s ’ y a d To
Vol. 5 No. 2
Chicago Auto Show 2016 Yes!
Financial Resolutions for the New Year Do Work
Smart Muscle for Boomer Consumers Healthy Eating: Spring Time Sofrito Hale Roasted Kale
Boomer Travel: 25 Things to Do in New York This Spring
The Retirement Generation Gap: What Separates Plans for the Future
Old Enough for Sex:
Boomer Everything Consumer You wanted Watch: Your Guide to to Know Going out about without Orgasm Going Broke and Aging
Social Security: Filing Taxes Just Got Easier
F– Being Old: “SOSS” Save Our Social Security Today’s BoomeR Featuring The Only B2B -Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Up Coming CruisesBook Now! Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux Credit Union Success Forum River Educruise June 19-June 26, 2016 Alaska—Voyage of the Glaciers Credit Union Growth Strategies Forum 2016 July 23-July 30, 2016 African Safari Adventure 2016 The Credit Union Survival To Thrival Experience August 1-August 10, 2016
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This Issue March / April 2016 Volume 5, Number 2
Boomer Travel
5
25 Things to do in New York this Spring
The Retirement Generation 10 Gap Boomer Consumer Watch
12 14
Everything about Orgasm and Aging
Social Security
16
Filing Taxes Just Got Easier
Brains to Braun Chicago Auto Show 2016
17
Boomer Healthy Eating
20
Hale Roasted Kale and Sofrito
New Blog: F-Being Old
22
Editor-In-Chief: Alexandra Maragha Contributing Writers : Bob Trotter: Social Security Chef Eben Atwater: Healthy Eating
For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback as well as advertising inquiries email Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
TheAmericanBoomeR.com John Vardallas CEO/Founder Professional Speaker Business/Lifestyle Strategist Boomer Sage and Blogger JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com (608) 577-8707 Alexandra Maragha Founder & Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com Today’s BoomeR Vol.5 No.2 Today’s BoomeR is published
“SOSS”-Save Our Social Security
B2B Marketplace
Founders: John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha
Advertising: Team
Going out Without Going Broke
Old Enough For Sex
’s y a d To
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Business 2 Boomers Marketplace
six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com 769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
The American Boomer @American_Boomer Today’s BoomeR 3
EDITOR’S LETTER
’s
Today
Spring Awakening This issue allows Boomers to be able to spring into better elements of health, wealth and relationships. Our feature review of the Chicago Auto Show once again this year brings the best of American muscle machines that Boomers bring from their youth. In having the buying power and influence, boomers are now able to relate and relay their sentiments into the production lines with auto makers reflecting the desire of those models to stay preserved, with bits and pieces of technology to reflect progress, bringing smart cars and the once favorite show “knight Rider” to life.
(feature)
Boomer Healthy Eating brings from Boomer Chef Eben smart super foods with p. fresh 10 Kale and Sofrito relish. Our travel hits the “Big Apple” with 25 things to do in New York this spring and we put some spring into your step on the way to the bedroom with our “Old Enough For Sex”. Smart savings In your pocket can come with our Boomer Consumer Watch on ways to go out without going broke and we examine the generation gap between how Boomers and Millennials plan to retire. Johnny V once again presents the urgency for all Boomers to take a stand and save the institution of Social Security, as it is threatened from political influence and government action where it could disappear. As spring continues, take the time and relax and set your mind and self on the smart path to enjoy the boomer age and aging process along with the influence and voice that being part of this generation offers and holds. Awaken your senses and sense of self to all around you. Enjoy!
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Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief Send Letters and Feedback to: Alexandra@theamericanboomer.com
25 Things to Do in New York This Spring Fodors.com
BOOMER TRAVEL
Whether your sights are set on a botanical garden or a beer garden, there's no lack of fair-weather fun to be had in New York this spring. The Tribeca Film Festival anchors a season of cultural musts that span from highbrow art exhibitions worth screaming for (Munch paintings, anyone?) to come-as-you-are music festivals in Brooklyn. And with the crack of the bat at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, New York is back in the ballgame—and buzzing with these 25 things that are essential as flowers blooming this season. —Zachary Laks
Theater In a town where all Broadway talk mentions Hamilton, this season welcomes a few new players on the scene that are set to mix up the buzz. Looking particularly at the play revivals heading to the Great White Way, anticipation is running high for Ivo van Hove’s quick return to Broadway (after recently closing A View From The Bridge in February) with a new production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (running now through July 17) starring Saoirse Ronan, Ben Whishaw, and Sophie Okonedo. Summoning the ghosts of family tumult and addiction, Eugene O’Neill’s masterpiece, Long Day's Journey Into Night, returns to the boards on April 3 in a new production anchored by Jessica Lange and Gabriel Byrne.
RadioLoveFest 5 of A three-day tribute to all things public radio, RadioLoveFest returns for its third year to theToday’s BrooklynBoomeR Academy
Music (March 10–12). A convention for listeners of WNYC throughout the city, the festival brings the station’s most prized lineup of programs to the stage, including live tapings of the shows Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!®, Death, Sex & Money, and The Moth. Pending a schedule that has yet to be announced, fans of the station can expect plenty of ancillary events throughout the festival that will include live music, film screenings, and talkbacks.
activities, and flower-centric seminars. More information and a schedule of events will be announced sooner to the opening of the festival on macys.com.
Baseball Games
Regardless of where your allegiances lie, the city is batting a thousand with two St. Patrick's Day state-of-the-art baseball stadiums: YanBagpipes sound off as New York City brims with toasts to the Irish kee Stadium and Citi Field. Upgrading and their many admirers on St. Patrick’s Day. The city continues its their dining options from the classic hot annual holiday parade up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street all the dog and pretzel, the two parks surprise way to 79th Street, featuring plenty of Irish marching bands, step with top-notch food stalls by way of Mardancers, and even a few chance encounters with a leprechaun. If io Carbone and Rich Torrisi’s Parm and you’re looking for a truly authentic night at an old-time Irish pub, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ at Yankee Stadium, make your way down to the McSorely’s in the East Village where and Shake Shack and Blue Smoke at Citi its timeless charm has endeared since 1854. Field. The Yankees' season begins April 4 at home against the Houston Astros, with The Met Breuer the Mets' home opener on April 8 against A banner moment for New York’s most iconic institution of art and the Philadelphia Phillies—though when culture, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will unveil The Met the food’s this good, does it really matter Breuer, its new satellite space in the shell of the old Whitney Mu- who’s playing? seum, on March 18. An unprecedented extension of the Met, the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival Marcel Breuer–designed building was acquired to further expand New York’s Easter Parade and Bonnet The Met’s contemporary and modern collection. Expect doorbusting crowds in the museum’s inaugural season with high-profile Festival celebrates the spring holiday in openers that include Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible, a provoca- grand fashion, harkening back to a 19thtive collection of unfinished works of art spanning from the Renais- century tradition of well-heeled women who brought their “A-game” to Sunday sance to the present day, along with a monographic exhibition of church. Outrageous and festive bonnets Indian artist Nasreen Mohamedi. bob up and down on the heads of women Macy’s Flower Show and men as the annual pageant returns Bedecking one of the world’s largest stores in petals, Macy’s con- on March 27. The parade route only spans eight blocks on Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street, which means curbside tinues its annual Flower Show this spring (March 20–April 3). spots go quickly. Make sure you plan to arrive early. Attracting gawkers by the droves, New York’s top shopping destination showcases native flora found across the country in playful New York Philharmonic creations that relate to this year’s theme, America the Beautiful. Special events throughout the two weeks include live music, kids' Cultural influences harmonize at David Geffen Hall this spring, as the New York Philharmonic ushers in new talent while continuing its repertoire of standbys. The orchestra’s Spanish Nights (March 30–April 5) program is a standout this season, with the return of 29-year-old piano virtuoso Joyce Yang infusing a Latin energy into the hall with gypsy tunes and flamenco beats. And for the old guard, Bernard Haitink conducts Mahler’s final masterpiece, Symphony No. 9 (April 14–19).
Ramp Season The city’s frenzied obsession with ramps, a leek-like vegetable only found in the wild, is sure to return this season as insatiable gourmands scour the city for this treat. With a short growing season 6 Today’s BoomeR
and supply coming from foraging, ramps tend to be in short supply at the city's farmers’ markets, gourmet grocery stores, and restaurants. Craving the chance to taste the rare cousin to the onion? A quick Google search will tell you where to find them on menus, but know that Mario Batali’s restaurants tend to feature the ingredient every year, and the East Village restaurant OIJI even serves pickled ramps.
Tribeca Film Festival Prime time for fans of New York’s sophisticated film scene, the Tribeca Film Festival (April 13–24) infiltrates lower Manhattan with a roster of flicks destined for greatness. Now in its fifteenth year, screenings fill up fast for events that range from independent film screenings with Hollywood A-listers to documentaries and shorts. This year’s festival opens with The First Monday in May, a documentary that looks at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's mostattended Costume Institute exhibition in history, China: Through the Looking Glass.
Brooklyn Folk Festival Stripped bare of Auto-Tune and overamplification, the Brooklyn Folk Festival (April 8–10) is now in its eighth year. The three-day festival features 30 music performances and events that include square dancing, swing dancing, film screenings, and the banjo-toss contest where frustrated musicians vie to throw a banjo farthest into the Gowanus Canal. Music lovers can expect plenty of folk, blues, and bluegrass throughout the festival, with a few traditional Irish and Balkan music sets as well.
The Metropolitan Opera Spectacle and theatrics summon the awe of 4,000 operagoers nightly at the ever-regal Metropolitan Opera. Representing one of the most refined and consistent evenings of culture in the city, the Met stage is home to the world’s best singers. Under Peter Gelb’s much-touted reign, productions continue to impress with their heightened dramatics, luring directors from Broadway and HollyToday’s BoomeR 7
wood. This season marks the return of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly presenters at the fourth annual Collective Design fair, May 4–8. (select dates through Apr 12), in a much-lauded production by the An amalgamation of art and design sourced from internationally late Anthony Minghella. renowned and emerging galleries, the fair takes over an expansive 70,000 square-foot event space in West SoHo. Plan to spend the Artexpo New York 2016 better part of an afternoon meandering through the various interHovering over the Hudson River on Pier 94, it’s sink or swim for national exhibits, designed to inspire viewers through interactive artists who descend from around the world to showcase their programming in addition to being a world-class exhibition of modwork at Artexpo New York (April 14–17). Billed as the world’s larg- ern luxury living. est fine-arts marketplace and now in its 38th year, hundreds of Frieze New York contemporary painters, sculptors, and illustrators enter into the juried expo in addition to selling their pieces on the main floor. A Importing one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious art magnet for the art industry and homeowners looking to invest in events stateside, frieze magazine continues its art-fused transfornew décor, the expo expects to welcome more than 25,000 mation of Randall’s Island Park for a third year during Frieze New attendees this year. York (May 5–8). Gathering some of the art world’s most boldfaced names, the weekend-long festival is an amalgamation of New York City Ballet curated work, site-specific creations, installations from galleries New York City Ballet sources a string of greatest hits from its rep- both local and abroad, and a few standout restaurants from New ertory this spring season at Lincoln Center. Moves (April 22–May York (including Frankies Spuntino, Roberta’s Pizza, El Rey, and 5), a revolutionary silent dance piece choreographed by Jerome Cosme) serving their greatest hits from stalls. While staged with Robbins in 1959, returns this season. Running in rep with Moves, the intent of selling work, Frieze New York has emerged as a culsettle in for a night of inspired movement at Alexei Ratmansky’s tural event, attracting thousands of visitors to browse the expanPictures at an Exhibition, a piece created for the ballet in 2014 sive collections and pop in to the event’s lauded talks. that fuses ten dancers with projections of Wassily Kandinsky’s Five Boro Craft Beer Fest Color Study Squares with Concentric Circles and Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition piano score. Tapped as New York’s premier beer fest, the Five Boro Craft Beer Fest (May 6) highlights the best of the local craft beer scene. Sakura Matsui Cherry Blossom Festival Come prepared for a marathon day of suds as a select group of Celebrating 35 years of annual blooms, the Sakura Matsuri Cherry forty or so small-batch breweries tout over a hundred craft beers Blossom Festival (April 30–May 1) at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden at The Well in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The perpetually sold-out returns this season. Sixty events and performances fill out the two event goes for an all-inclusive approach, with unlimited 2-oz. -day festival, marking the end of Hanami, the Japanese seasonal tastings of the beers, high-end bites from local restaurants and tradition of blossom appreciation. The pink-and-white petals set food trucks, and a 5-oz. souvenir tasting glass. the scene for favorite events that include a cosplay fashion show, Manhattan Cocktail Classic Japanese folk dance, and origami demonstrations. Riding the ever-rising wave of craft-cocktail popularity, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic (May 15–19) returns after last year’s hiatus Arguably the best way to explore the city, biking is now more than to crown 2016’s ultimate drink. The annual event keeps the spirits ever an integral part of New York's transportation system. It’s flowing for five days with plenty of parties, workshops, and dinner estimated that 200,000 cyclists take to New York City’s 1,000 pairings intended to education and entertain. For those looking miles of bike lanes daily—a staggering number, considering 485 for the true toast of the festival, the Opening Night Gala welmiles have been added since 2007. Among the many events New comes more than 3,000 revelers to a three-hour cocktail bacchaYorkers partake in to celebrate National Bike Month in May, TD nal, as interactive mixing stations, live music, plenty of small bites, Five Boro Bike Tour (May 1) remains a highlight on the first Sunand cocktails of every variety imaginable line the room. day of the month. The largest charitable bike ride in the country, The Frick Collection upwards of 32,000 cyclists revel in the cordoned-off streets for a joy ride that connects all five boroughs. The stately, stunning Frick Collection remains a must for any surBike Month
Collective Design Whether you prefer clean lines or bursts of color, there’s bound to be something to please every eye among the more than 20 8 Today’s BoomeR
vey of the city’s art scene, especially this spring as a new exhibition, Van Dyck: The Anatomy of Portraiture, is unveiled. Running March 2 through June 5, the showcase is being billed as the most comprehensive exhibition ever organized on Anthony van Dyck
(1599–1641), with more than 100 works spanning the portraitist’s career.
shells, eggshells, and books of his own poetry.
Coney Island
Neue Galerie
Coney Island's Luna Park (home to The Cyclone) kicks the sumLocated on New York’s Museum Mile, the Neue Galerie specializ- mer fun into gear early this year as the park opens its gates for es in early 20th-century German and Austrian art. The gallery is the first thrills of the season on March 20. Continuing on weekhoused in an architectural work of art, the ornate Louis XIII-style ends through Memorial Day weekend, thrill-seekers are sure to William Starr Miller House on 86th Street and Fifth Avenue. Built meet their match with a turn on the surprisingly forceful Electro for industrialist William Starr Miller, the estate was repurposed Spin coaster, amping up for the 90-degree vertical drop into a as an art gallery by Ronald Lauder (son of Estée Lauder), opening 100-foot vertical loop on the park’s newest signature roller to the public in 2001. Garnering early praise, Munch and Expres- coaster, Thunderbolt. Independently owned yet interwoven with sionism (now through June 13), provides an in-depth look at Luna Park is Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, keeper of Edvard Munch’s influence in German and Austrian culture—and the great Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel built in 1920. The ride of primary importance, the opportunity to see The Scream (1895) offers a choose-your-own-adventure premise, with white cars in person. offering a calm rotation while red and blue cars swing freely on a curved track in the wheel—a classic Coney Island charm.
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) kicks off the spring season with Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty (March 26–July 24), a retrospective on the French artist best known for portraying ballerinas in their natural surroundings. The exhibition arrives as a highlight of the museum's lineup, featuring approximately 120 rarely seen monotypes as well as dozens of related paintings and sketches of urban life. For something a little more unconventional, Marcel Broodthaers: A Retrospective continues through May 15, showcasing the Belgian poet-turned-artist’s eclectic span of work through 200 pieces—most notably repurposing mussel
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit Anchoring the heart of Greenwich Village on Memorial Day weekend and the week following (with a similar schedule over Labor Day, as well) the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (May 28–June 5) sets up on University Place. A more enriching and sophisticated event than the city’s usual street fairs (no mozzarepas or complete bedding sets found here), stroll among the hundreds of exhibitors ranging from NYU students to local stalwarts with plenty of paintings, photography, jewelry, woodcraft, and sculptures for sale. Today’s BoomeR 9
The Retirement Generation Gap What separates the two different generation's retirement plans? By Kelley Holland
Few milestones in life are as laden with dreams and fantasies as the day when a person retires. Will it be a slow downshift into a life of travel and time with grandchildren? A chance for gradually increasing immersion in a lifelong hobby? Perhaps it will be all of the above. Or perhaps future retirees' experience will be more in line with the reality of retirement as depicted in a new report by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. The study found that two-thirds of workers aged 50 or older expect to work past 65, at least part time, but the median age at which current retirees left the workforce was 62. Not only that, two-thirds of those who did leave the workforce did so because of work-related reasons like job loss, a reorganization, or a buyout. And only 5 percent of retirees actually are working in retirement.
?
explain why their worries about retirement tend to relate to outliving their savings. They are also nervous about not being able to support their families or maintain access to reasonably priced health care. Retirees tend to be less worried about running out of money and more concerned about experiencing cognitive decline and being unable to find meaningful ways to spend their time, the study found. But a sizable minority of both groups is worried about paying off debt, with 18 percent of workers aged 50 or older and 13 percent of retirees saying that paying down credit card or consumer debt is a key priority.
"Working longer and retiring at an older age seems like a sensible option for workers to earn money and bridge savings shortfalls," the report concluded, but "many retirees retired sooner than expected, before age 65, "So many workers want to work longer, or transition for employment–related reasons, including job loss, into retirement, yet very few say their current reorganizations and others. The variables in the employers have practices in place to facilitate this," said Catherine Collinson, president of the Transamerica equation simply don't add up." Center. Many, she said, "are ill prepared for life's Millennials, by contrast, appear to be doing more to unforeseen circumstances." prepare for retirement. Some 68 percent are currently Many 50-somethings have only limited retirement nest eggs: the center found just $135,000 in median savings in retirement accounts for that age cohort. That may
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saving for retirement, according to a recent study by the Insured Retirement Institute and the Center for Generational Kinetics. That is an improvement on the 64 percent of workers aged 50 or older who told the Transamerica Center surveyors they were doing so. Then again, only 29 percent of millennials are actually planning for retirement, the IRI survey found, and 15 percent listed winning the lottery as an element of
their retirement strategy. In addition, more than half of millennials think they will never retire or will not be able to retire when they want to. Millennials also demonstrated a skewed perception of the cost of living in retirement. Some 70 percent thought they would spend less than $36,000 per year, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual spending by people aged 65 to 74 in 2013 averaged $46,757. The millennial generation "is largely not on track to attain financial security in retirement," the IRI researchers concluded. One reason for boomers' and millennials' skewed view of retirement finances may be their shifting financial circumstances. Boomers in their 50s are more likely than current retirees to have little or nothing in the way of pension income, for example. Roughly three-fourths of the boomers in the Transamerica Center survey said they wished they had saved more consistently and been more knowledgeable, since for them, it will matter more. As for millennials, many are contending with heavy
student debt burdens. The Institute for College Access and Success found that among the 69 percent of students who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges with debt in 2014, the average amount owed was $28,950. There are reforms in the works to improve retirement security in the future. For example, the Treasury Department in November announced the creation of the myRA, a type of retirement account that Collinson believes could prove quite helpful to part-time workers and people just starting out in the workforce. In addition, a number of states are considering or implementing state-based retirement plans to help those without retirement programs at work put money away. Still, for now the disconnect between boomers' hopes for remaining in the workforce and the age when retirees step out is cause for alarm, Collinson said. "The red warning lights are flashing. We are facing major issues up ahead and the sooner we can recognize them and address them, the better positioned we are societally to solve them." Today’s BoomeR 11
BoomeR ConsumeR Watch: A Guide to Going Out Without Going Broke
By Maria Lalonde
After a long week at work, come Friday you may be aching Find a Designated Driver to unwind with a nice dinner and maybe a martini or two. Cab rides and ride sharing can be one of the most expensive parts of going out. Look out for both your But nights on the town can be an expensive indulgence. Dinner, drinks and Uber rides can add up quickly, taking a safety and wallet by finding a designated driver who can drive you and your friends to and from the bar. Of course, big chunk of money out of your hard-earned paycheck. it's not always easy to convince a friend to be a That doesn't mean you have to spend your nights at home designated driver – try arranging an alternating system alone, watching Hugh Grant movies with a box of wine with your friends, where one person agrees to be the and a sleeve of Thin Mints. With a solid plan of action, it's designated driver each week. possible to paint the town red without going broke. Learn more by checking out our guide to going out on a budget: Start at Home Withdraw cash for the night. Decide how much you can afford to spend on your night out beforehand. Withdraw the amount of cash you've allocated for the night so you won't lose track of how much you spent later on. When your wallet is empty, you'll know it's time to stop spending. 12 Today’s BoomeR
You can save money by starting your night at home. Invite your friends over to share a few beers, and you'll end up spending less money on drinks when you're out. Drinks at a restaurant or bar can cost upwards of $8, but a six-pack from your local grocery store can cost as little as $6.
premium spirits, so it's a good idea to be specific about your house alcohol preferences to avoid being On restaurant deal sites like Restaurant.com, you can charged top-shelf prices. purchase gift certificates to local restaurants at more than 50 percent off. Simply plug in your ZIP code and Finish at home. Instead of staying out late and you'll be presented with a variety of deals for shelling out more money at the bar, consider restaurants in your area. You can also check out bringing the party back to your house. You can discounted gift card sites like Raise and Cardpool to continue to enjoy each other's company (and score gift cards to popular chains at a discount. continue to drink) in the safety of your own home – Split Meals where the drinks aren't marked up, you don't have to Many restaurant dishes fall well beyond the range of tip and there's never a cover charge.
Hunt Down Restaurant Deals
the USDA's recommendations for sodium, fat and calories. Splitting a meal is not only a healthy choice, it's a cost-conscious one. Consider ordering a salad and a main course to share with a friend. Pack up leftovers, and you'll have lunch taken care of tomorrow.
Stay In
Stick to Beer
Remember just because you stay home doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself. Take the time to relax with a bubble bath, cook a delicious dinner or read that book you've been meaning to finish.
Your friends won't be devastated if you turn down an invitation to go out every once in a while, and they're likely to be understanding if you explain your reasons. Next time your friend asks you to come out, try saying something like, "I've really had fun going Look for Specials out with you before, but I can't make it tonight. I'm Once you're finished with dinner and ready to hit the really trying to stick to my budget." Everyone can identify with wanting to be more responsible with bars, do a bit of homework beforehand to find out which bars have the best drink specials. Search local their spending habits. By deciding to stay in one night, you allow yourself a little more wiggle room event guides to find listings of promotions and next time you go out. You're bound to enjoy your specials, and plan your night accordingly. At a bar, next night out much more when you're not pinching don't be shy about asking the bartender if they're pennies. running any drink specials you might have missed.
Cocktails, wine and shots are typically marked up anywhere from 350 to 500 percent at bars. With beer, you often get the best value for your money – especially if you can buy beers on tap or by the pitcher.
Avoid Brand-Name Liquors If you prefer liquor to beer, make sure to specify that you would like the house alcohol rather than the brand-name in your mixed drinks. Many bars will charge more for Today’s BoomeR 13
Old Enough For Sex: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Orgasm And Aging By Renee Fisher Life in the Boomer Lane is many things to may people: wife, mother, grandmother, friend, cousin, niece, Marshalls and TJ Maxx shopper, and now orgasm expert. She acquired this last moniker when she was called by two friends yesterday evening, who each got on the line to "ask her advice about something." Because LBL gives advice freely, whether or not she is familiar with the subject matter being asked about, she was ready with answers. But when her friends wanted to know if she was alone in the room first, she became concerned. Her thoughts went immediately to one of several topics:
assume that their ability to orgasm is off the charts. Senior Planet had an article about older women and orgasm. The following is one of the issues they responded to: "My husband and I are in our late 60s. I still have a strong libido and love having sex at least twice a week. My problem is that these days, I take so long to orgasm. I take bioidentical hormones and we use lubricant, so sex is comfortable. I feel sexy and eager, but I just can't "bring it home" in a reasonable amount of time. This morning it took an hour!"
While LBL can certainly relate to the issue of delayed response time to climax, she has personally chosen to anything immoral use her time to better advantage. She expends a much shorter time attempting to achieve results. If she fails, a political analysis of the results of the Nevada she moves on to more lucrative pursuits. During the time primary that this woman was diddling away, LBL can do several It turns out that both friends were calling with questions loads of laundry, write a blog post, and discover that she regarding orgasms. Each was experiencing physical pain is out of microwave popcorn. when orgasming. The pain was located in different areas PsychCentral has reported in a study in which the of their bodies, other than at the actual site of the median age was 67, that "... the likelihood of sexual orgasm. LBL, although no stranger to orgasms, was a activity declined with increasing age. But more than complete novice at giving advice about them. She wasn't two-thirds of the sexually active women reported that able to help them, unless to ask "Did you Google it?" they achieve orgasm most of the time or always. Since that call, she has realized that, she, herself is Interestingly, the youngest and oldest women in the capable of Googling "orgasm" and using what she has study reported the highest frequency of orgasm learned for the edification and enjoyment of her readers. satisfaction." So here goes: Now we have something to chew on. Assuming that the According to Woman's Day, "Orgasm becomes easier span of ages went from 50+ to 80+, there are some with age ... As an example, while 61 percent of women mighty happy 80-year-olds out there. Of course, this ages 18 to 24 experienced orgasm the last time they had doesn't help the friends of LBL any more than the other sex, 65 percent of women in their 30s did and about 70 studies have, because their issue isn't not achieving percent of women in their 40s and 50s did." This should orgasm and they are not yet 80-years-old. comfort many of LBL's readers. And, as LBL's friends are Spine-health reports the following issue from a reader: "I 20 years older than the women surveyed, she can
anything illegal
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have had intensifying back pain for 10 years. I have two disc bulges and an extra lumbar vertebra. Recently I've started having pins and needles in my legs and yesterday morning when I started having an orgasm the pain was so intense in both legs and feet that I almost wanted to call it off."
something to improve her dreams. Everyday Health has a quote from Shoe Designer to the Stars, Christian Louboutin. Louboutin told British newspaper The Sunday Times that high heels and orgasms have a lot in common. "What is sexual in a high heel is the arch of the foot, because it is exactly the position of a woman's foot when she orgasms," he said. LBL had to read this several times. How does one call off "So putting your foot in a heel, you are putting yourself an orgasm? Wouldn't this be akin to calling off giving in a possibly orgasmic situation." birth when the labor pains became too severe? Or calling off the fall as one went hurtling off a cliff? While LBL won't even touch this one. She invites readers to appealing in theory, LBL isn't sure how this would work share their own experiences. in reality. Express.co.uk, in an article commemorating National WebMD reports "I had the same phenomena happen to Orgasm Day, says a lot of stuff that doesn't matter me last year. Now I do not experience the symptom because the only important thing here is that there is a anymore but my curiosity is still not sated. I first realized National Orgasm Day. I was having painful orgasms when I awoke from a Word to those of you who don't have orgasms or who dream having an orgasm that was quickly infiltrated by a have pain with orgasm, or who have any number of painful painful (sic) cramping sensation in my pelvic disturbing, unsavory associations with orgasm: Just get region. I kept my body as stiff/still as I could to ride out yourself a box of chocolates, a pair of really high heels, the pain." and a dildo. Throw the dildo out the window. If the LBL has never dreamt of having an orgasm. Most of her shoes bother you, throw them out the window, as well. dreams are about getting lost. Then she wakes up and Just don't toss the chocolate. Eat it. LBL promises you a goes about her day, getting lost. She has to do stellar, pain-free orgasm.
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Social Security:
FILING TAXES JUST GOT (A LITTLE BIT) EASIER
By Bob Trotter, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Now that it’s March, your annual tax filing deadline is fast
Create an Account.” Once you are logged in, select the
approaching. If you receive Social Security benefits, one of
“Replacement Documents” tab to obtain your replacement
the documents you need to file your federal income tax
1099 or 1042S benefit statement. You can also use your
return is your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-
personal my Social Security account to keep track of your
1099/1042S).
earnings each year, manage your benefits, and more.
Your Social Security benefits may be taxable. This includes
You can also obtain a replacement benefit statement by
monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. About
calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday
one-third of people receiving Social Security benefits must
through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by contacting your
pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the
local Social Security Office. If you live outside of the United
amount of their taxable income. This usually happens if you
States, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or
have other substantial income — such as wages,
Consulate. But by going online you can print your
self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable
replacement benefit statement immediately and not have to
income that must be reported on your tax return — in
wait to receive it in the mail.
addition to your Social Security benefits. You will never have
With a my Social Security account, gathering your Social
to pay taxes on more than 85 percent of your Social Security
Security information for tax season has never been easier.
benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.
Open your own personal my Social Security account today at
To find out if you must pay taxes on your benefits, you will
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
need your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-
Your Questions Answered
1099/1042S). You should automatically receive it in the mail each January. It shows the total amount of benefits you
Question:
know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS
I'm retiring early, at age 62, and I receive investment income from a rental property I own. Does investment income count as earnings?
on your tax return. The benefit statement is not available for
Answer:
received from Social Security in the previous year so you
people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as SSI payments are not taxable. Whether you file your taxes early or wait until the deadline, Social Security makes it easy to obtain a replacement benefit statement if you didn’t receive one or misplaced it. You can get an instant replacement easily by using your secure online my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one in minutes. Follow the link below to the my Social Security page, and select “Sign In or 16 Today’s BoomeR
No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you're self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Chicago Auto Show: Brains to Braun for Boomer Auto Consumers By John Vardallas www.TheAmericanBoomeR.com
Today’s BoomeR 17
Seems like the new year is racing along faster due to a mild winter in the Midwest and has us itching and ready for Springtime-- which means getting excited about hitting the road for many of us boomers. Even though this is the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese Calendar, baby boomers are not monkeying around when it comes to new car muscle mindset and spending. My annual pilgrimage to the Chicago Auto Show was anything but ho-hum and featured a wide array of kool and innovative foreign and domestic rides.
down for 2016. There was plenty of ramped up Chevy, Ford and Mopar Muscle for all cruising the exhibits. The Ford GT, Chevrolet Camaro, and the Dodge Boys SRTs showcased over the top horsepower that permeated all pavilions.
The Chicago Auto show exemplified the excellent convergence of vehicles and buyers. The US Auto Industry had a record year in 2015 for vehicle sales (17 million) and the CAS is the preeminent voice of the auto buying consumer. The CAS is the largest and oldest auto show in the USA and has been showcasing America s new vehicles since 1901. Held at McCormick Place, it boasts the largest square footage of cars under one roof on earth. This year’s show did not disappoint. For baby boomers like yours truly, there was plenty of new retro horsepower as well as new muscle bling on display. The Big Three Detroit automakers as well as some overseas manufacturers showcased some of the coolest rides ever and won’t be letting consumers 18 Today’s BoomeR
Foreign hot muscle cars Jaguar, BMW, New Lexus and Mercedes Coups in addition to the Alfa Romero and the James Bond Astin Martin DB were all very cool standouts.
environmentally friendly features such as recycled dash materials and wood trim into their cars. Increased fuel efficiency and boosting performance across a wide range of engineering protocols was an overall theme shown by all manufacturers. In addition to In Car Connectivity lifestyle enhancements (smart phone/wi-fi/smart link apps) over the top safety features stood out. Utilizing new technologies from sonar and radar, the driverless ride is coming. Safety features for this year s vehicles include: Adaptive Cruise Control and Headlights, Automatic Emergency Braking, Autopilot, Backup Collision Intervention, Forward Collision Avoidance and Warning, Lane Keep and Park Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. These autonomous features will make driving a little less fretful and a whole lot safer. Needless to say despite seeing carbon matt finishes, double moon roofs and retro green, yellow and purple and orange auto colors on In contrast, this year s also show highlighted an almost all body styles, the Chicago Auto Show gave amazing number of tricked out Trucks and SUVs (now the most popular) in America. The Crossover thousands a look into the automotive future and Revolution and New Automotive Environmentalism the best Rx for breaking the winter blues! is here as well as the first Ford Explorer accessible van to allow for mobility and freedom for those in wheelchairs to really get behind a wheel. The midsize sedan is no longer America s most popular vehicle type. SUVs are now consumers favorite rides (more than 2 million sold in 2015). These smaller fuel efficient rides (Mazda/Nissan/ Honda/Jeep) are proving perfect for the trending single and smaller family auto buying demographic. The quest for Green motoring (despite the drop in gas prices) is moving beyond MPG. General Motors Chevy Volt was deemed the Green Car of the Year. In Europe, BMW i division is engineering Today’s BoomeR 19
BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Hale Roasted Kale and Spring Sofrito Relish
Recipes and Photos from Chef Eben Atwater
www.urbanmonique.com I heard a quip on NPR the other day to the effect that their listeners were fueled heavily by the ubiquitous ‘Super Food’, kale. When even McDonalds sports a kale salad offering, things are certainly reaching a saturation point, (granted, that salad sports more calories, fat, and sodium than a double Big Mac, so maybe the health benefits aren’t as evident there). They will be, however, with our wonderful kale and Sofrito relish. That said, kale does indeed stack up pretty mightily in the Good For You scale. Kale is nutrient dense, sporting copious quantities of vitamins K, A, C, B1, B2, B3, and B6, as well as trace minerals like manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. All of that at roughly 30 calories per cup, sporting 6 grams of carbs, (2 of which are fiber), and 3 grams of protein. What little fat kale contains is largely alpha linolenic acid, AKA Omega-3. Kale, Brassica Oleracea, stems from the Cabbage family, and is cousin to other great veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. All those nutrients and that family tree point to the telltale metallic, slightly funky odor this wonderful stuff exudes. There’s a myriad of variants, with a range of colors and leaf shapes from flat to quite curly. It’s pretty, frankly, and gets darn near as much attention for an ornamental plant as it does for human fodder. We’re going to offer a nice option for adding this stuff to your diet, and maybe even getting folks who think they don’t like kale to try it. The depth and breadth of favors here belay the simplicity of the dish.
Here’s our take on a roasted kale and sofrito blend. It makes a great side, or a topping for shredded pork, beef, or chicken, or can even be used as a sandwich stuffing. As a bonus, you’ve got a great classic sofrito recipe; this root of many a Spanish, Portuguese, South American, and Caribbean dishes is a star all by itself, and the recipe below will make more than enough to spare. 20 Today’s BoomeR
Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and stir the cilantro in well. Allow to cool. Sofrito will keep for a couple of days, refrigerated in an airtight container. For the Roasted Kale 4 Cups Kale, chopped. 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil, (again EVOO is fine) Sea Salt Fresh ground Pepper Preheat oven to 350° F. Rinse, trim ends and big stem pieces from the kale, then rough chop. In a mixing bowl, combine kale with oil, a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper; make sure the kale is nice and evenly coated with oil. Mix well by hand, then spread evenly onto a baking sheet. For the Sofrito, (makes about a cup) 1 medium Tomato 1 medium sweet Onion 2-3 small sweet Peppers, (the miniatures are best) 1-2 Jalapeño Chiles 3 cloves Garlic 1/4 Cup Cilantro Avocado Oil, (EVOO is fine too)
Slide the baking sheet into a middle rack in preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until kale is beginning to crisp. Remove from oven and low to cool, tossing once or twice with a couple of forks. Combine the roasted kale with 1/2 cup sofrito and toss gently to incorporate.
Stem, seed, and fine dice the onion, tomato, peppers and chiles. You can add a bit more or less as you prefer. Rough chop the cilantro. Can be served hot, or chilled, as you prefer. Peel garlic, mince, then add a good pinch of salt and mash with the side of a chef’s knife. In a heavy sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and allow to heat through. Add the onion, chiles, and peppers and sauté until soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the raw garlic smell has dissipated, about 1 minute. Add the tomato, stir to incorporate. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and allow the blend to cook until the free moisture has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes. Today’s BoomeR 21
F– Being Old By John A. Vardallas Founder/CEO, TheAmericanBoomeR.com
SINCE 2016 IS THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY-- HELP ME GET THE MESSAGE TO OUR POLITICAL LEADERS NOT TO MONKEY AROUND WITH OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM.
CALLING ALL BOOMERS TO SEND A MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON
“SOSS” “SAVE OUR SOCIAL SECURITY” I WANT YOU!
URGE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO PRESERVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND! BECAUSE TO US BOOMERS/SENIORS,
“ITS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT—ITS EARNED!” DON’T MESS WITH SS! YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Show Your Support & Take the Poll at www.TheAmericanBoomeR.com
22 Today’s BoomeR
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