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Contents

JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

 SARDINIAN VINEYARDS like this one play a role in the “blue zone” practices described by journalist Dan Buettner. — Photo by David McLain

features

16  Secrets of the Blue Zones

Steps you can take today to help live a longer, healthier life — plus recipes!

24  The Buzz on Alcohol

Truths (and myths) about boozing as we age

43  Don’t Die of Misinformation

Prostate cancer guidance can be a tangle of mixed messages 6 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

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Contents

home and garden

36  Two to Tango Ballroom dancing has so many health benefits — and doesn’t feel like exercise

51  To Rent or To Own?

58  What’s On? 5 shows about finding love in retirement

55  From Filling Up to Plugging In Everything you need to know about switching to an electric car

health and wellness

travel

48  Get Moving It’s never too late to start exercising

food and drink 28  MMM Mocktails Nonalcoholic drinks to warm up to this winter 32  The Bounty of the Sea Fresh recipes with health benefits by America’s Test Kitchen

For empty nesters & retirees, that is the question

60 Hidden Costs of International Travel They won’t break the bank — but can take a bite out of your vacation budget 63  Where To Go In 2024 It’s never too early to start your summer travel planning

columns 47  Be Your Best Benita Zahn on finding happiness 66  The Vine Rod Michael on leaving a legacy of love

8 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

See individual stories for credits. Front cover photo: iStockphoto.com/deimagine.

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Publisher’s Note FROM THE PUBLISHER

It’s Your

Journey…

up content that creates conversations around aging. It should be something to be proud of, not ashamed. As a society we are on a continual quest for the secrets of living a long and quality life. It’s clear that our society places a high value on youth and physical appearance, with many people believing that looking young is a sign of beauty and vitality. As America’s population continues to age, with more people living to be 100 than ever before, there is a stream of new information aimed at breaking the barriers of aging. While your family history, what you eat and your exercise regime play a big part in aging well, we’ve learned that there are other factors that play a significant role, such as moving naturally, having a purpose, downshifting, eating plant-based foods, cultivating a sense of belonging and connection and others that our contributing writer, Janet Reynolds, explores in our feature story, “Discovering Blue Zones,” on page 16. These so-called “blue zones” are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy. Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica and yes, the U.S., have blue zones. For decades, journalist Dan Buettner has been studying and reporting on these isolated areas across the globe where the number of centenarians is statistically higher than the norm. While diet and exercise play a part, there are other, larger-picture commonalities shared by these blue zone residents who are living to 100 and beyond. As an avid wine aficionado, I was dismayed when I read an article in The New York Times last year on new research about how even low levels of alcohol can harm your health. Say it isn’t so! Like many things in life, especially as we age, navigating the realities comes back to moderation. Writer Brianna Snyder takes a closer look at the truths and myths about alcohol and aging on page 24. Less alcohol intake, in general, is healthier and safer as we age. I may have to put a visit to blue-zone Sardinia on my bucket list to have a glass of wine or two with some of the local centenarians.

alison@55pluslifemag.com

14 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

Alison Michael photo by Saratoga Portrait Studio/Becky Miller.

AS WE STEP INTO A NEW YEAR, we continue to serve

f ity

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s ge

 A PRIEST FROM IKARIA, GREECE, one of the “blue zones” known for longevity, with journalist Dan Buettner.

Secrets of the

Blue Zones Steps you can take today to help live a longer, healthier life

BY JANET REYNOLDS PHOTOS BY DAVID MCLAIN

eople have been trying to discover the fountain of youth for centuries. Whether inspired by the writings of fifth-century Greek historian Herodotus or the story of 16th-century Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon who theoretically discovered Florida in the process, people have been wondering for centuries about the secrets to living well longer. That desire — obsession? — has only increased in recent years as medical treatments and health information have improved life expectancy generally. Between 1960 and 2015, life expectancy for the total population in the United States increased by almost 10 years — from 69.7 years in 1960 to 79.4 years in 2015. By 2060, the life expectancy for the total American population is projected to increase by about six years, from 79.7 in 2017 to 85.6, according to a U.S. Census report. Baby boomers, who, at least in their heads, are perpetually 45, have only fueled this increasing interest in extendCONTINUES ON 18 

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ing our lifespans. As a result, so-called anti-aging strategies, from serums to IV drips to dietary supplements, have been exploding. In 2021, Americans spent more than $151 billion on vitamins and another $21 billion on protein supplements. But in an age where information (and misinformation) is at

our fingertips, figuring out how to live better and longer can be so overwhelming that reaching for those Cheetos feels like the only solution. Enter journalist Dan Buettner. For decades, Buettner has been studying and reporting on the isolated areas across

 RECIPES FOR BLUE ZONES KITCHEN being gathered in Nicoya, Costa Rica.

Food First

Want to make changes to your diet that can help you live longer and age more healthily? Here is a list of some of the healthy foods regularly consumed by blue zones inhabitants.

• From Sardinia, Italy: fava beans, barley, kohlrabi, fennel, sourdough bread, tomatoes • From Nicoya, Costa Rica: In addition to beans, corn and squash, a group Buettner calls “The Three Sisters,” Nicoyans consume a lot of peppers, cilantro, coconut and papaya • From Loma Linda, California: Avocado, nuts, soy milk, oatmeal, beans, spinach and broccoli (also, see the recipe for Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans with Mustard Drizzle on page 23) • From Ikaria, Greece: beans, fennel, wild greens, lemon, olive oil, raw honey, sage and rosemary (also, see the recipe for Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Herbs on page 23) • From Okinawa, Japan: tofu, miso, green onions, mush-

18 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

rooms, seaweed, turmeric, imo (purple sweet potatoes)

Want to make a change in your diet but don’t know where to start? Here are two lists from Buettner — four “always” foods and four foods to avoid.

4 “Always” Foods

• Beans • 100% whole grains • Two handfuls of nuts a day • Five fruits and vegetables a day. Buettner says eating seven or more portions of fruits and vegetables a day can lower the risk of premature death by 42%.

4 Foods to Avoid • Sugar-sweetened beverages • Salty snacks • Packaged sweets • Processed meats

the globe where the number of centenarians is statistically higher than the norm. “It all started in the spring of 2000 when I was leading a series of educational projects called ‘Quests,’ in which a team of scientists investigated some of Earth’s great puzzles,” Buettner writes in an email. “I had heard about Okinawa’s There is no unusual longevity a few years earlier and thought fountain of youth it would be a great quest or magic pill that to investigate what their secrets to good health we can take to and long life were. We live long, healthy, spent ten days studying, exploring and summing happy lives. It up what we found.” takes many small Five years later, Buettner returned to Okinawa with changes to create a new team. He had written a cover story for Naan environment tional Geographic called that curates “The Secrets of Long Life,” and was determined to healthy living.” delve deeper into the Oki— Dan Buettner nawan lifestyle and open his search to find more so-called “blue zones.” These blue zones, named for the blue dots used on a map by Michel Poulain and Giovanni Mario Pes while originally studying longevity in Sardinia, Italy, include Okinawa, Japan; Singapore; an Adventist community in Loma Linda, California; and others. Fast forward to today. Buettner has written countless books about blue zones and the blue zones lifestyle, including his newest book, The Blue Zones Secrets to Living Longer: Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth. He also has a new documentary on Netflix called Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. Buettner is also working with communities around America to help them create blue zones of their own by incorporating the lifestyles and habits found in the original blue zones around the world. In Albert Lea, Minnesota, for instance, employers realized $7.5 million in savings in annual health care costs, while participating residents added 2.9 years to their lifespans within one year of participating in the project. In Fort Worth, Texas, they saw a 31 percent decrease in smoking, and a nine-point increase in the number of residents who exercise at least 30 minutes three or more days weekly. Today, the Blue Zones Project is working with over 72 communities in the United States. While making these health and lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming, Buettner reminds people that even taking a couple of steps is better than doing nothing at all. “The key

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to health and happiness is not a silver bullet,” he writes, “but instead a silver buckshot. There is no fountain of youth or magic pill that we can take to live long, healthy, happy lives. It takes many small changes to create an environment that curates healthy living.” “I try to live out all of the Blue Zones principles as best I can,” he adds, noting his diet is plant-based and he no longer eats meat. “I know a few hours more of socializing will be better than a few more hours of work, so you won’t find me working after 5 p.m. When I am working, I take many of my calls while walking. I host dinner parties for my friends weekly. I live in a walkable community where I can walk to the store or out to dinner.”

Interested in making a change in your aging lifestyle? On these pages are a few — and we mean a few — of the top tips from Buettner’s research on how you can take steps toward living longer and healthier. The bottom line, says Buettner, is to take even one or two steps toward investing in your health. “It’s important not to think of the Power 9 as a checklist that you must hit every day,” he says. “It is a direction of small changes throughout your entire life/environment that help set your surroundings up for success. I don’t want people to think ‘I haven’t followed the 80 percent rule today so I failed.’ It’s about being mindful of how to include these in your environment.” n

The Power 9

9 COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG BLUE ZONES INHABITANTS 1. MOVE NATURALLY: People in the blue zones

aren’t joining gyms or running races. They live in places that require them to move without thinking about it. They work in their gardens, walk everywhere and sit on the floor. They’re exercising without realizing it. 2. PURPOSE: Have a reason to get up in the morning, whether it’s volunteering or working. Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy, according to Buettner. 3. DOWNSHIFT: Stress leads to chronic inflammation, which is associated with every major age-related disease. We can’t eliminate all stress, of course, but people in the blue zones also have routines, or coping mechanisms, that enable them to shed some of that stress. Sardinians, for instance, do happy hour (in moderation, of course) while Adventists have a weekly Sabbath routine that requires stepping away from daily life. 4. 80 PERCENT RULE: “Hara hachi bu” is a 2500-year-old Confucian mantra that Okinawans say before meals to remind themselves to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. Overeating, in contrast, seems to be an American requirement, resulting in high obesity rates and a multitude of health issues. 5. PLANT SLANT: Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets,

20 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

according to Buettner’s research. When blue zoners do eat meat — mostly pork and only a few times a month — the portions are notably smaller than America’s Big Mac mentality, coming in at about the size of a deck of cards or 3 to 4 ounces per serving. 6. WINE @ 5: People in all blue zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly. Research suggests moderate drinkers outlive nondrinkers. The trick is to drink 1 to 2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. Notably missing from this list is hard liquor. 7. BELONG: All but five of the 263 centenarians Buettner interviewed belonged to some kind of faith-based community. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add four to 14 years of life expectancy. 8. LOVED ONES FIRST: Successful centenarians in blue zones put their families first. Aging parents and grandparents live nearby or in the homes of their children. (Some of the blue zones don’t even have nursing homes.) Added benefit: Having aging elders in or near the home lowers the disease and mortality rates of children in the home, too. 9. RIGHT TRIBE: Find friends who support your healthy choices. Okinawans create “moais,” or groups of five friends that are committed to each other for life.

Life Lessons

Lifestyle changes are an important part of aging in blue zones. Here are some of the life lessons from the blue zones Buettner highlights in his book and Netflix series: From Sardinia • Eat a plant-based peasant diet • Put family first • Celebrate elders • Take a walk • Drink a glass or two of red wine daily • Laugh with friends From Nicoya, Costa Rica • Have a plan da vida • Drink hard water (or water with a high calcium content), which helps with bone density • Focus on family • Eat a light dinner • Work • Get sensible sun • Embrace common history • Maintain your social network

From Loma Linda • Get moderate regular exercise • Watch your BMI • Find a sanctuary in time: Theirs is the weekly sabbath, which creates a forced weekly social media timeout • Give something back • Avoid meat • Eat a light dinner • Snack on nuts • Drink plenty of water • Spend time with like-minded friends From Ikaria, Greece • Mimic mountain living, walking uphill like shepherds • Nap • Make family and friends a priority From Okinawa • Find your “ikigai”: your life’s purpose and reason for getting out of bed • Eat a plant-based diet • Enjoy sunshine • Eat more soy • Activate your home environment: Sit on a mat on the floor • Be interested and interesting • Build your moai, or social network

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Bring it on Home

CREATING A BLUE ZONES HOME

In addition to offering information about diet, Buettner’s new book, The Blue Zones Secrets to Living Longer, includes a section on ways in which you can incorporate healthier lifestyle choices in your home. Here are a few to consider: • Get a dog. People with dogs get an average of five hours of exercise weekly just from taking care of Fido. • Have only one TV. The fewer TVs, the less likely you’ll be to plop yourself in front of one. • Replace power tools with hand tools. Obviously not all jobs should be done by hand, but shoveling, raking and pushing a mower are productive outdoor workouts, with some burning almost 400 calories in an hour. • Disconnect the automatic garage opener. • Place cushions on the floor. Okinawan elders sit and get up from the floor dozens of times daily. Sitting on the floor improves posture and overall strength. Turns out, that “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial is no joke.

 BUETTNER TOASTS THE BLUE ZONES LIFESTYLE with a family in Sardinia.

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Chef’s Corner ROASTED POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS WITH MUSTARD DRIZZLE TOTAL COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES | SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

For the roasted vegetables: • ½ pound fingerling potatoes • 3 garlic cloves, sliced • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or other herbs • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • ½ cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed), patted dry with a paper towel • ½ pound green beans, washed For the dressing: • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • 2 teaspoons honey • Salt and pepper to taste (optional) PREPARATION

1 Heat the oven to 425 degrees. 2 In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with garlic, herbs and olive oil. 3 Place the potatoes in a single layer in a roasting pan and roast for 25 minutes, or until fork-tender, stirring once or twice. 4 Add the chickpeas and green beans to the potatoes and roast for another 10 minutes. 5 While the vegetables roast, in a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, olive oil, vinegar and honey to form an emulsified dressing. 6 Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. 7 Transfer the roasted vegetables and beans to a platter and drizzle with dressing. Serve warm.

CHICKPEA SOUP WITH LEMON AND HERBS TOTAL COOK TIME: 2 HOURS, 20 MINUTES, OR 45 MINUTES IF USING CANNED CHICKPEAS | SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, rinsed and peeled (or four 15-ounce cans low-sodium chickpeas, drained)

• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 bay leaf • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving • Salt and pepper • Juice of 3 lemons, for serving PREPARATION

1 Place the drained chickpeas in a pot with just enough water to cover, and bring them to a boil. 2 Remove from the heat, drain, rinse and put them into a clean pot. 3 Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, olive oil and enough water to cover the ingredients. Stir to combine. 4 If using dried chickpeas, bring to a boil and then simmer for about 2 hours, or until chickpeas are soft. 5 If using canned chickpeas, bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of water at a time to thin the soup as needed. 6 Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. 7 Add salt and pepper to taste. 8 Serve with generous drizzles of lemon juice and olive oil. WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 23

Buzz

The

Truths (and myths) about boozing as we age BY BRIANNA SNYDER

FOR SOME, A COLD COCKTAIL or a glass of big-bodied cabernet can bring a tremendous amount of pleasure; for others, perhaps, it can bring too much pleasure. Alcohol can be relaxing at best, addictive and dangerous at worst. And if CONTINUES ON 26 

24 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

Photo: iStockphoto.com/gpointstudio.

on Alcohol

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“

Alcohol intake at even the recommended levels can be unsafe for older adults in the context of their underlying health conditions and medications.” — Dr. Kevin B. Costello, Albany Medical College

CONTINUED FROM 24

you are someone who partakes, you’ve likely seen studies on the health risks and benefits of drinking alcohol. Fact is, there’s really no amount of alcohol that’s technically considered “healthy.” Depending upon the study, some — like the American Heart Association — say alcohol in moderation can have some health benefits, while others, like the World Health Organization, advise that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. And as we age, the risks — to both physical and mental health — may increase as our relationship with alcohol changes. Dr. Kevin B. Costello, an associate professor of medicine and geriatric medicine fellowship director at Albany Medical College, shared with us some insights about drinking and aging. Costello emphasizes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for alcohol consumption remain consistent throughout one’s life. “The general guidelines don’t change, and regular screening for unhealthy drinking is recommended at all ages,” he says. “However, alcohol intake at even the recommended levels can be unsafe for older adults in the context of their underlying health conditions and medications.” This underscores the need for tailored recommendations based on individual health status. “My population skews older and more debilitated because I do home care,” Costello says. “Many of my patients have ceased drinking completely for a variety of reasons, or never drank; for some, problem drinking has been and remains a long-standing problem despite efforts at treatment, and some have developed problem drinking after a traumatic event, such as the death of a spouse.” Additionally, caregivers may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, driven by social isolation and the stress of caregiving, according to research.

26 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Givaga.

Guidelines for alcohol consumption

Photo: iStockphoto.com/ronstik.

Myths about alcohol Alcohol research is difficult because it relies on patient recall and truthful responses, however myths about alcohol persist, says Costello. The first, he says, is that if one has not been a problem drinker earlier in life, they are unlikely to be one later on. In fact, he warns that alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder can develop at any point in a person’s life. Another myth is that a drink of alcohol at bedtime can improve sleep. But the opposite is true: Alcohol can interfere with the restorative phases of sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, Costello says, so you may fall asleep more easily, but you’ll sleep less well. Many also believe that alcohol is a good way to lift one’s spirits. Costello warns against this misconception, as depression is a strong risk factor for alcohol use disorder and dependency, and alcohol can lower the threshold for suicidal behavior. He also notes the myth that it’s easy to spot someone with a drinking problem. In reality, problem drinking goes unnoticed all the time. Without regular screening, primary care providers can easily miss those at risk for problem drinking, which may result in missed opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention. The rate at which the body metabolizes and distributes alcohol changes with age, causing the intoxicating effect to be increased, he notes. This effect is particularly pronounced in women. Alcohol consumption can lead to mental confusion, impaired judgment and poor balance, increasing the risk of falls and other injuries. Prolonged alcohol use can also result in nutritional deficiencies that can damage the nervous system.

For folks who are struggling with balance and vision problems, alcohol only compounds the risk of injury.

Is there a “healthy” approach to drinking? Costello offers practical guidance for safe alcohol consumption by aging adults. He stresses the importance of consulting with a health care provider and a pharmacist to evaluate the safety of alcohol in the context of a person’s health conditions and medications. For healthy alcohol consumption, he recommends limiting daily intake to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Regularly exceeding these limits or episodic binge drinking is associated with an increased risk of alcohol use disorder. Less alcohol intake is overall healthier and safer. Costello advocates for regular screening for unhealthy alcohol use. Feedback provided by medical providers and loved ones can have a positive impact on reducing the risk of alcohol use disorder. For those in need of assistance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline, 800-662-HELP, is a valuable resource to find online and in-person treatment options for alcohol and other substance use disorders. Alcohol use in aging adults presents a unique set of challenges and risks, and it’s crucial to address these issues with care and expertise. The good news is that there has been tremendous progress in the market for mocktails (see “MMM Mocktails” on page 28); we don’t have to give up everything that’s delicious. n WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 27

! s l i a t k c o M M

Nonalcoholic drinks to warm up to this winter

MAPLE APPLE CIDER

BY TRACI NEAL

hether you’re on the wagon after a perhaps overly festive New Year’s Eve celebration, or simply want some delicious and creative alternatives to alcoholic libations, the beautifully designed and visually delightful cookbook, Mocktails, by Caroline Hwang, published by Welden Owen with photography by Beatriz da Costa, offers plenty of options to wet your whistle this winter season. From classic cocktails, like mojitos and gimlets, to inventive concoctions, such as a hibiscus lime slush or a strawberry rhubarb punch, the alcohol-free drinks featured in Mocktails are fun, delicious, inventive and just as well-thought-out as any alcohol-based mixed drink. Many are prepared with a foundation of an easy-to-make infused simple syrup (recipes included) and flavorful ingredients, and use the same bartending equipment used for mixing cocktails: a blender, shaker or ice strainer. Although the book features 80 mocktail beverages for all seasons, we offer here a sampling of comforting and cozy warm recipes perfect for sipping by a fire or serving at a winter gathering. Each recipe serves one, so multiply the ingredients depending on the number of people you’re serving.

COCONUT BULLET COFFEE

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP

• ½ cup sugar • ½ cup water • 6 pieces of apple peels • 1½-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped Heat sugar and water in a pan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add apple peel and ginger and simmer for 30 minutes, then strain and let cool.

28 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

PERSIMMON CINNAMON TEA

Photos by Beatriz da Costa

MAPLE APPLE CIDER

Food & Drink FOR THE DRINK

• 6 fl. oz. (¾ cup) apple cider or apple juice • ½ fl. oz. (1 tablespoon) apple and ginger simple syrup • ½ fl. oz. (1 tablespoon) maple syrup • 2 cinnamon sticks Combine all the ingredients, except for the cinnamon sticks, in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot in a mug, garnished with the cinnamon sticks.

TURMERIC, APPLE & GINGER CHAI INGREDIENTS

TURMERIC, APPLE & GINGER CHAI

• 2 fl. oz. (¼ cup) milk • 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) water • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 chai tea bag • ½ ounce dried apple, plus more for garnish • 1 tablespoon dried ginger • 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric root • cinnamon stick for garnish Place tea bag, water, apples, turmeric and ginger in a small pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove tea bag. Add sugar and milk and whisk until sugar dissolves. Strain into a mug or heatproof glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and dried apple.

COCONUT BULLET COFFEE INGREDIENTS

HOT BUTTERED YUM

• 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) dark-roasted, strong hot coffee (keep hot) • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon coconut oil • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk Place all the ingredients in a blender and whizz at high speed until frothy. Pour into a mug or heatproof glass and serve.

HOT BUTTERED YUM INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup granulated sugar • ¼ cup brown sugar • ½ cup butter, at room temperature • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1½ cups vanilla (or gingersnap) ice cream, slightly softened • boiling water • cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish To make the batter, mix butter, sugars and spices thorMULLED WINTER PUNCH

CONTINUES ON 30  WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 29

CONTINUED FROM 29

oughly in a bowl. Stir in ice cream and mix until well combined. Transfer batter to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve the hot buttered yum, place a portion of the batter in a mug or heatproof glass, fill with boiling water and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.

PERSIMMON CINNAMON TEA INGREDIENTS

• 7 fl. oz. (⅞ cup) water • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (depending on how sweet you want it to be) • 2 pieces dried persimmon • ½-inch piece of ginger • 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

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In a small pan, combine 1 piece dried persimmon with the remaining ingredients, except for the cinnamon stick, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a mug or heatproof glass and serve with remaining piece of dried persimmon and the cinnamon stick.

MULLED WINTER PUNCH INGREDIENTS

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• 3 whole cloves • 2 fl. oz. (¼ cup) pomegranate juice • 6 fl. oz. (¾ cup) blackcurrant juice • 2 blackberries • ½ oz. dried orange slices, plus more for garnish • cinnamon stick for garnish Combine all the ingredients, except for cinnamon stick and dried orange slices, in a small pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain into a mug or heatproof glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and dried orange slices.

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Live Your B est Life .

book!

Mocktails:

Nonalcoholic Cocktails with Taste and Style 182 Washington Ave Ext Albany, NY 12203

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daughtersofsarah.org 518-689-0453

By Caroline Hwang Published by Weldon Owen Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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The Bounty of the Sea Fresh recipes with health benefits RECIPES COURTESY OF AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

fter the excesses of the holidays, now is a great time to enjoy some fruits of the sea which, ounce for ounce, have fewer calories than chicken, beef or pork, and can even improve your brain, eye and heart health. Some studies have even found evidence that eating fish a couple of times a week can help with depression. Seafood is high in protein, a source of omega-3 fats and rich in nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B2 and selenium. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating fish or seafood at least twice a week. We’ve chosen a few delicious, fresh and healthy recipes you can make at home this winter, courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen.

GREEK-STYLE SHRIMP WITH TOMATOES AND FETA SERVES 4 TO 6

Why This Recipe Works We can think of few examples where the unlikely combination of seafood and cheese marry as well as in Greece’s shrimp saganaki. In this dish, sweet, briny shrimp are covered with a garlic-and-herb-accented tomato sauce and topped with crumbles of creamy, salty feta cheese. Making this dish can be a gamble, though. The shrimp can be tough and rubbery, the tomato sauce can turn out dull or overwhelming, and the feta can be lackluster. We set out to develop a foolproof version of this dish — one that is perfectly cooked and captures the bold and exuberant essence of Greek cuisine. We started with the tomato sauce. Canned diced tomatoes along with sautéed onion and garlic provided our base. Dry white wine added acidity. Ouzo, the slightly sweet anise-flavored Greek liqueur, added welcome complexity when we simmered it in the sauce.

32 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

While the shrimp are typically layered with the tomato sauce and feta and baked, we found this method lacking. Since this should be a quick and easy dish, we opted to cook the shrimp right in the sauce; adding the shrimp raw to the sauce helped infuse them with the sauce’s bright flavor. And for even more flavor, we marinated the shrimp with olive oil, ouzo, garlic and lemon zest first while we made the sauce. Final touches included a generous sprinkling of feta over the sauced shrimp as well as a scattering of chopped fresh dill. This recipe works equally well with either jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound) or extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound); the cooking times in step 3 will vary slightly. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. INGREDIENTS

• 1½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on, if desired • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons ouzo • 5 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 5 teaspoons) • 1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lemon • Table salt and ground black pepper • 1 small onion, diced medium • ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced medium • ½ medium green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced medium • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained, ⅓ cup juice reserved • ¼ cup dry white wine • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves • 6 ounces feta cheese, preferably sheep’s and/or goat’s milk, crumbled (about 1½ cups) • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Photo by Daniel J. van Ackere for America’s Test Kitchen

Food & Drink

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Toss the shrimp, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1 tablespoon of the ouzo, 1 teaspoon of the garlic, the lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside while preparing the sauce. 2 Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, red and green bell peppers and ¼ teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables release their moisture, 3 to 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture cooks off and the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes longer. Add the remaining 4 teaspoons garlic and the red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes

and reserved juice, the wine and the remaining 2 tablespoons ouzo; increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce is slightly thickened (the sauce should not be completely dry), 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. 3 Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the shrimp along with any accumulated liquid to the pan; stir to coat and distribute evenly. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 6 to 9 minutes for extra-large shrimp or 7 to 11 minutes for jumbo shrimp, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a bare simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle evenly with the feta. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon oil evenly over the top and sprinkle with the dill. Serve immediately. WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 33

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH ORANGE-LIME DRESSING SERVES 4 TO 6

Why This Recipe Works Seared scallops make for an ideal quick meal, as they cook in just a few minutes on the stovetop and have a mild flavor that works well with a wide variety of other ingredients. For this dish, we decided to punch up the scallops’ mellow sweetness with a bold vinaigrette made with citrus, cilantro and red pepper flakes. When searing the scallops, we found that trying to cook them all at once made the pan too crowded and caused them to steam. We found that waiting to add the scallops to the skillet until the oil was beginning to smoke, cooking the scallops in two batches instead of one, and switching to a nonstick skillet allowed them all to achieve a

34 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

deep golden-brown crust. Sweet, bright and tangy, this dish is the perfect centerpiece for a light meal — even on a busy weeknight. Be sure to purchase dry scallops for this recipe. INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds large sea scallops, tendons removed 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 small shallot, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and pepper INSTRUCTIONS

1 Place scallops in a rimmed baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel. Place a second clean kitchen towel

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Photos (clockwise from left) by Daniel J. van Ackere, Joe Keller and Steve Klise for America’s Test Kitchen

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on top of scallops and press gently on a towel to blot liquid. Let scallops sit at room temperature, covered with the towel, for 10 minutes. 2 Whisk ¼ cup oil, orange juice, lime juice, shallot, cilantro and pepper flakes together in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and set aside for serving. 3 Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add half of the scallops to the skillet in a single layer and cook, without moving them, until well browned on first side, about 1½ minutes. Flip scallops and continue to cook, without moving them, until well browned on second side, about 1½ minutes. Transfer scallops to a serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining scallops. Whisk dressing to recombine and serve with scallops.

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Lifestyle

TWO TO

TANGO Ballroom dancing has so many health benefits — and doesn’t feel like exercise BY MARYELLEN FILLO

 LOUISE AND PAUL GIULIANO at a dance competition in England. — Photo courtesy Louise Giuliano/Dancesport

lbany-area resident Jim Cave has his ballroom dancing schedule down to a science. On Mondays he takes a group lesson at a local dance club; on Tuesdays, another lesson in a private studio; Wednesdays he’s back in class for an Argentine tango lesson; Thursdays he attends a casual dance get-together; and Fridays are for practice at a local gym, all culminating with a Saturday blacktie, formal dance event at one of several venues in the area. Ask the nearly 70-year-old retired military veteran, “Why?” “It’s better than walking alone or being a human hamster on a treadmill,” he says with a smile. Cave is one of thousands of older people across the country who have turned to ballroom dancing, a style of partner dancing that is enjoyed socially and competitively around the world not only for the socialization it offers, but more importantly, the health benefits it provides. “It doesn’t matter how old you are to do ballroom dancing,” says Cave. “I consider it a way to a place where gentlemen behave like gentlemen and ladies behave like ladies,” he continues. “And while I was very athletic in my younger years, I’d rather do the dancing than a solitary workout. If you do the social dancing a few hours a week, it is a lot of fun and a way to stay active.” Experts agree that “anything is better than nothing” when it comes to seniors and moving and better health. Thanks to television shows like Dancing With The Stars, The Next Step and So You Think You Can Dance, medical and health experts say that ballroom dancing improves heart health, increases muscular strength, improves core and muscle tone, builds stronger bones and helps coordination. WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 37

Party on television and I would imagine (myself ) in a beautiful dress, knowing all the steps and sweeping across a ballroom floor,” says 81-year-old Margaret Germaine, who splits her time between her Albany and Florida homes. “Several years ago I had a heart attack and was warned that I better start doing some kind of consistent exercise. There was an adult education class in beginner’s ballroom dancing and I signed up. And I’ve been twirling ever since, and my doctors and my heart are thrilled.” As ballroom dancing has taken the exercise center stage — thanks also in part to social media exposure — there have been more and more studies on its physical and mental health benefits. The consensus is that between the music, the physical component and the social aspect, ballroom dancing is one of the best choices older adults can make when it comes to getting out and getting moving. “There are so many benefits,” says Helena Blumen, Ph.D.,

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“If there were three things — no, four things — I would tell older adults about living well, it would be eat nutritious food, make your life safe by making your body and your surroundings safe, exercise and socialize,” says Lorraine CortesVazquez, a New York Department of Aging city commissioner. “Dancing is an excellent form of well-being in several of those categories because it involves socialization, it works on balance, joint health and the heart, it requires focus, and puts you in a better frame of mind, stirring up all those good endorphins,” the 73-year-old notes. Cortes-Vasquez is not just walking the walk, but talking it too, explaining she just started taking lessons in bomba, a fast-paced dance style with Cuban and African roots. “And I just love it,” she says. And while dancing is fun, more and more older adults realize it is a great option for maintaining their health. “When I was a child, we used to watch The Arthur Murray

associate professor of medicine and neurology at New York’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “In our research we have found ballroom dancing, or dancing in general, hits several different aspects of what older people need to be happy,” she says. Blumen notes that studies have found that ballroom dancing music, often a throwback to when many baby boomers were young, also has a positive effect because it stirs good memories. “We need to socialize, we need to feel we are cognitively challenged, and we need to feel better from our body,” she says. “And it is not necessarily just seniors who benefit from dancing. I took lessons when I was in middle school, and during the pandemic, was teaching my then 6-year-old son how to ballroom dance,” she says. “It cheered us both up.” If there is any doubt about the popularity of ballroom dancing, The Juilliard School, which teaches ballroom dance to its students, offered its first public ballroom dance work-

shop in 2023 to non-students. Mohonk Mountain House resort in New Paltz is hosting its 35th Ballroom Weekend in March 2024. The very popular, professionally taught three-day event is designed for beginner to veteran ballroom dancers. Public adult education programs all over the state offer ballroom dancing as a choice, and at dance studios, classes from the waltz to salsa are readily available. “The (Ballroom Weekend) program continues to come back year after year because it has such a dedicated following,” says Harrison Letterii, theme programs manager at Mohonk Mountain House. “Dance weekend has a wonderful energy.” If there is anywhere in the area that oozes the energy that comes along with the kicks, flicks, twirls and sways it is Albany Dancesport Club. Headed up by Louise Giuliano, Dancesport, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in November,

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has about 40 members who meet once a week to dance, and then take their talent to competitions, guest appearances and special events. “We’re no spring chickens here,” she jokes, noting there are dancers who are nearing 90 and still actively competing and taking classes. “My husband and I have been dancing for more than 53 years,” says Giuliano, who, with husband Paul, also owns a private dance studio. “Our first dance was at an officers’ club in Japan, and on our 25th anniversary we decided to take dance lessons together. We’ve been dancing and competing ever since.” Giuliano says the upside of dancing is that it doesn’t feel like exercise. “(People) come in and start dancing and the joint pain disappears, probably because they are more focused on the steps and the music,” she says. “We have members who can’t stand jogging or a treadmill — and honestly, that is probably not the best for someone who is older with hip or knee issues,” she added. “Dancing is probably one of the best exercises you can do as a senior, and it’s not just about the physical, but the mental health as well.” n

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Health & Wellness

Don’t Die of Misinformation Illustration: iStockphoto.com/Nadezhda Buravleva.

Prostate cancer guidance can be a tangle of mixed messages BY JOANNE CLEAVER

Treat. Wait. Worry. Relax. A diagnosis of prostate cancer is typically delivered in terms of straightforward numbers that indicate the likely status of the disease. From there, guidance is contradictory and confusing, WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 43

leaving patients, spouses and families to sort through treatment options and their implications for lifestyle and relationships. Initial optimism is usually set up by cheery messaging that positions prostate cancer as slow-growing and, thus, easily treated and managed. The ubiquitous cliché that patients “die with prostate cancer, not from it” is repeated by doctors, medical researchers and lightly reported stories in the media. It’s not true, say advocates. In 2020, the latest numbers available, 201,082 American men were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the

MYTH Each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. The male anatomy is complicated and neutralizing the prostate — by surgical removal, radiation or with hormones — erodes the urinary tract’s ability to contain and control urine. Incontinence is one of the rarely discussed and most distressing side effects of any treatment, says Patch, and can be one of the most life-changing. Doctors rarely talk about it, especially when presenting treatment options. The immediate

MYTH Prostate cancer is a “good” cancer. Prostate cancer is the fifth-most-common cause of cancer mortality in men, so it’s not surprising that another study found that about 66% of these patients were depressed. That same study recommended counseling, support groups and help for partners as essential for patients and partners to find a positive path forward. That’s why ZERO and local groups sponsored by hospitals offer a variety of programs for men coping with the

44 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2020, 32,707 American men died of prostate cancer. The top-line numbers signal optimism: Prostate cancer patients have a 96.3% chance of surviving for at least five years, in contrast to the 12.4% rate for pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive. But the daily reality for prostate cancer patients, their spouses and families is obscured by those numbers, say advocates. “What we’re hearing from prostate cancer patients is that they weren’t adequately prepared for the serious side effects; that the side effects were minimized and patients are

post-surgical recovery involves catheters, of course, but freedom from absorbent pads and briefs depends on the patient’s ability to retrain his system, often through physical therapy. The very definition of “continence” is where patients’ experience veers away from expectations. Urologists and surgeons commonly define “social continence” as using one absorbent pad a day. But that’s not the same as using no pads. Fear of accidents, the endless awareness of proximity to bathrooms and managing absorbent products becomes an endless stress for patients who had no idea that the cancer treatment would permanently change their capacity to stay dry.

A first-person experience shared among professional members of the American Urological Association describes one patient’s struggle even to find “not a cure, but a management tool.” He relates how incontinence undermined his enjoyment of travel, events and sports — a nearly universal experience, say advocates.

disease, including specialty groups for Black men, who are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Social connection and acceptance may be the most enduring cure of all, according to a study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, for a disease that attacks fundamental elements of male identity and dignity. The key is to understand your own risk factors and always have an open dialogue with your primary care doctor and urologist, says Brian Keith McNeil, a urologist who has been involved with the American Urological Association’s prostate cancer education efforts. “For prostate cancer, we advocate shared decision-making,” he says. “Ask for a re-

ferral to a urologist and discuss if you should get screened depending on your age, family history, ethnic background and other factors.” Reviewing procedures, options and likely outcomes with your family and close friends is also helpful, says McNeil. “There’s so much information available, but context is important,” he says, stressing that each person’s situation and decisions are unique.

REALITY Of course, each procedure is different, but there’s a distressing side effect that is nearly universal: incontinence.

REALITY Is there any such thing?

sometimes brushed off with ‘here’s a brochure and let’s get the treatment scheduled.’ And then people just deal with this for the rest of their lives and try to find treatments that work,” says Jeremy Patch, director of patient programs for national prostate cancer advocate ZERO Prostate Cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland positioned immediately under the male bladder. It produces the fluid that mixes with sperm to create ejaculate. The urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis — is embedded in the prostate.

Illustration: iStockphoto.com/Valentina Levashina.

MYTH Prostate cancer is a man’s disease. Erectile dysfunction is nearly guaranteed, according to experts at Johns Hopkins. Sparing nerves essential for sexual function is often top of the discussion before surgery, but this may or may not be possible, depending on what the surgeon discovers. Radiation and hormone therapy also undermine sexual function in their own ways, resulting in the depressing conclusion asserted by the Johns Hopkins experts. It’s a lot to ask of men whose entire

Therein lies the problem: It’s not simple or easy to eradicate prostate cancer without permanently affecting the function of the bladder and urinary tract, and, often, adjacent lymph nodes and organs like the bowel. All the options — surgery, radiation and hormone therapy — affect a patient’s ability to control the flow of urine and sexual function. Below are three myths and realities of prostate cancer, and how patients, spouses and families can fine-tune their exploration of treatments and more fully understand the implications. n

plumbing has been retooled: Things that used to work reliably (continence and erections) don’t, and they have to retrain their systems to regain a semblance of their prior lives. Meanwhile, their spouses are largely left out of the conversation, even though they are simultaneously deprived of intimacy — not to mention called upon for energyand libido-sapping caregiving. The medical profession is just starting to address the dynamic of couples on prostate cancer patients’ quality of life. One study of couples’ interactions regarding the male partners’ diagnosis, treatment and recovery, found that spouses felt isolated and at a loss as to how to help a spouse facing a messy and

complicated recovery. Not surprisingly, a different recent study discovered that spouses who were included in realistic, pragmatic discussions about the diagnosis, outcomes and systemic changes that their partners faced were much more likely to be supportive and speed spouses’ recovery.

REALITY When treatments wipe out a man’s sexual function, it becomes a couple’s disease. WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 45

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Be Your Best

Finding Happiness

Benita Zahn photo by Michael Gallitelli.

BY BENITA ZAHN

Some traits that happy people have in common

emember the lyrics of the happiness song we sang as children? “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands … stomp your feet … shout hooray!” Turns out, that’s what we should be doing no matter our age. Sharing your happiness is a wonderful way to augment your bliss and support others. But the big question is, what makes you, what makes people in general, happy? Research by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., recognized as the “father of positive psychology,” finds that it’s not sunny days, money or education that makes us happy. It’s our connections. His research goes on to say that we don’t need a basket of “besties,” but simply one other person who “gets us.” But that’s not all. Researchers also find that we need to feel valued, and our lives need to have meaning. So then, why do so many choose to sit around and watch TV? That’s known as the “happiness paradox.” In the September issue of Psychology Today, California State University’s Max Alberhasky and the University of Texas Austin’s Raj Raghunathan write about the happiness paradox. As they describe it, when you’re considering how to spend your leisure time in the moment, you’re less likely to think about the long-term consequences of your decision. That’s an irrational choice because, as the authors note from previous research, what will really make you happier is an activity that allows you to expand and strengthen your skills. But strengthening our skills and expanding our horizons also bring challenges. What if we don’t succeed? The fear of failure is powerful. We plop on the couch because it’s safe and we ultimately deny ourselves happiness, according to the research. We need to realize that if we break a large, challenging task into smaller, more easily accomplished to-dos, we gain a sense of mastery along the way and we feel happy. As the accomplishments build, we feel even happier. In fact, research supports this by showing that putting even a little effort into how we choose to spend our free time gives us a huge happiness bang for our buck. And it doesn’t stop there. Along with increasing our happiness, we fulfill our inner potential, which ties into control. When we believe we are the masters of our fate, or at least somewhat in control

of it, we are happier. When we feel the world is acting on us, we feel unsatisfied and unhappy. Even when things don’t turn out as we’d hoped, we still have the ability to make the best of what does happen, because we were “driving our own car.” That produces a sense of mastery, triggering positive emotions tied to a longer and healthier life. Of course, happiness, or what creates happiness, is not “one size fits all.” But there are elements that appear to be universal. In addition to having one person who is always in your corner, gratitude is important. This means being thankful for what you have. Starting your day with a gratitude moment has been shown to boost our sense of well-being and help us deal with adversity. Gratitude also helps strengthen our relationships. We’re also happier if we can be flexible and adaptable to changing situations. Looking for happiness, even in the mundane, boosts a positive mindset. It’s clear that we can often manifest what we envision. Meaningful work or feeling valued in what you do supports happiness and cultivates fulfillment. If your current situation doesn’t support you, consider volunteering. The opportunities are practically limitless. No doubt having financial security supports happiness. But financial security and overflowing wealth are not the same thing. Covering the cost of basic needs and financing our fun generally suffices. And don’t forget the mood-boosting, stress-reducing value of regular exercise. Studies have shown that running can be effective in boosting mood for people with depression. When we run or engage in exercise our bodies produce endorphins, the so-called “feel good” hormones. Of course, our lives change over the years. But what remains the same is our need for having a partner, whatever that means to you, finding meaning in what you do, and being active. Remember, if you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands, stomp your feet and shout hooray. You might just attract others to share and augment that happiness. n BENITA ZAHN is a certified health and wellness coach working in the Capital Region. Visit benitahealthcoach.com. WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 47

Health & Wellness

Get Moving It’s never too late to start exercising

BY CARI SCRIBNER

ou slept wrong on your pillow and woke up with a sore neck. Forgot to bend with your knees while moving furniture and strained your back. Played pickleball so long yesterday that your wrist is aching today. We’ve all been there. While your instincts may tell you to avoid activity when experiencing your body’s aches and pains, movement may actually be a helpful remedy. This is especially true for older adults whose lives may already be sedentary. Certainly, if you suffer an injury for any reason, get medical attention immediately. But for those aches

and pains that seem to become more common as we age, opting out of exercise isn’t the recommended cure in the long run. “Movement is medicine you need,” says Anthony Demetriou, owner of Train HD in Loudonville. Demetriou says many of his clients are middle-aged or older, and every single person who walks through his doors has their own set of circumstances. There is no “one size fits all” training program. “We do a very thorough evaluation process that’s an excellent functional movement screening,” he says. “This tells us where to begin.”

Exercise Myths, Debunked MYTH: Cardio is the way to go for weight loss.

MYTH: I need to work up a sweat to get results.

MYTH: Heavy weights will bulk me up and make me look like a bodybuilder.

TRUTH: When you’re doing cardio, your heart rate increases, but that calorie burn alone won’t give you the results you want. The best bet is to incorporate both cardio and strength training to build muscle. Muscle mass helps burn calories even when you’re at rest.

TRUTH: Everyone sweats at their own level. Some people seem to never break a sweat, while others perspire profusely. Other factors that come into play are temperature, your hydration level and the amount of humidity in the air. Sweat isn’t a way to measure how much you challenged your body working out.

TRUTH: This myth is especially prevalent among women. For women to add visible bulk, they would need to do strenuous lifting on a regular basis. What prevents women from looking like Mr. America? They don’t have the testosterone level to reach that size.

48 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Yuri_Arcurs.

MYTH: I’m not losing weight if the number on the scale stays the same when I step on it every morning.

MYTH: I exercised today doing both cardio and strength training. So, now I can eat whatever I want for the rest of the day.

MYTH: I have to join a gym or take group classes to stay healthy.

TRUTH: First of all, it can be discouraging to weigh yourself daily, so try to stick to a once-a-week habit. Numbers on your scale can be skewed by how hydrated you are, when you last ate, the time of day you’re weighing yourself, clothing and even the type of scale you’re using. In fact, if you’ve embarked on a strength-building routine, the number on the scale may go up due to building new muscle. A better way to track your progress is with a good old measuring tape to record the size of your waist, arms and thighs.

TRUTH: If you want to undo all your efforts burning off calories, driving through your favorite fast-food joint is sure to do that. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. One way to track your eating habits is to keep a food journal. You may be surprised at the amount of snacking you do at different times of the day. Remind yourself that you can’t work off a bad diet. Food is fuel, and proper nutrition guarantees results. It’s pretty simple: If you want to lose weight, your calorie output needs to be higher than your calorie input.

TRUTH: Some people enjoy working out in the company of others, frequently at a gym. But anything that gets you up and moving will help you burn more calories than staying sedentary. Go bowling, walk the dog, do stretches during commercials, play bocce, take dance lessons, paint your front door, fly a kite with your grandchild. You’ll also lift your spirits along the way.

WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 49

“

Weights are the way to go. Start out slowly, get help at the gym and set a progressive plan.”

— Lisa Swanson, founder and owner of Body & Soul Coaching

Of course, the last thing we want to do with our aches and pains is make them worse. “The evaluation shows us a new client’s red flags,” Demetriou said. “These are areas we need to improve with corrective exercise.” Demetriou recommends working with a professional trainer for a minimum of three to four sessions, if not longer. “Some people like exercise classes, but they’re not for everyone,” he said. “I work one-on-one with older adults to keep them from moving in a way that could cause injury.” Lisa Swanson from Great Barrington, Massachusetts, works with women over the age of 50 after menopause. Swanson owned two fitness studios until 2014, when she pivoted her business model, launching Body & Soul Coaching online. She is a nutritionist, trainer, a specialist in hormonal changes in women postmenopause and is certified in female metabolism. Swanson, who runs three studios, says women over 50 face many challenges including achy joints, weaker muscles and weight gain.

Hoping to remedy this, many women already exercising are using the same aerobic workouts they did decades ago, which could result in injury. But there’s a better choice. “Weights are the way to go. Start out slowly, get help at the gym and set a progressive plan,” Swanson says. “Find a trainer experienced with working with women over 50.” It can be confusing to figure out where to start with lifting weights. “Women believe if they do many repetitions with heavy weights, they might be able to look like they did in their 30s,” she says. “In middle age, its all about building muscle. Go ahead and start with lighter weights, then work your way up.” There are other barriers to exercising that apply to people of any age: procrastination and lack of time. “Anytime is a good time to start,” Swanson says. “Put it on your calendar and follow through.” Other good advice is to find what you like that keeps you moving. “Walk, bike, hike, garden, do yoga,” Swanson says. “Do anything to move.” n

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Home & Garden

To Rent OR To Own? For empty nesters and retirees, that is the question BY JENNIFER LARUE

Photo: iStockphoto.com/KTStock.

mong the myriad decisions we face when we reach retirement age is whether to continue living in the home we own, purchase a smaller one or venture into the realm of renting. The decision to rent can be daunting, particularly for those who have lived in a home they’ve owned for many years. But according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 55 and older choosing to rent increased 28% between 2009 and 2015, adding approximately 2.5 million renters to the market. To many of us, the shift from owning to renting might seem illogical, particularly for homeowners whose mortgages are fully paid off and who might view monthly rent as a needless, even foolish, added expense.

But experts like Joe Hermann, a financial advisor with Albany Financial Group in Albany, point out that renting can offer significant advantages, including financial benefits, over homeownership. Hermann notes that a fully owned home is often regarded as an asset that’s not generating any costs. In fact, though, the costs of lawn care, snow removal and other forms of home maintenance, plus homeowners’ insurance and property taxes, can really add up. “The ‘carry cost’ for many homeowners, depending on where they live and how old their home is and what kind of upkeep, repairs and maintenance it requires, can range from $1,000 to $1,200 a month,” Hermann says. “And,” he adds, CONTINUES ON 53  WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 51

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Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM 51

“there’s always something when you own a home, like replacing a hot water heater. Those things add up, too.” Hermann observes that many senior couples choose to remain in their homes rather than rent because “the husband

she says. But as those four years progressed, she found “the stairs got harder,” with the bedrooms on the second floor and the laundry room in the basement. Kaska also noticed that her neighborhood had changed, “and I just started feeling not right being there alone.” Kaska’s initial inclination was to buy a condominium, and in ‘You’re throwing money away’ fact she found one she loved and was “all ready to sign.” But — Linda Kaska, 80, Schenectady by renting. But it’s my money.” legal issues involving the condo property popped up. “There was a problem going on,” she says, “and I need no problems.” And, she notes, “the HOAs [homeowner doesn’t mind maintaining the house, doesn’t mind tinkerassociation fees that cover common expenses such as maining.” But that often changes when the husband passes away. tenance and security] are outrageous at most of the places I “Widowed women often get to the point where they don’t looked at. Plus, most had stairs, and I don’t do stairs.” want to be bothered,” he says. That’s when Hermann suggested she rent for a year while Hermann advises seniors who are considering their options she sorted out her options. “If you don’t like it at the end of a to rent for a year and see if it’s a fit. “Some people aren’t sure year, then buy something,” he told her. they’re going to like (renting),” he says. “I suggest they testKaska heeded that advice and eventually landed in an drive it for a year, especially if they’re moving to a new area.” apartment she loves. She lives on the first floor — no stairs For those with accessibility requirements, Hermann notes, required — and has carport parking (under a solar-panrenting can be financially advantageous because much of el cover, no less!) that minimizes her snow-removal needs. the burden of making buildings accessible is the landlord’s. Further, she finds that management responds swiftly to “For instance, if you’re moving into an apartment you can’t maintenance requests — everything from replacing a lightaccess because there’s no ramp, the landlord is responsible bulb in her refrigerator to unclogging a drain. for making it accessible,” Hermann says. The tenant may be “I still think it’s cheaper all in all to live in a house, esresponsible for any access-related improvements inside the pecially since you have equity,” Kaska concedes. “My family unit, he adds. still says, ‘You’re throwing money away’ by renting. But it’s Linda Kaska, 80, of Schenectady, is a longtime client of my money, and I’m perfectly content. I get a lot of satisfacHermann’s who accepted that suggestion. After her husband tion from living here, a feeling of independence, and that’s died 10 years ago, she stayed in the family home for four worth more than money.” n more years. “Everyone told me not to make a rash decision,”

“My family still says,

COM PA R I N G

THE

RENTING  Services such as lawn care and snow removal may be covered by rent  Can “test-drive” renting before committing long-term  Landlord is responsible for ensuring building accessibility  Rent creates an additional monthly expense

PROS

A ND

CO N S

OWNING  Good for those who like to tinker and “work around the house”  Comes with “carry costs” for upkeep, repairs and maintenance  Requires payment of homeowners’ insurance and property taxes  High homeowner association fees (HOAs) for condos

WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 53

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Home & Garden

From Filling Up to

Plugging In

Illustration: iStockphoto.com/Topuria Design.

Everything you need to know about switching to an electric car BY JIM MOTAVALLI

SO YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING to an electric car because they’re better for the environment and cheaper to operate — and they’re the wave of the future. You’ve heard about the pleasures of passing gas stations and the low cost of maintenance. But you’ve also heard about what’s called “range anxiety” — worrying about running out of charge while trying to find an available station — plus high purchase prices and the expense of installing a home charging system. Will the transition from filling up to plugging in be a smooth one? WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 55

The good news is that although these issues are real, they’re shrinking over time. Even if you’ve driven a gas or diesel car for 40 years or more, adapting to the electric driving experience doesn’t require a heavy lift. EVs are quiet, easy to drive, and won’t require regular tuneups. Michael Austin, senior research analyst for EVs and mobility at Guidehouse Insights, adds that because EVs have their batteries in their floor they generally offer a comfortable seat height, “so you don’t have to climb up or stoop down to get in and out.” EV prices have come down dramatically, the charging networks have grown considerably and electric car range is quickly becoming about the same as traditional car range. So it’s possible, without any real sacrifice in convenience, to make your next car one that, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, produces 60% to 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime than a comparable gas-powered car. Let’s look at the issues. EV PRICES ARE COMING DOWN. In August 2022, ac-

cording to Cox Automotive data, the average transaction price for an electric car was $65,688. By August 2023, that had fallen to $53,376 — 18.7 percent lower. Now, add to this the federal income tax credit of $7,500 available with the purchase of many EVs — plus state subsidies, such as New York’s offer of as much as a $2,000 rebate — and the electric surcharge largely vanishes, or even becomes an advantage.

 Tesla’s entry-level $40,630 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus can go 263 miles on a charge. — Photo courtesy of Tesla

56 55+ LIFE | WINTER 2024

The average price paid for any car or SUV was $48,451 in August 2023. That said, there are still not enough EVs available at the market’s entry level. THE CHARGING PICTURE IS IMPROVING. The big news is that Tesla Motors recently opened its Supercharger network — the best in the country — to other automakers, and they’re signing on, including Ford, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Honda. Until now, most EVs used the rival Combined Charging System (CCS) charging, but the networks serving those cars — such as Electrify America and ChargePoint — have been smaller and more frequently out of service. Many 2025 model year cars will now be equipped with Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, and starting in 2024 GM EVs can use adapters to charge at the company’s 12,000 Superchargers. Many owners will be able to go from 10% to 80% charged in half an hour or less. EVS ARE OFFERING MUCH BETTER RANGE. The 2011

Nissan Leaf, an early EV, had an Environmental Protection Agency-certified range of just 73 miles. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV of that period had only 62 miles available. And both of those cars lost range in cold weather and with highway driving, making them like driving a gas car with the fuel gauge always on empty. Today, the picture is much improved. The average range of 2023 EVs is around 250 to 300 miles, and some do much better than that. The 2023 Lucid Air Grand

Home & Garden

 The Chevrolet Bolt EV offers an attractive $26,500 purchase price and 259 miles of cruising. — Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

Zigzag pattern illustration: iStockphoto.com/Fidan.

Touring offers 516 miles of range, and the 2023 Tesla Model S offers 405. Granted, those are expensive cars, but the current Hyundai IONIQ 6, starting at $46,615, can go 361 miles on a charge. The 2023 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus ($40,630) offers an estimated range of 263 miles, and the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt ($26,500) clocks in at 259. These factors greatly reduce range anxiety, but Austin cautions that EVs are still “probably not for the empty nesters who like to road-trip or visit faraway grandchildren, unless they’re comfortable with public fast charging.” EV CHARGING HAS COME HOME. Although public

charging networks remain a work in progress, an estimated 80% of plugging-in will be at home. If you live in a house with a garage (or at least a driveway), this will require buying a $300 to $700 EV charger, getting the proper permits and hiring an electrician to supply the required 240 volts. The total cost might be $3,000. The situation is more complicated for people in apartments or in senior living, each of which have their own restrictions. The bonus, however, is that EVs in general will have 60% lower fuel costs, says the Natural Resources Defense Council. CONSIDER YOUR BIG PICTURE. Sources such as Con-

sumer Reports offer reviews and comparisons of every available EV online. Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports’ managing editor for cars, recommends that seniors thinking about an

EV consider not only what their needs are now, but what they will be over the likely ownership period. For instance, is your commuting picture likely to change, and will you be making more frequent and longer road trips? Can you figure out the often all-encompassing infotainment system? It’s imperative to know which models offer federal subsidies, which under the Inflation Reduction Act are those that are made in the U.S. and have American-made battery packs. There’s also a whole raft of conditions. To qualify for the credits, SUVs and pickups are limited to an $80,000 purchase price, and sedan/passenger cars to $55,000. Buyers can’t have adjusted gross income of more than $300,000 for married couples or $150,000 for single people. EVs that clear all the hurdles for the $7,500 credit are part of a shifting list, but at press time the battery vehicles were the Cadillac Lyriq; Chevrolet Bolt, Equinox and Silverado; Ford F-150 Lightning, E-Transit and Mustang Mach-E; Rivian R1S and R1T; and Tesla Model 3, X and Y. Plug-in hybrids eligible for subsidies in varying amounts include the BMW X5, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Escape, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and Corsair Grand Touring. Seniors on tight budgets should also consider a used EV. Beginning in 2023, pre-owned plug-ins are eligible for up to $4,000 in credits, with the amount limited to 30 percent of the purchase price. The vehicle can’t cost more than $25,000, and it has to be at least two years old. n WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 57

What’s On? 5 shows about finding love in retirement

BY KITTY WILLIAMS

LOVE CAN HAPPEN AT AGE 19 OR 90. Though stories of young love are overflowing on your favorite streaming platforms, there are some gems out there that honor and acknowl-

Last Tango in Halifax We meet Celia and Alan (both widowed) as they reconnect in their 70s and learn that their teenage romance was sabotaged by an intercepted letter. It’s a beautiful and seemingly too-good-to-be-true story of love and reconnection, but like every other love story, there are some complications, speed bumps and, well, chaos. When Celia and Alan spend more and more time getting to know each other, so, too, do their families. This is when things get complicated, because their respective daughters have a less-than-great first introduction and they live very different lifestyles that often clash. But don’t get me wrong: There are moments of celebration and forgiveness and transformative love as well. If you time your viewing just right, perhaps you’ll catch the holiday special on a perfect snowy day. Watch on: Netflix

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edge the love that can happen at any time in life. There is a certain nostalgic warmth and spark of possibility to love stories that transcend the timeline that life expects from us. Here are some shows about people finding love in retirement. n

As Time Goes By When you begin each episode of As Time Goes By, you’re greeted by the sound of the titular song popularized by Dooley Wilson as Sam in Casablanca. This love story begins with Jean Pargetter (Judi Dench) and Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer) falling in love before Lionel is sent away for military service. Due to the miscommunication caused by a lost letter, they both think the other has lost interest. This love story picks back up again nearly four decades later. Now divorced, Lionel is writing a book. Now widowed, Jean owns a secretarial agency. When Lionel reaches out to find a typist, they fall back into their romance (with the requisite stumbles and tumbles, of course). When you cozy up on the couch each night for your viewing, you can greet your TV set the same way Ilsa greets Sam in Casablanca: “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’” Watch on: Amazon with BritBox subscription

Photo: iStockphoto.com/simonkr.

Lifestyle

Grace and Frankie This Netflix Original stars four tremendous talents: Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are Grace and Frankie, married, respectively, to characters played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, Robert and Sol. The show begins with a momentous double-date dinner at which Robert and Sol reveal that they are not just business partners, but that they are in love with each other and plan to get married. Though Grace and Frankie are polar opposites, they are now bound by mutual shock, anger and grief. The show is a comedy, but there are a lot of heartwarming moments in which we see Robert and Sol grow into a couple now that they are not carrying the weight of their secret. Arguably the focus of the entire show, it is beautiful to see a different sort of love blossom on screen: the love between friends. Watch on: Netflix

The Golden Bachelor While there has been an absurd number of shows in The Bachelor franchise over the years, this fall saw the beginning of a new and exciting version: The Golden Bachelor, featuring a 71-year-old bachelor and contestants that are in their 60s and 70s. Their conversations have depth, but are punctuated with playfulness. The show acknowledges the reality of the contestants’ ages: They talk about hearing aids, their grief after losing a spouse and having to put their kids first. While a lot of the shows on this list are about landing in love accidentally, this show affirms that it is OK to land in love on purpose, no matter your age. Watch on: Hulu

Shrinking This Apple Original follows the life and troubles of Jimmy (Jason Segel), a cognitive behavioral therapist who, it can be argued, is struggling a whole lot more than his patients. His life, his relationship with his daughter and his professional life are falling apart because of the death of his wife. However, he has the support of some tough-love-giving co-workers: Paul (Harrison Ford) and Gaby (Jessica Williams). Though Jimmy is the focus of the series, there is a special storyline with Paul. With a Parkinson’s diagnosis, he receives support from his co-workers and family, and finds love with an unexpected character. It is an important reminder for all that love transcends both age and medical conditions. Watch on: Apple TV+

passion

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Hidden Costs of

International

They won’t break the bank — but can take a bite out of your budget

YOU’VE SAVED UP for your “trip of a lifetime” abroad.

You’ve already booked your flights to Europe (averaging about $1,100 round trip from New York’s JFK) and paid for your hotel (an average of about $150 a night for midrange accommodations) in advance. You’ve got passport in hand ($165) and built an itinerary for an unforgettable vacation. So you’re all set, right? Wrong. Even though you’ve taken care of what are usually considered the major travel expenses before leaving home, there are a number of hidden travel costs — no, we don’t mean food and souvenirs — you need to consider when financially planning for your trip. On their own, none of these expenses is a deal-breaker. But together, they can take a decent-sized bite out of your vacation budget. Here are some of the unexpected fees, charges and added costs we encountered before, during and after a recent trip to Italy.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The U.S. dollar is worth about

€0.95 right now, so if you want to take along some pocket money — say, €1,000 — the cost is roughly $1,060 American, not including any bank or mailing fees. We found that

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just about all of the small cafés, tourist attractions, stores and shops we went to took our credit and debit cards (though see below for the hidden cost of using them). DEBIT & CREDIT CARD FEES: Many debit and credit card companies charge a 2% to 3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase or ATM cash withdrawal (ours charged 3%). You may be able to lower the fee to just 1% by making your purchase in the local currency. Better yet, use a travel card that charges no international fees. INTERNATIONAL PHONE PLAN: Staying connected while abroad will cost you. Full access to our AT&T cellphones while traveling internationally cost us an additional $10 a day per phone line after we signed up for AT&T’s International Day Pass. Other phone companies offer similar options (Verizon’s TravelPass is also $10 a day; T-Mobile’s International Data Pass runs from $5 for one day to $50 for a month). Purchasing a SIM card abroad may be a cheaper, though possibly less reliable option. TOURIST TAX: Depending on the municipality, all over-

night guests at hotels, hostels, campsites, guesthouses and Airbnbs pay from €2 ($2.11) to €4.50 ($4.74) per person, per night for up to 10 nights in Italy. In other European

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Chainarong Prasertthai.

BY TRACI NEAL

Travel

Union countries, that cost could be much higher. Amsterdam, for instance, recently increased its tourist tax from €15.25 ($16) to €21.80 ($23) per person per night beginning in 2024. In addition, Venice will become the first city in the world in 2024 to charge a “day-tripper” entrance fee of €5 ($5.27) to tourists who are visiting for the day but not staying overnight. Other European cities may soon follow suit. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We opted to risk going without it, but others may decide to pay for travel insurance that may cover financial losses that happen before or during travel: lost luggage and missed flights, last-minute cancellation, delay or trip interruption, or injury or illness while traveling. Costs are based on various factors — such as the type of coverage you’re seeking, your age and destination — but you can expect to pay between 3% and 10% of the total cost of your trip. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT: The permit, re-

quired of any licensed U.S. driver who wishes to rent a car in the EU, is easy to get at your local Triple A office. It costs $30.

GAS PRICES: You’ll pay more for gasoline in Europe (about

$7 to $8 a gallon) than almost anywhere else in the world. If

you’re planning to rent a car — ideal for travelers who like to take the slow road, stop in rural places and see the countryside pass them by — then expect to spend about twice as much on gas as you do in the U.S. AIRPORT PARKING: We paid roughly $300, or about $25 a day, at an out-of-the-way long-term lot near JFK from which we had to take a bus, then JFK’s Air Train to our terminal. And that was low compared to other, closer lots, which charge up to $70 a day. PET CARE: We were fortunate enough to find a kind friend

to watch our little dog. The $300 we paid her was a fraction of what it would’ve cost to board him with a kennel or hire an in-home dog-sitter. For in-home care, we were quoted $30 per 30-minute walk/feeding visit and $80 per overnight. Boarding at a kennel would’ve been roughly $40 to $50 a day (more, depending on whether we wanted things like soft bedding, walks, playtime, twice-daily feeding, grooming and other amenities). There are plenty of other added costs of traveling abroad, but these are a few that surprised us as we planned our trip and after we landed in Italy. Few of the costs were exorbitant, but we learned it pays to plan ahead. n WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 61

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Travel

Where To Go In

Photo: iStockphoto.com/AzmanJaka.

2024 It’s never too early to start your summer travel planning BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

he way months pass so quickly, it’s not too early to start fantasizing about where you would love to spend your summer 2024 vacation. With the new year comes fab new destinations, from hotels to attractions, that will give you even more reason to pack your bags to visit places for the first time, or revisit old favorites with something new to see. Here’s fodder to fuel your travel daydreams. LOS ANGELES

Maybe you’ve been to the City of Angels. If you’re looking for an excuse to go again, here’s one: the Hotel Lucile, an intimate, 25-room property housed in a church built in 1931 and opening in 2024. There’s a pool, restaurant and epic views of the WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 63

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

There’s a lot of buzz about Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Opening in the fourth quarter of 2024, it’s the first property of the hotel chain’s upscale brand to open in the Dominican Republic. The 502room beachfront resort will wow with its lush greenery and mountain landscapes. Choose from among nine food-anddrink options. Enjoy a nightclub, retail shops, pool complex with water park, fitness center, spa, beauty salon, kids club and more. OCALA, FLORIDA

Spring will bring more than daffodils. There will be an addition to the World Equestrian Center, also known as “Disneyland for horse lovers,” The Riding Academy Hotel, with nearly 400 suites. Guests of the academy get a twofer of sorts as they’ll have access to The Equestrian Hotel, the five-star property steps away. The grand fireplace with its marble and custom ceramic dogs will be the hot spot to hang out, and you’ll love the antique hand carved wooden horse in the lobby and the artwork featuring dogs dressed as jockeys, trophy lamps in guest rooms and cool stuff throughout the hotel. There’s a pool, sun deck, fitness centers and spa. Hop in a golf cart and you’re minutes away from restaurants, boutiques and equestrian competition arenas. BOTSWANA

You’ve been dreaming about that bucket list safari trip to Africa. Make it happen. The luxurious Tawana Camp opening in May will put you in the heart of the wilderness on the Moremi Game Reserve. There are just eight suites, including two for families, each with its own lounge area, private terrace, plunge pool and air conditioning. Take in views of the lush riverine forest. Be ready for adventure with guided game drives led by experts who know how to find the lions, leopards, giraffes and other animals you can’t wait to see. The property’s features include a walk-in wine cellar, 16-meter lap pool, lodge library and outdoor fire pit. LONDON

Even if you’ve been across the pond to London, there’s good cause to return. Starting in the spring of 2024, London will allow you to trip down memory lane exploring Elizabethan high society at the new Museum of Shakespeare on the site of the old Curtain Theatre, which showcased productions like Romeo and Juliet and Henry V in the 16th century. Expect

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immersive, multi-sensory encounters thanks to artificial intelligence technology and other wizardry. You’ll be able to step on stage, too. You’ll also want to check out Six Senses London, a new hotel opening in 2024 that will remind you of an old-fashioned London underground station. Note: At press time we learned that while the building is complete and public spaces are open, the museum has pushed its opening date to 2025. GLENDALE, ARIZONA

In 2024 the VAI Resort opens in Glendale on 60 acres, with white sand beaches, a six-acre swimming pool, bars, restaurants, and Konos Island, which features a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas and epic views from the 130-foothigh aerial bar. As if that weren’t enough, VAI Resort is also where you’ll find the Mattel Adventure Park, where toys and board games come to life. Barbie fans will go nuts over the Barbie Beach House and Dream Closet Experience, where they can curate a wardrobe with Barbie thanks to hologram technology. Model car lovers can drive their own Hot Wheels car through a four-level track. TENERIFE, SPAIN

You can’t go wrong when you’re in Costa Adeje, the resort area located on a beloved part of Tenerife’s coastline nestled between mountains on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Your big decisions at the new Tivoli La Caleta Resort will be which of the three outdoor pools to play in, whether to sip a cocktail at the beach club, or whether to surf, dive or go for a sail with hopes of spotting dolphins or whales. The five-star resort that’s awash in subtropical gardens will also be home to the first Anantara Spa in Tenerife. GRENADA

When it comes to visiting the Caribbean, Grenada often isn’t the first island that comes to mind. There’s a new reason it should. Early next year the Spice Island will be home to Six Senses La Sagesse, designed in the style of a traditional fishing village with suites, rooms and residences overlooking a lagoon. Take your pick of watersports, diving shipwrecks, walking spice trails or simply chilling beside a waterfall. PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

If you’re in the mood for the desert, make your way to the Thompson Palm Springs, which will open in May with 168 bungalow-inspired rooms and suites with private balconies or patios. Chill at one of two rooftop pools or the full-service spa. Feast on Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoy the vino at the on-site HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room. Golfers will be in heaven with more than 100 courses in the area. Pickleball and tennis are also huge in Palm Springs, and you can take a ride on horseback or a guided Jeep tour through the desert. n

Shakespeare photo courtesy Bompas and Parr; Barbie photo courtesy Vai Resort. Additional photos courtesy of individual venues.

city from the rooftop. The hotel is in the heart of hipster central, the Silver Lake neighborhood. You’ll be around the corner from the much-beloved Silver Lake Farmers Market and will also find trendy boutiques, spots for a cup of joe, restaurants, a two-mile loop for walking and running, and more.

Travel

MUSEUM OF SHAKESPEARE · LONDON

TAWANA CAMP · BOTSWANA

Photo credit

HOTEL LUCILE · LOS ANGELES

BARBIE BEACH HOUSE · GLENDALE, ARIZONA

RIDING ACADEMY HOTEL · OCALA, FLORIDA WINTER 2024 | 55PLUSLIFEMAG.COM 65

The Vine

BY ROD MICHAEL

aving been a professional land surveyor for over 50 years, I know how important it is that modern surveyors follow the footsteps of the original surveyor. It is the basic legal principle that directs us. We are professional sleuths, weighing all the evidence, knowing that our job is to find the monuments — or boundary markers — set by the original surveyor. We are constantly charged with making difficult choices and decisions. If we do not get the lines put back in the original location, our mistake may lead to arguments and possibly even a lawsuit. We must be good communicators with our clients, so they understand all the elements that go into a proper retracement survey. There have been so many times when I wished I could have seen the footsteps and footprints of the original surveyor, but we are only left with the legal writings and maps in the county clerk’s office or state archives to guide us. I was on vacation a few years ago taking a power walk down the beach and upon my return I could not find my footprints. They had been washed away. I asked myself, “Is this it? Is this the story of my life?” It got me thinking about what I am leaving behind. On a professional level, my maps are filed in the county clerk’s office for eternity. On a personal level, I’ll leave behind my words and actions. I hate to

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say it, but not even those can fill someone’s heart when they really need to feel one’s presence. I have some special photographs of my mom that I love to look at on occasion, just to tell her “I love you.” I will even look at her handwritten recipes, old Christmas cards and birthday cards, to feel a little closer. These are the footprints that I believe we all need. When I can touch something that they touched, it is almost as good as a hug. Years ago, I decided to keep a small handwritten money envelope from my father that said “Happy Xmas,” and was signed “Dad.” I look at it once a week. The deeper the love given, the larger the footprints left behind. We are all authors. If we cannot say “I love you” out loud, we should write it down. Send a card, pass a note or leave a voicemail. I think the deepest footprints would be made by telling the people in your life right now how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Do not wait until they cannot hear you or see you. Love is in acts of patience, kindness and advocacy for another. It leaves behind a warmth in one’s heart that will resonate forever. Leave behind as many footprints as you can. I do not plan on washing the floor anytime soon. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “There is no remedy for love but to love more.” n

Photos courtesy Rod Michael. Background: iStockphoto.com/Tolga TEZCAN.

Footsteps and Footprints

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