Mature Lifestyles Jan. 2012 Southwest edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Take Your Oxygen First

Leeza Gibbons

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1

: at .com e fl it bs tion e r w nnec u it o rco s i V n io . se w w

Finding Peace Along I-95

• Technology: Of Lovers and Liars • It’s On the Tip of My Tongue • Leaving Your Home • He Walked Above the Clouds

SOUTHWEST

JANUARY 2012

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 2

Extension Service Has Answers for Everyday Life Situations

BY JANICE DOYLE

t’s not your father’s Cooperative Extension Service anymore. If you knew the Extension Service in your youth, you may have been a part of 4-H or an agriculture program. Today’s Extension Service, however, still helps people use research-based knowledge to improve their lives. You will be Karen Headlee and Celia Hill, happy to know that their services Extension Agents are available to help improve your give basic diabetes education. But everyday life all through your life. that’s just the beginning. “I work Once known as home economists, with seniors in communication today’s agents Karen Headlee and skills, stress relief, fall prevention. Celia Hill are known as Family & We give information on estate Consumer Science Extension Agents with the Lee County Extension office. planning and financial planning.” The women agree that for seniors one Headlee says, “We are an education of the biggest difficulties is grasping component of the Florida Extension. their changing nutrition needs. How I work in human development and can that be? Headlee says, “We’ve have a certificate in gerontology.” found that seniors think ‘I’ve been Celia Hill works with seniors as doing it this way forever and it hasn’t well. She may talk about nutrition killed 12/21/11 me yet.’ So3:45 theyPM are Page eating1 too atWOW_80199_43888_10x4.75:WOW-80199_10x4.75 senior friendship centers and

much salt as well as higher protein diets than necessary.” Snacking, they point out to seniors, has to be considered in what you eat in a day—sodium, calories, fat and all. Both women encourage seniors to eat better and do some exercise every day (even chair dancing). “Some of those changes could make a difference in medications needed,” says Headlee. “If you drink more water and limit intake of caffeine, colas, etc., you might have less issues with confusion, memory and have better elimination. We’re not telling them to give up everything—just trying to help them have a better, healthier life.” Hill’s expertise includes finances and basic money management. In her training sessions with senior groups, she’ll bring in an attorney and an insurance agent. “What we find is that if people don’t have their legal paperwork put together it’s so much harder when there’s a passing than if it were done.” She can help individuals or

groups with preplanning strategies to save the family money and heartache. Developmental changes for seniors, according to the two women, include flexibility and stability issues. “We want seniors to learn exercises to help keep their strengths and to learn fall prevention.” The University of Florida Extension Service covers a wide area of expertise that is available to the public. Gardening and lawn care are still a big part of the county extension services which seniors might use, covering plant and insect problems. Agents are available to work with issues such as grandparents raising grandchildren, food safety issues and even intergenerational communications issues. Call the Extension Office and ask what programs are available this year for your group or find help for an individual question. To learn more, call (239) 533-7500 or go online at lee.ifas.ufl.edu or solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu.

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Note to Self: Things to Think About in 2012 7. Laugh more! Yes, I want to laugh more in 2012.

Dear Readers,

t’s that time of year again. No, let’s don’t try making actual resolutions, since we’re old enough to have gone through Janice Doyle, many stages with Editor the traditional New Year’s Resolutions thing. There were years we were confident we could really change our weight or our income or a behavior. Other years we were so cynical (or so busy) that we didn’t even bother setting a simple goal. All of us have made resolutions which we didn’t keep. So I’ve made a list of, not really resolutions, but ideas I want to keep reconsidering this year. I want to come back to them every so often as reminders of the person I want to be. That way I won’t get down on myself if I don’t live up to all of them by March 1 or some other self-serving date. Maybe something here will stir you to join me in looking at others and myself in a new and more humane light in 2012. 1. This year I want to take time to remember that, regardless of what I might think when I ponder on the world situation, God is still in control and we are but a “blip on the screen” of His time. My part in that? Psalm 100: 4, 5 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” So I will be more thankful and praise Him. 2. I will try to think about caregivers in my community more and do something for them when I can. After talking with TV personality Leeza Gibbons (see the story about her in this issue), I want to help. For me, at this time, it will be something simple that says, “I care.”

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 4

8. Years ago Ann Landers advised to “Walk tall and smile more. You’ll look 10 years younger.” (10 years younger? Wow!) 9. I will say, “I love you” again and again. They are the sweetest words in the world. Some years ago I had a friend who loved to read, as I do. She became caregiver for her husband who had Alzheimer’s. I would take bags of books to her periodically. It was always a warm feeling to know my book choices were keeping her company during the long days and nights she sat with her husband. I’m sure there’s another reader out there! 3. This year I will think “local” whenever possible in order to boost my hometown economy. I will give gift certificates to locally owned beauty shops, use an independently owned car repair shop and buy my veggies at local produce stands. My home repairs and home improvement work will be done by people who are raising their families within my community. 4. I plan to do a little more exercise every week than I have been doing. Doctors tell us that just about anything we do to exercise makes a difference in our physical and emotional well-being. I walk several miles a week now—I’m just going to add a few more times around the block each week. 5. This is a hard one, but I will be better off if I cut a few hundred calories a week.

6. Most of all, I will remain flexible! Life is short, circumstances that are beyond my control will come up and my priorities will have to change. I can do this.

Humor Matters And now, just for fun, from the website Humor Matters™, take a look as Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D., a Mirthologist and Clinical Psychologist, gives us some just-forfun “affirmations” for the new year. Read them and laugh with me. And remember, they’re all in good fun— not recommended lifestyle changes!

• I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault. • My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of wisdom and judgment. • I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain. • I will strive to live each day as if it were my 50th birthday. • Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so!” • I will no longer waste my time reliving the past; I will spend it worrying about the future. • Before I criticize a man, I will walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he’s a mile away and barefoot. Now, didn’t it feel good to laugh at how we sometimes think!

Our staff wishes you a blessed and happy new year.

Lee, Collier & Charlotte

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

General Manager: Dave Tarantul Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle janice@srmagazine.com

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ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the February 2012 issue is January 15, 2012. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

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hursdays and Fridays Historical Herrmann’s Lipizzaner Stallions training sessions open to the public! 3 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. Donations welcome. No tickets needed. Stallions available for viewing any day of the week! 32755 Singletary, Myakka City. Info: hlipizzans.com or (941) 322-1501.

Florida Symphony concert— Wagner and Mozart. Schein Hall, 900 Dunlop, Sanibel. 8 p.m. swflso.org or (239) 418-1500.

18 and 25 Wednesday Morning Live lecture series. Local speakers; timely subjects of interest. 9:30 a.m. coffee; 10 a.m. speaker. No registration required. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call (239) 334-8937 or e-mail info@covpcfm.com.

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and 21 “The Envelope Please—a Night at the Oscars” program by the Southwest Symphony Pops Orchestra. Music from the cinema. 8 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Hall. Swflso.org. or (239) 481-4849.

and 31 Tea experiences with the Uncommon Friends Foundation at the Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2205 First St., Ft. Myers. 24 $25 tickets. 31 Hawaiian Teas; $30 tickets. 1 to 2:30 p.m. (239) 337-9505 or burroughshome.com for info.

– Feb. 4 “The Year of Magical Dinner Show by “the one man Thinking” at Fla. Repertory TheBaby Boomer Band” at Lake atre Studio Theatre, 2267 First St., Ft. Kennedy Senior Center, 400 Santa Myers. Portrait of a woman’s journey Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. $23/non through love and loss. (239) 332-4488. members. 7 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call (239) 574-0575. – Feb. 11 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, live performance – 28 Ghost Walk tours of at Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater, historic Koreshan State Historic 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Site, Estero. Tours leave every 15 minMore details at (239) 472-6862. utes from 7 to 8 p.m. (941) 992-0311. – 15 Food and Wine Weekend – 29 Vietnam Wall at the Lee at Gasparilla Inn & Club, County Sports Complex. Boca Grande. Celebrity chefs; Details at (239) 533-7275. wine lovers. (941) 964-4500. Pug Olympics, dog-friendly – 15 Bonita Springs Art fundraiser for the public Festival in downtown Bonita library system. Bell Tower Shops, Springs. Info: (239) 495-8989. 13499 Bell Tower Dr., Ft. Myers. 500 dogs. $5 donation requested. Kayak Alligator Creek in Noon to 4 p.m. (239) 489-1221. Punta Gorda with GAEA Guides. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. $50/person. – Feb. 11 Me and My Girl Reservations needed. (239) 694-5513. at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Tickets at (239) 278-4422. Book Discussion. Harry Turtledove—Great War Series: Send Around Town news to Senior How Few Remain. Fort Myers Library. Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Noon to 1 p.m. Call (239) 479-4636. Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received “Yours Affectionately, John by the 10th of the month prior to event Keats,” presentation by Bill Studdiford, featuring Ian Frost as John (i.e. January 10 for February event.)

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From Leeza Gibbons to Caregivers:

Take Your Own Oxygen First the caregiver because we know that if we take better care of the caregiver, we will get better outcomes for the receiver. Taking your oxygen ﬁrst is the really most selﬂess thing to do.

BY JANICE DOYLE

Leeza Gibbons

lzheimer’s disease doesn’t discriminate. It strikes men and women, rich and poor, famous and ordinary. I talked by phone with TV personality Leeza Gibbons, whose firsthand knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease motivated her to become an activist for family caregivers. Her grandmother died of the disease at the same time Gibbons’ mother received her own diagnosis. Now, when she is not gracing the airwaves, Gibbons (54) spends her time heading up Leeza’s Place, a place both online and in real life working on behalf of caregivers. “It’s a place for caregivers to get educated, empowered and energized as they care for someone they love.” Gibbons said they teach caregivers to “take your oxygen ﬁrst, meaning nourish yourself, keep your body strong, take a break and forgive, forgive, forgive…the ﬁrst steps to caring for your loved one.” I asked her to tell us what she had learned.

Q: What are some practical ways to do that? LG: We advocate that

caregivers take the first five minutes and the last five minutes of every day for personal reflection, to do some deep breathing and ask “where are my reserves? How am I doing emotionally? Am I feeling angry or resentful? Am I sad? Do I feel guilty?” Acknowledge those feelings. Realize that you need support, that you can’t do this alone. We’re not infinite resources. People roll their eyes when we say to take even a five-minute walk every day. But it allows you to get out of your environment so you can cope with greater skill. It gives you oxygen to your brain and your heart so that you will have more physical and emotional reserves to draw from.

Q: What is a practical way to help a caregiver? LG: If someone asks to help, a great

ﬁrst response by the caregiver is to ask them to prepare some veggies or healthy snacks and put them in zip lock bags so when you want to eat, the snacks you grab are healthy ones.

Q: At Leeza’s Place, Q: What can caregivers do to you recommend “take your own oxygen first”? scrapbooking. Why? LG: Scrapbooking and memorykeepLG: Walking the path of a caregiver is extraordinarily challenging and depleting at every level—spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically. When we advocate “take your own oxygen first,” the idea is to shift focus from the diagnosed individual to

ing give us validation. When we take the time to elevate an experience—a trip, a shared hug, a moment in time that was special—it lets us know that our life matters and that’s all any of us wants to know.

When we scrapbook, we suggest that you pull out photos that will make a loved one feel competent and in control of their lives. It can be multigenerational. An 8-year-old and 80-year-old can both cut, add to a page, tell about a moment in time. Working together demystiﬁes the experience for the child. Kids feel more secure if they have information, and if we make them a part of the process, their fear lessens. And journaling forces you to think about feelings. Sometimes in caregiving, we hurt so much we run from our feelings.

Gibbons and her mother.

Q: Did you make a scrapbook with your mother? LG: I did. I had a sense

of urgency to record her incredible life, to make sure my children knew how funny she was and how fancy she was and the way she loved to celebrate. It also allowed me to rewind to a time before me, to see her as a girl. Doing it was very healing for me.

Q: What was she like as a grandmother? LG: My mom had been vocal and excited about having grandchildren. One time when she was visiting and my kids were very young, I remember feeling a cross between anger and resentment that my mother wasn’t really “present”

with the kids. I realize now it was the beginning stages of the disease and that she wasn’t comfortable in her own skin. One of her big dreams was to take her grandchildren on a cross-country train trip. She never got to do that, so part of what I scrapbooked was what my mom’s hopes and dreams were about the grandchildren.

Q: Any bittersweet stories you want to share? LG: When I was a little girl, Mom

would say, “When I die, don’t let your dad put me in high heels and pearls. I want to be buried in my pajamas.” I didn’t understand, but I carried that with me into adulthood. We buried her in this comfortable gown and buying it was the last dutiful daughter experience that I did for her what she wanted.

Q: What about your father through all of this? LG: My dad cared so lovingly for my mom. He’s an example of taking his oxygen. He found buddies that supported him, and I’m so proud of him. Resources:

Leezasplace.com Alzheimersdisease.com

What caregivers can do: Offer up Words of Wisdom for others who are struggling. Go to Alzheimersdisease.com through Feb. 29 to enter your caregiving tips. The top ten will receive gift certiﬁcates and be published on the site. Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 7

Is It Time to Pursue Your Dreams? • Choose the back-to-school path and kick-start a dream or finish one you put on hold years ago. • Take a sabbatical to work at your dream. Getting away from the work routine can help you prioritize your goals.

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re you a Baby Boomer contemplating the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” You may want to remain active and engaged, make a contribution to your community or recapture dreams that you let go earlier in your life. If you’re still working, those may just be dreams—how will you turn them into reality? Many paths can lead you to what’s next in pursuing your dreams. Here are a few ideas:

• The volunteering path lets you use your skills and can take you next door or around the world.

• Take a radical path—become an activist for a cause. Or maybe becoming an entrepreneur or innovator fits your life better.

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to be a pro golfer,” said Keith Gockenbach, who retired from a career as an engineer to take his shot at joining the senior tour. “When I finally got to a point in my life when I could take my shot, I did. I learned a lot more about living life than I did about golf.” Gockenbach’s book Inside, Outside and On The Ropes includes some life tips he found on the way to the dream:

spending two years on lessons and never becoming very good. And, I’ve certainly had more people say to me, “I admire you for chasing your dream,” than I’ve had say or even imply, “You’re crazy to try.”

• If you don’t enter, you can’t win. It’s easy to be stopped by the daunting odds that face a pro every week, trying to get on the Champions Tour. After shoulder surgery, I passed on entering three qualifiers where I could have qualified with a low round, as I later did at Sarasota. But when I didn’t enter, I eliminated that opportunity.

• Every stroke counts. I know from playing in the qualifiers that one shot here or there can make the difference between qualifying and going home empty-handed. Life works the same way. When you’re driving a car, focus on safe driving. When you meet someone, take the extra two seconds to learn their name. Give your full attention, even if it’s less than a minute. Every interaction in life deserves a positive approach and relaxed focus. It’s a good habit to develop.

• The greatest regrets in life are for things you didn’t do, not the things you did and did poorly. People usually regret stopping after only a few piano lessons a lot more than

So, if there’s a dream in your head, what can you do to start making it come true? As retirement years stretch before the boomers, there are dreams waiting in the wings.

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Into the Wilderness by Deborah Lee Luskin is a love story set in Vermont in 1964. It tells the story of Rose Mayer, a sixtyfour-year-old Jewish widow from New York, who buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits a son in Vermont, in a town where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats nor other Jews. There, she meets Percy Mendell, a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat and never left the state. When they meet, sparks fly. Pursuing Happiness… One More Time is a witty novel about life and love in an adult community by Mary Lou Peters Schram. This fun book doesn’t guarantee a fulfillment of all the women’s dreams, but it’s a fun read. Let the Rain Fall by Rachel Norby takes on the question of “Does true love exist?” Is it possible to convince someone spited by love to give it a second chance? These are some of the questions that Katherine, now age 75, addresses as she tells her story to the three eccentric sisters at New Horizons Assisted Living.

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“In sickness and in health” sometimes means years with Alzheimer’s. In My Life with Rita, The Love of My Life James Booksh takes readers into his 58-year marriage, from post-WWII days to his wife’s eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Bookish said, “I wrote the book in memory of and to praise Rita, in thanks for a wonderful 58 years,” he says. “We lived as one, even when she had Alzheimer’s.” Leonard Szymczak’s book, The Roadmap Home, blends the author’s thirty-five years as a therapist with his own personal life challenges. From a violent childhood filled with abuse to following a quest to find “home”—and his journey showed him that “home” is within us—he shows others how to get there. Another “roadmap” book is The Roadmap to 100 by Walter M. Bortz, M.D. (who ran the Boston Marathon last year at age 80). The right lifestyle choices allow anyone, he claims, to take control of their own health as they age and live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. If you’re concerned about the quality of the food you eat, read The Safe Food Handbook, How to Make Smart Choices About Risky Food. It gives a balanced and comprehensive look at which food risks we should worry about, which old precautions are now outdated and how consumers can proactively protect themselves.

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��Bidding � � � � � � � � � Farewell toMature Your Drivers Home Insurance Discounts For you sell it. Remember that you had book to look through if you become or with family or the wonderful gift of living in the homesick during the adjustment friends. Tears may f you’re preparing for home you created for many years. phase in your new home or just as a come with this your own downsizing, Once you decide to pass your home fun way to remember your current process, but that’s Take Your Class Online! or if you’re right-sizing for on to new owners, please accept home and your good memories. okay —leaving a new stage of life, think a place you have • Study at your leisure, 24 hoursthose a day, days a week. that they do have a right to a totally 3. Consider who7will benefit about how you might say different picture of what they want called “home” can from materials the home you are passing on. answer • be Simply read the course online and then a few quiz questions. goodbye and bring closure their own dream home to be. very emotional. It may be hard when you’re leaving • There noa need boring classes or listen to 4.long lectures. to leaving your current Maybe is plan party, to aattend Realize that you can create a new long-time residence to consider the home. You may not feel that fitting • especially After completion, ofvalue course we will issue a state-certiﬁ ed certiﬁ cate for you to that home for yourself. Fully realize of what you are passing on to this is a high priority in the ifturn this into is the your house insurance receive a three you canfor create a new year home period. for yourthe newcompany owner, butto this passing your on discount midst of everything else where you raised self anywhere you live. What you are is often the wonderful result of this you must do related to your your family. Ask each process. I went back and visited the leaving is just a house. You are taking Take Mature Driver Course On The Internet! move, but it is important. personYour to prepare to your true home with you and can crehome where I grew up and saw how Bringing some level of closure with share a favorite If memory of your home. Driver’s ateage it again wherever are living. you have a Florida License and are 55 years of or older, youyouare much the young family who bought your current home, and allowing Make sure everyone leaves with your Remember: Home is where you my parents’ wasaccident enjoying it.prevention course that will allow complete motor house vehicle yourself time to grieve this loss, new address andnow phoneeligible number to so they home is what you create, home They have done someonwonderful receive reduction your insuranceare, rate for three years. are essential parts of the transition can stay in touchyou aftertoyour move. a mandatory is not the physical structure. remodeling, and the house and process. Treat endings with as much Sue Ronnenkamp is a retirement 2. Create a memory book for your yard look fully lived in again. importance as beginnings and use living and transition expert. Her work home, maybe with one of your If you live in a neighborhood where this opportunity to say goodbye. focuses on planning ahead, embracing children or grandchildren. Include many of the older houses are being change, moving forward, and living 1. Make plans for bringing closure current pictures of your home and torn down or totally remodeled, it Florida Department of Highway Safety every season of life to the fullest. For with your current home. One way is some old photos of your home which may be harder to think of letting & Motor Approved Course more information, visit Sue’s website by recalling your Vehicle favorite memories include favorite memories from your go because of your fear that your at AgeFullLiving.com. (SENIOR WIRE) of this home—room-by-room, alone years living here. You will have this current home will disappear once

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Veterans Corner

A Green Beret in Vietnam: When We Walked Above the Clouds

riter H. Lee Barnes lives in Las Vegas and teaches English and Creative Writing at the College of S. Nevada—a far cry from his days on the battlefield as a member of a Special Forces Author A-team in Vietnam. H. Lee Barnes Typical of many young men in the early ‘60s, Barnes was in college and drifting along as an average student when a letter from his Draft Board made the decision of what he would be doing for the next couple of years of his life. He enlisted in the Army and became, much to his own surprise, a member of the elite Green Beret. There are the legends of the Green Berets and their clandestine, special operations that are celebrated in story and song, and then there’s the reality of one soldier’s experiences. In When We Walked Above The Clouds: A Memoir of Vietnam by H. Lee Barnes, readers share first-hand the day-to-day loss and drudgery that more accurately conveys the daily grind and quiet desperation behind the polished-for-public-consumption accounts of military heroics. Barnes tells what it was like to be a Green Beret; first in the Dominican Republic during the civil war of 1965, and then at A-107, Tra Bong, Vietnam, where he eventually came to serve as the advisor to a Combat Recon Platoon which consisted chiefly of Montagnard irregulars. While Barnes sees his months of simply doing what the mission demanded as nothing to get excited over (after all, bad coffee, heat, insects, sickness, killing rats, cleaning guns and building bunkers make up the routine nature of war), he communicates how this predictability makes the

intensity of patrols and attacks all the more menacing, and his book makes for a very sobering read. He recalls a particular routine patrol that had gone wrong and four of his own and a large number of Vietnamese and Montagnard tribesmen were killed. As he lifted a buddy’s decomposed body off the ground, both a hatred for the enemy and the stupidity of the war emerged and he began his own patrols. He learned to do what few other Americans in his outfit could— climb the treacherous mountains and survive the unforgiving conditions as well as a native. Learning to trust the jungle and all its dangers, he felt more alive than he had before or ever has since. Barnes’s story is one of loss—of morale lost to alcoholism, teammates lost to friendly fire, of missions that were aborted and those that were endlessly and futilely repeated. As the story advances, so does the attrition— teammates get transferred, innocence is cast off and confidence in leadership dwindles. But against this dark background, Barnes manages to honor these men who nonetheless carried the day. Nearly fifty years later, Barnes writes that “Vietnam is the only thing in my life that isn’t fiction,” and his book stands as a tribute to the contribution the men of this elite group made, both the routine and the brave. Vet H. Lee Barnes today is a hiker and biker who loves to tour the highways of the southwest and occasionally rambles down its inviting back roads...just curious to see what’s around the next corner. For more information on this award-winning author, please visit: hleebarnes.net.

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uch colder weather up north and mild temperatures here in our beloved Southwest Florida will also prompt signals that “tis the season” for year end rituals like increased traffic on our roadways. This is as good a time as any for me to ask that you remain extra attentive on the roadways as motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of property damage, injury, and death. This time of year often means higher numbers of people commuting to and from office and house parties, so it is important to use alcohol responsibly and stay alert to the sad reality that some drivers will not drink responsibly. If you notice a vehicle on the road that is swerving, braking erratically or displaying signs that the driver is not in normal control of the vehicle, you should call 911. Dispatchers will stay

on the line with you and get description and location updates from you until a law enforcement officer can intercept the concern. The rear-end collision continues to be the most frequent reason for impact. Following too closely or even worse yet, taking your eyes off the road with distractions like texting can turn tragic in a split second. Please don’t text while driving and remember that no matter why it happens, if you hit the vehicle in front of you the fault will almost always be assigned to you. Also, watch out for red-light runners; when your light turns green…take an extra second to double-check the intersection. Enjoy the new year, but always remain aware of your surroundings! For more information, contact Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Community Relations Section at (239) 477-1400. Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 13

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“Tip of the Tongue” Forgetting

emember in November when Rick Perry failed to retrieve the name of one of the federal agencies he would abolish if elected president— namely the Department of Energy? That was most likely an example of a very common phenomenon called “Tip of the Tongue” or TOT, says a University at Buffalo psycholinguist. “TOT occurs when we know the meaning of the word or words we want to retrieve but are unable to access their sounds,” says Gail Mauner, Ph.D., Departments of Psychology and Linguistics. She says that often, when we are in a TOT state, we have partial access to the form aspects of a word or phrase—that is, we might be able to say what the first letter is

or how many syllables it has but are not able to retrieve the entire word. These events are typically not a measure of intelligence, nor are they evidence of a lack of knowledge, she says. She noted that Rick Perry, as a governor of Texas, is likely to be quite knowledgeable about the Department of Energy. TOT states are more common for words that are infrequent (like “protractor”) and for proper names. She says such incidents increase as we get older. When a word is not produced very frequently, Mauner says the connections between its meaning and its sounds may be weak. (Newswise)

The Greatest Human Strength Is Will Power R

epeat after me: “I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream.” Now, behold the luscious waffle cone heaped with scoops of rocky road and vanilla caramel ripple? Repeat after me: “Well . . . maybe just a little taste . . . .” Arrgh—don’t do it! At least not until you’ve read Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by FSU Professor Roy F. Baumeister. Baumeister learned that willpower “gives people the strength to persevere, how they lose self-control as their willpower is depleted and how this mental energy is fueled by the glucose in the body’s bloodstream.” His research shows that selfregulation, like a muscle, can sometimes be worn down. When

subjects were given a task that required them to resist something—like a sweet treat or not thinking about a certain kind of animal—they didn’t perform as well on a subsequent assigned task involving willpower, a result of what Baumeister calls “ego depletion.” Even more interesting was that when the subjects were given a sugar-sweetened drink, self-control actually improved. Apparently, the sugar provided fuel for the brain to get back to work and restore the person’s willpower. And when subjects were asked to make moderate lifestyle changes, such as exercising, they eventually displayed greater overall self-control in their lives, which showed that willpower can be beefed up much like an unused muscle. (Newswise)

Technology—Of Lovers and Liars T

wo stories from the world of technology caught our eye recently. The first is heartwarming; the second shows that people will be people, no matter what.

Ed proposed to Molly on Valentine’s Day and they married in June surrounded by 25 friends and family.

Liar, Liar, Hard Drive on Fire It’s the face-to-face meeting that makes the difference. A Finding Love at new study finds that commuAges 90 and 82 nication using computers for It’s never too late to find instant messaging and email love. Just ask 90-year-old increases lying compared to Molly Holder and 82-yearface-to-face conversations, old Ed Nisbett who got and that email messages are married in June and honmost likely to contain lies. eymooned in Jamaica. The Underlying this is the connewlyweds met last Nocept of deindividualization, vember—on Match.com. Molly joined Match.com (PRNewsFoto/Breezes Resorts where as people grow psy& Spas and Match.com) chologically and physically “on impulse” and quickly made a digital connection Match.com newlyweds, further from the person they ages 90 and 82, are in communication with, with Ed through their honeymooning at Breezes there is a higher likelihood shared interest in reading Grand Negril, Jamaica. of lying, researchers say. poetry and drinking The takeaway: The internet allows scotch. When the Tallahassee, Florida, people to feel freer, psychologically couple met in person in January, no speaking, to use deception, at least one could doubt that their chemistry when meeting new people. was instant. With no time to waste,

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The Healthy Geezer

you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or . I’m considering having a running, may be discouraged. hip replaced. What are the There can be complications from odds that this operation will work? joint-replacement surgery. These include infection, blood clots, loosA: The American Academy of Orening of the prosthesis, dislocation thopaedic Surgeons says joint reof the joint, excessive wear, prosplacement surgery is successful in thetic breakage and nerve injury. more than 9 out of 10 people. And There are remedies for all of these replacement of a hip or knee lasts complications, but sometimes the at least 20 years in about 80 percent correction will take more surgery. of those who have the surgery. Surgeons are refining techniques In the procedure, an arthritic or and developing new ones, such as damaged joint is removed and reminimal-incision surgery. There is placed with an artificial joint called a surgical alternative to total hip a “prosthesis.” Artificial joints are replacement. It’s called hip resurmedical devices that must be cleared facing. The primary difference in or approved by the FDA before they hip resurfacing is that the surgeon can be marketed in the United States. doesn’t remove the ball at the top The goal of surgery is to relieve the of the thigh bone. Instead, the dampain in the joint caused by the damaged ball is reshaped, and then a age done to cartilage, the tissue that metal cap is anchored over it. serves as a protective cushion and Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replaceallows smooth, low-friction movement, preserves enough bone to permit ment of the joint. Total joint replacea total replacement if it is necessary ment is considered if other treatlater. Resurfacing is not recomment options will not bring relief. In an arthritic knee, the damaged ends mended for patients with osteoporosis, of the bones and cartilage are replaced a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some with metal and plastic surfaces that are shaped to restore knee function. In healthcare experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resuran arthritic hip, the damaged ball and facing, if you are older than 65. socket of this joint are replaced by a If you would like to read more metal ball and plastic socket. Several columns, you can order a copy of metals are used, including stainless steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights titanium. The plastic material is durable and wear-resistant polyethylene. Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti. The two most common joints requiring this form of surgery are the knee and hip, which are weight-bearing. But replacements can also be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and fingers. After total hip or knee replacement you will often stand and begin walking the day after surgery. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches or a cane. Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing, but it will end in a few weeks or months. Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery, BY FRED CICETTI

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Medicare Answers D

ear Marci, I enrolled into a new Medicare Advantage plan during Fall Open Enrollment, but I don’t like it. Can I switch out of this plan? —Dorian

Dear Dorian,

Yes, you can switch from your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). You can only make this coverage change if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, and you can only switch into Original Medicare. You cannot switch from one MA plan to another. The MADP occurs every year from January 1 to February 14. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Changes made during this period will become effective the first of the following month. For example, if you switched from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 16

stand-alone prescription drug plan in February, your new coverage would begin March 1. Remember, if you are enrolled in a Private-Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plan with a stand-alone drug plan, you must keep your stand-alone prescription drug plan if you switch to Original Medicare during the MADP. Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org.

Seven Ways Grieving Affects Your Health BY D. KEITH COBB, M.D.

he toll of grief goes beyond an emotional cost. Our mental struggles also affect our physical health. Don’t hesitate to see your physician for advice and help as you go through this difficult time. Here are seven common symptoms that mourners experience.

Health Abdominal pain and “heartache.” The emotional pain recognition site in the brain is located near the region that senses and interprets sensations, including pain, from the stomach and other abdominal organs. When we suffer emotionally, the brain responds by releasing neurochemicals we experience in our body as an intense aching in our upper abdomen and lower chest.

Eating disturbances.

The nervous system chemicals that contribute to our emotional state also affect healthy hunger signals. Eating too much (trying to self-comfort using food) and eating too little (loss of appetite) are commonplace among those who’ve suffered a loss.

Fatigue and insomnia.

The inability to sleep easily, deeply and through the night is common under these circumstances and may take months or years to improve. Chronic insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue.

Mood swings and irritability.

Grieving people often feel as if they are going insane. That’s because anxiety is a frequent component of

bereavement, and the neurochemicals that produce it also contribute to irrational mood swings and uncontrollable irritability.

Functional impairment. Anxiety and

stress resulting from extreme grief can cause the mourner to experience noticeable impairment in concentration, decision making and even physical reaction time, known as psychomotor retardation. It can be hazardous to your health to do any activity—such as driving, skiing, roof work, etc.—when you’re under severe duress from mourning.

Sensitivity to aches and pains.

Intense grief leads to feelings of depression, rejection, despondency and

loneliness. All of these understandable emotions are brought on by a decrease in serotonin and norepinephrine, the compounds that help to relieve pain and boost mood. These “feel-better” chemicals are abnormally low in the brains of grieving and depressed people, so it’s normal for grievers to be more sensitive to aches and pains.

Exacerbated medical problems.

It is a well-described phenomenon that existing medical problems often worsen and healing slows down when a person is under extreme stress, such as that caused by the profound burden of mourning. This is why people who are in mourning often have chronic medical complaints. D. Keith Cobb M.D. is an internal medicine physician and the author of “The Grief Survival Handbook: A Guide from Heartache to Healing” (Trafford Publishing). Learn more about him at drkeithcobb.com.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 17

Your New Year’s Resolution Should Include Planning Ahead BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist

Planning for Long-Term Care is so important. Learn all you can about something that can jeopardize the financial future of your entire family.

Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 18 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist. She brokers with many fine insurance companies and can find the right company to suit your needs.

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recently spoke to a Long-Term Care company administrator who shared with me some interesting numbers. This administrator is responsible each month for paying 5 to 8 million dollars in Long-Term Care policyholder claims. There is a strong misconception that people are simply paying premiums and no one is receiving benefits. But perhaps the misconception has been perceived because people are still denying the reality of needing these benefits some day. If you live long enough, you will use a Long-Term Care policy. That’s a true statement. And when you go on claim, all the premiums you have paid to that date will be returned to you because the premiums are far outweighed by the beneﬁts. People who buy policies do so to protect the major part of their assets—sometimes for another spouse, sometimes for their children and, in some cases, for themselves. The reason for that is that since these policies pay for care at home, in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, if you are rehabilitated from an injury, for example, you will need to protect your assets for yourself once you are well again. If you deplete your assets while you are recovering, the ﬁnancial lifestyle to which you are accustomed could be drastically changed.

There is much value in a Long-Term Care policy. But oftentimes people wait too long to look into purchasing a plan. Once you need benefits, naturally you cannot qualify for insurance. It is necessary to be pro-active and establish a plan for yourself long before you think you’ll need it. Therein lies the problem. People falsely tell themselves that they probably won’t need to think about this. “It won’t happen to me.” With the U.S. Government publishing statistics stating that one in two people over the age of 65 will have a Long-Term Care claim, I do believe planning ahead is your best first line of defense in protecting your finances and your peace of mind. Now that the holidays are here, we spend more time with our families. Talk about the future with them and help them by planning ahead. These plans help your family help you. Now is the time. It is affordable if you plan properly. It really is. Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 17 years and brokers with only the finest insurance companies in the industry. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and Past President of the local chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters. She is a member of the Bonita and the Estero Chambers and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero. She can be reached at (239) 274-6678 or at her website: longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

Check Us Out Online!

Mature Lifestyles Is Now On and

Visit www.twitter.com/MaturLifeStyles or click the Facebook icon on seniorconnectionfl.com for the latest news, contests and fun events in your area. Share your comments with us! Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 18

Nutritionally Hot Recipes for Oatmeal A

steaming hot bowl of oatmeal provides a delicious—and healthy—start to a day. And we’ve all heard that eating oats may help protect against high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Here are three ideas to boost the nutrition further:

Recipe • Make oatmeal with calcium-rich milk instead of water. Follow the same directions given for water, just use milk instead. • Kick the nutrition up another notch by serving oatmeal with antioxidantrich berries, either fresh or frozen. • Sprinkle oatmeal with cinnamon for sweetness and possible health benefits.

Stir mixture once more and transfer to an 8 x 8 baking pan that’s been coated generously with cooking spray. (You could also use two small loaf pans.) Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. To serve, cut into squares and drizzle each serving with maple syrup. Recipe from mrbreakfast.com.

Baked Banana Raisin Oatmeal

3 eggs 2 very ripe bananas, mashed 3 c. quick or old-fashioned oats 1 ½ c. low-fat milk ½ c. raisins ½ c. honey ¼ c. oil 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla Lightly beat eggs. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir until well combined. Let mixture set at least 10 minutes for oats to absorb some of the liquid.

Orange Cranberry Slow Cooker Oatmeal

1 c. old fashion rolled oats 1 c. chopped apple 1/2 c. dried cranberries 1 tbsp. butter melted 1 tbsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt 1 c. orange juice 1 c. water

Spray the inside of slow cooker with non stick cooking spray. Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl. Poor into slow cooker. Cook on very low or warm for 9 hours. Serves 6.

Two Ophthalmologists Join the Florida Eye Health Medical Team

onathan M. Frantz, M.D., FACS, is pleased to announce the association of Robert M. Sherman, M.D., FACS, and Jeffrey L. Willig, M.D., to Dr. Robert M. the medical team at Sherman Florida Eye Health. Dr. Willig is a medical ophthalmologist and Uveitis Specialist. Uveitis is a swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Dr. Willig received his Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, his Medicine Internship at Manhattan Veterans Medical Center, Ophthalmology Residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, and Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Sherman, a Retina Specialist, sees patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or other abnormal growth of blood

vessels in the back of the eye, provides Lucentis and Avastin injections and performs retinal laser procedures. Dr. Sherman received Dr. Jeffrey L. his Doctor of Medicine Willig from New York University; his Internship and Residency at New York Medical College, Long Island Jewish Hospital and Queens General Hospital; and his Retina Fellowship at New York Medical College and Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital. Both doctors see patients in the Fort Myers and Naples offices of Florida Eye Health. To schedule an appointment, call (239) 418-0999 or visit online at bettervision.net.

Florida Eye Health offers a broad spectrum of care from eye exams and eyewear to cataract removal, treatment of eye diseases, iLASIK, hearing services and eyelid surgery with office locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda and Lehigh Acres.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 19

Computers: Good For Your Brain?

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$1.99 Program includes over 50 Medications FREE Blood Pressure Evaluation! Discount Pricing on all Masons Vitamins, Protein, & Essentials!

Fast, Friendly Service Fax: (239) 437-MEDS (6337) Walter F. Klukowski, Pharmacist 4224 Cleveland Ave. Bldg. 1, Suite 5 Fort Myers, FL 33901 The formulary list of this program may be subject to get modified or discontinued without prior notice.The brand name of the drugs in the list are for reference purposes only. The dispensed drug will be generic or as permitted by law. All medications referenced in this ad are for up to a 30 day supply. See pharmacist for more details.

Services to Help You Stay at Home

any older adults prefer to stay at home as they age. It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older. But is this the right choice for you or your loved on? Sometimes small changes are needed to make it possible to age in place—the term for being able to stay in your own home safely and comfortably. What can help me stay at home? You may be used to handling everything for yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse or relying on family members for help. But as circumstances change, it’s good to be aware of all the home care services available that might be of help. What you may need depends on how much support you have, your general health and your financial situation. Think about these factors: Household maintenance Keeping a household running

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 20

smoothly takes a lot of work, including laundry, shopping, gardening, housekeeping and handyman services. Then there are bills as well as financial and healthcare management. Transportation Transportation is a key issue for older adults. Investigating transportation options can help you keep your independence and maintain your social network. Home modifications If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications may include grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs or even installing new, more convenient bathrooms. Personal and health care This can sometimes be done by trained professionals who come to your home for a fee. From helpguide.org.

BY CRYSTAL RYBARCZYK, Southwest Region IT Administrator

ne of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” For most of us, deviating from our day-to-day routine can be scary, but I find when I try to do something in a new or different way it often makes my life easier and gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Technology is one such “scary” thing that can be slowly integrated into the daily routine, but is often avoided because of an overwhelming sense of fear. Although I am a technology professional, I often find myself overwhelmed by how quickly the equipment and software are changing around me. Like anyone else with a job to do, I take things one step at a time, ask for help when I need it and do the best I can. A 2009 study by the UCLA Memory & Aging Research Center showed that for seniors, technology may provide a vital role in keeping their brains active. The research study showed that regular internet searching increased brain activation in seniors.

Dr. Gary Small is the director of the center. “We’ve taken older people who’ve never used internet searching before and have them practice internet searching. When they spend just an hour a day for a week, we find that there are significant increases in areas of the frontal lobe of the brain that control short-term memory and decision making,” said Small. “This is suggestive evidence that an internet search might be a form of exercise for an older person.” Not only can jumping into the information age make your life easier, but it may also be keeping your brain healthy! In our community, a good place to start learning more about computers and technology is the public library, which offers free classes. Contact your local branch of the public library for more information or go to the website at http://library.lee-county.com/services/ programs/Pages/ComputerTraining. aspx. The Lee County Public School ACE Enrichment Classes also offers a variety of low-cost beginner-level computing classes for adults. You can call (239) 939-6310 or visit http:// adult.leeschools.net/Enrichment.htm.

Happy Computing!

Speaker Series D

on’t miss the speaker series, “In the Face of Courage,” at Shell Point Village.

J F

an. 16 “A Story of the Resilience of the Human Spirit,” Joel Sonnenberg.

eb. 3, “Surviving the World Trade Center Collapse” with Richard Picciotto.

arch 6 “The Miracle on the Hudson” with Dave Sanderson.

The Village Church auditorium at Shell Point Village. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 each or 3-Speaker Series for $60. Tickets can be purchased online at shellpoint.org/concerts. Information at (239) 454-2067.

Bargains . . . Bargains . . . Bargains Shopping the Factory Outlets

BY CLAIRE YESBAK FADDEN

oes the word bargain get your blood pumping? Do you like buying designer brands, but don’t want to pay retail? If half the fun of choosing the right holiday gift is knowing that you didn’t pay full price, then you were made for shopping the factory outlets. The first factory stores offered manufacturers overstocked merchandise directly to the public at a discount a couple times a year. Today, that concept has become a popular shopping alternative, with sales of more than $10 billion last year in the over 300 outlet malls nationwide. Some people believe factory outlet stores are limited to selling irregular or slightly damaged merchandise. However, this is not necessarily the case. At many of the manufacturers’ outlet stores you can expect to find the same merchandise as soon as six to eight weeks after it first appears in department stores and often at about the same cost per item would be charged at department stores. Don’t be confused between factory outlets that are owned by the manufacturer and off-price stores that may represent a variety of name brands. Although the discounts are similar, some 25 to 60 percent below retail, the main difference is in the selection. Factory stores rely on their brand-name recognition and customer loyalty. Offprice stores rely on the wide range of products from various manufacturers. Because of the variety of suppliers, shoppers may never know just what

to expect at an off-price store. And that may be part of their appeal to you. If, however, you don’t like surprises, stick to the names you know. For example, if Naturalizers are the only kind of shoes you will wear, then odds are you’re going to find something you’re happy with at the Naturalizer outlet store. You won’t have taken up your time at an off-price store only to find that they didn’t carry what you wanted. If the outlet bug has bitten you, then consider getting on the mailing list of some of your favorite stores. You can also visit MallSeeker.com for a listing of outlet stores and malls across the country. This site lets you search by brand name as well as by category. The trend now is to attract brandconscious shopping to an outlet center that has some 20 to 30 top name manufacturers. But if you keep your eyes open, you can scout out solo factory stores and outlets that keep springing up throughout the county and that aren’t part of a center. You’ll find everything from shoes to chocolate, and from bread to blue jeans, at factory outlet prices. Take a few minutes to map out your route. You’ll be able to stretch your shopping budget and maybe have something left over to indulge yourself with a treat. Happy bargain hunting. Claire Yezbak Fadden is a freelance writer and an avid bargain hunter. Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.

SHOPPERS TIPS FOR SAVVY l sales. Call • Ask about specia g lists. lin ahead, get on mai people. Ask • Talk to the sales rmation them to share info e quality with you about th long it’s of the item, or how been in their store.

Word Search Answers From

December 2011

Marion McClain is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

Word Search Jan. 2012

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to:

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on January 21 will win.

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Jan. 21, 2012.)

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 21

The Best of Charlotte County

January 2012

Texas-style BBQ with chili, corn muffins, potato salad, cherry crisp and more. $15.

Dragon Bingo. Up to $2,450 in prizes! Dinner at 4:30 p.m., Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: $25. Bingo and dinner: $35.

Woodcarvers Show. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conference Center. Enjoy seminars and displays by well-known carvers, food and demonstrations throughout the day. (941) 764-6452.

All events at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Tickets, times and info: (941) 625-4175.

• “King of Blues,” B.B. King Performs: Jan. 8. B.B. has won fifteen Grammy Awards; was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Hear hits from the ‘50s to today. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway, Ft . Myers. (800) 440-7469. • “Florida Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions, 2012”: Jan. 13 – 15. Boxing tournament at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte . $15 general admission. Tickets and info: (239) 292-9230 or (941) 205-9743. • Worden Farm’s Greenmarket: Jan. 18. Find organic fruits, vegetables and flowers from Worden Farm, homemade granola from Leslie’s Granola, fresh seafood from Peace River Seafood, imported olive oils and spices from Bella Balsamic, Culinary Cooking Demos by Charlotte Technical Center and live music with Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Center Court, Fishermens Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. (941) 637-4874.

Helping Hands • R.S.V.P. (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program): (941) 613-2299. • Meals on Wheels/Friendship Cafe Dining Sites: (941) 255-0723. • Elder Helpline of Southwest Florida: 1-800-398-4233.

Fine Arts & Crafts Show presented by TNT Events, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free parking and free admission. National Slide Guitar Champion Kraig Kenning performs, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Fun Events Near Charlotte County

Elvis’ Rockin’ Birthday Bash! In a celebration of what would have been Elvis’ 77th Birthday, for one night only, Chris MacDonald will pay tribute to an All-American Legend in a truly dynamic performance complete with costumes, dancers and high-energy concert band. See this birthday celebration of the life and music of one of the greatest entertainers of our time. 7:30 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway, Ft. Myers. Tickets and info: (239) 481-4849.

FEATURED EVENTS

Carol & Johnnie performs oldies and classic country hits from 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Happy Birthday, Elvis!

Join Us For Our Feb. 2012 Edition!

Love Is In The Air!

Senior Centers and Resources • Senior Friendship Centers: (941) 255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org. • Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida: (239) 652-6901 or aaaswfl.org. • O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): (941) 235-4500 or ocean-fl.org. • Charlotte County Council On Aging: (941) 627-2177 or charlottecoa.org.

Home, Health & Wealth Showcase, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free parking and free admission. “Up The Creek” performs variety and eclectic music, 5 – 9 p.m., center stage. Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call (941) 575-3007 for details.

Charlotte County!

Call Dave Kelly for Special Rates and Marketing Packages for the Best of Charlotte County!

239-823-3542

Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 22

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

f course they are! You just lead towards the AQ or KJ or some such holding, and, when fate is kind, an extra trick materializes. But, if they can, experienced players will avoid the whims of fate, as in this deal.

West leads the Q♥, and Declarer can see a certain loser in Hearts and another in Diamonds. So, if 4♠ is to make, then Declarer must avoid losing two Clubs. Any ideas? One way to play Clubs (after drawing trumps) is to finesse the Ten, hoping that West has the King and the Queen.

Finesses Are Easy

That’s somewhat unlikely (around 25 percent). Another possibility is to finesse the Eight, and later finesse the Ten, hoping that West has K9 or Q9. That’s a 37 percent chance. Or, Declarer might run the Jack, giving himself the extra chance that West might neglect to cover with his honor. Which finesse will you choose? The correct answer is that you don’t care for any of these finesses, you much prefer the 100 percent method! Draw trumps, cash the red suit winners and exit with a Heart (or a Diamond). The defenders can take their Heart and Diamond tricks but now their goose is cooked. If they lead another red card then Declarer pitches a Club loser from one hand and ruffs in the other hand (the so-called “ruff and sluff”). And if they break open Clubs then Declarer will lose only one trick in the suit. Yes, finesses are easy, especially when you can avoid taking them! Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

From Your Friends At

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or call 1-800-771-2255 Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 23

Seniors Getting Together Attention SGTers!

Screen respondents carefully. Always meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4085 W, WIDOW, NEW TO AREA, 70 YO, active, looking for single man for travel. I love to keep busy—couch potatoes need not answer. NS, SD, ND, R, FF. Punta Gorda. 4093 CHRISTIAN WWBF, 63, ATTRACTIVE, honest, sincere,

who loves the Lord. ISO a true Christian black gentleman who believes in the same. Love good home cooking, sports, fishing. A good SOH. 55 – 72. FF, write. Tampa. 4095 POLITE COUNTRY GAL, not vulgar, 62, has no criminal background, ISO snowbird male for friendship. Phone or pen pal ok.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4062 MOSTLY RETIRED MALE BUT NOT TOO TIRED Honest, sincere, active, loves conversation, humor, beach walks, fishing, cooking, seeks active female to share waning years in Port Charlotte, Ft. Myers, Estero, Naples Area. Estero. 4075 RETIRED SEEKING SLIM WOMAN NS, W, honest with

good health. Romantic white woman only. I’m 73, SWM, 5’10”, 220 lbs., young-looking. Like dancing, restaurant, drive around USA. Good with computers. MEET OTHER SENIORS Over 2,000 seniors have met through Seniors Getting Together. Send in your ad today!

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584 TO PLACE AN AD

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, HHispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SDSocial (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrgNo Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

When the Telegraph was Twitter, SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER She was a Media Rock Star Personal Ad Placement Only $6 to

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

place an ad!

Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit Title (First 4 Words):

City (No Charge):

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 24

mericans are mesmerized by superstar pin-ups, an attraction that can outlive the seductress herself. Case in point: Nearly 50 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe returned to the silver screen recently in “My Week with Marilyn,” starring Michelle Williams. With all respect to that blonde seductress, author and historian Michael Foster says an even older femme fatale could be an even bigger box-office draw. Alas, he notes, few know the name Adah Menken, darling of soldiers on both sides in the Civil War. The actress had more chutzpah than Monroe and showed a lot more skin than World War II’s favorite pin-up, Betty Grable, write Foster and coauthor Barbara Foster in their new biography, A Dangerous Woman.

“When the telegraph was Twitter, Adah owned the media. Her scandals made front-page headlines,” Foster says. “Long before Demi Moore posed naked on the cover of Vanity Fair, Adah was ‘“The Naked Lady.”And by the time she died at age 33, she had matched Elizabeth Taylor husband for husband—five—by the same age.” A number of recent movies and TV episodes have been based on Adah Menken. In “Bonanza,” she was played by Ruth Roman. “Sophia Loren played her in ‘Heller in Pink Tights’ opposite Anthony Quinn,” says Foster. “In the recent movie ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ Rachel McAdams plays an athletic, seductive Irene/Adah. The Sherlock Holmes story ‘A Scandal in Bohemia,’ filmed several times for TV, features Irene Adler playing a character clearly based on Menken.”

Last Month’s Answers

Enter

Last Month’s to Win! Winner Is Rhonda Treppe Congratulations!

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

Last Month’s Answers

January Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Jan. 21 will win. Good luck! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584 Mystery WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Prize! (Sudoku must be received by January 21, 2012.)

Last Month’s Answers

Dec. Sudoku

Pauline Pare is last month’s winner! Congratulations! FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Jan. 19 will receive $20 cash! Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., 1602 S. Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584

I am interested in: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

ML/SW

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

Win Great Prizes! New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

“Cost of Freedom” Weekend

ou can see the opening of “The Cost of Freedom Tribute” at Lee County Sports Complex Thursday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. sponsored by AVTT, Caring Transitions and Hope Hospice. Reservations are available. Hope Hospice will provide volunteers to

assist any special needs guests as well as provide transportation to the event for those who may need extra help. For reservations, please email donna@AVTT or call (239) 565-6784. Or email Wanda@CaringTransitions or call her at (239) 850-3355.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 25

Finding PEace on I-95– Road Trip Must-Sees BY STAN AND SANDRA PHILLIPS

hen the Martin Luther King Memorial opened recently on the Mall in DC, we started thinking about the other amazing statues you can see right off the exits of I-95. You can turn your next trip into a treasure hunt to find these carved jewels.

Travel DC – King of Peace

DC Exit 19B: 27 years in the making, a National Memorial to Martin Luther King opened to the public on the 48th anniversary of his “I have a dream” speech. The Mall in Washington, D.C., always a sacred place for monuments dedicated to expresidents, now honors King for his accomplishments as well. The sculpture shows King emerging from rough stone with his brow furrowed, arms crossed and looking out over the horizon. Long granite walls ﬂanking the sides feature 14 of King’s most famous quotes. The Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin wanted to show him deep in thought and named it the Stone of Hope. The words were borrowed from his speech, “From a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” King proves that one person can truly change a nation. mlkmemorial.org.

DE – Lady of Peace

DE Rte. 9 Exit: You can’t miss Our Lady Queen of Peace, high on a hill with her arms outstretched in front of Holy Spirit Church, with the sun bouncing off the 33’ high stainless steel statue. Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 26

Father Sweeney started the project with the power of prayer. A committee used “Rosary Checks” to record the number of rosaries that an individual prayed for the building of a statue. The goal was for 500,000. Not only did the number of rosaries prayed exceed this, but unsolicited donations came in before any formal fund raising began. This sculpture by Charles C. Parks is sometimes referred to as “Our Lady of the Highways,” since it sits majestically on the approach to the the Delaware Memorial Bridge. ourlady-de.org.

MD – Disturbing his Peace MD Exit 2A: In the newest city along I-95, National Harbor, see if you can ﬁnd the giant who appears to be emerging from the sand, struggling to free himself. It’s called “The Awakening,” and kids use him as a playground. Created in 1980 by J. Seward Johnson Jr., the sculpture is actually ﬁve separate aluminum pieces buried in the sand. The left hand and right foot barely protrude, while the bent left leg and knee jut into the air. The 17-foot high right arm and hand reach farther out of the earth. The bearded face seems to be yelling as he struggles to emerge from the earth. nationalharbor.com.

NC – End of War – Beginning of Peace

NC Exit 150A: Directly off this exit, at the entrance to the Quantico Marine Base, you can see a re-creation of the famous WWII Iwo Jima Statue created by Felix de Weldon. It is majestically lit up at night. In a 35 day ﬁght for Iwo Jima, an island that was crucial for U.S. bombing raids on Japan’s main islands, 6,821 marines were killed. On February 23, 1945 U.S. Marines from the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raised the U.S. ﬂag atop Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi. After being cast in Brooklyn, NY, the original statue actually was driven down I-95, headed to Arlington National Cemetery, where you can still see it.

NC – Keeping the Peace

NC Exit 52B: “The original Iron Mike is a statue that represents all paratroopers in the U.S. Army,” said Paul Galloway of the Airborne and Special Ops Museum foundation. It’s a 15-foot statue depicting the airborne trooper who is always watching, waiting and alert. It has been Fort Bragg’s most prominent symbol since 1961, but was replaced there six

years ago with a bronze replica. Now everyone can see the original standing outside the Airborne and Special Ops Museum in Fayetteville, NC. The statue was the creation of the wife of a former deputy post chaplain. Mike’s stance reﬂects an airborne soldier who has completed a combat jump. PFC Michael A. Scambellure, an 82nd Airborne Division soldier who received the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Sicily, originally inspired the statue. Notice his jaw set with determination, the grenade at the ready, the trench knife at the boots and the Thompson 45. asomf.org.

ME – Piece of Chocolate

ME Exit 42: If you’ve come north to see a moose, you will not be disappointed if you stop here. Lenny the chocolate moose is made of 1,700 lbs. of milk chocolate. He was unveiled on July 1, 1997 after having been sculpted on-site in about four weeks. The shop was opened in 1926 by Len Libby, a master candymaker who was retired but bored. In 1949, Len Libby sold his business to Fernand Hemond, who had apprenticeed here while still in college. Since you can’t eat Lenny, you will have to choose amongst treats like raspberry cream, coconut roll, peanut butter log, molasses chip, chocolate pretzel and more. If that wasn’t enough, they have 18 kinds of trufﬂes and sugar-free options too. 419 U.S. Route 1. lenlibby.com. For an exit-by-exit guide on lodging, food, gas, fun facts, attractions and more, read “Drive I-95 5th Edition” or visit drivei95.com.

The Financial Side of Travel Insurance

ravel insurance can cover financial or medical issues when traveling internationally or domestically. And with geo-political issues soaring to new heights, travel insurance has become a more viable option than ever. It is necessary to understand, however, that of the large number of travel insurance companies, some are good and some are not so good, so you do need to take a close look at the details.

Finance Like any insurance, be sure you know what you’re buying and what you need in coverage. The first thing to do is look at all your existing insurance policies to see what coverage they offer and where— homeowner’s, renter’s, medical, etc. There are many different types of travel insurance; some may be more suitable for you than others. It’s important to determine your needs when looking for coverage. Some common issues covered by travel insurance: • Trip cancellation, especially useful if booking very early or if medical issues arise. Check the policy carefully for terms such as emergency, pre-existing conditions, family members, etc. • Delayed departure • Lost luggage • Theft or damaged items

Senior Connection presents... California Coast

9 Days • 11 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners September 23 – October 1, 2012

• Emergency evacuation, valuable especially in foreign or exotic locations. • Medical expenses—check for terms such as accidental death, injury, etc. • Accidental death, injury or disablement

The above can be purchased individually or bundled together. Buy only what other insurance policies do not cover. All travel insurers are not created equal. It is very important to look at the policy details. You can expect to pay anywhere from 5 to upwards of 10 percent of your trip’s cost, for the more comprehensive travel insurance plans. Your age may play a role in travel insurance costs, so if you’re in your golden years, expect to pay a premium. This coverage can be purchased through your travel agent when booking your trip or you can get an online travel insurance quote. Purchasing travel insurance online can save you some money, but don’t go with cheap travel insurance. It’s important to go with a reputable company and make sure you read the fine print.

With optional 3-Night Explore Vegas Post Tour Extension Highlights...San Francisco • Yosemite National Park • Monterey 17 Mile Drive • Big Sur • Hearst Castle • Solvang Santa Barbara • Los Angeles • San Diego Regular rates: Double $2,799 ; Single $3,699; Triple $2,769 Rates are Per Person *

Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Tampa Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers

Call 877-872-4331 (Book before Feb. 2012)

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• Travel, Finance, Health & More! Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 27

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Eligible for Medicare? *

Look what

Blue

has for you.

Monthly Plan premiums on BlueMedicare Regional PPO and HMO** plans!

• Prescription Drug, Dental, Hearing and Vision coverage included • Large Statewide Network of participating doctors, hospitals and pharmacies • Exclusive member discount programs and online coupons for popular products

We’ll help you find a Medicare Regional PPO, HMO, Supplement or Rx plan that’s right for you

Call toll-free 1-800-876-2227, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, seven days a week. TTY users dial 1-800-955-8771.

bluemedicarefl.com

Visit us at a Florida Blue center. floridablue.com

Contact your local agent.

*You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B Premium unless paid by Medicaid or another third party. ** In select counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Health Options, Inc. (HOI) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and Medicare approved Part D sponsor. These contracts are renewed annually and availability beyond the end of the current contract year is not guaranteed. Exclusions and limitations may apply. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Y0011_31301 1111 File & Use 11272011 BMRPPO, BMHMO, BMPDP