The Healing Power Of Animal Interaction Larry McCool And ‘Caesar The No Drama Llama’ A Tale Of Two Futures Grandparenting During Distance Learning ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING E X TR AORDINARY LIVE S
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CONTENTS
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features
FALL 2020
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CAN WE TALK TO ANIMALS?
How to understand your furry family members
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SECOND CHANCE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Jim Bronzo and his 350 animal menagerie
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LEADERS FACE NEW CHALLENGES
Tampa and Miami Mayors Navigate COVID-19 uncertainy
in every issue
defy
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NOTE FROM THE CEO
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ACTING YOUR AGE
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CONTRIBUTORS
Hollywood casts first time actress for TV role
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GROWING BOLDER WITH
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THE PROBLEM WITH EXERCISE
Big names, bold lives
Rediscover the playful joy of movement
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TRANSLATING TECH
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NEW ADVENTURES OF AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER
Simplify with smart home systems
Finding novelty and culture without leaving town
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ORDINARY PEOPLE
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AN ATHLETE’S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE
Living Extraordinary Lives
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FALL INTO FLAVOR
Record-holding javelin athlete returns to competition
Healthier versions of seasonal comfort food
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5 QUESTIONS
Bruce Feiler believes life is in the transitions
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THE TAKEAWAY
Thelma Houston believes in the power of love
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ONLINE ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Non-profit OATS provides assistance with connectivity
connect
special section: book excerpt
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GRANDPARENTING DURING DISTANCE LEARNING
GROWING BOLDER: DEFY THE CULT OF YOUTH, LIVE WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE
How to support your grandchildren during this difficult time
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A TALE OF TWO FUTURES
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THE ENDURING POWER OF TRUST
Longevity and quality of life
How a stranger helps a father and son bridge generations
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FEELING ISOLATED?
Hidden health risks for older adults
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SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHARED EXPERIENCE
The renaissance of drive-in theaters
ON THE COVER LARRY MCCOOL AND ‘CAESAR THE NO DRAMA LLAMA’
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NOTE FROM THE CEO
Resilience and Adaptation Everyone gets to be young. Growing older is one of life’s greatest blessings — even in a pandemic. Or maybe especially in a pandemic because growing older, even with never-ending challenges, is a blessing that many aren’t fortunate enough to experience. So how do we find our way forward when our lives have been turned upside down? We do that by adapting to and accommodating the changing times so that we can continue making a difference in the lives of others and pursuing the many passions that make our lives worth living. In truth, resilience and adaptation are two of the most important keys to successful aging, pandemic or not. Our world, our families, our bodies, our abilities, our jobs, our everything gradually changes as we age. What doesn’t have to change is our ability to create and celebrate moments of joy. I love this issue of Growing Bolder Magazine because it reflects many of the adjustments that people of passion are making. They’re creating old-school ways for social distanced shared experience like drive-in movies, finding companionship and purpose through our relationships with pets and wild animals, and adjusting to the rapidly changing world of exercise. These stories and so much more are all designed to help you adapt, adjust, and accommodate not just to these changing times but to those in the years ahead. There is still a great deal of uncertainty in all of our lives. It’s impossible to know what the future holds. But again, that’s life. So, let’s all keep chasing moments of joy. Let’s all keep recognizing and appreciating the beauty in every day, even those filled with frustration. As we are fond of saying at Growing Bolder, this is not the beginning of the end. It’s the beginning of what’s next.
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IN TRUTH, RESILIENCE AND A DA P TAT I O N A R E T WO O F T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T K E Y S TO S U C C E S S F U L AG I N G , PA N D E M I C O R N OT.
Flashpop via Getty Images
“ Let’s all keep recognizing and appreciating the beauty in every day, even those filled with frustration. G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 2
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ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES ®
Martha Cole IT’S ALL ABOUT BAL ANCE
One way to live life to the fullest is through travel. Nothing is healthier for the mind than searching for new experiences. They can be anything from small day trips nearby to visiting exotic places around the world. Martha Cole, 80, loves to travel but the people she meets are often surprised that she travels alone. “They ask as if they think I’m too old,” she explains. “I tell them they need to think again!” Cole’s experiences include a train ride across Russia, a visit to the Great Wall of China, an African Safari, and braving the elements in the Arctic and Antarctica. “Life is uncertain so if you want something out of life go for it,” she says. “Live it to the max, do all you can do and you’ll never be sorry.” Cole does more than sightsee. At the age of 70 she entered and completed an Ironman Triathlon and was the oldest woman to take part that year. “I was very slow but did not quit,” she remembers. “And making it across the finish line was one of the major accomplishments of my life.” Something else Cole enjoys is volunteering which she has done since 1992, now for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, FL. “I live in one of the largest retirement communities in the country, she says. “The Villages is the most active place I’ve ever been which makes me more determined to keep busy.” It is not unusual to find her in the hot sun nailing shingles on the roof of a house under construction. “The way I see it, life is all about balance,” she explains. “And I wouldn’t feel very good just crossing things off my bucket list if I didn’t balance it with spending time helping others.” She hopes to encourage others to be more adventurous. “Age is not an excuse,” explains Cole. “Oh, things can take longer to do sometimes but if we try we find out we’re just as capable as ever.” Cole pushes herself to say yes to opportunities. “Even though there are many times I’ve felt like saying no, I’ve never regretted saying yes.” At 80, Martha Cole is looking forward and anxious for her next adventure, “Oh, I’m having the time of my life. I never thought I would truly love my age!” 14
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Gloria Struck 9 5 -Y E A R - O L D M OTO R C YC L E M AT R I A R C H
Gloria Struck first climbed on a motorcycle at age 16, and it quickly became her passion. She was not prepared for the reaction from others. “It was considered something women just didn’t do,” she said. “In those years, I was refused gas, refused service and they called me all kinds of bad names.” Yet, Struck persisted. She figures she’s logged over 650,000 miles on two wheels — every one of them with Struck at the handlebars. “Sorry, but I will not ride on the back holding onto some guy,” she said. “The fun comes from being at the controls.” When she shows up at motorcycle rallies, Struck is treated like a rock star, as bikers crowd around, eager to learn the 95-year-old’s secrets to successful aging. “So many people tell me they want to do things but don’t because of their age,” Struck explained. “You’re never too old — that’s my philosophy. Keep on going and ride like there’s no tomorrow!”
Pat Boone FO R M E R T E E N I D O L
“I can still play basketball, and my kids and grandkids are astonished!” said Pat Boone. Now 86, Boone is active, involved and occasionally in the news. The former teen idol stepped forward when it was suggested his success came from appropriating the music of Black artists, a charge that Little Richard and Fats Domino are on the record denying. “Both stated in interviews that they made more money from my versions,” he explained to “Variety” magazine. “And my records opened the doors for them to become the stars they so richly deserved to become.” These days, despite being grounded by the pandemic, Boone is still recording, staying in shape and thinking about updating his autobiography. “I’ve already written it twice, at 50 and 75; and my plan is to continue to write new chapters for as long as I can.”
I N E V E R Y I S S U E : O R D I N A R Y P EO P L E L I V I N G E X T R AO R D I N A R Y L I V E S
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Feeling Isolated? Hidden health risk for older adults Amy Sweezey
For months, people have been following the advice of medical professionals and state leaders to “stay home” and “stay safe.” Knowing the coronavirus can be lifethreatening, especially to older adults, everyone has been encouraged to reduce the risk of exposure to themselves and to others. But sheltering at home can mean isolation from family, friends and activities that keep humans engaged in life. Directors at the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging are studying social connectedness in older adults and the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health. The study shows that the safety guidelines to self-isolate from the pandemic have inadvertently created new health risks for older adults by leaving them more isolated and inactive than ever before. Even before the pandemic began, studies showed that nearly a quarter of older Americans felt socially isolated, and about a third of middle-aged and older adults experienced loneliness. That isolation often leads to other health issues: chronic disease, psychiatric disorders, declining cognitive function, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, even premature death. Of course, staying at home also makes living a healthy lifestyle more difficult, including the challenge of trying to eat well and exercise. Without exercise, muscles can weaken. Inactivity can lead to weight gain, declining heart function and decreased lung capacity.
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The Texas A&M directors recommend the following steps for older adults to stay active and engaged despite social isolation:
Stay physically active.
Plan your day.
FInd exercises that can be done at home or around your house.
Keeping a routine adds value and meaning to your day.
Know your risk. Assess whether or not you are at risk for negative impacts from isolation.
Stay connected. Don’t live in fear.
Think of others. Reach out to friends; volunteer.
Accept help.
Don’t be afraid to leave home, but do so wisely. Follow CDC guidelines.
Remain open to accepting kindness and support from family, friends, health care providers or social service agencies.
Staying connected is key despite the pandemic’s need for social distancing. Here are a few ideas: 1. 2. 3. 4.
CONNECT
Phone calls Online platforms and social media Online learning Internet-based volunteering
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Acting Your Age Hollywood is calling! Joy Perry
Dreams have no expiration date. Casting call: Acting experience is strongly preferred, but amateurs will be considered. You should be a 55+ female for consideration. The character is a female, 60s, funny, sharp and full of life. When Joy Perry read the casting call for the Hallmark movie, “The Christmas Bow,” she thought, “I’m a 57-year-old, funny, sharp, full-of-life amateur. I fit all the criteria!” Hallmark said the character, Tess, also suffered from a neuropathological disease, and Perry fit that description, too. Proving that dreams have no expiration date, here is Joy Perry’s inspiring story of how a 57-year-old Winter Springs, Florida, woman, with an untreatable, incurable diagnosis, performed the role of a lifetime. ***** 40
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Photos Courtesy of Crown Media
Have you ever been engaged in a conversation and hear something so unexpected and so stunning that you didn’t hear anything else after that moment? That happened to me twice. The first time was in February, 2010, when a doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville told me that I had a neuromuscular disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). He told me that the condition was “non-treatable, non-curable and progressive.” I don’t remember anything else about the appointment. I was overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. Fast forward a decade later to July 30, 2020. MacLain Nelson, executive producer of “Little Women (2018),” called me — a person with no acting experience — to say I had been chosen to play the part of Tess in an upcoming Hallmark Christmas movie. I don’t remember anything else either of us said — I was overflowing with excitement and disbelief. What followed was a whirlwind of activity. Just three days later, I flew to Utah and spent three weeks performing the role of Tess, the mother of the main character, Patrick, played by Michael Rady. In the film, Patrick is a physical therapist. I’m a physical therapist assistant in real life, so an unexpected bonus was providing technical assistance in some of the scenes. Filming days were long, but the cast and crew were encouraging and helpful. The director, Clare Niederpruem,
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was patient and kind. Michael Rady, my screen son, who is perhaps best known for his role in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” gave freely of his time and expertise, often role-playing with me and offering suggestions to boost my confidence. The hair and makeup staff were amazing and made me look beautiful, even after being on set all day. I was fascinated by the props specialists and lighting staff who transformed sets into those beautifully decorated, magical backgrounds that are signature features of Hallmark holiday movies. Even on days when I was not filming, I would go to the set just to watch and listen to other actors and to learn more about what goes into making a movie. After a few days, I began to feel more comfortable and allowed my personality to shine through my character. Tess and I really are a lot alike. Both of us have a strong support system of family and friends, and both of us don’t let CMT hold us back. My family took turns visiting me while I was filming, including my son, Maxwell. During off hours, we explored the Provo area, hiking and biking through the beautiful trails and canyons. I fell in love with the state and hope to return in the fall or spring. At this point, you may be wondering, “What about CMT and the dire diagnosis you received?”
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navigators wanted
In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we welcome everyone who shares our spirit of adventure. Discover a vibrant collection of cultures and activities, along with many ways to stay and play. Start planning at sunny.org
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Online Access For Older Adults Nonprofit OATS is increasing online access for older adults
Are you defying stereotypes and living life boldly, yet offline? Or are you online but not “aging with attitude?” Do you know an older adult who fits either statement?
Nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) is thrilled to announce the launch of “Aging Connected,” an initiative to help older adults get online and thrive in the digital world. “Aging Connected” will create pathways for at least 1 million offline seniors to get online, access critical digital health tools and maintain social connectedness through OATS’ national technology program for older adults, “Senior Planet.” According to the most recent U.S. Census American Community Survey, only 67% of Americans over the age of 65 have broadband internet at home, compared to 86% of the overall population. This 19% connectivity gap for older adults translates to more than 9 million older people. As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the country, nearly 50 million older people face an ongoing and indefinite period of confinement in their homes. Lower levels of internet connectivity and access to internet-enabled devices have encouraged conditions of deep isolation and distress, making it difficult for older adults to access health care and supportive health resources.
“Older Americans are experiencing a hidden crisis in connectivity,” said Thomas Kamber, founder and executive director of OATS, a nonprofit that works at the intersection of design, aging and technology. “Since 2004, OATS has fostered collaborations to build best-in-class models for supporting seniors and producing social and health outcomes. Now is a critical time to build even stronger connections among older adults and the institutions that support them.” OATS’ program, “Senior Planet,” helps thousands of Americans aged 60 and older thrive in the digital world and use technology to improve their social engagement, financial security, civic participation, health and creativity. “Senior Planet’s” “Aging Connected” events, content and classes will offer newly connected older adults transformative technology training that improves quality of life. Access to and use of internet-based technology allows for improved health outcomes during the pandemic and beyond. This has given people necessary skills for a range of activities, including accessing telehealth services, managing online medical record portals and creating greater social connections by reaching out to family and friends via technology.
Learn more about “Aging Connected” at AgingConnected.org or get involved by emailing info@agingconnected.org
Luis Alvarez via Getty Images
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Thelma Houston: “Live and let live, love and be loved.� Bill Shafer
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THE TAKEAWAY Thelma Houston is an American singer and actress who scored a No. 1 hit in 1977 with her recording of “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” which also won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Now 74, she has reunited with legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb and created a new version of the song “Someone Is Standing Outside” from her debut album, “Sunshower.” Written in 1969, she chose to update and re-release it after recent racial protests took her back to the troubled 1960s when her singing career was just beginning. She explained to Growing Bolder that it rekindled some of the hopes and dreams that have followed her from her youth. On a recent episode of Growing Bolder’s What’s Next (streaming live each Friday on the Growing Bolder Facebook page), Houston explained to GB’s Marc Middleton, Bill Shafer and Laura Savini that it rekindled some fo the hopes and dreams that have followed her from her youth.
I grew up in Mississippi where my grandparents and my mom were all sharecroppers. It was their livelihood. I remember in my town, places where you could only go in the “colored” entrance; and even the doctor’s office had a seperate colored waiting room. It made me aware very early on that you could be judged based on the color of your skin. Over the decades, we have made great progress; but there are still underlying issues that need to be addressed. I’ll give you an example. My son used to volunteer at my grandson’s school; and almost every single day, while waiting to catch the train, they’d be questioned and hassled by the police — and not just them. I’ve had to have conversations with my great grandsons about how to handle police interactions. I don’t have any Caucasian friends who have had to have that talk. Prior to this COVID-19 thing, there had been so much meanness brewing in the country, so much meanness that permeated everything. Then the pandemic kind of isolated us all and allowed the meanness to grow. And the lyrics to one of my songs, “Someone is Standing Outside,” kept going through my mind: “live and let live, love and be loved.” I mean, isn’t that what we need to understand now more than ever? So, I called the great Jimmy Webb, who wrote the original, and we got together to record and release an updated version, even more relevant than ever. It’s a song that calls for love. Isn’t love the greatest gift of all? And I truly believe in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I truly believe if people would just follow that one rule we will have accomplished so much. And that’s what “Someone is Standing Outside” means to me. I hope it reaches a lot of people, makes them think and then brings us all together.
And that is my Growing Bolder Takeaway. I do believe that when people start to feel love, real love, the kind that comes from true compassion, that’s when there will be an understanding. Once there is an understanding, that is when the opportunity presents itself to move forward and make meaningful change, and I am a big believer that the opportunity is very near.
Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
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