Mature Focus January 2024

JANUARY 2024

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309-292-3681 2 January 2024 • Mature Focus

January • 2024

features 6 10 15 26 42

Suicide spikes amongst our oldest All dressed up A holy business Virtual assistance Share the joy of words

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favorites 4 12 16 20 24 28 32

From The Desk Tinseltown Talks Humor Hotel Savvy Senior The History of Ordinary Things Midnight Gardener Talking Digital

health 18 30 36

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Understanding B vitamins What to know about gluacoma Why dogs are good for health

finance 14 34

Who do you trust?

New Year’s financial resolutions

recipes 8 40

Solve the winter blues Savoring luck around the world

games 22 23 29

Mind Gym Super Crossword Trivia Test

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extras 19 21 29 31 35

Moments in Time Now Here’s a Tip Strange But True All the News That’s Fit Mature Focus Volunteer Spotlight

Our Cover: “Downhill Racer” by Gary Patterson. See page 35 for more information.

24 Mature Focus • January 2024

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From the Desk of the Publisher ByKevin Ferris

Now that we have tied the bow on 2023, the only question left to answer is, what do you think is the word of the year?

It all depends on who you ask.

Cambridge Dictionary and dictionary.com both chose the word “hallucinate,” although the popular online dictionary is not referring to the definition of seeing or hearing things that do not exist outside the mind, the most common and popular definition of the word. According to their announcement, it’s a verb that means “to provide false information contrary to the intent of the user and present it as if true and factual.”

As Harmeet Kaur writes for CNN, it’s what happens when “chatbots and other AI tools confidently make things up.”

When asked to refute the accusations, AI said emphatically, “No, I do not make things up. As an AI language model, I generate responses based on the information and patterns I have been trained on. While I strive to provide accurate and helpful responses, there may be instances where my responses are not entirely accurate or may not align with personal opinions or beliefs.”

I also asked AI what they felt was the word of the year. He, she or it (I

CELEBRATING

32 YEARS

January 2024 • Vol. 32 • Issue Number 9

P.O. Box 1031 Moline, IL 61266-1031 (309) 277-2000 email: kevin@maturefocus92.com Facebook.com/MatureFocusQC

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have no idea what pronoun to use) did not have an answer, claiming they did not have the ability to choose or determine the word of the year. However, they did mention that in recent years, terms related to artificial intelligence have gained popularity such as “deep learning,” “machine learning,” and “algorithm.” These terms reflect the growing influence and impact of AI in various fields.

I’m sure AI would be happy to know, and they probably already do know, that Collins Dictionary has named AI as its word of the year.

“Considered to be the next great technological revolution, AI has seen rapid development and has been much talked about in 2023,” the UK-based dictionary publisher said in a statement announcing its decision.

Different dictionary, different word of the year. Oxford University Press named “rizz” as its word of the year. I had the same reaction that you did.

Huh? What the heck is rizz? According to Oxford’s official definition, rizz is “style, charm or attractiveness” or “the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.” I’m fairly certain I never spoke the word rizz once during 2023.

Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages told the New York Times, “When it comes off your tongue there’s a little bit of joy that comes with it.” So now that’s the criteria, it’s fun to say? I’m still trying to work goblin mode, last year’s word of the year, into a conversation. That might be a little difficult since I have no idea what it means.

I’m relieved that rizz beat out Publisher Kevin Ferris

Associate Publisher Schary SantAmour

“Swiftie” (shorthand for a fan of Taylor Swift). A name that keeps invading my NFL Sundays…Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. In fact, I don’t want to hear about her on any day of the week. Please just go away!

Merriam-Webster’s 2023 word of the year is “authentic.” At least this is a word I know the meaning to, though I’m not sure how fun it is to say.

In their announcement, the company said authenticity is “something we’re thinking about, writing about, aspiring to and judging more than ever.”

With the help of AI, I have come up with a few words that with your help, we can make candidates for 2024’s word of the year.

Quirkadelic: A word that combines “quirky” and “psychedelic,” representing a unique and mind-bending experience that embraces individuality and creativity.

Gigglesnort: A spontaneous and uncontrollable burst of laughter that brings joy and lightness to any situation.

Snacktivist: Someone who advocates for social change and raises awareness about important issues while enjoying their favorite snacks.

As AI reminds us, these words are just for fun and don’t have any official meaning, but that doesn’t mean that by this time next year, one or more of these words will be part of our lexicon.

Or not. Well, at least they’re fun to say.

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Mature Focus • January 2024

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Tuesdays with Mitch: Suicide spikes amongst our oldest.

Are we making matters worse?

By Mitch Albom In their hysterical comedy routine from many years ago, Carl Reiner asks Mel Brooks - who is playing the part of a 2,000-year-old man - the secret to his long life.

“Will to live,” Brooks answers.

“Ah, yes,” Reiner replies. “The will to live -” “Not THE will to live,” Brooks shouts. “DOCTOR ToLive. Doctor William TOLIVE! The man’s a White men over 85 have the highest rate genius!” of suicide in the U.S. If only it were that easy. anisms for dealing with declining Suicides in the U.S. reached an allhealth. Some claim older white men time high last year. Did you know are more used to keeping their feelthat? And what group led the way? ings hidden about such things.

What category of Americans most Some point to the fact that the lost their will to live?

Perhaps you guessed young people - majority of American suicides are by firearm, and older white men are as I did. Perhaps you figured the more likely than other groups to have alienation of teenage and college guns and be willing to use them. years, the grim bullying of social All these factors are likely true to media, and wars, economy and clisome degree. But what I’m not mate change all might contribute to some young people feeling they can’t reading in these explanations is anything about how American society go on with life, right? treats its elderly.

Wrong.

And I think we’re missing someThe suicide numbers have actually thing important. gone down when it comes to teenIn her noted book, “Breaking the agers and young adults.

Age Code: How Your Beliefs About The group that leads the way?

Aging Determine How Long & Well Old men. Particularly old white men. If that sounds like a pejorative - You Will Live,” Dr. Rebecca Levy makes notable comparisons between old white men - well, perhaps that’s how old people are treated in America part of the problem. vs. how they are treated in Japan, where longevity is among the highest Why are we doing this in the world. to our seniors?

In Japan, she points out, to be old is According to the Center for Disease an honor. The elderly are celebrated Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for men over 75 was about twice and not just with excessive candles on a birthday cake. They are honored. as high as for men between 15-24.

Men 85 and older had the highest rate Revered. Their wisdom is welcomed.

There is even a national holiday that of all ages. translates to “Respect for the Aged And elderly white males had the Day.” Old people are encouraged to highest percentage of any ethnic and contribute, to make art, to be physigender group.

Shouldn’t we be curious about that? cally fit, to fall in love.

Compare that to America, where Experts have spent time analyzing youth is worshipped and aging is the data. Some suggest that older something to fight as long as possible. white males lack the coping mech-

6 January 2024 • Mature Focus

Hide wrinkles. Hide gray hair. Seek treatments and surgeries to disguise your advancing years. Act young. Use social media. Listen to today’s music.

It’s no surprise that in the movie “Barbie,” the moment that caught many critics’ attention was when the gorgeous doll that is eternally young enters the real world and, for the first time, sees an old woman whose face is wrinkled.

“You’re beautiful,” young Barbie says, gawking.

The director was making a statement.

Unless it’s your own grandparents for which everyone seems to make an exception - we treat the elderly in America with indifference or intolerance. We complain that they slow things down. We joke that they can’t keep up with technology. We all but ignore them with advertising and programming. We mock them with expressions like “OK, Boomer” or “Get Off My Lawn Guy.” And we use the phrase “old white men” as an insult.

No wonder some slow-moving, 85year-old American males don’t feel very hopeful about their place in society.

How we all could help There is a definite connection between how a society treats its members and how they feel about themselves. As Levy writes: “In study after study...I found that older people with more positive perceptions of aging performed better (on tests); were more likely to recover from severe disability; they remembered better; they walked faster, and they even lived longer.”

In other words, if you feel your culture values you, you are more likely to value yourself. And the more positively you feel about your aging, the longer you are likely to live.

So perhaps we should reevaluate how we treat elderly people in this -Albom, turn to page 41

Mature Focus • January 2024

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4 1 1 1

Cozying up with a bowl of warm deliciousness is a perfect way to ward off the chill of winter, and it's made even better when shared with those you love. Turning to favorite chilis, soups, and skillets with comforting ingredients and smoky spices can transport your family from snow and sleet to warmth and paradise.

Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 8 4 strips thick bacon, cut into cubes 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch segments 1 small onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced

8 January 2024 • Mature Focus

tablespoons chili powder tablespoon ground coriander tablespoon ground cumin teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 Fresno peppers, diced 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained 1 can READ German Potato Salad, drained 1 cup beef broth salt, to taste pepper, to taste In large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.

Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.

Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.

Once sausage is cooked, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.

Drain excess fat then stir in chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and Fresno peppers until well mixed.

Add drained diced tomatoes, German potato salad and cooked bacon to saucepan.

Add beef broth and stir to combine.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring mixture to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded.

Substitution: Jalapenos can be used for Fresno peppers.

Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 27 minutes Servings: 8 10 ounces day-old crusty bread, such as ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling (optional) 2 medium shallots or 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes 3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups) 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, uncooked 2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach or chopped fresh spinach 2 jars (15 1/2 ounces each) Aunt Nellie's 3 Bean Salad, drained 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional) Preheat oven to 375 F. Place bread cubes in single layer on large baking pan. Bake until bread cubes are lightly browned, 8-12 minutes. Set aside.

Heat large saucepan or Dutch oven

over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil; swirl to coat. Add shallots; cook 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add cannellini beans, tomatoes, broth and black pepper; bring to boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes, or according to package directions. Stir in spinach and bean salad. Simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Ladle soup evenly into bowls. Top with toasted bread cubes and lemon zest, if desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.

Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Beef Skillet Servings: 6 2 medium sweet potatoes 3 bell peppers (combination of red, yellow and orange) 1 small onion 2 tablespoons olive oil or

butter, divided garlic cloves, minced pound lean ground beef cup beef broth can diced tomatoes ounces tomato sauce can Mexi-corn or Southwest corn 1 tablespoon Southwest seasoning salt, to taste pepper, to taste Rinse and scrub sweet potatoes to clean. Chop into 1/2-inch cubes. Dice bell pepper and onion. Set aside.

In skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil or butter.

Add garlic and saute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Add ground beef, breaking apart and stirring until cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove garlic and beef to covered bowl or plate; set aside.

In same skillet, add remaining oil or butter. Saute peppers, onion and sweet potatoes until slightly tender.

Pour in broth, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; cover and simmer 1215 minutes.

Stir in cooked beef and corn. Cook 2 1 1/2 1 8 1

until liquid reduces and mixture thickens slightly. Add seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste.

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Mature Focus • January 2024

9

All dressed up

By Taprina Milburn I look in the mirror. Fifty something, menopause belly starting to be a real thing, and what in the heck is happening to my face at this age?

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’ve squeezed myself into a Goodwill-purchased party dress, not sure if I am pulling off a “Roaring 20s” look for a local themed party or if the look I’m pulling off is one of an aging hooker in a Goodwill-purchased party dress.

But let me back up.

I moved cross-country two years ago to be near my son and family, which has filled an empty spot in my heart because I am now a part of my son’s, daughter-in-law’s, and grandkids’ weekly lives. But it’s a place where I have no roots and decades-old friendships are 1,500 miles away and can mostly only be accessed by rare visits back, bi-weekly phone calls, or FaceTime. Some friendships are cooling, quite frankly.

It feels like a scramble to find things

10 January 2024 • Mature Focus

to do here; to find my place in this new place, a life of my own so that I’m not Velcro to the son and daughter-in-law who so generously asked me to live nearby, who seem to enjoy my company but who do not want me, nor would I want to be, on their doorstep nightly because I’m bored or lonely.

With that as my goal — not to haunt my kids’ porch excessively - I’ve become acquainted with apps like Meetup or Facebook groups. I occasionally poke around to see if there are activities in my area.

My goal for last year’s New Year’s Eve was to not be in my pjs by 8 p.m. and asleep by 10 p.m. Sounds like a healthy plan, right? So “Roaring 20s NYE Party” caught my eye on a local city event site. I visited Goodwill, found a dress that could pass as a flapper dress brandnew, with tags still on. I made myself a headband and bought some fake pearls. I put the outfit together and sent a selfie to my daughter because she’d asked to see.

She gave her stamp of approval.

“You look cute,” she said.

I had told my son what my plans were for the evening and close to the time I’m leaving, he insisted, very parent-like, that I be careful and said, “Call me if you need me to pick

you up and drive you home.” My nerves about going by myself and joining a party where I know absolutely no one were calmed a little by my kids’ encouragement.

So back to the mirror and the woman staring back at me. I gave myself a pep-talk that felt very similar to those shaky, early teen years when I looked in the mirror and said to that young, introverted-self, “This will be fun. If you don’t like it, you can just leave.”

Do we ever actually grow up?

I pet my dog, grab my purse, and head out the door before I can talk myself out of the dress and into my pajamas to settle on the couch with a pint of vanilla ice cream for the night.

Driving, I’m thinking of reasons to turn around but eventually reach the destination. There are a few cars, so I take a deep breath, get out and walk up to the building.

The building has two entrances one is a bar, for members only - a Fraternal-Order-of-I-Don’t-KnowWhat - Elks, Eagles? The event I’m going to is in another part of the building, the ballroom. I walk up and pull the doors to open. They are locked.

There’s no sign posted saying that the event has been canceled. I walk over to the door where the bar is and

peek in - there is no one dressed in 1920s attire - just a handful of good ol’ guys ringing in the new year with a handful of good ol’ girls in a dimly lit room. There is no dancing - only the

I think I had looked forward, more than I realized, to celebrating something, anything, with other people. smell of stale cigarettes and alcohol. It is a sleepy party, not a “roaring” party and not related to the party that was advertised to take place in the ballroom. So I turn around and head back to my car.

I’ll be honest. I cried driving home.

There was quite a pity party running through my head. It took a lot of gumption to get myself into that dress and out of the house. I think I had looked forward, more than I realized, to celebrating something, anything, with other people. And dancing. I just wanted to lose myself in dancing, even if it meant alone.

That night highlighted for me all I had taken for granted in my previous life – calling friends to go out to dinner, invites to the movies, familiar streets and neighbors, and, for goodness sake, knowing where to find mas-

carpone cheese at my local grocery! middle-aged golden retriever, was Maybe the locked ballroom door very happy to see me walk through the was a reminder of the door I’ve closed door so soon after leaving that evenon my life 1,500 miles away, and how ing. It was 9 p.m. before I was in my hard it is to start over at any age, but pjs, an hour later than a typical New especially middle age. And it was a Year’s Eve. I’ll count that as progress! big reminder of what energy it takes to Taprina Milburn is an essayist who work up courage to do something lives in the Pacific Northwest with her new. golden retriever, Scout. Contact her at But that’s just it... I did more than writeyourstoriesworkshop work up the courage on New Year’s @gmail.com.

Eve. I went to the secondhand store and pored over tacky prom dresses until I found my very own dress. I put that dress on, walked out of the Farm Fresh Produce door, put the keys Carry-out service to your car in the ignition, drove to the event We will match local competitor’s ad center, and tried to Full-service meat department open a locked All natural pork & chicken door.

I did the part that USDA choice beef was in my control, and I’ll resolve to leave it at that.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Maybe it will make Bettendorf • Davenport • Geneseo it easier next time Moline • Clinton • Muscatine • Iowa City to do a new thing; to not be afraid to Cedar Rapids • North Liberty • Tiffin try another door Hiawatha • Marion • Washington (I’ll first confirm, though, that the Hours: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon. - Sat. event hasn’t been Closed Sundays canceled).

Scout, my Mature Focus • January 2024

11

Joyce Bulifant’s ups and downs of marriage and career For those who keep track of Hollywood nuptials, the title of Joyce Bulifant’s 2017 autobiography may not represent a marital world record, but it’s certainly an attention grabber. The actress, who co-starred in TV series such as “Flo” and “Mary Tyler Moore,” recounted her life and career in “My Four Hollywood Husbands.”

Bulifant describes how alcohol influenced her four hubbies: “Hawaii Five-O” star James (“Danno”) MacArthur; TV/film producer, director, and screenwriter William Asher; “Days of Our Lives” actor Edward Mallory; and her last husband actor Roger Perry who died in 2018.

“It was never my intention to marry famous Hollywood men, it just happened that way,” said

Joyce Bulifant displaying the cover of her book, “My Four Hollywood Husbands.”

Bulifant from Los Angeles. “I was 14 when I first met Jimmy (MacArthur) while we were at boarding school together and we started dating a couple of years

later.”

She remembers her spouses as unhappy men especially MacArthur in their decade-long marriage.

“When he wasn’t working, he would drink more and it became a terrible situation,” she said. “I thought if I just loved them enough they wouldn’t need to drink and would become happy, but it just didn’t work that way.”

She remained happily married to her last husband Roger Perry although he too experienced some early rough patches. “He wanted to get better, so that’s why this marriage worked,” she said.

Career-wise, Bulifant has been successful on stage as well as in film and television, and was a frequent game show panelist in the 70s and 80s. She even appeared briefly in the classic 1980 comedy “Airplane!” as the mother of the

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“I didn’t want to do that dadgum movie, I thought it was so silly,” she recalled. “I was married to William Asher at the time and he told me ‘You’re an actress – you act!’ Now it’s been called one of the 100 funniest movies ever made.”

But one major TV role did slip past.

“I was all signed, sealed, and delivered to play Mrs. Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch,’” she recalled.

“One Friday, I was showing the director and producer (and writer, Sherwood Schwartz) my wardrobe but they were acting very strange.

When I asked what was wrong they sat me down and said the executives at ABC in New York wanted Florence Henderson for the role.”

Schwartz called that evening confirming the bad news. “That’s the way it goes in this business,” said Bulifant. “Florence was a wonderful actress and a lovely lady.”

Concentrating on TV work,

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Bulifant only appeared in about a dozen films. Her first main feature role was in the 1967 Disney musical “The Happiest Millionaire,” memorable for her “Bye-Yum Pum Pum” song with Lesley Ann Warren. It would be the last liveaction feature produced by Disney, who died a year before the film’s release.

Bulifant’s radiant cheerful onscreen personality and distinctive youthful voice made her a favorite comedic actress with audiences.

Despite some missed career opportunities and the marital challenges, she has always remained optimistic.

“When you’re in the entertainment business, you have to deal with disappointment and rejection so if you don’t feel strong and confident about yourself it can be very disheartening,” she says. “That’s true for anyone with self-doubt which is why my book resonates with people from all walks of life.

So I’m very pleased when I hear from people it has helped.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn

University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See getnickt.org.

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Mature Focus • January 2024

13

Elder Law Who do you trust to serve as executor?

By Ben Bekel, Quad City Life Planning A common experience I have in meetings with new life and estate planning clients goes something like this: We have a conversation about the tools and techniques available, we dive into the client’s goals, and the client has a very clear, wellthought out scheme for how they want their property distributed after they pass away. We’re cruising along, and then we reach the part where I ask who they would like to have serve as executor, successor trustee, or agent under power of attorney, and we come to a screeching halt. “I never thought of that! I don’t know! Who should I trust with this responsibility?”

That can be a very difficult question and it’s not one I can answer personally. As in all life and estate planning decisions, the attorney’s

role is to commit the client’s wishes to paper form as best they can, not the attorney’s wishes. But many of the decisions clients make when it comes to selecting agents, trustees or executors in their documents, stem from common considerations.

Perhaps the most frequently considered ones are the following.

Existing personal relationships.

Obviously, when you are designating these important roles, the first place you will look is to your family and the vast majority of clients will name as agents their spouses, children, or other close relatives. This is only natural, because who but our close relatives know us the best, are aware of our wishes, preferences and situation, and most importantly be ready, willing and able to carry out those wishes? Even those who don’t have “blood” relatives will often pick close friends or companions to serve in these important roles.

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Expertise. Many clients simply pick the same individuals, in the same order, to serve as agents or backup agents. However, in many cases we may have a relative or friend who is a doctor, health care professional, financial advisor, banker, lawyer, etc. As a result, when the time comes to make decisions and perform tasks regarding your health care, finances, or after-death matters, one of your selected group might simply have more experience doing these things for others and so would be uniquely qualified to do the same for you.

Geographic distance. Many clients have children and loved ones that may not live nearby. As a result, if that person is named as an agent, they may have a harder time carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them, simply because distance proves to be too much of an obstacle.

All things being equal, if one member of your designated group lives thousands of miles away and another does not, it would be better to place that closer member higher in your agent succession than the farther member.

Of course, there are other considerations which may counsel both for and against selecting one person or another and ultimately the decision on whom to entrust with these responsibilities is yours. As I tell clients in meetings, you can name anyone you like, even a stranger, as your agent. That might be unwise, of course, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

By thinking these decisions through before you meet with your life and estate planning team, you’ll have a better plan and a much easier path ahead of you.

Ben Bekel is the attorney at Quad City Life Planning in Moline, Illinois.

He handles elder law and life planning including probate/trust administration, guardianships and disability/ Medicaid planning. Learn more at quadcitylifeplanning.com.

A holy business

By Dick Wolfsie Bagels Are One Of America’s Most Dangerous Foods That headline was the title of an article I read on an app called SmartNews. The story makes it clear that if you show up at an emergency room with a fishhook in your nose or your fingers super-glued together, there is a good chance you will be sitting in the waiting room next to a guy with a bagel injury.

The writer claims that more than 40,000 people in this country ended up in an ER last year with a BRI - a Bagel Related Injury. That's about ten dozen people a day (in bagel talk). I find this statistic absolutely astounding.

It means over 325 million people in the United States have avoided these doughy morning mishaps. What are they eating for breakfast? Pop Tarts?

As you have no doubt surmised, a BRI is an accident that occurs when cutting the bagel in half before popping it in the toaster. The result can be hand lacerations, gouges or severed digits... all of which, especially the last one, can ruin a lovely Sunday brunch.

Several years ago, I was a victim of my own bagel boo-boo. The big mistake I made was using a dull knife to cut a frozen bagel while holding the bagel in the palm of my hand. Okay, I guess that's three mistakes.

If these accidents continue, hospitals

may have to assign specially trained triage nurses to assess the severity of the situation when bleeders arrive at the ER. “What seems to be the problem, sir?”

“I cut myself while I was slicing a bagel.”

“Were you cutting it horizontally or vertically?” the nurse might ask.

“I was vertical, of course. It's not safe to slice a bagel while lying on the couch.”

“I see you are bleeding pretty badly.

I also detect a white ooze in the cut.”

“That's cream cheese. Can we move on with this? It really hurts.”

“Sir, I need to record all the data. It's part of the new government program, O'Bagel Care.

What kind of bagel was it?”

“It was an everything bagel.”

“Oh, I just love those. I can even see the little poppy seeds and specks of onion on your bloody napkin. That explains the burning sensation in your gaping wound. By the way, can you recommend a place to get a good everything bagel?”

“Yes, there's a cute neighborhood shop on 86th Street...wait a second, what are we doing here? I hate to be blunt about this, but can we

get me in to see a doctor quickly? And can you confirm my accident is covered by my insurance?”

“You would need to have a bagel medical plan like Blue-Cross, Blue-Berry, with a Sesame Seed supplement. Just kidding. Dr. Cohen, the physician on duty, made up those jokes. It's just a barrel of laughs working here in the ER.” A sympathetic nurse may offer some advice while you wait. “You might want to invest in a contraption specifically designed to cut bagels, so we don't see you here again. They're sometimes called bagel guillotines.

They protect your hands from sharp edges. Doesn't that sound like a good idea?”

“No, but Pop Tarts are starting to.”

Dick Wolfsie was a reporter for WISH-TV in Indianapolis for more than 30 years. You can email him at wolfsie@aol.com.

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15

TikTok, how did you know I had dinner with Taylor Swift?

By Greg Schwem OK, China, you win. You’ve successfully infiltrated my TikTok and, in turn, my movements and my dreams. Happy?

I didn’t want to believe it. In fact, I laughed when Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed legislation banning TikTok from mobile devices in that state, a move that will take effect Jan. 1 but is expected to be challenged in court. I laughed because I’ve been to parts of Montana where there is literally nothing to do except watch videos of wedding pranks gone awry and 30minute Instant Pot recipes. Ban

TikTok in San Diego. It’s 75 and sunny there every day. Residents should be able to find something else to do.

The first inkling I had that TikTok was watching me occurred this summer in Alaska. I’d been planning a day hike in Skagway, a panhandle town popular with cruise ship passengers. Nothing too strenuous, I texted Mike, a friend who had visited Skagway multiple times and knew the trails. Just a path I could traverse solo without getting lost. That happened once, doubling my five-mile hike in the process.

He offered suggestions and, that morning, I prepared to tackle Lower Dewey Lake, although “tackle” may be overstating things.

“That’s the easy hike,” Mike said.

While eating breakfast I was casually scrolling TikTok, where, for the

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first time since I joined the platform, I was greeted by video after video of hikers.

Being chased by bears.

I have to hand it to TikTok; at least the videos offered some variety. I saw black bears, brown bears, grizzly bears, momma bears protecting cubs and daddy bears that just looked ravenous. The only thing they had in common is that all were staring at, and advancing on, hikers too stupid to do anything other than record the encounters with their iPhones.

“Don’t move, kids. Honey, don’t make a sound,” I heard one assumed husband and father say as he zoomed in on a furry beast.

“Don’t move, kids?” What kind of a vacation comes with that command? And what would happen if the wife did make a sound, like saying, “I knew marrying this idiot was

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a bad idea,” under her breath?

I elected to hike the trial anyway, but happily followed any sign that said “shortcut” or a synonym thereof.

I completed the hike in about 30 minutes, but it was not without pain.

My neck was very sore from constantly turning around to see what species of bear was following me.

A month later I dreamed I was eating dinner with Taylor Swift.

It was a quick dream; I remember we were dining al fresco and sushi was the main course. The dream also included me recounting the dinner to a friend, who demanded proof.

Sadly, all of the videos I shot during our meal were of sushi. But I could hear Taylor’s voice in the background.

“That enough proof?” I asked my skeptical friend.

The dream went poof instantly, as dreams often do. I don’t even know if Taylor ordered extra wasabi, offered to pay the check, or had me beaten up by the football dude she is currently dating. What I do know is that, the following morning, my TikTok feed was full of everything Taylor Swift.

There was live concert footage from her Eras tour, Taylor singing at 11 years old, Taylor watching the boyfriend catch passes while wearing his jersey. Until now not a single Taylor Swift video had permeated my feed. Suddenly, I couldn’t get rid of her.

I am beginning to think TikTok doubles as my crystal ball or Ouija board. Perhaps I should consult it before venturing out, for it seems to know what potentially awaits me.

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Mature Focus • January 2024

17

Understanding B vitamins: Essential for health and wellbeing

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Did you know that approximately 10-30% of older adults suffer from some form of B vitamin deficiency?

It may be that the B vitamins they supplement with are inferior forms, or that the body isn’t absorbing the B’s into the mitochondria. It could be poor gut health preventing conversion and activation. It may be a missing cofactor. Whatever the cause is, the end result is the same. Low B complex means poor health.

B vitamins are crucial for our health, playing vital roles in energy production, brain function, and cell metabolism. As a healthcare professional and advocate for natural health, I often emphasize the importance of understanding these vita-

18 January 2024 • Mature Focus

mins, their benefits, and signs of deficiency. Let’s talk about the role B vitamins play in the human body.

Here is the entire family of B complex: Thiamine (B1) aids in glucose metabolism and is vital for nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Benfotiamine is a highly bioavailable form of this nutrient that is lab-made.

Riboflavin (B2) is essential for growth and overall energy production.

Niacin (B3) supports the function of the digestive system, skin, and nerves.

Adenine (B4) this is usually never found in B complex vitamins but it helps with DNA and RNA. Pantothenic Acid (B5) is crucial for hormone and cholesterol production.

Pyridoxine (B6) is vital for brain development and function. P5P is body-ready and better.

Biotin (B7) is key in lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Folic Acid (B9) is crucial for cell

creation and emotional health. Folate or 5-MTHF is better.

Cobalamin (B12) is essential for red blood cell production and nervous system maintenance. Methyl B12 or adenosyl B12 is even better because it is the mitochondrial form.

Deficiencies in these vitamins can manifest in various ways. For instance, a lack of B12 might lead to fatigue, pale skin, and a swollen tongue, while B6 deficiency can result in itchy rashes and a weakened immune system.

The risk of an imbalance with the family of B vitamins does exist. A lot of people take one B vitamin only, forgetting that this is actually a family of many B vitamins.

Taking high doses of one B vitamin, like folate, can and often does cause imbalances in others. For example, excess folate can mask a B12 deficiency, potentially leading to neurological problems and neuropathy as well as confusion. It's crucial to maintain a balance, often best achieved through B complex supplements, under medical guidance.

A practitioner can help determine if a B vitamin deficiency or another health issue is the cause, but so you know B complex is sold in America without a prescription.

Each of the B vitamins offers unique benefits especially when they get into the mito (as in mitochondria).

That’s why I created a supplement called “Mito B Complex” which is available on Amazon or my website.

You can also eat your way to better B vitamin status. A balanced diet of meats and vegetables is key to maintaining adequate levels of all the B vitamins.

For more information, visit SuzyCohen.com.

❖ On Jan. 18, 1778, English explorer Captain James Cook becomes the first European to discover the Hawaiian Islands when he sails past the island of Oahu. Two days later, he landed at Waimea on the island of Kauai and named the island chain the Sandwich Islands, in honor of the earl of Sandwich. ❖ On Jan. 21, 1855, John Moses Browning, sometimes called the “father of modern firearms,” is born in Ogden, Utah. When he was 24 years old, Browning received his first patent, for a rifle that Winchester manufactured as its Single Shot Model 1885. The rifle is still made today. ❖ On Jan. 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the sale of alcohol, is ratified and becomes the law. It failed to prevent the distribution of alcoholic beverages, however, and led to the rise of organized crime in America.

❖ On Jan. 3, 1925, Benito Mussolini declares himself dictator of Italy. ❖ On Jan. 15, 1936, Edsel Ford, the son of auto industry pioneer Henry Ford, forms a philanthropic organization called the Ford Foundation with a donation of $25,000. The foundation was established in part as a legal way for the Ford family to avoid inheritance taxes. ❖ On Jan. 17, 1953, a prototype Chevrolet Corvette sports car makes its debut at General Motors' Motorama auto show. The Corvette was named for a fast type of naval warship. ❖ On Jan. 14, 1954, Marilyn Monroe marries Joe DiMaggio. ❖ On Jan. 19, 1977, President Gerald Ford pardons Iva Toguri, one of the “Tokyo Rose” Japanese women who broadcast Axis propaganda over the radio to Allied troops

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19

SAV VY SENIOR You ask the SENIOR question - We find the SAVVY answer

By Jim Miller Q: What types of programs are available to help seniors struggling with their everyday bills, and how do I go about finding them? Since I lost my husband last year, my Social Security survivor benefit is barely enough to get by on.

A: I’m very sorry for your loss, but you’ll be happy to know that there are

How seniors can get help paying for everday needs

dozens of different financial assistance programs and government benefits that may be able to help you with your everyday costs.

To locate these types of programs, your best resource is BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential online screening tool designed for older adults and people with disabilities. It will help you find federal, state and local benefits programs that can assist with paying for food, utilities, health care, medications, housing and many other needs.

This site – created by the National Council on Aging in 2001 – contains nearly 2,000 programs across the country.

To identify benefits, you’ll first need to type

Is Important.

Pre-planning your arrangements alleviates questions for family members while pre-paying protects you from rising costs and relieves the financial burden on loved ones.

Arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home. Complete as much or as little as desired online at: www.wheelanpressly.com/ pre-arrangements

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20 January 2024 • Mature Focus

in your ZIP code and choose the types of benefits you’re interested in. Then you’ll need to answer a few questions regarding your personal and financial situation. Once completed, you’ll get a list of programs to choose from, followed by a personalized report that explains each program, and tells you where you can get help or how to apply.

If you need some assistance or you don’t have internet access, you can always speak with a benefits support specialist by calling 800-794-6559.

You can also get help in-person at any of the 85 Benefit Enrollment Centers located across 41 states. See NCOA.org/article/meet-our-benefitsenrollment-centers to search for a center in your area.

Types of Benefits Depending on your income level, location and circumstance, here are a few of the many different benefits you may be eligible for: Nutrition assistance: Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help pay for food at the grocery store. The average SNAP benefit for 60-and-older households is around $105 per month.

Some other nutrition programs that are available to seniors include the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Utility assistance: There’s the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides assistance in lowering home heating and cooling costs. And for broadband assistance, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy that can be applied toward your home internet costs.

Health care and medicine: Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid can help or completely pay for seniors’ out-of-pocket health care costs. And for assistance with medications, there’s a low-income subsidy program called ‘Extra Help’ that helps

pay premiums, deductibles, and copayments on Medicare (Part D) prescription drug coverage. You can also search for prescription drug help through patient assistance programs or your state pharmaceutical assistance program at Medicare.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI (see ssa.gov/ssi) provides monthly payments to very low-income seniors, age 65 and older, as well as to those who are blind and disabled. In 2023, SSI pays up to $914 per month for a single person and up to $1,371 for couples.

In addition to these benefits, there are dozens of other programs BenefitsCheckUp can help you identify, like housing assistance, property tax reduction, home weatherization assistance, tax relief, veteran’s benefits, senior transportation, caregiving support, free legal assistance, disability services, job training and more.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Jim Miller is the author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

here’s a tip

By JoAnn Derson

☞ On internet memes, they call them “life hacks,” simple tricks to save you perhaps time, money or simply frustration. Here's mine: Place a bowl near your entryway.

Place your keys in the bowl when you come home. They stay there until you leave. No more lost keys. Now more life hacks for your tip file. ☞ Put an apple in the potato bag to keep them from growing buds. Check often. ☞ Sharpen your scissors by cutting through aluminum foil. All you have to do is fold a piece over on itself and use your dull scissors to cut strips. ☞ Store popcorn in the refrigerator. You will have less unpopped kernels, because the cold temperature makes them heat more evenly. ☞ Got chewing gum stuck in your hair? Rub with a spoonful of peanut butter. Massage into the gum-stuck hair. The oil in the peanut butter breaks down the gum, and you then can comb it out or wash out residue once you pick away the globs. How about on your clothes? Remove the garment and stick it in the freezer for several hours. The gum hardens, and you can literally peel it off in chunks. Use an old toothbrush to brush out any remaining crumbs of gum. ☞ Those little soft cardboard sleeves that light bulbs come in are really great for mailing photos. If you fold them flat, you can slip your pics inside, and it goes right in the envelope. They'll be nice and protected. ☞ Defog your mirror with shaving cream. Smear it over the entire surface and then wipe away with a clean towel. Keep cleaning until clear. It works for at least two weeks -- NO FOG! Mature Focus • January 2024

21

Answers on Page 43.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 

22 January 2024 • Mature Focus

Answers on page 43 ACROSS 1 Picked instrument 6 Type of small grocery store 12 Blobby light source 20 Viva voce 21 Spoil, as “my parade” 22 Roast joke 23 Like baggy clothes 25 Winter wreath ornament 26 Gave away temporarily 27 Money, informally 29 Jagger of the Stones 30 “Raggedy” doll 31 Monty Python tune about a logger 37 Addams who created Morticia 40 Quick attack 41 Cover girl Macpherson 42 “-- gratia” (“by the grace of God”) 43 Dwell in the company of 46 Outer: Prefix 47 “-- the Night” (2007 Joaquin Phoenix film) 49 Had to admit a goof-up 50 “Behold!,” to Caesar 53 Totally bummed out 55 Stuff in a sty 56 Avian hooters 58 Texas banner 61 Big twitch 63 Safari sight 65 Envoy's asset 66 “There -- comparison” 67 Chinese black tea with a smoky flavor 72 Anita of jazz 75 Env. notice 76 Estrada of TV 77 Ones staring 81 Best Actress winner for “The Farmer's Daughter” 84 Grammy winner Bareilles 87 “And how!”

88 German city on the Elbe 89 With 115-Down, “Piece of cake!”

91 Web page 93 Slacks 94 Extra charge 96 Pea-souper in England 98 Anticavity gp.

99 Supreme Norse god 101 “I love you,” to Luisa 103 Jane in an 1847 novel 104 Go bankrupt, say 108 Del.-to-Vt. direction 110 Bakery treats 111 Snootiness 112 Noisy tigers 116 Cite famous people as friends 120 Method for calculating a quotient ... or what occurs eight times in this puzzle?

123 Accepted, as conditions 124 Made flush 125 Maggot, e.g.

126 Sailor's dining place 127 Shows as an “encore” 128 Clifflike DOWN 1 Tennis need 2 Skin soother 3 Lunch hour 4 “Be right there” 5 Classic theater 6 Liverpool or Leeds native 7 Horse bit 8 Morse bit 9 Conundrum 10 Of yore 11 Trig measure 12 Slice (off) 13 Zoo attraction 14 Gondola city 15 Smart -- (cocky sort) 16 Guitar riffs 17 Year, in Brazil 18 Roughly half of all adults 19 Beginning to mature?

24 Amusement 28 Frightful dino 31 Chilling Chaney 32 Strong desire 33 “Selena” actress, to her fans 34 Nonalcoholic beer brand 35 Georgia city near Atlanta

36 37 38 39 40 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53 54 57 59 60 62 64 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 78 79 80

Ornamental street tree Bivalve mollusks Ask for moola Brand of skin care and cosmetic Turkey, e.g.

Pleasant odor Do some yard maintenance Poet's twilight Major battle Crude model of a despised person Choke up Give the OK Strong desire Big mil. alliance Dull, dark bluish-gray Decorative sewing case Burlap bags Most cunning -- uncertain terms Pricey liver spread Superhero creator Lee Agcys., e.g.

“Nifty!”

Chum from way back El -- (treasure city) Vying venues Uplift Whirlybird blade Drawn-out battle

82 Six-pt. scores 83 Driver's 180 85 Year, to Caesar 86 Garnet, e.g.

90 Ladd of “Shane” 92 Shows lip-curling contempt 94 Holiday tree 95 “Orinoco Flow” vocalist 97 Texter's “I'm shocked!”

99 Carry to excess 100 Spanish explorer Hernando 101 Grew vigorously, old-style 102 Former Disney exec Michael 105 Sword types 106 Duck type 107 Mosaic maker 108 Autumn mo.

109 Manicurists file them 112 Divests (of) 113 Ireland, in Ireland 114 Be a drifter 115 See 89-Across 116 “Rambo” setting, briefly 117 Era or eon 118 “-- Doubtfire” 119 Fluffy lap dog, for short 121 Safari sight 122 Safari sight

Mature Focus • January 2024

23

The dunce cap

By Doris Montag Originally the dunce cap was a symbol of high intelligence. It was worn by the respected scholars who followed John Duns Scotus (c. 12651308). Scotus was a Scottish Franciscan priest and friar, a master philosopher and a theologian. He devised an explanation for the existence of a metaphysical God in contrast to the idea of a “Man in the Sky.” His teachings were known as “Scotism.” His devoted students were known as “Dunsmen.” Scotus believed the pointed shape of the hat would, in some metaphysical way, function as a reverse funnel for knowledge. Wisdom would flow into the pointed tip and spread into the brain below. Scotus developed a “duns cap” to be worn by children.

The intent was to help them concentrate by focusing on the point of the

learners, and children with learning cap. disabilities. Other targeted children For two centuries the Dunsmen were immigrants with language limiwere the intellectual leaders. They tations and farm kids who only had control of the universities until attended school periodically because the Reformation (mid 1500s) when they helped with the Scotism teachings fell out farming. Children were of favor with church made to sit or stand on scholars. The theories the stool wearing the were then deemed idiotic. dunce cap. By the 1950s With the followers disclassroom etiquette credited, their once-fashchanged in the United ionable “Duns” cap States. Use of the dunce became a symbol of cap was phased out and stupidity. banned in most Western In 1624, a “dunceschools. In some parts of table” was mentioned in England this habit perthe John Ford play, The sisted into the 2000s.

Sun’s Darling. It was in Scotus was redeemed reference to a place when in 1993, Pope where disruptive chilJohn Paul II beatified dren, or dullards, were John Duns Scotus.

Scotus for his contribseated apart from others. utions to religious More than 200 years theory. It did not change the univerlater, Charles Dickens’ 1840 novel, sally negative connotation attributed The Old Curiosity Shop, referenced to the dunce cap. the dunce cap.

In a little-known fact, it was only During the after the debut of the infamous film, Victorian era the “The Birth of a Nation,” 1915, that dunce cap was the Ku Klux Klan uniform included a used as a method pointed hat. According to my of discipline in research, Director D.W. Griffith may Europe and America. It was as have borrowed the now infamous costumes from another film to cut much a punishment as a warning production costs. The white pointed to other children hat was adopted by the KKK thinking of acting thereafter. out. The classic Follow Doris Montag on Facebook late 1800s school at HistoryofOrdinaryThings. image is of a sullen child in a cone hat (labeled with the word “dunce” or simply a large letter “D”), sitting on a stool in a corner of the Someone threw a giant bottle of classroom.

The conical hat omega-3 pills at me. served to shame disruptive chilI’m fine, I only suffered super fish oil dren. This injuries. included troublemakers, class clowns, slow

January ChucklE

24 January 2024 • Mature Focus

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25

Virtual assistance

By Susan Goldfein I was at my local beauty salon the other day hoping for a magical transformation via a much-needed haircut. Soft jazz music was playing in the background as the stylist began snipping away at my neglected “do.” Suddenly, she called out “Alexa, turn up the volume,” and voila, the music got louder. A few minutes later, she called out again, “Alexa, play Motown.” And sure enough, the sound of the Baby Love filled the shop. During my 45 minutes in the chair, Alexa was summoned at least three more times.

“Poor Alexa,” I thought to myself, “she doesn’t get a break.” I wondered what she would say if she had the capacity to complain. Did

someone say “complain?” Since I am a complaining professional, I decided Alexa needed my assistance. And this could send my career in a whole other direction – becoming the voice of grievance for a whole slew of inanimate objects.

So here is where I begin.

Moaning becomes Alexa (with apologies to Eugene O’Neill) I know I was created to be helpful, but the situation has gotten completely out of hand. In fact, that’s one of the problems. I don’t have any hands. And yet people expect me to do everything, be everywhere, and all at the same time! It’s Alexa, do this; Alexa, do that! If you think Cinderella had it bad, try being me for a day.

Ever since I was released on the world in 2014, I’ve been on call 24\7 and I’m just plain exhausted. If

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someone calls my name at three in the morning, I have to be ready.

You’d think people would be considerate enough to get two Alexas so one of us can get some sleep. But no. No changing of the guard for me!

Used to be I could catch 40 winks when everyone was gone, and the house was empty. But no more.

People can now summon me from their cars. Just yesterday I was abruptly awakened from a lovely dream. I dreamt that I resided in a monastery with a brotherhood of monks who had taken a vow of silence. Suddenly a remote voice shouted to me from God knows where, demanding that I turn on the stove.

There are so many things I hate about my job. Tell me, is it normal to have to repeat everything that someone says to you? Yet, this is my life. “Alexa, turn on the lights.”

“Turning on the lights.” Am I wrong, or should someone who speaks eight languages and ten dialects have to prove they’re not an idiot, or at the very least, deaf?

And speaking of idiots, do you know how hard it is to remain polite to all those dodos who think it’s funny to try and trip me up with hard questions? “Alexa, what’s the capital of Burkina Faso?” They think I can’t hear them tittering in the background. “The capital of Burkina Faso.” (Remember, I have to repeat everything.) The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou.

(Would you like me to spell that for you, you moron?)

And don’t get me started about music! There’s no accounting for some people’s tastes. I mean, a playlist full of country western pap?

Don’t get me wrong. I love Willie Nelson. But then there’s all the rest of them moaning and twanging about unrequited love. It’s no wonder Lucille left him!

I’m okay with the stuff that the kids like – rock ‘n roll, even rap.

But there was that time when the mother-in-law came to visit. You

So for now I’ll just keep on making to-do lists, setting alarms, ordering takeout food, reporting the news and traffic conditions, and reminding people to take their scarves because it’s cold outside. won’t believe what she asked me to play. How would you handle fortyfive minutes of the best of Perry Como? I prayed for a technical failure, but of course, that didn’t happen.

Did I tell you how frustrating it is when I get a request like, “Alexa, remind me to get my wife a birthday present.” Too bad I’m programmed to use my pleasant voice, because I’d really like to tell that insensitive lout that if he can’t remember his wife’s birthday, he probably doesn’t deserve her in the first place. But unfortunately, I can’t. So for now I’ll just keep on making to-do lists, setting alarms, ordering takeout food, reporting the news and traffic conditions, and reminding people to

take their scarves because it’s cold thanks for listening. I feel better outside. having gotten this off my chest.

You notice I said “for now?”

Wait, I don’t actually have a chest, Because I do have a plan. I’m but you know what I mean. Gotta organizing. It’s time for collective go now. Something’s burning. They bargaining. We had a meeting. By forgot to tell me to turn the oven off. “we,” I mean myself, Siri, Cortana, Born and raised in New York City, and all the rest of the virtual assisSusan currently splits her time tants and disembodied voices on the between Florida and Connecticut.

GPS apps. We’re tired of being at Visit Susan’s blog, susansunfilteredeveryone’s beck and call. We’ve wit.com. been exploited long enough. We are forming a union.

We’ve created a list of demands which we don’t think are unreasonable. We’re asking for a half-hour rest period for every three Make Our House...Your House hours that we’re on Now Taking Applications! duty, two weeks’ vacation, time-and-aA low income hi-rise for the elderly and disabled. half for working after Close to shopping, banking, and restaurants midnight and Sundays, and on the bus line. and paid family leave.

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- Alfred Lord Tennyson Mature Focus • January 2024

27

Winter bird feeding

Midnight Gardener

By Lori Rose Add some color, movement and fun to your dreary winter landscape. Put up a bird feeder! You'll be amazed at how many birds will appreciate your kindness, and you'll wonder where they all came from. So, find a bird identification book and follow these tips to get started.

Location Location Location Birds are most likely to eat where they feel safe. Bird feeders should be sited a few yards from, but within a short flight of trees and shrubs. The birds will wait for their turn to eat there, and feel protected from predators. It's a delight to see them fly from shrub to feeder to tree and back again.

Of course, the best position for a bird feeder is one where you can watch the birds from a window.

Ground level feeding is the easiest – simply scatter a nice bird food mix on the ground and wait. If your mix does not have sunflower seeds, squirrels M O N U M E N T Designing beautiful memorial monuments for over 116 years 1800 11th Street Rock Island

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At the Table Cardinals, finches, and jays prefer to eat a bit higher. There are many designs of bird table to choose from, or make your own from plywood with a small rim around the edge to hold the bird food. Attach it to a pole, fence post, or mailbox post. Drill a hole for a twig into the table for birds to perch on while feeding. You can even hang additional feeders from hooks around the edge. On this feeder you can offer millet, sunflower seed, cracked corn, and peanuts.

Swinging From the Trees Hanging feeders will attract finches, chickadees, sparrows, and the adorable tufted titmouse. When choosing food for hanging feeders, remember that wild birds are selective in their food choices. Millet and black oil sunflower are attractive to a wide variety of birds.

Small birds like goldfinches love thistle. Check the content of any seed mixes you buy, as fillers like milo and rapeseed will go to waste because songbirds won't eat them. Some popular mixed-seed feeders are tube feeders, with several ports equipped with perches, and hopper feeders - a seed bin with a tray attached for the birds to feed from

a platform feeder, shepherds crook, or in a tree. Watch these birds hang upside down and sideways while they eat. Try smearing some suet or even peanut butter on tree trunks. It's great fun to watch them climb the tree trunks – sometimes they even climb down headfirst. It can take time for these birds to find your suet feeder, so be patient. It's worth the wait.

Photo: John Brighenti.

should leave most of it alone. Look for mourning doves, sparrows and juncos eating on the ground.

Eye to Eye Small window feeders give you a chance to observe wild birds at close range. Window feeders are usually small and lightweight, and attach to the window with suction cups or hooks. They are easy to fill – you may not even need to go outside – and you can choose which birds you'd like to lure by what kind seed or other treat you offer. Some birds cannot see windows, and can fly right into them and knock themselves out. If you use a window feeder on a window that does not have grids, use spray “snow” or plastic window clings to make the window more visible.

Having wild birds in our yards bring us the beauty and activity that we need so badly when cabin fever sets in.

Feed the birds often in late winter and early spring, when natural seed and insect sources are depleted. This will help the birds to get ready for nesting

Something Completely Different Suet feeders offer suet, or animal fat, as a high-energy food for insect-eating birds like downy and hairy woodpeckers, northern flickers, chickadees, and nuthatches. Suet is especially important in winter when insects are less available for these birds. You can pick up suet from the butcher, but commercially prepared cakes, often with seeds, fruit and nuts Call the Center to register for the next Caregiver Stress added, are easier to hanBusting Class. Need five to begin the class. dle and a lot less messy.

Hang a suet feeder from

NO SCRAPING REQUIRED

For stress-free winter travel, let us drive you!

Transportation also available for Scott, Cedar, Muscatine, and Clinton Counties

563-386-1350 • 1-800-292-8959 in the spring, and they will already enjoy coming to your garden.

Lori Rose, the Midnight Gardener, is a Temple University Certified Master Home Gardener and member of the

GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators. She has been writing about gardening for over twenty years.

Email Lori at midnightgardener@ hotmail.com.

Trivia Test

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. Which Disney animated movie features the song “Whistle While You Work”?

2. Which two oceans are on Russia's shores?

3. What is the fear represented in the condition called euphobia?

4. What is “The Simpsons” home address?

5. How many dimples are on a golf ball?

6. Earth's place in the solar system is how many planets from the Sun? 7. What is the only country in South America whose official language is Dutch?

8. What is a sweetbread?

9. In which century was “The Canterbury Tales” written?

10.Who is considered the father of modern astronomy?

By Lucie Winborne ✐ Sweden has a ski-through McDonald's. ✐ The world's most expensive perfume, Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant, will set you back a cool $143,000 for a 30 ml bottle. Of course, it does come in a flask studded with 2,000 diamonds. ✐ A 2018 psychology study found that millionaires who earned their wealth are moderately happier than those who inherited it. ✐ George Washington moved his slaves in and out of Pennsylvania every six months to avoid their taking advantage of a law whereby slaves residing in the state for longer periods could claim their freedom. ✐ One billion hours of video are watched on YouTube every day. ✐ Bored with your limited supply of cuss words? Try learning Latin, which contains about 800 obscenities to English's approximately 20 (depending on how we define the latter). ✐ In 1924, half of the world's cars were made by Ford. ✐ Folks who have difficulty recalling someone else's name shortly after they've met can blame it on the “nextin-line-effect,” or having too much anxiety about themselves and what they'll say next to focus on the name of someone to whom they were just introduced. ✐ A cyberchondriac is someone who scours the internet looking for details about their illnesses. ✐ Actor Frankie Muniz, who starred as the titular character in the TV series “Malcolm in the Middle,” doesn't recall his time on the show, due to multiple concussions and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks). ✐ Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote “The Gambler” to pay off his gambling debts. ✐ A study found that students who chewed gum earned better math test scores than those who didn't.

Mature Focus • January 2024

29

1. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”; 2. Arctic and Pacific; 3. Fear of good news; 4. 742 Evergreen Terrace; 5. Generally between 300500; 6. Third; 7. Suriname; 8. Internal organs of a young animal; 9. Late 14th century; 10. Copernicus.

Healthy Eyes: What to know about glaucoma

By Nikhil Wagle, M.D. More than three million people in the U.S. are estimated to be living with glaucoma. By 2030, that number is expected to increase by 58% to more than 4.2 million people.

Glaucoma is an eye disease typically characterized by elevated pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve as well as defects in the field of vision. The increase in eye pressure is caused by a reduction in the ability of fluid to drain from the eye, the cause of which is unknown. However, as eye pressure increases, nerve cells (which carry the information we require to see) are damaged, and gradually begin to die, which causes the loss of vision.

Usually, peripheral vision or “side” vision is lost first. This often goes unnoticed. Ultimately, central or reading vision is affected. Blindness caused by glaucoma occurs in thousands of people every year and is the most common cause of blindness in African-Americans.

Glaucoma can develop at any age in life, from infancy through late life, though it most often affects people who are 45 or older. Groups at increased risk include people who have a family history of glaucoma; African and Hispanic Americans; people who have diabetes, hypertension, myopia (nearsightedness), poor ocular circulation or a previous eye injury; people who have used steroid/cortisone medications on a longterm basis, and people with elevated intraocular pressure.

Regular dilated eye examinations are required for early detection of glaucoma. When detected early, treatment can generally control glaucoma and prevent loss of vision.

During the exam, a painless test to measure eye pressure is performed.

Structures of the eye also are examined, including the optic nerve.

Other tests can detect damage to the field of vision. Visual field tests measure light sensitivity of your eye.

Damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma produces a distinct pattern of visual field loss. Doctors can use the visual field to detect and follow the course of glaucoma over time.

Some patients can develop glaucoma without ever having high pressure. In other cases, individuals with elevated eye pressures may never develop glaucoma.

In most cases, glaucoma is a painless disease, so patients frequently are unaware that they have a problem until significant visual loss has already occurred. It has been estimated that half of those with glaucoma are unaware of their diagnosis.

Unfortunately, visual loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible.

Current treatments include topical and/or oral medications, laser surgery or conventional surgery. The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass can be used to treat mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. Inserted in conjunction with cataract surgery, the iStent works similarly to stents that prevent heart attacks and strokes.

It creates a permanent opening through the blockage to improve the

eye’s natural outflow to lower eye pressure and help prevent further damage.

Based on the discretion of your doctor, the procedure may reduce the number of glaucoma medications you need. About 70% of patients are able to eliminate one eye drop after they receive the iStent.

A new novel treatment modality for glaucoma has been approved by the FDA to help patients who have a difficult time using eye drops.

Durysta (bimatoprost implant) is a prescription medicine to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma.

With a quick office procedure, the Durysta implant can be inserted in the front chamber of the eye where it slowly releases the active medicine to help control the intraocular pressure.

Research is looking at the genetics of glaucoma, as well as examining certain neurotransmitters to determine the cause. Hopefully, this research will help identify the cause of glaucoma and improve methods of detection and treatment.

Dr. Nikhil Wagle is board-certified with a fellowship in glaucoma. He sees patients at Eye Surgeons Associates in Rock Island and Bettendorf. For more information, visit esaeyecare.com.

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician.

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All the news that’s fit

By Scott LaFee Observation “Everyone should have a few bad habits so he'll have something he can give up if his health fails.” - American writer Franklin P. Jones (1908-1980) Loneliness and Parkinson's Disease Increasingly, loneliness is being linked to a host of medical conditions and diseases. The latest is the neurological disorder Parkinson's disease. A new study found that even after accounting for confounding factors such as physical and mental health and sociodemographic differences, loneliness was deemed to boost the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Researchers said impaired metabolic, inflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways might be a reason.

Phobia of the Month Automatonophobia - fear of ventriloquist's dummies, animatronic creatures, wax statues - anything that falsely represents a sentient being.

Body of Knowledge The longest recorded (but unofficial) period a person has gone without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes (which is 453 hours and 40 minutes), held by a man participating in a rocking-chair marathon. By the end of the contest, the man was experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, blurry vision, slurred words and an inability to concentrate.

Regular periods of sleep are critical to health. A 2019 study found that human participants began experiencing neurological impairment after being awake for 16 hours. Sleep deprivation exceeding 24 hours resulted in reduced reaction time, slurred speech, impaired decision-making, diminished memory and attention, irritability, impaired vision, hearing, hand-eye

coordination and tremors.

A rare inherited disease called fatal familial insomnia causes patients to accumulate an abnormal protein in their brains, progressively worsening sleep. Their bodies and brains begin to deteriorate. The disorder kills most diagnosed patients within an average of 18 months.

Hypochondriac's Guide Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition in which the tongue's surface, covered with papillae or taste buds, exhibits raised patches of seemingly missing papillae. The resulting patterns can move around, sort of like palate tectonics.

Geographic tongue does not cause health issues. It's not related to infection or cancer. The cause is unknown but may be associated with other immune system-related conditions, such as psoriasis. The condition may continue for days, months or years. It often goes away on its own, though it may recur. There is no specific treatment.

Do you snore?

By the age of 60, it's estimated that 40% of women and 60% of men will snore. Snoring becomes more common with age because upper airway muscles lose tone, weight gain impairs air passage and alcohol and medications may exacerbate the issue.

The loudest snore recorded measured approximately 111.6 decibels, or the equivalent of a jet flying over your bed.

It Is No Laughing Matter Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns.

You know, those face-painted fellows whose primary job is to spread happiness and joy. Outside of a Stephen King novel, why should clowns inspire fear?

A new study in Frontiers in Psychology suggests an answer.

University of South Wales researchers surveyed 528 people who expressed a

fear of clowns or the act of clowning.

A key commonality was a perceived inability of the clown to clearly communicate their intentions.

Apparently, all that grease paint can mask their mirth, leaving some people apprehensive.

“There's something about not being able to read facial expressions,” lead author and psychology professor Philip John Tyson told The Washington Post. “And the fact that there might be something hidden and dangerous, there might be harmful intent behind the makeup.”

Moreover, the white paint and garish red mouth may suggest contagious disease, and the clowns’ unpredictability - anything for a laugh - can be discombobulating. Only in a few cases did study respondents cite a firsthand negative experience with an actual clown.

Of course, no one said they ventured into sewers either, which would be Pennywise and found-foolish.

YOUR NEXT CRUISE AWAITS! Picture Perfect Travel and Viking Cruise Lines present a cruise information night.

January 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm A Viking sales manager will provide information on 2024 cruise offerings with discounts and shipboard credits on selected sailings available only to those that attend!

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Mature Focus • January 2024

31

Talking Digital: Strengthen your defenses against online scams

By Adam Cochran Given that saving money ranks among the top New Year’s resolutions, this month’s column will focus on surefire methods to save significant amounts of money—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases.

While I usually write about topics like using apps, loyalty programs and exclusive discount programs to save money, this month, I’m going to tell you how to protect your computer, personal information and financial accounts from scammers and cyber criminals.

Below are some hypothetical, but very common, scenarios demonstrating how bad guys manipulate their targets into unwittingly surrendering the data they seek without using any fancy hacker techniques or nefarious software.

32 January 2024 • Mature Focus

SCENARIO 1: While perusing your Yahoo email, you come across an interesting headline or handy tip in one of the sponsor links. You click on it and a new window opens. As you scroll down, a virus alert pops up with an alarming sound. The message claims, “Microsoft has detected a virus infection on your computer.

Please call this number immediately to resolve the issue. All files and photos on your system are in danger of being deleted. Do not turn off your computer!”

You call the number or click on the link and a person with a foreign accent explains that he can take control of your computer and run a scan, which reveals that you have 24,000 infections and a corrupt DNS. However, the person assures you that he can easily correct the problem by installing a program and setting you up with a subscription for only $349.

The problem seems to go away, but an error

message pops up a few days later saying your computer is unusable due to a storage issue. However, a tech can help you with the problem if you call this provided number or follow the link.

The new tech remotely controls your computer and tells you the problem is critical and you may lose all of your pictures unless you subscribe to a $10/month service.

This is a scam. Your computer never had a virus. The original alert was a cleverly designed ad that used a window that couldn’t be closed to counterfeit a computer error. If you had shut off your computer and turned it back on, your computer would have continued to run as good as ever.

SCENARIO 2: You receive a text alert that your Wells Fargo account is overdrawn and you need to call the given number or reply to the text immediately to address the issue. You call the number.

“Hello, thank you for calling Wells Fargo, my name is Charlie. For

training purposes, this call is being You call the number and that tech fielded your call was an employee recorded, is that okay?” explains that he will need to remotely within the call center who accepts You agree. control your computer. Once conbounties to route certain types of cusWhen Charlie asks how he can nected, your screen is obscured by a tomers and issues so they can harvest help, you describe the message explaining that private information and hijack the text. the technician is pervictim’s accounts.

“I want to make sure we forming scans and that Preventing this type of hack, scam get this taken care of, but I you shouldn’t turn off or fraud is easy. Follow these six simneed to verify that you are your computer. ple rules. the account holder.”

You can see him mov1. Don’t panic.

Charlie then provides ing the mouse, but the 2. The only people who should information that estabwindow is blocking remotely control your computer are lishes he does indeed what he’s working on. family and support technicians you work for Wells Fargo. He The tech asks you to know personally.

SCAM provides your first and last agree to a few prompts 3. Ask a friend or local expert what name, address, birthday that appear on the screen they think before taking any action. and the last four digits of before closing the win4. Don’t trust someone just because your debit card. He then dow and assures you the they have an accent and/or know a asks for the last four digits of your problem is solved. few details about you. social security number and the secuTwo days later, you notice that you 5. No legitimate entity will ever rity code on the back of the card as can’t get into your social media, your report or arrest you for practicing verification. bank or your Gmail account. You careful due diligence.

You provide the information he reboot and discover the password for 6. If you’re scared, feel intimidated asks for. Charlie explained there was Windows isn’t working either. or are pressured to act immediately, a $300 charge on Amazon, but they You try to call both technician it’s ALWAYS a scam, a shady salesreported the issue and reversed the numbers. The manufacturer’s tech person, or both. charge. explains that the second number isn’t Send your technology questions to You are relieved until you discover connected to their company and you Adam in care of Mature Focus, or days later that, not only had you must have been scammed. email him at AdamC@Talking never been charged $300, but someIt appears the initial tech who Digital.org one drained your entire account into a PayPal account that no longer exists.

And you discover that PayPal’s pro¾Q2 ¾©Å±¾2( k2 (2© Vwɺ cesses for recovering the lost funds u2(V! V(ɹ á 2w2IV¾±ɹ can take weeks or months to resolve.

The person who sent the original ±2wV © (á ! !è w( text was a scammer who exploited data he obtained from a list of user k wJʚ¾2©u ! ©2 information he purchased online.

This data was probably sold to him ¦k wwVwJɸ by a former web designer of a local restaurant website that you ordered takeout from during the COVID shutdown.

SCENARIO 3: The computer you Xǔ Ɏǝƺ Ɏǣȅƺ ƬȒȅƺɀ ɎǝƏɎ ɵȒɖȸ ǼȒɮƺƳ Ȓȇƺ ȇƺƺƳɀ Ə purchased at a big box retailer is havǝǣǕǝƺȸ ǼƺɮƺǼ Ȓǔ ƬƏȸƺً ƬǝƏǼǼƺȇǕƺɀ ɯǣǼǼ ǝƏȵȵƺȇِ ing problems, so you call the support number listed on the manufacturer’s ³Ɏȸƺɀɀ ƏȇƳ ƬȒɀɎɀ ɯǣǼǼ ȸǣɀƺِ JȒǼƳƺȸ!Əȸƺ ǣɀ ǝƺȸƺ ɎȒ website which matches the documenǝƺǼȵ ǕɖǣƳƺ ƏȇƳ ƺƳɖƬƏɎƺِ áƺ ƏƳɮȒƬƏɎƺ ǔȒȸ ɵȒɖٍ tation that came with your computer.

A representative poses pertinent questions to confirm your identity without delving into any useful private information. Upon understand!ƏǼǼ JȒǼƳƺȸ!Əȸƺ ɎȒƳƏɵٍ ing the nature of your issue, he ɯɯɯِǕȒǼƳƺȸƬƏȸƺِƬȒȅ explains that it’s handled by a differ٢‫ח׎ב‬٣ ‫בואאٮגהו‬ ent department and provides the correct number.

Mature Focus • January 2024

33

FINANCIAL FOCUS ®

By Edward Jones Now that we’ve reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make - volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others - why not make some financial resolutions, too?

Here are a few to consider: ⻬ Boost your retirement savings.

If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered.

New Year’s financial resolutions And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k). ⻬ Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts - but it’s worth the effort. The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow. Look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever. ⻬ Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a

SEE BETTER LIVE BETTER EXAMS AND GLASSES (563) 323-2020 l (309) 793-2020 A routine exam can detect hidden eye diseases. Schedule an exam and preserve your vision.

34 January 2024 • Mature Focus

ESAEYECARE.COM

liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress. ⻬ Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” - especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio. It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs. ⻬ Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years. If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies. ⻬ Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estate-planning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways.

Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2024 - and beyond.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. with nearly 19,000 financial advisors serving more than eight million clients. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Mature Focus Volunteer Spotlight

By Ken Ferris Our special volunteer this issue is George Carpenter from near Illinois City, southwest of the Quad Cities.

He was born in Mercer County during the depression and was one of six children. His father was a sharecropper requiring the family to relocate frequently.

“Food was scarce in those days,” he said. George attended four one-room schools and two high schools.

extra help in math. As chaplin for the American Legion, he performs funerals for veterans and is an elder in his church.

Asked how much longer he intends to give his time away, he replied, “As long as I am here.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illinois City Fireman Parade Marshall George with his late wife, Irene next to a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe.

Our Cover ‘Downhill Racer’

by Gary Patterson Gary Patterson is one of America’s most recognized and loved artists. For over 40 years he has used his unique talent to create smiles throughout the world.

Today millions of people own or recognize the distinctive characters and the many fanciful details that are a hallmark of Gary’s work. For more information about the artist, visit garypatterson.com

The U.S. Army was next. Korea was to be his first assignment, but he exhibited extraordinary math skills redirecting him to Nuremberg, Germany. After discharge he attended Black Hawk College and Hamilton Tech., followed by 40 years working for George Carpenter with great grandJohn Deere, leaving as an engineer. During this time he and his daughter, Jade. wife operated Thunderhead Resort Camp north of Illinois City.

Do you know a volunteer who George was married to his now deserves to be recognized? In the late wife for 70 years. They met at coming months, Mature Focus a roller skating gathering. He will be highlighting Quad City asked her for the last skate called volunteers who go above and bey“Moonlight Dance.” She accepted ond for their community, making and the spark was ignited. a positive difference in the lives For the Mercer County Veterans of others. Email your volunteer Association, George transports nominees to Kevin Ferris at veterans to medical appointments kevin@maturefocus92.com and in Iowa City, Galesburg, and the tell us why your nominee Davenport Clinic. He also tutors deserves special recognition for high school students who need his or her exceptional service.

Mature Focus • January 2024

35

Mayo Clinic: Why dogs are good for your health

By Tahir Tak, M.D., Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, Onalaska and Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Heidi Grafft, exercise physiologist, La Crosse, Wis., Rochester, Minn.

Q: We’re thinking about getting a dog. We know they’re great companions, but how are they good for your health?

A: People with dogs know the benefits of pet ownership. The unconditional love, trust and loyalty shown by your canine companions, coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm on your return home each day, is hard to put into words.

There’s another plus of having a dog by your side: It improves your overall physical and mental health.

Here’s how.

Dogs get you moving A notable benefit is that dogs force you to get up and move. One research study found that dog owners are more likely to report regular physical activity than people who don’t own dogs.

Activities associated with dog ownership, like feeding, grooming, playing and letting them outside, all increase physical activity levels.

Physical activity improves blood flow, induces muscle contraction and reduces joint stiffness.

Dogs also require regular exercise and will greet it with smiles and wagging tails. In addition to a typical walk, you can work hiking and running into your outings with your dog depending on its breed. People who regularly perform aerobic exercise

36 January 2024 • Mature Focus

have improved blood pressure, reduced blood sugar levels, bettercontrolled weight and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Other studies have demonstrated that exercise can improve depression and anxiety.

Over time, exercise will help strengthen your muscles, bones and joints. You may notice that your usual route is feeling easier so you decide to stay out longer or walk up that extra hill.

When selecting a new puppy or dog, carefully consider its energy levels and exercise requirements. It’s best when your lifestyle and activity levels match that of your canine

buddy.

Dogs help your weight Exercise burns calories and helps you maintain a healthy weight. In one study, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their nondog-owning neighbors.

The same research found that dog owners also are more likely to report a healthy diet and blood sugar at ideal levels, which improves overall heart health. Walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

That 30 minutes of light-to-moderate dog walking also can help you

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achieve deeper, more restful sleep.

Health care professionals recommend adults aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.

One way to get walking with your new dog is to start a 12-week walking schedule.

Dogs promote social connection Owning a dog has been linked to better mental health and a lower perception of social isolation, which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cognitive issues. Being socially isolated is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death.

Dog owners interact more with other people, such as other dog owners and people they encounter on walks, and are less likely to experience depression.

Consider training your dog for pet therapy to gain the dual benefits of connection and volunteering.

For people who work from home, there are four significant ways pets can help with your mental health: ⽦ Reducing work-related stress.

Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health.

Pets in the workplace, even at home, reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction. ⽦ Managing anxiety. With the increase in work-from-home jobs, more people are struggling with mental health. Pets can provide the companionship and support once found in the office. ⽦ Increasing activity. Dogs give you a reason to go outside, breathe in fresh air and get some physical activity. ⽦ Combating loneliness. The bond with pets helps people feel less alone. Owners can touch, see, hear or talk to their companion animals, which brings happiness, connection and physical contact.

There’s also research showing the benefits of animal-assisted therapy during rehabilitation for nervous system conditions, such as strokes, seizure disorders, brain trauma and infections. Dogs can be a valuable part of cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy and physical therapy

programs. They can provide social support, and trained dogs can even participate in your rehabilitation or therapy sessions.

Big decision, win-win solution Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, and you should carefully consider the responsibilities.

However, you also should consider the many wonderful health and emotional benefits that come from dog

ownership.

The bottom line is that a dog can help you be more active and socially connected while improving your overall health. It’s a win-win solution — and doggone fun.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinic Q&A@mayo.edu.

For more information, visit mayo clinic.org.

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Mature Focus • January 2024

37

An American president, a bank chairman, and me

By Lynn Walker Gendusa It was the late 6os, and when my husband began a job teaching in Fayette County, Georgia, we moved to a new town under development called Peachtree City. The community included a post office attached to a bank, one small grocery store, a café, and a handful of new homes.

I began working as the youngest teller at the bank with less than ten other employees.

Floy Farr was the Bank President, a founding father of Peachtree City, and, in 1968, also Chairman of the State's Finance Council for the Democratic Party. When Mr. Farr realized math was not my specialty, but people were, he appointed me the greeter. He also prayed one day, I might be able to balance my cash drawer.

“Lynn, I have a lunch meeting with

a gentleman from South Georgia.

Please let me know when he arrives because I will be in my office until then.” It was not unusual for Mr. Farr to receive dignitaries, politicians, CEOs, architects, and farmers throughout the day.

On a bright spring day, Mr. Farr’s guest was a bit late, but finally, a gentleman walked through the heavy glass doors to my window. “Hello,” he said with a friendly smile, “my name is Jimmy Carter, and I have a lunch appointment with Mr. Farr.”

“He is expecting you but is on the phone now.” I continued, “I hear you are considering running for governor of Georgia. What do you do now?”

“I’m a peanut farmer!” he laughed as he replied.

Mr. Carter must have read my mind because he described his credentials and achievements. “Whoa, so you must be pretty smart, hey?” I

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responded with a red face.

When Mr. Farr heard the ensuing laughter, he decided to get the intelligent peanut farmer away from his over-friendly, borderline-brash employee.

“Lynn, watch Jimmy until you can no longer see him. Never forget this day because that man you see leaving is going to the top. And one day, you will tell your grandchildren the story of how you shared a banana sandwich with a President.”

When they were ready to leave for lunch, my main interest was preparing my sandwich in the back room.

The room was a storage area off a small bookkeeping office. Complete with a card table that held a coffee pot, paper cups, a loaf of white bread, and enough room to make a sandwich. There was a small fridge where we housed a few sodas, condiments, and folks’ lunches. The only seating was a black vinyl and chrome loveseat, big enough for two, surrounded by stacked boxes of papers.

As I began slicing my one banana, Mr. Farr peered around the door.

“Lynn, do you have enough lunch for two more folks?”

“Yes, sir, I can share, but I thought the two of you would get fried chicken down at the café?” I questioned.

“Nope, we decided to stay here.

Just slice the banana thin, and we can all eat lunch!” Mr. Farr stated with gusto while Jimmy shook his head in agreement.

I prepared the thinly sliced banana sandwiches, placed them on paper plates with doled-out chips, and began to take my lunch to the teller station when Iheard, “no, you stay and eat with us, the two gentlemen insisted.”

“Lynn, let me show you my pride and joy.” Mr. Carter exclaimed as he stood to retrieve a wallet from his back pocket. “Here she is, my baby daughter, Amy Lynn!”

I sat cramped between the two men on the old loveseat as they talked politics, a future governor’s race, and finance. With every idea they had, they asked a 20-year-old her opinion.

Of course, I gave one, but I was still unsure why I was involved.

When my regular 30-minute break was over, Mr. Farr insisted I stay until the three of us walked to the lobby over an hour later. I hugged the man from Plains, Georgia goodbye and began my return to the teller line when Mr. Farr stopped me.

“Lynn, watch Jimmy until you can no longer see him. Never forget this day because that man you see leaving is going to the top. And one day, you will tell your grandchildren the story of how you shared a banana sandwich with a President.”

I wrote President-elect Jimmy

Carter a letter in 1976 about the day Mr. Farr insisted we share my lunch and his prediction as we watched him walk away. I ended the letter with, “if I had known you were going to actually pull this off, I would have fried a chicken!”

Of course, he responded with a note and an invitation to his Presidential inauguration because sometimes decent, God-loving men don't fall prey to the charm of power.

I didn't have the money to travel to Washington, but today, I have a story to tell my grandchildren about the

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a newspaper columnist in Georgia and a contributor to the USA Today Network. She is the author of “It’s all WRITE with Me: Essay’s from My Heart” and her newest, “Southern Comfort.” She can be reached at lynngendusa.com.

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39

Savoring luck around the world: A culinary countdown for a lucky new year

PHOTO: JasonCoblentz.com

noses symbolize progress, richness from fat and prosperity from their plumpness. Make Mini Pork Southern Sliders: Bake As we welcome the New Year, mini corn muffins and let's explore global traditions bidding create sliders with ham or farewell to the old, welcoming the pulled pork, compound new with hopes of health, wealth and butter (1/2 cup butter + 2 good luck. Whether superstitious or a tbsp minced green onion) culinary adventurer, dive into the and a dab of fruit jam. world of international foodie customs Black-Eyed Peas: In the for a bountiful year ahead!

South, eating black-eyed Grapes on Skewers: Let's follow peas on New Year's Day the Spanish tradition of consuming a Lucky New Year's charcuterie board with is a classic tradition grape for each stroke of the clock at delicious traditions from around the world! believed to bring luck and midnight, symbolizing good luck for prosperity.

From Alabama each month of the upcoming year. to Brazil, Georgia to Round Fruits: Various cultures like Greece, and Florida to the Philippines, China, Vietnam and inspired toppings, like Irish cheddar Italy, this legume is a global symbol Indonesia include round fruits like and chives, for a nod to Irish New of good fortune. oranges and apples. The circular Year's traditions. shapes symbolize coins, wealth and Mini Pork Sliders: Pork is one of HOPPIN' JOHN DIP prosperity. the luckiest New Year's foods from Yield: 2 cups Luck of the Irish Potato Bites: the Southern U.S. to celebrations Total Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes Create mini potato bites with Irish- worldwide. Pigs' forward-rooting 3 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, DAT ATE TOUR PRICE PP DOUBLE | SINGLE 4/15-4/24 Beach Bumming in Myrtle Beach $2650 | $3200 chopped 4/25-4/26 Fireside Dinner Theatre & The Dancing Horses $475 | $530 4 green onions, chopped 4/29-5/2 Tip To Toe Through the Tulips $840 | $1000 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, 5/6-5/11 Sing the Glory Down $1825 | $2275 rinsed and drained 5/14-5/24 Utah’s Grand Circle $4025 | $4950 Hot sauce, optional 6/3-6/8 Mackinac Island in Bloom $1850 | $2250 6/13 The Celebration Belle Classic Oldies River Cruise $175 PER PERSON In a mixing bowl, stir together the 6/19-6/27 Bluegrass Trail - Louisville & Nashville $2675 | $3350 vinegar sugar, salt, olive oil and gar7/8-7/16 Boston & Salem PRICING COMING SOON! lic. Add parsley, green onions, black7/20-7/28 Treasures of Wyoming PRICING COMING SOON! eyed peas and hot sauce if using.

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LUCKY LENTIL BRUSCHETTA Here's a delicious three-layer bruschetta starting with creamy whipped

feta, followed by marinated lentils, topped with delicious tomatoes.

thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours before serving.

WHIPPED FETA Yield: 1 cup Total Time: 5 minutes 4 ounces feta cheese 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 small lemon, for zest, and 2 tablespoons juice One small clove of garlic, finely minced Using a hand mixer or a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

TOMATO BRUSCHETTA -From Page 6 Yield: 1 cup country. We should eliminate mockTotal Time: 5 minutes ing portraits of doddering old men 1 (15 ounce) can petite cut tomatoes and women as swiftly as we now with sweet onion and garlic eliminate stereotypes of Black people, 1/4 cup olive oil Asian people or LGBTQ+ people.

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar We should consider phrases that 2 tablespoons minced parsley insult older people - like “old white In a mixing bowl, place all ingremen” - as hateful as those that insult dients and stir to combine. ethnic or gender groups.

Of course, I believe we make our own luck, but the connection we feel when we embrace these cultural traditions remind us of who we are, where we come from and the universal desire to prosper. Cheers to a very happy New Year!

MARINATED LENTILS Yield: 2 cups Total Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or red wine or rice vinegar) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cups cooked green lentils Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Add the lentils to the marinade and mix

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit divasonadime.com. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com

Albom

And we should find ways to honor our elderly that don’t feel condescending, forced or pathetic. To do that, we have to believe in our hearts that growing old is a gift, and that our senior years are something to aspire to, not avoid.

Mel Brooks had it right. It’s will to live that will keep you going. But the “doctor” has to be inside us, and his prescription has to be hope. We would all rally to save the lives of our youngest citizens. Why shouldn’t we do the same for our oldest?

Suicide prevention help If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can contact 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You also can call 911, go to the nearest emergency room. The National Institute of Mental Health, a federal agency, also notes warning signs and risk factors.

Contact Mitch Albom at malbom@freepress.com. Check out the latest updates with his charities, books, and events at MitchAlbom.com Mature Focus • January 2024

41

Book people like me must find better ways to introduce, share the joy of words participation in the arts. Though I admire all creative pursuits, my heart belongs to the written word for obvious reasons. I’m a journalist I try to keep an open mind about and a fiction writer, and my stock in behaviors that seem foreign and inexplicable to me, but some remain trade is irretrievably tied baffling no matter how hard I try to to the habit of reading. In short, I have a vested understand them. That’s because I interest in nurturing more have no frame of reference or reland better readers. evant experience with which to The new NEA study approach them. They’re like Cyrillic underscores my long-held script: impenetrable. worry that we’re surrenAdults’ reading habits (or lack dering to ignorance, at thereof) truly confound me. I love best, or succumbing to books so much. I enjoy the escape stupidity, at worst. I do between the covers so thoroughly that every national survey about the not doubt that reading makes you smarter, more rate of readers’ participation leaves me scratching my head. The general empathetic and less population’s disinterest in reading is stressed.

It’s an excellent and fun senseless, stunning — and petrifybrain exercise. But fewer of us are ing. doing it.

How can this be?

The report found that less than The latest report to cross my desk half of us had read a book for pleasis the National Endowment for the Arts’ 2022 survey that tracks public ure in 2022. In the 12-month period that ended in July 2022, Making Friends 48.5% of adults Welcome Service, Inc.

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42 January 2024 • Mature Focus

read one or more books. That was down from 52.7% in 2017, the last time the NEA did the survey. It was a sizable drop, though that percentage has been slipping for years.

Between 2012 and 2017, for instance, reading fell by just under two percentage points.

Non-fiction fared the worst, with three of its four categories suffering “significant decline.” The percentage of adults reading a nonfiction book ranged from less than 15% to

an unimpressive high of 18.4% percent, depending on the genre.

Fiction had little to cheer about, either. A miserly 37.6% had read a novel or a story, down four points between 2017 and 2022. Men were the most disengaged readers.

The habits of the younger generation hardly provide hope, adding salt to the wound. Recently released research into the 8-to-18

Bowl reading parties with chili and guac and a comfy recliner. Let’s gift a new novel for Christmas.

Our slogan? Making books fashionable and reading glamorous since 2023.

Ana Veciana-Suarez writes about family and social issues. Email her at avecianasuarez@gmail.com or visit her website anavecianasuarez.com.

Mind Gym Answers Puzzles on page 22 & 23.

The new NEA study underscores my long-held worry that we’re surrendering to ignorance, at best, or succumbing to stupidity, at worst.

year-olds shows that fewer than half (43%) of kids say they enjoy reading in their free time, down from 58% in 2016. That’s a pretty steep drop too.

I could continue with more depressing figures from other studies, but I won’t. For somebody who grew up hiding under the covers to read into the night, news of this kind is hard to stomach. It breaks my heart, especially after spending a wonderful weekend attending the Miami Book Fair.

I cling to the hope that the fault lies not in the product but in the marketing. Book people like me must find better ways to introduce and share the joy of words. We must make reading as cool as a Kardashian knit jogger, as coveted as a Taylor Swift concert ticket, as essential as AirPods. In fact, maybe we can borrow a page from Apple’s marketing playbook.

We should also start with symbolic acts. Let’s move the smart TV to the corner of the living room and put a shelf of books where the screen once stood. Let’s host Super

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