DUO TEACHES OTHERS TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

and shrinkage of the amygdala (anxiety, anger, fear).

To simplify: Anxiety comes from living in the future; depression comes from living in the past. By learning to live in the present moment, even for a few minutes each day, contentment and kindness

What is the most important thing you tell seniors who come to a class?

Mindfulness in Massachusetts. They both have taught many courses over the past 10 years, either at no cost or on a sliding scale to accommodate everyone’s financial circumstances. They taught one of their favorite courses as part of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service Senior Enrichment Program. Hamilton and Gallagher teach mindfulness classes across the Greater Phoenix area at various locations and via Zoom.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is simply being in the present moment with a sense of openness and curiosity. We wish it were simple to implement — however, it takes a great deal of practice. The benefits are immense and life-changing.

What benefits does a person receive from taking a mindfulness class?

Mindfulness training has been studied scientifically and found to improve physical symptoms (such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath and insomnia) and to decrease emotional and psychological distress (such as anxiety and depression). Brain MRIs before and after an eight-week course show growth of temporal lobe areas (memory, emotional stability)

Probably the most important thing is to accept whatever is present, whether it is international suffering, national politics, our aging bodies, the losses we experience and the sadness and joys of each day. Suffering comes from not accepting things as they are. This does not mean we do not work to change what it is possible to change; acceptance does not mean approval. It is simply a willingness to be with things as they are in the present moment without the resistance that so often creates tension and dissatisfaction.

Some people wonder if they are too old to change their attitudes or the ways they face difficulties. Neuroscientific studies on the benefits of mindfulness suggest we are never too old to cultivate positive change if we are willing to put in the time to practice. This is our message of hope.

What advice do you have for seniors on self-care?

Be kind to yourself! Catch self-judgments and let them go. Oh, and exercise, enjoy nature and practice being present at each moment of your day.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

When people tell us it has changed their lives for the better.

What do you wish everyone knew about your job?

How wonderful Hospice of the Valley is to let us spend part of our day doing this work! JN is a life insurance specialist in the San Tan Gilbert Branch of AAA Arizona. Established more than 100 years ago, AAA provides members with

What are the services that you provide to help seniors with their financial health?

I offer life insurance and annuity products that help provide peace of mind for our

How does someone know if they will have enough for retirement?

Everyone’s situation is different and no two financial plans should look alike. I strongly encourage people to meet with someone they feel they can trust and that is associated with a reputable company. This individual should be able to help them assess the amount of money they will need in retirement, how they are progressing toward meeting their target objectives and, if needed, provide recommendations.

What is the most asked question or concern that you hear from seniors?

Outliving money saved for retirement is among the biggest source of anxiety for an aging population.

What is the most important advice you have for seniors?

Your golden years should be a time in which you get to live the dreams you have worked hard to create.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

My favorite thing about my job is to educate my clients about their life insurance and retirement product options in a way that is easy to understand so they feel our relationship has value.

What do you wish everyone knew about your job?

Like a doctor, attorney or accountant, a life insurance agent is a professional that clients should trust without condition. A life insurance agent has a fiduciary responsibility to their clients; the client’s interest comes before their own. As a consumer, if you do not get that sense, you should seek another life insurance professional — just as you would any other professional.

In what ways do you bring Judaism into your work?

I embrace the core Jewish values of respect, responsibility, fairness and caring for each client. I can be counted on to be honest with clients and always to make recommendations that are in my client’s best interest. JN