INSPIRED senior living magazine
JANUARY 2017
“MEDIA DOCTOR” DR. ART HISTER’S SIMPLE STEPS TO HEALTHY LIVING MAKING CANADA THE FITTEST COUNTRY ON EARTH NORDIC SKIING IN FIVE EASY STRIDES
Martial Arts to Magic
GERRY HENNESSEY Lives Life to its Fullest
Inspiration for peopleWWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM over 55 • www.seniorlivingmag.comJANUARY 2017
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JANUARY 2017
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Living a Black Belt Life by Kate Robertson Lead an Active Life: Dr. Art Hister by Hans Tammemagi Nordic Skiing in Five Easy Strides by Joan Boxall Get Moving! Keep Moving! by Lorraine Brett Retired Mountie Pens New Novel by John Kelly Discover The Netherlands & Belgium by Marilyn Jones Old, New and Odd Gems of Azerbaijan by Irene Butler Slow Boat to Alaska & Asia by Jim Couper
FASHION 18 COURAGEOUS & OUTRAGEOUS ENTERTAINMENT 33 THE FAMILY CAREGIVER 34 MARKETPLACE 35 FOREVER FIT 36
Cover
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I’m always inspired when I hear people in their 60s and older say they’re healthier now than they’ve ever been. Perhaps unfairly, we tend to believe the opposite is true. Since our January issue focuses on health and wellness, I started to reflect on my own life and I can’t imagine NOT being healthier today. Aside from the drinking and smoking, I survived my roaring-20s on a Frito-Lay-and-Diet-Coke “vegetarian” regimen (which ultimately led to acute appendicitis). My sole form of exercise consisted of bustin’ a move on the dance floor. (I called it dancing; others called it staggering.) Never one for half measures, I cranked the fitness dial to 11 in my 30s and dragged everyone around me (kicking and screaming) in my wake. I devoured books on exercising to the extreme and bandwagoned the latest fad diets (losing weight – and my gall bladder – in the process). When my 30s turned to 40s, I kicked off the decade by completing my first – and only – full marathon (and bid my knees a bittersweet au revoir). I finally came to my senses in the middle of a lake during triathlon training when I very nearly took myself and my coach to the murky bottom. At this point in my life, I’ve run out of body parts to sacrifice on the altar of extreme. Balance is the new watchword. I maintain a regular workout schedule but, sadly, my life is largely sedentary. When I’m not bustin’ a move in my kitchen to an audience of one – my dog – I spend several hours a week parked in front of a computer screen (due only partly to the nature of my career). My diet is more rounded and less likely to shut down my internal organs (thanks to a partner who cooks), but I still struggle to keep myself optimally fed. I don’t smoke, drink or rely on drugs, but the list of things I could do better is endless. While I balk at New Year’s Resolutions, I do have six simple goals for 2017. Move. Breathe. Eat. Sleep. Laugh. Love. Oh, and add two more: rinse and repeat. Kind of has a nice balance to it, don’t you think? |
GERRY HENNESSEY
INSPIRED
Too busy to retire, Gerry Hennessey sees the coming decades as an adventure.
Photo by Rob Gilbert
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Actor, magician, mentalist, card expert, 2nd degree black belt and constantly evolving, Gerry Hennessey. Photo: Rob Gilbert
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LIVING A
BLACK BELTLIFE
by KATE ROBERTSON
For some, turning 55 may seem like the beginning of a downhill slope, but for the multi-talented Gerry Hennessey it was an exciting turning point. “It started with a question from my son,” says Gerry, “who asked me what I planned to do for the next 45 years, and I replied, ‘everything.’ After being in the real estate business for 25 years, and feeling uninspired, I wanted to kick-start my brain by studying something I was really interested in, so I enrolled at a local college to study biological psychology.” The topic choice was a natural one since Gerry had a long-standing fascination with psychology and human behaviour. “This was a way of finding some answers to a question that had challenged me for many years,” he shares, “Is there a link between our thinking and stressrelated illness? I have always been interested in how a positive attitude positively impacts health. And, if so, the opposite must also be true. My readings showed that three out of four hospital beds are occupied by someone with an emotionally-induced illness.” Born and raised in Dublin, Gerry immigrated to Canada via Liverpool in 1980 with his wife, two children, and life savings. Within two years, he had lost the savings due to poor business decisions from a lack of
Canadian business experience. Viewing his mistakes as learning opportunities, Gerry started over – this time as a sales rep for Montreal Jewelry Company. Then, the company closed suddenly, leaving Gerry to start over... again. Ever resilient, Gerry turned to working as a consultant for jewelry stores to help turn failing businesses around. He was asked to write a book about his success at doing this, but instead recorded an audio cassette program on successful retailing, which then led to motivational speaking on self-development and business management. Recognizing the degree of stress in the business world, Gerry also wrote a corporate stress management program called “Leprechauns Don’t Take Prozac.” But then it was time for a change and, in 1988, Gerry joined his wife, Margaret, who was already a realtor, in the real estate business. Before he turned 55, Gerry also wanted to celebrate this next phase of life with a new physical challenge. He had already spent over 40 years in the martial arts. “After many years of studying aikido, I had earned a black belt and now had a chance to move up one more step,” says Gerry, “and some months later, my persistence was rewarded with the honour of a 2nd degree black belt.” Perseverance has been a cornerstone in Gerry’s life and, once again, paid off when he decided he wanted to pursue an acting career.
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Snapshot with Gerry Hennessey
If you were to meet your 20-year-old self, what advice would you give him? “Many things in life will catch your eye. Only follow those that catch your heart.” Who or what has influenced you the most? And why? “Two people: My amazing wife, Margaret, whose support and encouragement in all my sometimes crazy endeavours was without criticism and always with unconditional commitment and love. The other, Jim Rohn, a businessman, speaker and business philosopher, who inspired me to see life in so many interesting ways and provided the business acumen to make a lot of often correct business decisions.” What does courage mean to you? “Recognizing that if you live to be 100, it’s only 1,200 months and there is simply no time to waste in pursuing what you want or experiencing all that life still has to offer. As Yoda of *Star Wars* said, ‘Try? There is no try, only do.’” What does success mean to you? “Having health, love and no regrets of having tried. I am not religious, but I recall from years ago a well-known pastor was asked to describe what he thought Hell was like. His reply, ‘Hell would be standing before your Maker and having him tell you all you might have accomplished if only you had tried.’”
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“I had always wanted to be on a movie set and have the director call ‘action’ and that word be directed at me,” he says, “but I was rejected by 12 agents before I was taken on. ‘No experience’ was the usual reply. However, you don’t get to this age without being familiar with rejection, so I kept going. It took 50 auditions before I booked a commercial (which he got, by the way, because of his ability to do dialects — the role was a Russian president). The acting business is a gruelling one and an actor’s life, if lucky, is countless auditions, punctuated by the occasional booking.” Fortunately for Gerry, the commercial was just the start. Over the years, he successfully landed roles in independent movies; was cast in a supportive role for a movie nominated for six Leo awards; acted opposite Linda Gray of Dallas fame; and, with his card manipulation
In MindEffex shows, like all magicians,” he continues, “I create the illusion of the impossible – or is it? Everything that I do to entertain the audience is the product of creative thinking.” “I’d been interested in magic for years and, in the early ’90s, I joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians,” he says. “That started me on a serious study of close-up magic, which led to gambling and card magic that I still regularly perform. For those interested in poker and card games, I demonstrate the art of the card shark and how you can get cheated by the sleight of hand of a skilled card cheat.” During his magic performances, Gerry does a routine called “Blind Luck,” where he is able to deal any requested royal flush, in sequence, from a thoroughly shuffled card deck. “What makes it unique,” says Gerry, “is that I perform it blindfolded. It took me years to learn this skill and I don’t
“LIFE IS A TAPESTRY AND YOUR JOB IS TO PUT AS MANY COLOURS ON IT BEFORE THEY WRAP YOU UP AND BURY YOU IN IT.” expertise, was brought in as a hand double and technical advisor to Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) on an episode of The Flash TV series. The movie and TV business primarily targets an 18-49 demographic, so the older an actor is, the fewer the roles available. Refusing to be deterred, Gerry says, “Now I frequently work as a background actor. As a member of ACTRA, I get treated well on set and paid accordingly, so I’m happy to be the silent actor as I can honestly say I’ve had my 15 minutes of fame, and more.” Another of Gerry’s mid-life endeavours is MindEffex, a magic/mentalism program he devised in 2002 using creative mental effects to entertain audiences. Gerry has always believed each of us is gifted beyond our knowledge with hidden depths and talents to explore, irrespective of age. “What if I could prove to you right now that you have a 6th sense?” questions Gerry. “Ever had the experience where you’re sitting somewhere and become aware that somebody is staring at you, and when you turn around you confirm it is true? What alerted you? Another sense perhaps? Of course it is. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
think it has ever been performed by another magician.” Last year, Gerry developed another program, Motivational Mental Arts: The Black Belt Brain, which teaches skills to maximize brain capacity and mental sharpness. “I realized that cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s-type diseases are on the rise with an aging population. Who would have thought we would live this long? When I read that 50,000 Canadians under 60 are dealing with this, I was shocked. I’ve been a lifelong advocate for health and fitness,” Gerry continues, “and many companies provide fitness programs for staff, however, nowhere did I find a program that addressed how to maintain a healthy brain. I wanted to make this a one-hour TED-style presentation that would inform and entertain. After all, the mind can only absorb what the seat can endure!” Despite his many talents and accomplishments, at 70, Gerry says he’s still evolving. “It’s said that a shark (or indeed a card shark!), must keep moving or it dies,” quips Gerry. “The great Canadian Chris-
topher Plummer when asked about retirement said: ‘To me, retirement would mean death.’ As I approach 71, I am bringing 70 years of life experience with me, and I wonder where all that may lead? I like to think of the next decades as an unfolding adventure,” he continues. “Besides, who knows of what we are still capable? My father died at age 56, long before the age of technology and the advance of medical science. Today, our grandchildren can likely sail past the 100 age mark.” Unlike some, Gerry embraces changing technology. “To look back over 70 years and see what has transpired over my lifetime is nothing short of breathtaking,” says Gerry. “My father, back in Ireland, used to start the car sometimes with
“I also intend to keep going with MindEffex shows and private parties. For those who remember Kreskin, he is 82 and still performing. The interest being shown in the Black Belt Brain program is encouraging, too. And as long as my agent is calling, I will be in the movie business. My darling 10-year-old granddaughter, Edie, has been cast in a major TV series and to act on set with her would be a joy.” “Travel-wise,” Gerry continues, “I will visit my home country of Ireland and retrace my roots. A trip to the Smithsonian to note man’s achievements and history is a goal, too.” The final thing is a book, which Gerry is writing about exploding the myth of retirement finance.
a ‘starting handle.’ My modern car has a screen that talks to me and gives me accurate directions. Technology is an ongoing joy to explore. For example, who would have thought that my iPhone could accurately read my pulse after a workout to measure my level of fitness? Or that my entire business can be effectively performed from this small device in my pocket?” To make his point, Gerry shares a story about receiving a call from his agent and being asked to go to a late-call audition. He couldn’t make it, but the casting director still wanted him to audition. So his agent e-mailed him the script, he memorized it, used the camera on his phone to shoot the scene, edited it with the MovieMaker app, and e-mailed it back. “My iPhone saved the day,” he says. “I didn’t get the part, but I didn’t have to pass up on the opportunity either.” “Bucket list” is a term that has worn thin for many people these days, Gerry being one of them. “I personally hate the term and have changed the first letter to more accurately reflect how I feel (you can probably figure out the word by now!).” Nonetheless, Gerry shares his long-term goals and says health is a priority. “I have a tip for those in our age group regarding gyms,” he says, “Join one that has young people. They will inspire you and keep you thinking with a younger frame of mind.”
ABOVE | Actor Gerry Hennessey on the set of Hero Call.
With so many amazing accomplishments, what legacy does Gerry want to leave the world? “That would really be a threepart answer,” he says thoughtfully. “Firstly, I am donating my body to medical science, and I’d like to think that my doing so may, even in the smallest way, contribute to needed research. As a mentalist and entertainer,” he continues, “I would like audiences to have had a fun time and be left asking not ‘how was that done?’ but rather what they, themselves, may be capable of. However,” Gerry states emphatically, “the ultimate legacy would be to leave my wife with hopefully some happy memories of the crazy guy she married almost 40 years ago.” “I hope I can inspire a 55-year old to realize that today you could conceivably have another 45 years of quality life,” says Gerry, “and that it’s not too late to follow your heart. I tend to think in terms of living a Black Belt Life, meaning that anything I undertake is always done to the best of my abilities.” | For more info on Gerry, go to: www.GerryHennessey.com www.mindeffex.com | www.theblackbeltbrain.com Spies, Lies & Mindgames program about the Cold War https://youtu.be/UiTjhvUWBFc
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LEAD AN ACTIVE LIFE & BECOME HEALTHIER:
DR. ART HISTER by HANS TAMMEMAGI
Most seniors want to live longer, but even more, they want to enjoy a good quality of life. Dr. Art Hister, an award winning physician, educator and media personality from Vancouver, tackles this issue head-on. And we should listen, for he knows this subject. He is currently a daily health analyst on The Morning News on Global TV in BC, a weekly contributor to Global TV’s Thursday Noon News and Saturday Weekend News, as well as the host and writer of A Medical Minute with Dr. Art Hister, broadcast daily on CKNW Newstalk Radio. Dr. Hister is also the author of two Canadian bestsellers, Midlife Man and Dr. Art Hister’s Guide to a Longer and Healthier Life, as well as numerous articles for publications such as Reader’s Digest, The Globe and Mail, and The Medical Post. “Quality of life is really important,” says Dr. Art. “I want to enjoy the rest of my years, especially with my grandchildren. I want to walk on the beach with them, not have to sit waiting for them to visit me.” “The single most important thing you can do,” he advises, “is to be more active. Just keep going. The more active you are, the better. There is less chance for your body to deteriorate. Being mobile and active is more important than diet or other factors.” Dr. Art doesn’t like to use the word “exercise” preferring to say keep moving, keep active. “Furthermore, it’s easy. There’s nothing to prevent you; simply make up your mind to be more active. Sadly, our culture does not encourage us to do exercise, quite the opposite.” One only has to look at the parking lots, cars, elevators, and escalators all around us to see that Dr. Art is right. “Numerous studies have shown that when previously sedentary people become more active, their health improves,” he says. He describes how living a healthier life has several almost immediate benefits including sleeping better, having more energy, having lower stress, and suffering less anxiety. Long-term benefits include living longer, being happier, and reducing the negative effects of chronic 10 8
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diseases. The last benefit is particularly significant. Dr. Art remembers back in medical school when he was waiting for an elevator to go up one-storey. A friend came and chastised him and told him to take the stairs. Dr. Art took the advice and, in fact, has followed that counsel ever since. He adds, “If you climb stairs or do something similar, you feel good, you feel self-righteous.” Dr. Art stresses that you should also strive to follow these seven objectives: • Don’t smoke. • Exercise regularly – that is, become more active. • Eat sensibly. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Minimize your stress. • Get enough good quality sleep. • Drink alcohol in moderation. “It’s not rocket science,” he says. “In fact, these actions are simple common sense, the kind of advice your grandmother would give.” He also emphasizes you’re never too old to change your habits. Studies show that even 80-year olds benefit from becoming more active and embracing these recommendations. Memory loss is a common problem with seniors. “I don’t know how to save the brain from aging, but the more you use it the better,” says Dr. Art. “I don’t mean brain-training exercises like Sudoku, but being active physically and mentally is important. Social connections are essential. They make you more active and also make you use your brain more. He urges seniors to spend time with family, friends, clubs and groups. Being a part of a church group, for example, is good he says. “Maybe God is listening, or maybe not, but you will definitely benefit from the social exchange.” Dr. Art also speaks out on other health topics of concern to seniors. Regarding weight, he believes that being grossly overweight is a grave problem, but that being only a few pounds in excess is not serious for seniors and is more relevant for youngsters. He feels, in many cases, there is no proof that pills help. Often, he says, pills are double edged. Calcium supplements, for example,
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Burnaby Richmond
DO YOU EXPERIENCE DIZZINESS? by SHAWN ALLEN PT, MSc (Sports Medicine)
778.747.0311 604.343.2018
Dizziness is more common as we age, and is often coupled with a risk for falls. Luckily, there are solutions to help you. Dizziness may be improved through specialized treatments by skilled physiotherapists. Following hands-on treatment, you will be guided through tailored exercises to decrease dizziness, improve balance, and ensure recovery. The National Institute of Health reported that 42% of people will experience dizziness at least once in their life. Common causes include inner ear (vestibular system) problems, head injuries, some medications, and blood flow issues. The most common non-medication related cause of vertigo (a type of dizziness) is BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV may result from crystals in the inner ear canals, which alter the movement of fluid. This sends false signals to the brain that do not match feedback from the eyes, muscles and joints, resulting in a “spinning” sensation, known as vertigo. In true BPPV, vertigo usually lasts for less than a minute, worsens with head movements, and may affect balance. Correct diagnosis of BPPV is crucial, to avoid worsening of symptoms, or masking of other serious conditions. Back in Motion’s physiotherapists can help with diagnosis and treatment. With specialized skills in vestibular rehabilitation, they will use triggering movements to roll the crystals out of the inner ear, in order to decrease your sensation of “spinning.” The physiotherapist will also provide specialized exercises, and you will notice a decrease in dizziness, with improvements in your balance and safety. For more information or to book an appointment, please call Back in Motion at 778-747-0311 or visit www.bimphysiotherapy.com.
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Multiple locations across the provin call for your free consultatio
We provide treatment for many conditions, • Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Joint Pai • Arthritis • Concussions and Dizziness • Walking and Mobility • Falls or Safety Issues • Surgeries • Auto Accidents MSP and extended health coverage availabl
help bones, but may raise the chance of heart attack by causing deposits in arteries. He also worries that many people feel that if a little is good, then more is better. “This is wrong,” he stresses. He considers that pills are used far too much in modern society. “Falls and loss of balance are a specific problem,” says Dr. Art, who works with Hip Health BC. “However, you can re-train your balance. Everyone over 50 should do balance and weight-bearing exercises regularly. Tai Chi and yoga are excellent.” Loose carpets and other tripping hazards in the home should be fixed. Humour and a positive attitude are also important and help to lift the spirit and make life less stressful. “There is even one – admittedly controversial – study that concluded that even a fake smile can help people feel better,” he adds. His advice is simple: Always look at the glass as half-full. “My goal is to inspire people to follow this advice and become more active. I speak to hundreds and thousands,” says Dr. Art, “and I feel good if even five people listen.” Let’s hope he’s grossly underestimating his influence, and you, the readers, will prove him wrong! |
We provide treatment for many conditions, including: • Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Joint Pain • Arthritis • Concussions and Dizziness • Walking and Mobility • Falls or Safety Issues • Surgeries • Auto Accidents MSP and extended health coverage available
Multiple locations across the province to serve you, call for your free consultation today!
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RIGHT | Cross-country skiiers gather at Telemark Nordic trails overlooking Okanagan Lake, near Kelowna. Photos: Joan Boxall
NORDIC (XC) SKIING IN FIVE EASY STRIDES by JOAN BOXALL In a self-propelled sliding sport, lose the chairlift, the crowds and the downhill emphasis. Press thumb and forefinger together; cross country skis are well in hand – light, strong and flexible enough to go the distance. Utilizing well-maintained, track-set trails, two parallel tracks are for classic skiers lining the trail to the right and left. A smooth inner stretch of corduroy lets skate skiers power up the middle. Arms and legs pendulum-swing with a steady pressure: legs on skis and arms on poles. You’ve traded a walking gait for a skiing glide or stride — gray rain at sea level for sparkling snow higher up. “It’s great exercise… an opportunity to get out-of-doors and enjoy fabulous vistas. I enjoy trails that loop up and down through the trees.” –Co-president of The Vancouver Skiers Cross Country and Touring Club, Eda Kadar “I like being enveloped in white and fresh and beauty… and, at this time in my life, on my skate skis, I feel like I’m flying!” –Sabina Harpe, Vancouver Skiers Go easy, and go about it in the right way.
Stride #1: Take a lesson The Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) offers certification levels in cross country (skate, classic and telemark) technique. Anders Bjorklund, 50, is a top-level IV instructor and co-owner, with his wife Jodie, of Sigge’s Nordic Ski Shop in Vancouver. Anders’ father, Sigge Bjorklund, co-founded CANSI in 1976. “We’re still trying to break down that old expression ‘if you can walk, you can 12 10
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cross country ski’… [That] did not do us any great service. It is more involved than just walking, and our concern is that those individuals that don’t take a lesson might become frustrated because they’re not enjoying the sport as much as they could be, had they taken a lesson.” A CANSI-certified instructor (with rental equipment on-the-ready) can be found at most British Columbia ski schools. Try out the sport with a nationally-certified instructor before investing in your own equipment. Even if you have your own equipment, a periodic lesson keeps you from sliding backward. Local ski schools like the Lower Mainland’s Cypress (Hollyburn) Ski School (the largest one in Canada), Whistler’s Olympic Park, Lost Lake Park, Callaghan Country or Vancouver Island’s Mt. Washington are ready to assist you.
Stride #2: Get good equipment Anders Bjorklund continues Sigge’s legacy as the leading supplier of cross country ski equipment and clothing in British Columbia. Anders says, “Once you’ve decided which equipment (skate or classic)… it has to do, first and foremost, with weight… skis are now engineered differently; they’re shorter… the camber is stiffer; classic skis are meant to grip and glide… matching the ski to your weight, your height and your ability level is a whole discovery process, harmoniously matching… making sure you have the appropriate calibre boot, binding, ski, and pole… everything works together.”
“How frequently do you intend to ski is something we ask,” says Anders, “and whether you’re going to buy a season’s pass, join a club… make a commitment to do this sport and do it well… we also want that investment to be working well 20 to 30 ski days in. It’s not just selling the equipment, but the follow-up, such as when there’s challenging conditions… there are a variety of snow conditions, so it’s important to get experience and expectations to match.”
Stride #3: Join a club Become a member of the Vancouver Skiers Cross Country and Touring Club, founded in 1962 by Sigge Bjorklund, or join a club at one of the more than 50 Nordic ski areas throughout BC. The Vancouver Skiers gather monthly through ski season on Tuesday evenings for slide presentations, ski swaps and fun activities. Day trips vary from a coaching day at Cypress Nordic area (at Hollyburn Ridge) to Whistler’s Callaghan Valley, and weekend and multi-day trips in British Columbia and beyond. “I like XC skiing for only one reason: pleasure — the fun, the open skies, and nature — just the enjoyment of Canadian winters.” –Lies Botman, Vancouver Skiers
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“I have been with this club for about 35 years… It’s the perfect sport for arms and legs… cardiovascular and weight-bearing… I intend to continue for the rest of my life!” –Mostexperienced member of Vancouver Skiers, Mo Iqbal, 85
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Stride #4: See and Ski British Columbia Stake Lake and Salmon Arm: three-day trip Skiers loop Stake Lake’s green, blue and black (easy, intermediate and challenging) runs that radiate outwards from a club cabin (with flush-toilets). Two ingredients make it sparkle: new snow and grooming. Grooming machines level and compact all kinds of snow from fluffy powder to slush for easy navigation of most trails. Try Cowpoke (green), Tumbleweed (blue), and Geronimo (black)! Colour-coded trails give a hint to the trail’s slope.
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The Larch Hills Nordic Society and Shuswap Outdoors invite skiers “to get your glide on” with over 50 kilometres of groomed tracks. A favourite destination is Cec’s Cabin, a three- to four-hour round trip, climbing steadily uphill along Larch Hills Road, and winding back along a Monashee-Mountain panorama. Lunch is at Michele’s Dawg Waggin. Michele Broemeling and Ann Steenhuysen unhitch their stovetop and canopy to dish out quinoa “cluckers,” locally-raised WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
chicken sausage with quinoa, red pepper, onions and spices. Mine’s fullydressed. Ken has the borscht with a dollop of sour cream. Kilometre-counting takes precedence over calorie-counting. The Larch Hills Winery is the highest-elevation winery in North America. Its owners, Jack and Hazel Manser, season hot-mulled wine, and wafts of it pull us in. Skiers’ faces glow with the fresh air. Cheeks are a 2010 Tamarack Rose. JANUARY 2017
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Telemark Nordic, Sovereign Lakes/Silver Star and Kelowna Nordic: three-day trip We scamper off the bus like eager snowshoe hares, ready to make tracks onto Telemark Trail and Panorama Ridge with views of Lake Okanagan. The Kelowna Nordic’s web-messaging cautions gardeners in the middle of March: “keep your mitts off the spade and back on the poles.” This is strictly a snow garden. Near Vernon, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club’s trail system has over 105 kilometres of daily groomed trails adjoining Silver Star, a mile-high (downhill and XC) ski hub, making it the largest continuously groomed grid of cross country ski trails in Canada. Small wonder the US National Ski Team voted Silver Star their #1 Nordic destination, and Canadian Olympians, Beckie Scott and Sara Renner, top pick it for abundance of trails, snow and amenities. Rocky Mountain Tour: six-day trip Alberta and British Columbia share the Rocky Mountains and skiers are indiscriminate about carving up both sides of her flanks. A six-day road trip with The Vancouver Skiers provides an International-Stage-Lines coach driver who delivers skiers safely to the slopes. The club’s executive of dedicated volunteers organizes the travel and accommodation details. “Cross country skiing for me is both therapeutic and self-indulgent. It’s a time to listen to your heart beat and the wind in the pines.” –Fred Peters, Vancouver Skiers “(Nordic skiing) is only positive… changeable with lots of variety and conditions… peaceful and serene… it fits for me.” –Roy Helland, Vancouver Skiers We ski at Dawn Mountain’s Golden Nordic club in Golden with their apt logo: Golden Rules. The Golden Rule, found in many cultures, ensures success. It also implies “ski unto others, as you would have them ski unto (not into) you.” With 33 kilometres of volunteer-groomed (yet impeccably manicured) tracks, our host, rental router and club vice-president, Wayne Manzer, greets us in front of the newly-minted (since 2010) Dawn Mountain Chalet. We gravitate to a four-way-stop at the cor14 12
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ABOVE | Vancouver Skiers enjoy camaraderie during an outdoor lunch break.
ners of Hawk Owl, Marmot, Raven and Cariboo trails in a flurry of snacks, sips and photographic snaps. We access Canmore Nordic trails, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Mount Shark and the Watridge Lake Trail System, for those who want to (snow) plow on. Slipping back through Roger’s Pass to Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, craggy mountaintops reveal snow-stacked layer cakes – frosting upon frosting, sweeter than sweet. We congregate at Ole Sandberg’s heated cabin – taking optional loops until we flop – ski-satiated, back on the bus.
Stride #5: Appreciate Balance Follow a regime of brisk walking, jogging, swimming or cycling, and you’re already practicing for a sport that engages heart and mind. You’ve been cross-training for XC skiing! “Cross country skiing is one of many parts of my life… I ski a little; I play bridge; I do aqua fit; I dance; I garden… it’s just the combination of being active, enjoying fresh air, nice people… generally having a great time.” –Maya Trost, Vancouver Skiers “Having had a journey with breast cancer means that if I am XC skiing as a senior, I have been gifted these precious moments to soak in the white sparkly snow, smell the forest and keep my body healthy with this activity that lifts my spirit.” –Leslie Fierling, Vancouver Skiers “Since I ski with a blind skier, I try to figure out how to describe things… I appreciate it more because I can see it.” –Anna Bentley, Vancouver Skiers Member-at-Large, and blind ski guide This sport energizes its can-do participants. Start off with a lesson. Graduate to multi-day ski trips. Share in the ongoing flow of tips about equipment, technique and life. These gliders take it all in stride. |
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GET MOVING!
KEEP MOVING! by LORRAINE BRETT
Lt. Tragg: I hope you forgive this intrusion. Perry Mason: I’m always glad to see you, lieutenant. Lt. Tragg: Well, let’s say sometimes you’re gladder than others. Perry Mason: The Case of the Garrulous Gambler (1959) Raymond Burr, the New Westminster-born actor who spent nine seasons (1957 -1966) portraying the Los Angles legal beagle Perry Mason in the popular TV drama of the same name, and who was posthumously listed by TV Guide as one of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time (were he alive today, he would be 100 years old) would not have been at all glad to learn that Canadians are failing in their health and fitness such that, chronic, preventable disease is now our biggest killer. Even Perry Mason, ace lawyer, and his secretary Della Street, would be hard pressed to make a winning case against this killer. And, in an unfortunate plot twist, appropriate to a gripping courtroom drama, it appears the wounds are self-inflicted. Most Canadians, admit it or not, are guilty of sitting more and moving less, and this inactivity comes at a staggering cost to ourselves, our families and the economy. However, a new Bill, some Olympic-sized determination and the latest in brain research, suggests a breakthrough in this “case” is imminent. 16 14
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“Chronic diseases are the largest causes of death and disability in British Columbia,” claims a 2010 report by the Provincial Health Officer. “In 2005, non-communicable, chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease resulted in 19,597 deaths, more than half (57.6 per cent) of all deaths in BC. In addition, health care costs associated with cerebrovascular disease were $242 million, cardiovascular disease $944 million and cancer $1.2 billion, in 2005.” Investing in Prevention: Improving Health and Creating Sustainability, The Provincial Health Officer’s Special Report, 2010 The fact that more than half of British Columbians die from potentially preventable deaths is shocking; the cost is astronomical. “The reality is we can build a health care system, but that is not health,’ says Canada’s Female Athlete of the Century, a septuagenarian, and Olympian whose name is synonymous with skiing in Canada, Senator Nancy Greene Raine. “No government or agency can build health. Only individuals, parents and children can create their own health through good nutrition and physical activity,” continued Senator Greene Raine, at the second reading of her private member’s Bill unanimously approved in December 2014. TOP | Senator Nancy Greene Raine and Pierre Lafontaine are working together to make Canada the fittest country on earth. RIGHT | Senator Greene Raine on the Hill with other Parlimentarians fitting fitness into their day. Photos: Senate Communications
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“We are starting a movement to make Canada the fittest nation on earth,” says Senator Greene Raine by phone from her home at Sun Peaks Resort in the Thompson/Okanagan. “And I think we can do it.” “We are Canada!” says Pierre Lafontaine, the CEO of Cross Country Ski de Found Canada (CCC). “There’s no reason this country is not the fittest nation on earth,” he says, echoing Senator Greene Raine. Lafontaine and the Senator are two of a host of strong Canadian voices coalesced around a vision, now in its eighth year, to see Canadian children, youth and adults, get moving and beat the effects of sedentariness and obesity by becoming truly fit. With the passage of Bill S-211 in 2014, naming the first Saturday in June National Health and Fitness Day, over 272 cities have proclaimed the day, and participate by opening recreational facilities like gyms and pools free to the public. “We chose the date because it comes as the school year is winding down, and we hope it can be used as motivation to get people, especially kids, involved in physical activities through the summer months and, of course, to continue through the year,” explained Senator Greene Raine in her impassioned speech to the Senate. “We want the day to involve everyone, from municipal parks and recreation departments to private fitness and sports clubs to retailers of sports equipment.” Reflecting back on it, Lafontaine claims it was a chance meeting that launched all the momentum behind this Bill. “I found myself on a plane with a new MP, John Weston, from West Vancouver and I asked him what he was going to do for our country. I shared my enthusiasm for a national vision on active living. And he went about finding out a way to realize this,” says Lafontaine. John Weston, now a former MP, (West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, 2008-2015) is a consultant and professional speaker. His enthusiasm for active living is demonstrated by his own personal commitment to fitness (he has successfully completed the Whistler GranFondo six times). After the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics, he assumed the broader
national mandate to find a legacy for the 2010 Games. ”Seventy per cent of the [Olympic] sites were in the riding I represented. I posed the question, ‘What should be the national legacy of the Games?’ My answer: making health and fitness a more immediate goal for all Canadians, not just Olympians. I went on to create the Parliamentary Fitness Initiative; all MPs and Senators are invited to run and swim once each week, with the guidance of a top-level volunteer coach,” said Weston in his book, Moving People to Excellence. “It was a multi-party, feel-good Bill that didn’t ask for money, and you didn’t need a million in investments,” says Phil Marsh, Regional Director of the Running Room, who stands as a coconspirator with the noble core of Olympic athletes, coaches and politicians pressing on with the goal of a nation on the move. “Today, we have MPs who are willing to live by example and be role models. These MPs are the examples we all need,” says Marsh, who, along with Lafontaine and Senator Greene Raine are active in weekly coaching of MPs and on hand for Bike, Swim and Ski Days on the Hill. But for Marsh, a runner and coach of more than 27 years, including coaching double-amputee Jody Mitic to complete the 2009 Army Half Marathon as a CTV Amazing racer, there’s a need for a shift in cultural perception of the value of physical activity to our overall health. “If my 92-year-old Dad was told to exercise by his doctor, he would switch doctors. He’ll cut his walk short but he won’t deny himself his pills or puffer.” Is it a generational thing Marsh wonders? His mother died of lung cancer and he fears for his dad who smokes. Off the Hill and back in BC, renowned UBC brain researcher with the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and CEO of Synaptitude Brain Health Dr. Max Cynader says, “There is a lot that can be done. People are unduly pessimistic.” Dr. Cynader’s brain imaging company offers a one-stop shop of services that include brain imaging, genome sequencing, and cognitive assessments. Services are offered à la carte and include a personalized brain fitness program. Of the cerebrovascular diseases like Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia, that cause BC’s high rates of morbidity each year, new brain research, claims Dr. Cynader, shows physical activity is the key preventative. “It used to be thought that we already had all the brain cells we were ever going to have. That’s not true. We’re making thousands of new brain cells every day. And you can double or triple the number of new brain cells you make next week by doing physical exercise. More important than Sudoku, and more important than friends, and all that stuff, do exercise,” says Dr. Cynader during his TEDx talk, Enhancing the Plasticity of the Brain. Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, COO at Synaptitude, and an Associate Professor at UBC has done research showing that weight training for women, aged 65-75 years old, once or twice weekly, improves cognitive function and increases walking speed, a predictor of reduction in mortality. In her 70s and still racing her husband to see who cuts the first tracks through fresh snow at Sun Peaks on a winter morning, Senator Greene Raine encourages anyone seeking a fun, new way to exercise to consider learning to ski. “Even if you’re 80!” |
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JANUARY 2017
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Say Good Bye to Dentures,
Say Hello to Teeth in One Day! Losing teeth or in the process of losing all of your teeth? Struggling with loose or ill-fitting dentures? If you are losing your teeth or are currently wearing a denture, this innovative treatment is now available and may be the answer you’ve been looking for. The Teeth in One Day treatment has over 25 years of research and success behind it! BC Perio’s team of dentists and certified specialists are very excited to offer this advanced procedure to all patients who want a fixed permanent solution.
The Teeth in One Day (All on 4TM) treatment is an amazing procedure that allows you to come in with a denture or failing teeth and leave the same day (ONE DAY) with a new set of fixed-in teeth. No more dentures or painful, failing teeth. Just a new confident smile and the ability to eat all of your favorite foods once again. Dr. Bobby Birdi (Certified Dual Specialist in Periodontics & Prosthodontics) is looking forward to helping you meet all of your dental goals and wishes! Smile and face the world with confidence again with BC Perio’s Teeth in One Day!!
Don’t wait another minute, book your consultation today!
How are Teeth in One Day different from traditional dentures? Teeth in One Day (All on 4TM) dental implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel like your natural teeth. They are teeth that will be brushed and cleaned like natural teeth. They do not have to be taken out. They do not need adhesives. They are comfortable because they do not press down on your gums. They also allow you to bite with increased force (up to 70% more), so you can eat all your favorite foods again!
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TEETH
IN ONE DAY Enjoy Your New Smile Almost Immediately Often referred to as Immediate Function Implants, Teeth in One Day give you the ability to enjoy your new smile immediately after you dental implant has been placed. Teeth in One Day allows you to receive an implant and a crown all in one day, or receive dental implants and a fully-functioning set of teeth in one day. Therefore, in cases where one or several teeth are missing, implants are placed and temporary teeth (crowns) are connected to the implants in the same appointment. Teeth In One Day Teeth in one day is the perfect solution that BC Perio’s certified specialists offer for people that have only one missing tooth, several missing teeth, no teeth at all or will have all their teeth removed in either the top jaw, bottom jaw, or both jaws (All-on-4). Patients can have one tooth replaced or a full set of teeth in one treatment visit. This cutting edge procedure will utilize 3D Cone-Beam CT Scan (CBCT) technology to plan the implant placement and make a restoration (teeth replacement) so you walk out with your implants supporting your new teeth. This new method accelerates and simplifies the dental implant process. It is possible to chew, speak, and smile with confidence all on the same day as your surgery. In addition, the Teeth in One Day treatment often leads to a shorter overall treatment time and increased patient satisfaction, while maintaining consistent results. Benefits of Teeth in One Day: • Shortened treatment time • Increased patient comfort and convenience • Bone is immediately stimulated allowing for long-lasting aesthetics • Lifelong, predictable solution supported by extensive research If you are currently wearing dentures, or have failing teeth and may need dentures in the near future, you could be a candidate for Teeth in a day. The procedure involves the placement of 4 dental implants to secure the fixed teeth on top. Implants act as a foundation for the placement of a fixed set of natural looking teeth. Non-removable teeth are fixed permanently on 4 implants, making All-on-4™ a financially reasonable, stable, and reliable solution for patients with missing teeth. Countless patients, who may not have been candidates for implants in the past, have recently undergone this treatment due to it requiring less bone which helps avoid major bone grafting procedures, which drastically speeds up treatment. Unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel natural. That means they are brushed and cleaned like natural teeth. They do not have to be taken out and cleaned each night, and you can use them to bite with increased force, so you can eat all of your favorite foods. The best part is that all this can be achieved in ONE DAY! And you will be able to go home with a new, natural beautiful smile. In fact many patients feel that their new teeth are more beautiful than their permanent teeth ever were!
How does Teeth in One Day differ from dentures and conventional implants: • Fixed (Non-Removable) Solution: Unlike dentures, the All-on-4™ procedure provides you with a full mouth of non-removable teeth that look, feel and function like your real teeth. • Cost Effective Solution: Your new replacement teeth require only 4 implants for each jaw. With fewer implants required, the cost is lowered. The exact cost varies with patients and their condition but with fewer number of implants needed and the simpler Teeth in a Day procedure, All-on-4™ is a cost effective full-arch tooth replacement solution. • Less Bone Grafting: The unique surgical techniques in the All-on-4™ procedure typically make bone grafting unnecessary. Additionally, with only 4 implants inserted, the need for bone grafting is greatly reduced. • Teeth in a Day: Unlike traditional treatment methods, the Allon-4™ procedure provides you with functional teeth in one day. This allows for faster and more convenient treatment. • Immediate Function: All-on-4™ provides you with natural looking teeth that you can used to eat, talk, and socialize as soon as you leave the BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre. • Scientifically Supported: The All-on-4™ procedure has demonstrated consistently good clinical outcomes. Furthermore, various research studies spanning over the past decade have demonstrated consistently favorable results with the All-on-4™ procedure. Dr. Bobby HS Birdi, founder of Vancouver’s new cutting-edge dental treatment centre, BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre, is one of North America’s very few Certified Double Specialists in Periodontics and Prosthodontics (Periodontist & Prosthodontist), and the first and only specialist in the world to attain Canadian and American board certifications in both Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Dr. Birdi is an adjunct Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and the University of Minnesota, where he is involved in multiple dental implant research projects and clinical trials. Dr. Birdi lectures internationally on the subject of implants and advanced esthetics/periodontal plastic surgery and has published various articles. Dr. Birdi and his team of doctors are all trained & internationally recognized for their work. They work together as a team to plan and carry out patient treatment. BC Perio is also a teaching institute, where many dentists come to learn the latest in dental procedures. Services at BC Perio include all aspects of dental implant therapy, from cosmetic restorative procedures such as crowns and veneers, treatment of periodontal disease, aesthetic surgical treatments to regenerate gum and bone, as well as dentures, dental implant reconstructions, and ALL on four. Dr. Birdi and his associates at BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre believe oral health care should be accessible to everyone, which is why BC Perio offers complimentary implant consultations for all patients. Often this also includes a complimentary CBCT scan allowing for the most advanced technology in diagnostic and implant treatment planning. At BC Perio, patients will have access to the most up to date and advanced oral health care in North America. The specialists will provide you with personalized treatment options and see to your dental concerns with genuine care. Whether you have an immediate dental health concern or are looking to establish a prevention plan for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime, Dr. Birdi and his team will give you all the personalized care you deserve. Don’t wait another minute. Book your consultation today! Visit bcperio.ca or teethinoneday.com
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LEAVING THE RIGHT
FOOTPRINT by JOHN KELLY Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes? Forget it. It’ll probably only lead to issues before you’ve even reached the end of the block. Just about every sport (except the ones in the air and the water) is played on land, and as such, it is our feet we rely on to get us from here to there. So it is vital to protect them and give them every advantage. This is where a pair of quality shoes intended for their specific purpose can make the difference between healthy and pain-free participation and a sore and miserable time.
walking through the fruit market is only slightly different than a walk in the park. I think you could get away with one pair. The same, of course, can’t be said of marathon running and a pick-up basketball game. Become a knowledgeable consumer, use common sense, and err on the side of caution. Understand your chosen sport or activity and the reasons for its particular footwear. We can’t expect every salesperson to be a PhD in bio-mechanics, but he or she should be able to answer your questions before you sink a considerable amount of money into a pair of shoes. Most will be able to tell a little about your gait, whether
A STRONG FOUNDATION (READ: GOOD AND PROPERLY FITTING SHOES) CAN GET YOU OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT. You wouldn’t hire a clown to fix a leaky toilet, right? That’s why your old pair of sneakers doesn’t work on the tennis court or the mountain trail. Sure, you could get away with it for a while, maybe, but chances are your feet will begin tell a different tale. And remember the ankle bone’s connected to the shin bone, the shin bone’s… you started singing, didn’t you? A problem anywhere in our musculoskeletal system can lead to difficulties in other places along the line. A strong foundation (read: good and properly fitting shoes) can get you off on the right foot. There are shoes for literally every activity. Footwear manufacturers are savvy. Have they led us to believe that each of these pursuits really needs an entirely different shoe? Probably. Does every recreation really need an entirely different shoe? Maybe. But 20 18
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there is excessive pronation, supination, etc. Better yet, do your own research, and educate yourself about how to best outfit yourself for your endeavour given your particular quirks. The only things that last forever are diamonds (and the movie seemed to, at times, too). Shoes have a shelf-life. The irony is you have to take them off the shelf in order to find out what it is. Most manufacturers of running/walking shoes have recommendations about how much mileage one can expect from a shoe. Paying attention to wear patterns will help you decide when to put yours out to pasture. If we were still running around on the African savannah, there would be no need for footwear or an article about it. As it is, our feet encounter a great variety of surfaces and situations. If there is one overarching theme here, it is to understand how to protect your feet while getting the most from them. And then whatever you do, you’ll enjoy it more. |
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RETIRED MOUNTIE
PENS NEW NOVEL by JOHN KELLY At the end of their careers, Mounties dismount, right? They walk slowly and bow-leggedly into the sunset. Isn’t that how it works? Well, not if you’re Victoria’s John C. Smith. And he isn’t taking his retirement sitting, let alone lying down, either. No, for this exRCMP man, it is still very much high noon. Even a passing look at John’s life reveals a couple of common threads – a kind of wanderlust and love of the written word. So, it may be easy to see how a retired RCMP officer ends up in British Columbia writing novels. But to truly understand, we have to go back to nearly the beginning. John C. Smith was born in Essex County in the UK. You don’t get farther back than that. “At age 11, I was lucky to be admitted to a Grammar School for seven years,” he says. “I think, that, in retro22 20
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spect, may have helped me to eventually enjoy writing. My English teacher was the consummate literature and grammar instructor. We were immersed in the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, Chaucer, Yeats, Coleridge, etc.” The desire to write creatively didn’t rear its beautiful head until a little later. Emigration to Canada was followed by a couple of years working at a bank in Calgary and then a long career in law enforcement ensued. But it wasn’t just any force. It was the iconic one, the one by which Canada has come to be known by many around the world. TOP | Mountie turned author John C. Smith with his cat Benny. Photo: Bruce Batchelor RIGHT | First Class Passage is a murder mystery on the high seas. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
“Something about being in Canada made me want to experience life in the open,” says John. A municipal or even regional force didn’t have that appeal for him. Following a gruelling process that challenges applicants physically and mentally, John had reservations about whether he’d be one of the one in about 20 or so that are successful. “I was at the bank when the call came,” he says. “The Sergeant in charge of recruiting said, ‘Mr. Smith, how would you like to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?’ I was at a loss for words and didn’t answer for several seconds and stammered something stupid like, ‘Er, yeah, I guess so.’ I was 22.” John closed one account and opened a new one. “I spent 25 years at seven ‘postings,’ performing general duty police work at four detachments in BC. One of them, at Enderby in the North Okanagan, I was the Corporal in charge.” It was at this point that John changed hats briefly. A Mountie’s hat can be so conspicuous. “I was interviewed for an instructor position at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa,” he says. “I required an undergrad degree, and was allowed to attend University (Waterloo) during the school year, and work in Ottawa in the
summer. During this time, of course, I wrote many papers. I spent three years teaching Management Theory, a difficult subject to get into my head, but I did and came to enjoy the teaching experience.” John’s final transfer was to Kamloops. There, he was a Watch Commander and responsible for the deployment of 50 people. During his tenure on the force, he had written innumerable reports, the bulk of which involving criminal cases and had assisted prosecutors in preparing matters for the court. But it wasn’t until this last assignment in Kamloops that the writing bug bit with the force it did. While he had written articles for the RCMP Quarterly magazine, in addition to a number of short stories, mostly for his own amusement, John knew the desire to write a book had been distilling in him for some time. Content wasn’t the problem. How to begin proved the most challenging part. Sometimes, it takes the ones closest to you to give the shot you need, sort of like ending the distillation process and finally enjoying a single malt. “It wasn’t until I fully retired from work that my wife, Jean, and all three of our sons, ganged up on me, shamed me almost, that I took up pen and paper, literally, and began writing my first tale.” John recalled the sage advice from an English Literature Professor a half century prior: Write about what you know. You’re the expert. “What else but a story about the Mounties?” The result was John’s debut novel, The Scarlet Sentinels, based on what really happens in and around the lives of the men and women of Canada’s federal police force. “Taking cruise ship tours led to my second novel,” he says. “I was doing a trip through the Mediterranean and spoke to the officer in charge of the Security Section. I found that these people are not police officers, but merely glorified guards. A germ of an idea formed. Why not write a ‘whodunnit’ of a murder at sea?” With the help of one son, who is an Ottawa lawyer well versed in interna-
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tional law including UN Treaties, which act in lieu of law on the high seas, John wrote his second novel First Class Passage. His manuscript for The Scarlet Sentinels was 400 pieces of foolscap. For this work, John gladly traded in pen and paper for a laptop. Pretenders are a dime a dozen. Renaissance men are hard to find these days, but John fits the bill. When he isn’t busy writing novels, he stays busy running on a treadmill and swimming at a local recreation centre. This keeps him WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
in shape, so he and Jean can take on the rigours of travel. Their latest was a European riverboat cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. He volunteers at Langham Court Theatre (there’s the written word again) painting sets for the six productions they put on yearly. What little time remains is devoted to gardening. The motto of the RCMP is ‘Maintiens le Droit’. But in the case of John C. Smith with all of its romance and adventure, its action and intrigue, as they always do, the Mounties got their man. | JANUARY 2017
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DISCOVER THE NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM ON A SPRINGTIME RIVER CRUISE by MARILYN JONES A week-long river cruise sailing past farmland, ancient castles and into romantic European cities is my idea of an ideal vacation. And, I found out on a recent AmaWaterways cruise, that I was right: fantastic opportunities to see Europe at a peaceful pace, excellent food and accommodations, and relaxation. Tulip Time is one European cruise AmaWaterways offers. Seven days of exploring The Netherlands and Belgium topped off with a visit to Holland’s tulip fields was simply perfect.
Amsterdam As soon as I stepped out of airport customs, I was greeted by an AmaWaterways representative. She ushered me to a waiting van and off we went to the AmaCerto docked at a pier within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions. After settling into my stateroom, I was free to explore the city on my own. Being mindful of the bike lanes as I walked (there are an estimated one million bikes in Am24 22
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
sterdam), I strolled past centuries-old buildings, canals, shops and residences until it was time to return to the ship for a brief orientation. The following day was also spent in the city with a guided bus tour, walking tour and cruise along some of the canals. Learning about the city’s history and seeing many of its famous landmarks – including the Anne Frank House, Royal Palace and floating flower market – the tours offered a vivid overview of the city dating to the 12th century. Complimentary small group shore excursions are offered at each port and include ones for gentle-walkers and others for active-walkers. Local English-speaking tour guides are available to lead the excursions as well as answer questions. In Volendam, the waterfront was busy with tourists queuing up to pay for souvenirs and entering restaurants. Residential streets were lined with cottages, many along narrow canals, and seeing the hotel where Picasso and Renoir spent time added to the immersive feeling of the city and its history. Neighbouring Edam is much smaller than Volendam and
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LEFT | Canal cruises are offered in Ghent. Photo: Marilyn Jones
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is most famous for its cheese. Every street offered a glimpse of its history and the lives of its once wealthy inhabitants. Past 17th century architecture in residential neighbourhoods, as well as the commercial centre, it was easy to imagine this town as a bustling city during its heyday. Het Loo Palace, built between 1684 and 1686 for stadtholder-king William III and Mary II of England, served as the residence of the House of Orange-Nassau until the death of Queen Wilhelmina in 1962. Its interior features original furniture, objects and paintings in lavishly decorated rooms.
Belgium A popular shore excursion in Antwerp is the Chocolate, Waffles and Beer tour. The tour guide led us past Het Steen, a medieval fortress built after the Viking invasions in the early Middle Ages and along narrow streets until we arrived at D’aa Toert (The Tart) Tea Room. Soon after being seated, waffles were served; delicious plate-sized squares with strawberries and whipped cream on top. Next stop: Grote Markt and G. Bastin Chocolade for a taste of the confection, and finally ‘T Parlement, where everyone sampled Belgium Beer. In Brussels, the capital of Belgium and
the European Union, a brief bus tour of the city and a couple photo op exits from the bus brought our group to the centre of the city. We left the bus and started to explore on foot. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is Manneken Pis, which means “little pee man” in Flemish. There was a crowd vying for a spot to photograph the 24-inch-high statue, this day dressed in green and yellow. The statue has a full-time dresser. His clothes are changed often to celebrate the season or special events. Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed beginning in the 15th century with market halls, trade guild houses and a town hall to establish the authority of this trading centre. Here we had two hours to explore. Touring Ghent, I learned it was once a powerful centre of business and trade as the guide led us past beautiful gothic public buildings, towering churches, and well-kept homes and businesses. Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest cities dating to the 7th century. It was in the Middle Ages that Ghent became one of Europe’s wealthiest towns with the cloth industry. But, with prosperity came conflict between economic and state powers including the Hundred Years’ War and rebellions against the Duke of Burgundy. The city witnessed a revival in the 1800s when a port was opened and machinery was added to the factories. Bruges was chartered in 1128. The city had a strategic location at the crossroads of the northern Hanseatic League and southern trade routes. In the 15th century, the population of Bruges grew to at least 125,000, but by the 16th century, the tidal inlet, which had given the city its prosperity, started naturally filling in making navigation difficult for ships. The success of Bruges as the economic flagship of the Low Countries then shifted to Antwerp. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
I HAVE INFORMATION ON...
Moving to a Seniors Community Are you thinking of selling your home to move to a Seniors community? The Moving On Guide is designed to help you through the complex issues and unique situations you may encounter during the process. Full of housing related resources tailored to Seniors and their families, information includes: • Housing options • Home adaptations • Meeting healthcare needs • Financial considerations • Legal considerations • Selling your current home • Special Commission Rates Available for Seniors • Ask me about my Referral Incentive Call 778-834-8021 for your free copy! You can count on Rosemary as your Seniors Real Estate Specialist® to guide you through the process of buying or selling your home, making the transaction less stressful and more successful. With 35+ years experience, I am dedicated to results!
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The best way to see the city, also a UNESCO World Heritage, is on foot and by canal boat. In Market Square, there are fantastically-detailed and ornate public buildings. Shops selling Belgium chocolate, beer, lace and other souvenirs are located on the streets jutting off the square. Burg Square is the second of Bruges’ medieval squares. Key landmarks on the square are Bishop’s Palace dating to the 17th century, the gothic Town Hall dating to the 14th century, the Old Civil Registry built between 1534 and 1537 in the Renaissance style, and the Holy Blood Basilica built in the 12th century.
The Netherlands
MIDDLE | Volendam is a waterfront city that attracts tourists to its scenic neighbourhoods.
As the days pass, the AmaCerto was once again in the Netherlands. The first stop was Willemstad, a small historic town established in 1585 and surrounded by an old city wall in the shape of a seven-pointed star. One of the highlights was the oldest Protestant Dutch Reform church in the Netherlands where, in the octagon-shaped church, a short organ concert of classical music was performed. Kinderdijk, with the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands, is next on the day’s agenda. The windmills date as far back as the 1500s. Because this is UNESCO site, all the mills must be kept in their original state. Twenty-five per cent of the Netherlands consists of land below sea level. To reclaim this land from the sea, a dike is built around a large piece of water. Then, the water is pumped out. These pieces of land are called polders and can be used for farming and industrial purposes. On the last day of the cruise was Keukenhof, where more than seven million tulips and other bulb flowers blossom in breathtaking beautiful displays from mid-March to mid-May. Almost 100 royal exhibitors supply 800 varieties of tulips to be planted in the fall for display in the park the following year. The park opened in 1950 and was an instant success, with 236,000 visitors in the first year alone. During the past 65 years, Keukenhof has grown into a world-famous attraction. Zaanse Schans was another offered excursion. At first glance, it seemed like an elaborate theme park celebrating Dutch history, but in actuality, this is a historic community with an interesting and significant past. Some 250 years ago, more than 600 windmills were located in this small area along the Zaan river; the first industrial site in the world. The windmills were used to make shelves, paint, mustard, oil and paper. What you find today are authentic Dutch windmills, barns, houses and museums, all built in the typically Dutch wooden architectural style, and all moved to this central location over the past 50 years. Costumed interpreters demonstrate clog making, milling and other activities for tourists, offering a living history lesson. The week was over: photos captured, tours taken, memories made. Will I take another river cruise? You bet; the first chance I get! |
BOTTOM | Another way to tour scenic Bruges is by horse-drawn carriage. Photos: Marilyn Jones
For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/netherlands-belgium-cruise
TOP | Keukenhof highlights more than seven million tulips and other bulb flowers.
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DUST OFF YOUR DREAMS “I find it frustrating when a day goes astray, and all the possibilities that slept in that day remain unmet.” –John O’Donohue, Irish poet
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We are looking for adventuresome women, between the ages of 50-80, willing to undergo a make-over transformation including hair, makeup and fashion. Your photos and story will be featured in upcoming issues of INSPIRED Senior Living. You will complete your makeover transformation at our upcoming 55+ Lifestyle Show in Victoria in March where you will be presented on stage. To qualify: - hair length needs to be long enough so our stylist has something to work with - close to shoulder length or longer - must attend hair appointment 1-2 weeks prior to the show, on a Monday at Akai Hair Salon in Victoria BC. - must be at our 55+ Lifestyle Show in Victoria on March 21 (9 - 3pm) and undergo the final touches on your hair and makeup - must be willing to cooperate with our stylists and show staff www.seniorlivingmag.com 250-479-4705 Before
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For the past year, I procrastinated putting together a new website. As of the end of December, by PAT NICHOL it was complete and ready to be shared with the world. My dream is to be able to share possibilities that will help you th JUNE 25th 2016 become all you can be. The rest 10 of the- dream – and now a goal 16 Days • 41 Meals – is that I finish writing the books that have been moldering in Join TVmyNews Personality boxes. I am going to allow you, readers, to hold me to account. You have my permission to nag, Hope question *and jeer, if I do Deborra not show you that I am working on my dream. However, you can only do this if you are also believing in Ends Ja n 3and 1 st 2 yourself and imagining your story working to achieve it. 016 Thank you for sharing 2016 with me. I look forward to the joy this year will bring to all of us. Happy New Year! |
Outrageous
Early B
ird Pric
ing
Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her by email at Amsterdam, Cologne, mpatnichol@gmail.com or visitHighlights: Pat’s website at patnichol.ca Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Glass Museum, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Evening Budapest Cruise, Folklore Show
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Once again, another year has skittered away on me. Can you believe a mere 17 years ago, we had made it through Y2K? How many of your days have gone astray and what are you going to do to make sure the upcoming days don’t get the opportunity to do so? Here is a suggestion to take up so the year does not get away again: Build a dream. Do you find each day simply happening and disappearing into the ether? I realized recently I have gone too long without dreaming. It is time to begin dreaming again. Time to imagine a new story for my life and believe in it. Body and soul need new challenges on each and every one of the New Year’s 365 days. It is time to look at everyone and everything as if I am seeing them for the first time, especially the smallest of things. Often, the big things loom so large in our lives that the delightful small things get blotted out. It is time to open our eyes, our minds and our hearts to the dreams we have shuttered away in dusty cabinets. It is time to listen to the still, small voice that whispers in our ear and reminds us of those things we love to do and seemingly don’t have time for anymore. Make the time! Fling open the dusty cabinet doors, and bring those dreams to the fore.
Courageous
Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights
Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Vancouver Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $540 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers
Nov 21-27, 2017
* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change
**This tour was priced in USD and converted to CDN at a $1.20 exchange.
Features Skogar Folk Museum, Geysir and Strokkur geotheris locked in against any currency fluctuation. mal***Price fields, Reynisfjara black volcanic sand beach & more. BOOK NOW - THIS TOUR SELLS OUT QUICKLY! Call Your Local Marlin Travel for Reservations: Call Your Local Marlin Travel for Reservations: Broadmead Village 250-383-5414 • Oak Bay 250-370-1222 Broadmead Village 250-383-5414 • Oak Bay 250-370-1222 Cadboro Bay 250-595-1181 • Sussex Place 250-383-6101 Sussex Place 250-383-6101 • Westshore 250-478-1113 Westshore 250-478-1113 • Sidney 250-656-5561 • Duncan 250-748-2594 Sidney 250-656-5561 • Duncan 250-748-2594 Ladysmith 250-245-7114 • Nanaimo 250-758-3924 Ladysmith 250-245-7114 • Nanaimo 250-758-3924 Parksville 250-248-2041 • Langley 604-532-0507 Parksville 250-248-2041 • Kelowna 250-868-2540 Kelowna 250-868-2540 • West Kelowna 250-768-6875 Langley 604-532-0507
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OLD, NEW & ODD GEMS OF
AZERBAIJAN by IRENE BUTLER I admit, initially, not knowing where in the world Azerbaijan was located. Our desire to visit this country was inspired by my husband Rick’s and my search for places around the globe we had not yet ventured to – after having already set foot on the soil of 115 countries. Finding just such a pocket of countries, Azerbaijan along with Armenia and Georgia, known collectively as South Caucasus nations sealed the deal! Baku, the bustling capital, rests on the shimmering 28 26
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Caspian Sea. Leisurely strolls on the wide promenade alongside its opal waters are a daily delight. The outer edge of the city in this oil-rich country is a collage of beaches with grand resorts, oil-tycoon mansions, and on the city’s southern edge the derricks pumping away are nick-named James Bond Oil Field, being the filming locale for the opening scene of the movie, The World Is Not Enough. The walled Old City is the perfect place to hang our hats with its maze of cobblestone alleys and ancient stone structures, many turned into small hotels (including our Old Street
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Boutique Hotel). Eateries abound in the caravanserai-style of the early traders, and souvenir shops flow with carpets and copper… of which I am quick to find a bracelet skillfully fashioned by a mountain village coppersmith. UNESCO-designated monuments of the Old City draw us in. The construction date of Maiden Tower is subject to debate, though much of this tapering stone structure appears to be 12th century. Climbing the eight-storey interior, we stop at each level separated with platforms that display old photographs, artifacts, and legends of females in distress leading to “maiden” in the name. The tower’s purpose is controversial – defence structure, a celestial observatory, a place for religious rituals – experts have collected evidence for all the above. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs was the seat of the Middle Age ruling dynasty; the remnants recently restored are mostly 15th century. Wandering the rooms of age-old living quarters, mausoleums, and courtyards delves deep into the country’s history. On the lower level are the Bayil Stones. These strange carved stone blocks inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, animal and human faces were recovered from the ruins of a 13thcentury castle that sunk to the bottom of the sea during the earthquake of 1306. Outside the historic Old City, modernity takes the lead in grand stone structures and winning designs in glass edifices. The Flame Towers dominate the skyline; visible from most points in the city by day, and an attention getter with a swirling light show by night. On our city tour, our guide Ahmed, points out fine museums and a stunning extensive business section, which he says, “are all post-Soviet era… an era that began in the early 1800s and lasted until the collapse the USSR in 1991, wherein it was the Soviets who profited from the oil reserves.” Since 1994, foreign oil consortia investments added a forest of off-shore derricks to the tangle of on-land wells, and built the world’s second-longest oil pipeline to Turkey (Baku-TbilisiCeyhan or BTC), ensuring Azeri oil could be exported to the West without transiting Russia or Iran. With BTC going on line in 2005, Baku has boomed. In our search for what Rick and I call “Odd Gems,” the rare and wondrous are only day-trips from Baku over desert terrain and rocky plateaus. Qobustan Petroglyph Reserve time-warps us back 12,000 years to when the Caspian coast was lusher and sea levels higher. Stone Age hunter-gatherers settled in caves and, although the cave sites have since crumbled, about 6,000 simple rock-art engravings remain. We climb up and down between the craggy boulders of this site spotting human and animal depictions. I stand riveted before a shaman in ritual regalia. A spindly reed boat throws my imagination into overdrive of these long-ago human-kind braving the sea. The small museum in the complex adds artifacts and detailed information to this captivating UNESCO-listed archeological experience.
LEFT | The Flame Towers are visible from most points in the city by day, and an attention getter with a swirling light show by night. Photos: Rick Butler
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Tofino Escape New York, New York!
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Bob and Teresa Marshall are extremely excited this year to offer these guided tours to some awesome destinations. Several of the tours sold out this past year so don’t be disappointed. Book early. Save $50 per person when you book 60 days in advance. Come and see why we have so much fun!! April 11: Skagit Tulip Festival, 2 Days
Tulalip Casino Hotel Stay and Boeing Factory Tour
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July 18: Haida Gwaii, 10 Days
History, culture, traditional Haida dinner.
August 12: Canadian National Parks Celebration, 7 Days
Columbia Icefields snow coach, Maligne Lake Boat Tour, Jasper & Banff
September 26: East Coast & New England Cruise Tour, 16 Days
3 Days in New York, included site seeing, 10 Day Holland America Eastern seaboard Cruise to Quebec City, Old Town Montreal stay. Direct Flights.
November 14: Storm Watch Vancouver Island, 3 Days Two night deluxe hotel stay on Mackenzie beach in Tofino
December 6: Victoria, Chemainus Christmas Lights, 3 Days Butchart Gardens, Chemainus Lunch buffet Theatre
December 14: Leavenworth, Warm Beach Christmas Light Festival, 4 Days
Tulalip Hotel stay, dinner theatre, Sleigh Ride, Bavarian dinner, Leavenworth Lighting Festival.
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RIGHT TOP | Promenade by Caspian Sea with the developing cityscape in the background. RIGHT BOTTOM | Ancient rock carvings; 12,000 years ago, Stone Age hunter-gatherers settled in caves and carved simple rock-art. OPPOSITE PAGE | Burping bubbling mud volcano; Azerbaijan is home to over half the world’s mud volcanoes.
Now… onto one of the weirdest geo-thermal phenomenon we have ever witnessed! Some 10km south of Qobustan, mostly over dirt roads with ruts large enough to swallow a small vehicle, we arrive at an otherworldly landscape of mud volcanoes. Mound after mound of cool grey mud oozes, burps, spits and bubbles from the top, running down the sides to ever increase the cone size. We climb, skid, and balance our way to peer into the mounds, likened to boiling witches’ cauldrons. Azerbaijan is home to over half the world’s mud volcanoes, with about 400 along the Caspian coast, of which 50 are in this more accessible area. The sheer desolation devoid of sound other than the eerie mud-belches and the whistle of sea-wind leaves us strangely speechless. Rick, a few mounds away quietly says, “I somehow am finding it difficult to leave.” Our driver senses our inexplicable need to linger, until another vehicle of passengers pulls up, breaking the spell.
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Another geographical peculiarity, this one is a literal hot spot known as Yanar Daǧ (Burning Mountain). Amid dreary surrounds at the foot of an inconspicuous hillock, a 10m wall of fire blazes, and has since the 1950s when a shepherd’s cigarette accidently ignited the steady seep of natural gas through the porous limestone; which will burn continually until the source is exhausted. Nature’s hearth comes to mind as we sit watching the flames dance into the darkness; no doubt like the numerous ones mentioned by Marco Polo, albeit since his 13th century travels most of these natural-gas flames spurting from the peninsula have petered out as a result of drilling reducing underground pressure. No matter how we spend each day, evenings find us in Fountains Square, where locals and visitors alike come out in droves to escape the daytime 30C+ summer heat. The buzz of camaraderie in the large piazza is as electric as the neon that brightens the square. Everywhere, we find evidence of Azerbaijan being a progressive and secular democratic Muslim country with religious freedom written into the constitution, of which its citizens are proud. Liberal artistic freedom is manifested in flourishing venues for theatre, dance and opera. A bronze statue of a young lady with a bare midriff and holding an umbrella in one hand and cellphone in the other is “very Baku.” Travellers rave about the northern snow-capped Greater Caucasus Mountains and forested villages, making us wish our stay was longer. To us, Azerbaijan was a rare melding of east and west, an entwining of old and new, fascinating geographical phenomena, and wonderful encounters with hospitable locals – all now filed in fond memories. | For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/azerbaijan
Photo: Panama Canal Cruise
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SLOW BOAT
TO ALASKA & ASIA by JIM COUPER Never had we been on a ship for 27 straight days. Never had we sailed with Celebrity. Never had we taken a slow boat, or any other transport, to China, Japan or Korea. And never had we taken a cruise in which 10 of the first 11 days were spent at sea. Would we find out how much we loved cruising? Celebrity Millennium, a medium/large ship, would take my wife Lian, myself and 2,100 others, north from Vancouver to Dutch Harbor, Alaska and then cross the north Pacific to two Japanese ports before reaching Tokyo. Plan A was to then see Japan by rail and fly home. Plan B kicked in after the sticker shock of tiny Japanese hotel rooms that cost as much as a suite at the Hilton, a place we’ve never been. Add meals and travel and we were thrown as if by an angry sumo wrestler. For the economically challenged, it proved less costly and more convenient to stick with the ship. We’d visit several more Japanese ports then continue on to two Korean and end up in Shanghai. New rules allowed us five days in the world’s biggest city without having to pay $200 each for Chinese visas. The first 15 days of our sailing were in a cabin with a balcony and the remainder in a windowless cubbyhole some might describe as claustrophobic. The route to Japan would provide time to sit outside and enjoy fresh ocean breezes, but between Tokyo and Shanghai 32 30
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
we’d be exploring cities every day and would have little time to enjoy a balcony, so why pay the premium? Rain followed us up the BC coast, but the Millennium had such a wonderful array of lecturers, we didn’t think about our wet, windblown balcony. We learned about the night sky, mammals of the world, weather patterns, art history, great composers and even the life of Marilyn Monroe. The lecturers were enthusiastic, funny and knowledgeable. Evening performances in the main theatre, as is the norm on a cruise ship, were borderline entertaining with such offerings as a harmonica player and Beatles imitators who sang tolerably while pretending to play guitars. In nightclubs, we found a folk singer, a classical duo, a dance band and a loud quartet. Ping pong, reading and swimming in the solarium pool kept us away from the buffet, but deck walking was minimized by the weather and a deck that didn’t complete a route around the ship. Every morning, we’d pick up the Canadian and US editions of a four-page newspaper, plus the crossword and Sudoku.
ABOVE | Celebrity Millennium cruiseship at dock. RIGHT | Doing the Shanghai shuffle in the world’s most populous city. Photos: Jim Couper
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The only day of clear weather between Vancouver and Japan occurred in tiny Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The friendly locals ferried passengers, in school buses, from harbour to town where sleepy folk who stepped outside to enjoy the sun couldn’t figure out where all the people came from. The town, home to the reality TV series Deadliest Catch, sees only a few cruise ships a year. It offered gorgeous, rolling scenery that made us think of Newfoundland’s 360° eyescapes. Towards Japan, the ship’s lecturers went into hibernation and passengers on the rough seas (waves of three to five metres) were left to art auctions, casino betting, wine tasting, bingo, watch sales and other activities designed to encourage spending. Millennium’s pricey WiFi was fast and we constantly heard from home about pending cyclones, which the captain kindly steered around. The ship provided amazing stability. Modern weighty, vessels use stabilizers – big fins deployed out the side – to keep things on an even keel. Every night, the dining room was packed and no one looked green around the gills. The days at sea gave us a chance to examine our floating resort and conclude it wasn’t the prettiest boat afloat. Sharp angles, black paint and a square stern gave it an industrial look, and rust made its mark 16 years after launch. Inside, light colours and a spacious mid-ship atrium made it feel bigger than it was. At 300 metres, our nightly walk from dining at the stern to theatre in the stem felt like several city blocks. Depending on route, we’d pass casino, shopping district, nightclub area, atrium, art gallery, glass elevators, extra-cost eatery and winery. Sometimes we’d step outside and enjoy a windblown walk along one side of the ship. As with all cruise ships we’ve been on, the food was delicious and plentiful. One could gluttonize oneself into obesity on a cruise of this length as two lines of thought prevail. One:
you’ve paid for the food, so why not eat all of it? Two: the buffet array won’t be there forever, so sample everything? Our solution, highly recommended, is to never use the ship’s elevators. Since we find workouts a bore, we spend much of the day marching up and down stairs, picking up the morning newssheet on deck four, having breakfast on deck 10, going down to five for a lecture and then up to 10 for a swim. We get exercise and often save time. Should thoughts of a bedtime snack sneak into our heads, the idea of climbing 60 stairs quickly extinguishes them. By the end of a cruise we can bound up two or three flights without a second thought. This makes the food appear closer but, by that time, we’re getting tired of the cookies, cakes and croissants. Celebrity ships generally get a half-star better rating than other lines we’ve taken such as our favourite, Holland America, but search as we did, we couldn’t find anything to warrant the esteem. Other than the entertainment, there was nothing negative, nothing at all. In fact, life on a five-star resort ship is like being on a mobile all-inclusive and, from morning to night, there are things to do other than eat. Passengers are encouraged to get together to play ping pong, putt, play basketball, do crafts and buy watches. Arrival in Japan came with a high level of anticipation and equivalent disappointment. Every day the ship docked in the huge industrial areas of huge industrial cities. Our favourite vacation activity is swimming and snorkeling. We knew from the outset that wouldn’t happen, but we were not prepared for the degree to which Asian cities disregarded their waterfronts. Only in Yokohama did a seaside promenade invite pedestrians to walk near the shore. Elsewhere it was seawalls, breakwalls, docks, cranes, containers and concrete. To Celebrity’s credit it arranged, in nearly every port, shuttle buses to take passengers to a downtown train or bus station.
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LEFT | Clouds reflected in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
From there, walking was our favourite means of transport, especially after facing the Tokyo transit system. The route map looked like spider webs thrown against a wall. To get to a destination, you had to know the price and to know the price you had to know Japanese, or get an offer of help from a friendly, but rare, English-speaker. If you chose the wrong price, you couldn’t get out and I ended up crawling under a turnstile: not acceptable behaviour to the orderly Japanese. Normally shore excursions (the ship arranges a bus to take passengers to local sights) are a part of cruising, but this time the cost ($100 and up) and lack of interesting destinations deterred us. Excursions visited shopping districts, waterfalls, mountains and ancient monuments. In our bipedal explorations, we had no trouble finding shrines, forts and palaces of various vintages. And shops couldn’t be avoided. The free shuttles served as our shore excursions. Natural wonders could wait for our return home to coastal BC. By the time we got to our eighth Japanese stop, Kagoshima, the unrelenting urbanization and industrialization was getting to us and we dreamt of quiet walks in the woods and strolls along ocean shores. Despite the wonderful humility, honesty and politeness of 34 24
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
the Japanese, we needed to be alone. A 15-minute ferry ride from Kagoshima took us to a volcanic island dominated by Mt. Sakurajima. A seldom trod path along the seashore and through the woods restored our souls and readied us for Korea and Shanghai. The two Korean stops brought industry, interesting history and mobs of people, but nothing prepared us for the masses in Shanghai, the world’s biggest city. We arrived there at the start of the week-long National Day holiday and every person in the city of 20 million decided to shop on famous Nanjing, a packed pedestrian pathway the width of six lanes, and several kilometres long. We were forced to do the Shanghai shuffle as crowds enveloped us and we moved at the rate of an old cow returning to the barn. In five days of exploring this fascinating city, we constantly shuffled in drizzle, smog, heat and humidity that would take down a sponge. And this was early October.
RIGHT | The author washes his feet in hot spring water at Sakurajima, an active composite volcano and former island in Kagoshima, Japan.
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Despite surviving Tokyo’s transit, we shunned Shanghai’s massive underground and walked, walked and walked some more. From clustered alleyways darkened by overhanging laundry, through The Bund (British heritage buildings), through the financial district (with some of the world’s tallest buildings), through carnivals and through parks, we walked. The street food was delicious, the restaurants easy to navigate (point to the picture) and People’s Park never failed to unveil something unique such as the marriage market, where mothers post ads for their daughters on umbrellas that rest in front of them. Never can you fully appreciate Canada’s spaciousness, tranquility, fresh air and beauty until you’ve walked Shanghai on National Day. Although our trip had no surf, sand or snorkeling, and not much sun, we now know we can enjoy nearly four weeks on a ship and we can appreciate Asian cultures that are as alien to us as Macau casinos. Would we do it again? Once is exactly the right number of times. |
ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT 55+ Lifestyle Show Mark your calendar now to attend INSPIRED Senior Living’s popular annual March event. All-day entertainment including makeovers, fashion shows and musical performances. Over 125 exhibits. March 21st, 9am – 3pm. See ad page 19. Cinecenta at University of Victoria Cinecenta is an inexpensive movie alternative for students and the public at large. Cinecenta loves seniors. Their cozy 300seat theatre and terrific concession bar features tasty baked goods and great coffee. Popcorn with real butter at no extra cost! Seniors (65+) only $5.75. See ad page 33.
Brubek, featuring the Remi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble, followed on January 29th by the amazing International Guitar Night featuring the world’s finest finger guitarists. For a full lineup of performances, see ad page 33. View Royal Casino Bill Busters is back at View Royal Casino
from Jan 15-Feb 25 with a Daily Swipe & Win for Instant Prizes, including a chance to win 1 of 3 Grand Prizes to see Elton John LIVE in Victoria! PLUS, we are very pleased to present the 2017 Lunar New Year Festivities for the YEAR OF THE ROOSTER from Jan 22-28. Don’t miss the LION DANCERS January 28 at 8pm! See ad page 33.
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Generally Speaking... By Wendy Johnstone
F
amily caregivers often struggle with not knowing how to speak up and get their message across to key people involved with the person for whom they’re caring. Being assertive with effective communication skills is about knowing what you want to say at the right time to the right person. We’ve all had those days where we’ve thought to ourselves, “Hmmm. That conversation did not go the way I wanted it to.” Our ability to communicate can easily be derailed when we’re under the stress of an emergency or trying to balance work, parenting and caring for an ill family member. Rushing a conversation, making assumptions about the other person, and not being present in dialogue are common culprits in miscommunication and conflict. Yet, as family caregivers, the role of being a care recipient’s voice and key support person is critical. Having the best understanding of what the person you’re caring for needs, inside knowledge and experience benefits everyone: a family physician; home support staff; other family members; and concerned neighbours.
Communication skills take time and require practice and patience. Here are a few tips to consider:
1 2
Think ahead of the conversation about what you need to get (versus what you hope to get) from the discussion.
Ask yourself, “What is my bottom line?” Check in with yourself before starting a conversation. What are your feelings and reactions to the situation and the others involved. Although time-consuming, it can be helpful to go over probable reactions and mapping out strategies or responses to keep the conversation
moving forward while keeping inflammatory reactions to a minimum.
3
Life would be simpler if we were all mind-readers! Until that happens, being clear, concise and direct is the next best thing. Hinting may work with your husband, who knows you well, but it may not get the same results during a doctor’s appointment.
4
When my mom was in Grade 5, her teacher wrote in her report card, “Generally speaking, Judy is generally speaking.” Don’t be like my mom and do all the talking! Practice active listening; limit your talking, make eye-contact and acknowledge the others’ concerns and questions. It isn’t necessary to have an answer for every point when it is made.
5
Avoid a “someone-has-towin” attitude. Even with the best intentions, those of us who are naturally competitive may find ourselves competing with aging parents or a health provider rather than working together. Think about a team philosophy with a goal of figuring out what is best for everyone on the team.
6
Listen carefully to the other person and ask them to clarify statements you don’t understand. “I don’t understand what you mean by that. Can you tell me more about what you are thinking?” Be prepared to clarify statements you make, too.
7
Have your questions or information to be conveyed ahead of the appointment or conversation. It really helps to keep the conversation focused and on task. Wendy Johnstone is a Gerontologist and a consultant with Family Caregivers of British Columbia in Victoria, BC.
Family Caregivers of British Columbia is a registered charity that provides free emotional support, education, and information to family caregivers. 36 34
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INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
Marketplace COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or send e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net (Victoria) HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE is a company with HEART. Our CAREGiversSM are thoroughly trained in dementia care, bonded, and insured. We provide personalized home care for your family’s needs. Book a complimentary Care Consultation. Call 250-382-6565 or visit our website at www.homeinstead.com/victoriabc SENSUAL MASSAGE. Are you missing touch? I’m a Certified Sexological Bodyworker, I work with Couples and Individuals. Sher 250-889-4166 or sexeducator@telus.net CHANGING PLACES Downsizing and relocation specialists SINCE 1991. Moving? Aging in place? Need help? Don’t know where to start? Let us take care of all the details from start to finish. Please call Jane at 250-721-4490 Victoria and the Island for a free estimate www.changingplaces.ca HEALING FOOTCARE to ease your mind and lighten your step for a healthier walk. Call Nurse Marcia R.N.,B.Sc.N. 250-686-3081. DOWNSIZING?
OVERWHELMED?
Downsizing Diva can take the stress out of a move. Sorting, packing, unpacking, advising, and more. For a free estimate call Cathy at 250-634-3207. BBB
ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s professional mobile foot care nurses. Debbie Mason LPN and John Patterson LPN. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Experienced, qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. 250-390-9266. DEALER SPECIALIZING in items priced
from $500 - $10,000 pays instantly for vintage quality Wrist Watches; Omega, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Jaeger LeCoultre, Piguet, etc. Working or not and Gold Pocket Watches, Fine Clocks, Nautical Instruments, Optics, Military Medals, Badges, Log Books, Swords, Antique Firearms, Gold & Silver Coins. 4065 MacDonald Street, Vancouver. Graham 604-716-8032.
Hidden Maui Paradise 2 Bed, 2 Bath Condo for rent Central Kihei • 250-882-1963 www.hiddenmauiparadise.com
CORNERSTONE SENIORS ADVOCACY
Assisting Seniors through life’s changes. Specializing in Transitional Moves, Relocation, Stay at Home Project Management, Estate Clear Out & Sale of Assets. Licenced, Bonded & Insured. 250.858.8560 or visit www.cornerstoneadvocacy.com
RALPH SHAW UKULELE CLASSES,
Annette Wertman Chair Yoga classes. Onboard Holland America Alaska cruise. June 28, 2017. Omega exclusive 1-800-663-2669.
WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca DOWNSIZING/ORGANIZING/MOVING
– Let us simplify your space and transition to your new life. 20 years’ experience/Insured/WCB. Free Consultation in Fraser Valley. 604-314-3604.
WANTED: Old stereo/audio equipment. Any
condition. Amplifiers, turntables, speakers, receivers etc. Honest/friendly. Victoria and Vancouver Island Call Bob 250-896-2268 or email northtowns26@gmail.com
EZ-RISER MOBILITY TOOL. Lower back/knee pain? The EZ-RISER - simple mobility tool will help you get up and down. An arm extension transferring painful lower back and joint muscle to stronger arm/shoulder. EZ-RISER - Only $24.95. Available by phone 604-465-0913, good garden centres or online www.easyrisertools.com DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES in
the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505.
SHARE VICTORIA Wanted senior lady to share my 2 bedroom/1 bath suite near mall, Thrifty foods and buses. 778-433-4233 no voicemail - please keep calling.
Basic: $45 for 20 words Plus 5%GST $1.75/extra word. BW only Red spot color 10% extra Ads must be paid at time of booking Cheque / Credit Card accepted Phone: 250-479-4705 ext 100 office@seniorlivingmag.com Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, Magazine #3 - 3948 Quadra Street, Victoria BC, V8X 1J6
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By not having to pay costs for brick and mortar, we can pass the savings on to you! A trusted pharmacist can answer all your questions via email, text, phone or live chat on the website. We can bill all major insurance plans, and even connect you with a BC doctor, 100% covered by your CareCard. The medications used are identical to those you receive from any other Canadian pharmacy.
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boomertours.ca travel@boomertours.ca 1-844-505-2666 OCTOBER 2009 39
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Forever Fit
LAUGHING MATTERS by EVE LEES Need a novel idea for a New Year’s resolution? How about JUNE 10th - 25th 2016 laughing more often? 16 Days • 41 Meals Hearty laughter works many muscles in your face and TVinNews Personality torso. Plus there’s an Join increase vascular blood flow, allowDeborra Hope*blood throughing more efficient circulation of oxygen-rich out your body. That’s why we can feel exhausted after a long bout of laughter just had an aerobic workout! End–swe’ve Jan 31 st 2016your exercise proThat doesn’t mean you should ditch gram. So, keep your New Year’s resolution for this, if you need to start exercising! In the New Year, choose to more often watch the Comedy Channel or funny movies like Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Read the humour columns or blogs, search funny videos and clips on YouTube, download a laughter app on your phone, and get together more Highlights: Amsterdam, Cologne,
Early B
ird Pric
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Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Glass Museum, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Evening Budapest Cruise, Folklore Show
Join Jackson Davies
Space releaSed Regular Rates:
Lower Outside Cabin Rates: Double $6,899 CAD OrkneyMiddle Island Outside Cabin Rates: Double $7,424 CAD Upper Outside Cabin Rates: Double $7,829 CAD Aug 7-16, 2017 Suite Cabin Rates: Highlights: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Double $9,454 CAD
Discover Scotland
Thorso, Orkney Islands, Lock Ness, Ballachulish, Isle of Skye, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show
Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Vancouver Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $540 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers * All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change **This tour was priced in USD and converted to CDN at a $1.20 exchange. ***Price is locked in against any currency fluctuation.
Call Your Local Marlin Travel for Reservations: Call Your Local Marlin Travel forBay Reservations: Broadmead Village 250-383-5414 • Oak 250-370-1222 Broadmead 250-383-5414 • Oak Bay 250-370-1222 • Sussex Place 250-383-6101 Cadboro Village Bay 250-595-1181 Sussex Place 250-383-6101 • Westshore 250-478-1113 • Sidney 250-656-5561 • Duncan 250-748-2594 Westshore 250-478-1113 Sidney 250-656-5561 Ladysmith 250-245-7114••Duncan Nanaimo250-748-2594 250-758-3924 Ladysmith 250-245-7114 • Nanaimo 250-758-3924 Parksville 250-248-2041 • Langley 604-532-0507 Parksville 250-248-2041 • Kelowna • West Kelowna250-868-2540 250-768-6875 Kelowna 250-868-2540 Langley 604-532-0507
*with a minimum of 15 passengers traveling
38 36
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
Photo: Mitchell Parsons
All remaining cabins are first come, first served
often with friends to laugh about old times. Laughter boosts the immune system. When we’re laughing, endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) are released. This lowers any circulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol, allowing the increase of natural killer cells that destroy tumours and viruses. There is an increase of Gamma-interferon (a diseasefighting protein), T lymphocytes, which are a major part of the immune response, and B-cells, which make disease-destroying antibodies. A few small studies found forced laughter may reap the same benefits as the real thing. It still seems to allow the release of endorphins, as a natural physiological response to the physical act of laughing. Research finds once the brain signals the body to laugh, the body doesn’t care why. In one study, participants were tested for body tension and mood. They were instructed to laugh heartily for one minute before being tested again. All participants felt significantly relaxed and happier after 60 seconds of fake merriment. Can’t fake it? Perhaps these health quotes can get you started… The amount of sleep required by the average person is about five minutes more. –Wilson Mizener Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. –Sam Levenson You can’t get blood from a stone, but you can get a government grant to try. –Louis Phillips Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals, dying of nothing. –Redd Foxx No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office. –Covert Bailey Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. –Mark Twain Only Irish coffee provides, in a single glass, all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. –Alex Levine Today my heart beat 103,309 times, my blood travelled 168,000,000 miles, I breathed 23,040 times, I inhaled 438 cubic feet of air, I spoke 4,800 words, moved 750 major muscles, and I exercised 7,000,000 brain cells. I’m tired. –Bob Hope | Eve Lees is a Certified Nutrition Coach, a Health Writer & Speaker, and a former Personal Trainer with over 30 years experience in the health/fitness industry. www.artnews-healthnews.com
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Senior Living... The Berwick Way™ At Berwick Retirement Communities, you will enjoy an unparalleled standard of living at a superior value. Creating a wonderful environment where residents enjoy exceptional services from friendly staff is The Berwick Way. Find out more about The Berwick Way™ – Ask one of our Senior Living Experts Today!
www.BerwickRetirement.com V I C TO R I A | N A N A I M O | C O M OX | K A M LO O P S | C A M P B E L L R I V E R Proud to be BC owned and operated JOB BRC-17779 CLIENT: BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PUBLICATION: SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE INSERTION DATE: TBD TRIM: 7.25X4.75 PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103
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I belong here, active everyday.
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES BY STAYING ACTIVE! We offer many low cost or free programs for older active adults including Table Tennis, Yoga, Social Cooking, Ballroom Dancing and much, much more.
Full details available in our Active Living Guide at saanich.ca/recreation
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I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable here. Feeling at home means enjoying the things you like to do. Which is why at Amica, you can always enjoy your day the way you like to – read your book in a quiet corner or enjoy a snack when you want to. You can expect an all-inclusive community that is personalized to you with a range of first-class amenities and services. You can choose care and support options tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Independent Living
•
Supportive Living
•
Assisted Living
•
Memory Care (New)
Come learn about our enhanced care and support options. Call or book a visit online at amica.ca
Mature Lifestyles
amica.ca 40 INSPIRED LIVING 30 pub: Senior LivingSENIOR community: All BC insertion: Jan 8701AMI_Senior_Living_all BC_BARB_NP_7.25X9.75.indd 1
Amica Amica Amica Amica Amica
at at at at at
Beechwood Village 250-655-0849 Douglas House 250-383-6258 Somerset House 250-380-9121 Arbutus Manor 604-736-8936 West Vancouver 604-921-9181
Opening 2017 Amica at Edgemont Village 604-929-6361 Amica at Saanich 250-220-8000
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2016-12-14 5:12 PM