Issuu

CONTENTS DEB GEISSLER PUBLISHER dgeissler@desertentertainer.com GREG ARCHER EXECUTIVE EDITOR news@desertentertainer.com JOSE DE LA CRUZ ART DIRECTOR news@desertentertainer.com ADVERTISING SALES KIMBERLY BRUCKS ADVERTISING MANAGER kbrucks@desertentertainer.com JUDY TELANDER MARKETING SPECIALIST jtelander@desertentertainer.com DOING DEL FILMMAKER DEL SHORES GETS SORDID WITH PRIME TIME. PAGE 14

GRAPHICS SANDRA BARONI GRAPHIC ARTIST ads@desertentertainer.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The best is yet to come. Check out these notable Valley events.

HOSPITAL CARE Our update on the improvements of hospital care.

READY FOR 100? Three tips that will add fuel to a stellar life at 100—and beyond.

YOU AND YOUR INSURANCE The latest options available for seniors struggling to pay for their insurance.

IMMUNE SYSTEM CHECK When was the last time you considered what’s happening with your immune system? Take note of these five key points.

SMALL NEST EGG, BIG DREAMS A report on how you can fatten that nest egg. Two words: plan ahead.

SORDID AGAIN Valley favorite Del Shores opens up about sequels, family and thriving in his fifties..

RETIREMENT ROULETTE Follow these key steps and your retirement could empower you.

WORTH THE TREK? You bet. Try these hiking trails for a fitness boost.

‘FIGHTERS’ UNITED How boxing is empowering people living with Parkinson’s disease to fight back.

GREG ARCHER LUCINDA SUE CROSBY ALISON ELSNER Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Closed Major Holidays Phone: (760) 776-5181 Fax: (760) 776-5733 desertentertainer.com desertmobilehomenews.com canadasouthmagazine.com

HAVE TRAIL, WILL HIKE PAGE 18

ADVOCATES FOR PARKINSON’S UNITE PAGE 30

A QUARTERLY PRODUCT OF

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

EDITOR’S NOTE

our AARP card arrives. You look up and think: Oh my, now what? What’s the secret to longevity?

hint: It doesn’t hurt to plan ahead. To that end, take note of our Calendar in this issue (page 6), where writer Alison Elsner points

about Shores’ film sequel, “A Very Sordid Wedding,” his passion for living and some of the things that help him enhance happiness.

It’s the question on the mind and hearts of

out a variety of happenings around the desert

Because exercise is vital, I want to point out

many people as they venture beyond the age

taking place in the months ahead. Here’s a sur-

Lucinda Sue Crosby’s feature on hiking trails

50. (And I suspect the vibrant soul pictured

prise: The rise of live entertainment at Whole

(page 18). Also, be sure to take note of what’s

above may have some answers for us.) Does

Foods. Check it out. Over on page 12, we discuss

unfolding on the medical insurance front (page

the secret to living well revolve around regu-

the immune system and why it’s so vital to keep

22) and the latest on how to create wise invest-

larly scheduled exercise? Good friendships?

track of what’s unfolding with yours. Our prom-

ments (page 28).

Or, as one interviewee notes in this issue of

inent feature in this issue boasts some smarts

Enjoy everything else in between. And feel

PrimeTime, keeping the flames of passion lit in

and sass. But what else would be expected from

free to share your longevity tips with us here

romance? Well, why not? Actually, the secret

the wonderful Del Shores. At 59, the creative ge-

at PrimeTime. Email news@desertentertainer.

to living a vibrant life may a combination of

nius behind the cult film (and later TV) classic,

com. We welcome your insights and feedback.

all of those things and, of course, finding your

“Sordid Lives,” shares his thoughts about thriv-

passion in life. So, for this issue of Prime Time,

ing well into the fifty- and sixtysomething era

we’re giving you a literary smorgasbord of tid-

(and beyond). Of course, romance is involved,

bits and other fancy footnotes about bringing

so let’s not forget to keep that aspect of our lives

Greg Archer

more joy and longevity into your life. Here’s a

afloat, too. Turn to page 14 and learn more

Editor

4 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

Until next time …

DATEBOOK

LIVE IT UP

OUR HANDY SPRINGTIME GUIDE TO NOTEWORTHY EVENTS BY ALISON ELSNER

pring has arrived. Summer is on its way. So, grab your calendar and plug in the following list of diverse events. Three words of advice: Just have fun.

WEDNESDAYS 6-8PM Indie Wednesdays at Whole Foods Market Food, drink, music and friends—what could be better? Every Wednesday evening, Whole Foods in Palm Desert features live acoustic sessions with local Coachella Valley musicians. While you enjoy the “jams,” you can also

6 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

enjoy “the joy of eating and living well,” which is part of the store’s motto. Good to know: You can also sample quick bites and featured beers at the Tap-In Taproom, a jazzy little pub right inside the store. Free. Whole Foods Market, 44459 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, 760-7978200, wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/palmdesert.

Center Woodcarvers Club meets every Monday morning throughout the summer to share creative ideas while supporting each other’s projects. Free with $30 Joslyn Center annual membership. The Joslyn Center, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert, 760340-3220, joslyncenter.org.

MONDAYS 10-11AM

Bingo Mondays at Mizell Senior Center What a fun and lively way to spend your Monday afternoons. The perk? A chance to win prizes and/or cash. Card sales begin at noon

Joslyn Center Woodcarver’s Club Woodcarving is an often-overlooked art form. You can work on it alone or in a group. The Joslyn

MONDAYS NOON-4PM

DATEBOOK

FOR THE LOVE OF WOOD IF THERE’S SOME WOOD, YOU CAN BET THAT THERE ARE WOODCARVERS. CHECK OUT THE SUMMER PROGRAM AT JOSLYN CENTER.

with the Early Bird Game at 12:50 p.m., continuing through the afternoon. There are 10 regular bingo games along with special games like Triple Bingo, Double Action, Odd Coverall, and Even Coverall. Grab your favorite dauber, put on your Bingo Shoes and stay cool at Mizell. Members $7 for 10 sheets (six Bingo cards per sheet), $12 for non-members. Mizell Senior Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs,

760-323-5689, mizellseniorcenter.org.

MAY 11-14, 8AM-5PM Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival Remember old-time films like “Night and the City” (1950) with Richard Widmark and Gene Tierney? Come load up on four days of celluloid nostalgia at the annual Film Noir Festival, an eclectic mix of classic film noir “B” movies.

Opening night on May 11 will screen “Hollow Triumph” (1948), featuring special guest Monika Henreid with a gala and reception after the film. Tickets $13 - $125. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs, 760-898-5250, arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >>>

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

DATEBOOK

TEMPTATIONS AWAIT ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL IS JUST ONE OF THE RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING IN THE POPULAR GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK.

<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

MAY 20, 6-10PM Evening at the Pueblo Gala at Cabot’s Museum The annual Museum event raises funds for Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, where guests can get an up-close look at the eccentric Hopi Indian-inspired structure created by explorer and adventurer Cabot Yerxa over several generations beginning in 1913. The Museum is unique in its use of reclaimed materials from nature as well as from abandoned homes, telephone poles and other unexpected sources. The Gala will feature cocktails, dinner, entertainment and a special program. Tickets $175. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, 67616 Desert View Ave., Desert Hot Springs, 760329-7610, cabotsmuseum.org.

THROUGH MAY 21 TUESDAY-SATURDAY 7:30PM SUNDAYS 2 PM CVRep presents Later Life (Coachella Valley Repertory Theater) The delightful play by A.R. Gurney revolves around Austin, a man unable to shake his depression, and Ruth,

8 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

a free-spirited, multiple divorcee. The duo rekindles their romance after 30 years—and all against the scenic backdrop of Boston Harbor. Comical and poignant, the play reminds people of the infinite possibilities that life holds, no matter what age or situation. Tickets $48. CV Rep at The Atrium, 69930 Highway 111, Ste. 116, Rancho Mirage,760- 296-2966, cvrep.org.

MAY 28, JUNE 25 AND JULY 23, 2-5PM Jazz at the 12th Floor Lounge at Fantasy Springs The debut season of this live series, held the fourth Sunday of each month, will be hosted by award-winning singer and performing artist Paul MacKey and presented by drummer Andy Fraga and bassist Larry Holloway. Guests can take in the panoramic view of the Valley and beyond from the 12th floor luxury sofas. The Cocktail Lounge & Wine Bar will offer its impressive new wine list and a selection of the best artisan cheeses, produced primarily by hand in small batches. No cover. Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio, 800-827-2946, fantasyspringsresort.com.

JUNE 2-11 LUNCH AND/OR DINNER 2017 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week “Peace, Love, Eat.” That’s the motto of Restaurant Week, a 10-day celebration of food, offering fixed price, three-course culinary lunch and dinner experiences featuring eateries throughout the entire Coachella Valley. Visit your favorite portal and enjoy special prices and try something new at the same time. Approximately 100 restaurants participate. Sponsored by the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and partners. Lunch $15, $20 and $25, dinner $29, $39 and $49 (not including beverages, tax or gratuity). 760-7709000 or 760-969-1338, visitgreaterpalmsprings. com/restaurantweek.

JUNE 3, JULY 1 AND AUG. 5, 11AM-4PM Decorators Depot Live Art Event The much-anticipated second season of this live art event will take place on the first Saturday of the month throughout summer. There will be featured demonstrations from local artists along

DATEBOOK

GALA-READY THE PUEBLO GALA AT CABOT’S MUSEUM IS AMONG THE TOP EVENTS IN MAY.

edy Festival 2017 The 2nd annual Festival will again showcase top-notch improv teams, sketch comedy groups and stand-up comics from across the nation who will perform and compete while we laugh and chortle. A Friday night gala will kick off the weekend, followed by weekend performances, food trucks, cash bar and workshops (including one by comedian Tom Dreesen). Audience voting on July 9 will determine the winners. Tickets $35-$120. HiDesert Cultural Center, 61231 Highway 62, Joshua Tree (half mile from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park), 760-320-2825, jtimprovfestival.org. YES, AND ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ROUND OF LAUGHS AT THE JOSHUA TREE INTERNATIONAL IMPROV/COMEDY FESTIVAL IN JULY.

with light refreshments. The first 25 attendees to each event will be entered into a drawing for a gift from one of the local artists. A great way to get inspired. Free. Decorators Depot Diversified Interiors, 71949 Highway 111, Ste. 100A, Rancho Mirage, 760-773-4953, decoratorsdepotllc.com.

JUNE 20-26, 8AM-5PM 23rd Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest Approximately 325 shorts from more than 100 countries are selected for the festival, many which go on to receive Oscar nominations and/or other awards. At each

screening, attendees will view between four to 10 short films that have been curated into a themed program, with filmmaker Q & A sessions following the films. Actual film screening schedules will be announced in early June. Also, the ShortFest Forum includes a series of panels, master classes and roundtable discussions. Tickets and passes/packages $13 to $1,000. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs,760-778-8979, psfilmfest.org.

JULY 7-9 Joshua Tree International Improv/Com-

JULY 8, 8PM (DOORS OPEN AT 7PM) Old School Freestyle Fest at Spotlight 29 The Old School Freestyle Fest will feature an incredible lineup of ten hit-making artists from the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s, hosted by Candyman, with entertainers Stevie B, Sir Mixa-Lot, Taylor Dayne, Ying Yang Twins, Snap!, Sweet Sensation, Debbie Deb, Pretty Poison and DJ Unk. Surely you remember Sir Mix-aLot’s biggest hit, “Baby Got Back” and Taylor Dayne’s chart topper, “Tell It To My Heart.” You can plan to just listen, but we’re betting you start moving to the beat. Tickets $39, $49 and $59. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, 800- 585-3737, spotlight29.com.

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

HEALTH AND VITALITY

hat will your life be like when you turn 100? A century ago the question seemed almost flippant, a needless consideration for most people, but today it’s very real. The percentage of people living to 100 has grown almost 66 percent in the last 30 years, according to U.S. News and World Report. The MDVIP Health and Longevity Survey reveals that more than half of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers want to live past the age of 90. More than a quarter want to live beyond 100. The majority from both generations also believe advances in science and technology are going to keep more people alive past the age of 100. However, these findings come at a time when the life expectancy of Americans has declined for the first time in two decades and one in two adults is living with at least one chronic disease. “To reach their longevity goals, Americans can no longer afford to put their health on the back burner,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief

10 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

medical officer at MDVIP. “Most people don’t wait until they’re 60 to start saving for retirement. The same should go for their health, where making small investments today can pay big dividends many years down the road.” Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, are preventable through simple lifestyle changes. Still, nearly two out of three Boomers and Gen Xers admit they could be doing a better job of exercising regularly, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight. The key to greater longevity is prioritizing your health now - when you’re well - to prevent problems later on. Whether you’re age 38 or 68, arm yourself with the right knowledge and tools to set realistic health goals and help you stay on track to achieving them.

Ask Three Questions: What’s Your Number? When was the last time you had your blood pressure or cholesterol levels checked? Main-

tain a current record of your vitals and lab results along with your family history. Make sure you discuss these details with your doctor, who can help identify your risk for certain conditions and suggest lifestyle changes based on the results. For example, if you know you have pre-diabetes or are at a moderate risk for developing heart disease, you can work with your doctor on modifying your diet and increasing your physical activity. These data points serve as an important guide in managing your health and can be the difference between preventing an issue and treating it. What’s Up, Doc? Going to the doctor is an essential component of maintaining good health but choosing the right doctor directly affects the benefit of each visit. Surprisingly, the survey revealed that one out of three Gen Xers avoid going to the doctor out of fear of finding something wrong. It’s important to find a primary care doctor you trust, who makes you feel at ease and takes

HEALTH AND VITALITY the time to know you and your medical history. “Having Dr. Gassner on my side has been the best medicine,” says Rose Demitrack, a 101-year-old patient of MDVIP-affiliated physician Dr. Lawrence Gassner in Phoenix, Arizona. “He spends time with me and makes sure I’m doing the right things. Plus he always makes me laugh, which is one secret to staying young. I may be older than most, but I still feel young on the inside.” In the current healthcare environment, an appointment with a doctor is usually scheduled weeks in advance, and after a long wait in the waiting room, patients often feel rushed through the visit. Patients deserve better and you should shop around for a doctor whose goal is to build a relationship and keep you well. What’s The Plan? Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds or to lower your blood pressure, you need a plan to get you there. “I tell my patients to think of it as a business plan for their health,” says Dr. Steven Wilson, an MDVIP-affiliated family practitioner in Redlands, California. “First determine your health goals and make them the focus of your attention. Discuss your goals

with your doctor who can help you formulate a health plan for the next year and beyond.” Once you have your plan established, it’s up to you to execute it. Many people don’t stick with a plan because it’s hard to stay disciplined and easy to fall back into old habits. So don’t be afraid to consult your doctor along the way. Your doctor is your partner in your health

journey, and working together could give you a better chance at seeing exactly what your life will be like when you reach 100. To learn more about MDVIP’s national network of more than 900 primary care physicians who deliver personalized care with an emphasis on prevention and a close doctor-patient relationship, visit MDVIP.com.

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

HEALTH AND VITALITY

Boost Yourself 5 simple steps to enhance your immune system now

r. Chris Oswald, certified nutrition specialist and chiropractor in Hudson, Wisconsin, recommends incorporating five simple steps into your daily routine:

Support Natural Sleep Cycles “Sleep is the time when our bodies repair and rejuvenate, so it is something to not be taken lightly,” Oswald says. “Generally speaking, the older we are the less sleep we need, but for adults seven to nine hours is usually the sweet spot.” He adds that a good way to know if you are sleeping well is if you fall asleep within 30 minutes of lying down and you are able to wake at approximately the same time every day without an alarm clock. “It is also very important to maintain regular hours as our body’s circadian rhythms do not like to be disrupted,” he notes.

Eat Fermented and Unprocessed Foods Oswald also says the body’s microbiome health has a huge impact on the immune system. The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal tract, creating a mini-ecosystem. “Every bite of food we eat impacts microbiome balance, so it is important to eat foods that promote its health,” he says. “I like fermented foods and foods that are minimally processed or as close to their form in nature as possible. When the wrong foods are eaten, certain microbiota are able to ‘gain strength’ and offset the health promoting benefits of other more beneficial organisms.” He points out that dietary fiber is also very important to maintaining the health of the microbiome. Additionally, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA help boost the immune system.

Use Supplements to Support Digestive Health “The digestive tract is a barrier to

the outside world which selectively allows molecules to pass through,” Oswald says. This is why a healthy gut is a big part of overall health - it filters out the bad while keeping in the good. Eating plenty of probiotics in foods like yogurt and kefir helps maintain digestive health, but it can be difficult for the average person to get enough to make an impact. “Supporting digestive health with a comprehensive probiotic supplement such as Nordic Naturals Nordic Flora Probiotic Daily is a great foundational health strategy for everyone,” Dr. Oswald says.

Move Your Body “Higher levels of fitness are definitely associated with improved immune function,” Oswald says. He recommends high intensity interval training (HIIT), where you alternate short periods of intense exercise with brief rest periods. “I like people to choose any activity they like and have a nice gentle five-minute warm-up followed by up to six 100 percent work intervals for 30 seconds with 60 seconds of rest,” he says. “Once complete with the circuit, a five minute cool down completes your workout in 19 minutes or less.”

Embrace Mindfulness and Meditate Dr. Oswald says both acute and chronic stress have an effect on the immune system, which can potentially decrease your resistance to illness. One easy way to combat stress is to try to meditate every day. “Meditation is a very powerful option and I firmly believe that all should find some way of increasing mindfulness,” he says. “It is important to remember that meditation is different for everyone.” Meditation can be sitting quietly with eyes closed, staring at a flame, walking in the woods, etc. Try something that feels right to you that allows you to relax and be mindful of the present.

12 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

SPOTLIGHT

Still Sordid

Del Shores on the secret to longevity and feeling vibrant BY GREG ARCHER

hen venturing beyond the age of 50, sequels become a part of life. Soulful creatures realize that there’s a 2.0—or 3.0, and even 4.0—version of themselves waiting to emerge. We grow. We change. We evolve some more. In that sense, fiftysomethings and beyond tend to live out a variety of sequels to their remarkable origins. Del Shores understands this all too well. At 59, the award-winning screenwriter/director/ stand-up artist feels a dynamic expansiveness in his life at the moment. He has an actual film sequel to thank for that, actually: “A Very Sordid Wedding.” The much-anticipated big-

14 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

screen follow-up to Shores’ cult 2000 indie hit, “Sordid Lives,” premiered in Palm Springs in March to positive reviews and box office success at Camelot Theatres. The new outing picks up 17 years after the original film—the 2008 TV series was a prequel—chronicling how its robust Texan characters (Latrelle, Brother Boy, Sissy, Ty, LaVonda et al) adjust to countrywide Marriage Equality. Much of the cast from the original film and the series are back for the sequel—Bonnie Bedelia, Leslie Jordan, Ann Walker, Caroline Rhea and others—and Shores, who splits his time between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, admits

that he holds a special place in his heart for the Valley, which was so instrumental in the first film’s dynamic success. With Prime Time, Shores shares the keys to thriving during your own personal 2.0, and other fodder in between. Greg Archer: What allows people over the age of 50 to really thrive these days? Del Shores: Exercise. I exercise pretty hard several times a week and I watch what I eat. I’m not crazy about it—I am a foodie—but other than that, it’s really about getting out—enjoying entertainment, the arts, things that really

SPOTLIGHT

OH, BROTHER! LESLIE JORDAN REPRISES HIS ROLE AS BROTHER BOY IN DEL SHORES’ “A VERY SORDID WEDDING.”

do make you happy. Don’t just isolate yourself and become a recluse; staying in front of the TV and watching “Hoarders.” I do that as well, but I get out. Be social and continue to have that network of friends. You know, that’s one thing that Palm Springs is amazing at—you go out, and people are out and having a good time. They are at the Purple Room, at the Copa, or at restaurants. I really feel that keeps you young-hearted. So true. And, you know, as much as you can, keep having sex. Now, there’s the key—right there. For the fun and the validation. Absolutely. We are beautiful human beings, after all. So, what do you feel are one or two misconceptions about ‘aging.’ There are some truths to it, frankly, but the misconceptions would be: That it’s “over” or that you can’t work anymore. Or that you can’t create. I feel like the business that I am in that there is such ageism, especially in television where you get to a certain age and it’s like, “He’s not valid, anymore.” But guess what? My creativity and talent are still here. I still have stories. Even more stories to tell. And I am more experienced. So, I think that is a big misconception, not just in the entertainment business but other businesses as well, where they put people out to pasture. We never stop evolving, after all. And maybe the really big misconception: That you are done romantically; that you are done physically, sexually—whatever. It’s just not true. We need to see the beauty and sometimes the lines that we get should be treated as badges of honor, because it’s just another kind of beauty. What do you love most about creating and writing? I love the results. I mean, I love the process, but I really do love the results. There’s nothing more exhilarating than to be sitting in that audience for the very first time. I mean, first it was the script in your head, and

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

SPOTLIGHT

THE GANG IS BACK THINGS ARE STILL SORDID IN THE HEART OF WINTERS, TEXAS, AND FOR THE CHARACTERS IN “A VERY SORDID WEDDING.”

these character are only in your head, and suddenly the actors are living and breathing them at the shooting, and then in the editing room, and then the sound. It’s this process. Don’t get me wrong: I enjoy most of that process, but then to sit and see the result. And when you get to utter these words: “Oh, my God. It works.” That’s when it’s exciting. Where you surprised about the huge success of ‘Sordid Lives?’ Oh my God. Yes. I am still surprised. I am like, “How did this happen?” But we have to give Palm Springs credit. It was because of Palm Springs that this movie popped in such a big way, nationwide. It played at the Camelot Theatres for 96 weeks and simultaneously was running in other cities. And there were some long runs in those other cities, but nothing compared to Palm Springs. Because we had made a commitment to not release the DVD until after the theatrical run. We had to ultimately abandon that idea because it was going on too long. If I

16 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

am not mistaken, the Camelot Theatre was playing the movie and selling the DVD at one point. What do you think it is about that original work that captured our interest? First and foremost, the gay community embraced it and took it outside of the gay community because it wasn’t really a gay film. It was a film about family. Everybody could relate to a character or two, or more. I can’t tell you how many people came up to me and said, “My mother is Latrelle,” or “I have an Aunt Sissy.” Of course, everybody related to them, and the humor. We have to give a great shout out to the original cast. These actors made us think. They made us laugh. They made us cry. That had a lot to do with it. And the people of Palm Springs … they just adopted it. Reflecting back, who would you say has been one of the biggest influences in your life?

My mother. I’m originally from Texas … from Winters, Texas, the same town in which the movie takes place. We moved to South Texas and my father was a Southern Baptist preacher. But it was my mother, who was a high school drama teacher, who really influenced me. She started college when I was in the first grade, so we would walk to the theater department and watch all of the theater rehearsals for plays while doing homework. And that’s where I fell in love with stories and writing. Plus, my mother would order all the soundtracks, and she paid me and my brother a dollar for every play or book we read. Pretty soon, she didn’t have to anymore—she was going broke. I was literally reading one book a day when I was a kid. She taught me to love theater and to love literature. She taught me passion for the work that I ultimately embraced for a living. I would not have any of it without her. Loraine Shores. She is the real Latrelle. Learn more about Del Shores at delshores.com

LONGEVITY

A walk on the wild side

Improve your health—and enjoy the view to boot—when you hike in Coachella Valley BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY

he Coachella Valley boasts world-class resorts, multi-cultural restaurants, superb tennis and golf facilities, world-famous music festivals, an abundance of art galleries and museums and destination spas. But for nature lovers, pristine hiking trails meander up and down our mountains and foothills offering serene surroundings laced with wildflowers, waterfalls and critters. Since spending an hour or an afternoon with Mother Nature can recharge your senses, here is some info about some of our most beautiful nature walks. Each year, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks tens of thousands of local residents and tourists from the sometimes super-heated floor of the Coachella Valley to the cool, piney

18 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

woods above Chino Canyon. Because of the rugged nature and steep incline of the site, a number of innovative construction techniques were implemented, including the use of helicopters to place four of the five supporting towers. These days, a breezy 10-minute ride is all it takes to reach Mountain Station where an Alpine-like landscape and a gasp-producing vista await. Mt. San Jacinto State Park boasts 14,000 acres of wilderness with 54 miles of beautifully maintained trails suitable for every ability level. Be on the lookout for a red-tailed hawk, a bobcat, squirrels and many other forest creatures. You can also grab a bite at the top of the tram at two different restaurants: Peaks (higher end) or Pines (cafeteria style.)

Some other fan-favorite hiking haunts: • If you only have time for one hike while visiting the low desert, the Palm Springs Indian Canyons are a definite must-see. In close proximity, you’ll find trails through Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon as well as a few other lesser-known areas. Happily, most of the trails in the Indian Canyons follow running streams and teem with vegetation and wildlife. Note: There is a fee to enter the area, so make sure to bring some money. Directions: Take South Palm Canyon from Highway 111 and drive about two miles to the Indian Can-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 >>>

LONGEVITY <<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 yons tollgate. There are signs posted that clearly mark the way. • Up Highway 74 in Palm Desert, nestled in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, you’ll discover a nicely appointed official visitors’ center. From this hub, you’ll have access to two moderately rated hiking trails: the Art Smith and the Randal Henderson. A lovely paved path through desert foliage suitable for children (and grandchildren!) lies behind the visitors’ building while across from it sits the headquarters for Friends of the Desert Mountains. This mostly volunteer group’s mission is to preserve land and to support education, conservation and research in the Coachella Valley.

For information about guided nature walks and other fun-yet-educational activities, call 760568-9918 or go to friends@desertmountains.org. If you’re interested in a more in-depth experience with local experts, you might consider hooking up with an organized hiking group, also a great way to become acquainted with likeminded folks. Try contacting the Desert Trails Hiking Club (deserttrailshikingclub.com) or the Coachella Valley Hiking Club (cvhikingclub.net) as they both welcome tourists and newcomers. Finally, the outer reaches of the valley are home to unpredictable wildlife and weather extremes including snow in the upper ranges, flooding rain, searing heat and wind. Since more mature hikers are often more susceptible to changes in temperature and elevation, be prepared.

TRAILBLAZERS NATURAL WILDLIFE, STUNNING VIEWS. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? IT’S HIKING TIME.

20 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

1. Hike with others, especially in unfamiliar places. 2. Use sun protection 3. Layer clothing. 4. Bring adequate water. 5. Wear appropriately sturdy, comfortable shoes with thick soles. 6. Obey signs; follow rules. 7. If you happen upon a desert tortoise, leave it be. It’s a protected species. 8. Rest if you feel tired. 9. Walking sticks have many purposes. Bring one along. 10. Don’t bring canine companions without first ensuring they’re allowed. Think about adding The High Road to your list of things to do. We guarantee you’ll see the desert in a new light—and you’ll like what you see.

LONGEVITY

READY FOR AN UPGRADE

GREATER PROFESSIONALISM COULD BE THE KEY TO BETTER HOSPITAL CARE

ealthcare reform has been in the headlines for years, and it seems like the only point everyone agrees on is that something needs to be done to improve the system. While politicians debate who should pay for healthcare and how, a group of healthcare professionals, patients and community advocates have set forth new guidelines to help healthcare organizations take better care of patients and communities. At the heart of their proposal is the idea of improving professionalism in healthcare organizations. Funded by the Commonwealth Fund, the ABIM Foundation, The American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, and Northwell Health, and published in the Jan. 11 issue of Academic Medicine, the “Charter on Professionalism for Healthcare Organizations” aims to encourage hospitals and healthcare organizations to radically change the way they operate. The authors acknowledge that the kind of sweeping changes they advocate won’t be easy. No single healthcare orga-

22 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

nization can fully embody all of the described behaviors. Rather the Charter is aspirational. “Transitioning to the model hospital described by the Charter will challenge historical roles and assumptions of both leadership and staff,” the authors write. Still, they say, making these changes can benefit patients, healthcare providers and organizations.

EMPHASIS ON PROFESSIONALISM In the Academic Medicine article, the authors acknowledge that both healthcare professionals and patients are caught up in a vast, difficult, rapidly changing and ethically challenging system. Professionalism can help providers and organizations with decision-making in such a fluid and challenging system, they say. “Professionalism is based on a specific set of principles and commitments that provide an orientation to the thoughts and actions of a given profession,” the authors write. In 2002, a physician charter was published,

establishing professionalism ideals for doctors. While physicians largely embraced the charter, they also reported that policies and organizational structures of the healthcare organizations they worked for and with were standing in the way of fully implementing the guidelines. Incorporating professionalism guidelines into organizational structures could help foster more professional, successful and patient-centric care for everyone, the authors say.

FIVE KEY AREAS OF FOCUS FOR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS • Greater involvement and partnership between healthcare organizations and the patients they serve. • Stronger partnerships between healthcare organizations and the communities in which they are located. • Greater attention to the well-being of health-

LONGEVITY

care workers to help reduce burnout, and make them better equipped to provide superior care for patients. • More collaboration between hospitals, government and community groups to positively affect the social factors that determine health. • Greater emphasis on ethical business practices that will improve patients’ access to care, quality of care and hospitals’ financial performance.

REALIGNING PRIORITIES TO PATIENTS Movement toward more ethical business practices may require the greatest shift in thinking, the authors admit. While the essential objective of healthcare should be to take care of people, the reality is “opportunities (exist) for healthcare providers and organizations to engage in activities that are not in concordance with the principles of medical professionalism,” the Charter authors note. The Charter advocates that when a healthcare organization faces a choice between actions that benefit the organization or those that benefit the patient, the patient’s interests should be the priority. “When ethical dilemmas arise from conflicts between an organization’s self-interest and those of the community or patient, the community or patient interest takes precedence,” the authors write. “While this premise of the Charter may seem controversial, it is central to its content, consistent with the seminal Physician Charter on Medical Professionalism, and the source of its greatest potential social benefit.”

HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD TAKE PATIENT-CENTRIC STEPS TO • Protect patient privacy and health information, especially when using electronic health records. • Establish systems to identify and address conflicts of interest and, when they affect a patient, put the patient’s welfare before the organization. • Be transparent about the cost of procedures and care. • Make bill adjustments for uninsured patients so that they don’t have to pay substantially more than those with insurance. • Fairly grant “charity status” to patients who can’t pay for treatment. • Be flexible in settling patient balances that exceed a patient’s ability to pay. To review the full Charter, visit the website of the Foundation for Medical Excellence at tfme.org.

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

LONGEVITY

Ensuring Insurance

Seniors struggling to pay life insurance premiums have options, including selling their policy

f you’re struggling to make ends meet in retirement, you’re not alone. And when your income is limited and fixed, you do your best to cut out unnecessary expenses. One expense that can be tough for some seniors to manage is the premiums on their life insurance policies. Perhaps your carrier raised your premium unexpectedly, maybe the costs from a health event have strained your budget or it could be that your retirement fund is just running low. If you feel your life insurance premiums are too expensive, you may decide you no longer need the policy.

ALTERNATIVES TO SURRENDERING A POLICY Unfortunately, many seniors think their only option in this situation is to lapse or surrender the policy. In fact, each year seniors older than 70 lapse or surrender more than 710,000 life insurance policies, with a combined face value of more than $57 billion, according to the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA). However, you have alternatives that are more beneficial than simply surrendering the policy. For example: • You could maintain the policy through loans against its current value;

24 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

• You might be able to seek an accelerated death benefit, allowing you to take some cash out now; • The policy may be convertible into a longterm care health insurance policy, or if it’s a term policy you might be able to convert it into permanent life insurance; • Reducing the death benefit to a lower face value could lower the premiums, making the policy more affordable; or • You could assign the policy to an individual or a non-profit organization as a gift. Another option to lapsing or surrendering the policy—one that can actually put the most amount of cash directly into your pocket—is to consider selling it through a life settlement transaction.

SELLING A POLICY Life insurance is personal property, so you can sell it just like any other property you own. When you decide to sell the policy to a third party—rather than surrendering it to the insurance company—you get more than the cash value, but less than the death benefit amount.

The buyer of the policy takes on all future premiums and receives the death benefit when you pass away. In order to qualify for a life settlement, you must be 65 or older with a life insurance policy that has a death benefit of at least $100,000. The amount of your settlement will depend on several factors, including: • The death benefit, which is the amount the buyer will receive when you pass away; • The amount in annual premiums that the buyer will pay; and • The number of years the buyer can expect to continue paying the premiums. On average, a life settlement yields seniors seven times the amount of the policy’s cash surrender value, LISA says, based on an analysis of a survey by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. In fact, 90 percent of seniors with lapsed policies say they would have considered selling it if they had known life settlement was an option, an Insurance Studies Institute survey found. To learn more about life settlements, how they work and if you’re eligible, call 888-521-8223 or visit lisa.org.

FINANCE

SMALL NEST EGG, BIG DREAMS? TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR RETIREMENT HOME

lanning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live. Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they’ll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees either have moved or plan to move, according to a Merrill Lynch survey. Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren, to downsize into a more manageable home, live in a warmer locale, or to secure a more luxurious home where they can easily age in place. “The decision of where to live in retirement is important and can directly affect quality of life in your golden years,” says Geoff Lewis, President of RE/MAX, LLC. “Research by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent. In fact, buying is nearly 42 percent cheaper than renting for seniors across the country.” With offices in more countries than any other real estate brand, RE/MAX agents have helped millions, including retirees, find the home of their dreams. Lewis and the RE/MAX team offer some advice for buying your retirement home: Have a Plan: Ideally, you should think about where you want to live long before retirement, but it’s never too late to think about your priorities. Do you want to be close to family or

26 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

health care resources? Do you desire a home in the mountains or somewhere you’ll never see snow again? Trulia’s research shows that some of the cities most popular for retirees are also ones where buying a home can save you the most money over renting. Desirable, warm-weather locations in Florida and Arizona offer significant value, even in regions where average home prices are higher. Make a list of what you want in a location so you’ll have a starting point for your search. Don’t Delay: If possible, don’t wait until poor health or declining finances force you to move somewhere that’s not your ideal location. Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy your dream retirement home. Get Professional Financial Advice: It’s important to protect your nest egg and keep it growing throughout retirement. A professional financial planner can help you understand what size mortgage is right for you, so your dream home doesn’t strain your finances. Be Mindful of Amenities: When choosing a location and a home, in addition to your personal priorities, it’s important to keep in mind accessibility to amenities important to seniors. Community features such as good transportation, quality of roads, safe neighborhoods, and

access to health care, socialization opportunities, shopping and cultural venues are all options to consider. Rely on Real Estate Pros: Once you know where you want to be, it’s time to find a real estate agent. Well-versed on local real estate trends, RE/MAX agents can help retirees sell their current home so they can make the purchase of their dream retirement home a reality. Visit remax.com to search for an agent. Focus on Must-haves: Make a list of musthave features and those you would like your retirement home to have. Share the list with your agent to help him or her focus on properties that meet your criteria. Your list of musthaves and desirables will likely be very different from the list you made when you bought your first home. Now, a single-level house with large bathrooms and a level lot may be more desirable than a two-story with lots of bedrooms and a big backyard. Finally, says Lewis, keep in mind whether you plan to age in place. “More Americans are looking for homes that will allow them to stay independent and living on their own throughout their retirement years,” he says. “If that’s your plan, look for home features that will help facilitate that, like wider doors, few or no exterior stairs, and good lighting.”

FINANCE

Through the Ages

Key retirement milestones everyone should know about

etirement can seem like a very distant destination in your early working years. However, as you age, that once distant destination starts to become more real. As you enter your 50s you can really start to think about how much you have saved and how that will translate into retirement income. You can also start to better understand the idea of allocating part of your retirement nest egg to guaranteed income based on your calculation of how much pension income and Social Security you will receive. Also critical during this final phase of working is understanding the key retirement milestones and how they will impact your ability to retire. The following are the critical retirement milestone ages: Age 55: If you are fortunate enough to consider the possibility of an early retirement, attaining age 55 is a critical date since you can start

28 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

withdrawing from your 401(k) without the application of the 10 percent penalty tax applicable to premature plan distributions. This exception from the general applicability of the penalty tax, however, depends on you retiring from the company sponsoring your 401(k) plan during or after the year you reach age 55. You cannot continue to work at the company and decide you want to start using your 401(k) assets at age 55. In that circumstance the 10% penalty tax will still apply. Age 591/2: At age 591/2 you are no longer subject to the 10 percent penalty tax for premature withdrawals on all of your retirement assets, such as your IRAs, 401(k) or annuities. Therefore, for many this is really the earliest that one can consider retirement as a possibility. Of course, retirement at age 591/2 will increase the length of your retirement and the risk that you will outlive your assets.

Age 62: At age 62 you become eligible for a reduced Social Security benefit. In terms of managing your guaranteed income for retirement, in general you will be better served to not start taking Social Security at such a young age since the benefit will continue to grow. Only those with a shortened life expectancy should consider starting Social Security benefits at this age. And even someone with a shortened life expectancy might consider delaying benefits if married, since turning on benefits early will reduce a surviving lower earning spouseâ€™s benefit. Unfortunately, the reality is many individuals do turn on their benefits at age 62. Age 65: Age 65 is a critical year for considering retirement since you will become eligible for Medicare. Prior to age 65, retirement requires you to consider the cost of paying for your own health care insurance, which can be a very costly proposition. This health care analysis gets

FINANCE more complicated if you have a spouse who is not working and has not attained age 65 when you do, since you will need to consider the cost of health insurance for that spouse until he or she is 65. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped ensure that you can obtain health insurance regardless of your medical condition, the cost of such health insurance remains a significant deterrent to those considering retiring before Medicare eligibility. Age 66-67: At this age you will become eligible for full Social Security benefit payments, and not the reduced payment you can take at age 62. The full retirement age has been raised over time and varies depending on your year of birth. For those born from 1943 through 1954, age 66 is the full retirement age. For those born in 1955 through 1959, the full retirement age is 62 plus two months for each year. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. Bear in mind that while attaining the full retirement age allows you to take an unreduced Social Security benefit, it does not maximize the benefit payment. Age 70: Age 70 is the delayed Social Security benefit age, or when you must start taking

your Social Security payments. By delaying to age 70 you can increase your full retirement age benefit by eight percent a year from your full retirement age. Given that Social Security is an annuity that pays you for your lifetime, and the benefit itself is increased by inflation costs each year, the increase in benefit payments from the full retirement age to age 70 can have a impact on your benefit payment in future years. Maximizing Social Security should be your first consideration when thinking about how to ensure that your assets last as long as you do. Unfortunately, many nearing retirement do not understand the importance of maximizing this benefit, from an insurance perspective, and take the reduced payout at age 62 or at the full retirement age. Age 701/2: At age 701/2 you must start taking Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, from your retirement assets such as your 401(k) or IRA. Your RMD amount is determined by an IRS table, which effectively requires you to take an increasing percentage of your assets. The idea is that you will be forced to liquidate your account gradually over your lifetime. For example, at age 71 the table requires you to take out around 3.77 percent of your account value,

determined on Dec. 31 of the year prior to the RMD withdrawal. At age 80 you must take out around 5.35 percent. At age 90 you must take out around 8.77 percent. You have a choice for the year in which you attain 701/2 to take your first RMD amount in that year or defer the distribution to before April 15 of the following year. Keep in mind that if you do defer this first RMD amount you will have to take two RMD amounts in the following year. RMDs are not required from a Roth IRA but are required from any funds you have in a Roth account in an employer plan. You may want to consider rolling funds, for example, from a Roth 401(k) to a Roth IRA, if you want to eliminate RMD requirements on these funds. You should know, however, that the time you have invested in the Roth 401(k) does not carryover to the five-tax-year period for income tax free withdrawals from a Roth IRA. So if that is part of your future strategy, you may want to open a Roth IRA ahead of time to start the five-tax-year clock running, which could include making a Roth IRA contribution or converting some traditional account assets to a Roth IRA. Once the five-year-clock has run it applies to all future contributions, even if a particular contribution has not been in the account for five years.

APRIL 2017

PRIMETIME

GOOD HEALTH

‘FIGHTERS’ UNITE

Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities empowers people living with Parkinson’s disease to fight back

pril is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities has joined millions in the observation. But the organization may be particularly helpful even beyond April. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the ability to walk, talk, balance and move. Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities offers individuals living with Parkinson’s hope by providing a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routine that proves to dramatically improve their quality of life. Throughout the month of April, Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities has offered many special activities to promote awareness, fitness and education about Parkinson’s during the annual observance. A special music therapy class was held on April 17. “This is an opportunity for us to raise aware-

30 | PRIMETIME | APRIL 2017

ness about the disease our fighters live with on a daily basis and to reflect on their courageous battle,” notes Gloria Landau, head coach of Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities. “Rock Steady Boxing is about more than just one class or one program, our mission is to inspire and provide hope and a better quality of life for those who are fighting back against Parkinson’s disease. We encourage those of you living with Parkinson’s and looking for a way to fight back to call us today and set-up a personalized assessment.” Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities has been serving the Palm Desert community since November of 2016. It offers two levels of classes, depending on progression and physical capabilities. Guests are also offered a warm, supportive, caring and respectful environment for Parkinson’s “fighters,” their friends and personal life coaches.

According to the Parkinson’s disease Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease and more than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. Recent medical studies, including one at the Cleveland Clinic, focus on intense “forced” exercise and indicate that certain types of exercise can exert a neuroprotective influence and may actually slow the progression of the chronic, incurable disease. Rock Steady serves participants at all stages of Parkinson’s—from the newly diagnosed to those who have been living with the disease for decades. Rock Steady Boxing Affiliates are independently owned and operated. To learn more about Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities (located at Matrix, 75175 Merle Drive, Palm Desert), contact desertcities@rsbaffiliate.com or visit RockSteadyBoxing.org.