Connections Spring 2018 by ACCAging

SPRING 2018

RIGHT sizing

PRODUCED IN PAR TNERSHIP WITH

choosing the right forever home ALSO INSIDE: retroPROM, Travel, Volunteer Spotlight & More S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT magazine I 1

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a partnership with a purpose Athens, Georgia: home to the University of Georgia, but also consistently ranked as one of the top places to retire. There are so many things that make Athens unique. The food; the music; the arts, theater and culture; the sporting events; the parks, trails and green space; and the educational opportunities are just a few of the things that make Athens awesome. Not to mention, it’s a very philanthropic community. There is no place like Athens and there is nothing like this magazine. We’re on a mission to provide our friends and neighbors who have decided to spend their golden years in our quintessential community with a lifestyle magazine that will help them explore, experience and thrive. Just like the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), we want to enhance the lives of older adults that live in our area. Founded in 1967, ACCA aims to maintain and enrich the lives of older persons in Northeast Georgia. ACCA’s programs enable older persons to live independently at home and offer opportunities for employment, volunteerism and other activities. ACCA is a resource for education, information, referral, counseling and general assistance. We’re also on a mission to support our community, and partnering with ACCA on the publication of this magazine allows us to do so. The partnership allows ACCA to use the expertise of OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald staff to assist with photography, design, magazine content and other editorial resources. It allows OnlineAthens/ The Athens Banner-Herald to work with industry leaders to create relevant content ideas, use the knowledge and expertise of ACCA staff to pen this content, and provides an endless list of individuals to spotlight in the magazine. Over the years, ACCA has realized that they can have a larger impact and serve more by creating partnerships with local businesses and other organizations within our community. This partnership allows ACCA to reach a larger, more diverse population. It allows OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald the opportunity to help this non-profit organization to further their mission. Since our first issue, released in the spring of 2017, ACCA has seen a significant increase in participation in their trips and classes, increased volunteer engagement, and an increased community awareness in the services it provides. Connections/What’s Next? is more than a magazine. It’s a partnership with a purpose.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

If you’ve got a great idea for a story, we want to know about! Submit your story ideas to tina.laseter@ onlineathens.com. For those interested in writing, submit samples of previously published work and a brief description of the idea.

We would love to help grow your business by reaching your target audience within the pages of this magazine. You can help support the mission of the Athens Community Council on Aging by doing so. If you would like more information on advertising opportunities with Connections/What’s Next? contact kevin.clarK@ onlineathens.com or call 706-208-2280.

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ceo/ p re si de n t Eve Anthony B OA RD O F DIRECTORS Julie Gaines, Chair Laurie Douglas, Vice Chair Robert Hardell, Treasurer Kelly Holloway, Secretary Publisher, t h e at h e n s b a n n e r - h e r a l d Scot Morrissey V P o f Sa l e s , T h e At h e n s B a n n e r - H e r a l d Kevin Clark EDITOR Donnie Fetter d irector of m a rke ti n g & e n g ag e m e n t, The athens banne r -he r al d Tina Laseter c r e at i v e d i r e c t o r Kelsey French ACC A STAF F Kelli McCain Eve Anthony Erin Beasley ACCOUNT E X ECUTI V ES Tom Bennewitz Sherry Clarke Hayley DeBell Clinton Ervin Alicia Goss Laura Jackson Joshua Lyon A dv e r t i s i n g S u p p o r t Ashley Thompson Allyssa Berrong Kelsey French contributors Heidi Harriman Ewen, Ph.D. Nikaela Frederick Photography Joshua L. Jones editorial Chris Starrs Melissa Erickson Kristen Morales

contents LIVE WELL. AGE WELL. meet charlotte thomas marshall

MARCH FOR MEALS a celebration of meals on wheels

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT meet tom hodgson

AVOIDING PHONE SCAMS advice to protect yourself

SPRING BREAK NEVER GETS OLD 16 travel to savannah & tybee island CAL SPRING TRIPS upcoming day trip opportunities

RETROPROM 2018 meet this year’s king & queen nominees

RIGHTSIZING 24 advice for finding the right forever home THE DIVESTMENT DILEMMA 26 uga dept. of family & consumer sciences AGING...EVERYBODY’S DOING IT 28 spotted around athens COUPLE’S HEALTH 30 study to help older couples stay in shape

© 2018 ACCA Connections is a quarterly publication distributed by ACCA throughout Northeast Georgia. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Advertising in this publication does not imply a relationship with ACCA.

CALENDAR spring events and activities

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LIVE WELL. AGE WELL.

Meet Charlotte Thomas Marshall Tell us a bit about how you came to live in and love Athens. Following my 1963 graduation from Wesleyan College, I became a traveling admissions counselor for the college. In the summer of 1965, Morris “Mo” Phelps, UGA director of Freshman Admissions, offered me a job that was being vacated soon. Mo was the first person to tell me about Athens’ history and share his love of the institution and the town. I had already signed a contract with Wesleyan for the fall, but UGA held the job for me until January 1966. Eleven months after arriving I met George O. Marshall Jr., professor of English, and my life has never been the same since. It blossomed in ways I had never envisioned. We were engaged in three weeks, married in four months and lived a rich life of sharing for 45 ½ years until his death in 2012. George had loved Athens from the time he transferred here in 1941. His first wife, Marion West, was from a longtime Athens family, and after her death he remained close to her mother and relatives, who very generously widened their family circle to include me. They were lovers of Athens’ history and set about orienting me. Little did I know then that my life would eventually focus on gathering Athens’ history. It has been an interesting and joyous journey of discovery. You have written and co-authored books on the topics of Oconee Hill Cemetery and the history of Athens. How did you come to develop an interest and become so passionate and knowledgeable about these topics? As already mentioned, the West family and my husband were my initial mentors. Through them I became a member of the Athens Historical Society and met many other stimulating mentors, including Susan Frances Barrow Tate, wife of Dean William Tate (who was also a fount of knowledge). Mrs. Tate and I soon formed a very special bond which deepened when I was assigned to research the history of the Taylor-Grady House – my first historical research project – after I was invited to join the Athens Junior Assembly (now Junior League). The group had just begun restoration of the house.

Another mentor, Mary Claire Bondurant Warren, stepped forward to open new frontiers to me in connection with the Taylor-Grady research, and she and I became fast friends. Her daughter, Eve Warren Mayes, is an expert researcher and has furthered my efforts on multiple occasions. Many, many people have been gracious and generous in sharing information. I guess I am passionate about my research because I always want to know more – how and why. The late Patricia Irvin Cooper taught us local researchers many valuable lessons. Through your extensive research and plethora of knowledge on Athens and Oconee Hill, what are a few of your favorite facts that you have learned about the families that built this town? Athens is different from other towns in Georgia because it was not founded as a trading settlement but as the home of an institution of higher education, the University of Georgia, which has remained here since its inception. Other towns were established for similar reasons – Penfield, home of Mercer University; Midway, home of Oglethorpe University; and Oxford, home of Emory University – but their institutions moved to cities. The nature of the population attracted to Athens from its beginning in 1801 was tolerant of differences, and that characteristic is still a hallmark today. Throughout its first century and well into the second, Athens has been fortunate to be led by capable, far-sighted men who were often termed “golden-hearted” in their obituaries because they advocated for the well-being of the community as well as their own prosperity. Oconee Hill Cemetery and other Athens cemeteries are the final resting place of thousands of good citizens who have made Athens a fine place to live and whose stories can be inspirations to the present and future generations. I love knowing those stories. What do you believe are the keys to living well and aging well? Staying involved with other people and caring. It is when

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people disengage that they cease to live and just exist. While I find much stimulation in research, I get even more from sharing with other people. It is the exchange, the communication, the interaction, that energizes me. And I like to figure out puzzles, whether they are genealogical, historical, crossword, jigsaw, or some other kind – anything that keeps the mind involved. What’s next for Charlotte Marshall? What are your big arrangements, goals, or plans on the horizon for 2018 and beyond that you are most looking forward to? I’m presently working with a group under the leadership of Milton Leathers to produce a second volume of The Tangible Past in Athens, Georgia. Hearing about their research projects has been fascinating and eye-opening. There is still much about Athens’ past to be put in print and shared. And I’m working – but admittedly not arduously – on the other three volumes about Oconee Hill Cemetery. The manuscript is in my computer, and I annotate occasionally but not as regularly as I should. I do intend to finish because I don’t want to disappoint the families who are waiting. Otherwise, I no longer make big, long-term commitments. I prefer ad hoc projects. I enjoy trouble-shooting with others on their projects and watching them make discoveries. Many people have helped me, and I am trying to honor their help by helping others. We never know what door is going to swing open beckoning us to new involvements and discoveries. I hope to be involved in a compelling project right up to the last breath.

I know you stay busy year round. Tell us about some of the activities, groups, and organizations you most enjoy being involved with. During the past 52 years I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of many groups, all of which have contributed to my growth and awareness. I am a member of First Baptist Church and have enjoyed researching its history and people since 1980 when the church was celebrating its sesquicentennial. And I have been honored to serve as a deacon of the church. Since the early 1980s I’ve widened my research to many of the downtown churches. At different times my horizons and friendships have been extended by my neighborhood garden club, the University Woman’s Club, Athens Historical Society, Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, Ladies Garden Club, Athens Junior Assembly/Junior League, Clarke Oconee Genealogical Society, and Historic Oglethorpe County, and many of those groups entrusted me with leadership roles. I was the first woman to serve on the board of Oconee Hill Cemetery and the first woman to serve as president of the board of what was then the Athens Boys Club. Later I was a founding member of the Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery. I do stay busy much of the time, but not busy for the sake of being busy. I’m busy because I’m interested in whatever I’m doing – but I can usually stop a while to help someone else with their project, particularly if it’s compelling!

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March for Meals

is an annual month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels and the vulnerable seniors who rely on the vital service to remain independent in their homes.

The annual March for Meals commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Since 2002, Meals on Wheels programs across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the support needed to fill the gap between the seniors served and those still in need. Please join us as we celebrate March for Meals!

Creature Comforts Brewery

Champions Week

Every Wednesday through April 4 is a Community Wednesday at the brewery, providing support for the Get Comfortable campaign. The brewery will be open 5-10 p.m. with all taproom profits benefiting the Get Comfortable fund. On March 7 and March 14, ACCA will be featured as one of six agency partners. Please join us as we celebrate Meals on Wheels, participate in a kit project that will benefit local seniors and enjoy the best craft beer ever!

During this week, ACCA invites community leaders to accompany a volunteer on a Meals on Wheels delivery route. The ride along allows us to introduce our Community Champions to the special people we serve so that they can see firsthand the impact of Meals on Wheels.

March for Meals 5K Our eighth annual March for Meals 5k will take place March 24 at 8 a.m. The race begins and ends at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. at 271 W. Hancock Ave. Participants can register at www. active.com or visit ACCA’s website at www. accaging.org for more information. We look forward to seeing you! 1 0 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I SPRING 2018

Community Percentage Nights Thank you to Taqueria La Parilla and Fox’s pizza for hosting percentage nights, benefitting the Meals on Wheels programs. Please join us for a delicious meal while helping seniors in your community! March 19 5-9 p.m. Taqueria La Parilla at 855 Gaines School Rd. will donate 30 percent of all proceeds to Meals on Wheels. On March 22 Fox’s Pizza at 2971 Monroe Highway (Hwy 78) will donate 20 percent of the proceeds of your meal when you mention Meals on Wheels.

Connect with Us! Get the facts! One in five Athens seniors are food insecure. ACCA provides over 1,000 meals each week, but 60 seniors are still on our waiting list. You can help! Connect with us to learn how. Get our emails! Stay in the know about ACCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work serving older adults. Visit www.accaging.org/ email for more info. Follow our social media! Get updates on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us on facebook.com/ ACCAging and Instagram: @accaging. Volunteer! The time you give makes a difference. Call us at (706) 549-4850 to learn more, or visit www. accaging.org/volunteer. Donate! ACCA is changing lives. Invest in our impact by donating today. Visit www.accaging.org/donate for more info. S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT magazine I 11

Life should be lived to the fullest. At UCBC, we are here to help you get back to your full life.

Learn more at www.universitycancer.com or call 800-892-2806 Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UniversityCancer

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Tom Hodgson Tom Hodgson, an Athens native, returned home upon retirement and has stayed busy giving back to his hometown community. In addition to his extensive volunteer work, Tom has also published a cookbook, The Sunday Night Cookbook: A Gentleman’s Guide to Casual Dining at Home. Beginning with the kickoff of ACCA’s March for Meals campaign this month, ACCA will be selling special editions of the cookbook, with all proceeds benefiting ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. We talked with Tom about his motivation for volunteering, his experience as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and his cookbook. You’ve been a regular Meals on Wheels volunteer for over two years. What sparked your interest and keeps you coming back to it? I was introduced to Meals on Wheels almost ten years ago. My obligations to MOW at that time were rather limited, but I really enjoyed seeing bright smiles when food was delivered. When my wife Patti and I retired back to my hometown of Athens a few years ago, we both agreed that our free time could and should be used to help the less fortunate. That hopefully is obvious to all healthy retirees. So I’ve also given time to the Clarke County Mentor Program and The Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery, and I also volunteer at the Athens Welcome Center and give tours of Athens. You grew up in Athens. Has delivering Meals on Wheels taught you anything you didn’t already know about the community? Oh my gosh, yes. Meals on Wheels has taken me to parts of town that I would have never even noticed. I’m not proud of that, but it’s reality. Now, by keeping my eyes open all around Athens, I am much more aware of the elderly, the less fortunate and the lonely. Meals on Wheels certainly is not restricted to any certain demographic, but the overriding profile seems to be an elderly man or woman somewhat starved for social interaction. Bringing a modest meal won’t change their life, but it may spark up their day. Is your volunteer work anything like your pre-retirement work? No. Thank goodness. Volunteer work allows me to be more ‘human’. My career was in both Atlanta and on Wall St. (not a banker). For several years I commuted from Atlanta to NYC. The pace, money-flow and work load seemed to be like no other place on earth. It was good for me and my family, but America is not like the financial district of New York City. America is so darn diverse and I hope I have grown personally by seeing the bigger picture. You are the author of a wildly entertaining cookbook. Is there a connection between your enjoyment of cooking for guests, and your service with Meals on Wheels? Not really. But maybe someday I can meld the two more directly. I did write that self-published cookbook of fun and simple recipes this past Christmas and by selling the books on Facebook I was able to make a profit and make a donation to Meals-on-Wheels. If anyone wants to give themselves a really big Christmas present, put some labor into a project that makes a few bucks and give the profits to a charity. What a feeling it is to know your efforts, not just your checking account, have benefited the needy. Copies of The Sunday Night Cookbook are available on the ACCA website: www.accaging.org. S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 13

Avoiding Phone Scams By Melissa Erickson

Telephone scams are nothing new, but here’s one with a twist. The phone rings. You answer, a moment passes and someone asks, “Can you hear me?” Reports say that scammers are recording your “yes” and using it to authorize payment for products or services. Both the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission are warning people to stay silent and never answer “yes” to any questions on the telephone to people you don’t know. The variety of scams a person can fall prey to is tremendous, from lottery and sweepstakes scams, to requests for money from people claiming to be relatives, “phishing” and “smishing,” and on and on. “The fastest-growing scam in America is imposter scams. This where the con man pretends to be someone or something he or she is not,” said Doug Shadel, AARP’s lead researcher on consumer fraud who also serves as the state director for AARP Washington. 1 4 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I SPRING 2018

“Examples include the fake IRS debt collector who calls and tells you that you owe the IRS money; the tech support scam, where a popup shows up on your computer and tells you that you’ve got a virus and must pay to remove it; or the grandparent scam, where a con man will call and pretend to be your grandchild who got arrested in a foreign country and needs $3,000 to get out of jail,” Shadel said. While the “yes” or “can you hear me” scam was rumored to be sweeping the country, Shadel is not aware of any cases where such a trick resulted in a fake bank or credit card verification. “Still, it is good to be cautious when someone calls and to not give them any information or do business with people you do not know on the phone,” Shadel said. KEEP YOUR COOL When a person is in a heightened emotional state, it is easier for him or her to be scammed.

“Every con artist we have ever interviewed said the key trick they use is to get the victim into a heightened emotional state: extremely excited to win a new car or the lottery or extremely fearful because you owe back taxes, or troubled because your computer has a virus or you are afraid for your grandchild,” Shadel said. Pause and think it over before deciding to buy something over the phone. “If you feel your heart starting to beat faster or you start sweating with excitement, tell the person that you never make a buying decision at the time of the sales pitch and offer to take their number and call them back. This gives you time to cool off and make a rational decision. And if that decision, upon reflection, is to never call them back — so be it,” Shadel said.

Basic Tips • Use Caller ID to screen calls, and consider not even answering unfamiliar numbers. If it’s important, they will leave a message and you can call back. • If you get a suspicious phone call, make a note of the number and report it to bbb. org/scamtracker to help warn others. The Better Business Bureau also shares Scam Tracker information with government and law enforcement agencies, so every piece of information is helpful in tracking down scammers. • Consider joining the Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov to cut down on telemarketing and sales calls. This may not help with scammers since they don’t bother to pay attention to the law, but you’ll get fewer calls overall. That may help you more quickly notice the ones that could be fraudulent. • Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. It’s also a good idea to check your telephone and cellphone bills. Scammers may be using the “yes” recording of your voice to authorize charges on your phone. This is called “cramming,” and it’s illegal.

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Spring Break By Nikaela Frederick

never gets old!

When one hears the term “Spring Break,” distinct images may come to mind. On one end of the spectrum, you may think of partying college kids taking over beach towns. On the more tame side, you may envision families with young children taking road trips to Disney World. Either way, Spring Break is usually associated with younger people. But why should the kids have all the fun? At ACCA, we love to challenge stereotypical notions of aging as a whole. This year, the Center for Active Living (CAL) is redefining what spring break means for our members. The inaugural CAL Spring Break trip will start a new tradition for the mature adults of Athens to get away to a prominent destination with like-minded individuals and have some good, clean fun. After all, if you’re going to live in a college town, you might as well fully immerse yourself in the experience beyond taking classes, tailgating, and attending football games. Savannah and its neighboring beach town, Tybee Island, were chosen for this special trip by popular demand. While these two cities are often paired together, each place has its own flavor. Savannah is a well-known tourist attraction that has captured the hearts of many thanks to its Southern charm, fresh seafood, beautiful scenery, and rich history as the oldest city in Georgia. Stroll down the cobblestone streets as you learn about pivotal moments of American history spanning from colonial times, to the days of slavery, the Civil War, the founding of the Girl Scouts and beyond. With such well-preserved links to the past, exquisite cemeteries, and legends for days, Savannah is considered to be one of the country’s most haunted cities. Full of natural beauty highlighted by Spanish moss, the city’s squares also function as public gardens. Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the largest art schools in the country, the arts breathe life into the culture of the city as well. Between local street artists, theater, film, and music, there’s something for every taste. Only 20 minutes away from Savannah’s Historic District, the coastal community of Tybee Island provides an escape from the 1 6 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I SPRING 2018

city heat with its cool ocean breezes. This barrier island on Georgia’s coast boasts 5 miles of uninterrupted beaches. Enjoy a walk out on the pier, marvel at the historic lighthouse built in 1736 and revel in the local art scene. Tybee Island is a prime location for animal lovers, as it serves as a wildlife refuge and is a dwelling place for dozens of varieties of birds, turtles, marine life and other species. ARE YOU READY TO PACK YOUR BAGS? The CAL Spring Break Trip will be a three-day, two-night excursion departing from ACCA on April 30 and returning on May 2.The cost of the trip includes a guided tour as well as free time to explore both Savannah and Tybee Island, two nights of hotel accommodations, two breakfasts at the hotel, one dinner at Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons restaurant and one at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, a performance at the Savannah Historic Theater, transportation on a brand new deluxe charter bus and a group T-shirt. Double occupancy is $450 and single occupancy is $490. Whether you have never been to Savannah or have been several times, this trip promises to be an adventure that will allow you to experience the city in a fresh and unique way. Seating is limited and filling up quickly. Reserve your spot today so that you can come back and let the young whippersnappers know that spring break never gets old. To RSVP contact Nikaela Frederick at (706) 549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org.

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spring trips 2018 Atlanta International Auto Show Are you a car fan? This may be the perfect trip for you. The annual Atlanta International Auto Show at the Georgia World Congress Center provides the opportunity to see the year’s latest car models along with vintage automobiles and cool concept cars that may never make it to market. Walk the showroom floor to browse more than 500 vehicles. Each car brand has its own station with staff on hand to answer your questions. A special test driving course is set up for those who would like the option of trying out some of the cars for themselves. Date: March 22 Time: Depart from ACCA at 10 a.m. Cost: $20 for CAL members, $25 for non-members

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Batter up! Come out for a night of America’s favorite pastime as we watch the Atlanta Braves take on the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park Baseball Stadium. After the game we will stick around to enjoy the Friday night fireworks show. We will be seated in a covered pavilion in case of inclement weather. Date: Time: Cost:

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June 1 Depart ACCA at 4:30 p.m., game starts at 7:35 p.m. $40 for CAL members, $50 for non-members (includes ticket & transportation)

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It’s time to break out your ruffles and bows, dust off your blue crushed velvet blazer, and join us for a radical, totally epic, night!

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After a year of much anticipation, ACCA presents our fourth annual retroProm presented by Magic 102.1 on May 11 at The Foundry, featuring music from The Highballs. No retroProm would be complete without the promise of a fun and electric night, remembering the times you had from years ago, outrageous clothing, and memories to last a lifetime. So, let’s get this party started by giving you the 411 on this year’s retro royalty. We’re beyond amped to have these six dyno-might Kings and Queens battling over the 2018 crowns. To help choose our next retroProm King and Queen, please visit www.accaging.org/prom. All proceeds raised from the retroProm will support a variety of programming at ACCA, allowing older adults to live independently at home and offering meals, transportation, caregiver support, opportunities for volunteerism, wellness classes, social activities, and employment. Pencil us in! We can’t wait to see you there! S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 21

FRANCES GIBSON

Proprietor, Dover Grace Alternative Bridal Boutique

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? I am excited to raise awareness for this organization. Plus, I finally get to wear a tiara! What is your greatest prom memory? My prom was held at the Fountain Blue in Miami, and the live band was Gloria Estefan and the Music Machine! This was before they became famous. What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I was named after Elizabeth Taylor. What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? At this prom, I am gonna dance every dance. What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? We treat older people like they are invisible. They laid the groundwork for where we are now. I think they should come first. I never got to know my grandparents and I’ve always wanted to, therefore I see the importance of their wisdom.

KATE COOK

Owner/Head Artist, ARTini’s Art Lounge

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? Sounds fun! I like to give back to the community. What is your greatest prom memory? No one special memory, but man oh man if you only saw all of the sequins, ruffles, and big hair. What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I’m shy. Quite introverted with some extroverted tendencies if I’m in my comfort zone, or if I have a glass of wine in hand. I can teach the hell out of an art class, but please don’t ask me to speak publicly. I’m a total goofball. I’m a natural brunette. What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? With age comes wisdom and eventually a who-cares-what-people-think outlook on life. I only like a handful of people from high school. I like a lot more people in Athens. HAHAHA! I’m a much better dancer now. Oh, and I can drink legally. What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? Security and having the basic necessities met concerns me most of all. Then mobility and companionship. Then the extras of being a fabulous senior citizen. If everything else is in place, hopefully there are things like the ACCA, OLLI at UGA, traveling, etc.!

LAURA LEIDEN

REALTOR/Associate Broker, Keller Williams Greater Athens

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? I love to dress in ball gowns and I live to help the elderly as a seniors real estate specialist. What is your greatest prom memory? Slow dancing. What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? My best way to relax is sitting quietly by a pond or lake and dozing off. What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? I can wear an outrageous dress I wish I had in high school! What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? Memory ... what was your question again? Haha! 2 2 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I SPRING 2018

MARK BELL

Owner/Janitor/DJ, Jennings Mill Country Club and 9d’s Ba

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? You just don’t say no to an honor like this! What is your greatest prom memory? That I actually remember going to my prom! What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I’ve scored a legitimate touchdown in Sanford Stadium. I once rode a wheelie on my bicycle all the way from Five Points to my mother’s house in Glenwood. I’m a fabulous dancer that chooses to never display the skills! What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? I’m going stag. What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? Have you seen my hair?

MIKE LEGGETT

Home Inspector, The BrickKicker

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? It sounded like a fun way to help a great organization. What is your greatest prom memory? My mom let me borrow her Ford Taurus. Man, was I stylin’! What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I turned 21 in the 90s and I don’t have a tribal tattoo. What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? No curfew! What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? Self sufficiency. I don’t want to outlive my money.

DAVID WALTON

Brand Storyteller, Jennifer Westmoreland & Assoc./Fox’s Pizza

What inspired you to accept your nomination for ACCA’s retroProm Court? I love all that the ACCA does in our community, and was happy to be given the opportunity to support these efforts. One of my favorite programs is the Meals on Wheels program assisting seniors with food needs, as well as Will’s Pet Pantry for their beloved pets. What is your greatest prom memory? The after parties were always fun. We would go to prom and then enjoy time with friends. Probably also one of the few times I’ve worn a tuxedo! What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I’ve grown up in Athens and have lived in the area my entire life with the exception of a couple years after college. Also, we just had a baby in December! What do you think will make this prom more exciting or different from your high school proms? I’m sure of the person that I’ll be going to the prom with, even before I knew I was going! Less pressure about who to ask and how I’ll ask her. Can’t wait to spend retro-prom with love of my life, Kierstin. What is the issue that concerns you most about aging? That families prepare as early as possible for their senior years, as well as their parents and children. I’m grateful for all the programs that ACCA offers to help seniors in our area, and am glad to be a part of the upcoming retro-prom event! S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 23

RIGHT sizing

choosing the right forever home By Melissa Erickson

After the kids move out on their own, many adults consider downsizing to a new home, possibly moving to the city or to a beach town away from it all. Why downsize, though, when the better option is to rightsize? Rightsizing is different from down-sizing, which seems inherently negative and focuses on space. “It’s got a bad connotation, like you’ll be moving to a smaller apartment or condo. Giving up and giving in,” said Realtor Marie Presti, owner of The Presti Group in Newton, Massachusetts, and a certified educator who has taught dozens of classes on the subject. Instead of moving to a smaller home because you’re an empty-nester, “rightsizing is a process of looking at your current lifestyle and analyzing what’s right for you. It doesn’t necessarily mean smaller,” she said. “Downsizing is about cutting away. Rightsizing is about the big picture,” said rightsizing expert Lynn McPhelimy, author of “In The Checklist of Life.” “Consider it a restructuring focused

on your quality of life. We all want quality of life; this is how we get there.” VISUALIZE YOUR RIGHT HOME The factors that influence rightsizing include your health, finances and relationships, McPhelimy said. Other considerations include things like where you want to be in five or 10 years; whether you will continue working; and whether there is good public transportation and access to cultural activities, restaurants, hospitals and health clubs, Presti said. Consider the home you’re living in, McPhelimy said: Are you using all the rooms wisely? Does mail collect on the dining room table, and are kids’ rooms now used as storage areas? “Where do you really live in your home?” she asked. Adele Tusson-Goss, who has owned and operated Watkinsville-based Simple Solutions Organizing for 15 years, has worked with many clients to determine what works best for them in rightsizing and what they can live without.

Elinor Rees poses for a photo with her greatly down sized kitchen pantry at Talmadge Terrace in Athens, Ga. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald)

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“There’s less stuff and that’s less expense,” said TussonGoss. “The fewer items you have to take care of and repair and maintain, it makes your life a lot simpler and hopefully more enjoyable. A lot of times people are stressed about all the things they have.” As part of the services she offers, Tusson-Goss will go through a house item by item to discern its usefulness to the client. “I don’t tell people you have to throw this away, I work with them,” she says. “What is really important and has meaning? Unfortunately, I see things of great value that are just getting torn up. … If it’s really valuable, let’s get it out and use it. It’s possible you may want a bigger home for entertaining or to have guests or grandchildren visit, McPhelimy said. The same square footage may be ideal if it’s all on one level with no stairs, she added. Additionally, think about lifestyle needs such as time and energy spent on yard maintenance. “Do you really want to mow the lawn, use the snow blower and paint the house every 10 years?” Presti said. “Are your friends still living nearby, or has the neighborhood changed and are you left isolated and lonely?” McPhelimy asked. Financial considerations are paramount to living your dreams, McPhelimy said. Are you asset-rich but cash-poor? Do you have too much house? Since you will eventually be living on a fixed income, think about what you want to be spending money on, Presti said. Do you want to spend money on house upkeep? How much are your property taxes? GET STARTED EARLY “It can be a very emotional, multi-year process to decide what your needs and dreams are and will be in the future. You can’t push people into making a decision. There are hurdles, especially the emotional connection to leaving the home you’ve raised your children in,” Presti said. Because it may take some time, it’s never too early to get started. “Do it before a crisis happens, while you’re happy and healthy,” McPhelimy said. While you’ll need to “follow your heart and your bank account,” financial planners and real estate professionals can also help with the decision, McPhelimy said.

Adele Tusson-Goss helps Elinor Rees downsize by sorting through old mail correspondence.

Once you’ve gotten close to a decision, do a test run. Rent a home through a site like Airbnb or VRBO during the off-season to see what winter is like in Seattle or summer in Phoenix really feels like, McPhelimy said. S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 25

The Divestment Dilemma On the mantle above the fireplace in my home sits a beautiful white and blue handblown flower vase made in Italy over 40 years ago. It is decorated with dainty, hand-painted flowers that sparkle when the light hits them just right. This vase brings me happiness because it is imbued with memory and happiness. My personal memories of the vase include dusting it for my mom, seeing in it the background of family photographs, and the story of how it came to be. I loved hearing it told because it was part of my parents’ love story. My parents married and spent the following year stationed in Italy. The vase was a souvenir of their honeymoon in which they visited little craftsmen shops along the coast. Through their attachment to the vase, I knew it was special and had to be tied to those early days of marriage when this item became one of the first pieces of décor that belonged exclusively to them.

My parents are gone now and I miss them immensely. However, I find comfort in that piece of blown glass. In a sense, once our loved ones are gone, the items they cherished become “them” to those who loved them. Over the course of our lives, we accumulate many invaluable life experiences and memories and “stuff.” Recent news articles about how the younger generations do not want the accumulated “stuff” of their parents and grandparents abound. While generational tastes in furnishings, décor, and home goods are known to differ, some of the items are timeless and priceless especially in sentimentality. Just as a teenager’s concert ticket can be seen as a flimsy piece of paper destined for the trash at the hands of his mother, so are the antique blown glass vases likely to be in the hands of those emerging into adulthood. The saying, “One person’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is apropos in the issue of divestment of possessions. Research shows that reluctance to part with “stuff” is one of the major stressors of those who move and is a reason many older people decide not to move. Tossing the accumulation of items is akin to tossing out memories – neither the item or emotion is disposable. In graduate school I was studying relocation among older women and my officemate was studying passing on family legacy. Among the means of passing on legacy was the passing on of material items; a divestment of possessions. Our work was complementary, and we spent a good amount of time talking through the issues of parting with personal possessions. In the course of both of our studies we learned that there are pieces of our life collections that are more difficult to pass on to others and it causes great grief and angst. The stories were different, but the same: This piece was part of our family history; it was protected and cherished and needs to remain that way. Deciding who would be the appropriate custodian for these things was taxing and mired down by family dynamics such as rivalries or conflicts among heirs or even disinterest. Older people divesting their “stuff” are seeking heirs or individuals who will protect and cherish the item. I tell my students that before they decline to take an item offered to them, to ask the story behind it. They should consider taking it as the thoughtful gesture it likely is – one of taking responsibility for the care of a family artifact that may not have special meaning at first, but is likely to develop meaning, or a deeper meaning. As my colleague, Dr. Hunter, wrote: “Passing on a legacy is grounded in a process through which both the individual and recipients may benefit.” The accumulation of material items takes time, as does the separating from them. It is not reasonable to assume that one’s children and grandchildren need take all of those possessions

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to keep. Aside from those key items that hold particular value or sentiment, the remainder may be best dispersed.

objects, or may run out of energy and enthusiasm.

Dr. David Eckerdt from the University of Kansas has spent several years doing interviews and surveys with older adults struggling with what to do with their possessions in preparation for relocating. His research on downsizing found older adults have a sense relief and freedom. With key pieces in the hands of those who cherish them and sales of the remainder, older adults can move unfettered.

In my own research, this is one of the main reasons why people do not move: it takes too much time and effort to go through the collections, or there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough help available. For many, it is easier to box it up and close the door. Auctioneers are no strangers to houses filled with boxes that need to be sorted and dispersed. Among the women who did relocate, many were still sorting and disposing of their things six months later and reported it was a source of stress.

The process, however, is difficult. The decisions over what to keep and discard are more than just related to the sentimentality attached. Is it useful or practical to have around? Is it valuable? How would I find a way to get rid of it? Many people do not know the value of their possessions and either overestimate or underestimate what things are worth in the marketplace.

After my mom passed, we had an auction. Family had the chance to buy at no cost (inherit) the items wanted. Among the items available was a set of crystal berry bowls that a distant cousin had procured at the 1902 Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fair. My Mom had labeled them as such. I do not know who bought the berry bowls, but I felt deep regret that after 100 years in the family they were gone.

This dilemma has paved the way for new businesses wherein the items are cleaned, priced and prepared for sale for a fee. The professionals who assist are knowledgeable about the historical context from which the item originated, the market demand and value, and likely venues in which to sell. Further, older adults may have limitations in their ability to lift or move

Eventually, I realized that whomever bought them was someone who wanted them and was probably displaying or enjoying them. I am thankful I got the blown-glass vase and the story behind it. I hope my kids will cherish it when I am ready to downsize. Heidi Harriman Ewen, Ph.D.

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AGING... EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

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1. Seventh- and eighth-graders of Athens Montessori School helped package more than 9,000 pounds of food, which provided bags of food for 225 older adults. 2. ACCA CEO Eve Anthony and Outreach Coordinator Kelli McCain stopped by Avid Bookshop to participate and say thank you for hosting a month-long book drive to collect books for the grandchildren of client’s in ACCA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. 3. More than 100 volunteers joined ACCA staff to wrap more than 800 presents for ACCA’s 13th annual Be A Santa To A Senior Wrapping Party. 4. Jennifer Westmoreland and Associates spent the month of December collecting pet food and donations for Will’s Pet Pantry, which stocks food for Meals on Wheels clients with pets. Her office organized a pound for pound match for all donations over the month. 5. ACCA’s Center for Active Living clients were part of more than 600 seniors who traveled to the Capitol during Senior Week to advocate on behalf of themselves and seniors across the state. State House Reps. Spencer Frye and Jonathan Wallace along with state Sen. Bill Cowsert are pictured here with our Athens contingent. 6. ACCA staff members and interns made Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Day On by spending the morning in the beautiful Beech Haven woods planting trees and clearing out invasive species. 7. Frankie and Andy’s Place, a senior dog shelter and emotional healing center in Winder, brought some of their sweet senior pets to share some love with clients at ACCA’s Winder Adult Day Health Center. 8. ACCA’s Senior Corp Director Tegan Hurley and Outreach Coordinator Kelli McCain were invited to share information about the 2018 Senior Leadership Academy and many other services offered by ACCA on Lady B’s radio program with WXAG Athens. S PR ING 2018 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 29

Couples’ Health UGA study helps older couples stay in shape By Kristen Morales

Starting a new exercise routine can be intimidating. But if you had a companion to exercise with, would you be more likely to stick with it? That’s the question University of Georgia College of Education researcher Rachel Salyer aims to answer with a study she is launching this spring. With CHAMPS (Couples Healthfully Aging as Moving Partners Study), Salyer will explore how couples navigate and maintain physical activity and exercise over a 10-week period. Romantically linked couples age 60 to 75 are invited to take part. “With any individual, it’s important to have that social support, especially to remain physically active. And research does show that spouses or couples, if they have a significant other who is physically active, are more likely to be active as well,” said Salyer, a doctoral student in the UGA College of Education’s department of kinesiology. “So that’s a lot of what spawned this project.” For the study, couples come to the Ramsey Student Center’s Center for Physical Activity and Health twice a week for group exercises. The room is outfitted with exercise machines and 3 0 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I SPRING 2018

equipment, but is separate from the student-oriented workout areas. This allows participants to get to know each other and offers a social aspect to the strength-training workouts. Participants also receive a Fitbit exercise tracker to encourage aerobic workouts outside of the classes. Their progress will be tracked for 10 weeks, followed by a check-in from Salyer three months after the program ends to determine how well they stuck with the exercise program. While the structured workouts will help develop relationships among their peers, Salyer hopes the connection with their partner will help maintain the exercise after the classes stop. “So we are going to turn them loose with, in theory, this partner who is supporting their physical activity and a Fitbit that is reminding them to stay physically active. Then we are checking in three months out and asking, ‘Did that help you adhere to your exercise?’” said Sayler. “Even when they aren’t in here with us, the idea is to give them tools so that physical activity and exercise is sustainable for them.” Participants also receive a two-month membership to the Center for Physical Activity and Health (a $70 value) after completing the follow-up visits. For Athens residents Sandy and Scott Clark, the daily exercise

as part of the program gives them some structure to their day. While they don’t work out together when they are not in class, they each hold an expectation that their partner will follow through with it each day. “We’re retired and I have a very busy schedule — today is a 12-hour day,” said Sandy. “So this gives us a little bit of structure and we end up feeling better about ourselves because we can physically do things.” It’s not about being dependent on each other, said Salyer and the Clarks, but rather building accountability among your friends and your partner. “They have to keep each other accountable for that physical activity,” said Salyer. “The hope is that by bringing in couples, when they leave and are no longer here, they can help each other stay accountable and help each other work out.” To take part in CHAMPS, contact Salyer at champs.uga.17@ gmail.com, call (706) 542-4395, or visit bit.ly/CHAMPSstudy to fill out the screening questionnaire.

Below: Graduate student Rachel Salyer works with Sandy and Scott Clark at the University of Georgia’s Center for Physical Activity and Health. [Photo by Kristen Morales]

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The Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multi-purpose center offering older adults in Athens and surrounding communities opportunities to stay active and engaged. CAL provides unique social, educational, and wellness related classes and activities, group trips, and supportive services. For membership information or to register for trips and classes, contact Nikaela Frederick, CAL Wellness Coordinator, at (706) 549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org. New Trip Policy: First paid, first served. Due to high demand, those who pay for a trip at time of RSVP will receive first priority until the trip is full to capacity. At that time, a waiting list will be started and payment will be due once a spot becomes available.