Living 50 Plus Magazine April/May 2024

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Published by Decatur Daily Tennessee Valley Media

Buddy Roper and Mitch Blackwood a chance to socialize. Photograph by Jeronimo Nisa.Cover design by Stephen Johnson.

What is the “silver tsunami”?

By METRO NEWS

The United States is changing, and observant individuals may notice the nation is skewing a little older than it has in recent years. Estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate roughly 56 million Americans had reached age 65 by 2020, which marked a nearly 39% increase since 2010. The increase in the population that has reached traditional retirement age has been dubbed a “silver tsunami,” and that increase could stretch government resources thin in the decades to come. In fact, a 2018 report from the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy noted that the federal government could face considerable challenges as more of its budget is allocated to age entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare. That problem may not prove unique to the United States, as the United Nations estimates that the elderly population in Europe is expected to account for around 30% of all residents by 2050. Though entitlement programs differ from country to country, finding ways to successfully manage the “silver tsunami” could be imperative to various nations’ financial stability in the decades to come.

The potential health benefits of

PICKLEBALL

There are potential health benefits to pickleball

By METRO NEWS

Anyone who lives in close proximity to a pickleball court can no doubt attest to the popularity of the sport. According to the 2023 Topline Participation Report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation grew by 159% between 2019 and 2022. Such figures are a testament to the popularity of a sport that has reinvigorated millions

of players’ enthusiasm for physical activity and team sports.

The thrill of competition and the joy of social interaction undoubtedly have contributed to the popularity of pickleball, but those are not the only benefits to participating in this fastgrowingsport.Indeed,therearemany potential health benefits to pickleball as well.

▸Pickleball provides a fun way to embrace physical activity. It’s easy to lose interest in an exercise

regimen characterized by time on a treadmill and traditional strength training in a gym setting. Though cardiovascular exercise and strength training are vital components of successful exercise regimens, it’s important that individuals make their fitness routines enjoyable, which increases the likelihood that they will remain committed to less sedentary lifestyles. The SFIA report found that players deemed pickleball 150% more enjoyable than walking for 30 minutes.

▸Pickleball provides social benefits that positively affect

long-term health. According to Duke Recreation & Physical Education at Duke University, pickleball has earned a reputation as an inclusive, community-building activity. The socialization aspect of pickleball should not be overlooked when discussing the health benefits of the sport. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, loneliness can increase a person’s riskformentalhealthissueslikedepressionandadditional problems like heart disease, dementia and stroke. By engaging in social activities like pickleball, individuals can reduce their risk for loneliness, which can improve their overall quality of life and may lower their chances of developing potentially deadly health problems.

▸Pickleball can lead to a healthier heart. A study from Apple that is examining the effects of pickleball participation on heart health has thus far found that playingpickleballhelpsplayersreachmoderatetovigorous heart rate zones. Cardiologist and Harvard Medical School professor of medicine Dr. Calum MacRae notes that ample time in moderate heart rate zones has been found to improve cardiac fitness.

▸Pickleball can benefit brain health. MacRae, one of the Apple study’s lead investigators, notes that

pickleball is one of various activities that also can improve memory and recall over time. The physical benefits of pickleball may not be lost on players, but some may be surprised to learn the sport offers cognitive health benefits as well. A 2023 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that pickleball participation led to significant improvements in personal well-being, life satisfaction and happiness. Pickleball courts are packed, and players may or may not realize all they are gaining from participation in this wildly popular sport.

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TIPS TO PREVENT PICKLEBALL INJURIES

Though there's no foolproof method to guarantee pickleball players don't get hurt playing the game they love, the following are some tips that can reduce injury risk

By METRO NEWS

Injuries are a part of any sport, and pickleball is no different. Though there's no foolproof method to guarantee pickleball players don't get hurt playing the game they love, the following are some tips that can reduce injury risk.

▸ Gear up. Pickleball is a competitive sport, but there's a tendency among some players, particularly novices, to take a casual approach to the game. Veteran players may know better, but anyone new to the game should be sure to wear the appropriate gear when playing. Athletic shoes with ampletractioncanreducethelikelihoodthatplayerswillslip

or fall. The right racket also can reduce risk for elbow injuries. The sporting goods experts at Dick's Sporting Goods note that paddles should feature a light to medium weight, comfortable grip and a large sweet spot. The right paddlewillbedifferentforeveryone,so novices are urged to speak to veteran players for advice on which paddle might be best for them.

▸ Embrace physical activity. Pickleball can be a great workout, and players can reduce their injury risk by embracing physical activity even when they are not playing. Leg exercises can help build lower body strength, but strength exercises that focus on the upper body also can reduce injury risk.

▸ Loosen up before playing. Taking the court right after getting out of the car is a recipe for injury. Arrive five to 10 minutes before a game and use that time to loosen up. A short walk and some subsequent stretches can help players make sure

their bodies are not too tight to play. Some brief warm-up exercises and stretching can reduce muscle tension and make the body less vulnerable to injury.

▸ Hydrate before, during and after a game. The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that water cushions the joints, which helps athletes maintain their flexibility. Flexibility can reduce injury risk,

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particularly in a sport like pickleball. The 2021 study published in Injury Epidemiologynotedthat60percentof pickleball injuries are sprains, strains or fractures. Remaining flexible can reduce athletes' risk for sprains and strains. Johns Hopkins recommends adults consume between six and 12 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of sports play and to drink between 16 and 24 ounces afterward.

MINI STROKE STROKEVS.

People may be familiar with ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke, but a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke, may be less understood.

By METRO NEWS

Astroke occurs when blood supply to a portion of the brain is interrupted, essentially killing brain cells. This damage can change how the brain works, affecting a person's ability to move and speak. It also may change the way the affected person thinks and feels. The United Kingdom-based Stroke Association says the effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain and how extensive the damage is.

People may be familiar with ischemic stroke, caused by cutting off blood to the brain, as well as a hemorrhagic stroke, which is the result of bleeding in the brain. But a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke, may be less understood.

WHAT IS A TIA?

Transient ischemic attacks, or mini-strokes, are caused by the same thing as larger strokes, which occur when blood flow leaks or is blocked in the brain. However, in mini strokes, the blood flow interruption or leakage is temporary, and will return to normal spontaneously.

SYMPTOMS

MedicineNet says the majority of mini strokes produce symptoms similar to regular strokes, but they linger only temporarily. These can include weakness or numbness, difÏculty speaking (dysphasia), dizziness, vision changes, tingling, abnormal taste or smells, confusion, loss of balance and altered consciousness.

PROGNOSIS

Symptoms of TIA tend to last only a few minutes or up to 24 hours, says the Mayo Clinic. Since the symptoms of a mini stroke and stroke are the same, it is important to seek medical attention in every case. Medical imaging can help determine what caused the mini stroke. If blood clots are present, medicine to prevent those clots may be prescribed. Some people need procedures to remove fatty plaque deposits from arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Although a mini stroke is not as severe as a stroke, it often is an early warning sign that the patient is at risk for a stroke. Roughly one in three people who has a TIA goes on to experience a stroke. Therefore, they should be taken seriously. Fortunately, with treatment, a more dangerous incident often can be avoided.

RECOGNIZING STROKES AND MINI-STROKES

TheNationalStrokeAssociationandotherorganizations use the acronym FAST to determine if someone is having a stroke.

Ask the person to smile, if one side of the FACE droops, it is a warning sign. Ask the person to lift both ARMS. If one arm drifts down or they have difficulty moving it, it's a warning sign.

Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.

If SPEECH is slurred or odd, it could be a stroke.

If a person develops any of the warning signs, it is TIME to call emergency services and take action.

TAKING CENTER STAGE:

Decatur seniors present first theatrical performance

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

Standing next to her castmates, 91-year-old Georgia Rogers led the audience and actors in a singing of “We Shall Overcome.”

The song culminated a staging of “A Slave’sDream,”thedebutperformance undertaken by Decatur’s senior citizens at Turner-Surles Community Resource Center.

“We do a lot of stuff here every day to keep our seniors active. We want to stimulate them physically, mentally

and creatively. It’s about making a difference each and every day,” said Kristy Davis, director of Turner-Surles in Northwest Decatur. “The play was anotherwaytogetourseniorsinvolved on another level.”

For most of the cast, “A Slave’s Dream” marked their first theatrical

Georgia Rogers plays Rosa Parks in “A Slave’s Dream,” a play performed at Turner-Surles Community Resource Center. [JERONIMO NISA]

experiences outside of church productions.

“When I was a child, I was in a couple of church productions at my church, First Baptist in Courtland, but that was it,” 70-year-old Gloria Gilchrist Davis said.

In “A Slave’s Dream,” written by

Kristy Davis and her friend Corando Orr, Gloria Gilchrist Davis portrayed the main character of a slave, who, during a dream, sees a glimpse of the future.

During the dream, Davis’ character meets Civil Rights leaders Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks,

gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, former President Barack Obama, entertainer

James Brown, businesswoman

Madame C.J. Walker, abolitionists

Sojourner Truth and Harriet

Tubman and Decatur’s own educator

Etta Freeman, who, at 106 years old, attended the production. The

character also learns about President Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and desegregation.

“I was not alive to remember the people and events that are featured and talked about in the play, but most of the cast was alive to experience

THIS WAS A WAY FOR US TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY. IT’S AN IMPORTANT STORY TO TELL.

Actors sing “We Shall Overcome” along with spectators at the end of “A Slave’s Dream.” [JERONIMO NISA]

Deborah Armstrong sings during “A Slave’s Dream.” [JERONIMO NISA]

Gloria Gilchrist Davis, left, plays the role of a slave and Essie Love plays Harriet Tubman in “A Slave’s Dream.” [JERONIMO NISA]

it. The play tells the story of strength and courage and perseverance,” Kristy Davis said. “This was a way for us to celebrate Black history. It’s an important story to tell.”

To prepare for her role, Gloria Gilchrist Davis practiced at home and thought about her character’s feelings and experiences.

“This has been a lot of fun and a challenge. It’s good to have these types of new experiences and challenges. It keeps your mind fresh,” she said. “I’m glad we put on the play because it has an important message: That no matter what you are going through, a better change is coming. You should always have hope.”

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Shawney Bo Wynn plays James Brown in “A Slave’s Dream.” [JERONIMO NISA]

Like Gloria Gilchrist Davis, Rogers’ acting experience was limited.

“Outsideofchurch,Ihaveneverdoneanythinglikethis,” Rogers said. “It was a different and exciting experience. It was great to work together as a group to create this. We also had a lot of fun.”

Theproductionmarked74-year-oldShawneyBoWynn’s second time on stage. The former professional wrestler — and bodyguard for Michael Jackson, James Brown and Marvin Gaye — played the role of an executioner in an opera in Connecticut.

“AladywithaTVstationuptheresaidIneededtotryout for the role. I told her I didn’t know anything about opera, but she kept insisting,” Wynn said. “When I went and told the director I was trying out for the executioner, he cut everybody else on the spot and said he had found his man.”

The play represented another way for Wynn to be involved with the senior center, which is open five days a weekandoffersdrumandrhythmpractices,games,puzzles, exercise classes, self-defense classes, line dancing, day trips and more.

“This is something I don’t normally do. It’s a great way to keep having fun,” said Wynn, who played the role of James Brown.

After announcing that Turner-Surles intended to stage a play, Kristy Davis asked the center’s members what people they were interested in portraying. Essie Love selected

Actors sign autographs after “A Slave’s Dream.”

[JERONIMO NISA]

Harriet Tubman, a role she played at her church, Fletcher’s Chapel, several years ago.

“I learned about Black history in school and witnessed a lot of it too. I knew a good bit about the events and the people who were involved,” the 76-year-old Love said. “I wanted to be part of this because it is important to know your history. It is important to know where God brought you from and where God has brought you to.”

In introducing the play, Kristy Davis shared some facts about slave life. She talked about the physical, mental and emotional struggles the slaves endured, how they worked six days a week for 16 to 18 hours a day, how, during sugar cane harvesting, they only slept for four hours a day, and how the average life span for a slave was 21 to 22 years.

Leading up to the performance, the cast, who wore costumes created from their own clothes, practiced for three weeks.

“Iwasalittlescaredaboutperforming,butit helped that I tried not to look at the audience,” Gloria Gilchrist Davis said. “All of that work and nervousness was worth it to be able to share this story of resilience and fortitude.”

Linda Dugger, left, who played a slave owner, and Deborah Strong, who played the famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, sign autographs. [JERONIMO NISA]

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TRAVEL BUG:

VICKI MORESE SHARES ADVENTURES TRAVELING THE WORLD

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

The travel bug bit Vicki Morese in college on her first trip abroad to Greece.

“I still love Greece. It’s a special place for me,” the 65-year-old Morese said. “Growing up, I never really traveled much outside of Lawrence

County. That may be why I love it so much now.”

That love translated into Morese’s post-retirement.

“I knew I was going to stay active after retirement. It is a way to keep my mind active,” Morese said. “Doing something with travel made sense. It is something I love to do.”

In April 2023, Morese and her husband, 69-year-old David

After concluding a career, which included jobs with Decatur-Morgan County Tourism, Clear Channel Radio and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and a stint volunteering with the Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival in Moulton, Morese, at the age of 64, became a travel adviser.

Vicki Morese climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019. [COURTESY PHOTO]

Norwood, became travel advisers through Cruise Planners.

“We have been going non-stop,” Norwood said.

“The travel industry is booming. I think COVID made people realize what was important to them. For many people, like us, it is traveling and having new experiences,” Morese said.

Vicki Morese and David Norwood traveled to the Grand Canyon in 2023. [COURTESY PHOTO]

Vicki Morese and David Norwood in the Dominican Republic. [COURTESY PHOTO]

For the past 20 years, travel has played a central role in the lives of Morese and Norwood. They have traveled to New York City, Bermuda, Hawaii, Istanbul, Turkey, Paris, London, Egypt, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Italy. They have climbed mountains, snorkeled, whitewater rafted and walked through the pyramids.

“Visiting Cairo and the Nile was a bucket list trip for us because of the history and spirituality there. It was pretty amazing to experience,” Norwood said.

Last summer, they traveled to the Grand Canyon, whichMoresedescribedasa“must-do”trip.WhileMorese walked around the rim, which took four days, Norwood waited in Flagstaff.

“IthinkIwasatarestaurant.Weplaytoourstrengths,” Norwood said with a laugh.

Fueled by her love for nature and the outdoors, Morese took a solo trip in 2019 to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

“I was 61. I don’t recommend you wait until you are 61, but I am proof you can complete the climb at 61,” Morese

said. “I took me eight days. I did a lot of praying. We left really early the last day so we could see the sunrise. I didn’t make it to the summit until after 10 a.m., but that’s OK. I made it and it was breathtaking.”

As for future trips, Morese would love to return to Africa and visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. At the top of Norwood’s bucket list is a trip to Hong Kong.

“I’ve never been to Asia. That is something I want to do. We also know someone who just did night snorkeling. That sounds really interesting,” Norwood said. “And I’ve been to Vienna, but if anyone ever wants me to go to Vienna with them, I’ll go in a heartbeat. I love the music there and the opera house.”

Like Morese, Norwood traveled little as a child.

“My mother was British, so I went to England three times. Besides that, we would go to Florida every year,” Norwood said.

Along with traveling and working as a travel adviser, Morese,whodescribedherselfasa“professionalvolunteer,” is a master gardener and pickleball player.

“When I retired, I made a list of 100 things that I wanted to do and a list of things I would miss,” Morese said. “I’ve done everything on my list and the things I thought I would miss, I have not missed at all.”

Morese and Norwood encouraged seniors to stay active.

“Seniorsareveryactive.Therearesomegreatadventures you can go on no matter your age,” Morese said. “After planning a trip for someone, I have said, several times, ‘The only thing wrong with this trip is I’m not going with you.’”

Traveling also increases the gratitude Morese and Norwood have for north Alabama.

“The more we travel, the more we appreciate our home,” Norwood said.

A love for travel led David Norwood and Vicki Morese to become travel advisers in 2023. [COURTESY PHOTO]

TRAVEL ADVICE

Travel with a group. “It could be with another couple or 20 people. We love traveling with a group. It is great to share those experiences with other people. We have made some of our closest friends that way,” Morese said.

Work with a travel adviser. “A lot of people go online and spend a lot of time researching. It can be overwhelming in a short period of time. A travel adviser will do that research and, because they do a lot of business, can usually get better rates,” Morese said.

Know your limitations. “No matter what you are doing or where you are going, know your limitations. If you don’t typically walk 5 miles a day, don’t sign up for an excursion where you are walking 8 miles a day,” Morese said.

Leave valuables at home … or on the boat. “Traveling abroad is not the time to wear your fine jewelry. You don’t want to take Grandma Eleanor’s diamond ring. Leave the sentimental jewelry at home,” Morese said. If on a cruise, leave your passport in the safe in your room when you get off at a stop. Take a copy, rather than the original, with you.

Be patient. “Travel starts the moment you leave the driveway and does not end until the moment you come back. It includes driving in trafÏc to the airport, waiting in line and dealing with time changes. It is important to keep a good attitude during the whole journey and not let that impact your experience too much,” Morese said.

Pack lightly. “If you can afford to pack light and do laundry on the road do it. It is so much easier and you save a lot of time not having to wait in line at the airport,” Morese said.

Invest in travel insurance. “This goes beyond just recouping the cost of your trip. Travel insurance covers medical expenses in case you get sick or injured,” Morese said.

OTHER TIPS

• Take an extra pair of glasses or a copy of the prescription.

• Separate your medication between your luggage in case a bag goes missing.

• Stay hydrated and always bring a water bottle with you.

David Norwood called the trip he and Vicki Morese took to Egypt a “bucket list” adventure. [COURTESY PHOTO]

WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PUTTING SKILLS

Shots like bunker shots, chips and putts are part of the short game. Improving these skills can go a long way toward bettering one's game

By METRO NEWS

In golf, short game refers to the golf shots golfers must make when they're near or on the green. According to Golf Distillery, a golf play information and tips site, shots like bunker shots, chips and putts are part of the short game. Improving these skills can go a long way toward bettering one's game.

➊ Learn "green-reading" techniques. According to a Golf Magazine-sponsored study through Pinehurst Golf Academy, 65% of golfers under-read the break on a typical putt. Incorrect reads can add to many lost strokes. Reading the green involves determining the correct slope and distance. Golfers who take depth-perception tests

and continually practice their skills at reading both the distance and the slope can improve their putts.

➋ Change perspective. Different putts require different perspectives to assess both distance and slope, according to Todd Sones Impact Golf Schools. If the putt is downhill, Sones suggests reading it from behind the hole. If the putt is uphill, read it from behind the ball.

➌ Practice consistent putter travel distance. Whilethetotallengthofaputtstrokedependsonthelength of the putt, many golf instructors recommend consistency with the distance the putter head travels. Keep the same distance on the backstroke as on the forward stroke. This will help create a nice, even roll. Most beginners tend to short their backstrokes and increase their forward strokes, resulting in less ball control.

➍ Focus on an imaginary channel. When putting, imagine a 3- or 4-inch channel from the ball to the hole. Rather than staring at the ball, golfers can track their eyes down that imaginary line, suggests the experts at Golf Digest. Keeping a simpler focus rather than overthinking things can improve putting.

➎ Keep a steady head. Instead of following the ball with one's eyes, a golfer should hold the focus on the start of the putt to foster a steadier head.

➏ Change ball placement. Try moving to position the ball just forward of the center of the stance. This helps the putter make contact at the right moment to achieve the slight lift needed for a successful putt.

Practicing at home or with a golf instructor is a good way to improve putting skills. A strong short game can be the key to improving your overall game.

How families can share CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES

The National Institute on Aging offers the following advice to families as they seek to share the responsibility of caring for a loved one in need.

By METRO NEWS

Family caregivers are unsung heroes. Such individuals typically provide vital services to their loved ones who cannot fully care for themselves, and they often do so without compensation.

DatafromtheU.S.BureauofLabor Statistics indicates the prevalence of family caregivers across the country. According to the BLS, 14% of the population, which equates to roughly 37 million people, provide unpaid eldercare across the nation.

Caregiving for a family member can take a toll that affects caregivers' physicalandmentalhealth.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are at

increased risk for developing multiple chronic diseases since many neglect their own health needs while caring for others. In addition, roughly 15% of caregivers who participated in a CDC survey reported experiencing 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month.

The physical and mental toll of caregiving underscores how important it can be for families to find ways to share caregiving duties. Though each situation is unique, the National Institute on Aging offers the following advice to families as they seek to share the responsibility of caring for a loved one in need.

▶ Identify the care required. TheNIArecommendsfamiliesdiscuss caregiving needs as early as possible and ideally before an emergency

situation arises. If possible, the person in need can participate in this conversation and help to calmly discuss which services are wanted and needed. If a loved one is diagnosed with a condition in its early stages, such as dementia, families can then work together to identify the level of care required in the immediate future and potentially down the road should the condition worsen.

▶ Choose a primary caregiver. The primary caregiver will be the individual who accepts the bulk of the daily responsibilities of caregiving. Identifying this person early, ideally before a primary caregiver is even needed, can limit confusion should the day come when the individual needs daily care.

▶ Determine each caregiver's contribution. The caregiving team can discuss each person's skills and how they can be used to take care of the individual in need. This can be particularly useful when assigning

specific tasks. For example, a caregiver who works in the medical field may be most qualified to speak to medical staff about their loved one's condition, while another who works in the financial sector may be tasked with managing a loved one's bank accounts and ensuring bills are paid on time.

▶ Recognize everyone has limits. A caregiving team is just that: a team. As noted, caregiving can take both a physical and emotional toll, so it's important that everyone, and particularly the individual chosen as the primary caregiver, receive routine breaks to ensure everyone can take care of themselves. It's important that a caregiving team maintain a degree of flexibility to account for the physical and mental challenges caregivers may encounter as they tend to a loved one in need.

Sharing the responsibility of caregiving can ensure caregivers and their loved ones in need are not overwhelmed by the challenges they might confront each day. More information about caregiving can be found at nia.nih.gov.

By METRO NEWS

One need not look long or far to be reminded of the importance of saving for retirement. Indeed, it's hard to go a single day without encountering roadsidebillboards,TVandstreamingserviceadvertisements and/or promotional emails touting the retirement planning services offered by an assortment of investment firms. If those ads seem ubiquitous, it's for good reason, as saving for retirement is among the most important steps individuals can take as they look to ensure their long-term financial security.

Takingthetimetodesign yourserviceisalovingact, andnotadifficultone. Youcanmakeend-of-life decisionsinacalmand rationalatmosphere,so yourlovedonewon'thave tointheirtimeofsorrow.

Despite the widely accepted significance of retirement planning, studies indicate that many people are behind on saving and aware that they're behind. According to a recent survey from the online financial resource Bankrate, 55% of respondents indicated they are behind on their retirement saving. In addition, a Gallup poll released in May 2023 indicated that just 43% of non-retirees think they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. The good news for individuals who are behind or concerned about their financial wellness in retirement is that three strategies can help them catch up on their savings.

➊ TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CATCH-UP RULES IF YOU QUALIFY. Laws governing retirement accounts in the United States allow individuals 50 and older to contribute more to their retirement accounts than they're eligible to contribute prior to turning 50. Bankrate notes thatcurrentlawsallowindividualsover50tocontributean extra $1,000 per year to a traditional or Roth IRA and an extra$7,500annuallytoa401(k),403(b)or457(b)account. In Canada, individuals can contribute the maximum to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). According to the National Bank of Canada, individuals can contribute

up to 18% of their annual income to an RRSP, and those contributions are deducted from taxable income. That means individuals are potentially saving more for down the road and paying less in taxes today.

➋ ITEMIZE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIONS. The online financial resource Investopedia notes that taking the standard deduction is not for everyone. Individuals with significant amounts of mortgage interest, businessrelated expenses that are not reimbursed by an employer and/orcharitabledonationsmaylowertheirtaxobligation by itemizing their deductions. That reduction in tax obligation allows individuals to redirect those funds to their retirement accounts.

➌ CUT BACK ON DISCRETIONARY SPENDING. Perhaps the simplest, though not necessarily the easiest, way to catch up on retirement savings is to redirect funds typically spent on discretionary expenses like dining out or travel into retirement accounts. One way to feel better about this approach is to remind yourself that the less money spent on dining out and travel now means more money will be available to spend on such luxuries in retirement.

IN THE POCKET:

POOL HALL OFFERS GATHERING SPACE FOR SENIORS

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

Sitting on one of the stools lining the pool hall, Mitchell Blackwood watched the balls carom off the sides of pockets as BuddyRoperandBillThrashertraded shots again and again.

“We do make one every now and then,” Blackwood said with a laugh. “It may take some time, a lot of time, but we do make them.”

Every morning, Tuesday to Friday, you can find Blackwood, Roper, Thrasher and a handful of other men inside the pool hall at the Decatur Morgan County Senior Center.

“The center is where our seniors

truly matter. We give them a place to belongandsocialize,”AmyRakestraw, director of the senior center said.

While the table game originally brought the players together, a spirit of camaraderie and friendship keeps them returning.

In the pool clubhouse, where a billiards-themed clock, racks of pool cues and photographs of former and

From left, Mitch Blackwood, Buddy Roper and Bill Thrasher play pool at Decatur Morgan County Senior Center. [JERONIMO NISA]

current players hang on the walls, the men talk about life — about the four baby owls Roper found in an oak tree whileworkingfortheCityofDecatur’s street department, about Thrasher’s service as a marine in the Vietnam War, where he fought in the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Khe Sanh, and about Blackwood’s near perfect game of bowling. They talk about new grandchildren and the deaths of loved ones.

“Thisplacegivesmeareasontoget out. It keeps me active and social,” the 97-year-old Blackwood said.

IN THE POOL CLUBHOUSE, WHERE A BILLIARDSTHEMED CLOCK, RACKS OF POOL CUES AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF FORMER AND CURRENT PLAYERS HANG ON THE WALLS, THE MEN TALK ABOUT LIFE

Thrasher, a regular at the pool hall except during turkey hunting season, echoed Blackwood.

“Coming here offers me some sort of relief. It’s an outlet. It’s somewhere I can go to mix and mingle with folks,” said the 75-year-old Thrasher, who started coming to the senior center after his wife of 49 years died. “My wife died from Parkinson’s. She fought it hard for 15 years. After she was gone, I had to find something to do with my time. I’m glad I started coming here.”

The men, who started out as

strangers and now consider each other close friends, jokingly razz one another — and themselves — during the games.

“I shot a curve right there,” Blackwood said, after watching the cue ball he hit with his Alabama cue giventohimbyhisAuburnson-in-law swerve around the intended target.

“There is a strategy to this game more than just making the ball into the hole. We just haven’t perfected that strategy yet,” Thrasher said.

Each man arrived at the senior center by a different path.

Many of the pool players have their photo on the wall at Decatur Morgan County Senior Center’s pool hall. The ones with a flag on it have already passed away. [JERONIMO NISA]

After a fellow bowler invited Blackwood, a retired machine operator at Wolverine, to the center multiple times, he finally agreed.

“Istartedcomingandreallyenjoyedit,”saidBlackwood, a novice pool player before his arrival at the center in 2004. “I had fun playing pool and eating the good food. At the time I was meeting up at Jack’s with a bunch of other people. My whole group from Jack’s ended up coming over here.”

Roper, the most talkative of the group — spend a few minutes with him and you will find out how he got a job because he was left-handed, how he got snowed in in Florida, about the 17-foot diameter pine tree in his yard and how a storage container he bought for $100 contained an $800 pool cue — found out about the senior center while cutting trees in an alley.

“Thealleywasrightbythisplace.Whilewewerecutting the trees, I had to go to the bathroom. I came here and asked if I could use the bathroom. Once I came inside, I knew where I was going to go when I retired,” the 75-yearold Roper said. “I’ve been coming here for 14 years.”

Roper, who played a little pool as a child at a boy’s club in Florida, spent the first few months at the senior center practicing the game.

“Therewasagroupatthebacktableplaying.Ipracticed andpracticeduntilIgotwhereIthoughtIwasgoodenough to play with them,” Roper said.

Buddy Roper talks to the ball while playing pool at Decatur Morgan County Senior Center. [JERONIMO NISA]

“But you really don’t have to be goodtoplaytoplaywithus,”Thrasher said. “We are just here to have fun and for the company.”

Thrasher, a retired chemical operator from 3M, credited Roper, who he would see walking at Delano Park, with introducing him to the senior center.

“Buddy never meets a stranger, so he invited me to come and play. I used to play pool years ago. It’s nice to be able to do it again,” Thrasher said.

Over the past decade, the numbers in the pool hall have dwindled — evidenced by the photographs on the wall.

“If they have a flag sticker on their picture that means they have passed on.Throughattrition,wehavejustgot smaller and smaller,” Thrasher said.

The men hope to attract new players to the group.

“We used to have three tables full of players and people lined up on the sides waiting to play. I would love

Bill Thrasher plays pool at Decatur Morgan County Senior Center. [JERONIMO NISA]

to have that again. We have so much fun here,” Thrasher said.

The pool group is one of 40 programs housed at the Decatur Morgan County Senior Center, an activities site for people 50 and older on Memorial Drive Southwest. More than 600 seniors participate in the programs. Other participants at the nonprofit center participate in card games, such as canasta, Rook, bridge and hand and foot, line dancing and dulcimer playing.

“The correlation between stayingactiveandstayinghealthy is a no-brainer. The bottom line with mental health is if you feel like you matter to someone, if you have a purpose and if you have something to look forward to, you feel better physically and emotionally. The center helps people stay engaged and active in the community,” Rakestraw said.

97-year-old Mitch Blackwood usually sits down when it’s another player’s turn. [JERONIMO NISA]

Sweet doggy

dreams?

It can be disconcerting to new dog owners when they discover their pooches whimpering, shaking or seemingly crying in their sleep. Although there may be some rare instances when this behavior is linked to pain and distress, by and large it is

a natural response in many animals when they doze off.

Although there is no exact way to measure what is going on in the pup’s mind, experts like Dr. Bonnie V.G. Beaver, a veterinarian and author of “Canine Behavior Insights,” says the

main reason that dogs produce noises in their sleep is that they are probably dreaming during the REM phases in their sleep cycles.

Dogs, just like humans, have the potential for vivid dreams while sleeping, as evidenced by looking at dogs' brain waves during REM sleep. During these phases, dogs may show movement like wagging their tails, twitching their paws, fluttering their jowls, or making noises like whimpers. In some cases, dogs also may bark while sleeping, says PetMD.

Pet owners should rest assured thatverylikelythesevocalizationsand movements are completely normal. However, if they are new behaviors, it could be worth a discussion with a veterinarian. Also, new pet owners should know that a dog who makes noise while napping, may also do so during the night, and should not be overly concerned if they are woken from bed by pet noises.

The general consensus is to simply let the pooch be as he or she works through those REM stages.

TIPS

TO REVITALIZE A GARDEN THIS SPRING

As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life

By METRO NEWS

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends. Many people love gardening becauseitallowsthemtospendtimeoutdoors,and that simple pleasure is indeed a notable benefit of working in a garden. But the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture notes that gardening provides a host of additional benefits, including helping people get sufÏcient levels of exercise, reduce stress and improve mood.

With so much to gain from gardening, it's no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the

garden each spring. As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

▶ DISCARD THE DEAD WEIGHT. Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

▶ TEST THE SOIL. Soiltesting kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive

and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.

▶ MULCH GARDEN BEDS.

Mulchingbenefitsagardenbyhelping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won't have to fight with weeds for water when the temperature warms

up. It also means gardeners won't have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

▶ INSPECT YOUR IRRIGATIONSYSTEM.Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive plants of water theywillneedtobloomandultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

▶ TUNE UP YOUR TOOLS.

Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall.Seriousgardenersknowthattools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining the tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation and infection. Well-maintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don't forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.

It's almost gardening season, which means gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow in strong and beautiful this spring.

HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BURGER

Despite burgers' popularity, it's easy to make mistakes when preparing them. These tips can help anyone build a better burger

By METRO NEWS

Backyard barbecue season is starting to heat up. Although many people grill all year long, grilling season kicks into high gear in spring and summer.

Burgerswillalwaysbequintessential grilling fare. It should come as no surprise that the month of May is National Hamburger Month. That's likely due to Memorial Day weekendwhich many view as the unofÏcial start of summer - being one of the first times oftheyearpeoplebegingrillingburgers. Despite burgers' popularity, it's easy to make mistakes when preparing them. These tips can help anyone build a better burger.

USE FRESHLY GROUND MEAT

Buying ready-made ground meat (of any variety) is taking a gamble because you don't know when it was ground, how many animals it came from or how it was handled. By freshly grinding the meat at home you will have greater control over the cut of meat and the fat content. Personally ground meat will be fresher, especially when you get nice cuts of meat directly from your local butcher. Top chefs suggest dicing cold meat into chunks and freezing for about 10 minutes prior to grinding for the best results.

FAT IS KEY

For the most juicy, flavorful burger, you'll want a ratio of 80% meat to 20% fat. Some people like to eat lean, but with a burger, the fat will

be necessary and it's better to select leaner meats for other dishes.

DON'T OVERWORK THE MEAT

Handling the burger patties too muchcanleadtodense,toughburgers. Gently shape the burgers into round, 1-inch thick, flat discs. To prevent the burgers from rounding in the middle during cooking, press a dimple with your thumb in the center of the patty to help it cook evenly. It's a smart idea to weigh each patty to ensure uniformity of size and even cooking.

DON'T ADD SALT EARLY ON

Salt added to the ground meat before it's shaped can draw the liquid out of the meat, leaving a dry burger behind. Sprinkle salt sparingly while it is cooking for flavoring.

AVOID OVERCOOKING

FLIP AS DESIRED

The cooking resource Serious Eats debunked the myth that burgers should only be flipped once. Flipping theburgerrepeatedly,asoftenasonce every 15 seconds, encourages faster, more even internal cooking and can dramatically reduce cooking time.

KEEP THE PATTIES SEPARATE

Let everyone build their own burgers, as keeping the cooked meat away from the burger buns for as long as possible will reduce the chances of the juices making the buns soggy. Soft, squishy buns tend to make for good burger eating, as they will not overwhelm the meat with too much crusty bread.

Most health authorities recommend not leaving any pink meat in a burger made from ground meat. According to BBC Good Food, burgers can be cooked for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium and 8 to 9 minutespersideforwelldone.Forthe best results, use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. The USDA says ground meat, whether it's pork, veal, beef, or lamb, should be cooked to 160 F.

CLUESACROSS

DOWNLOADTHENEWAPP

HERB CHEESE-STUFFED GARLIC BURGERS

Makes 6 servings

 2 pounds ground beef chuck, 85% lean

 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

 3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin

 6 hamburger buns, split

 Oil for coating grill grate

The Grill

 Gas: Direct heat, medium-high 425 F to 450 F; clean, oiled grate

 Charcoal: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch charcoal bed (about 3 dozen coals); clean, oiled grate on lowest setting

 Wood: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch bed, 3 to 4 inches deep; clean, oiled grate set 2 inches above the fire

➊ Heat the grill as directed.

➋ Using your hands, mix the beef, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl until well blended; do not overmix. Using a light touch, form into 12 patties no more than 1/2-inch thick.

➌ Put a portion (about 1½ teaspoons) of cream cheese in the center of six patties; top with the remaining patties

and press together, taking care to seal the edges well. Refrigerate the burgers until the grill is ready.

➍ Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the burgers on the grill, cover and cook for 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, for medium-done (150 F, slightly pink). Add a minute per side for well-done (160 F).

➎ To toast the buns, put them cut-sides down directly over the fire for the last minute of cooking.

➏ Ifservingtheburgersdirectlyfromthegrill,serveonthe buns. If the burgers will sit, even for a few minutes, keep the buns and burgers separate until just before eating.

Making

Strides:

PLACES IN NORTH ALABAMA TO EXPLORE BY WALKING

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

As people age, the variety of ways to stay physically active shrink. Gone, for many, are the days of full contact football, basketball, wrestling and baseball. But myriad opportunities remain for individuals to meet the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. Think swimming, gardening, yoga and, one of the most popular activities, walking. Just head to any park, neighborhood or, yes, even mall, to see individuals in stride.

According to the AARP, most adults 50 and older walk daily, whether exercising, leisure walking, hiking or walking a pet.

In April, communities across Alabama will hold free walking tours, combining physical activity with education and entertainment. The statewide walking initiative organized by the Alabama Tourism Department will expose participants to the cultural, architectural and industrial impact of cities and towns in the state.

Held on Saturdays, the hour-long walks, which begin at 10 a.m., are free and wheelchair accessible. Among north Alabama’s participating com-

munities are Decatur, Mooreseville, Athens and Moulton.

In Decatur, participants will learn about the Historic Decatur Union Depot in a walk on April 13 led by David Breland. Meet at the depot, 701 Railroad St. N.W. On April 20, Mary Morgan will lead a walk focused on the builder R.G. Ross. Meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 801 Jackson St. S.E. On April 27, the architecture in Old Decatur will be highlighted in a walk led by Caroline Swope.Expecttohearaboutthegables, shutters, porches and columns on the four-square, Victorian, craftsman, Italianate, art deco, colonial and Tudor homes and the Romanesque

Caroline Swope will lead a walking tour focused on the architecture of Old Decatur. [JERONIMO NISA]

and gothic churches lining the streets of Old Decatur.

On the weekly walks in Mooresville, one of Alabama’s oldest towns — incorporated in 1818, a year before Alabama became a state — walkers will hear tales of Chickasaw Indians, Union soldiers, United States presidents and Hollywood actors. Participants will see the Church of Christ, where James Garfield preached in 1863, the Brick Church, where cinematographers filmed scenes for “Tom and Huck,” and the post ofÏce, erected out of logs and handmade bricks in 1840, making it the oldest one in continuous use in the state. To see the inside of the post

ofÏce before it closes at 10 a.m., arrive at 9:45 a.m., said Mooresville Mayor Nikki Sprader.

Explore the lore and legends of Athens’ historic districts and city cemetery during the Saturday walks. Participants will learn about the architectural styles of the homes, the sacking of Athens by Union Col. John Basil Turchin, the state’s military history and the notable people buried at Athens City Cemetery.

MoultonwillholdatouronApril22 that will include stops at the Civilian Conservation Corps campsite, the old Moulton gin and more. Meet at Sweet Leona’s Ice Cream, 13540 Court St., Moulton.

In Huntsville, walks include an exploration of Twickenham Historic District on April 13 and the Madison Historic District on April 20 and 27.

OTHER WALKING AND HIKING OPTIONS:

Bankhead National Forest: The Sipsey Wilderness Trail and the Brusky Lake Trail offer wheelchairaccessible paths. The Sipsey Recreation Area trail offers views of waterfalls and sandstone bluffs and picnic tables. The Brushy Lake trail, which Janice Barrett, outreach coordinator for Wild Alabama in Moulton, described as perfect for

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge’s Atkeson Cypress Trail. [JERONIMO NISA]

spring, is lined with wildflowers and offers views of the bluff and lake.

MarbutBend: The flat 1-mile loop on Buck Island Road in Elkmont takes visitors through a wetland, by a pond created by a beaver dam, through an open field and along the Elk River. Expect to see migratory shore birds, wood ducks, deer, egrets and more. The trail is accessible to wheelchairs.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge:

The Atkeson Cypress Trail and Wildlife Observation Building Trail are both wheelchair accessible and begin from the Visitor Center on Alabama 67. The half-mile Atkeson Cypress Trail on the south side of the center, snakes through a cypress

swamp and wooded area. The 200yard Wildlife Observation trail winds from the center, through a small section of forest and to the observationbuilding,whichoverlooks a pond.

Wilson Morgan Walking Trail: The 1.6-mile walking trail at Beltline and Sandlin roads in southwest Decatur loops around Wilson Morgan Park, which features softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and a pond frequently visited by geese.

For self-guided walking tours, visit visitdecatural.org/trails.

• A Walking Tour of Historic Decatur, which features the city’s historic districts, Old Decatur and

Albany, highlights the houses and buildings built beginning in the early 1800s. Styles highlighted include colonial revival, California cottage, Dutch colonial and Frank Lloyd Wright influences.

• Civil War “Battle for Decatur” walking tour includes 11 historic sites and traces the four-day clash for Decatur in 1864 between Union and Confederate forces.

• Trail of Tears Walking Tour tells thestoryofNativeAmericansbrought to Rhodes Ferry during their forced removal by the U.S. government in 1837-38. They walked from the banks of the Tennessee River, where they arrived on steamboat, to the railroad station,wheretheyboardedwestward bound trains.

Walking trail at Wilson Morgan Park. [JERONIMO NISA]