers take people who need transport to physical therapy. Another neighbor who is legally blind gets driven to her sculpture class at Montgomery College, and another gets taken to a county civic group meeting. Our neighbor Marianne Ross conducts a water aerobics class at the neighborhood pools. People show up then have coffee or lunch afterward—and that’s healthy for body and the spirit. Our Wise Elders program pairs Bannockburn elders with high school students. After a series of inter-
views, the students develop a presentation to illustrate their elders’ experiences and achievements throughout their lifetime. I’m particularly proud that our NAN is intergenerational, with all ages participating. After all, you can’t depend on people in their 80s to help those in their 90s.
u How do you keep awareness of NAN in the community?
Events & Services notices go on the neighborhood Listserv every few weeks, which goes to 700 families. Depending on time of year and what’s going on, we tell people about job search training for seniors, volunteer and for-pay snow shovelers, area people who offer rides to the airport, or special notices about things like medical ID and medical alert bracelets. A few years ago, we asked the Glen Echo Fire Station to do home safety inspections for anyone who wanted one. They offer them free, and found a shocking number of households with issues—not just smoke detector problems, but exposed wires, slippery rugs, etc. People were so grateful! For more information, visit bannockburncommunity.org/nan.html.
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TRAVEL
COUNTRIES VISITED
I
BY JIM MAHAFFIE
t’s hard to tell which one of the Augustines of Potomac has more of a wanderlust. They come from very different backgrounds and experiences. But put them together, as marriage did 51 years ago, and you get a couple that simply loves to go different places and do interesting things. Meg, 76, was born in Sweden, and as a teenager, traveled all over Europe, buying inexpensive railroad tickets and staying at youth hostels. She said she always had a feeling of fascination with America. Answering an ad from a family looking for an au pair, she came alone to the U.S. when she was 19 with $50 and two suitcases. Norm is 77 and grew up in Colorado. “Until I went
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to college, I thought the East Coast was Wichita, Kan.,” he said. “But I always had a curiosity about other places.” Beginning his career as an engineer with the Douglas Aircraft Company, he traveled for business to places like Paris, Berlin and Tokyo, “and discovered that I really enjoyed the learning experience.” When Norm was in graduate school at Princeton University in New Jersey, Meg dated his roommate. One summer, she answered another ad looking for someone to drive a car across the U.S. She figured, “Why not see a bit of America?” So she drove from New York to Los Angeles by herself. “When I think of my kids doing that, I have heart failure,” she joked today. Norm was in Los Angeles working for Douglas Aircraft at the time. “My former roommate
asked me to show her around, so I’m still showing her around,” he said. Meg later became an airline hostess, giving her another way to see more of the U.S. That zest for travel has never ended for the Augustines. Norm became interested in places like Tanzania, Togo, Timbuktu and the Pacific Islands, and just had to see them. His curiosity extended all the way to the North and South Poles. “There’s not much there other than a research station at the South Pole,” he said. “In fact, you’d never know you were at the North Pole unless you had a GPS. But there are lots of birds and animals and scenery to see going there and back.” Norm said the research center at the South Pole is “doing truly fascinating work,” and he chaired the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel established by the
White House to assess U.S. activities there. With a lifelong appreciation for engineering and science, Norm’s career path has taken him from Douglas Aircraft to leadership positions at Martin Marietta, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, then onto the U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin Corporation, where he retired as chairman and CEO in 1997. Among many other positions, he was chairman and principal officer of the American Red Cross, chairman of the National Academy of Engineering, president and chairman of the Association of the United States Army, chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association and chairman of the Defense Science Board. He is also a former president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Boy Scouts of America. Today, he’s just as busy with an astonishingly long list of mostly pro bono commitments for various associations, charities and the U.S. government.This in turn keeps him on the road constantly, which he doesn’t mind as long as he gets back to Potomac often to see his grandchildren who live nearby. He counts 111 countries visited, and said Meg is close to that, too. Norm and Meg agree that Africa is their favorite destination, and have been
to the continent many times. On their last trip, they explored the slave history of Togo. They’ve twice been to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas. They lament that places like Timbuktu in West Africa are too dangerous to visit today, as they would love to return. “I love to get a feeling for different cultures,” said Meg. “Every time you travel, you realize how much there is to know.You learn something new all the time.” Meg said they try not to do anything foolish in their travels, “but we are willing to lean out there a little bit.” They have hurtled down a half-mile zip line in Costa Rica, dogsledded in the Arctic and rafted in the Grand Canyon. They got lost recently in the jungle in New Guinea. Crossing a vine bridge over a ravine during a downpour, their guides thought they had accounted for everyone, but the Augustines had been left behind. Norm, an Eagle Scout, managed to track the rest of the group and got himself and Meg back to camp before dark. “We’ll travel as long as we’re able,” vowed Meg. “I never want to have any regrets, wishing I could have gone somewhere and done something I really wanted to do.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORM AND MEG AUGUSTINE
ABOVE: The Augustines have been twice to see the mountain gorillas in
Rwanda in Africa.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Meg and Norm Augustine visit the Great Wall of China with daughter René, son-in-law Mark, and grandchildren Christian, Alexander and Isabella.
Norm Augustine on a Zodiac inflatable boat trip in Antarctica, where many nation’s have research facilities, and indulging in his photography hobby in Israel. The Augustines visit a Montana ranch where “The Horse Whisperer” movie was filmed.
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LIVING
BRIGHTVIEW FALLSGROVE
NEW COMMUNITY Opens in Rockville
“We look to residents to fill their calendar with lectures, outings and even some volunteer programs, which enable the community to give back,” said Harms. “Our Ambassador Program helps new residents meet people and learn what activities are available.” Apartments range from 300 to 850 square feet, with studio, companion and one-bedroom floor plans. Large windows, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, full bathrooms, and kitchenettes with granite countertops, a refrigerator/ freezer and microwave are some of the apartments’ offerings. “There is no oven, but there’s no need to cook more than a light meal,” said Harms. “It’s a new lifestyle to enjoy.Time to stop working, spend time with friends and family, and let someone else provide expert service.”
BY ELLEN R. COHEN
T
here’s a brand-new senior community on Darnestown Road in Rockville. “Open just since Feb. 4, Brightview Fallsgrove is filling up quickly,” said Executive Director Kelly Harms. “Our reputation precedes us. We are the 23rd community for Brightview Senior Living (BSL), but the first in Montgomery County. BSL has a strong reputation for providing excellent service, so we have been welcomed by the community. People saw the model apartments and loved them.” A subsidiary of Baltimore-based The Shelter Group, Brightview Fallsgrove joins more than 20 other communities located in eight states, according to the BSL website, including Maryland and Virginia. The Brightview Fallsgrove community is created for residents in need of assisted living and specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care. There are some couples moving in, but there are more singles, according to Harms. Pets—25 pounds or smaller—are also welcome for residents who can care for them. Of the 94 rental apartments, according to Harms, 70 are designated for traditional assisted living and 24 are part of the on-site Wellspring Village, a specialized area of the community for dementia care.
Mary Ann Young moved in
The three-story Brightview Fallsgrove
building offers residents many comforts and amenities. “It’s your home; we just work here,” said Harms. Monthly rent includes laundry and housekeeping services, dining, medication management, programs and activities, scheduled transportation, and utilities. A nurse is on-site every day. Additional personalized care services, including dementia care, are tailored to the individual needs, said Harms. The community also features a café/bar, a beauty salon and barber, an exercise and physical therapy room, and a variety of scheduled activities—day trips, creative projects, classes and fitness programs. 16
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIGHTVIEW FALLSGROVE
TOP: Brightview Fallsgrove is a brand-new senior community located on Darnestown Road in Rockville. ABOVE: Residents can
enjoy happy hours and teas in the Activity Room.
“pretty close to opening day.” She selected Brightview Fallsgrove because her son lives nearby and watched the construction process. “There are always things to do here and I don’t have to cook,” said Young. “I don’t have to think about grocery shopping, what to eat and what to prepare. It’s great! It’s so easy to go down to the dining area. There are always people there and the chefs are fantastic. I haven’t heard any complaints, which is pretty amazing.” According to Harms, most residents are from Rockville, North Potomac, Potomac, Darnestown and Kensington. “Many come from other assistedliving communities,” she said. Albino “Al” Pecoraro, who moved in Feb. 4, transferred from another community because he likes the fact that Brightview Fallsgrove is strictly assisted living. “We’re all in the same boat here; everyone is going through the same thing,” he said. A Montgomery County resident for 60 years, he worked in Washington as a shipping manager for The Upjohn Company, retiring after the pharmaceutical company merged with Pfizer.
Pecoraro enjoys “the 4 p.m. cocktail hour at the Bistro and the camaraderie among the residents.They’re still shy, but I think time will heal that,” said the 92-yearold.With leg problems, said Pecoraro, “I’m in a good position to be here.” Despite his age, he “has all his faculties,” he said, and still drives to the Rockville Senior Center. Resident Dona McNish also said she appreciates “having people to talk with and to do things with … Having a large community here means there are people around. The staff at Brightview Fallsgrove is just wonderful. Everyone is young and they’re so willing to help. We have good food and the facilities are lovely,” she said. McNish, who is blind, enjoys her favorite activities, trivia and bingo, and has memorized her cards. She, like Pecoraro, attends happy hour in the Bistro. “With the fireplace going, it’s very pleasant,” said McNish, a lifelong Montgomery County resident. The community is “a godsend for me,” said Pecoraro.“I am so pleased to be here and so contented.The best is yet to come.”
TOP: A Computers 101 class is held in Brightview’s computer room. FAR LEFT: A resident
practices putting during a program called “Tea and Tee” held in the community’s Activity Room. LEFT: Several
Wellspring Village residents celebrate Valentine’s Day.
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17
HEALTH
How to Get Better
SLEEP
The bad news is that many seniors have a hard time regularly getting a good night’s sleep. The good news is that a few commonsense solutions can get sufferers back on track—without necessarily needing to see a doctor or take new medications.
GOODSHOOT/THINKSTOCK
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013
BY SCOTT HARRIS
C
hronic insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and Willis-Ekbom disease—commonly known as restless legs syndrome—are the most common sleep-related afflictions in seniors, according to MarkW. Miller, M.D., sleep specialist at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s Sleep Center in Olney, and Thomas LoRusso, M.D., a sleep specialist at Fairfax, Va.-based Northern Virginia Sleep Diagnostic Center.These three afflictions also affect seniors more acutely than other segments of the population. “Sleep disorders can increase in incidence as we get older,” Miller said.“There’s less interaction socially, less exposure to sunlight and less exercise. These all play a role in our ability to sleep.” Inadequate or irregular sleep can also occur as the indirect by-product of other medical conditions or prescription medications. “As you get older, you tend to have more conditions associated with pain or insomnia,” LoRusso said. “And there tend to be a lot more mood disorders.That can play into sleep. Some medications can have a negative effect on sleep, too. There are some medications that can have stimulating properties.” According to the National Sleep Foundation, medications that can lead to insomnia include those taken for colds and allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, birth control, asthma and pain and depression—especially certain types of antidepressants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than one-quarter of the U.S. population reports at least occasionally not getting enough sleep, while nearly 10 percent experience chronic insomnia, which is a disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep or both. Stress, anxiety, depression and pain can all cause insomnia, according to the National Sleep Foundation website. A 2009 CDC survey found that about 45 percent of Americans 65 or older had unintentionally fallen asleep during the day at least once in the previous month—more than any other age group.
Obstructive sleep apnea, according
Fortunately, several relatively easy
(and free) lifestyle adjustments can help sleep-starved seniors get back in the groove. Good “sleep hygiene,” in a nutshell, involves staying active, staying on a routine and staying clear of distractions before bedtime, according to Miller and LoRusso. Completely eliminating television and computer time one hour before bed helps prepare the mind for sleep, said Miller. Also, exposure to sunlight within about 30 minutes of awakening, when possible, can help the body get into an effective sleeping and waking cycle, he noted. Adding or altering personal habits like these is one step in the larger process of establishing a more sleep-friendly routine. “Try to keep as regular a schedule as possible,” Miller said. “Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.You should also avoid napping for more than 15 minutes a day.” Alcohol and nicotine should also be avoided.“You want to limit alcohol and tobacco, especially before bedtime,” LoRusso said. “Alcohol can make it easier to fall asleep, but you can also wake up more easily when alcohol is onboard.” Engaging both the body and the mind helps ensure that both are ready to rest at the end of the day. Both Miller and LoRusso recommended about 30 to 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each day, as well as intellectual and social stimulation. “A more active brain sleeps better at night,” Miller said. “It can cause problems if you’re sitting around all day looking at the television.” If problems persist, sleep specialists may be an appropriate option.Technological advances in the field of sleep medicine have made testing and treatment more convenient for doctors and patients. For example, LoRusso said that tests for obstructive sleep apnea can be done in the home, rather than in a sleep lab. Regardless of the root cause or the ultimate treatment path, sleep deprivation is a problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly, particularly among seniors.
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to the Mayo Clinic, occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep and block the airway. Snoring is the most common sign of this condition. “[M]uscles get floppier as you get older,” said LoRusso.“They can collapse while you sleep and obstruct the upper airway.”
Willis-Ekbom disease, a neurological disorder that often occurs in the evening, can also stymie sleep. According to theWillis-Ekbom Disease Foundation, the disease affects as much as 10 percent of the population and is usually characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, which is often accompanied by sensations of “creeping,” “tugging” or “pulling” in the legs. Miller said that iron deficiency is one of the more common causes of the condition.
April 2013 | Gazette SENIORS
19
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TO GIFT OR NOT TO GIFT?
That's Just One of Several Estate Planning Questions to Consider BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON
“…IN THIS WORLD,”
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013
wrote Benjamin Franklin in 1789, “nothing is certain but death and taxes.” And it’s not unusual for the two to go hand in glove. “You can choose to say, ‘It’s not my problem,’ as these are taxes you’ll never have to pay,” said David Galinis, a partner with Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby LLP in Gaithersburg, “but it will reduce (your heirs’) inheritance.” For those looking to leave more to their heirs and less to the government, things became a little easier as a result of the fiscal cliff deal, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, reached by Congress at the end of
last year. The law preserved the existing federal estate tax structure that allows an individual to bequeath up to $5 million, adjusted for inflation, without anything owed to Uncle Sam. That exemption was scheduled to revert to $1 million at the end of 2012. The change means that just 3,780 estates nationwide will owe such tax in 2013, according to an estimate by the Tax Policy Center. “Most middle-class people will not have to worry about the federal tax,” said Richard N. Ruprecht, a 59-year-old principal with Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd. in Bethesda, who has seen the exemption
rise from $60,000 to the current $5.25 million over his lifetime. During the same period, the top estate tax rate dropped from 77 to 40 percent. Amounts that exceed the exemption are now taxed on a graduated scale, ranging from 18 percent on the first $10,000 to 40 percent on $1 million or more.
Making it even less likely that any
federal estate tax will be due is a provision known as portability. The law allows “property and wealth transfer to a surviving spouse or charity in an unlimited amount,” said Ann Jakabcin, principal with Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC in Rockville. As a result, the first spouse often doesn’t make a dent in his $5.25 million exemption. “Any amount that’s unused may be transferred to the surviving spouse, which could leave (the spouse with) as much as $10.5 million.” The key to portability, according to Ruprecht, is letting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) know you intend to take advantage of the provision. Portability is not automatic. “You have to make an election when the first spouse dies,” he said. “You must file an estate tax return, even if nothing is owed.” Estate tax portability is not recognized in Maryland, where the exemption is $1 million per person and the maximum tax rate is 16 percent. “You either use the exemption or lose it,” said Jakabcin, noting that it doesn’t take as much as one might think to accrue $1 million in assets. “If you’re a single individual in the D.C. area who owns a home and has a job with a retirement plan and life insurance, it doesn’t take long to cross that $1 million threshold.” That’s not to mention cash in the bank, stocks, bonds, cars, jewelry and home furnishings. What’s not included as part of a Maryland resident’s estate is real estate owned elsewhere. “Real property owned in another state is not subject to Maryland law,” said Galinis. “You have to open up a separate estate in the other state.” That could be good news if the property is in Virginia, which does not levy an estate tax, or a concern if it’s in New Jersey, where the individual exemption is $675,000. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia currently have an estate tax, although Delaware’s is set to expire on July 1, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
While the state of Maryland’s $1
million exemption is not portable, there are ways to allow an individual’s assets to be tapped by the surviving spouse yet prevent them from being taxed upon that
RYAN MCVAY/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK
When inherited, the property’s value is generally what it was worth on the day of the owner’s death... When gifted, the property’s value is worth what it was when the gift giver acquired it. spouse’s death. “A credit shelter trust basically shelters that $1 million credit,” said Galinis. “Instead of giving everything to the surviving spouse, you take the million that you could give away tax-free and put it into a trust for the kids.The spouse gets all the income from the trust and can get to the principal for health, maintenance or support.” Another way to bring estates closer to or under the $1 million exemption is to give gifts, as Maryland does not have a gift tax. “If you are financially secure, you can decrease the size of your estate by giving away assets during your lifetime,” said Jakabcin. While there is no federal gift tax per se, the amount of an individual gift exceeding $14,000 in 2013 counts against the $5.25 million estate tax exemption. This unified approach to gifts and bequests effectively lowers the amount a person’s estate can claim as exempt upon his death. The IRS requires the annual reporting of gifts above $14,000. When bestowing a gift that is something other than cash—such as stocks, bonds or See GIFTING, 22
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ALTHOUGH SAME-SEX COUPLES IN MARYLAND CAN LEGALLY MARRY, they currently are not entitled to all the death tax exclusions available to a husband and wife.
GIFTING, continued from 21 real estate—there are other considerations. An important one is appreciation, according to Ruprecht. Because the value (cost basis) of the property differs, depending on whether it is gifted or inherited, the amount of state income and federal capital gains taxes owed when it is sold by the new owner can vary greatly. When inherited, the property’s value is generally what it was worth on the day of the owner’s death.This is known as a steppedup basis and any appreciation is rolled into the amount. When gifted, the property’s value is worth what it was when the gift giver acquired it. Ruprecht offered this example: “Suppose someone buys a house for $100 and at his death it is worth $400, that ($300) appreciation is considered part of the tax basis. If the heirs sell the house for $401, they only pay tax on $1. Had the parents given the house to the children prior to death, the children don’t get that steppedup basis.” They would pay tax on $301. Multiply this by thousands—to reflect the cost of a home in Montgomery County— and the difference can be significant. Although the cost basis of inherited property may be stepped up, the property may be subject to state inheritance tax. Maryland is one of eight states that levy an inheritance tax and is one of two—along with New Jersey—that have both inheritance and estate taxes. “It’s not really a double tax,” said Ruprecht. “There’s a credit against the Maryland estate tax for any inheritance tax paid.” The state inheritance tax applies to those who are not “bloodline descendents or siblings (of the deceased) and is fixed at 10 percent,” said Jakabcin. “While the law says the recipient pays the tax, the writer of the will can shift the tax burden to the estate.” Maryland levies the inheritance tax on individuals whether or not they are state residents. There is no federal inheritance tax.
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Although same-sex couples in
Maryland can legally marry, they currently
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013
are not entitled to all the death tax exclusions available to a husband and wife.That is “because all of the (Maryland) legislation dealing with estate taxes builds off of the federal estate tax and the federal government has yet to recognize gay marriage,” said Jakabcin. As a result, gay spouses may not avail themselves of the right to transfer both unlimited assets to the surviving spouse and the unused portion of their $5.25 million federal estate tax exemption. The federal law, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), defines marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman,” thereby preventing same-sex spouses from sharing federal benefits.That could change, depending on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Edith Schlain Windsor, which was argued in March. Windsor, an 83-year-old NewYork resident, had to pay $363,000 in estate taxes on property that she and her same-sex spouse had accumulated during their four decades together. At question, according to Windsor’s legal brief, is whether DOMA “violates the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection of the laws as applied to persons of the same sex who are legally married under the laws of their state.” A surviving same-sex spouse does not have to pay Maryland inheritance tax, said Galinis, as the law is not tied to a federal statute. Although there is no case law, “the inheritance tax should not be a problem (for gay spouses),” he said.
Given the various death taxes and
the differing requirements at the state and federal levels, “tax planning strategies can often be at odds with each other.You sometimes have to pick the lesser of two evils,” said Ruprecht. That is where an estate planning professional is invaluable. When it comes to planning one’s estate, Galinis’ advice is “if your assets are at a million or over, let’s talk about it—what the options are and what it will cost to do things. If they’re in excess of $2 million, it becomes a decent idea. At $3 million, it makes sense, and at $4 million and above, it’s a no-brainer.”
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u Married
men are far more likely to say they are taking control of financial decisions (38 percent) than married women (19 percent).
u Women worry most about household expenses, debt and ability to save for retirement.
u Men are more focused on external fac-
tors, such as the state of the economy,
followed by household expenses and retirement. The survey also noted that only 10 percent of female breadwinners feel very knowledgeable about financial products and services, and are only half as likely to feel as well prepared to make wise financial decisions as men. “The good news for women is that they are more likely to ask for help from a financial professional, a smart move no matter where you are in terms of retirement preparedness,” said Caroline Feeney, president of Agency Distribution at Prudential. “It’s not surprising to learn that women who work with advisors are more likely to report being on track for meeting their retirement goals.” –Brandpoint
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PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTH BENKER, FAIRFAX PETS ON WHEELS
Fairfax Pets On Wheels connects dogs, cats and bunnies with people living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
PET THERAPY, continued from 5 mood, Charlie is welcome. “They want to pet him; Charlie’s fur is so soft. And that tactile stimulus is important; it’s a soothing, comforting thing.” While some residents prefer to cuddle with the pets, others are motivated to move. Such is the case with one of Markley’s clients, a resident at an assisted-living facility. “He’s her incentive. She loves to take Charlie for a walk,” Markley said. It helps that he’s accustomed “to walking with older folks and those who are handicapped.” While both Markley and Benker have smaller animals, therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes.“We’ve had tiny, littleYorkshire terriers and large, 180-pound mastiffs,” said Benker. It’s not size or breed but temperament and the relationship between the animal and the handler that makes for a successful therapy dog, she said.
Both FPOW and TDI require, to
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013
different degrees, training, a demonstration that handlers are able to control their dog and a clean bill of health for the animal.To become certified through TDI, Markley and Charlie first completed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program. She continued to train Charlie, making sure he was comfortable with medical equipment—wheelchairs, walkers and IV poles—and smells. Although she and Charlie passed the 90-minute exam, their entry into the pet therapy arena was delayed after a veterinarian discovered the
dog had worms. TDI requires that Markley keep Charlie’s inoculations up to date and certify his health annually. Those choosing to volunteer through FPOW take a slightly different route after completing the online application. They must first attend an orientation, held the first Wednesday of the month at Leewood Healthcare Center in Annandale.The next step is to have the animal’s temperament tested and health examined by a vet, according to Benker. In the meantime, Benker strongly encourages handlers to visit a nursing home. “What we don’t want is for someone to go through all the steps only to realize this isn’t for them … These visits can be fun, but also depressing. We’re not visiting folks at a resort in Florida. For most residents, this is their last home.You may get to see them for years or only a few visits,” she said. The last step in the process is an onsite orientation, supervised by an FPOW liaison, for both pet and handler. As the liaison for Iliff Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunn Loring, Benker requires two visits. That allows her to “make sure the human handler and pet are in sync; that the human has control of the dog, cat or bunny; and understands the rules and regulations of the facility,” she said. “Then they may visit whenever they want, though we ask them to commit to at least one hour a month.”
One hour is generally the length of
a single pet visit. “I learned early on that Charlie can’t do two visits in one day or
“They want to pet him,
CHARLIE’S FUR IS SO SOFT. And that tactile stimulus is important; it’s a soothing, comforting thing.” –M. Jane Markley
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PHOTO COURTESY OF M. JANE MARKLEY
M. Jane Markley and her Shetland sheepdog Charlie volunteer with Therapy Dogs International.
more than 90 minutes in a day. An hour is best. Otherwise, he’s exhausted,” said Markley. While one might think that lying on someone’s lap or couch and being petted is relaxing, Markley disagreed. “He’s not asleep; he’s on point.” Markley and Charlie do between four and six visits monthly. “There’s a lot of prep work involved,” she said. Charlie is “bathed, brushed down and groomed before he goes out in public. He also has a scarf that has to be washed between visits.” Despite the work involved, both Markley and Benker derive a deep sense of satisfaction from their volunteer efforts. “It gives me a chance to make a difference in
somebody’s life and in my dog’s life,” said Markley. “I’ve been doing this for 21 years, and in those years I’ve met hundreds of residents. Some I’ve gotten close to and had wonderful relationships with,” said Benker. “You get a very different perspective on life from someone in a different generation. It’s very rewarding.” To learn more about TDI, visit tdi-dog.org. For more on FPOW, go to fpow.org. Other organizations provide similar services, including National Capital Therapy Dogs Inc.: nctdinc.org. April 2013 | Gazette SENIORS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN MEANEY STOBIE
Kathleen Meaney Stobie presents Dick Getzinger with a magic wand in 2011 to use as district coordinator of the RSVP/AARP Tax Aide program.
VOLUNTEERING, continued from 11 Much of the work available to SWAT team members is clerical. “I was an office manager for a biopharmaceutical company, so it’s something I can do easily.”
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013
Don’t let a lack of skills limit your
volunteer efforts, said Getzinger, as many organizations—such as the RSVP/AARP Tax Aide, Bone Builders and Long Term Care Ombudsman programs—provide training.While Getzinger, a former chemical engineer, had done his family’s taxes, he had no background in accounting. “All you need is a bent for figures, numbers and intricacies, and a willingness to read the literature and solve problems,” he said. Prospective tax counselors receive a week of training to prepare them to pass the required certification tests. The most successful volunteers have “a heart to help” and a passion for a particular cause or project, said Stobie. “Finding a good fit is important.” To that end, “we ask about interests, skills, geographic and schedule preferences and explore some options. Then we direct them to the appropriate partner organizations to discuss specifics and determine if it is a good fit.” RSVP partners with 40 organizations that embrace senior volunteers. They include groups that focus on disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families, according to Stobie. Seniors who join RSVP are not limited to the agency’s partners. Various positions are available on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s website,
COMSTOCK/THINKSTOCK
montgomeryserves.org. RSVP provides its members with free supplemental liability insurance and recognition for their efforts. “The rewards are there if you’re willing to invest the time,” said Getzinger, who is now the tax aide program’s district coordinator. “I’ve experienced it personally and I certainly intend to stay in the program for as long as I have the energy.” Various positions are available on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s website, montgomeryserves.org. For more information on the RSVP senior volunteer program, call 240-777-2610 or email rsvp@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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Gazette SENIORS | April 2013