Living60+ Living 60+ Dan McLaren behind the plate for fifty years
Martial Arts …on your
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Take a Lesson
LANGLEY
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SENIOR
LIFESTYLE
MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY LIVING60PLUS
2016
Do you have good hearing but poor comprehension? Do you sometimes feel that you can hear well, but not fully understand what’s being said? This can be most evident in social conversations and watching television. Fortunately, there may be a solution for some people dealing with this type of hearing loss - the Audéo Venture hearing aid has been designed specifically to help improve speech comprehension without being noticeable in the ear. Poor comprehension in conversation can possibly be caused by undetected hearing loss in the high-frequency range. This means the sensory cells in the cochlea that hear high-range sounds are damaged as a result of circulatory disorders, diabetes, sudden hearing loss or workplace noise. Hearing loss in the high frequency range makes speech sound muffled and unclear making it difficult to hear consonants like s, f, t, k, h and g. Speech comprehension is even more challenging when there is background noise or when television programs have background music. The dilemma is that people with hearing loss in the highfrequency range do not consider themselves to have a hearing problem. They can hear deep tones with no issue, and often put difficulty understanding speech down
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to unclear pronunciation. However, the time soon comes when problems with comprehension become annoying. Phonak Audéo Venture Hearing Aids This past year, Swiss audiologists have developed a hearing aid that can, in qualified candidates, improve speech comprehension for those with hearing loss in the high-frequency range. People can sign up for a free demonstration of the Audéo Venture hearing aids by calling now to do so. During your appointment, you will be given a hearing test and speech comprehension analysis. If
inner-ear damage is present, a hearing care professional will determine the difference relative to normal hearing. These values are then programmed into the hearing aids, which precisely take into account and balance the frequency range of the person being tested. The demonstration phase in particular is designed to clarify how speech comprehension can be improved in various situations and what role the hearing aid technology called “Autosense OS” plays. The hearing aid recognizes where the person being spoken to is located and amplifies only his or her voice, while ambient noise is lowered and the optimum hearing programs are seamlessly adjusted. Thanks to several synchronous microphones, the hearing system can detect sound in all directions and select the direction that speech is coming from within milliseconds. According to Swiss researchers, this can significantly improve speech comprehension, especially in conversation for some clients. Want to find out more about the Audéo Venture hearing aid? Call today and register for a FREE hearing test* and a no-obligation demonstration by calling 1.888.408.7377
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
Living60+ 60+
F E A T U R E A R T I C L E S :
5 Dan McLaren The Man Behind the Mask Cover photo and page 3 photo by Dan Ferguson, Langley Times
Physician Assisted Dying ....... 14 Seniors & Sexuality ............... 17 Dr. Art Hister ......................... 18
Estate Planning ..................... 19 Scams Targeting Seniors ....... 21 Best of McGregor Says ........ 22
Golf
9 11 Evelyn Westover, Langley Golf Instructor
Martial Arts
A sport for all ages
Langley Living 60 Plus is published three times annually by the Langley Times. For advertising information please contact our office. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. 20258 Fraser Hwy., Langley, BC V3A 4E6 | 604-533-4157 | www.langleytimes.com PUBLISHER: JEAN HINCKS PROJECT COORDINATOR: SHERRI MARTIN
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EDITOR’S notes February 2016
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Game on. hen I mentioned to people I was writing some sports articles for a 60+ magazine, I got some strange looks. In a time when professional athletes are considered past their prime at forty, it’s difficult to think that someone in their seventies could be taking a beginner karate class or a retired banker would be signing up for her first golf lesson or a sixty-five year old umpire could still be crouching down behind a catcher. But as we have been given the medical advances to live longer, we have learned that keeping active is the key to being happy and productive.
W
In this issue we meet people who have been lifelong teachers, instructors and mentors and the common thread in each story is how they enjoy getting up and looking forward to their busy day ahead. In contrast, we have a story on Physician Assisted Dying and we review the progress of the Parliamentary Committee that is addressing the instructions from the Supreme Court ruling. It is a decision that affects all generations and we have to watch carefully how it all unfolds. “Valley Mom” Blogger Kristyl Clark talks with Langley’s RCMP about the Top 5 Fraud Scams that we all need to be aware of right now. The Langley Times is proud to welcome Dr. Art Hister as our Health contributor for 2016 and we welcome Maureen McGrath as our sexual Health contributor. You can listen to Maureen every Sunday night on CKNW.
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Contributor Mel Kositsky shares with us some financial advice on family trust and estate planning heading into the 2016 tax season. Pour a coffee, find a quiet spot and we hope you are inspired by our stories.
Jim McGregor is a lifelong resident of Langley and former Fire Chief for Langley City. Jim is a published poet and author and a regular contributor to the Langley Times.
manoah@uniserve.com ■4
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
the man behind the mask Dan McLaren wears many hats for Langley Baseball JIM MCGREGOR
ON
one fine day this spring, Dan Mclaren will stand behind the catcher, pull down his mask, point to the pitcher and call, “Play ball,” and that will signify fifty years of umpiring little league and youth baseball in Langley and across the country.
Dan is currently the President and Umpire in Chief of Langley Baseball. “I’m turning sixty-five this year but keeping busy is keeping me young,” Dan explains. “You can’t just stop when you retire, you have to have something to keep you going through retirement, something you enjoy, then it isn’t work.” “Baseball and particularly umpiring has taken me to Japan, across Canada and down to the United States. Sometimes travelling to watch my kids play or to umpire in tournaments or even to attend training courses. It’s always been a lot of fun and a chance to meet some great people.”
Dan in action at 2008 Canadian Championship in Coquitlam. Supplied photo.
Dan was born in White Rock in 1951 and came to Langley in 1988. Sports were a large part of Dan’s youth. “I grew up playing sports. Baseball, soccer, some football and I did well in track and field throwing discus,
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shot put and hammer in my senior year. I started playing more baseball in the early 1960’s in White Rock and I had my younger brothers coming up behind me. Then in 1965-66 I started coaching them and began umpiring. This year my friend Barry Danton and I will be marking fifty years behind the plate so we have something special planned to mark that.” Dan’s experience behind the plate has been passed along to other prospective umpires over the years. Umpire clinics start in January and Dan points out that Langley puts significantly more time into training their umpires. “We take it a step further than some other communities do. We hold indoor sessions two hours a week in the gym up until spring break then around the beginning of March we get them into the batting cages and add some real time pitching into the sessions. So by the time the season starts, these kids are ready to go and we have well trained umpires out on the field.” Dan points out the amount of volunteer hours the coaches, umpires and volunteers put in to the …CONTINUED
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Dan McLaren, Umpire organization. “Basically, Langley Baseball runs year round. Our season runs from April to the end of June then we start into All Star play. Fall ball takes us up to Labor Day week-end and we run that as far as we can, some years, right into November. Then we have access to the schools and we start running winter clinics and they go right to spring break. So it’s important to have the umpires up to speed with the ball players. “I also teach them to have thick skins and to ignore what’s going on behind the backstop. I have had to remove coaches, player or parents from the field. They argue but I don’t back down.” In addition to the on field action and clinics there are Regional and District meetings to look at what seminars are available, what tournaments are coming up. “We had proposed an all- day clinic at BC Place but we couldn’t get the facility. But we have many major league or former major League players that live right here in the Lower Mainland that we could have attend to run clinics. Players like Jeff Francis or
Aaron Guile are guys that played here and they have a lot to offer the younger players.” Langley is the only community in Canada that has sent teams to all four levels of World Series play for their respective age groups. Dan offers some perspective. “We have a very good reputation and that starts at the coaching level. Many of our coaches are dads but at the Executive level I believe that if they are to be good coaches, they need some coaching and training as well. Some of these coaches played or coached twenty or twenty-five years gone by and the game and the coaching methods have changed. We like to get all our coaches who are coaching eight year olds and down into a Coaching for Tomorrow program. That way, if the coaches are taught the same things, the kids will be taught the same things with everyone on the same page, at a progressive pace.” “From there the coaches can register for additional NCCP programs that will allow them to move up to the next levels and get Regional or Provincial certification. Once
they determine their skill set, they can determine how far they want to go, what ages they want to stop at or when move up or go back down. We’re always looking for qualified coaches who can take players to the next level.” In addition to his positions with Langley Baseball, Dan is also Langley Baseball’s representative on the Langley Outdoor Field Sports Group (LOSAG). LOSAG represents all the outdoor field sports in the City and Township of Langley and makes recommendations for improvements to existing fields and have input into new open spaces being developed for the community. “We have some first class facilities in Langley but when we bid on a Regional, Provincial, or National tournament we are assessed on our fields and buildings. The better shape we are in, the better the chance of us landing a major tournament here at home. “ “In 2009 when Langley hosted the Junior Nationals we were the first organization
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to stream the games on line across Canada. With the help of a local sponsor we had over 42,000 hits on our website as parents across the country were able to watch the games. It’s that type of innovation that puts us on the map.” Dan has worn many hats over the years and has travelled extensively with the Langley team or on his own to participate in tournament play. He has umpired in eleven Provincial Tournaments and five Canadian Championships. His most memorable experience as an umpire was qualifying for and being accepted as part of the umpiring crew for the Junior World Series in Taylor Michigan in 2008.
well and the food and facilities are exceptional. Anyone who has ever gone to one never forgets the flag ceremonies or the people you meet.” Dan and his team see good things for the future. “Our registration numbers are positive and we have some great ideas for the fields and facilities. We can always use more volunteers, not just as coaches but Board members, equipment people, or umpires. A lot of us are multi-tasking doing four or five jobs. You don’t have to be a parent to enjoy the experience.”
Dan says he has no intentions of slowing down. “I have grandkids coming along now and I’d love to be part of their baseball experience. Also I’ve I’m going to keep doing this until it’s no longer fun, then I’ll still be sitting there in the stands enjoying a baseball game.”
“In 2008 I applied to umpire at the Junior World Series and I had to go through the Regional, Provincial and National Boards and there were only four umpires in Canada approved to umpire a World Series. I umpired the Canadian Championships on a Thursday night in Coquitlam and Friday morning I was on the plane to Taylor Michigan to represent Canada.” “I was honored to be behind the plate for the final and it was a unique experience having an ear bud in my ear listening to the ESPN crew that was broadcasting the game live, telling me to slow down or speed up. That didn’t last long, I handed it off to the Tournament Director.” “Any of those World Series experiences are very memorable for the kids, coaches, umpires and families. Everyone is treated so
To learn more about Langley Baseball and volunteering, check out their website at www.langleybaseball.com or send an e-mail to langleybaseball.ca.
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Golfing Can Add Years to Your Life JIM MCGREGOR
N
Fresh Air, Exercise and Good Friends
o matter how old you are, it’s very easy to get up and get out when you know you are going to be playing golf every day. Evelyn Westover is a golf instructor at Newlands Golf course in Langley and teaching and instructing golfers of all ages and skills has been her passion for many years. “ I am certainly to be considered sixty-five plus but I believe you are only as old as you feel and I don’t feel as old as I am,” Evelyn shares candidly. “I am a firm believer in getting outside and keeping fit as a sure way to extend you life and happiness. I get up every morning with something to do.” “I see people coming to me for many reasons. Some think they are too old to play and just want to try it for the first time. Others are maybe struggling with a particular part of their game and are looking for some
answers to reduce their frustration. Sometimes it can only take a couple of sessions to fix a swing or to give someone some encouragement to want to learn more. I get my students Evelyn Westover out on the golf course so they get the real experience.” Originally from Quebec, Evelyn came to Burnaby then moved to Langley in 2000. When she began instructing , she was only the second lady teacher in B.C. “I have a different approach to teaching,” Evelyn explains. “I like to get the people out on the course or the driving range and actually get them swinging and hitting the ball on the fairways . It is more enjoyable for them than a classroom setting
and being out in nature is a big part of what golfing is all about. Some of my students have had lessons years ago but have never been on a golf course.” “If they stub the ball or make a poor drive I don’t say, ‘that was good’ and give false hope I ask them what they did wrong and we try again with the intent of improving with every shot. I tell them they have to work for improvement. We use the smaller course at Newlands and the driving range at Hi Knoll so we can work at a slower pace. Some people come to with great expectations and golf is not an easy game but with some very basic lessons an instructor can read the body language and make the game a lot more enjoyable.” “I have a drop in class of about 60 women and with weekly instruction on the range or the course, they are now hitting the ball straight, not losing golf balls it’s very rewarding to …CONTINUED
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Evelyn Westover watch these ladies out on the course enjoying their time outdoors, and getting exercise and fresh air. Some of these ladies are in their 80’s and don’t use carts so it’s a great work out as well.” Evelyn points out that she instructs men as well. “I have a lot of men that come by for lessons to sharpen their game. I am currently working with a gentleman who has a bad knee, so we adjust his game so he can use his arms and upper body in his game more and take some of the pressure off the tender joints. He may have to wait two years for his operation but with a few minor changes he can still golf and stay active.” “I have instructed people who have visual impairment and we work on a different way to stand. I have taught people who have lost limbs or have other physical handicaps and we work on changing their personal swing. They don’t have to stop playing the game. I worked with one special needs boy since the age of seven and now he golfs regularly with his dad and recently got a hole in one. It’s all about patience at the instructor level and reading their body language to determine the
next step.” “Sometimes I get people come for lessons who have had no sports background at all. I start slowly with hand-eye coordination, assess their fitness and just take it a bit slower and give lots of encouragement. I haven’t found anyone I couldn’t teach.” Evelyn is a big advocate of exercise and keeping in shape generally. “I encourage my ladies to get walking or even walking in the pool to build up their legs. Even myself, I may have to be standing for long periods of time during the day and I have to keep myself in good physical shape. I’m no good to them if I don’t look after myself.” “I find that sometimes golf is just the start for some people. Now that they are getting out, getting healthy and finding that new energy, they become keen to learn other new things and that’s always exciting and that keeps you young.” Evelyn also coaches junior players and she enjoys watching the young people get excited about the game and progress as they learn. “I have some very up and coming young
players I’m coaching right now and you will be hearing about them before too long.” “They are excellent young people and keen golfers that will do well. A few years back I had a young lady come to me from a tough background She needed some focus in her life and she took to the game of golf. I recently just heard from heard from her in Australia where she is joining the ladies tour down there and that is very rewarding and exciting for me.” “I am so fortunate that I get to teach the full spectrum from my great granddaughter to the senior golfers and the junior players in between that are playing for scholarships. Some of my students have become teachers themselves.” Evelyn plans to teach as long as she can. “I love being around people and I don’t do this for the money. There is such a richness in my life and enjoy what do. I get my energy from my students.” For more information on Evelyn she can be contacted at evelyn_westover@yahoo.ca or through Newlands Golf Course.
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Time to Cross
Martial Arts Off Your Bucket List Never Too Late to be the ‘Karate Kid’ JIM MCGREGOR
T
ina Parker is the Director of Operations for Safeguard Martial Arts Canada. She admits that she has passed what most people refer to as retirement age but in her opinion, retirement is adventure time. “So many people reach retirement and find themselves saying, “I wish I had done that,” as they look back on their unfinished bucket list. Personally, I don’t see age as a factor to hold you back. If you keep yourself healthy and physically fit there are many options open to you.” Tina and her son Troy operate Safeguard Martial Arts which runs programs for three olds and up to her recently started classes for seniors. “Our Senior class is called the ‘Bucket List Budo Program’ and it is an innovative and unique program for older students who are looking for a different type of exercise and fulfilling that part of their list that involved learning Karate.” “These are non-impact, physically achievable, mentally challenging lessons that let the adult student learn at their own pace. We have professional Black Belt instructors and we concentrate on increasing fitness, building core strength and flexibility. These are all keys to keeping people moving and stops them from seizing up and reduces the risks of falls.” The classes are conveniently held on weekday mornings and
Sempai Tina Parker instructs Dick Grattan and Sher Berge. Photo by Dan Ferguson.
Tina stresses that it as much a social outing as it is a learning process. “We started the program as an experiment last fall and the response has been positive. Once you register we book eight classes once a week for an hour. If the students want more they can book additional sessions and if they want to attend long term that is fine also.” “We don’t register anyone under 50 and we have students that are 74 or 75. Some are ‘empty nesters’ that find they have extra time on their hands and they want to get out and try something new. We have people who are here for fitness and some for pleasure and while we put no pressure on the students, they can work their way up through the belts.” The over 50 + program is non-contact and, while people are not tossed around, they are taught age appropriate self defense and ‘environmental awareness.’ “Environmental awareness is simply noting what’s going on around you,” Tina explains. “What is happening, what are your surroundings, the terrain the buildings, if you are compromised what is safe for you to do or not to do.” …CONTINUED
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Tina Parker, martial arts “You have to remember you are not 20 anymore and too often injuries occur when you try to over extend yourself physically. We have a retired policeman who tells us he learned more about himself in eight sessions with us that he did in his career. Our sessions sharpen the mind and build confidence as well.” Many people find that they are still capable of doing much more than they thought they could, and by combining fitness with pleasure, the sessions are not seen as a workout by the students. Sessions can be modified for injuries or people recovering from strokes or operations. Students are assessed for their health fitness levels before beginning and then are trained accordingly. Safeguard’s state of the art facility is located on the Langley ByPass with plenty of parking and ground level access to the bright, open gym and office complex. The padded floor absorbs all impact and is designed to lessen any stress on joints or limbs. Tina herself holds a 2nd degree black belt and has been an instructor since 2002. Safeguard teaches the Shotokan System of Karate. Shotokan is a style of karate developed from various martial arts by Gichen Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son. Gichen was born in Okinawa. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops
anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling, throwing and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found even in basic fighting techniques that are practiced and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent. “We are committed to providing exceptional martial arts training through our passion, integrity, ethics and dedication to our art.” Tina explains, “We challenge ourselves to make a difference. I could have retired but life is about moving, connecting and learning. I have always enjoyed teaching and the opportunity arose for my son Troy to become into the business and become our Chief Instructor meant that was to about family as well. We use that family connection to provide a friendly, safe and welcoming environment in a great facility.” Tina and Troy encourage interested people to stop in at their location at Unit 101, 20530 Langley Bypass. You can also contact them at (604) 532 – 0090 or check them out online at www. langleykarate.com. Wouldn’t be great to have the grandkids come and watch you at karate class for a change?
A Wholistic Approach To Health Care? Yes! Wholistic care operates on the belief that all areas of a person’s life must be in balance in order to reach optimum levels of health. Providing wholistic care combines nursing knowledge and theories with complementary modalities in order to treat the physical, mental and spiritual area of a patient’s life. The whole person is treated – not just their symptoms. A caregiver’s task is to help restore balance through wholistic care. Patricia Cruz is the Managing Director of Angels There For You, a company dedicated to supporting seniors living independently in their own homes while granting peace of mind and a relief from burden for the senior’s families and loved ones. Angels There For You embraces the philosophy that human beings are made up of body, mind and spirit. We know how important it is to meet the needs of the whole person, which ultimately leads to a better
health outcome. Physical needs are only part of the picture. If we focus on helping to bring healing to the body alone, care becomes task-oriented and no longer client-centered. What does the wholistic approach look like in practical terms? When assessing care for an individual, the first step in providing wholistic care is to establish a therapeutic, caring relationship which is client-centered. This is essential to the building of trust between the client and caregiver. Once trust has been established, honest and open communication then enables the caregiver to determine the client’s preferences, challenges and their emotional state of mind. The second step in providing wholistic care is ministering to the needs of the client by allowing them to vent and share their heartfelt fears, anxieties and frustrations. The caregiver is then able to provide an
empathetic, listening ear and, sometimes, a shoulder to cry on. The offering of sincere encouragement, appreciation, love and hope is the foundation of true care. Angels There For You and Health Care Services has proven to be effective in using the wholistic approach. Clients recover faster and improve their quality of life. Our team of caregivers are certified, licensed care aids, with a reputation for compassion and dedication. Their love and devotion to their clients makes a noticeable difference in the quality of care we provide. With offices in Langley and Richmond, ATFY has blossomed into one of metro Vancouver’s largest home healthcare agencies with licensed, bonded and insured staff of over 150 caregivers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
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Physician Assisted Dying
Compassionate Solution or Ethical Nightmare? JIM MCGREGOR
I
n February of 2015 The Supreme Court of Canada passed down a ruling in Carter vs. Canada, and struck down the federal prohibition on physician assisted dying (PAD). They gave decision-makers until February 2016 to prepare for the decriminalization of assisted dying. It also established guidelines for determining who can access PAD and how it could be safely administered. Parliament established a committee to create legislation on this controversial ruling and instructed them to draft a new law prior to a June 2016 deadline. Many feel this deadline has been rushed even though the Supreme Court has already granted the government a four month extension. Langley – Aldergrove MP Mark Warawa (PC) and Langley City-Cloverdale MP John Aldag (Lib.) have been named to a special Joint committee that is currently meeting five times a week and will report to the government with
legislative recommendations by February 26th, 2016. Given the short time schedule the two Langley MPs arranged a hastily called public meeting that was held in the Township of Langley’s Fraser Presentation facility on Saturday January 30th. Close to 300 people attended the session to make presentations to Warawa and Aldag and the event was moderated by former Langley Times Editor Frank Bucholtz. Both MP’s agreed that the committee has some ethical, moral and complex issues to consider. Warawa acknowledged, “We have to make certain we understand exactly what the Supreme Court requires our committee to do. Public input is very helpful as we move forward.” Many of the speakers voiced opinions from medical or religious viewpoints and, as with any debate there was some discrepancy over terminology when using terms such as ‘physician assisted death,’ ‘physician assisted suicide’ or’ physician hastened death.’ Physician-assisted suicide entails making lethal
MARK WARAWA
Photo credit to : Christian Newman means available to the patient to be used at a time of the patient’s own choosing. By contrast, voluntary active euthanasia entails the physician taking an active role in carrying out the patient’s request, and usually involves intravenous delivery of a lethal substance. Physician-assisted suicide is seen to be far easier emotionally for the physician. Some of the doctors speaking were very
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MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LANGLEY—ALDERGROVE
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opposed to PAD in any form. One doctor expressed, “It seems to fly in the face of logic that I would guide a patient through years of illness only to be asked to go against my oath and assist him in dying. If a man is to be executed it is not the arresting officer or lawyer that does the job. If a house is to be demolished, they do not expect the master builder will tear it down and the mechanic does not tear the car apart at the wrecking yard. If it is to be legalized it should not fall to the Doctors to be part of it.” At this point only a small percentage of doctors agree with Pad and many are undecided , waiting for the rules and guidelines to be handed down. Aldag agreed that they saw that some of the public is misinformed and that the issue can be confusing. “This one of the reasons we want to hear from the public so we know where their knowledge lies.” One of the expert speakers was Dr. Margaret Coddle a palliative care physician. She encouraged the panel, “Don’t make this easy. Follow the Supreme Court ruling and make PSD the exception not the rule.” She suggested there may be the establishment of separate facilities so PAD was not conducted in the home or the hospitals. The report should
also call for increased counselling, information and instruction done by very well trained people to carry out PAD. “This would free up hospital beds and ensure that, with the education, the fear of having their life taken against their will would be reduced.” Other speakers pointed out that in Canada we are a long way from offering palliative care to all people not just those who can afford it. “This is an option that must be considered, we have to ensure we have done all we can in this field before we just start assisting people to die.” Yet others expressed concern over the hastening of death in cases of wills or estates and called for safeguards to be put in place to address legal challenges and make sure that the application was for terminally ill people only and not those who were simply a burden to their caregivers. Speaking from the religious point of view ,many quoted from the Bible that life and death are not for man to decide and that the issue is not just philosophical but one of ethics an morals a as well. As one speaker elaborated, “We do not choose the date and time of our birth and we should not choose the date and time of our death.” Others attacked the ruling from a political point
of view and suggested that Parliament does not have to accept the Supreme Court ruling however this has never been done before and a ‘Not Withstanding’ argument will likely not be considered in this case. Both MP’s could see that the meeting was sometimes very emotional and many speakers gave first- hand accounts of having to make decisions with loved ones in palliative situations. The one message that was consistent was to slow the process down, ask for another extension to elicit more feedback. While many of the speakers thanked the MPs for the opportunity to speak, it was suggested that the less than one week notice did not give time for many others with other viewpoints to prepare a presentation. Of the sixteen member committee made of MPs from across Canada, Langley was the only community in the country to hold a public forum prior to the February deadline. Both MPs thanked the public for their input. “This has been very helpful to us,” commented Warawa. Over 200 comment forms were filled out and returned to the Committee in Ottawa.
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■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■ Published by the LANGLEY TIMES
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
SENIORS& SEXUALITY M AU R E E N M C G R AT H
S
exual intimacy among older people is a subject not often discussed and the secrets to long term love less so. Physical affection like kissing, caressing and hugging are some of the secrets to everlasting love. So is sex. Let’s face it, no relationship or marriage is perfect and time brings a certain comfort with each other that may negate some of the passion. The reason that love prevails over the long term in a relationship where physical touch is important is due to the release of the cuddle hormone known as oxytocin, which surges through our bodies whether we are making love passionately or simply sitting side by side, head on shoulder, hand in hand. How does a couple maintain that closeness in a long term relationship that is so important for physical and emotional well-being? It is through the power of touch. Affection is essential for love, so touch yourself and each other. Self-love through masturbation and/or self stimulation is vital and releases oxytocin as well, although the amount is less which underscores the need for physical connection. What about sex? Sex is strongly associated with intensity in love because that intimacy connects lovers. However it is not essential for everlasting love. According to a recent study by Daniel O’Leary at Stony Brook University of long term lovers, 25% of those surveyed who had not had sex within the last month still reported being intensely in love. If a couple does not feel the need to connect sexually it does not mean their love will not last. The problem arises when one person in the couple is dissatisfied with the amount or intensity of the lovemaking. It is important to communicate this to the person with whom you are in a relationship with just in case there are medical, psychological or
situational reasons, common as one ages. For example, erectile dysfunction may lead to low sexual desire and could be a sign of heart disease. Physical connection and sex are not the only ways to keep the embers burning in the bedroom. Showing your lover that you care is vital. One of those ways is to put some extra special thought into your relationship every day. Although most roses are purchases over Valentine’s Day, that does not mean that any other day of the year would be perfect to send flowers to the woman in your life. It is important to be thoughtful and any gesture that demonstrates your love is usually well received. It is not what you do that counts, rather it is the thought. So how do you show your love for that special person with whom you have traveled on life’s romantic journey. Keep in mind it does not have to be big or expensive, small and thoughtful will do the trick any day of the year. So acknowledge your lover within your budget. Impressing by going broke is not impressive. Some ideas to show someone you love them: • Listen to your lover, they often leave hints about what pleases them, especially women • Sentimental gifts and nights out are worth more than pricey gifts • Have no reservation to make a reservation to dine out Here is some guidance on how to make a special evening at home: • Decorate before the occasion and do Take-Out • Indulge in a bottle of wine or champagne • Finish off with a massage, a couples bubble bath together and/or playful couch time
together are worth their weight in gold. According to TIME Magazine over 80% of women would appreciate an experience more than a tangible gift. So go skiing, play tennis or plan a weekend getaway. Take a cooking class together or go for a couple’s massage. Give a “love voucher” to break from the mundane routines of the bedroom for a special sex night or take a trip to a sex shop. Rent a light porn flick; women enjoy porn too and it is certainly arousing. Tell your partner what you love most about them – have the number of reasons why you love them match the number of years you have been together! What if you are single? Let your friends know you might like to meet someone. On-line dating is not just for the young. Have you ever thought about a matchmaker? Matchmaking services like Divine Matchmaking is matchmaking of the highest order! So head on over to their website divinematchimaking. com. You will be getting back to the bedroom sooner than you think! Maureen McGrath is Host of the CKNW Sunday Night Sex Show on Newstalk 980 which can be heard every Sunday night from 8-9 pm. She is a researcher, Huffington Post Blogger, a sought after speaker and a Sexual Health Registered Nurse in private practice in Vancouver and North Vancouver. To book an appointment or as a speaker, go to her website: backtothebedroom.ca. www.backtothebedroom.ca Visit her blog: Backtothebedroom-blog.ca On Facebook: www.facebook.com/maureen.mcgrath On Twitter: @back2thebedroom
Head down lover’s lane… experiences
■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■ Published by the LANGLEY TIMES
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Dr. Art Hister
T
he best way for me to start this article is with my favourite subject, namely me, of course, so here’s what I want to tell you about myself. I’m getting old (I know, I know, if you watch me on TV, you’re not at all surprised by that admission but hey, I must say that I’ve been very surprised as to how much faster it’s happening than I thought it would) and for me one of the more frustrating things about growing older is that although my aerobic capacity and my endurance have remained pretty good, my sense of balance has deteriorated significantly ever since I suffered a bad case of vertigo a few years ago, so now although I can still put in many hours and days hiking pretty much any terrain, I have to stay very conscious at all times even on smoother ground about my risk of stumbling, and even worse falling. Why do I worry so much about falls? For two simple reasons. First, seniors like me who fall are very prone to suffering a significant head injury, the kind of injury that can not only result in permanent brain
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damage but also even death. And second, of course, is the risk of suffering a fracture from a fall. All fractures in seniors can be very troublesome, and often in ways most of us never consider. For example, fractures of bones in the spine or the wrist often lead to permanent disability or life-long pain afterwards. And of course, fractures of the hip are especially to be feared because roughly 20 % of people who suffer a hip fracture will die within 6 months as a direct result of the fracture, and a very large percent of the others will never regain their pre-fracture mobility and independence. In other words, folks, you want do everything you can do to prevent suffering a fracture from a fall, and you want to start on that regime as early in life as you can, meaning today or tomorrow. And the good news is that what you need to do to reduce your risk of falling is pretty straight-forward. One, start working on your balance,
which – trust me on this - has deteriorated significantly over the years, and just in case you still don’t believe me, choose a place where you can fall without hurting yourself and then try standing on one leg with your eyes closed, the kind of thing kids can do till you tell them the game’s over. Told you, eh. So, you need to work on your balance: tai chi, yoga, specific balance exercises that you can get off the internet are terrific, and easy to do. Second, you also want to re-build some of your lost muscle power by doing resistance training and weight-bearing exercises. One strong word of caution, though, from someone who is sometimes ridiculously impatient, well, at least according to his wife. Start slowly and build up very gradually, because if you try to do too much too soon, you risk injuring yourself, yes, by falling, and hey, that would be even worse than going back to square one.
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
Estate Planning & Trusts E M E L KO S I TS K Y
ffective January 1, 2016 new rules came into force which impact estate planning, including the taxation of testamentary trusts, life interest trusts and planning for a disabled family member. These changes may be significant to you according to Richard Myers, Manager Taxation Services, who works out of the Langley office of BDO Canada LLP. “However, the new rules have yet to be passed into law,” he adds. A trust allows for the separation of the control and management of property from its ownership. This can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including bypassing probate and potential Wills Variation claims. There are two primary types of trusts - Testamentary trusts are created on the death of an individual under the terms of their will, and Inter-Vivos trusts, are created during the settlor’s lifetime. Within the primary types of trusts are a number of subset trusts including personal trusts and life interest trusts. For tax purposes a trust represents a separate hypothetical individual who owns the trust property. However, different types of trusts are taxed in different ways. Myers, who has more than six years of experience specializing in income tax for owner managed business and professionals, says, “Everyone should have an
estate plan in place and review them regularly for any changes.” Being proactive can pay for itself in tax savings and the avoidance of future costs, but not all plans are tax motivated -- your estate plan may be structured for control purposes. The impact of the new rules will hinge largely on the newly defined Graduated Rate Estate (GRE). Generally a GRE is a testamentary trust designated as such by the executor in the first year ending after 2015. No other estate may designate itself as the GRE of the deceased individual and testamentary trusts can be designated as a GRE for no longer than 36 months. The changes will mean non-GRE testamentary trusts will be subject to tax at the highest marginal tax rate for the year. In 2016 for B.C., the highest personal marginal tax rate is 47.70 per cent, while the lowest personal marginal tax rate is 20.06 per cent. This can have a significant impact on after-tax trust income. The impact of the new rules on a non-calendar year end can help in managing timing of taxation of certain receipts and can vary depending on the death of the individual. Also quarterly tax installments may be affected. This may present problems for testamentary trusts with ongoing litigation where assets cannot be
easily liquidated. There are also changes in life interest trusts. Generally, on the death of the beneficiary, a life interest trust is deemed to have disposed of all of its assets which may result in a large capital gain. Previously, the trust would be liable for the resulting tax, which would be paid for using the trust’s capital. Now, the trust’s income is deemed to have become payable to the beneficiary immediately prior to death. The trust income is therefore reported in the beneficiary’s final T1. This matters because the tax liability is then borne by the residual beneficiaries of the estate, not the residual beneficiaries of the life interest trust. This can result in an unfair tax result in “blended family” situations. But on January 15, 2016, the Department of Finance released new draft legislative proposals which should assist in addressing this problem. While the proposals are under consultation, estate plans should still be reviewed to ensure that unforeseen complications do not arise at a later date. “No need to scrap your estate plan just yet. Minor “tweaks” can go a long way.” Myers adds that you should, always consult your tax professional as this information is provided for educational purposes only.
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■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■ Published by the LANGLEY TIMES
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS: Don’t be a victim Scammers don’t discriminate and know no boundaries. K R I ST Y L C L A R K
T
hey target people from all backgrounds, all ages and income levels and bombard not only through the mail and telephone, but will show up on your doorstep, in your email inbox and through text messages. And their tactics are only getting better. From masking telephone numbers and email addresses to impeccably copying letterhead, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate organizations and scammers. While everyone should be vigilant when it comes to fraud, Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy, says the elderly population is especially vulnerable to fraudulent scams and schemes. “Fraud is always a concern and unfortunately it’s not going away – partially because of an increase in technology and partially because they’re getting smarter and coming up with new and creative ways to lure seniors in to their scams.” A report from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre shows that in 2013, people aged 50 to 70 lost the most money to scams, but those between the ages of 40 to 49 weren’t very far behind. Receive a call from Revenue Canada saying you owe them money? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and chances are it’s a scam, says Cpl. Largy. “They’ll call and get a hold of whoever answers the phone or by email and say ‘you haven’t paid back the taxes for your property, so you need to contact us immediately,’” she said, noting that the scammer will often use an address that will look quasi-official. “People think it’s an official looking email and worry they’ll be charged
for cheating on their taxes. With that generation (people who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s) there’s that embarrassment or fear of doing something wrong, which is why they’re more likely to be lured into trying to do the ‘right thing.’” According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the Lower Mainland, the CRA scam was one of the most popular last year. And while the CRA scam plays on one’s fears of getting in trouble with the law and ‘doing the right thing,’ there’s a popular one specifically targeted at the elderly that plays on one’s emotions – the grandparent scam. “These scams usually involve a phone call from someone who pretends to be your grandchild,” explained Cpl. Largy. “They’ll call and the line might not be as clear or as perfect as it could be. The caller will suggest they’re a grandson and they’re somewhere travelling and in need of money right away.” Often, they’ll talk to the person and get them to say their name using the following tactic: “Hi grandma, it’s me, your favourite grandson….” explained Largy, adding that it’s an easy and effective way to draw information out of someone. “They might even say they’re in jail or some other rouse as to why they need you to wire them money. Don’t tell mom and dad, I don’t want them to worry.” If you receive a call like this, don’t wire the money or give the caller any further information, warns Cpl. Largy. “Hang up and report the scam.” Another scam that hits close to home – quite literally – is the gypsy scam. Homeowners and renters, particularly
in retirement complexes, have found themselves in hot water after hiring helpful “in the area” contractors to assist with home, yard and vehicle maintenance, explained Largy, who notes that in some instances victims were simply ripped off – in others, the work completed was of poor quality and cost more to repair or was never finished. “They’ll come into a senior complex, make a suggestion like their eaves are bad or roof has to be replaced right now, and then make a mess of things and overcharge them astronomically.” If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it—waiting could only make it worse. Immediately: 1.Call your bank and/or credit card company; 2. Cancel any debit or credit cards linked to the stolen account; and Reset your personal identification number(s). If you have not lost any money and have not provided personal or financial information (relating to a fraud or scam), and you simply want to inform the appropriate organizations, report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501. If you are a victim of fraud and it is not related to identity fraud, contact the police service of jurisdiction in your area. Here are some more scam awareness and preventions tips, to help keep your identity and money safe from scammers. • Pick a password and keep it a secret. If your password is StarWars or anything too common, you may want to consider changing it. Even if your password isn’t on the list, it’s still a good idea to change your password. And remember, passwords aren’t meant to be shared. That means don’t tell anyone your
passwords, but it also means you should make sure your passwords aren’t easy to guess. Avoid using meaningful dates, names or numbers for your password: birthdates, anniversaries, and your mother’s maiden name are easy for others to figure out. • Think before you click on links. On the surface what may look like a legitimate link may actually be a link to a criminal website or an attachment that can infect your device with malware. Even if the email sender appears to be someone you know, it’s always a good idea to check that the URL is legitimate before clicking on it. To do that, simply hover your mouse over the text of the hyperlink, which will show the full URL, which should help you identify whether the link is legitimate or not. • When looking for love online, think twice before sending them money. While online dating has become the norm, there are some who use dating sites to prey on vulnerable individuals to try separate them from their money. Warning signs when dating online can include the fraudster telling you a tale of a loved one in need of medical procedures but they need help paying for it or they would like to come and visit you but need money for the flight. Before sending money to someone you’ve met online, talk about with a trusted friend or family member first. • If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re offered a job that offers a high return for very little investment or work on your part, you may want to investigate a little further, especially if there is a requirement for you to send money.
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■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■ Published by the LANGLEY TIMES
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the best of
mcgregor says Making a
difference on the field
I recognized a Langley old timer by the name of Roy Hart walking across the grocery store parking lot the other day. I called out, “Hey Ump!” He spun around and fixed me with a glare until he MCGREGOR recognized me and then we did some catching up. Roy is one of those people who gave and gave of his time as an Elk or on the ball fields, always Jim McGregor there to help out the young people. He was a guy you could call on at the last minute to umpire a game, gobble down his supper and be there to call ‘Play ball!” right on time. There were some other dedicated umpires who did games all over the region, Eddie Kosciuk, George Voth, Bob Shields and many more whose names have disappeared like the old wooden bleachers in Athletic Park. I was one of the coaches that would beg these guys to come out, shake their hand when they arrived, then argued every call they made against my team. But they came back, game after game and it didn’t matter if it was Little League, Connie Mack, or senior ball they took the abuse and I know some them enjoyed a good rhubarb. It warmed you up on a cool April night. I often wondered why someone would take on the role of Umpire, Referee or Judge. Why do they put themselves in such a thankless position? Ron Luciano, a retired Major League ump explains it this way: “Umpiring is best described as the profession of standing between two 7 year olds with one ice cream cone!” The officials know going in that not everybody is going to happy when the game ends, but what is the use of having rules if there is no one there to enforce them? We would all be losers. I went to watch my young daughter play softball one night. I had my coffee, my lawn chair, and good vantage point. Then two very nice ladies, the opposing coaches, approached me and asked if I would umpire as the scheduled ump had not shown up. I said I
says
Do you have four hours a week? Cashiers Wanted at Langley Memorial Hospital Gift Shop We provide training and parking pass
To apply We have a great team of all volunteers. go to We have raised over $7.5m dollars since 1994. www.fraserhealth.ca and click on: Our gift shop carries quality clothing, jewellery, • “About Us” purses, flowers, and many more gift items. Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Celebrating 70 Years in 2017
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hadn’t coached or umped girls softball before but we all agreed baseball was baseball and I should do my best. It wasn’t long until the two nice ladies were screaming at me, the fans from both sides thought I was nuts for calling interference or infield flies and the final straw was when I called strike three on my daughter and she said, “Daddy , what do you think you’re doing?” The experience tempered my attitude to any officials. You should walk a mile in someone’s chest protector before you criticize them. Most of our amateur sports could not function without parent support. League executives, people to line fields, cut oranges, sell 50/50 tickets or cheer from the concession. One year when I wasn’t coaching I did concession duty. With gummy candies stuck to my shoes, I was demoted from duty to duty. I was putting too much cheese on the burgers, I had too many wieners on the grill, I let the onions burn, I was talking to the customers instead of taking orders and making change. I finally understood you don’t volunteer for concession duty, you are sentenced to it. But, I did my time like so many others and supported the league so my son could enjoy the sport. In all the years I coached Little League baseball, softball or soccer, I was blessed with great parents and super team moms. There were a couple of hard cases, the dad’s that second guessed the umpires or coaches, the parents that pushed their kids beyond their abilities, or the ones that came to the dugout or the bench to totally embarrass their kids in front of the rest of the team. Their kids will remember those parents for years, I’m sure. As they swaggered back to the bleachers they never heard what their kids said about them or saw the tears the coaches had to deal with. In most cases the kids were more upset about their parents chewing them out rather than what the dressing down was about. It is not socially acceptable to slap children, but the pain and the hand imprint from a slap would have faded a lot quicker than the scars those words were leaving. Any good coach or business manager knows you ‘praise in public, criticize in private.’ Sports parents need to heed that axiom as well. As you get ready for the upcoming sports seasons you are buying your children the best protective equipment, and you are hoping to place your kids on the team with the best coaches. Let’s hope your kids get real lucky and end up with the best parents in the stands to cheer them on. At Least that’s what McGregor says.
Langley Memorial Hospital Gift Shop 22051 Fraser Hwy (Open 7 days a week) www.langleymemorialhospitalauxiliary.ca ■ 22
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Published by the LANGLEY TIMES ■ FEBRUARY 2016 ■
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