Active Seniors 3

Gardening Grows Community

By Patricia Danflous

Go ahead, play in the dirt.

There’s never been a better time to get involved with gardening. Check out one of the growing number of community gardens around the country and start volunteering. If there is not one in your neighborhood, take the initiative and start one. Community gar dens, which are increasingly taking shape throughout the country, are collabora

tive growing projects in which participants share in the mainte nance and products of the garden, including healthy and afford able fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you are heading out to your personal garden or a communi ty garden, remember to avoid continual stooping or squatting by using a stool or bench, use tools with good grips and lever age, stay hydrated, use sunscreen and don’t forget sunglasses and gardening gloves.

Add community gardening to your bucket list...

❶ provide a catalyst for neighborhood development

stimulate social interaction

encourage self-reliance

beautify neighborhoods

produce nutritious food

reduce family food budgets

conserve resources

create opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education

American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) www.communitygarden.org

local credits

Willing to try online dating?

Here’s how to get started:

When you are asked to share some thing about you, make sure it is up beat! For example, do you like to dance or go to museums?

Take a photograph of your self in an area that is well lit and make sure the back ground doesn’t detract from you. Remember to smile!

When making that first date, offer to meet for a walk or a cup of coffee. This makes the date more casual and if it doesn’t work romantically, it's easier to transition into friendship.

Popular Dating Sites for Seniors:

Ask questions that reveal each others' interests, such as family, hobbies, and occupation.

Online Datingfor Seniors

According to the Pew Research Center, the share of 55 to 64-year-olds that sign up for dating sites has doubled from 6 percent to 12 percent in the last 2 years. Boomers are a prime target for dating sites because they are more likely to be single, divorced or widowed.

eHarmony - eHarmony’s Compatibility Matching Sys tem searches through thou sands of senior singles to find the most compatible match.

Match.com – Of its 17 million members, 2.5 million are seniors. You can explore your potential mate’s educa tion, faith, and politics.

OkCupid.com –OkCupid, 3.5 million members, offers a unique spin on profile questions, such as "What six things could you never do without?"

OurTime.com – One of the most popular sites for the over 50 set, OurTime boasts 1.4 million seniors. Its per sonality questions range from "Do you like to cook?" to "Are you a punctual person?"

ChristianMingle.com – Is religious preference import ant to you? This is the largest online community for single Christians.

Pampering The Modern-Day Pet

By Michele Robert Poche

Petparks, bakeries, designer boutiques ... it’s a great time in the world to be a pet. We love our furry little friends. So why wouldn’t we want to pamper and even spoil them a little when we can?

Enter the pet resort.

Gone are the days of simply paying the neigh borhood kid to peek in on your cat or board the dog at a conventional kennel while you’re away. Today's pet demands more. Here are just a few of the amenities you can expect at high-end pet care and lodging.

LODGING

Resort guests are pampered in stateof-the-art environments with fresh bedding, soothing music, natural lighting, premium food, on-call veterinarians and one-on-one attention.

SPA SERVICES

Pets are treated to stress-releasing massage, aromatherapy, facials, and antioxidant baths.

EXERCISE

Guests have plenty of opportunity to socialize and burn off energy on walks, trails, swim breaks, yard play and even treadmills.

GROOMING

Technicians provide nail clipping, ear cleaning, dental care, bathing and trimming for every breed and lifestyle.

TRAINING

Resorts offer classes in obedience and manners.

TRANSPORTATION

Offering pick ups and drop offs, resort vehicles can also take guests to offsite field trips for fresh air and exercise.

WEBCAMS

24/7 webcams are available so you can check in on your pet from anywhere.

TAI CHI

THE ENERGY OF INFINITY

By Tami Charbonnet

from financial concerns, children, relationships and countless other life

Pressureissues demand meth ods to reduce stress. Studies show stress as a direct cause of physical, emotional and psychological

damage. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. However, due to physical restraints, some people may lack the ability to maintain a exercise regimen Welcome to the World of Tai Chi

An ancient martial art, Tai Chi is embraced as a method to reduce stress and reap physical and emotional benefits.

Tai Chi originated

in China as a form of self-defense, but has developed over the centuries as a healing exercise focused on the mind-body connection

It is a beautiful flow of slow-moving but controlled movements that require mental focus, relaxation and acceptance of infinity; energy without end Movements are soft and flow with no tension. The body’s joints are never extended. This gentle series of movements make Tai Chi safe and healthy for everyone.

Tai Chi Benefits

Tai Chi improves strength and balance. Aside from the physical benefits, studies have proven that Tai Chi contributes to an overall feeling of well-being. While practicing Tai Chi, tension is released in the body and negative emotions subside. It is effective for all ages and physical conditions, as it can be practiced from either a sitting or standing positon.

Thousands of people practice Tai Chi daily for health maintenance and healing.

Tai Chi improves strength and balance

Visit the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA) (www.americantaichi.org) for a class locator.

WATER AEROBICS

By Tami Charbonnet

Water aerobics is a low-intensity exercise program for everyone. Water aerobics classes come in many forms and are beneficial for all fitness levels.

LOWER IMPACT

Exercising in water makes you feel lighter. Water aerobics is an ideal activity for those with arthritis, back problems, foot or leg injuries, and knee conditions. Pregnant women and the obese also benefit from the reduced impact.

CALORIE BURN

Expect to burn between 200 and 400 calories per hour. The amount of calories you burn will depend on your weight and movement in the water. Faster movements in deep water allow the greatest calo rie burn.

BEST AQUA AEROBIC EXERCISES:

• Treading water with a kick

• Kick and punch

• Wave makers

• Walk or run in water

Celebrate Your 100th Birthday

By Patricia Danflous

Forget about looking for the Fountain of Youth or the magical drink that promises you will live to be 100 or more. Wait – if that search means you will start taking long walks, snacking on fruits and vegetables and taking time to stretch your muscles, you could be on the right path!

Exercise, stretching, and healthy eating are essentials to living longer, productive lives. According to nutritionist and fitness specialist Kirk Vidrine, “there are not a lot of super secrets about living to be 100, but you may be surprised about what we have learned about living longer.

“Living a long life is dictated 10 percent by genetics and 90

percent by lifestyles,” Vidrine says. “The goal is not just about achieving a high number of years, it is about living better. Why live longer and be miser able in pain when it is possible to enjoy your retirement and golden years in a better way?”

The reality is no matter how hard you try, you are not necessarily going to make it to 100. In fact, only one in 5,000 in this country live to 100. But the good news is, after age 65 women have an average of 20.3 and men have an average of 17.6 years of life remaining. This means there is plenty enough time to add physical activities and make the dietary changes that will affect your quality of life.

TO EXTEND LONGEVITY:

a sense of purpose

Socializing within and outside the family

Engaging in physical activities

Not smoking

a high plantbased diet

a form of spirituality Drinking alcohol moderately

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 6

BAKED SPINACH TURKEY MEATBALLS

This is an easy and tasty turkey meatball recipe that sneaks in a serving of spinach. It is gluten free, great for kids.

Sean Peters is an electrical engineering PhD candidate currently studying at Columbia University. To read more about Sean and his recipes, visit mybodymykitchen.com.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 Oz fresh or frozen spinach

• 1.25 lbs. lean ground turkey

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup oat flour or breadcrumbs

• 3/4 cup onions or green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2 tbsp parsley

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• salt & black pepper to taste

• 1/2 tbsp brown sugar/honey

DIRECTIONS:

❶ Preheat oven 400 F.

❷ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

❸ If using fresh spinach: add spinach to skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook until tender.

❹ Set aside cooked vegetables to cool.

❺ In a large bowl, combine turkey meat, egg, oat flour (or breadcrumbs), parsley, oregano, pepper flakes, honey/brown sugar (optional), salt and black pepper. If using frozen spinach, add it in this step.

❻ Add cooled, cooked vegetables and mix thoroughly.

❼ Lightly coat baking dish with cooking spray.

❽ Scoop about 1/4 cup of turkey mixture and shape into balls; place into baking dish. Lightly coat or drizzle each ball with olive oil.

Nutrition per serving: 275 Calories; 13g Carb; 13g Fat; 25g Protein

❾ Bake meatballs uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through; turning after 10 minutes of baking.

When made with oat flour, these meatballs are very moist! If you like your meatballs to have more bite use bread crumbs or a bit more oat flour.

Tomato & Roasted Bell Pepper & Basil Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 onion

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 can whole tomatoes

• 1 jar roasted bell peppers

• 1 cup chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

• 2-4 tbsp dry or fresh basil

• 3 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

• 1 cup low fat milk (optional)

• 1tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

• Salt & pepper

1. Preheat pot to medium. Roughly chop onion and garlic. 2. Add olive oil and onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions just start to color a little bit. 3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it just starts to “speak” to you (that means it starts to smell really good, but be careful, garlic goes from perfect to burnt in a hot second). If you are spicing the soup up with red pepper flakes, add them to the garlic. 4. Add tomatoes and bell peppers and heat for 5 minutes. 5. Puree the soup in batches with basil, in a blend er. If you are using a low fat milk puree it into your last batch before adding the soup back into the pot. 6. Bring soup to a low simmer and add balsamic vinegar if using. 7. Add salt and pepper, taste and adjust.

If you use milk do not bring heat past a low sim mer or the milk will curdle.

If you want a silkier soup run the pureed soup through a mesh strainer before adding back to the pot.

JOEL GREY Master of Ceremony and Celebration

By Patricia Danflous

“Hello there.” Joel Grey greets me from his New York home with the energy you would expect from the award-winning master entertainer. Yes, this is the talented Tony, Oscar and Golden Globe winning performer who mesmerized audiences on stage and film in Cabaret and George M.

Whosmiled to standing ovations in Wicked, Goodtime Charlie and Chicago, and charmed young audiences on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Grey’s Anatomy. This is the mature adult who brought thousands to tears – and awareness of AIDs – as Ned in The Normal Heart and later as its director.

The youthful voice that responds, “I’m doing great,” belies his 83 years of living. In the midst of promoting his autobiography, Master of Ceremonies: A Memoir, he is completing a fourth book of original photo graphs.

Answering questions that he has surely been asked hundreds of times, even more so since the release of his to-the-bone memoir, Grey is refreshing, polite, sincerely pretending that no one has ever asked, “what is your favorite role?” (The answer is the emcee in Cabaret and Ned, the central character in The Normal Heart.)

He sounds as if he has all the time in the world and not a care to go with it.

“I’m a happy guy and I laugh a lot,” he says.

He wasn’t always hap py. It is no easy road to

Broadway stardom or taking home a Oscar, but those accomplish ments are mild when you have lived a life of turbulence. Growing up with a demanding, mean mother and balancing a “normal” life with a gay heart and soul, it took Grey time and maturity to embrace his sexuality.

Grey's autobiogra phy details his strug gles along the way, the young crushes, early heartaches and attrac tion to girls, all while battling a confusing attraction to men.

Married for 24 years and the father of two, Grey carefully kept his orientation secret as he grappled with his personal and theatrical life.

He grew up when parents of gay children looked the other way. Grey understands the pain that some parents might experience. “I think it is all about love. About how much you love yourself and more importantly, how much you love your children and how much you want the best for them. Some times, those feelings can be mixed.” He talks freely about his resolution to say, “I

am a gay man.”

“Today I have a sense of peace with myself, absolutely,” he says, adding that there was no exact moment when he realized life was good. “I think it was a gradual reali zation. It really is the way life works. If it is gradually good, then you end up good. But if it’s gradually bad, you know. You know that you are not having fun. The more peo ple are free to accept themselves as they really are, no matter what age, no matter how long it takes, that is freedom."

“Life is always a challenge,” he em phasizes. “Sometimes the challenges are big, sometimes they are less serious, but everyday there is something. It is the way you accept those challenges and take them in, make them part of you. In that way you can be of value to others being a parent, a husband or a director. You may

eventually come to be who you are.”

You won’t find Joel Grey dancing on a regu lar basis these days, but just ask him to perform and he won’t hesitate. Always an entertainer, he remains focused on keeping in shape, work ing out three times a week. “No special diets, I just try to watch what I eat although sometimes I don’t always do that so well,” he laughs.

Naturally, he is still a Broadway fan. “I love to see the new works, off-Broadway some times. Hamilton is as good as anything as I have ever seen; so origi nal and inspiring.”

Ready to accept another stage role, Grey is also eager to continue directing, hinting at an upcoming project.

Meanwhile, he is focusing on his pho tography talent. “I’ve always taken photo graphs and have been a collector for years,” he comments. “About 12 years ago, someone asked me to participate in a photography book.

The art director liked what I did and asked for more. I had piles from just the joy of shooting, never think ing that anyone would take my work seriously. Six to eight weeks after delivering the photos, I had a mock up of my first photo book. Then there was no stopping.”

“I really have devot ed a lot of time enjoying life,” he reflects. “That’s relaxation for me, doing what I enjoy.” And a great way to stay young.

AUTHOR

◆ Pictures I Had to Take (2003)

◆ Looking Hard at Unexpected Things (2006)

◆ 1.3 – Images from My Phone (2009)

◆ The Billboard Papers: Photographs by Joel Grey (2013)

◆ Master of Ceremonies: A Memoir (2016)

“Life is always a challenge. It is the way you accept those challenges and take them in, make them part of you."

Older adults can offer their talents as experienced professionals, caregivers, mentors and volunteers.

VOCATIONAL WELLNESS

By Greg Fox

For some peo ple, retirement is a chance to enjoy the 'Golden Years', travel ing and treating them selves to the good life. For others, retirement can be an opportunity to pursue new careers and positions that align with their personal interests and core values. The pursuit of these active and posi tive new opportunities is termed vocational wellness.

According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is a “conscious, self-di rected and evolving process” that leads to achieving an indi

vidual’s full potential. The wellness model includes seven dimen sions: Physical, spiri tual, social, intellectual, emotional, environ mental and vocational.

Older adults can embrace the concept of vocational wellness by offering their talents as experienced pro fessionals, caregivers, mentors and volun teers. These individ uals can make a sig nificant contribution to society by matching their individual in terests, hobbies and talents with the needs of today’s workplace.

There may or may not be income poten tial in this new voca

tional wellness career. The object may be to perform good works with no expectation of financial reward. Some may discover that their path to vocational wellness has uncovered fi nancially rewarding professions. In any case, baby boomers and older adults can choose to use this retirement time to reinvent the meaning and purpose of their lives.

Explore your options and be open to new opportunities. Make your decisions and take action!

SELFASSESSMENT:

• Prefer working on teams or work ing alone?

• Consider your self a leader or a follower?

• Comfortable taking risks?

FIND YOUR PATH

• Explore your talents and assess your qualities, strengths and weaknesses.

• Think about your hobbies, interests and leisure activities. Can these be turned into a paying occupation?

• Interview persons in professions that interest you to discover details about the work, lifestyle, finances and qualifications.

Generosity and the IRS

By Patricia Danflous

Nothing is tax free, right? It can seem that way unless you are giving away some of your money. Even if you are not super wealthy or super generous, gifting can be a tax-free process and also help reduce your estate tax.

Important things to know about gifting include:

• Gift givers, not recipients, have to pay the gift tax, when applica ble.

• You are only required to pay a gift tax after a lifetime gift ex ceeds $5.43 million.

• If you are married, both you and your spouse EACH have a lifetime gift allowance of $5.43 million without paying taxes.

*It is best to con sult with a CPA or a financial advisor before making financial decisions. The IRS also pro vides answers to FAQ's on its website (www.irs.gov).

• In 2016, the annual exclusion to the federal gift tax allows you to gift up to $14,000 to an unlimited number of individuals without counting against your lifetime exemption. These gifts will also reduce your estate taxes.

• You will need to file a gift tax return if you make a gift in excess of the annual exclusion as noted above (Form 709: U.S. Gift Tax Return.)

Your lifetime gift total is not charged for gifts to:

• IRS-approved charities

• A spouse who is a United States citizen

• Cover someone else’s tuition ex penses (payments must be made to the school)

• Cover someone else’s medical ex penses (payments must be made to the provider)

Jr. Park Ranger

Participate in the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program. It is an activity-based program conducted in almost all parks. Kids complete a series of activities, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Kids 15 and under are admitted free, and seniors 62 and older may purchase a lifetime pass for $20.

Cool Things to Do with Your Grandchildren

By Caitlin Watzke

• Make homemade ice cream. All you need is a Ziploc bag, ice and your ingredients. You can find easy instructions online by searching “make ice cream in a bag.”

• Attend a summer concert series.

• Take them to a baseball game. (MLB, Minor League, etc.)

• Create your own comic books.

• Have a picnic.

• Summer library clubs. Story time at the library.

• Visit a farm.

• Drive-in movies.

• Visit a children’s museum.

Build to Learn

Participate in a kids’ workshop at your local home improvement or home goods store. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free workshops for kids ages 5 and older. Your grandchildren will learn how to build a project, such as a wooden birdhouse, and get to take it home with them, along with a workshop apron. Pottery Barn Kids and Toys ‘R Us also have free store events for children.

The MountainMajesticLoop Your Next Roadtrip!

By Suzanne Fox

Explore California’s central Sierra, where the vast scenic beauty of national parks meets small town charm of the communities that sur round them.

Journey from destina tion to destination along the Majestic Mountain Loop to explore Sequoia, Kings Can yon and Yosemite National Parks on an unforgettable 3-day vacation.

The Majestic Mountain Loop highlights features of each park and offers pre-craft ed itineraries and shows time-

crunched travelers how much they can experience in just 3 days.

Itineraries have been de veloped for different seasons and can be followed starting at any park. The best routes have been mapped out for people who have big travel aspirations but are pressed for time.

Day One

Start your adventure in Visalia, and enjoy some of the finest farm-fresh cuisine at over 60 locally-owned restaurants. Trek to Sequoia National Park, with suggested winter/spring stops at popular

attractions such as the world’s largest living thing, the Gen eral Sherman Tree.

Located in the heart of the park, Wuksachi Lodge offers the perfect overnight respite for travelers along the Loop.

Day Two

Take in the panoramic settings and savor the fare at The Peaks Restaurant. From there, enjoy the echoing canyons in Kings Canyon and visit the 2nd largest tree on Earth, the General Grant tree.

After a long day, travel ers are welcomed into the Oakhurst area town, situated in the foothills that connect

Trek to Sequoia National Park, with suggested stops at attractions such as the world’s largest living thing, the General Sherman Tree.

Kings Canyon to Yosemite National Park. Here, visitors are encouraged to visit the lo cal museums and art galleries, take a ride on the historic rail road, visit a winery, or relax with a glass of local wine at one of the many restaurants.

Day Three

‘Loopers’ will be up early for a full day of adventuring to Yosemite’s most iconic spots. Often speechless as they gaze down the valley from Tunnel View and look out at Half Dome from Gla cier Point, travelers relish in the stunning wonder of this famous Park.

To learn more about

Majestic Mountain

Visit Yosemite

Madera County

Kings Canyon National Park

Visit Yosemite | Madera County Delaware North

Prevent Heatstroke

By Becky Rolland

Seniors are prone to heat-related illness for three reasons:

1Their bodies do not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature.

2They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body respons es to heat.

3They are more likely to take pre scription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Heat Stroke Warning Signs

The first sign of danger is lack of sweat. Perspi ration acts as a cooling mechanism for your body. On hot, humid days, evaporation is slowed and your body may not be able to keep itself cool. Other warning signs:

• Pale skin

• Fatigue, weakness

• Dizzy or nauseous

• Rapid pulse

• Fast, shallow breathing

• Muscle weakness, cramps

Avoid the Heat

Never leave a per son in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous ac tivity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a shady spot.

If you are in a new location, allow your Be extra careful when the heat index is 90 degrees or above. Always drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing.

• Protect against sunburn with a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply generously every

Take Action

self several weeks for your body to adjust. People who are not used to hot weather are especially suscep tible to heat-related illness.

If you take medica tions or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-re lated problems, avoid the heat.

two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

• Stay hydrated to help your body sweat and maintain a nor mal temperature.

• Take extra precau tions with medications. Ask your doctor if your medicine puts you at risk for heat stroke.

People with heat stroke may have seizures or go into a coma and most also have a fever. If you suspect someone is having a heat stroke, call 911. After moving him to a cooler location, take off heavy clothing. Fan the body and wet it with a cool sponge. Encourage the individual to drink cool fluids. After a heat stroke, avoid hot conditions for about a week. Ask your doctor to tell you when it is safe to return to normal activities.

JIN SHIN JYUTSU

The Art of Getting to Know Yourself

By Tami Charbonnet

In the early 1900′ s Jiro Murai, a Japanese philosopher, revived the ancient Japanese practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the art of balancing and harmonizing life’s energy within the human body. Master Murai devoted his life to research and development of this ageless tradition and to teaching the practice to others. Through tender, non-invasive touch, Jin Shin Jyutsu helps one achieve optimal health, wellbeing and vitality.

In the period following World War II, Master Murai imparted the Art to Mary Burmeister, who brought it to the US in the early

1950’s. Over the years, Mrs. Burmeister taught Jin Shin Jyutsu to others. The Art has grown to include thousands of practitioners around the world. Currently, Mrs. Burmeister’s sons are carrying on her work from their headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jin Shin Jyutsu has healing power for the mind, body and soul. Unlike traditional Western massage, where the recipient lies face down on a massage table, in a Jin Shin Jyutsu session one remains clothed and lies face up on a comfortable treatment table.

A Jin Shin Jyutsu session generally lasts about an hour.

For a list of classes and practitioners worldwide, visit www.jsjinc.net.

It does not involve massage, manipulation of muscles, or use of drugs or substances. It is a calm, gentle, healing art, practiced by lightly placing the fingertips (over clothing) on the body’s designated Safety Energy Locks, to harmonize and restore energy flow. This supports the reduction of tension and stress, which accumulate through normal daily living. Holding these energy locks in combination can bring balance to mind, body, and spirit.

There are many energy pathways in the body, each with a distinct essence.

-- Mary Burmeister

While Jin Shin Jyutsu may be facilitated by a trained practitioner, often it is a self study activity. Students learn to self-interpret their body’s messages to restore balance.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a healing treatment that helps us recognize and claim the body’s wisdom to support harmony in body, mind, emotions and spirit. It is not a substitute for traditional medical care.

Mary Burmeister, Jin Shin Jyutsu pioneer