RE DEFINING RISK Inventor Bill Booth makes skydiving safer than driving
T H E P OW E R O F
YES! Oscar winner Regina King on Resilience
O R D I N A RY P E O P L E L I V I N G E X T R AO R D I N A RY L I V E S
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©Disney ABD-18-394798 CST 2082519-20
The best education in the world? That’d be the world. Adventures by Disney® can show you the world in ways you’ve never thought possible. We’re a leader in guided group family travel, with active itineraries and VIP access throughout Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Visit AdventuresByDisney.com or contact your local Travel Agent. facebook.com/AdventuresByDisney
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CONTENTS 30 54
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features 20
REGINA KING GIVES THANKS
The Academy Award winner shares the source of her resilience.
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JUMPING FOR JOY
Expedition skydiving around the world with inventor Bill Booth.
special section: book excerpt GROWING BOLDER: DEFY THE CULT OF YOUTH, LIVE WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE
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RETHINKING RISK
The life-expanding power of saying, 'Yes!'
SUMMER 2019
in every issue
finance
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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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TIPS FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF REMODELERS
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CONTRIBUTORS
How to save time and money on your next project.
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YOUR TAKE
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AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT ABROAD
Couple saves $1.5M by retiring overseas.
Readers weigh in on taking up new sports and activities.
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THE FLIP SIDE OF RISK
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GROWING BOLDER WITH
Opportunity costs of not retiring.
Big names, bold lives.
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5 QUESTIONS
Exploring the open road on two wheels with Gary McKechnie.
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TEN PERFECT WAYS TO ENJOY ITALY
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TRANSLATING TECH
Retired expats experience ‘La Dolce Vita.’
Free apps to make the most of your summer vacation.
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TRAVEL TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED ADVENTURERS
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THE TAKEAWAY
Road Scholar participants share lessons learned.
Herbie Hancock on risk, fearlessness and creative freedom.
travel
connect
defy
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THE CONVERSATION PROJECT
How to approach end-of-life issues with intention.
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JUMP INTO YOUR BIGNESS
How to take action in the face of uncertainty.
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THE DIGNITY OF RISK
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DAVEY JOHNSON
Life lessons from a baseball legend.
Balancing safety and autonomy for those with physical challenges.
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COGNITIVE CARDIO BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH
Keep your body and mind strong with movement.
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DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH
Refreshing antioxidant boost in a blender.
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GETTING YOUR GENES TO FIT
Epigenetics and gene expression.
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BACK TO LIFE
From wheelchair bound to climbing mountains.
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THREE WAYS YOGA CAN EASE BACK PAIN
Simple lifestyle changes for pain management.
create 36
GB BOOK REVIEWS
Summer reading on risk, resilience and the power of redemption.
38 ‘POMS’ HIGHLIGHTS JOY, TENACITY OF CHEERLEADING
Diane Keaton stars in new movie about this popular 55+ hobby.
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AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Creativity, curiosity have no time limit.
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TENNIS AFTER 80
Three friends share the holistic benefits of sports.
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RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE
Diane Travis runs like she lives.
ON THE COVE R Inventor Bill Booth created the sport of tandem skydiving and the equipment that makes it so safe. Despite the perceived risk, there reportedly were no fatalities in the 2.5 million tandem jumps made last year. A successful entrepreneur now in his 70s, Booth is an expedition skydiver, jumping into unusual and difficult places. He shares his adventurous travel with Growing Bolder. (Photo: Courtesy Bill Booth)
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NOTE FROM THE CEO
The key to successful aging is not to mourn what’s lost but to celebrate what remains. This is easy to say but can be difficult to do.
It requires two key abilities that we’ve decided to highlight in this issue — risk-taking and resilience. As we age, most of us become extremely risk-averse, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to keep moving forward. And if we’re not resilient, we can’t continue bouncing back from the challenges and setbacks that are part of the human condition. The “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up” type of messaging that we’re bombarded with on a daily basis peddles fear, discourages risk-taking and reinforces the damaging, ageist stereotyping so prevalent in our culture. We’ve been programmed to give up and brainwashed into believing that when our skin begins to wrinkle, our dreams begin to die. Our obsession with what might go wrong prevents us from taking even modest risks and eliminates the possibility of what might go right. It’s fair to say that I took a pretty big risk when I walked away from my career in TV news to launch Growing Bolder. I wish I could tell you that it’s been an easy journey and that I have never wondered, “What in the hell was I thinking?” The truth is, even good ideas are met with an extreme amount of resistance; and it’s easy to secondguess yourself. But if I hadn’t taken the risk, and our team hadn’t been amazingly resilient, we wouldn’t be here today. We wouldn’t be one of the world’s leading active lifestyle
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RISK AND RESILIENCE To be afraid to fail is to be afraid to live
media companies engaging over 275 million women and men every year through this magazine, our national TV and radio shows, live events, podcast, website and social media channels. To be clear, I’m not encouraging you to take the kind of risks that could lead to serious injury. I’m talking about the risk of embarrassment, the risk of failure, the risk of social unease, the risk of wasting time at something you might not enjoy. These are the kinds of risks that we have to embrace, especially as we age. To be afraid to fail is to be afraid to live. Living a passionate, engaged and active life into our 90s and beyond is no longer an outlandish, unachievable dream. It’s also not a given. It’s simply an opportunity; but we have to want it, and we have to go get it. Are you unhappy with who you are? With where you are in life? Do you long for more? Then go get it. Go find it. Quit waiting for passion and purpose to find you, and quit waiting for permission to find it. Lean into life and take a leap of faith. And don’t stop if you fail because you probably will. Everyone does — at least at first. Refine, adjust and try again. And again. And again. Calculated, strategic risk-taking, followed by extreme resilience, always has been and always will be the path to personal success.
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COGNITIVE CARDIO BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH Full-body brainteasers can keep your body strong and your mind sharp M . A . C OX , P H . D . , K AT Y H A RV E Y, B . S . , YA S M I N T I M M , M . S . A N D E L I Z A B E T H M O R R I S , B . S .
Here’s to a double dose of good news: Cardio fitness benefits your heart and your brain. The aging process can be associated with decline in executive functions and episodic memory; however, there is a significant amount of research to support cardiovascular fitness reduces age-related cognitive decline as well as strengthens heart health. Some people exercise to control blood sugar levels, manage weight or maintain bone density and range of motion. But what are you doing for your brain? Research shows physical activity has a significant impact on cardiovascular health but also suggests a relationship with cognitive health. At the Crosby Wellness Center, we provide a class called Cognitive Cardio, which places emphasis on combining physical movements with cognitive movements, in a fun and engaging environment. It’s much more than the old pat the belly, rub the head. The full-body brainteasers act as cardiovascular exercises to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain. You are probably wondering how this all works. Exercise, even activities such as washing the dishes or
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walking your pet, can generate the creation of mitochondria, which supply your cells with energy and help to stimulate the growth of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis. Physical activity engages the area of the brain known as the hippocampus. This part of the brain is responsible for your spatial memory, like where you last placed your car keys or the route you take to drive to your favorite restaurant. If exercise isn’t on your to-do list, there is evidence to suggest that you can improve memory retention by moving when you study or memorize facts. The long-term effects of exercise are beneficial across all age ranges. Aerobic exercise enhances neuroplasticity, the process by which the neurons in the brain adapt to changes in the environment. Studies suggest that there is an increase of gray matter in the area of your brain responsible for memory-processing and cognitive control. Don’t sweat the small stuff, because even a single session of aerobic exercise can help to improve cognitive function. So, remember: heart health is head health. Cognitive cardio exercises will challenge the mind, engage the senses and are guaranteed to make you smile and laugh.
The following exercises are designed to engage your spatial awareness, improve range of motion, support balance and increase strength. Try them seated or standing, at home or in a community setting. And don’t forget — have fun!
Perform each exercise for 12-15 reps or for 1-2 minutes, 3 times per week.
The Alphabet Stretch Start with the letter A. Reach the arms overhead as you say the letter, touch the shoulders as you say the letter’s sound, fold and reach for the toes as you say a word that starts with that letter. Can you make it all the way to Z? 1
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Around the World Holding a small to medium-sized ball in the right hand, pass it around the body in a clockwise direction, switching to the left hand behind the back. Repeat 10 to 15 times and then alternate direction, moving in a counterclockwise direction for 10-15 times. Make it more challenging by closing your eyes.
Arm Circles Hold your arms out at shoulder height and start with small circles forward 15-20 times, then reverse the direction and make the arm circles backward 15-20 times. Increase the cognitive challenge by moving the arms in opposite direction. Right arm forward, left arm back. Reverse. 1
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Dance Put on a song with prechoreographed steps and learn a new routine. Some examples include the Hokey Pokey, Cupid Shuffle and the Electric Slide.
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Even/Odd Lunges Assign even numbers to the right foot and odd numbers to the left foot. Count from 1-10 and lunge forward with each number using the correct foot, and then step back to the start with both feet together. Complete 2-3 rounds.
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Mary A. Cox, Ph.D., is the Center Director at the Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Cox has degrees in Public Health (Ph.D., West Virginia University), Exercise Physiology (M.S., West Virginia University), Health Education & Nutrition (B.S., Marshall University) and Therapeutic Recreation (B.S., West Virginia State University). She is a member of the Medical Fitness Association, National Association of Public Health Professionals, National Therapeutic Recreation Association and American College of Sports Medicine. Her co-authors for this article, Katy Harvey, Yasmin Timm and Elizabeth Morris, are fitness instructors at the Crosby Wellness Center and are working closely with Cox on the pursuit of Medical Fitness Association certification for the facility.
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The Conversation Project When to discuss end-of-life issues K AT Y W I D R I C K
Growing Bolder is about seizing the opportunity of aging and making the rest of your life the best of your life. But, we are mortal beings; and decline and ultimately death are inevitable. With 10,000 of us turning 65 every day, there’s almost a deafening silence when it comes to talking about our wishes for end-of-life care. Not having those conversations with our loved ones and caregivers can lead to difficulty, confusion, frustration, suffering and guilt. So why do we keep ignoring the inevitable? Ellen Goodman is using a personal experience to change the world, and change the way we all approach death and dying. As her own mother deteriorated into dementia, the two women talked about absolutely everything — except what turned out to be the most important item. “When she could no longer decide what she wanted for lunch, let alone what she wanted for healthcare, I was quite shocked to find that those decisions fell to me. And I often wished that I could have heard her voice in my ear telling me what she wanted, because it would have made life much more comfortable,” Goodman said. After her mother’s death, Goodman began to speak with others about their experience through end-of-life with friends and loved ones. Nearly universally, those who had not had a plan ahead of time shared regret and guilt.
I N E V E RY I S S U E : T H E A R T O F C A R EG I V I N G
Those who had served as a healthcare proxy, or whose family members had shared their wishes ahead of time, expressed to Goodman that the experience was, in fact, one of the richest, most honest and positive of their lives. Goodman co-founded The Conversation Project and today serves as the organization’s director. The team is on a mission to help all of us have open and honest discussions and then embrace the powerful opportunity to have a say in how we live in our last days. “If you haven’t told anybody how you want to live at the end of your life — and that’s what we’re talking about, how you want to live — who is going to make those decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself? You need to share what matters to you, not what is the matter with you,” recommends Goodman. Goodman admits that the last thing her own mom would have wanted was to force her daughter into such a painful uncertainty about the end of her life, and eventually, her death. And because of that, she’s driven to help others avoid the same experience. The Conversation Project offers starter kits to help families share their wishes about death and dying. It also includes guides on choosing a healthcare proxy and serving as a proxy for someone else. Plus, there are suggestions on how to speak with your doctor or medical providers about your plans, before you find yourself in a health crisis.
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REGINA KING GIVES THANKS BILL SHAFER
Best Supporting Actress for 'If Beale Street Could Talk' at the 24th annual Critics' Choice Awards (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Critics' Choice Awards)
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“And the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress goes to…” Regina King had no idea what she would hear next. After all, careers like hers are not the norm. Awards most commonly seem to go to the new sensation. To the exciting, hot talent bursting on the scene. To the young. King has been able to find work, great work, for 30 years, starting when she was just a teenager on the TV sitcom “227.” She moved to the big screen for big roles in films such as” Jerry Maguire,” “Ray” and “Enemy of the State.” And she went back to TV for “American Crime,” “Big Bang Theory” and the Netflix series “Seven Seconds.” She’s been awarded three Prime-Time Emmys, the Critics Choice Award and several NAACP Image Awards. She also produces and directs. Her credits include episodes of “Being Mary Jane,” “Scandal,” “Insecure” and “This Is Us.” But this time it’s different. First, this is her first Oscar nomination. Second, it’s for the Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of the James Baldwin novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” a moving love story about the bonds that hold a family together. Third, she’s 48 years old. ‘Miss Regina King!’ As she made her way to the podium the tears began to flow. It was not lost on King that she was bestowed acting’s ultimate honor for her portrayal of the lead character’s mother. In the audience was King’s mother, Gloria Cain, whom the actress considered the most important person in her life. “I’m an example of what it looks like when support and love are poured into someone,” King said as she accepted the award. “Mom, I love you so much.” King said her greatest role model was her mother. Cain was a special education teacher and a hero in the eyes of her daughter. Cain also was a single parent from the time King was 8 years old.
C R E AT E
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Circa 1987. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images
“She’s just always created a space for my sister and me to dream big and dream with our hearts and our minds,” King said. “And when you have that in abundance, then you’re better-prepared for what life can throw at you.” King always held her mother in the highest regard, but it wasn’t until she had a child of her own that their relationship began to evolve from strictly motherdaughter to something greater. “You know how sometimes you hear people say, ‘That’s my best friend?’” she said. “It was when I became a mother that our relationship turned more toward best friends. She inspires me to be my best every single day. In fact, if I can just be 20% of the mother my mom is to me, then my son will be okay.” Many actresses begin to wind down as they age, but King seems to be on a different trajectory. She is just now blossoming into her prime as she approaches the age of 50. She has always been an outspoken warrior in the fight against gender inequality, racism and now ageism. She has never been afraid to step up and take on risks. That characteristic has allowed her to step across to the other side of the camera and work as a director. “You know, I heard a statistic that of all the content produced in this country only 7% is directed by women,” she said. “You better believe when I had the chance I took it; and what I found is, I really enjoy working with people.” Regina King stars as Sharon in Barry Jenkins' "If Beale Street Could Talk," an Annapurna Pictures release. Credit: Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Pictures
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Regina King accepts the Actress in a Supporting Role award for 'If Beale Street Could Talk' onstage during the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Many actresses go to great lengths to hide or disguise their age, but King says growing older has brought nothing but advantages. “As I mature, I am beginning to understand that I can be a part of the storytelling process in a much more involved way as a director and producer than I can as an actor,” she explains. “Being in a position to create opportunities for other people is stimulating; and it’s creating opportunities for me, too. It truly is exciting.” She also believes that age has given her another advantage — clarity in knowing what roles are right and what parts are important. “I definitely feel that I’m in a place where, as I grow as a human being, my career is growing with me,” she said. “As long as I remain true to that and not try to do something that just doesn’t speak to me personally and not do something just because others say that it’s cool, I will be OK. I hope I will be able to continue to do what I love until I decide I don’t want to do it anymore.” Now, with an Oscar to her name, she is looking forward to new opportunities to inspire others to achieve their dreams. “Far too many of us get caught up in what others are doing,” she says, as if speaking from personal experience. “Never compare yourself to the person next to you. That’s not your story. You create your story. It’s important not to be distracted by what happens to others. Focus on your prize. If you do, it will be there for you.”
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DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH Antioxidants in a glass
C O L L E T T E H AW
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Too often, we’re told what not to eat; but I love to give people ideas of fun and tasty foods they should eat. Did you know some foods are not only better for weight management, they may even improve your overall health? One of my favorite superfoods is the tiny but mighty blueberry. Blueberries are the kings of antioxidant foods that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and can contribute to premature aging and diseases. At Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen, at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida, we use wild organic blueberries, or lowbush berries, which are typically smaller and richer in some antioxidants. The main antioxidant compound in blueberries belongs to a family of polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids. Among the many benefits attributed to flavonoids are reduced risks of cancer, heart disease, asthma and stroke. When it’s hot outside, one of my favorite ways to cool off is with a nutritious, delicious smoothie. This Wild Blueberry Smoothie is packed full of ingredients designed to keep you healthy and strong, including a fun garnish: local bee pollen. Like blueberries, bee pollen contains a powerful antioxidant punch. It’s also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and boost liver function. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These days, you can pick up some bee pollen at most health food stores or from a local beekeeper. Drink to your health!
W I L D B L U E B E R RY S M O O T H I E
Makes one 12-ounce smoothie. Ingredients 6 ounces of unsweetened almond milk 1 cup of organic wild blueberries, frozen 1 banana 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds 1 tablespoon of chia seeds Sprinkle of cinnamon 2 ounces of ice Garnish with local bee pollen. Directions Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you achieve the desired consistency. Garnish with the local bee pollen. Nutrition information Calories 392, fat 22.6g, sodium 101mg, carbs 44.2g, fiber 7.7g, protein 7.6g
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Rethinking Risk The life-expanding power of saying, 'Yes!'
Excerpt from “Growing Bolder: Defy the Cult of Youth, Live With Passion and Purpose,” by Marc Middleton.
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“Life shrinks or expands according to one’s courage.” — Anais Nïn One of the most difficult and important challenges we face as we age is balancing the need for safety with the basic human need for experience. In 2012, Dr. Bill Thomas, the man who started the movement to deinstitutionalize the nursing-care industry, began talking about the concept of “surplus safety,” which he defined as an unhealthy obsession with avoiding downside risk (what might go wrong) while eliminating the possibility of upside risk (better-than-expected outcomes). Though Thomas was talking about life in nursing homes, I believe the concept of surplus safety has crept into all of our lives. The ageist propaganda machine has convinced us that there’s very little upside to risktaking as we age, so why take any risks in the first place? It has convinced us that we’ve reached, or are approaching, a point of diminishing ability, and that our strategy moving forward should be not to extend ourselves in any way. It’s time to pull our heads inside our shells and hunker down. There’s no denying that safety is critically important, but what is equally important is quality of life. Human beings, by nature, need autonomy, love and novelty. We thrive on experience. Without some degree of each, it’s fair to question if life is even worth living. Growing Bolder is about the need to confront life and chase experiences, not retreat and withdraw. The more we’re exposed to the possibilities of aging, the more we begin to understand the value of risk-taking and the dangers of surplus safety. Risk-taking, especially as we age, leads to the kind of experiences that make life worth living. I’m not talking about unnecessary physical risks. Participating in activities in which the prospect for serious injury is great, when you’re not prepared for those activities, is stupid. But to take away all risks and all opportunities to make mistakes is to take away what it means to be human. We must learn to balance risk tolerance, so we don’t simply wither away, strapped to a bed. When we allow surplus safety to creep into our lives and control our behavior, we eliminate the opportunity for the kinds of experiences that make life worth living.
We interviewed Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins the week after she broke the world record in the 100-meter dash in the 100-104 age group at the U.S. Masters National Championships. Hawkins didn’t begin running until she was 100, and this was just her second competition ever. I reminded Hawkins that most people gradually become totally risk-averse as they age, and may eventually choose to stay in their homes, their chairs or even their beds where they feel safest. “Weren’t you afraid?” I said. She admitted: “I was scared to death. I was afraid I’d fall and break my hip. I was afraid I’d embarrass my family. I was afraid that I might have a heart attack or a stroke. I was afraid I might die on the track. I was so afraid that I even took care of a few things at home just in case I never came back. Yes, I was afraid. But I looked that fear in the face and I ran. That’s what you must do as you grow older. You must continually face your fears.” Boom! Hawkins dropped a major truth bomb. The key to Growing Bolder is that idea: “I looked that fear in the face and I ran.” We’re confronted with countless fears throughout our lives, and we either move forward in the face of those fears or we back down. Those who maintain a high quality of life into their 90s and even 100s aren’t the backing-down types. They either live independently and can make their own decisions, or they’re surrounded by others who allow them the dignity of choice and help them pursue their passions while mitigating risk. Hawkins told us that she wanted to inspire her family, and she wanted the life experience. Not only did she not fall, embarrass herself or die, she became an international celebrity overnight. Video of her remarkable run went viral on social media, and reports of her accomplishment were featured on newscasts across the globe. “I’m so honored and humbled by all of the attention,” she said. “Mostly, I’m happy that I can inspire other older people to get moving. The risk was worth the reward.” We’ve all heard the axiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It’s been around for centuries. Its meaning has nothing to do with dogs and tricks and everything to do with people and learning. The truth is
that we’re never too old to learn. And yet we readily dismiss the possibility because of some silly sentiment written nearly 500 years ago and perpetuated to this day by “the Machine.” That’s the powerful forces in our culture, such as healthcare, government and the media, that need you to feel old, worn, weak and worthless. The real issue is not our inability to continue learning. In many ways, our capacity to learn increases as we age. The real issue is our unwillingness to continue taking risks. When people realize that their lives are almost over, they mourn for passions not pursued and risks not taken. Dr. Thomas is very straightforward in his prescription for successful aging: “Take risks!”
Growing Bolder is about the need to confront life and chase experiences, not retreat and withdraw.
Growing Bolder: Defy the Cult of Youth, Live With Passion and Purpose AVA I L A B L E N OW O N A M A Z O N .C O M
Special Section: Book Excerpt 43
Growing Bolder’s Launchpad to “
If you’re discouraged by the thought of growing older, listen to Marc Middleton. He exposes the lies, reveals the truth and provides the pathway to a better tomorrow. Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and NBC Sports Broadcaster
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Marc Middleton has long inspired individuals from all walks of life who seek to live their lives to the fullest. He has personally impacted my life in profound ways, and I am so excited for all those who will benefit from hearing him speak. Doug Ulman, President and CEO, Pelotonia, Former President and CEO of Livestrong
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I have worked with everyone from Martha Stewart to Dr. Oz, who are no strangers to THE antiaging movement, but Marc Middleton is THE rock star. Lisa Lynn Celebrity Fitness and Metabolic Expert, Wall Street Journal best Selling Author
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LIVE! Launchpad to What’s Next LIVE! answers the most important questions, addresses the biggest fears, and inspires the kind of lifestyle change that empowers healthy and active aging. It’s a motivational seminar, an educational summit and a TED Talk all rolled into a fast–paced entertaining presentation. Marc Middleton, founder of Growing Bolder and a nationally recognized author, speaker and expert on the changing culture of aging, leads the high-energy, educational and inspiration-packed hour and a half program...with every guest excited to reignite their passion and discover WHAT’S NEXT. Special guests and insights from: Roger McGuinn Founder of the The Byrds and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rowdy Gaines Three-time Olympic gold medalist and sports broadcaster Diana Nyad Author, who at age 64 became the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without the aid of a shark cage Lisa Lynn Personal trainer to Martha Stewart and author of “The Metabolism Solution.” Dr. Roger Landry Highly-decorated flight surgeon and author of “Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging” Dr. Jim Smith Jr. A renowned trainer, motivational speaker and author of “The No-Excuse Guide to Success,” which was nominated for the NAACP Image Award Jean Chatzky Best-selling author, Financial Editor of “Today” show on NBC Dan Buettner Best-selling author, founder of “The Blue Zones”
U.S. TOUR LAUNCH NEXT STOP: ORLANDO, FLORIDA For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.GrowingBolder.com/LaunchpadLive
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GETTING YOUR GENES TO FIT
Epigenetics and gene expression D R . R O G E R L A N D RY
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No, this isn’t about weight loss; and yes, I spelled genes correctly. This is not about fashion but function… and empowerment… and the rest of your life. History made
On April 13, 2003, the 13-year-long international Human Genome Project announced its completion. For the first time, we had a mosaic of the DNA for humans. This opened a door to places previously unknown. We’ve already seen an explosion of products to discover ancestry, but for certain we can expect that this brave new world of genome exploration will have major implications for health and aging.
Lifestyle is king
For several decades now, since results of the 10-year-long MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America were published, we’ve known that our lifestyle choices have profound effects on our aging journey, much more than our genes. Paying attention to the whole self — the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual components — is key. Like the wind, brass, strings and percussion of a symphony orchestra, our holistic lifestyle must be in synchrony with each other. And when they are, magical things happen. Now, with our knowledge of the genome, we’re getting an understanding of just how some of that magic happens. There’s no doubt, lifestyle is king.
Epigenetics and you
An exploding new field of epigenetics is rocking the world of our understanding of how genes work. Officially, the Oxford English Dictionary defines epigenetics as “the study of changes in organisms caused by gene expression rather than alterations of the genetic code itself.” In my simplistic understanding, it means the effect of environment on how, and if, a gene expresses itself. There’s a lot more we need to do to fully understand epigenetics, but there’s one big preliminary observation that should set off alarms for all of us — in a good way. It appears that lifestyle has the possibility of shutting down or muting the effect of genes responsible for many chronic diseases!
The exclamation point is an understatement.
We’re not sure exactly how, but it may be through a mechanism that affects inflammation. In any case, research may be getting closer to understanding why lifestyle choices are a more powerful determinant in how we age. Why it is, as the MacArthur Study found, that identical twins with the same DNA and different lifestyles have different aging journeys.
Now what?
So, what does all this mean to you? At a minimum, we’re getting validation that lifestyle trumps genes. This should be a motivator for us all to focus like a laser on our day-to-day choices: how much we move, how much we keep learning, how connected we are to others and what our purpose is. The revelation also explains: why the cover of the Jan. 18, 2010, “Time” cover declared “Why Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny;” why we can’t blame our parents and why our future is in our hands.
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BACK TO LIFE
From wheelchair bound to climbing mountains JAC K I E C A R L I N
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Is back pain keeping you from doing the things you love? You’re not alone. By most estimates, eight in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and one in three adults report back pain affects their everyday habits, including sleep. It’s something that impacts people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and fitness levels; but it doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying the moments that make life worth living. Just ask Jim Hammersley. He first injured his back in 2004 in a kayak accident. Over the years, he found his world getting smaller and smaller, as he coped with chronic back pain. In time, the avid outdoorsman even stopped participating in many of his favorite activities. He sought several treatments, including core strengthening exercises, epidurals and trigger point injections. “I got to where my core was fairly strong again, and I could actually move and do things,” he recalls. However, that relief was short-lived. In January 2018, he bent over to tie his shoe; and, without warning, his vertebrae slipped out of line, bringing on full-blown sciatica. “I couldn't walk. I was in a wheelchair for three months,” he said. “By nature, I'm an optimist. But being in a wheelchair, I gained 20 pounds; and I went through some depression. I don't think I ever lost hope, but I was certainly looking for sources of hope.” He found that hope in Dr. Chetan Patel, medical director of the spine program at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute. A friend raved to Hammersley about his son’s successful recovery from a cervical procedure by Dr. Patel. With his friend’s encouragement, Hammersley met with Dr. Patel, underwent a thorough evaluation and together, they established a treatment plan. “I know firsthand the impact spine illness can have on each of us, as well as our family and friends. That is why I am so passionate about providing top quality care to each patient and getting every one of them back to doing the things they love as quickly as possible,” Dr. Patel said. Physicians at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute perform more than 4,000 spine procedures annually, utilizing the latest in minimally invasive robotic surgery and non-surgical techniques, including advanced pain-reduction therapies. A multidisciplinary approach G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7
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includes pain management, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery and rehabilitation. The specialized team treats patients with a wide variety of conditions, including chronic neck and back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and more. Hammersley says the entire experience was different than any other he had with previous medical professionals. “Sometimes you just feel like a number somewhere. But from the moment I spoke to the receptionist, I felt like she truly cared if I was comfortable," he said. “From the front desk to the assistant who rolled me into the back, to Dr. Patel himself, you could sense a spirit of God in these people.” Today, at age 64, Hammersley is happy to report he’s living pain-free for the first time in years. In fact, just six months after his spinal fusion surgery, he flew from his home in Florida to Phoenix, Arizona, to fulfill a lifelong dream.
“Mother told me I needed to drink life, and I never forgot that. I live each day like it's my last, because I’ve been given an incredible new opportunity to keep drinking in this life.” “I'd always wanted to climb Camelback Mountain, but my back prevented me from doing it,” he said. “I did it! And that was a precursor to what was to come because it's like a floodgate has been opened and I'm pursuing all of the things I used to do, as well as some things I've never done before. It's just been amazing.” “With Jim, he had been suffering for so long – more than 15 years,” Dr. Patel said. “With our care approach and Jim’s dedication to post-op rehab, he went from wheelchair bound to climbing mountains. He is a great representation of what can happen with a lot of determination.” Hammersley has worked hard on his rehab to bounce back, but he also credits Dr. Patel’s team with giving him the courage and confidence to set and achieve his recovery goals. “Dr. Patel is clearly a first-tier surgeon in his field, but he also surrounds himself with professional, compassionate people. You really feel like you're being taken into a family in that kind of atmosphere and looked after as you proceed through the journey,” he said. Today, Hammersely is dreaming and planning for all the stops ahead on his new journey through life. It’s a lesson his mother ingrained in him as a young child. “Mother told me I needed to drink life, and I never forgot that. I live each day like it's my last, because I’ve been given an incredible new opportunity to keep drinking in this life.”
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With a care network across Orlando, Florida, the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is one of the largest programs of its kind, providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to more neuroscience patients than any other hospital in the nation. An integrated team approach combines state-of the-art technology with innovative research, pain management and rehabilitation. Patients from around the world choose AdventHealth for our dedication to superior patient outcomes and whole person care. Learn more at AdventHealthNeuroInstitute.com.
Inspiring Whole-Person Health Wholeness | Fitness | Medicine
The Center for Health & Wellbeing is where wholeness, fitness and medicine all come together to help you achieve your optimal state of wellbeing. It’s where you can feed your body and your mind, while staying in tune with your health. Wholeness • Kid’s Corner • Conference center • Health and wellness education classes • Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen • Nutrition theater • Gardens with walking paths • Social gathering spaces • Terrace with patio seating
Fitness • Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center - a Medical Fitness Association Certified Facility* • Two indoor pools for lap swimming and warmwater activities • Multi-purpose group exercise rooms • Exercise equipment and weights • Indoor track
Medical • Acupuncture • Weight loss management and Diabetes education • Massage • Outpatient lab • • Retail pharmacy • • Sports medicine and rehabilitation
*Pending certification
A partnership between the Winter Park Health Foundation and AdventHealth
2005 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 | 407.644.2300 | YourHealthandWellbeing.org
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WAYS YOGA CAN EASE BACK PAIN C H E TA N PAT E L , M . D .
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If you’re like millions of people in the world, then you probably suffer, or have suffered, from lower back pain (LBP) at some point in your life. On top of being uncomfortable for the patient, LBP is the costliest work disability in the United States; and it can lead to lost productivity, depression, restless sleep and debt problems associated with treatment costs. Introducing alternative therapies to existing treatment plans is one method to improve the way modern medicine treats spinal conditions. Yoga is a common alternative treatment that has become even more popular over the past few years. Overall, yoga intervention can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life with the added potential to reduce stress, depression, medication usage and the likelihood of disability. As with any form of exercise, it is important to talk to your doctor about specific postures that are best for your condition. Here are three ways that you can incorporate basic aspects of yoga into your everyday lifestyle:
1. Start and end each day with stretching. The physical part of yoga focuses on holding postures that help stretch and lengthen your muscles.
2. Practice breathing. Breathing is another very important part of yoga that aims to reduce stress and anxiety and clear your mind. Controlled breathing can help relax your muscles and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand. Take the time to inhale slowly and exhale slowly through your nose for a few rounds of deep breathing.
3. Maintain a balanced diet. The food you consume has a drastic effect on your spine health. Foods that are high in sodium, fat and sugar can cause inflammation in the body, and can result in back pain and injury. Dr. Chetan Patel is a world-renowned leader in minimally invasive surgery and spine health. He currently serves as the Medical Director of AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health in Altamonte Springs and Chairman of the North American Spine Society’s Robotics & Navigation Section. For more wellness education, visit the SpineU video library at AHMGSpineHealth.com.
HEAL
The goal of yoga in healthcare is to heal and strengthen the mind, body and spirit. Partnered with regular supervision from your doctor, yoga can help release the tense muscles that are causing back pain, while strengthening and lengthening your muscles to prevent future injuries from occurring. By combining these postures with a diet that has a high concentration of foods with anti-inflammatory properties and practicing breathing techniques to help you relax and de-stress, you will be well on your way to a more comfortable, pain-free lifestyle. G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7
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TRAVEL TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED
Secrets of successful travel from those who have 'been there, done that' The following tips come from avid tourists who have traveled around the world through Road Scholar's educational adventures. 64
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Maxine loves the adventure of exploring a new city — music, landscapes, architecture and, of course, the food. Maxine worked in marketing and even modeled once for a funeral home advertisement. At age 50, she got her advanced degree and began a career in mental health and non-profit management. She started traveling seriously just six years ago and has now taken 25 trips with Road Scholar. She says her favorite trip is whichever one she's on.
Pack black.
Pack two to three pairs of black pants and tops and six to seven scarves to add color. It will look like you’re wearing a different outfit every day. You can also buy scarfs on your trip as inexpensive mementos.
"I list therefore I exist.”
M A X I N E T. , 7 3
Walnut Creek, California
Write short lists to remind yourself to pack your power cords or anything you’ve locked away in the hotel or room safe.
As a child, Bobbie and her family explored a different locale each year. Bobbie says her parents "were geniuses at doing this on a thin dime." Her favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands, where she swam by a hammerhead shark and also spotted a blue-footed booby. She says on her trip to Cuba, she learned more in one week than any other week in her life. Her travel credo is a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson: "There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign." Bobbie is a retired librarian and school administrator.
Soundproofing.
Travel with earplugs to block out noise on the plane. The moldable kind work best. BOBBIE O. , 7 3
Alexandria, Virginia
Practice mental flexibility.
Be open to new experiences. Plan B can be as interesting as Plan A.
Ona is an avid traveler who developed her love of adventure in the 1960s when she and her husband participated in an exchange program for pharmacists (his job) and took off for Europe to live for seven months. At that time, she reports international travelers were primarily older people, making the young American couple a bit of a rarity. Ona is a retired ESL teacher who went to graduate school in her 50s. She’s been on terrific intergenerational trips with four of her five grandchildren.
Toss your dross.
Old underwear, pajamas, or any other pieces of clothing you wish, can be left behind throughout your trip, making space for new items.
Be the early bird.
ONA R., 84
Tiberon
Try to arrive at your destination a day before your tour begins so you don’t miss connections. If you’re going on a cruise, best not to miss the boat.
T R AV E L
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Sarah developed her love of travel as a teenager, when she lived in Europe. She is passionate about traveling and just returned from a month in Australia and New Zealand. She says she loves starting with no expectations about a trip and is always amazed at her experiences. Sarah worked as a retail branch banker for 38 years and now travels the world.
Floss is boss.
Bring an extra container of dental floss to use as a clothesline in your hotel shower.
Don’t obsess, compress. S A R A H V. , 6 6
Philadelphia
Get up and walk around every two hours when you’re on a long flight. Compression socks are great for circulation and now come in funky, fashionable designs.
Debbie has visited such diverse locales as India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Austria, Iceland, Norway, England, Ecuador and many places in the United States and Canada. When at home, she cooks, entertains, gardens, rides her bike, kayaks, goes birding, plays bridge and even designed and contracted her 3,700 square-foot house in Texas. Debbie has also been building furniture with her husband for 43 years.
Lighten your load.
Pack two small bags rather than one big bag, especially if you’ll be carrying your bags up flights of stairs by yourself. Easier to take two trips than to lug one heavy suitcase.
Be aware and care.
DEBBIE S., 65
Arlington, Texas
Be considerate of other travelers in a group who may not be as agile as they once were. Hip replacements abound.
Road Scholar Tip Not all group travel is created equal. People who think they would never want to travel as part of a group may want to reconsider — there are significant advantages. It’s ideal for travelers who want to relax and enjoy their experience without sweating the details. Make sure you choose a program that allows ample time on your own and multiple options for activities. 66
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About Road Scholar Road Scholar is the nation’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for adults, a true university of the world. The company offers 5,500 programs in 150 countries and 50 states. Financial aid is available for those who otherwise could not participate. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the world leader in educational travel since 1975. Learn more at www.roadscholar.org.
Jump Into Your Bigness (And work on your TAN) DR. JIM SMITH JR.
Last year I went skydiving. I jumped out of the plane. I did it because my greatest fear in life is heights, and I wanted to face my fear. I did it. It was successful. It was surreal. The plane landed, and I said, “I did it! I did it! I jumped out of a plane!” I went home and told everybody. If you were near me and had a pulse, you heard about my jump. I talked to my mentor about it. She smiled and said, “That’s nice, however, how about doing that more often — not jumping out of a plane but facing your fears every day? Why not jump into your leadership? Why not jump into how you love? Why just jump into a single, isolated event? Why not jump out there every day? Why not jump into living your life in a big way?” She’s right. We’ve turned uncertainty into fear. They have become synonyms. There is no reason to fear uncertainty. In fact, we need to embrace uncertainty. I've learned that what you focus on grows; and when we focus on what's going wrong, we get more of what's going wrong. Yes, we all have our setbacks and moments of uncertainty. But we can’t allow that uncertainty to become fear. We have to quickly move into action. I love these seven words: What am I going to do next?
We’ve turned uncertainty into fear. They have become synonyms. There is no reason to fear uncertainty. In fact, we need to embrace uncertainty.
DEFY
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That's how I live. When something is going wrong, I ask myself, “What am I going to do about it?” And then I start thinking action. I start creating choices. I start creating possibilities. Of course, I have my moments of discouragement; but I never say, “I can't believe this is happening to me.” I make the choice to take action and move forward. When we’re young, we look a lot like our parents. But when we get older, we look a lot like our choices — the choices we make every single day. Some of us choose to blame and to be afraid. Some of us choose to face our fears and bounce back from disappointment. We choose to step up and to jump. Not just one day, someday or eventually when I get around to it. We choose to jump every day. We choose to live big. Start making big choices today and don’t forget to work on your TAN. TAN stands for Take Action Now. What’s the best way to work on your TAN? You guessed it — jump. Live big. And live that way every day.
Dr. Jim Smith Jr., is a global leader in personal and professional improvement who specializes in creating performance breakthroughs for individuals, teams and organizations. An internationally soughtafter speaker, coach, consultant and best-selling author. Smith helps men and women worldwide reach their full potential through his “No Excuses” philosophy.
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AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT ABROAD I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G C O R R E S P O N D E N T S
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Couple saves $1.5 million by retiring overseas
A couple upgraded their lifestyle when they moved from the United States to Vietnam 13 years ago. At the same time, they saw their annual expenditure drop by over $115,000. This represents a trend — retirees saving tens of thousands of dollars by relocating to more affordable locales around the world. “When my husband, David, and I last lived in the United States in 2005, we gave up our jobs that were bringing in a total of about $140,000 annually,” said Wendy Justice, an “International Living” Vietnam correspondent. She continued: “Out of that, we were paying about $25,000 for rent, $3,000 for utilities, $5,000 for insurance, about $7,200 for groceries, $6,000 for two car payments, $6,000 for gas and car maintenance, around $50,000 for federal, state, and local income taxes, around $18,000 for a 401k retirement plan and savings and around $20,000 for entertainment and miscellaneous expenses — $140,200 per year. “These days, our budget looks more like $24,225. Rent, $9,000. Utilities, $1,200. Insurance, none. Groceries, $1,800..Car payment, none. Gas and maintenance on our motorbike, $125. Taxes, $4,500. Entertainment and
miscellaneous expenses: $3,600. Annual trip to the States: $4,000 (airfare, car rental, misc. expenses). “So, if we had stayed in the States for the past 13 years, we would have spent around $1,822,600. We've spent around $314,925 since leaving the States. That’s a total savings of $1,507,675. Figured annually, we're saving $115,975 for every year that we've lived abroad.” Justice said she and her husband have, while lowering their cost of living, simultaneously improved their quality of life. She said they live in a house that’s nicer than one they could have afforded back in California, a housekeeper cleans for them twice a week, they have access to low-cost medical and dental care, they eat out at least once a day — an indulgence that was out of the question when they were in the States — and there’s still enough left over in the budget for lots of little splurges. “I guess I'm in that ‘Million Dollar Club’ with all the money I've saved,” she said. Justice is among a growing number of savvy expats enjoying the fact that while their cost of living is lower overseas, they’re in fact able to afford more comforts.
TRADING UP, SPENDING LESS IN Six years ago, “International Living” correspondent Tricia Pimental and her husband moved to Portugal. Not only did their day-to-day lifestyle improve — enhanced by warm weather, friendly locals, and beautiful surrounds, but their cost of living dropped at the same time. “Has moving overseas enhanced my financial situation? You bet,” she said. “When Keith and I last lived in the United States in 2012, our monthly expenses were hefty at about $4,000 a month; but travel, gifts, income and property taxes, and unforeseen expenses, raised our average annual outlay to about $70,000.” “In Portugal, we spend $1,750 per month less than what it cost us for the same (expenses in the United States). That adds up to a huge saving overtime,” Pimental said. One of their most significant savings has been in property taxes. In America, they paid about $3,000 a year; but now, they pay approximately $600 per year on their Portuguese home. "We’ve maintained our lifestyle, with the same-size home, frequent travel and entertaining, so the difference may not be as remarkable as other expats have experienced,” Pimental said. “Nevertheless, we have saved about $126,000 over the last six years, and expect to continue to do that and more, as the cost of living in the States rises while it remains fairly constant here in Portugal. We’re so grateful to experience a lower cost of living, especially in such a lovely and peaceful a country,” she said. FINANCE
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LIVING BETTER FOR LESS IN
Donna Stiteler grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where retirees flock, attracted by the warm weather and lack of state income taxes. But in February 2014, she and her husband, Rowland, embarked on a new journey in search of somewhere cheaper to live — Ecuador. “Why would I leave my seaside home by one of the best beaches in the U.S.? Well, Florida’s not so cheap anymore, and it’s hot,” she said. “I’ve worked hard all my life and had good jobs but still didn’t put enough money into retirement funds to subsidize my retirement income, nor did I have a pension,” she said. Stiteler continued: “Before I moved to Cuenca, I decided to run a spreadsheet to compare my expenses in Florida compared to Ecuador. I also wanted to make sure I could live off my Social Security of $1,750 in case I outlived Rowland. Now, after living here for more than four years, this has turned out to be a great choice for us. “I sold my house at a profit, which allowed me to buy outright a bigger, nicer home in Cuenca and skip the largest retirement expense in retirement — housing. (Rentals in Cuenca are also a cheap option at $400 and up, so it’s not necessary to buy.) “I have no pension and only enough money in my IRA to cover emergencies and none to supplement my income on a monthly basis. Rowland and I have a total combined annual Social Security payment of $39,000 — but only if my husband outlives me. If I outlive him, my annual income would drop to $21,000. So, I also needed to be somewhere I could live on that alone. “Our total yearly spend in St. Petersburg, Florida was $31,700, but in Cuenca, we only spend $17,676. We are saving big in Cuenca.” 74
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Ecuador’s lower cost of living attracts many expats to this South American gem. Jim Santos and his wife, Rita, moved to Salinas, Ecuador, at the beginning of January, 2014. During that time, the Santoses have saved over a quarter of a million dollars. “In the U.S. we were living in a waterfront condo on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” Jim Santos said. “Our monthly expenses were averaging just over $6,000, or $72,000 per year. To add insult to injury, Maryland charges not only a state income tax, but you then add an additional 50% to your bill for the county. Clearly, we were living just to work.” Santos continued: “So we sold all of our U.S. properties and were then able to pay cash for both a smaller ‘safety house,’ which we now rent out in West Virginia, and our new home in Ecuador. In Salinas, on the Pacific Coast, we were able to secure a 2,000 square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo. Bye-bye to the mortgage. “When you work it out, our monthly expenses now average about $1,800, or $21,600 per year. That means that after five years in Salinas, we have saved a total of $252,000. “One of the most telling points is pretty obvious — I was able to retire at 57, just a year and a half after making the move. “And that’s not all — the healthy lifestyle, fresh produce and seafood, and the great weather that encourages walking, helped me reduce my weight from 319 pounds down to 209. I was able to first reduce my medications for Type 2 diabetes and then eliminate them completely. This has undoubtedly given me a chance at a longer, more active life — and that’s a priceless return on our investment.”
SPENDING LESS, LIVING BETTER IN
Steve Le Poidevin and his wife, Nancy Le Poidevin, left Canada in 2008 and have enjoyed the lower cost of living overseas since then. Today, they live in Peru, one of the least expensive countries in the world for retirees — a place where residents need not compromise on quality of life. “Our basic living costs, including taxes, pension contributions and unemployment contributions, were about $60,000 a year in Canada,” Steve Le Poidevin said. “Today we spend about $7,200 on rent, $4,800 on groceries, $400 on utilities, $1,200 on entertainment and $3,600 on insurance for an annual total of $17,200. We
usually fly back to Canada every couple of years, which costs about $2,000, so that brings our annual total up to just over $19,000,” Le Poidevin said. He continued: “We’ve been gone from Canada for a decade, and we have easily saved over $40,000 per year. “Moving abroad allowed us to retire early, see the world and live in a world absent of snow and cold — for much less money than we would have spent had we stayed. And we also gained the extra benefit of living in large, urban areas with all the amenities, like Chiang Mai, Thailand, and now Trujillo, Peru.”
A B O U T “ I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G ”
Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate and investment.
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THE TAKEAWAY I want you to do something. Sit down at a piano. Put your thumb on middle C. Now, put your pinky on the C an octave higher. What’s between your fingers? Seven white keys and five black. That’s it. That’s all the notes there are. Yet there are countless songs. From just those notes come infinite possibilities. I have learned that the same holds true with life. Our possibilities are infinite. These possibilities present us with a set of choices. And the decisions we make about those choices determine the direction of our lives. Where will you find your possibilities? Just look to your passions. Ask yourself what it is that lights you up, turns you on and brings you to life. There are a million different answers. For me, it’s always been music. We are all hesitant to take risks. None of us want to make mistakes, fail or hit a sour note. It takes developing a fearlessness that allows us to soar. I learned that from Miles Davis. He demanded that all of his musicians think outside the box. He told us we were being paid to take chances and explore new territories.
This led me to some very satisfying personal successes. But it probably cost me some monetary success. Critics said I was too unpredictable and that the record-buying audience wasn’t sure what to expect of me. But when people try to steer you away from where you want to go, there’s something you must remember: The face you look at in the mirror will always be your own. Personal satisfaction only comes from challenging, trusting and being true to yourself. I am at a very interesting point in my life. I’m 79 years old. The time has gone by in a flash. I’m blessed by the people who surround me, but none more so than my wife, who has been my rock for over 50 years. That brings us to the takeaway. Life is about the possibilities around you and what you do about them. Like everyone else, I’ve had my share of pain and suffering. I’ve had to battle demons that took me to places I wasn’t sure I could return from. So, my message is: Never give up. You can live your life to the fullest. Just look for the possibilities.
Herbie Hancock is a legendary musician who has been Growing Bolder throughout an incredible career that has spanned seven decades. A true innovator, Hancock has had an enormous influence on acoustic and electric jazz, R&B, hip hop and more, with his constant exploration of many musical genres. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Never give up. You can live your life to the fullest. Just look for the possibilities. I N E V E RY I S S U E : T H E TA K E AWAY
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THE FLIP SIDE OF RISK Opportunity costs of not retiring
CHRIST Y WILSON DELK
I recently had dinner with a dear friend who was contemplating retirement after nearly three decades with a large utility company. Having recently retired myself, and feeling quite confident with my decision, I decided to probe a bit. You can probably imagine the conversation. She said, (all together now) “What would I do if I’m not working?” And then, “I don’t really dislike my job.” Being a seasoned entrepreneur, and now part-time business professor, I challenged her to reframe her perspective. “What about the opportunity costs of not retiring?” I said. “In other words, the risk of not discovering what is next for you, the relationships you won’t make because you are working and the experiences you won’t have because you did not change?” Because I’ve known my friend for 40 years, and I know that she has plenty of money along with several rental properties, I was comfortable saying that. For many, starting a new venture or retiring feels like a huge risk.
R E F R A M I N G A R I S K- AV E R S E P E R S P E C T I V E
I have written before about finding one’s passion career and that the key to becoming comfortable with a new venture or an exit is to focus on two numbers. 1. Determine the amount you are willing to lose if you were to start a small passion business. Is it $5,000 or $50,000? Write that number down. That’s your risked money. 2. Determine the amount you absolutely must have to pay your bills and have the lifestyle you require at this time. Write that number down. That’s your safe harbor. Next, evaluate your means. What do you have and what do you do that can help you through the transition? Do you have a brother with a truck that can help you deliver catering jobs or floral arrangements? Do you currently volunteer for an organization to which you would like to devote more time? Are you ready to spend more time with your family? Have a national park tour with your bike and kayak? The more you write down, the less risky your changes will feel because you have a plan for the transition. The fun part is considering the newfound opportunities that are now within your sites and your grasp.
CHRIST Y WILSON DELK
Christy Wilson Delk is a former franchise owner and business professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is a contributing franchise industry writer, speaker and educator. Her book “Adventures in Franchise Ownership” is available at christywilsondelk.com.
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