Growing Bolder Digital Digest | GB Insiders March 2022: Purpose

John Rivers on

Purpose Social Gaming Women's History Month Income Tax Tips For Caregivers to Save Money

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GROWING BOLDER AND NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES ASSOCIATION PRESENT

Fountain of Youth will change everything you thought you knew about aging. It’s the jolt of inspiration you need to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

WITH

MARC MIDDLETON

We’re all told the same debilitating lie that aging is an inevitable decline into disease and disability.

Fountain of Youth®, a new podcast from Growing Bolder in partnership with the National Senior Games Association, smashes the negative stereotypes of aging and delivers life-transforming lessons for us all.

Hosted by masters athlete, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, and Growing Bolder CEO Marc Middleton, Fountain of Youth shares the inspiring stories of men and women of all ages, sizes, and abilities who are redefining what’s possible and living active, engaged lives into their 80s 90s, and 100s.

SUBSCRIBE NOW and learn the secrets to active aging! podcasts.apple.com/us open.spotify.com/show audible.com/pd

Or Your Favorite Podcast Listening Platform

Daily Stories Online Visit GrowingBolder.com daily for inspiring stories to help you start Growing Bolder

The Bold Start Get a daily dose of inspiration curated from our most popular social media posts.

Check Out Our TV Shows Check your local listings or watch new episodes of "Growing Bolder" and "What's Next!" at GrowingBolder.com/tv

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contents.

March 2022

I N E V E RY I S S U E 6

YOUR TAKE

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NOTE FROM THE CEO

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GROWING BOLDER WITH

10 ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES 12 LIFELONG LEARNING

Get In The Game 14 RECIPE

Educational Dining 24 THE TAKEAWAY

Remembering A True Inspiration THE ART OF CAREGIVING 26 THE ART OF CAREGIVING WITH AMY O'ROURKE

Examining All Care Options F LO R I DA 38 NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Explore Fort Lauderdale 42 5 BEST BOAT TOURS

In Florida Waters MASTERS SPORTS 16 GEEZER JOCK FEATURE

Herman 'The Warrior' Soldiers On 22 A HEALTH AND WELL-BEING REUNION

The Villages Success Is Not By Accident.

It’s By Design LIFEST YLE 18 PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE

92-year-old Jean Banas Defies Stereotypes 34 BOLD SOCIAL

Reel Women 36 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Remembering Three Special Women Who Are No Longer With Us H E A LT H 39 DR. VONDA WRIGHT ON THE 5 PILLARS OF HEALTH

The Keys To Living Longer, Healthier Lives 40 CULTIVATING PRESENCE TODAY FOR A FULFILLED TOMORROW

Photography by Mike Dunn

Tips To Navigate The Shifts In Life 44 ‘HOW’D YOU SLEEP?’ NO DREAM TOO BIG

Head to page 30 to read Rivers' story

The Importance of Quantity & Quality Sleep FINANCE 25 INCOME TAX TIPS

How Caregivers Can Save Money 5

YOURTAKE

"Write it down and share with a friend."

"Break it down into smaller goals."

—Kathleen H. S.

—@u2cameron

"Write down the planned result and then write the steps from end to beginning."

"Write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every day."

—Robyn G.

—Jim L.

"Have good reason WHY, find some accountability and take the first step ASAP."

"Take one step...and the next step gets you where you're going."

—Tony T.

—Lynda S.

"Have a big enough WHY reason that will give you the proper motivation you will need to keep going during the hard times."

"Ensuring it is reasonable and attainable."

—Sharon E.

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—Lisa F. D.

"Writing it down in a mantra."

"Speak my goal."

—Debra G. R.

—@fabricpaperandthreadz

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

Illustration by Oleksandra Bezverkha via Getty Images

What's your first step in planning a new goal?

From the CEO This month we celebrate the importance of having purpose in our lives. The Japanese believe that everyone has an ikigai — a reason to get up in the morning.

The French call it a raison d'être — a justification for existence. Call it whatever you like but don’t discount its importance. A 14-year study published in the journal Psychological Science showed that having a sense of purpose in retirement helps you live longer and healthier. A study in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people with a greater sense of purpose have less incidence of cardiovascular disease and lower mortality. A study by Harvard researchers found that older Americans with a sense of purpose are happier, healthier and have far fewer visits to the doctor. And, finally, a study by the University of Pennsylvania found that people with a greater sense of purpose experienced less loneliness and made better lifestyle choices to protect their health during the Covid pandemic.

In the pages ahead, you’ll see the value that purpose adds to the lives of restauranteur John Rivers, artist Jean Banas, fitness advocate Ann Kahl, and the women we’re honoring as we celebrate Women’s History Month.

Your purpose doesn’t have to be profound. Sharing a kind word of encouragement can change or even save someone’s life. Arthur Ashe said: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” John Wooden, the hall of fame basketball coach, said, “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” At Growing Bolder we say, never stop moving forward and giving back.

Your purpose doesn’t have to be profound. Sharing a kind word of encouragement can change or even save someone’s life.

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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PR E SE N TE D BY MEDICARE

Catch new episodes now airing across Florida!

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Marc Middleton, What’s Next! features a team of well-known Florida broadcasters and personalities, including Secily Wilson, Amy Sweezey, and Bill Shafer, all shining the spotlight on ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

What’s Next! is a jolt of inspiration that helps audiences of all ages believe that it’s never too late to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.

New episodes are now airing across Florida!

Check local listings and watch a full episode at

GrowingBolder.com/Whats-Next

GROWING BOLDER WITH

Barry Kerzin

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Photo by Jacob Langston

Mindfulness is one of the hottest trends in wellbeing today, but it is a concept that is hundreds, if not thousands of years old. Long considered a key component of Buddhism, mindfulness — the act of being fully aware of the present moment — has gone mainstream.

From schools to prisons to corporate training seminars, mindfulness is a popular way to find calm, and reduce stress and anxiety. More and more people, including scientists and medical experts, are buying into the potential benefits of incorporating mindful meditation into an overall health care program.

Few see this from the perspective of Barry Kerzin. He brings together two very different backgrounds, one as an American physician and the other as an ordained Buddhist monk. He serves as a personal physician to the 14th dalai lama. Kerzin believes science and spirituality are not necessarily opposing forces and that adopting meditative practices is not as much a religious experience as it is humanistic, allowing us to tap into feelings we may have lost along the way.

“Kids know this well,” he said. “They experience utter joy where we've lost that. We've gotten off track. Most of us have forgotten how to come back to the present moment and refresh. This type of mindfulness teaches us how to find that joy again.”

It is a topic Kerzin has given a great deal of thought to.

As a medical doctor and Buddhist monk he believes we can all benefit from looking inward.

“Mindfulness encourages us to remember the good stuff, the positive ways of living,” he explained. “It's to check up and see what's happening inside right now. ‘What am I thinking? What am I feeling? And do I need to adjust my course if I'm a little bit into negativity?’ It encourages us to recognize these feelings, be mature and apply the techniques, tools and methods we've learned to move more towards the positive.”

He also speaks to the power of compassion and how it can change our lives in countless ways. It is something he practices himself. For the past 30 years, Kerzin has continued to practice medicine, without ever charging a patient for his services.

“By doing that it not only enriches my life but it also enriches the lives of those who come to me,” he said. “By genuinely being concerned for that person, you start to develop a positive relationship of caring. From that you develop trust which is often lacking in today's medicine.”

Kerzin, 74, knows most people are not going to give away their belongings or provide their services for free, but he says taking small steps towards compassion will lead to big rewards.

“Whether it's money, advice or a half a day free of your services, whatever you choose, begin to share more because that's a win-win situation,” he said. “A person who shares will not only enrich the lives of others; their own life will be greatly enhanced.”

Kerzin, founder of the Altruism in Medicine Institute, says more peer-reviewed research confirms that activities like meditation and compassion strengthen the immune system, which in turns helps the body better fight diseases like cancer and chronic illnesses related to stress.

“Providing people with tools and techniques for living healthier lives is a crucial component to aging well,” Kerzin says. “Taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and integrating them can change your life. By participating in things such as yoga, meditation, exercise, nutrition counseling and more, people will have the opportunity to truly live well, inside and out for many years to come.”

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING E XTR AORDINARY LIVES®

Vivian Stancil

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Vivian Stancil had just turned 50, and it was time for her annual physical exam. It was an appointment she had dreaded because she knew something was not right. Still, the doctor’s words shook her, “Lose weight or you will die.”

Stancil began to reflect on her life. “This couldn’t be it,” she thought. “There has to be more.”

Stancil never felt like she mattered. Both her parents died by the time she was seven. She grew up in foster homes.

By 19 she was married, divorced and the mother of two. Oh, and that year she lost her eyesight to retinitis pigmentosa.

Now, in that exam room, hearing the doctor’s words left her blind and lost.

“That was not how my life was going to end,” she said. But the doctor detected a heart murmur, and at just five feet tall and weighing 320 pounds the task ahead was not going to be easy.

“I was so big I could barely walk,” she remembered.

“But I wanted to live.”

She knew she needed to exercise more and eat less.

She started on a plant-based diet. Because of her size swimming seemed ideal, but there was a problem. “I was terrified of water,” she explained. “So much so that I had never been in a pool before, but I knew this was a matter of life or death.”

Terrified, she clung to the side of the pool. “Kids were making fun of me,” she remembered. “And my coach was

“My message is do not be stopped by fear. Take responsibility for your health and do what you can to help others in your community.

We can all make a difference.” begging me to let go. Suddenly, something washed over me telling me not to give in to my fear. I was going to conquer it and take control.”

Over time, Stancil became comfortable in the water and the combination of diet and exercise began to take effect. The more changes she noticed the more determined she became. She joined an aquatics team and began to participate in swim meets, culminating in her participation in the National Senior Games.

Today Stancil is 74, still swimming, still competing and has lost over 100 pounds. She went from a size 24 to a 12 and has never felt better. She has her health back, and she has a purpose.

“This may be the best time of my life,” she said. “I’m a proud 74-year-old woman who helps people with disabilities. I have run two non-profit organizations like the Vivian Stancil Olympic Foundation which helps children and seniors safely participate in swimming, and I get to travel and speak.”

She has an effervescent, uplifting demeanor and seems to genuinely enjoy meeting others and telling her story.

Wherever she goes she inspires many.

“My message is do not be stopped by fear,” she said.

“Take responsibility for your health and do what you can to help others in your community. We can all make a difference.”

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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LIFELONG LEARNING

Get In The Game!

Top 5 Social Video Games to Bring People of All Ages Together Are you looking for a new way to connect with your friends, kids and grandkids? One of the best options you may not have considered is playing video games together. There was a time when these games were intentionally created only for young adults. But times have changed, and now there are thousands of social video games that are easy to play and specifically designed for people of all ages to interact with each other. In fact, a recent study on senior gaming showed that 44% of Americans age 50+ now enjoy video games at least once a month. That’s nearly 51 million gamers and counting who are benefiting from the digital age and forming new relationships online to stave off social isolation.

Growing Bolder’s Marc Middleton and Bill Shafer upped their gaming skills, playing with a 31-year-old livestreamer and tabletop game designer named Mike Lavoie, known as “MeatSim9” on Twitch. This trio discussed why social video games are a great way to form intergenerational relationships.

“It gives you something to converse about,” Lavoie said. “It gives you a context for having a conversation that probably goes off the rails, and you talk about lots of other things, too.

But it helps give you that commonality very quickly of, ‘We’re going through this gaming experience together,’ so we’ve established this baseline, and now we can go off on all sorts of tangents while we play.”

For a livestreamer such as Lavoie, who has made countless friendships through gaming, it is worth the time to

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

find the right game to suit one’s passions, no matter your age.

“There’s just something for everyone,” Lavoie explained. “I think that’s one of the big things that people think about games: ‘Oh, video games aren’t for me; board games aren’t for me.’ There’s just so many options of games that it’s just a matter of finding out which one is for you. Games have given me so much my whole life — like different friendships, people I would’ve never met if they weren’t also interested in games.”

A study conducted by North Carolina State University, “Successful Aging Through Digital Games: Socioemotional Differences Between Older Adult Gamers and Non-Gamers,” showed seniors who play video games regularly or occasionally report better overall emotional well-being. Dr. Vonda Wright, MD, MS, a renowned expert on healthy aging, told Growing Bolder that gaming can help increase the number of healthy years we have later in life. “Gaming is a complex activity that can stave off the fogginess that can happen with aging,” Wright said. “And when done with others, it decreases social isolation, which is a problem for people as we get older.”

When it comes to games that are easy to learn with a low barrier to entry, Lavoie recommends buying a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Wii. Invite your children and grandchildren over for a night of gaming, starting with one of these five games:

Top 5 Social Video Games For All Ages 1. “Overcooked!2” on Nintendo Switch or PC

“This is one of the best, if not the best, cooperative game ever made. It's about being a short-order cook, and you're just all working together to try to fill the customer orders. You have to communicate to decide who's washing the dishes, who's chopping the lettuce, who's putting the bun on the burger. It gets very crazy, but it's so much fun.”

2. “Mario Kart” on Nintendo Switch According to live streamer Mike Lavoie

“This is the most famous series of games on my list. The controls are pretty basic. You're just holding one button and hoping for the best and steering as you race each other. I've played with parents, with friends' parents. I've played it with my nephew. It's just an incredible game that anyone can relate to.”

3.“Stardew Valley” on Nintendo Switch or PC

To watch the Growing Bolder team demonstrate how easy and fun it is to play these social video games, check out the links below: Growing Bolder plays “OverCooked!2” on Nintendo Switch:

“I live in New York City, and I dream about the opportunity to move out of the big city onto a lovely little farm in a quaint little town, go fishing, plant crops, and just live the simple life. The game has a lot of depth to it. The fact that you can play it with your friends or family, up to four players online or on the same couch farming together, it's just a very relaxing experience.”

4. “Mario Party” on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Wii

“It's really a great combination of board game and video game. It has a lot of just small, silly games that you can play. You're moving around a board and trying to collect as many stars as you can. They teach you all the controls as you're playing the small games within the board game.”

5. “Wii Sports” on Nintendo Wii Growing Bolder plays “Wii Sports” on Nintendo Wii:

“Wii was really a pioneer in the intergenerational space because it was one of the first consoles that families were gravitating towards, that parents and kids alike were all playing together. Wii Sports is still as good today as it was back in 2006, to get together to play golf, tennis, bowling and more.”

Fans of this classic game are in luck, as Nintendo announced a long-awaited sequel to Wii Sports is in the works for their current console, called “Nintendo Switch Sports” to be released on April 29, 2022!

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Photo Courtesy of 4Roots

In October of 2020, 4Roots Foundation, the philanthropic arm of 4R Restaurant Group, opened 4Roots Café inside an exhibit at the Orlando Science Center. The goal was to create an immersive and educational dining experience by highlighting the link between the food we eat and its origin. Exhibits feature cooking and farming demonstrations, kids’ activities, a video wall playing the stories of 15 local farmers — “food heroes” — and more.

4Roots Foundation founder John Rivers hopes the Café helps educate both children and their parents on where their food comes from, how it relates to their health, causes of food waste, and what we each can do to support a better food system and address food insecurity in our community.

The cafe menu includes plant-forward items, sourced from as much produce as possible from local growers, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the 4Roots Foundation. Customers can utilize grab-and-go options or dine in and create customizable sandwiches, flatbreads bowls and salads. Here is one of our favorite salads.

Photo by Mike Dunn

Educational Dining

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4Roots Signature Mediterranean Bowl A base of romaine and spinach mix, with Kale Power Mix, Four Bean Medley, Baja Chicken, topped with tomatoes and parmesan.

INGREDIENTS

Baja Chicken 2lb Chicken Thighs – seasoned with salt and pepper 2 Cups Baja Dressing (see sub recipe) 4 Tbsp. Lime Juice 1 Bunch of Cilantro 1 Tsp. Lime Juice Baja Dressing ½ Cup Red Wine Vinegar 1½ Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 ½ Tbsp. Italian Seasoning ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt ¼ Tsp. Black Pepper ¼ Tsp. Sugar ½ Tsp. Dried Oregano Bean Medley 1 Cup Yellow Onion-diced ½ Tbsp. Olive Oil Blend ¼ Tsp. Garlic Powder ¼ Tbsp. Italian Seasoning ¼ Tsp. Kosher Salt ¼ Tsp. Black Pepper ½ Tbsp. Sherry Vinegar

1 Cup Red Kidney Beans 1 Cup Pinto Beans 1 Cup White Kidney Beans 1 Cup Cannellini Beans Kale Power Mix 1 Cup Shredded Kale ¼ Cup Grated Carrot ½ Cups Cabbage- thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. Lemon Vinaigrette (see sub recipe) Lemon Vinaigrette ¼ Cup Lemon Juice 2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 pinch Kosher Salt 1 pinch Black Pepper Mediterranean Bowl Assembly 6 oz Spinach 6 oz Kale Power Mix 3 oz Bean Medley 3 oz Baja Chicken 2 oz Tomato 2 oz Parmesan

DIREC TIONS

Baja Chicken Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add chicken to Baja Dressing, lime juice, and cilantro marinade Marinate between 2 and 4 hours. Remove chicken from marinade and reserve cilantro bunch. Grill chicken until 165 ° while brushing marinade and mopping the chicken with the cilantro bunch. Let chicken rest for 3 minutes.

Cut chicken into ¾ x ¾ dice. Toss with lime juice.

Baja Dressing Mix all ingredients together.

Bean Medley Sauté onion in Olive Oil Blend. Add seasonings.

Add Beans. Cook until beans are tender. Finish with sherry vinegar.

Kale Power Mix Add all ingredients to a bowl and toss in Lemon Vinaigrette.

Lemon Vinaigrette Whisk all ingredients together.

Mediterranean Bowl Assembly Combine all prepared ingredients into a bowl in this order.

Start with a base of 6 oz Spinach. Add 6 oz Kale Power Mix. Add 3 oz Bean Medley. Add 3 oz Baja Chicken. Add 2 oz Tomato. Add 2 oz Parmesan.

Ray Glier

Ray Glier has written for various media for over 40 years, as a contributor to national publications including The New York Times, Vice Sports, USA TODAY, The Miami Herald, The Boston Globe, Atlanta JournalConstitution and The Washington Post.

The author of five books, Glier has a passion for master sports and seniors athletes, and shares their stories of triumph and joy in his unique, inspiring, and always moving weekly newsletter, Geezer Jock.

For more great masters sports content, subscribe to Ray’s free weekly email at geezerjocknewsletter.com.

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

“I still have about six more years of work then I’ll retire, and start training in the pool twice a week, and then I’ll really be fast,” said Kelly, a professor at LSU and a church pastor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“My goal is to be a national champion within 10 years.”

Many people at 68 years old hesitate to buy green bananas. Some will declare, “This is the last car I’ll ever buy.”

Not Herman Osby Kelly, who is living a paradox of a life. He’s older, but time isn’t running out, not by his estimation. He’s on the 10-year plan.

Kelly won seven gold medals in two Louisiana State Senior Games (2018, 2019) swimming the butterfly, individual medley, and breaststroke. The health of his wife Linda, who he was married to for 37 years, and the scourge of Covid, contained his ambition in the pool the last two years. Linda died August 7, 2021, and Herman leads charity events for his beloved, as well as others with cancer.

Photography by The Advocate/Bill Feig

Herman 'The Warrior' Soldiers On

He turned 68 years old in February, but this is no time for a Farewell Tour for Dr. Herman Kelly. He is just getting warmed up and aims to bring back the adrenaline that soaked him and stoked him in college when he was a member of the famed Morehouse College Tiger Sharks. That was 50 years ago.

“I set goals for myself and sometimes they can be unrealistic, but that’s just who I am. I like people to tell me I can’t do something.”

He swims for her…and now he swims for himself.

The 2022 National Senior Games in Ft. Lauderdale are squarely on the radar.

“The top 12,” Kelly said of his goals. “I have to at least get the top 12 in Ft. Lauderdale. You get a ribbon for top eight, a medal for top 3.”

The pastor wants the hard stuff. The metal of the medal. But he is playing a long game, which is preposterous patience for a guy who is 68. 12th is good enough….for now.

“I have to knock six seconds off and I can do that,” Kelly said. “As soon as I see another competitor in the pool again, my adrenaline will shoot up, and I’ll knock that six seconds off.”

Kelly finished 18th nationally in the butterfly and Individual Medley at the National Senior Games in Albuquerque in 2019. His son, a police officer in Washington, D.C., commanded him to “up his game” so Kelly wakes at 4:30 a.m. four days a week to swim. His workouts those mornings can cover 4,400 yards, he said.

Herman was 64 in Albuquerque, the top end of the cohort 60-64, so he raced against 60-year olds. He will be near the top end of the 65-69 cohort in Ft. Lauderdale, but he doesn’t lean on the alibi the others are younger.

“I motivate myself to get up at 4:30 in the morning because I want to be a national champion, just like I’m a state champion,” Kelly said. “I set goals for myself and sometimes they can be unrealistic, but that’s just who I am.

I like people to tell me I can’t do something.”

Kelly’s grudge against people who doubted him carried him right to Atlanta for college. He was a good high school student and could have gone to a number of schools, but Herman wanted to swim in college and decided on Morehouse in Atlanta.

His friends in Jacksonville scoffed. Morehouse was the top Black college swim program in the country and Herman didn’t have a scholarship offer. The Tiger Sharks were a powerhouse and could beat the likes of Georgia Tech.

Herman was determined to be a Tiger Shark.

He made the team. All four years. Two of those four years, Morehouse was a national champion among HBCUs. The Tiger Sharks were SIAC champions three years.

It wasn’t easy for a Black kid to develop into a terrific swimmer in the 1960s. It wasn’t as if he could stroll down to the public pool as a child in Jacksonville, Florida, hop in the pool, and practice his strokes. Black kids had to swim in the creeks and ocean, or not at all, and some drowned because

they had not been taught to swim and currents can be tricky below the surface.

Herman O Kelly, Sr., and his mother, Marquerite, finally arranged for swim lessons for Herman and his sister, Carmen, at a pool for Blacks near their home in Washington Heights. Herman was 7 and he did as he was told by his father, a railroad man, and his mother, who was a nurse.

Swimming was rigorous, but so was the mere act of going to school. Segregated walls were coming down and Kelly found himself in a mostly white high school. He remembers walking into the white environment one of the first days and having pennies thrown at him.

“There was a popular arcade game back then where people would hand pennies to the mechanical monkey as it moved,” Herman said.

He didn’t have to explain.

The meanness could have been a cage for a kid less resourceful, but Herman escaped into academics and the pool. He could swim away from the sharks. Just look at the picture at the top of this story and notice that right hand he is holding up. That’s a big mitt. You don’t think Herman can throw back some water in the pool?

His success in college is why Kelly recoiled at the 2014 picture of him and his wife with their son when he graduated from the police academy. “I had a gut,” he said.

That was eight years ago and Kelly has been swimming ever since and has slimmed up.

It has been seven months since Linda died. LSU varsity swimmers rallied around him and help him train. Herman’s friends and church family have gathered him up, too. He ministers to a flock of 150-160 at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is still teaching at LSU in African studies and does a course on helping kids get traction at a major university.

Where does he get this drive?

Kelly told me he spent seven days in an incubator as a newborn fighting for his life. That name “Herman” came from his father passing it on to him, but Herman has also tried to live up to the spirit of the name. “Herman” in German means soldier, or warrior, and Kelly considers himself a warrior.

The incubator, the racial barbs, being cut from school teams outside the pool, doubts from friends he could succeed in a top college swimming program, the death of his wife. Kelly the warrior soldiers on.

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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Painting with a Purpose 92-year-old Jean Banas Defies Stereotypes

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Photography by Speedway Custom Photo Lab

Jean Banas is a 92-year-old abstract expressionist and a major surprise to many critics and collectors who make the ageist and sexist assumption that her dynamic and energetic paintings were created by a much younger man. “That’s true,” she says. “It never occurred to me that only a man could create very strong, dynamic paintings.”

Banas works quickly with multiple brushes in each hand and on two canvases at one time. Scrubbing, rubbing, layering, and looking until a painting is finished or forgotten. A creative risk-taker, she’s not afraid to push a painting too far. “That’s what Picasso said,” she offers. “Paint until you totally destroy the painting and then you’re ready to start painting.”

Banas says she tries to get out of her own way and let the creativity flow through her. “In the beginning, I paint really fast. I totally get lost in my work. After a while, I step back, begin to think a bit more, and the painting starts speaking to me. Sometimes I want to do my own thing, but the painting says, ‘Nope!’”

“Nope” is something she never hears from her 95-yearold husband, Raymond. The two have been married for more than 70 years and live alone in a house that Raymond built. He still makes the frames for Jean’s paintings. “That's nothing,” he says. “I was a design engineer for decades. A frame for pictures? That’s easy. I enjoy woodwork.” “We've had a great marriage,” Jean adds. “Ray has always been my mister fixer upper and mister builder. He’s slowed down now. He has COPD and some memory problems, but we're still managing. It’s such a blessing to have family and friends that love you and care for you. My art friends mean so much to me because they're my closest friends.”

In the studio, Banas fights the war of art alone. She loads her brushes with bright colors but doesn’t paint what she calls “pretty pictures.” She’s a non-objective artist whose work in recent years often has a social objective. “I’m affected by books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen and experiences I’ve had,” she says. “I saw the movie “Precious” and it affected me so deeply that I finally came to terms with sexual abuse in my own family. I felt real rage and turned that rage into a series of paintings on sexual abuse. I’ve also created series on slavery and civil rights and war. I'm interested in all forms of social injustice and that comes out in my paintings.” This body of work has evolved into an ongoing “Human Injustice” series; a powerful expression of rage against those who victimize the powerless.

Gloria Steinem once said, “Women grow radical with age. One day an army of gray-haired women may quietly take over the earth.” Banas believes that age has given her the ability, the privilege, and the obligation to make social statements. “I had to paint for many, many years to develop all these feelings and express them on canvas,” she says. “I have no plans to slow down.” Jean Banas has never painted for recognition but admits that this later-in-life attention feels pretty good. “This is just so overwhelming to me.

Having openings, giving interviews, recording videos, and presenting art talks. It's going to take me a while to come down-to-earth, I think.”

To see more of Jean’s work, visit jeanbanas.com.

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“Fun never asks how old you are.”

FOR M ORE DAILY M EME S :

@GrowingBolder

Photo by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder

SYBIL

Watch inspirational stories any time of day or night.

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

Search for Growing Bolder in the app store and download today.

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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The National Senior Games

A Health and Well-Being Reunion The Villages Success Is Not

by Accident. It’s by Design.

Growing Bolder is The Official Media Partner of the National Senior Games Association.

For more information go to GrowingBolder.com/NSGA

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It doesn't matter whether you're short or tall, big or small, old or young.

There's something for everybody.

The National Senior Games (NSG) are back! The original 2021 dates were rescheduled to May 10-23, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale due to the pandemic. Athletes 50 and older are anxious for the return of what is now the largest qualified multisport competition in the world, with more competitors than the Olympic Games.

The NSG features competition in 22 sports in what has become a biennial celebration of health and wellbeing. “It’s the camaraderie and the friendships we develop over the years that keep us coming back,” says Brian Hankerson, a 67-year-old long jump national champion from Florida.

Cheryl Tubbs, a 62-year-old pickleball player from Delaware, agrees. “There’s a true spirit of community among competitors. You can go to any part of this country and they’re welcoming towards you. They invite you into their homes and share their bread with you.”

“It doesn't matter whether you're short or tall, big or small, old or young. There's something for everybody,” adds 70-year-old Woody Dietrich, a discus thrower from Ohio.

“You meet healthy and optimistic people and come away with lots of inspiration. It's just the best thing.”

The NSG attracts athletes from all 50 states, but the one town or city with the largest number of entrants is The Villages, Florida. The Villages is the fastest-growing metro area in the country and the success of its athletes is not by accident. It’s by design. All the ingredients necessary to learn, improve, compete, and to win are designed into this master-planned community north of Orlando.

“Well, it's just wonderful,” says 84-year-old Roger Vergin, a multi-sport superstar who didn’t know there was seniors or masters track until he was in his 70s. Since then, while living and training in The Villages, he’s won over 60 national championships and set dozens of records. “We're able to get access to the track three times a week and most people can't ever get on tracks.”

Madelaine “Tiny” Cazel was the Florida State Athlete of the Year in 2003 and hasn’t slowed down. Now 85, Cazel believes one of the biggest factors in the success of athletes from The Villages is easy access to coaching. “We have incredible coaches who help us learn and train while many, if not most, older athletes are on their own.”

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WO O DY D I E T R I C H

Joanne Lord, a volleyball player in her 50s, agrees that facilities and coaching are important but to her, it’s being surrounded by like-minded teammates. “I've been here for three years,” Lord told us. “People in The Villages are excited about being together on a team and being healthy.

That's really the biggest part of it. Everybody I play with is very active and extremely healthy. We encourage one another to keep going. I'm in two dance troops and on two sports teams. It's a lot of fun with a lot of nice people.”

“The Villages is an athlete's heaven,” says 68-year-old swimmer Bob Jennings. “We have a running club, a triathlon club, biking clubs, a swim team and just about everything else you can imagine.” That’s an understatement. The Villages has nearly 3,000 official clubs, dozens of sports, and hundreds of teams. “This is paradise,” adds Cazel. “We went to North Carolina, California, Arizona, and several places in Florida looking for our retirement home. When we visited The Villages, I said to my husband, ‘This is it. Our search is over. We're not going anywhere. This is where I want to stay.’"

For most who attend the National Senior Games, winning isn’t a realistic goal but that’s not why they come.

The main appeal is simply socializing around a shared passion for active living. They’ll share tips, encouragement, and laughs. They’ll share stories about past competitions and make plans to get together at future events.

When asked about the emotional connection that forms among older athletes, tears began rolling down the cheeks of Sandy Garner, the Florida State Athlete of the Year. “As I age, I would like to remain active and enjoy life,” she said. “I don't want to wind up in a nursing home with people taking care of me. I want to keep playing for as long as I can.” For most, that’s the real goal. As George Bernard Shaw first said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old.

We grow old because we stop playing.”

And as Gordon Ralph, a 90-year-old swimmer from The Villages points out, if you keep going long enough, eventually you just might find yourself on the top of the podium. “I follow one rule,” he says. “Outlive the competition. So now, I'm the only one. I'm going to get six golds!”

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THE TAKEAWAY

Ann Kahl Remembering a True Inspiration

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We dedicate this Takeaway to the memory of Ann Kahl who passed away in January at the age of 92. Ann touched our hearts from the first time we met. She was difficult not to notice, darting by at 5K runs across central Florida with a sign on her back that said, “You’ve just been passed by a 90-year-old!” What an attitude and what an inspiration!

Ann truly was an ordinary person who lived an extraordinary life. It started when she turned 50 when the death of her father, sister and husband shocked her into taking responsibility for her health. She started running — well, walking mostly, but she stayed with it. She entered her first 5K run and felt so much support and encouragement she vowed to participate as often as she could.

Fitness transformed her physically, mentally and socially.

With each year that went by she felt more empowered, energetic and determined to inspire others. “You cannot sit in a chair and expect to be healthy,” she said. “I don’t take any medications, not any, because the only medicine I need is on my feet — my running shoes.”

She felt that if she could continue to run, even into her 90s, any of us could.

“Do some kind of exercise every day,” she implored. “I find it brings me happiness, health and strength, and it will do that for you, too.”

When the end came for Ann, she did not suffer. She died at home with family and friends by her bedside, just the way she had hoped. She was an inspiration even in death, and by sharing her story we hope she continues to inspire for years to come. She would like that.

“I have had the most wonderful life, full of challenges, but a fantastic life,” she told us just last year. “And I'm probably the happiest I've ever been because I have my freedom, my independence, and my health. What more could you ask?”

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Income Tax Tips For Caregivers To Save Money

Tax Tips For Caregivers: DEDUC TIONS →

→

→

Amy Sweezey

Filling out forms and paying taxes can be complicated, especially when you’re a caregiver. If you aren’t a financial advisor or accountant, some tax tips for caregivers may be just what you need when trying to determine what you can and can’t claim.

Unfortunately, a lot of caregivers miss out on tax credits and deductions every year because they don’t realize how much they are spending taking care of a loved one.

→ →

Know what you spend Keeping good records is key to knowing what you’re spending and how you can claim the tax benefits you deserve.

In the 2017 study The Journey of Caregiving conducted by Merrill Lynch and AgeWave, 52% of caregivers said they had no idea how much they’d spent on caregiving-related expenses. Surprisingly, 45% couldn’t estimate the amount spent in the last 30 days.

Besides keeping track of expenses, it’s important to know the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit. A tax deduction lowers your taxable income while a tax credit directly reduces your tax bill.

Source: IRS.gov

CREDITS Establish whether or not you qualify for these specific caregiving credits: →

→ An additional credit for caregivers is under scrutiny now. A bipartisan bill, the “Credit for Caring Act,” was introduced in May 2021 in the House and Senate which would provide up to $5,000 for caregivers if passed. This tax credit for eligible family caregivers who work could offset the cost of home modifications (like ramps or smart-home technology) or adult day care.

If you’re still confused, get help from a professional.

Tax attorneys, qualified financial advisors and many accountants can provide advice on the best ways to save money on your taxes.

Monday, April 18, 2022 is the deadline to file a tax return for 2021.

Determine if you can claim your loved one as a dependent. There are specific IRS rules related to how much is spent caring for a relative whether living inside or outside the same house.

Caregiver tax deductions can be applied to non-relatives, too. If you are caring for a non-relative as part of your household, you may still be eligible for benefits.

When there are multiple caregivers sharing responsibility, decide who will receive the tax break. If several siblings share the cost of a parent’s care, only one sibling can claim the parent as a dependent.

Sometimes you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for a relative’s medical expenses.

If you work as a nanny, senior caregiver or other domestic helper, ascertain if you are considered an employee or an independent contractor.

Those two titles differ and the IRS requires different forms and different taxes. If you are paid more than a specific amount (in 2021 it’s $2,400) for caregiving in a year, the IRS considers you a household employee.

→

Other Dependent Credit: This allows you to claim a loved one (that is not your child) as a dependent with a credit up to $500 depending on income. You don't need to be living in the same house as this dependent to receive this credit.

Child & Dependent Care Credit: Many people think this only applies to child daycare costs, but you may be eligible for this credit if your loved one attends a senior care facility during the day or has in-home care.

Medical expenses deduction: If your loved one qualifies as a dependent, you may be able to deduct a portion of their medical expenses if you pay for them. Don’t forget to keep all the receipts from the pharmacy, doctor and insurance company. Many places will send a printed list of expenses at the end of the year if you ask.

Source: Jo Willetts, Director of Tax Resources forJackson Hewitt

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The Art of Caregiving

with Amy O'Rourke

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America’s Advocate for Caregivers and Examining All Care Options

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Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, offer multiple levels of care on one campus: independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care. They feature a variety of other amenities and services such as a clinic nurse, twenty-four-hour security, and emergency alert systems. This appeals to consumers who want to stay in one community as their care needs change and to older adults with no family or no family living close by.

Photos: FG Trade and KatarzynaBialasiewicz via Getty Images

When it comes to providing care for our loved ones, the options can be overwhelming: home care, independent living, nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation hospitals, and more.

Making the right decision at the right time takes planning, research, and insight from someone you can trust. Growing Bolder’s aging and care management expert, Amy O’Rourke, examines all care options in her book, The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones. In this installment of Art of Caregiving, Amy looks at CCRCs.

Older adults “buy in” which comes in the form of an entrance fee (ranging from $100,000 to $500,000).

These communities often feature resort-style amenities such as meal plans and active lifestyle programs. The big appeal with CCRCs is that once you pay the entrance fees and monthly charges, you have one very nice place to stay for the rest of your life.

They provide several levels of service including independent housing and apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all on one site. Health care services and recreation programs are also provided.

The “continuing care” refers to the fact that residents can move from one level of service to the next within the complex, depending on their needs at any given time.

There is a price for peace of mind. The entry fees range from the low to mid six figures or more. Monthly charges are also quite high, from $2,000 to more than $4,000. Entrance fees do not cover the cost of care. They offer the security of

knowing you will stay within the same community as your care needs change.

Most CCRCs are set up so that a declining percentage of the entry fee is refunded if an individual leaves or dies within a few years of moving. Some will guarantee a refund percentage for the individual or family heirs if a higher entry fee is paid.

Many continuing care retirement communities are wonderful, particularly those that are near universities or colleges and have affiliations that allow residents to use their facilities. Sometimes called “University Based Retirement Communities” (UBRCs), these college town CCRCs provide access for residents to attend or audit many university classes and events like concerts and sports, while also allowing them to enjoy campus libraries, recreation and fitness centers, and other campus facilities.

Tips When Considering CCRCs

→ → → → →

For more Caregiving Tips from Amy O’Rourke read The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones

→ →

Do not pay an entrance fee to a Continuing Care Retirement Community if your parent is over 85. Odds are that you will never get your money’s worth.

If you have purchased long-term care insurance, you may want to cash out your long-term care insurance when moving into a CCRC. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia, does the CCRC have memory care in assisted living and the nursing home? Some do, many do not.

Spend a night or two on the grounds to get a feel for what the lifestyle will be like, as well as the quality of the dining room meals and other amenities.

Tour the assisted living facilities and nursing homes on different days and times of day. You are buying into the entire community and need to see the quality of care and lifestyle throughout the community, not just in independent living.

In most contracts, the facility maintains the right to move you to another level of care, even if you don’t want to or think you need to.

The rates increase annually. Check to see what the past increases have been.

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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“I never thought about being an artist, I always felt I was an artist. It is who I am.”

– Jamieson Thomas

FOR M O RE DAILY M EME S :

@GrowingBolder

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

Photography by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder

ARTIST

Growing Bolder Opens Bureau in The Villages, FL We’re excited to announce that Growing Bolder is opening a bureau in The Villages, FL, the fastest growing metro area in the country according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Growing Bolder is dedicated to helping people of all ages celebrate the blessing of growing older and seize the many opportunities created by extra years active life. “There is an entirely new life stage that has never before existed and nowhere is that more apparent than in The Villages,” says Growing Bolder Executive Vice President, Bill Shafer.

“With nearly 3,000 social clubs, and unlimited recreational, educational, entertainment, and employment opportunities, The Villages is the

WE'RE HIRING!

perfect place to discover what’s next,” says Sr. Producer Lynne Mixson. “That makes it the perfect place for Growing Bolder to produce and share the inspiring stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives.”

In addition to covering stories in The Villages, Growing Bolder will be producing and presenting a series of unique live events promoting health and wellbeing, and helping adults of all ages discover what's next in their life.

Growing Bolder is currently hiring staff for its bureau in The Villages including content producers, on-camera reporters, and videographers.

For more information contact HR@GrowingBolder.com.

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 202 2 DIGE S T

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No Dream Too Big. John Rivers is a man with a mission and a ministry. Both are driven by a passion for barbeque and a desire to help those less fortunate.

A former healthcare executive, Rivers spent two decades perfecting his own barbeque recipes and techniques. In 2004 he launched his self-described “barbeque ministry” in his garage, cooking brisket to raise money to feed the hungry.

In 2009, he took the leap of faith that all entrepreneurs ultimately must make. He renovated an old transmission shop and opened his first 4Rivers Smokehouse. Today there are nearly two dozen 4Rivers locations offering what has been named by multiple sources, The Best Barbeque in the South.

Rivers was on a roll when the pandemic hit and his restaurant empire was shut down overnight.

“We lost 50% of our business,” he said. “All of our catering commissaries, all of our trucks, everything went dark. We had to turn them all off. We knew we were in trouble but instead of sitting there, we went to work to fix the business. And recognizing that many people were struggling, we also went to work to provide help.”

River’s restaurants weren’t alone. The entire industry was shuttered and millions of pounds of produce began rotting in the fields. At the same time, classrooms closed and children that relied on school lunches no longer had that daily meal. When many of their parents lost jobs, the inevitable result was a rapid rise in food insecurity. Children and families were going to bed hungry. That’s when Rivers’ non-profit 4R Foundation went to work.

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JOHN RIVERS

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“We had trucks going out all over the state finding produce that was sitting in the fields,” Rivers says. “If the farmer could give it to us, great. But if they needed a little bit of money to harvest it, we would fund that for them. We were taking produce that would otherwise go to waste and bringing it to Central Florida. We rescued produce, hired people to turn it into meals and deliver it to 46 sites all over the state to feed people on a weekly basis. We called it ‘Feed The Need’ and created 322 jobs at a time when everyone was losing theirs.”

Within a year, “Feed The Need” served over 1.7 million meals and nearly 640,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious produce. The program still exists and is evolving to also include culinary education and assistance in helping community organizations build and plant box gardens for hyper-local distribution.

While filling an immediate local need, Rivers became obsessed with the massive inefficiencies in our overall food production and distribution systems.

“We don't have a problem of a shortage of food,” he says. “We have an issue with connecting that grower to the end user. Our produce today, on average, has traveled 1,872 miles to get to our plate. And with every mile, the taste and nutritional value declines while the cost to the planet and the consumer rises. How do we take out steps along the way?”

Photography by Mike Dunn

If your dream doesn't require a miracle, you're not dreaming big enough.

That problem led to Rivers’ latest philanthropic passion — the 40-acre, $40 million 4Roots Campus. Now under construction in Orlando, the campus is designed to inspire revolutionary change in Florida’s food system through education on sustainable farming, agriculture technology and research in culinary medicine.

“In a word, we’re teaching.” Rivers says. “We’re teaching students, parents, communities, farmers and health care providers.”

The 4Roots Campus will include an educational center with classrooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a working farm whose entire yield will be donated to local schools and food-insecure families in the surrounding community.

“I had a period in my life when I lived with food insecurity,” Rivers said. “I know what some of those families are going through. When they say it could be any one of us, it's the truth. We all need help at some point.

The whole community benefits when we can lift up those who need it the most.”

Transforming the entire food industry to the benefit of all is a nearly impossible task and that’s just the way Rivers likes it.

“If your dream doesn't require a miracle, you're not dreaming big enough. Why wouldn't you take the biggest mountain on? Why not try to tackle the world’s biggest problems? That's the thrill of it. I have learned that when that opportunity presents itself say, ‘Yes.’ You don't have to know all the details. You don't have to know how it's going to work out. I believe that's where the blessing lies. If we knew the challenges that we would face in order to accomplish something significant, most of us, including myself, would probably cower and never take that first step. The blessing lies in saying ‘Yes’ when the path forward is unclear.”

John Rivers is crystal-clear about one thing. Passion leads to purpose, and the years ahead provide our greatest opportunity to make a difference.

“There is a peace that comes with this season in our life.

When it's no longer about fame or title or money, it's truly about purpose and family,” he said. “Some of the greatest lessons that I've learned are about the impact you can make in people's lives just by your words, just by the encouragement you give them or the time that you pour into them.”

John Rivers, the man on a mission, driven by a ministry.

Where others see difficulty, he sees opportunity.

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Bold Social: Reel Women Short, vertical videos have taken social media by storm. And, while some people assume TikTok and Instagram Reels are a “young person’s game,” plenty of 50+ adults are proving them wrong. Here’s just a handful of the women using their platforms to share aging wisdom, humor, beauty tips and lifestyle advice.

Mskimhale Kim Hale has happy feet, and she’s sharing that joy with others. A dancer and actress, Kim shares videos not just to promote her hip hop dance prowess, but to promote a lifestyle focused on pursuing your passions. She’s a perfect example of defying the stereotypes of age! mskimhale

Fabnfitbycarla Need style inspo? Look no further than Carla, who regularly shares her favorite fashions, finds and fitness tips. Her posts will inspire you to treat every hallway, sidewalk or path like a runway. fabnfitbycarla

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Do you follow any bold influencers? Share your favorites with us at feedback@growingbolder.com.

Tamsenfadal TV Anchor Tamsen Fadal has a lot to say about aging and the discrimination, negative perceptions, treatment and thoughts that can come with it. Through her channels, she encourages followers to treat themselves with respect, appreciate the gift of aging, and approach menopause without fear. tamsenfadal

Sheilasfitfiftyplus 70-year-old Sheila Agnew knows she’s only getting better with age. As one of her captions reads, “You can’t put me in a corner. I don’t retire. I move to the ‘Next Level.’” Sheila is celebrating aging, beauty, faith and enjoying life at any age. sheilasfitfiftyplus

sheilasfit50plus

Grandma_droniak To add some upbeat humor to your life, give a follow to one of our favorite Insta-grammas. The self-proclaimed CEO of all grandmas has some wisdom to deliver and she does it with a touch of humor, love, kindness....and just a bit of snarkiness. She’s inspiring her followers, some decades younger than her, to put on a great outfit and make the most of the day. grandma_droniak

Fiftysister Have you always wanted to live somewhere else? Get inspired by Gail McNeill, a British empty-nester who, at just over 50-years-old, sold most of what she owned and moved to Portugal to wake up to sunshine 300+ days a year. She’s pro-ageing, pro-wellness and pro-living-the-life-you-want. fiftysister

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Celebrating

Women’s History Month Since 1987, in the United States the month of March has been observed as Women’s History Month. At Growing Bolder we’re fortunate to cross paths with women who have lived extraordinary lives. Many times our interviews with them are among their last, and include valuable reflections of long, well-lived lives. Here are three special women we met, no longer with us.

Betty Wall Strohfus In 1942, with World War II raging on, America needed pilots. Uncle Sam put out the call and 25,000 women responded. Just 1,000 of those earned their wings as Women Air Force Service Pilots, or WASPs. Betty Wall was one of them.

“They thought I was crazy. What, fly airplanes? I said, women do fly,” Strohfus said. “We can fly anything they had. We flew 77 different types of aircraft.

Not me alone but our group, we flew 77 different types of aircraft.

“You know the only thing I wanted to show them was that I could handle the airplane,” Betty continued. “They were very skeptical. I understand we were the first women to fly those aircraft and they were sure that they liked having us flying them. And I understood that, but I showed them I could do it. And I tried to do it in a nice way so they would like me afterwards.”

WASPs were never considered an official part of the military. In fact, the families of the 38 who gave their lives had to pay to have the body shipped home.

Betty and many others believe that full recognition, even decades later, was worth fighting for to honor the sacrifice, to document the contribution, and to legitimize the legacy of the WASPs in World War II. She and seven others went to Washington with one final mission. Thirty-five years later, the WASPs were finally recognized as veterans of military service.

Betty Wall Strohfus passed away at the age of 96. Her final takeaway? “That anybody can do anything they want if they work hard enough,” Strohfus said. “I think that's the way it is. That's what I tell the children. I said, ‘Follow your dream.’ You want to do something, do it, because it's so important for us to do what we'd like to do.”

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Ruth Hamilton

Annie Peters

Ruth Hamilton was born in 1898 and educated in a oneroom schoolhouse. She got good grades and developed a lifelong passion for learning. Ruth became a teacher and in 1920 she married Carter Hamilton, who played for the Cleveland Indians. Married women weren’t allowed to teach, but Hamilton petitioned the local school board and they agreed to change the rules.

Yet, Ruth wasn't content to sit in the grandstands or in the classroom. She wanted a playing field of her own.

Following Carter’s retirement from baseball, Ruth took her teaching in a new direction, becoming one of the first female radio talk show hosts in America in the 1930s. Ruth also got a loan and purchased a building where she ran a women’s dress shop for two years, then sold the building for a profit and purchased a vacation cabin in New Hampshire.

In 1937 Hamilton made her first trip abroad, exploring family roots in Denmark and Sweden. After seeing Adolph Hitler speak on a trip to Berlin, she tried to warn all who would listen about the danger he presented.

Following her husband’s death in 1948, Ruth moved to the cabin in New Hampshire. Hamilton was the first woman elected to the New Hampshire legislature and served from 1964–1973. From the 1950s–1990s she traveled, gave talks about her trips, and became politically active.

Later living in Florida, Ruth joined the Growing Bolder team as a video blogger — at 109, she was the oldest blogger in history. She hoped viewers would find inspiration and learn from a woman born of another time, who wanted most of all to make a difference. “You know that thing is unbelievable, but it helps me to feel good,” Hamilton said about blogging. “And I feel so good. And I keep thinking, why didn't I do more.” From a one-room school to the internet, in a century of living Ruth Hamilton remained a teacher to her core.

Annie Peters was born in Eatonville, Florida in 1920. You might know Eatonville as hometown of author Zora Neale Hurston. Annie knew Zora — as a child Annie washed her dishes for a dime. Working was a thread throughout Peters’ life. She was a shipyard welder in New York and tried to find welding work in Florida.

Turned down, she went back to school and became a cosmetologist, working until her death in her late 90s. At 98 she was still working with clients in a nursing home and driving others to church.

“I love seeing the expression on people's face when I do something nice, you know,” Peters said. “They seem to enjoy what I do, and I enjoy doing it. That’s the way I live.”

Peters also made a point to eat well, kept her mind active doing puzzles, and exercised a couple of times a week. “We have an exercise place that we go. And there, everybody seems to be encouraged by me going,” she said.

“And a lot of other people will say, you know, ‘if you can do, I can do it.’ Okay, come on! Everybody wants to be like me. (They say) ‘Miss Peters I want to be just like you when I grow up.’ I say, why wait till you grow up? You should start now!”

When we asked Annie why she kept going, she said it was because she was a workaholic — that she felt best when she was busy. Really, it was her life’s philosophy, through every setback.

“Hold your head up and keep going,” Peters said.

“Whenever something goes wrong, I let it go in one ear and out the other. I don't worry about something that I can't have any control over. Let it go. Don't dwell on it.”

Betty Wall Stohfus, Ruth Hamilton and Annie Peters: three examples of women who made history by following their curiosity, believing they could make a difference and finding a way to keep going.

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Fort Lauderdale

B E AC H FR O N T P R O M E N A D E No visit to Fort Lauderdale is complete without catching some rays along its 24 miles of pristine beaches. When you’re done relaxing in the sun, take a bike ride or walk along the Beachfront Promenade. This stretch of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars features a brick-lined path and “wave wall” architecture.

E X P LO R E FO R T L AU D E R DA L E O N T H E WAT E R Fort Lauderdale’s nickname is “Venice of America”, with over 300 miles of inland canals known as the Intracoastal Waterway. Take a boat tour of “Millionaire’s Row”, enjoy a ride on the famous Jungle Queen, or try out a paddle board tour to view the city from the water.

C A P ’ S P L AC E There are lots of great waterfront dining options across the city, but one of the best spots to visit is Cap’s Place. It’s located on an island on the north side of Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal, where they have served up fresh native seafood and succulent steaks for over 85 years.

What began as a casino and rum-running speakeasy is now recognized as a national landmark, and has reportedly served notables like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Al Capone and more!

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FL A M I N G O GA R D E N S These gardens contain 60-acres of Everglades wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can observe flamingos, peacocks, panthers, bobcats, eagles and more.

The gardens also feature over 3,000 species of rare and exotic native plants, including the largest tree in the entire state: a Cluster Fig over 100 feet tall with a crown span that is 95 feet wide!

FU N K Y B U D D H A B R E W E RY For beer enthusiasts looking to try unique brews that you can’t find anywhere else, check out Funky Buddha Brewery. They don’t just serve up your standard ales, IPAs and lagers.

Instead, they create concoctions like “Coconut & Coffee Porter”, “Piña Colada Cream Ale” and “Cookies & Cream Porter.”

BONNET HOUSE M U S E U M & GA R D E N This 1920s estate has been transformed into a museum that celebrates creative expression, photography, historic art and environmental conservation. Step back in time with a two-hour tour of this perfectly preserved house and grounds as you learn about the history and culture of South Florida.

Photo by FilippoBacci via Getty Images

A city known for its miles of golden-sand beaches and intracoastal canals, Fort Lauderdale is a waterfront community bursting with opportunities to soak in all that Florida has to offer. This year offers the perfect chance to explore this southeastern city, as Fort Lauderdale will play host to thousands of athletes over the age of 50 at the National Senior Games in May! Whether you’re in town to compete in the games or looking to plan a vacation, here are some of our favorite spots to explore:

Dr. Vonda Wright

On the 5 Pillars of Health

What are the keys to living longer, healthier lives?

Orthopedic surgeon and international authority on active aging and sports medicine, Dr. Vonda Wright believes there are “Five Pillars of Health” individuals can focus on to extend their healthspan.

1. Socialization

4. Mobility

We need socialization at every age. We, as human beings, need the company of other people. We know that there is significant literature on how isolation is such a devastating factor in aging poorly.

Make as many friends for as long as you can.

We have to move every day. It doesn't have to be blood-curdling exercise. It can be just cumulative mobility, because mobility through multiple pathways keeps us young in every organ system. Thirty-three chronic diseases respond to the positive impact of mobility. As an orthopedic surgeon, my ‘why’ for getting up every morning is because I know that by saving mobility, I am going to save lives by staving off the effects of chronic disease.

2. Sleep I have become a firm believer in sleep and recovery. Do not call me after 10:00 at night because you will not get an answer. But call me at 5:00 in the morning and I'm all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. We need to protect our sleep. It is a trend backed by science now that we need seven to eight hours a night of sleep uninterrupted in a pattern, we just must get it.”

“We know that sleep is somewhat disrupted as we age. There are lots of ways that we can make it easier to go to sleep via routines or using melatonin.

5. Smart Nutrition Food really makes us who we are. It's very important what we put in our bodies. Nature does not make fluorescent foods and plastic wrappers.

We need to be eating non-toxic whole foods. We need to really investigate what foods contain high glycemic loads, how much sugar even marvelous things like fruit have. If taken in the wrong way they can have wild effects on our glycemic load.”

“Eating things like green leafy, vibrant colors, lean protein, whether you get it from animals or whether you get it from beans and legumes, are really in my opinion the way to start.

3. Detoxify Your Body People who still smoke must do everything on heaven and earth to stop. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, saved so many lives in this country by banning indoor smoking. I get it's hard. I get it's an addictive habit. But there are lots of resources that we can help you with.”

“But it's not only smoking. We have to be conscientious of how much alcohol we drink because that does affect aging. We have to be conscientious about the plastic toxins that we get from all of our plastics and rubbers. We have to be aware of everything, even pesticides, because we're not always conscious about [toxins] unless we're thinking about it.

We can start with nutrition for a few weeks. Then we can add in the mobility, and then the other habits one at a time. If we try to do all five at once, if we're starting from nowhere, it's too difficult. Focus on one brick at a time, building the five pillars of health so your healthspan equals your lifespan.

Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic surgeon & president of Hughston Orthopaedics Southeast in Lake Nona, FL. An international authority on active aging and sports medicine, Wright is the author of Fitness After 40 and Guide to Thrive: 4 Steps to Body, Brains and Bliss, and a Growing Bolder contributor.

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Cultivating Presence Today for a Fulfilled Tomorrow Life is a continuum. With time, come shifts. The caterpillar shares the same DNA as the butterfly it turns into, but they look very different. What brings us fulfillment at one stage of our life may look very different from what we pursue at another stage.

Life can be richer as we get older. For many, especially those who find themselves no longer living in the shadows of their children's lives, our 60s are about redefining ourselves. And with that process comes a new awareness of — and questioning of — purpose. Consider the final lines in the curious and observant poem “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

It may seem daunting or even challenging to consider purpose when we are transitioning out of familiar roles, be 40

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that as parents or in our professional lives. Change can cause discomfort, but it can also create space if we perceive it as an opportunity.

Studies show that a sense of purpose is crucial to one's happiness and sense of well-being. We need to know that we are here for a reason.

If the notion of purpose presents you with a quandary, mindful practices can help. It's important not to just will ourselves into actions we think we should take but rather to slow down and check in with inner teachers. When was the last time you asked yourself where you really are?

There are many avenues to get to answers. And remember, the answers will shift over time, so it's good to regularly schedule an appointment with these strategies.

Illustration: uniquepixel via Getty Images

Tricia Reilly Koch & Doro Bush Koch

1. Find your way back to nature

3. Prioritize the things that make your heart sing

Even if you are not the type to strap on hiking boots, spending a least a few minutes every day mindfully walking a path or sitting in a spot and observing nature can help you feel grounded and give you new perspective.

Listening to birdsong has proven to improve mood and mental alertness. If you're ready to go further, look into forest bathing — a more immersive experience of sitting in and being present to nature.

Do you find tremendous joy in attending art museums or sporting events? Dancing, writing, or walking along the beach?

List at least five things you have loved and think about the last time you did them. If the idea still gives you tingles, find a way to put it on the calendar. When you have connected to something that feels deeply nourishing, you will have an easier time tapping into your inner wisdom.

Once you have tried on one or more of these practices, you will be in a good position to have patience with yourself as you sit quietly and ask those probing questions about what matters to you and how you want to matter in the world.

There will never be a right or wrong answer that will be true for all time. There will be what is true now. Mindfulness teaches us to live in the present. Focusing on who we are right now helps us to let go of the grip of nostalgia or worries about our future.

Creating time to tune in and listen to today’s truth will help you take whatever is the next right step to live a purposeful life.

2. Cultivate a gratitude practice The more we focus on being grateful for what we have, the easier it is to remain positive and to let go of regrets.

Try a gratitude journal where you write down one thing each day you are grateful for or make a list that you add to every time you think of something. Consider your language and spend more time thanking people out loud, even replacing apologies with thanks for understanding. When we shift our mindset to gratitude, our compassion extends to others and to ourselves.

The Summer Day by Mary Oliver Who made the world?

Who made the swan, and the black bear?

Who made the grasshopper?

This grasshopper, I mean— the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down— who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.

Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Growing Bolder contributors Doro Bush Koch and Tricia Reilly Koch are sisters-in-law who founded the wellness company BB&R, Bright, Bold and Real over a decade and a half ago with a very clear goal: to share with others what they’ve learned about mindfulness and holistic living with the intention that everyone begin to live their best life. Learn more about their retreats, workshops, courses and popular Health Gig podcast at bbrconsulting.us.

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5

Best Boat Tours

Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but it’s just as famous for an abundance of beautiful bodies of water and waterfronts. Florida’s 1,350 miles of coastline ranks second only to Alaska among the United States and offer beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Yet with over 25,000 miles of river in Florida, there may be no better way to witness Florida’s natural beauty than on a boat tour.

Here are five of our favorites:

In Florida Waters

1. Downtown Jacksonville Dolphin & History Tour | Jacksonville Enjoy hearing the history of Florida’s original port city as you travel the brackish waters of the St. John’s River, the state’s longest and busiest river. Flowing north, the St. John’s is home to playful dolphin, manatees and more, all sure to add entertainment to your ride.

2. Wakulla Springs River Boat Cruise | Wakulla Just 30 miles south of Tallahassee, FL, is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring — part of Wakulla Springs State Park. Tour the spring and venture down the river where “Creature of the Black Lagoon” was filmed and Johnny Weissmuller starred as Tarzan. This is Florida’s natural ecosystem at its best, with alligators, manatees, Florida wading birds and bald cypress trees.

3. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours | Winter Park Far away from the theme parks, there is another fun ride option for Central Florida tourists. Since 1938 visitors have enjoyed touring three of Winter Park’s chain of lakes via two man-made canals. Six 18-passenger pontoon boats offer views of lush flora and fauna along the shorelines of pristine estates during the hour-long guided trips. Tours run on the hour from 10am to 4pm, every day but Christmas.

4. Coopertown Airboats | The Everglades About 20 miles west of Miami you’ll find the unincorporated town of Coopertown — also known as the Gateway to the Everglades. Airboats are the only way to enjoy Florida’s unique ‘River of Grass’ and Coopertown Airboats have been giving tours since 1945. A fleet of seven airboats, ranging from 2 seats to 24, tour the nine miles of ‘glades wildlife, including purple gallinule, herons, turtles, and stops at alligator holes.

5. African Queen Steamboat Tours | Key Largo Experience a bit of movie magic with a ride on the African Queen Steamboat, just like Humphrey Bogart & Katherine Hepburn did in the 1951 movie. Built in England in 1912, the boat was shipped to Africa where director John Huston commissioned it for the film. In 1982 attorney and Bogart-buff Jim Hendricks, Sr., rescued the boat from a cow pasture in Ocala, FL and restored it to its original glory. Grab a chance to take the helm of the iconic vessel and blow her whistle as you travel up the Port Largo canal to the ocean & back.

Photos by (1) Yanko Pla Salazar / EyeEm via Getty Images, (2) Creative Commons (3) JillianCain via Getty Images, (4) Ryan McVay via Getty Images, (5) Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images

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Illustration by artbesouro via Getty Images

‘How’d You Sleep?’

It’s often the first question we ask those we live with each morning. A better question might be: ‘How much sleep did you get last night?’

While the amount of sleep we need does change as we age, research by the National Institutes of Health shows just one percent of adults need less than six hours a night and healthy sleep includes not just the hours of sleep but the quality. We need rapid eye movement (REM) — the deep sleep in which dreaming happens — and non-REM for a complete cycle which lasts an average of 90 to 110 minutes.

Not only do we feel better the day after a good night’s sleep, we age better as well. An expansive sleep study promotes the power of sleep for people in their 50s and 60s. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, followed nearly 8,000 people in Britain for about 25 years, beginning when they were 50 years old.

What did they learn? People who consistently reported sleeping six hours or less on an average weeknight were about 30 percent more likely than people who regularly slept for seven hours or more to be diagnosed with dementia nearly three decades later.

“It would be really unlikely that almost three decades earlier, this sleep was a symptom of dementia, so it’s a great study in providing strong evidence that sleep is really a risk factor,” Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, told The New York Times. She was not involved in the study.

meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. Health coverage is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered by Florida Blue Medicare, Inc., DBA Florida Blue Medicare. These companies are affiliates of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., and Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information visit floridablue.com/ndnotice. © 2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

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Illustration: rambo182 via Getty Images / Photo: Flashpop via Getty Images

Researchers tracked how many hours the 7,959 participants slept. They filed reports six times between 1985 and 2016. When the study concluded, 521 people had been diagnosed with dementia at an average age of 77. The study indicated no general difference between men and women.

“The study found a modest, but I would say somewhat important association of short sleep and dementia risk,” Pamela Lutsey, an Associate Professor of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota, told the Times. “Short sleep is very common and because of that, even if it’s modestly associated with dementia risk, it can be important at a societal level. Short sleep is something that we have control over, something that you can change.”

Why is lack of sleep tied to dementia?

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Medical Center discovered the brain has a glymphatic system that is active during sleep, clearing away toxins responsible for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

Additionally, American Heart Association studies show that if you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke, insufficient sleep puts you at an even higher risk for cancer or early death.

We can work on our diet, exercise habits and stress management, but without adequate sleep there’s an important piece missing from our overall health picture.

Every spring we lose an hour of sleep in the United States when Daylight Savings Time begins. When we “spring forward” our bodies need to adjust to the time cue we normally get from light. Changing the clocks makes our internal body clock get temporarily out of sync with our daily rhythm.

Here are 8 easy habits to incorporate for 8 good hours of sleep: > Get your Daily Dose of Vitamin D: A few minutes of direct exposure to bright, natural light during the day, every day, regulates your body’s rhythms. > Eat Light: A lighter meal for supper ensures your body isn’t working overtime to digest food. If you need an evening snack, cherries, grapes, strawberries, nuts, and oats all have high melatonin content.

Florida Blue Medicare recognizes the importance of a good night’s sleep and the impact it has on resilience and mental well-being.

They recently launched a program through meQuilibrium designed to help their members face every day with confidence, with more calm and less worry. This program provides Florida Blue Medicare members a personalized plan tailored to their needs, including techniques to help their members get a better night’s sleep.

So, better sleep surely helps us live longer, purposeful lives.

How do we get there? In Better Sleep, Better You, Dr. Frank Lipman notes sleep is our primary health rhythm: “All roads lead to and from sleep.” The book offers a 21-day sleep “reset,” helping reset your body’s natural clock through a series of small shifts in your daily habits.

> Create Evening Rituals: Begin winding down your day with something like an evening meditation, a non-caffeinated cup of tea such as chamomile or lavender, or anything that helps you unwind from the day. Avoid alcohol, however, which can reduce REM sleep and cause sleep disruptions as it processes in the liver. > Set Your Internal Clock: Create a sleeping routine timewise, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day as much as possible. > Turn It Off: Shut off your electronic devices (phones, computer, tablet) at least two hours before going to bed. If you like to read before sleeping, try a physical book or magazine. > Exercise Early: Do any strenuous workouts or activities earlier in the day. Instead of revving up your system, wind your physical activity down as the day progresses. > Set the Mood: Create a great sleep environment by keeping your bedroom as dark as possible, setting the thermostat between 60 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. > Take a Nap: If you get less sleep than normal on a given night, don’t go to bed earlier the next night. Take a nap the next day instead of adjusting your bedtime.

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64& MEDICARE

Make Medicare an opportunity to live BOLDER.

SO MUCH MORE! Go to growingbolder.com/Medicare to download your free, easy to understand guide to Medicare.

To speak to a representative call 1-844-396-2579.

Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©️2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

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