Senior Living Magazine Vancouver Edition October 2010 by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

OCTOBER 2010

Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

What Do Women Want? Designer Simon Chang knows!

Fashion with Flare Unique Boutique hosts its annual fashion show Steal Away to Salt Spring!

�� Senior Living Housing Directory is a valuable online resource for seniors and family members looking for alternative housing to match their desired lifestyle, or medical/mobility needs. Over 500 senior residences and housing communities throughout BC are listed in this comprehensive directory. Compare services, amenities, and prices. Sort your selection by region, or type of care. This directory is published by Senior Living, a monthly magazine distributed to approximately 850 locations across BC.

�� Coming soon: residential listings for Alberta and Saskatchewan.

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Senior Living’s online searchable senior housing directory is a perfect complement to its semi-annual senior housing special editions in February and August. Senior Living also publishes a 128 page book called “To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options.” We have sold over 3,000 copies of this book. No other magazine we know of has such a comprehensive, interconnected group of housing resources. For more information about any of these products or services, call (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Or email ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

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OCTOBER 2010

MAGAZINE

(Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published by Stratis Publishing. Other publications by Stratis Publishing:

• Senior Living (Vancouver Island)

FEATURES

Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid

editor@seniorlivingmag.com Contributors Leanne Asante, Carole Blake, Goldie Carlow, Jane Cassie, Wynne Crombie, Gipp Forster, Sally Jennings, Nadine Jones, Kevin McKay, Lynda Pasacreta, Bobbie Jo Reid, Barbara Small, Roger Straker, William Thomas, Bev Yaworski Copy Editor Allyson Mantle

DEPARTMENTS

4 Beautiful – Inside and Out

Vancouver model Judith Johnson Turner brings a positive attitude to all her assignments.

by Barbara Small

14 Fashion with Flare

Tsawwassen’s KinVillage Unique Boutique hosts their annual fashion show.

Ad Sales Staff

Mitch Desrochers 604-910-8100 Ann Lester 250-390-1805 Mathieu Powell 250-479-4705 Barry Risto 250-479-4705

18 Act 3

Wynne Crombie is enjoying this chapter of her life by learning not to take herself too seriously.

Contact Information – Head Ofﬁce

19 Young, from the Back

Senior Living Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

Alternatives for getting around when the time comes to hang up your car keys for good.

26 The Race to Keep Going

Despite setbacks, injuries and major surgeries, world-record holder Harold Marioka never gives up.

postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only.

by William Thomas

24 Have Fork, Will Travel by Sally Jennings

28 Ask Goldie

by Goldie Carlow by Gipp Forster

22 Turning in Your Wheels

Subscriptions: $32 (includes HST,

16 Forever Young

32 Reﬂections: Then & Now

When is a compliment not a compliment?

Phone 250-479-4705 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 E-mail ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

COLUMNS 2 The Family Caregiver

Makeup tools and tips for mature women.

Barry Risto 250-479-4705 Toll Free 1-877-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com

30 Classiﬁeds

8 What Women Want

Designer Simon Chang’s tips for staying stylish.

12 Timeless Beauty

Advertising Manager

25 BBB Scam Alert

Cover Photo: Vancouver model Judith Johnson Turner. See page 4. Photo: Kevin McKay

29 Sister Time on Salt Spring

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an indepdendent publication and its articles imply no endoresement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland is distributed free in Vancouver, North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Twawwassen, White Rock, Surrey, Cloverdale and Ladner. ISSN 1911-6373 (Print) ISSN 1991-6381 (Online)

Sisters hop the ferry for a weekend getaway.

Senior Living Vancouver is available at most Recreation Centres and Libraries in the following municipalities: • VANCOUVER • BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER • WHITE ROCK • NORTH VANCOUVER • LADNER / TSAWWASSEN • PORT MOODY • COQUITLAM • PORT COQUITLAM • SURREY • RICHMOND • WEST VANCOUVER • LANGLEY • ABBOTSFORD • PHARMASAVE STORES THROUGHOUT BC

MAGAZINE

Call 1-877-479-4705 for other locations. OCTOBER 2010

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Are you New to Caregiving? Resources are available – know where to look.

o you find yourself providing more assistance to a relative or friend who is elderly or in declining health? Have circumstances changed suddenly in your family due to an accident or sudden illness? Over one million people in B.C. find themselves in these circumstances as they take on the role of caregiver to a family member or friend. More time and energy will be used up navigating the health-care system, finding resources or figuring out how to meet someone else’s personal and medical needs. Being a caregiver brings many new demands and responsibilities as well as a multitude of emotions. Feeling overwhelmed, guilty, resentful, anxious or even angry in response to the stress of the new situation, worry around your family member’s health or fear about how everyone’s life is going to change is natural.

personal assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming and light household tasks. If the care recipient meets the eligibility criteria through the local health authority, he or she can receive subsidized home support. Otherwise, home support is available for a fee through private home support agencies. Respite Services Respite can provide family caregivers with a physical and emotional break from the demands of caregiving. Respite can be for a couple hours or a

BY BARBARA SMALL

Caregivers’ Network Society website at www.familycaregiversnetwork.org or by calling 250-384-0408. Condition-Speciﬁc Organizations Community agencies, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Alzheimer’s Resource Centre, also offer services for family caregivers that are unique to those specific circumstances and can provide information about the progress of that disease so you can be better prepared for the future.

Time and energy will be used up navigating the health-care system, ﬁnding resources or ﬁguring out how to meet someone else’s personal and medical needs.

You don’t have to take this journey alone. In fact, it is essential you ask for help and support from the beginning so you don’t burn out. Also, it is important to find ways to maintain your own interests, activities and social support so you don’t lose yourself completely while taking care of someone else. Many organizations and services are available to help. These include: Home Support Services Designed to help people remain independent and in their own homes as long as possible. Home support includes 2

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

couple weeks. It can take place in the care recipient’s home, in a residential care facility or the care recipient can attend an adult day centre. Other Community Health Services Various other forms of assistance – physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nutritional advice – are available through the Home and Community Care department of your local health authority or through private businesses. Family Caregiver Support Organizations Several non-profit agencies have been established solely to provide information, education and support for family caregivers. These organizations offer newsletters, support groups, educational workshops and resources about issues of concern to caregivers. A province-wide list is available on the Family

Volunteer Agencies Volunteers are available to assist in many ways, including driving to medical appointments, visiting, reassurance calls, assistance with gardening and SL other services. Next month: Legal Considerations for Caregivers Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

OCTOBER 2010

Fashion & Beauty

Beautiful

INSIDE AND OUT STORY AND PHOTO BY KEVIN MCKAY

ome say that beauty is skin deep, but Judith Johnson Turner disagrees. One of her favourite quotes is attributed to Khalil Gibran: “Beauty is not in the face, beauty is a light in the heart.” “Attitude is everything when you age,” says Judith. “I try to be positive. I like to smile. I am curious about other people and ask questions about who they are, where they have been, what their interests and experiences are.” This attitude accompanies Judith to her modelling assignments: she wants to represent mature women properly and 4

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

provide marketers and clients with an alternative to what might be their idea of aging. “My experience as a 50+ model has been positive,” she says. “Many people have thanked me for representing an alternative to the standard young, thin model look, which many older women have difficulty relating to. I appreciate their affirmation – it confirms my conviction about representing our age group in the media.” Despite her current success as a model, Judith never considered it as a career choice. Growing up, she was interested

Fashion & Beauty The first modelling job her agent pitched to Judith was an audition for some runway work at a wedding fair. She quickly realized they would ask her to walk as if she was on a catwalk and strike a few poses. “I had never done this, but I am a quick study and watched the others,” she says. “I walked down, turned the full circle and continued on. I struck a few poses and looked over at my agent.

Her jaw dropped. She had no idea I could pull this off, but I could see she was pleased.” For her first trip down the runway, Judith’s outfit consisted of only a pink bustier, matching thong and robe, so she was a little apprehensive. “I was wondering if I could do this. Then it kicked in that I had to believe in myself. The audience wanted me to entertain them and to be marvellous. I

An Invitation to all Seniors to

Thursday, October 7th, 2010 ~ 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Come and enjoy all the things you love about Fall … the crispness in the air, a bountiful harvest and the wonderful aromas and tastes of the season. We invite you to join us as we host a complimentary afternoon to celebrate some of Fall’s favourite activities, tastes, sights and traditions. Let this season of colourful changes inspire you to visit your neighbourhood Amica retirement residence and experience our active lifestyle first hand. There’s no better time than now, to Fall in Love with Amica! For more information, visit www.amica.ca Port Coquitlam ~ Amica at Mayfair ~ 604.552.5552 Kerrisdale ~ Amica at Arbutus Manor ~ 604.736.8936 West Vancouver ~ Amica at West Vancouver ~ 604.921.9181 Burnaby ~ Amica at Rideau Manor ~ 604.291.1792 Victoria ~ Amica at Douglas House ~ 250.383.6258 Victoria ~ Amica at Somerset House ~ 250.380.9121 Sidney ~ Amica at Beechwood Village ~ 250.655.0849

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in biology and the sciences and had a great curiosity for insects and plant life; she wanted to do cancer research and work on crop diseases. After obtaining her science degree, one of her early jobs was inspecting a local salmon-bearing stream in Surrey that ran through a nudist colony. They told Judith she was welcome to inspect the stream as long as she took off all her clothes! “I said there was no way I was going to do that, so some other researchers went and negotiated instead.” After meeting her husband, Judith settled down to raise her three children and help her chartered accountant husband with his business. It wasn’t until they bought a 34-foot (10.4 m) power catamaran and lived on it for four months in 2004 that Judith looked into a modelling career. “We travelled across Lake Ontario, down the Erie Canal system to New York and then through the Inter-Coastal Waterway to Fort Lauderdale. In every port we stopped at, people would ask if I was a model and wanted to know where they had seen me. I didn’t know anyone, but they all acted like they knew me. This happened with such regularity, my husband suggested I contact a modelling agency when we got home.” Judith enrolled in a modelling course at Vancouver’s John Casablanca’s Model Management, and entered it with the idea that models were all beautiful faces, frivolous and self-absorbed, without much going on upstairs. “I discovered I was mistaken in my bias about models,” she says. “It is a serious business that demands focus and dedication, if you want to succeed. My agent told me there wasn’t a big demand for my look, but there definitely was work. This agreed with me since my kids were still in school and my husband had retired from his banking career, so I gave it a try. They signed me up as a commercial print model in the classic category. We are known as classic, which I consider a very loving term.”

OCTOBER 2010

Fashion & Beauty decided if anything bad happened, they would probably think I had escaped from an old folks home. I put a smile on my face, relaxed and enjoyed myself.” Over the past five years, Judith has gone on to do many modelling assignments and has learned to enjoy her new career and picked up a few fashion and beauty tips along the way:

1. Eat right, exercise, get enough rest, consider vitamin supplements and drink plenty of water. 2. Take good care of your teeth and smile! 3. Practise good skin care. Buy quality skin-care products that are geared to mature skin. Many are available in drugstores or health food stores. If possible, find a good esthetician and have regular facials. 4. Stay away from cheap makeup. Often, it is unflattering on mature skin. Some new mineral makeup lines have wonderful powders and foundations that do not accentuate wrinkles, but still provide coverage and healthy colour. 5. Have a light hand when it comes to eyeshadow, lipstick and blush. Less usually is more. Many makeup counters provide free makeovers to try different looks. For daytime or business looks, a neutral palette is more flattering. Sometimes lipstick needs to be a bit darker to balance white or grey hair. 6. Maintain a good haircut and colour. Even white or grey hair requires maintenance. Use a purple or blue shampoo and conditioner especially formulated for grey and white hair. It keeps colour glowing and often helps the coarser texture of aging hair. 7. For those who wear pantyhose, make it control top or firm support. This helps smooth those lumps and bumps under clothing. 8. Keep glasses updated with a modern frame that flatters the face and suits hair and lifestyle. 9. Wear sensible shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable. 10. And finally, to be truly beautiful, strive to keep a positive attitude! SL

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

News Brief

Seniors Help Seniors Stay Healthy

his year marks 10 years of Wellness Clinic service to the Richmond community. A unique peerto-peer service offering health monitoring, holistic health options and information services, Richmond Wellness Clinics are supported by a dedicated group of skilled volunteer retired nurses, hosts and holistic health practitioners. Former nurse and fiery clinic founder Shirley Brown knows the Wellness Clinics have saved seniors’ lives. “Older adults want to take an active role in protecting their own health,” says Shirley. “The clinics give them the tools and support to make healthy choices and identify health issues early.” Wellness Clinics are open to all Richmond residents 55 years or better at seven locations city-wide each month. While services are primarily in English, some are also available in Chinese and Punjabi. The clinics served more than 5,000 seniors last year; a significant increase from the 321 seniors served in 2000. While the clinics began as the idea of a concerned citizen, they have grown because of strong community collaboration. City of Richmond Seniors Services along with “Partners in Health” Vancouver Coastal Health, Volunteer Richmond Information Services and local community associations, all support this innovative community resource. The City of Richmond donates the space and operating costs to host clinics in local community centres, and provides staff support to recruit and screen volunteers, and to co-ordinate and market the clinics to ensure consistency and safety.

Community associations assign seniors’ program co-ordinators to operate the clinics at six community centres and one synagogue. Vancouver Coastal Health provides the expertise and medical equipment to ensure medically sound practice, offers ongoing opportunities for mentoring and guidance, along with supporting referrals to other community services for older adults. Volunteer Richmond Information Services provides trained volunteers at clinics to provide information and referral services, along with connections to peer counselling services. Richmond Wellness Clinics are a wonderful example of seniors helping seniors to make healthy choices, while remaining connected to their community and sharing their skills. For more information on the Richmond Wellness Clinic, contact Carolyn Brandly, Seniors Wellness Co-ordinator at 604-718-8460 or cbrandly@richmond.ca

Lunch on Myrtle Beach: $18 Separated shoulder: $9,500

Wellness Clinic Services include: HEALTH MONITORING Retired nurse volunteers are available to take blood pressure measurements and discuss other health concerns. • FREE blood pressure checks • FREE Health Record book • FREE Pharmacist consultations HOLISTIC HEALTH OPTIONS Explore and experience various holistic wellness options, including: • Manicures & Pedicures • Reflexology • Therapeutic Touch, Reiki • Chair Massage • Acupressure Appointments are available for a small minimum donation. INFORMATION Clinics offer information on a wide range of programs, services and supports specifically for older adults SL in Richmond.

Don’t take chances on your next trip. Protect yourself with BCAA Travel Medical Insurance. Whether you’re going for a week, a month or longer, your out-of-province trip could prove costly if you fall sick or have an accident. So next time you go, protect yourself with BCAA’s Travel Medical Insurance. It could be the most important thing you take along. For more information, call 310-2345, visit bcaa.com/travelinsurance or stop by your nearest BCAA office.

Insurance is sold through BCAA Insurance Agency and is administered by North American Air Travel Insurance Agents Ltd., d.b.a. Travel Underwriters, a licensed insurance broker. 11th Floor, 6081 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC Canada V6Y 2B2. Insurance is underwritten by Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and certain Lloyd’s Underwriters, severally and not jointly.

BCAA TMI Seniors Mag Ad Senior Living - Van & Van Island

OCTOBER 2010

Fashion & Beauty

WHAT WOMEN WANT Member of the Order of Canada and Canadian fashion icon Simon Chang offers tips and tricks for ﬁnding a woman’s signature style

BY BOBBIE JO REID

hen it comes to looking fabulous, renowned fashion designer and Vancouver native Simon Chang knows what women want. Boomers and seniors today are different from previous generations. Women now are fit, body-aware and stay in shape longer. And they are looking for comfortable, casual clothes that fit their active and adventurous lifestyles. “Older women today are younger,” says Simon. In an industry that idolizes youth, Simon is one designer who explores options for women’s changing fashion needs through all stages of their lives. Sixty-somethings don’t want to wear what 20-somethings wear, and vice versa. The solution is a designer who talks to and, more importantly, listens to his clients. The result is wearable, washable, workable pieces that women can easily put together to develop their own signature style. “I try to adapt my collection and it makes total sense,” says Simon, who launched Simon Chang Concepts Inc., based in Montreal, in 1983. “As a designer, you have to be out there talking to people.” And being in the world, not tucked behind a desk, is why the women who wear his clothes love this successful yet affable designer. “I like the idea of knowing more about people who have something to say. Women won’t buy clothes that aren’t wearable,” says Simon. “Women are very vocal, especially mature women.” Because of the youthfulness of this generation, it’s easy to turn current fashion into more flattering fits – for those armed with the right knowledge. And the most important knowledge: every woman should know her own body. Since women’s bodies change as they age, even if they remain slim, knowing what to enhance and what to downplay can make all the difference. (See tips and tricks on page 10) Simon’s older clientele have told him they feel invisible as they age – they feel ignored. “As you get older, you have to make a statement,” he says. To achieve a signature look, go for a fabulous accessory like glasses, jewelry, shoes, handbags or scarves. “You can’t be invisible!” 8

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Fashion & Beauty Women who want to look professional, sophisticated and well put together need to go for quality. Specialty stores and boutiques carry clothing that is expertly made and conformed to the needs of their clients. Simon suggests buying good quality clothes and making them work. For the budget conscious, stretch dollars by buying separates, perhaps five easy pieces and develop several seasonless outfits. A great look can be achieved without spending a lot of money. Accessories are perfect! Boomers and seniors have to find fashion lines they identify with. Some lines fit too small; they are for young girls. “Women in this age group have experimented with style all their lives. They understand themselves more, so they know what flatters,” says Simon. “Don’t follow trends. Wear things that look good on you.” For example, skinny jeans are very current, but they don’t look good on everyone. So, women need to make adjustments and modifications to work with their body types and style. Heel heights can also be adjusted to be more comfortable and practical to suit one’s lifestyle. “Be memorable,” says Simon. Recycle pieces from former decades. “There’s a lot to play with in [vintage].” Styles repeat themselves and come back in slightly different forms. “It’s about finding your true self.” And all women want that.

FASHION ADDITION 14+ �� “I love older women in colour,” says the designer. “With colour, women display a confidence and it rejuvenates the look of the outfit. Women project a happy mood when they wear a beautiful colour.” Focus on ageless pieces, like colourful scarves and accessories. “You don’t want to dress like your granddaughter, but grandma can still be hip.” People are not slotted into age categories as much as they used to be. “We don’t have to be slotted,” says Simon. “Marketers try to group us, but it’s just marketing dialogue. It’s not real.” “In the fashion industry, boomers are almost the visible minority that nobody wants to talk about, except they are the majority. They still appreciate arts and culture and music and movies (which they pay full price for instead of downloading free online),” says Simon. But the shift hasn’t happened in the marketplace. “We need a new marketing company to address this demographic, which is hip, cool, active, in fabulous shape, look great and are not dead!” Simon believes department stores don’t understand their clients. They carry too many products and don’t listen to the needs of their shoppers. Consumers are lost because nothing fits properly. “It’s frustrating for a lot of women,” he says.

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OCTOBER 2010

Fashion & Beauty

Simon’s Tips and Tricks:

leg down and making skirt length more important. But even if you want to wear a shorter skirt, it’s possible to still look fabulous if you pair it with leggings. Leggings help to flatter a woman’s body, so short skirts or long tunics can keep you looking current and fashionable.

Neck – With sun damage, crêpelike skin and creases, many women are conscious of this area of their bodies. They don’t want to be totally covered up with tight-fitting turtlenecks, so softer, breathable fabrics that hang beautifully in this area can address those concerns.

Jeans

– Women of all ages love jeans and want to wear them. Options like control-top jeans are flattering, comfortable, and offer a smoother look.

Arms – Even while women can maintain a youthful appearance in their faces, parts of their bodies may have sagging skin (raise your arms if this applies to you). Many women don’t want to expose their arms, but in warmer weather, it’s hard to stay

Under-garments – Under-garments like Shapers smooth lines helping women of any age feel more confident and less inhibited by little rolls. Simon recommends them for all women.

covered up. Simon suggests avoiding sleeveless options, but going for a slightly longer sleeve in a lightweight fabric. Or pairing a cover-up to an outfit that emphasizes bare arms.

Waist – Some women experience

a thickening of their waistlines as they age. If that is the case, clothes should not be too tight-fitting. Go for a relaxed rather than cinched shape around the waist. Instead of the chunky tight belts that you may have worn in your youth, a relaxed chain belt might be more flattering.

Knees – Even thin legs can reveal a woman’s age. Gravity works on the skin on the knees, dragging the whole 10

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Fabrics – When it comes to fabrics, Simon can’t say enough about jersey. It is appropriate for older women because it’s comfortable, flattering, casual, travels well and isn’t fussy. Look for nononsense, easy-care fabrics that better suit your lifestyle. Simon looks for seasonless fabrication. With travel, climate fluctuations and indoor heating and cooling systems, Simon tries to design adaptable clothes. Layers are the way to do this. “I love stuff you can wear year-round and add to,” he says. “It’s great to have things that you love to wear. Seasons don’t exist anymore, especially for people who travel globally.” Layering is a more sensible way to dress. Lighter weight fabrics accommodate the climate and are adaptable to the environment. Details – Most women don’t like pulling tight clothing

over their heads. Tiny buttons aren’t practical. Some people have difficulty lifting their arms into tight turtlenecks: they find them suffocating. Even arm holes have to be cut precisely and more generously. Beautiful sleeves that are not too short – sometimes three-quarter length – are the way to go. “I don’t design garments that need an instruction pamphlet to put the outfit together,” says Simon. Beautiful draping can hide a tummy. Garments have to be cut properly so they hang right and cling in the right places. Women like their bottoms covered, so tops are designed a little longer to make women feel comfortable and SL confident. Find Simon Chang online at www.simonchang.com Photos and designs courtesy of Simon Chang Concepts Inc.

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Fashion & Beauty

Timeless Beauty Makeup Tools and Tips

et’s face it (no pun intended), we’re all getting older. But that doesn’t mean we have to give in to the tiny assaults that time plays with the face and body. In fact, there are a few tricks you can tuck up your sleeve to keep you looking current – and minimize the signs of aging. To start, use sunscreen or sunblock (even in the winter and on overcast days) as part of your daily makeup ritual to avoid skin damage. Put it on your face and let it absorb for a couple minutes before applying the rest of your makeup. The first item to consider is foundation. Foundations, if not chosen and applied carefully, can make you look older and emphasize lines and wrinkles. Many think that the older you get, the more foundation you need to wear. On the contrary, heavy makeup can make you look older, filling in creases and large pores, making wrinkles and blemishes more obvious. A tinted moisturizer works best. It helps conceal, evens your skin tone and provides moisture at the same time. A number of cosmetic companies offer tinted moisturizers, including non-hypoallergenic brands for those with sensitive skin or skin prone to blemishes. Many of these moisturizers also include a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Lighter shades tend to show wrinkles more than darker shades, so pick a shade slightly darker than your normal skin and only use it on those parts of your face that have blemishes to hide or discolouration evened out. Should you add powder on top of your foundation? Yes, but only lightly. It shouldn’t look caked on; just enough to slightly soften the shine left by a tinted 12

moisturizer. Better yet, only use it on your nose and/or forehead, where oil tends to gather. Powder, if not used sparingly, can highlight wrinkles. Avoid using it around your eyes as it can settle in fine lines making them more prominent. A little concealer under the eyes can help cover up dark circles, but too much can make you look like a raccoon. Apply a few light dabs and carefully pat it with your ring finger to smooth it out for an even result. If you are using a foundation, put the concealer on first and gently pat the foundation on top to blend it in without disturbing the concealer. Make your eyes the focus of your face. Attractive, well made-up eyes can draw the emphasis away from imperfections in your skin. But don’t overdue it. Heavy makeup, applied anywhere on the face, can add years to your appearance. Black eyeliner and dark eyeshadow can look appealing on someone younger, usually because they want to look older, and that’s exactly what it

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

will do to you – make you look older. Mascara can help the appearance of sagging eyelids if you use it on the top eyelashes only. Apply a couple coats. Curling your lashes helps open your eyes and make them “pop” even more. If you want to try false eyelashes, apply them to the top lid only and use individual lashes, not whole lashes for a more natural look. Three eyeshadow colours can give you a polished look. Blend the lightest colour over your brow bone. Put a medium shade on your lid, and a darker shade just in the crease. Blend all three well so that you don’t leave obvious lines where one stops and the other starts. Avoid bright, loud colours. Popular shades are earthy and more natural looking. Instead of liquid eyeliner, which can look harsh, apply a dark eyeshadow as your eyeliner. Use a wet thin brush to dab the eyeshadow into the upper lashes and the outer one-third of the lower lashes. Or use a soft eyeliner pencil and smudge it. Frame your eyes with well-groomed eyebrows. Don’t over-pluck your eyebrows. Leave them as natural looking as possible, and never substitute eyebrow pencil for the real thing. Over-plucking eyebrows or colouring in an eyebrow with heavy pencil dates your look. If you have sparse brows, you can learn to add a little more fullness with some soft strokes of an eyebrow pencil, but be sure you don’t go too dark or heavy. Thicker eyebrows can look great on someone like Brooke Shields, but when it is done artificially, it looks artificial. When applying blush, sweep it across the whole cheekbone, not just on the apple of the cheek. Concentrating blush in too

Fashion & Beauty small an area can give a clownish appearance. Use a large fluffy brush that helps spread the powder. A creamy blush can work well too. Just make sure you blend it out over the whole cheekbone. And don’t try to go too dark – keep it subtle for a natural look. Avoid the shimmer. It’s fun for young people, but on an older person’s skin, it tends to highlight every line, wrinkle and pore. Lips tend to get thinner as we grow older. We moisturize the rest of our face but often forget our lips. Find a lip balm or lipstick that adds moisture. This will help plump up the lips. Look for one that has a built-in sunscreen. Your lips can suffer the same damage from the sun as the rest of your face. Picking a colour that is a couple shades darker than your natural lip colour works well. Professional makeup artists often use three colours on the lips. The darkest shade outlines the lips; the next darkest shade starts to fill in the lip but doesn’t go all the way across the whole lip (blend so there’s no harsh line

between the two). Apply the lightest shade to the centre of the bottom lip and the crown on the upper lip – plumper lips with a few strokes. Applying a little lip gloss can also help create the illusion of fuller lips. Even a bit of Vaseline will do the trick. If you have sagging skin under your jawline, take the emphasis away from it by wearing attractive earrings or a pretty necklace that falls below the collarbone. But wearing both together can sometimes cause the opposite effect because the observing eye can get trapped between the earlobes and the chest, drawing attention to the neck area – the opposite of what you set out to accomplish. Deep lines or crepe-like patterning on your neck can be disguised with haircuts that fall just below the chin or slightly lower. For a great example of this, find some pictures of actress Helen Mirren. She has some great cuts and styles that flatter her face, suit her age and give great style. Long narrow scarves, especially

those that have a linen or raw silk look to them are among the favoured accent accessories of today’s youth and have a European appeal. Wrapping it casually several times around the neck is a stylish way to cover up unattractive necklines. A little knowledge on how to update your appearance can take years off your looks. Experiment until you find the colours, products and techniques that work SL best for you; have fun with it!

OCTOBER 2010

Fashion & Beauty

FASHION WITH FLARE BY BEV YAWORSKI

arlier this year, Tsawwassen’s KinVillage Unique Boutique hosted a stunning “Cruisewear Fashion Show” with senior models strutting their stuff for an enthusiastic audience at the KinVillage Community Centre Retirement Complex. “It turned out to be a fabulous event highlighting women’s fashions from

with the venue taking on a magical travel feel featuring special decorations, fresh flowers, entertainment, music and a tasty lunch. For those new to cruising fashion, experts point out that cruise travel clothing falls into three or four categories – casual, informal and formal. Knowing what clothes to take cruising can make the differ-

our Unique Boutique,” says volunteer model Margaret Ryding. “It was a fun event for models and for the people who came. Volunteer staff from the boutique select special pieces for this annual show. We have something for everyone, as far as size goes. We like to appeal to all.” The audience of about 180 set an attendance record for the show and gave it rave reviews. An added bonus: people could purchase the clothing right there. This year, sales were very good and most outfits sold on the spot. Each year, a new theme is chosen. The 2010 feature was cruise wear 14

ence between feeling comfortable and stylish on a vacation or feeling left out. These Unique Boutique organizers put a special spin on cruise categories by highlighting outfits for meeting the captain, offshore activities, formal wear and lounging around the boat. Model Margaret Ryding proudly described the fashions she wore in the show – a casual green jacket with striped green pants and a colourful printed blouse. For a more formal touch, Margaret modelled a long black dress with a black and white striped bodice. Another of her

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Photo: Roger Straker

“All of our fashion show outﬁts are donated and from our boutique.”

Jeannie Nawatzki models an elegant outﬁt from the Unique Boutique in this year’s Cruisewear Fashion Show held at the KinVillage Community Centre Retirement Complex.

Fashion & Beauty shop volunteer, retiree and ultra-fashionista Marjorie Kendall Shea. The shop now highlights high-end, gently-used clothing, accessories, leather goods and jewelry. All clothing donations go through a strict selection process that is evident in the classy, sophisticated ambiance and quality items in the boutique. Visitors are likely to see exciting animal prints, eye-catching colours, elegant formal wear, sophisticated casual wear, unique jewelry, and even

some designer labels. The shop emphasizes quality, name brands and reasonable prices. Many of the welcoming boutique volunteers have worked in retail and fashion and SL know their stuff. For information about Unique Boutique or future fashion shows, contact KinVillage Community Centre, 541010th Ave. Tsawwassen, phone 604943-0225. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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outfits featured a black and gold blouse with black pants. Fashion experts advise that a black skirt or pants can be an important and versatile addition to any travel wardrobe. Glamorous yet comfortable, cool, wash & wear, wrinkle-proof, easy-care are words that aptly describe outfits displayed at this fashion show’s guide to an enjoyable travel wardrobe. This Cruisewear Fashion Show involved an amazing team of organizers. Cam Buschler, co-ordinator of the Unique Boutique women’s wear shop, volunteer Bernice Roberts, Susan Martin, co-ordinator of volunteers and community liaison, nine models, coordination from Antolene, and many other valued contributors. Cruiseline Holland America contributed with decorations and sponsorship including a prize draw for a free cruise. “The models and volunteers were wonderful,” says Susan. “The amount of time and dedication volunteers put into this fashion event was amazing. We received many good comments. People can’t wait to see what our 2011 theme will be.” Bernice Roberts, who helped pick out show outfits and assisted in dressing models, emphasized that models had to be quick-change artists, changing about four times each, while the audience waited in excited anticipation for the next reveal. “We had a lot of fun,” says Bernice. “One of our models was 80 years old. And all of our fashion show outfits are donated and from our boutique.” Thriving on community support through clothing donations, the Unique Boutique raises funds for the KinVillage Foundation, a Tsawwassen-based non-profit society that provides seniors with a wide range of health-care, recreational, educational and social programs. The Unique Boutique recently went through a significant renovation due to a generous donation from long-time

OCTOBER 2010

FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

America – He’s your president for goodness sake!

here was a time not so long ago when Americans, regardless of their political stripes, rallied round their president. Once elected, the man who won the White House was no longer viewed as a republican or democrat, but the President of the United States. The oath of office was taken, the wagons were circled around the country’s borders and it was America versus the rest of the world with the president of all the people at the helm. Suddenly President Barack Obama, with the potential to become an exceptional president has become the glaring exception to that unwritten, patriotic rule. Four days before President Obama’s inauguration, before he officially took charge of the American government, Rush Limbaugh boasted publicly that he hoped the president would fail. Of course, when the president fails the country flounders. Wishing harm upon your country in order to further your own narrow political views is selfish, sinister and a tad treasonous as well. Subsequently, during his State of the Union address, which is pretty much a pep rally for America, an unknown congressional representative from South Carolina, later identified as Joe Wilson, stopped the show when he called the President of the United States a liar. The president showed great restraint in ignoring this unprecedented insult and carried on with his speech. Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so stunned by the slur, she forgot to jump to her feet while clapping wildly, 30 or 40 times after that. Last spring, President Obama took his wife Michelle to see a play in New York City and republicans attacked him

over the cost of security for the excursion. The president can’t take his wife out to dinner and a show without being scrutinized by the political opposition? As history has proven, a president in a theatre without adequate security is a tragically bad idea. Remember: “Apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?” At some point, the treatment of President Obama went from offensive to ugly and then to downright dangerous. The health-care debate, which looked more like extreme fighting in a mud pit than a national dialogue, revealed a very vulgar side of America. President Obama’s face appeared on protest signs whitefaced and blood-mouthed in a satanic clown image. In other tasteless portrayals, people who disagreed with his position distorted his face to look like Hitler complete with mustache and swastika. Odd, that burning the flag makes Americans crazy, but depicting the president as a clown and a maniacal fascist is accepted as part of the new rude America. Maligning the image of the leader of the free world is one thing, putting the president’s life in peril is quite another. More than once, men with guns were videotaped at the health-care rallies where the president spoke. Again, history shows that letting men with guns get within range of a president has not served America well in the past. And still the “birthers” are out there claiming Barack Obama was not born in the United States, although public documentation proves otherwise. Hawaii is definitely part of the United States, but the Panama Canal Zone where his

At some point, the treatment of President Obama went from offensive to ugly and then to downright dangerous.

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

electoral opponent Senator John McCain was born? Nobody’s sure. Last month, a 44-year-old woman in Buffalo was quite taken by President Obama when she met him in a chicken wing restaurant called Duff’s. Did she say something about a pleasure and an honour to meet the man or utter encouraging words for the difficult job he is doing? No. Quote: “You’re a hottie with a smokin’ little body.” Lady, that was the President of the United States you were addressing, not one of the Jonas Brothers! He’s your president for goodness sakes, not the guy driving the Zamboni at “Monster Trucks On Ice.” Maybe next it’ll be, “Take Your President To A Topless Bar Day.” In President Barack Obama, Americans have a charismatic leader with a good and honest heart. Unlike his predecessor, he’s a very intelligent leader. And unlike that president’s predecessor, he’s a highly moral man. In President Obama, Americans have the real deal, the whole package and a leader that citizens of almost every country around the world look to with great envy. Given the opportunity, Canadians would trade our leader, hell, most of our leaders for Obama in a heartbeat. What America has in Obama is a head of state with vitality and insight and youth. Think about it, Barack Obama is a young Nelson Mandela. Mandela was the face of change and charity for all of Africa but he was too old to make it happen. The great things Obama might do for America and the world could go on for decades after he’s out of office. America, you know not what you have. The man is being challenged unfairly, characterized with vulgarity and treated with the kind of deep disrespect to which no previous president was subjected. It’s like the day after electing the first black man to be president, thereby electrifying the world with hope and joy, Americans sobered up and decided the bad old days were better. President Obama may fail but it will not be a Richard Nixon default fraught with larceny and lies. President Obama, given a fair chance, will surely succeed but his triumph will never come with a Bill Clinton caveat – “if only he’d got control of that zipper.” Please. Give the man a fair, fighting chance. This incivility toward the leader who won over Americans and gave hope to billions of people around the world that their lives could be enhanced by his example, just naturally has to stop. Believe me, when Americans drive by the White House and see a sign on the lawn that reads: “No shirt. No shoes. No service,” they’ll realize this new national rudeness has gone way, way too far. SL

��

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�� William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including The True Story of Wainﬂeet. www.williamthomas.ca OCTOBER 2010

Lifestyle

ACT3

BY WYNNE CROMBIE

ather than stare at the ocean from a humid hamlet on the Florida coast, I’m ready for the third act. Besides, a study just came out that said, seniors are the happiest age group. In my mid-fifties, I obtained a master’s degree and still teach at 71. This will continue for as long as I can put a noun and verb together – Uh huh. I received a spa gift certificate for Christmas and the best they could do was make me look refreshed (their words). Okay. Refreshed, I’ll take. My dermatologist flicks off suspicious basal cells twice a year, while my dentist digs out 50-year-old fillings. My husband and I have always loved to travel. Our lives revolve around frequent flier miles. However, it’s not to see famous sights – we did that long ago. We meet the locals. Last fall, we sat on the wall in Dubrovnik and watched a group of American golden oldies embark from a cruise ship. They were following a leader holding up a ping-pong paddle so they wouldn’t get lost. Getting lost is what makes travel exciting. And that brings us to what to wear. I tried putting a sweater on with a blouse hanging out the bottom. Some looks don’t work for us seniors. This is one. When did I realize that sleeves might be nice because my arms were sagging? Each succeeding mother-of-thebride outfit requires more fabric. No matter. I can still wear skirts mid-knee. Oprah said so; but, no décolletage and no leather outfits. You know the rest. My Winnie-the-Pooh coat continues to do daily service in spite of the fact that it was a hand-me-down from one of my daughters 10 years ago. I like wearing Pooh as a fashion statement. Yes, I still roll around the floor and 18

run with the grandkids (It’s the getting up part that smarts). Elmo and Ernie have been in my vocabulary for two generations now. Gardening is a passion. With the usual flowers and tomato plants, I always try an odd plant each year. This time, it’s the Kale Walking Stick. It grows up to eight feet (2.4 m) and has foliage like a palm tree. And, I’m the only kid on the block with edelweiss (seeds bought on a Switzerland trip). I rarely buy shoes. I don’t need to when I hold onto such gems as a 10year-old pair of boots that have duct tape – yes, duct tape holding parts of them together. I love those boots! At my age, you can afford to be eccentric. Or take the pair of Burberry patterned sneakers with the broken and tied-back-together shoelaces. One of these days, I’ll remember to pick up a pair of shoelaces. After all, they’re only $1.39. I drive a 2002 red Beetle to add a touch of sass – especially with sunflow-

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

ers in the dashboard vase. I had lunch with my daughter and one of her close friends a few weeks ago. They are both professionals in their mid-thirties. Surprisingly, they were talking about the younger generation: something about this new crop of college kids and their sense of entitlement. Wait a minute, aren’t my children the younger generation? I’m learning Italian for an upcoming trip to Italy. The tapes are in my Bug as I navigate the highway to school. My old friend, Gail, and I have known each other since we were three months old. We have weathered all the “hoods” together up to and including senior status. When we first met, we were drooling, incontinent and unable to walk. If we live long enough, life will repeat itself. Like Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey, I wonder what it would be like to see how one’s life has affected others. I think I have done okay and I’m satisfied SL with that.

Lifestyle

Young, From the Back BY CAROLE BLAKE

got a weird compliment the other day. I was playing tennis in my Tennis League, where I don’t know most of the women, and my doubles partner for the day said to me, “You know, you really look very young, (pause), from the back! My problem was: do I thank her, or do I smack her? Compliments like that I can do without! Another one happened on a different tennis court, this time in 90-degree weather. After just winning a tough match, my partner and I were sweating, exhausted and thrilled. When we went to shake hands with our opponents, one of them said, “You girls were so lucky! I was really off today!”

Does that mean that all those good shots we made would have meant nothing if she were on? Give me a break! Here’s another: I was meeting a good friend, and a couple of minutes after we said our hellos, she said, “You know, you are much too skinny!” Well, I happen to be thin, but I eat plenty. I imagine it has something to do with my metabolism. I then asked her, “If you thought I was heavy, would you say, ‘you are much too fat?’” She had to admit that she would not. I decided to check it out with my Webster’s Dictionary, and here’s what I found under “compliment”: 1) an expression of praise, admiration or congratulation. 2) a formal act of ci-

vility, courtesy or respect. And then it defined “backhanded compliment” as an oblique or roundabout compliment (Could it also be called backhanded because it happened to me so often on the tennis court? Nah!). I even looked up “white lie,” which they describe as “a trivial, harmless or well-intentioned untruth.” There’s an old expression that goes, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” Anyway, the point is, if you’re going to compliment someone, make it a good one! And so, my friends, if you happen to see me enter the room backwards, you’ll understand. SL It’s my best look!

Play Together

What to do today? Play Wii golf with some friends. Chat about the latest book club selection. Work out with a ﬁtness class. Join the chorus in a sing-a-long. So much choice. Our residents love to connect with others. That’s why we offer plenty of social activities and lots of unscripted fun. Anything that appeals to the desire to stay active. What are you doing for fun today? Play at The Summerhill. Phone for your personal tour. 604.980.6525 TM

What to do in our garden patio today? Green thumbs never stop growing. Plant peonies, dig around dahlias and cultivate cucumbers. Armchair gardeners are welcome too – bask in the sun with a good book or sip lemonade in the shade. Play shuffleboard or challenge a chum to a life-sized checkers or chess match. Dip a toe into fun at a pool party or BBQ, all in the company of new friends. Enjoy summer at The Mulberry. Plant a new beginning!

135 West 15th Street (off Lonsdale) North Vancouver | 604.980.6525 www.the summerhill.ca Part of Paciﬁc Arbour Retirement Communities

Where good things come together. OCTOBER 2010

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Lifestyle

ou’ve decided it’s time to get off the road; or perhaps you’ve failed a Motor Vehicle Branch test (mandatory every two years for drivers over 80 in Ontario and B.C. or every five years if there are no medical problems). If a medical problem exists, your doctor may decide you should no longer drive and you must hang up your car keys for good. Right now, it may feel like the end of the world. But it isn’t – not quite. Take heart! There are alternatives to driving your own car from point A to point B and, in the long run, the alternatives are a lot more cost effective than keeping your own vehicle on the road. They’re just not as handy. Country and small-town dwellers, unfortunately, don’t have the same opportunity for alternative transportation as city dwellers, but on a more optimistic note, they might have more compassionate neighbours with cars who would be happy to share a shopping trip or a “lunch out” date. In cities, programs are available like B.C. Transit’s handyPass; Translink’s handyCard or a Taxi Saver service, each of which provide concession fares for seniors. Also, in the Lower Mainland, the Freemason Drivers Program provides free transportation for cancer patients to and from appointments (Phone 604-872-2034). As more and more seniors hang up their car keys, various programs are either ongoing or being formed to make public transportation more userfriendly. One such program, All About M.E. (mobile education), is headquartered at the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. Co-ordinator Chris Taulu (phone 604-7172935) explained the concept: “We take groups of about 12 seniors at a time to familiarize them with such things as purchasing tickets for 1, 2, or 3 fare zones on buses or the Sky Train. We show them where the stations are located and how to read a Zone Map (available through Customer Information, phone 604-953-3333).” “The participants feel more comfortable taking a bus or the sky train alone after the group experience,” she says. “As an additional benefit, many isolated seniors have met other people and formed lasting friendships.” If misery loves company, you are not alone when you quit driving. We all are forced to quit sometime and even

professional drivers reach a stage or age when they have to turn in their wheels. For example, Peter, 89, a U.K. relative, drove racing cars professionally in England for years and raced in the 1957 Monte Carlo Rally (placed third). “About six months ago, I found myself driving less and less and making excuses for not going out in my car,” says Peter. “Eventually, I realized I hadn’t driven for over six weeks and admitted to myself and others that my driving career was finished. The decision was evolutionary rather than revolutionary. I’m sure the family was relieved, but hesitated to make any suggestions regarding my quitting because they were all aware of how much driving was part of my life and how important it is to me to be independent.” Society as a whole, but especially young people, has a

TURNING IN YOUR WHEELS

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

BY NADINE JONES

stereotypical picture of senior drivers as slow, hesitant, undecided, and the cause of many accidents. But ICBC statistics prove otherwise. Data from 2009 shows that in the 16 to 29 age group, 636,380 licensed drivers accounted for 90,880 crashes. In the 70 and older age group, which numbered 297,480 drivers, there were 29,270 accidents. Even making allowances for the discrepancy in the numbers of drivers in each category, seniors still had fewer accidents. An aging society equates with more drivers who are senior. In Canada, there are currently 2.9 million licensed drivers over age 65, but the over-75-year-old group is growing faster than any other group in the country. With statistics like these, it seems reasonable that the people in charge, instead of encouraging seniors to quit driving and thus becoming a burden to others, should be looking for

Lifestyle

Photo: Leanne Asante

ways to make it safer and easier for them to stay on the road. Seniors need their cars, not to go back and forth to a job like younger people, but to shop, keep appointments, visit friends and volunteer. Without careful planning for alternative means of transportation, these everyday activities are difficult. One B.C. senior driver, Irene Sowinski, 75, took over the wheel when her husband, who always drove, passed away a few years ago. Irene is an example of an older driver who takes every precaution on the road. “I never make a left turn into traffic at an intersection because I know, statistically, left turns are the main cause of accidents involving seniors,” says Irene. “It is so simple just to drive around the block. I think that becoming dependent on other people is one of the greatest fears seniors have, which makes me a very conscientious driver. I want to drive and keep my independence as long as I possibly can.” A professional who thinks Irene and other seniors should drive as long as possible is Dr. Holly Tuokko, a Psychology Professor and Director of the Centre for Aging at the University of Victoria. “Contrary to popular belief, seniors are some of B.C.’s safest drivers in terms of crash rates,” says Dr. Tuokko. “They are cautious drivers, who, for the most part, quit when they realize they no longer drive safely. There are only a few where the heavy hand of the law is needed.” And Steve Martin, B.C.’s Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, reiterates this sentiment. “Many senior drivers are safe drivers. In fact, we have capable drivers over 100 years old in B.C.” He did, however, add a caveat. “But, as we age, medical conditions that can affect driving are more common.” Most seniors want to stay behind the steering wheel of their cars as long as possible, but there comes a day – by choice or not – when the car keys are placed on a hook rather than in the ignition. But with a little more patience and planning, they can still get from point A to point B. SL

Irene Sowinski takes precautions so she can remain driving – and independent – as long as possible.

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Valerie Green’s personal story as a care giver to her elderly parents is the most relevant book on “aging in place” I have read to date. It provides a powerful insight into the challenges faced by every care giver. It unveils the challenges, heartaches, struggles and agonizing decisions that often need to be made along the way. If you are currently a care giver, or anticipate being one in the near future, this book is a must-read. - Publisher Barbara Risto, Senior Living magazine

To order, please send cheque for $20.12 ($14.95 plus $3.95 S&H & taxes) payable to Senior Living. Please include your clearly written shipping address, phone number, and name of book you are ordering. MAIL TO: Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

Allow two weeks for shipping. OCTOBER 2010

Have Fork, Will Travel concoction of strange, powerful and terrifying ingredients from toads and newts to bats and snakes, this brew consists of anything you fancy. Quantities are variable, depending on what you can catch. Given the ingredients, witches were excellent cooks, unless they cheated and cast a spell over the cauldron at the end to make it taste good. The following recipe is tasty and measurement free. It’s one of those perfect recipes where you toss in whatever you have in the fridge, while muttering incantations, of course. Take a big cauldron, put it on the fire, and in it heat a generous amount of dark green extra-virgin olive oil. Drop a chopped onion into the oil (garlic too, if you like) and stir with a large wooden spoon, trying to keep your long grey hair out of the pot. Add the meat of your choice, stirring until brown. Use one pound of finely sliced beef, chicken or pork, if you don’t want to go to the nearest swamp to catch critters. Mild Italian sausages, sliced, once they are partially cooked, make a tasty stew. Spells and magic help with the rest of the ingredients, together with your imagination. Don’t forget to add a glass of red wine if you are partial to it. Add a can of chopped or crushed tomatoes, a couple of carrots (peeled and sliced), cubed potatoes or pasta, green beans, zucchini or whatever vegetables are available. A spoonful of tomato puree will increase the tomato flavour, but is optional. Add water to thin or olive oil to thicken and enrich the mixture. Simmer to reduce the juices.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, a teaspoonful of oregano or Italian herbs, and chopped fresh parsley. All good witches have a herb garden. As a good witch, you will naturally “charge” the herbs before you put them in the pot. Hold them in your hands and visualize their energy mingling with yours. Pinch them to release their scent and to perceive their vibrational energy. Remember that parsley stands for purification and protection and will ensure a stress-free environment at dinner. Pepper drives out negative energy, as well as protects. If pepper makes you sneeze, it means it’s driving out demons – a useful quality. Sage is for wisdom and, like thyme, aids psychic awareness and promotes long life. Thyme and basil are vital in love spells. Oregano is connected to Venus and promotes happiness and tranquillity, gives good luck, health and protection. The herbs you choose to add to the dish are of crucial importance in creating the right atmosphere for your evening, if not the rest of the week. Serve in a bowl with fresh French bread for dipping, and a glass of hearty red wine. When the children come knocking at the door, you will be well fortified, never mind tranquil, happy and protected from demons. Don’t forget to give a dish to your familiar – the black cat – or the evening could still go awry. SL Sally Jennings is a writer, editor, tour guide and author of Hunting for Ghosts in Victoria BC. She has lived and dined on ﬁve continents, with no regrets. pto_edit@yahoo.ca

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WITCHES’ BREW

BY SALLY JENNINGS

BBB Better Better Better Better

Business Business Business Business

Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

SCAM ALERT

BY LYNDA PASACRETA

Seniors Targeted by High-Pressure Sales

he Better Business Bureau has received numerous complaints recently regarding unscrupulous salespeople targeting seniors and using high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics. Consumers are alleging that travelling alarm sales reps, claiming to be affiliated with a well-known security systems company, have been using aggressive sales tactics and deceptive practices to bully them into purchasing a new, over-priced alarm system and signing a long-term contract. According to the RCMP, consumers are being offered time-sensitive deals and promises that their security system will be linked directly to local RCMP and ambulance services, which is not possible in British Columbia. It is not the first time BBB has received reports on this issue. Similar complaints were received during the summer of 2009 from people in communities across the province. This time, however, seniors (particularly women) appear to be the main targets.

are not interested? Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, drawn-out pressure sales pitches. Stand strong: Do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. If you do allow a salesperson inside and decide during the presentation that you are not interested in making a purchase, simply ask him or her to leave. If the salesperson refuses to leave, threaten to call the police, and follow through if they don’t leave immediately. Verify the individual: If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Ask for a business card and contact information. Look the company up yourself and check to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company’s BBB Reliability Report at mcb.bbb.org

Ask for their license: The B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General licenses security systems sellers. Sellers are required to provide proof to you that they are licensed. Know your rights: Door-to-door salespeople are required to provide customers with a “Buyer’s Remorse Period.” During this specified number of days, clients can change their minds and cancel a contract at no additional cost. In most circumstances, you will need to provide a written request to cancel the contract. To find out more about your rights as a consumer visit the Consumer Protection BC website at consumerprotectionbc.ca SL For more information on scams and consumer tips visit mcb.bbb.org Lynda Pasacreta is President of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. www.mbc.bbb.org To contact Lynda Pasacreta, e-mail president@mbc.bbb.org

BBB advises consumers to use due diligence prior to making any decisions on home security systems: Be aware of pressure sales tactics: Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment, and even make special offers to entice you. Listen to their tone. Are they increasing in volume as they speak to you? Are they ignoring you despite saying you OCTOBER 2010

Fitness & Recreation

THE RACE TO

KEEP GOING

Photos: Kevin McKay

BY KEVIN MCKAY

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

he race was about to begin and 29-year-old Harold Morioka was having second thoughts. He wondered what had compelled him to enter a track meet against university athletes up to 10 years his junior when he had never run a competitive 100metre race before in his life. The other competitors all had the benefit of coaches and training, yet, here he was – a high school teacher hoping not to embarrass himself. “I started running and right away I was wondering where everybody was,” says Harold. “Then I realized I was leading. Towards the finish line, I seized up a little bit and wound up getting beat by a narrow margin. Still, I had run the 100 metres in 11.0 seconds, a very respectable time.” Harold started training and, by the next year, he was the B.C. champion in both the 100 and 200 metres at 30 years of age. He competed for the next five years before retiring from track, until returning at the Masters level when he turned 40. Along the way, he changed specialties. “When I was 33, my coach needed a runner to complete the field of a 4x400metre relay and asked me. I had always liked running relays as it makes you part of a team so I agreed,” he says. “I ran and did so well, I started competing in it. I was second in the province at 400 metres for three straight years.” In 1988, Harold was competing as a 45 year old when he set his first of 13 world records. He was running the 100 metres at the Canadian Masters championships in Toronto and he finished in a time of 11.11 seconds, a world record for men between the ages of 45-49. Later that summer, he ran the 400 metres in Eugene, Oregon in a time of 50.60 seconds to set a second world record for runners in his age group. What made this feat even more incredible is that Harold set this record four years after going through a serious back operation that kept him from running for 18 months. That year at the Sports B.C. Awards dinner, Harold was recognized as the Masters athlete of the year. “At the end of the evening, they were giving out the final award for athlete of the

Fitness & Recreation year and I was sitting there wondering who they were going to give it to. When the announcer called my name, I was in shock,” he recalls. “How could they choose me? I was just a Masters athlete. But I guess they decided to give it to someone different. Never before and never since has anyone near that age won the award.” From there, the records kept falling. In Japan, at the age of 50, Harold missed the world record in the 800 metres by less than a second the first time he had ever competed at that distance. During one weekend, he set three world records at an indoor meet. Then at 52, he stopped running in order to have both knees operated on. When he returned to competition at 56, he set a world indoor record in the 400 metres in his first race after recovering from surgery. That year, he set a world record in the 800 metres, becoming the only man in history to set world records in every distance from 60 to 800 metres. At 60, Harold was still setting world records, but his body was breaking down. He suffered from plantar fasciitis in both feet and after recovering from that he had one more operation on each knee to clean them up. All that was nothing compared to the shock he received last summer when his doctor told Harold he had heart disease. “I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I’m in great shape. He told me heart disease is also genetic and that is what got me. I had open-heart surgery a week later.”

So, what does the future hold for this amazing athlete? “I have a three-year plan,” says Harold. “In 2013, I will be 70, and the world championships will be in Brazil. My plan is to try to get into good enough shape to be the world champion in the 400 metres. My goal is to get under 60 seconds and win the gold medal. I may not come close, but I am going to try. I want seniors to know you can suffer setbacks and have major surgeries but SL you can still keep going.”

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ASK

Goldie

BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: My husband passed away three months ago after a long illness. He had suffered so long we both felt relief that he was leaving. While we could accept his death, it seems that some of our friends cannot. They continue to grieve openly and are forever offering condolences. Can you suggest anything to stop this? –R.G. Dear R.G.: I am sorry you are being subjected to this behaviour after the loss of your husband. Your friends probably mean well, but are just not realistic about the situation. Death is never easy but, in your husband’s case, they must have been aware of his pain and of your acceptance of the impending loss. Perhaps the easiest way to stop their actions is to speak to your friends in a group explaining that his death was a

Safe, Reliable, and Stress-free Accompaniment for:

Medical and Dental Appointments Personal Shopping Airport and Ferry Service Vacations and Social Events

relief to his suffering and to your constant care. Sometimes, situations like this have to be discussed openly for full comprehension. I hope this will relieve your problem and allow you to move on. Dear Goldie: You will probably think I am a silly old lady fretting about my pet. I wish it were that simple. Several years ago, our children gave us a wonderful dog, a small black and white mixed breed. She has been a great companion and loved her daily walks with us. Unfortunately, my husband passed away last year and both the dog and I miss him terribly. However, we still get out for our walks and keep each other company. My problem is that I am now selling my house and plan to go into an apartment in town. The dog has been used to a big garden to play in here, and I’m not sure if she will be happy being shut in so much in my new home. I am in my 70s, but I am in good health and keep very active. Your advice will be most appreciated. –W.J. Dear W.J.: Well, you are fortunate to have such a good companion. No doubt, you and your dog have missed your husband greatly. However, you are still in good health, so your daily life does not have to change too much when you move. Animals do adjust to apartment living as long as they continue to have exercise. You seem to be active still and can continue daily walks with her. The exercise and fresh air is SL beneficial to both of you. Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and senior peer counselling trainer. Send letters to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Senior Peer Counselling Centres (Lower Mainland)

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Sister Time

Travel & Adventure

On Salt Spring

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANE CASSIE

“P

inch on a monkey tree,” I chant, while gently tweaking my sister’s arm. This kid-like prank immediately conjures up warm and fuzzy memories. It also reminds me of the saying, “when you have a sister, you have a piece of your childhood.” We see the prickly Monkey Puzzle tree when we’re parked in the ferry lineup at Crofton; a quaint community nestled in Osborne Bay on Vancouver Island. And over the next two days, while on Salt Spring Island, we escape our citified pace, and rejuvenate our inner child. The Pajama Party at Hastings House provides us with the perfect opportunity. Eiderdown duvets, soaker tubs, and private fireside dining – what more could two ladies on the loose ask for?

Top it off with a massage, infused with the essence of lemon grass and you’ll find two silky-smooth sisters who smell better than mom’s meringuetopped pie. The 22-acre property overlooks scenic Ganges Harbour, and taking centre stage is a Sussex-style manor, built in 1939 by the founder, Warren Hastings. “It was fashioned after his family’s 11th century home in England,” the resident manager, explains. “The hinges for the doors and windows were made by a local blacksmith,” she informs, “the fireplace stone was quarried from the surrounding land, and planks that line the floors were secured together with black boat nails.” We enter the living room, where burnished fir gleams beneath scattered Persian carpets. Just beyond, is an upscale dining room that has magnetic

powers every mealtime. Although we both qualify as trueblue foodies, the last things we need are extra Rubenesque pounds on our aging rumps. You’d think with so many activities at our fingertips, there’d be no need to worry. We could cycle sundappled roads that bisect pastoral meadows, paddle rugged shorelines to check out teary-eyed seals or dive beneath the deep. As well as being B.C.’s most southern Gulf Island, Salt Spring is a sprawling 29 kilometres in length, and is chock full of adventurous options. Hordes of hikers and picnickers are lured every year to the summit of Mount Maxwell, also known as Baynes Peak. While en route, they’re canopied by old growth Douglas fir and often share the trail with black-tailed deer and feral sheep. Once they reach the island’s pinnacle, the rewards are panoramic –

» OCTOBER 2010

Travel & Adventure the vista encompasses everything from Vancouver Island to the Mainland. But instead of putting our well-padded duffs into action, we rev up our comfy sedan. Even though the walk from Hastings House to Ganges town centre is a breeze, we don’t want to miss a moment. It’s market day, and the heart of Centennial Park is pulsating! Every Saturday morning, from April to October, over 100 artisans and farmers congregate to sell their goods. Tables, shaded by colourful umbrellas, border the parkway and host everything from bead work to bok choy. We sample sensuously sweet fudge, savour locally made goat cheese, and get personally pampered with a lavender scrub. “All you have to do is rub and rinse,” we’re told by the Soap Works owner, as he massages the heady granules onto one of my sister’s hands. The instant transformation is quite miraculous, as her dry scaly limb turns satin.

My sister quickly purchases a packet of the product – I’m sure, with the intention of scrubbing more than just her other hand.

The string of bargains and vendor stalls carry on after we leave the marketplace. Roadside stands dot the hillsides on our island drive and brim over

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s d e ﬁ i s s a l C

� ��

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$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $110. Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 x 2.4) $210. Add Logo $25 extra. Red spot color 10% extra. Plus tax. All Classiﬁed ads must be prepaid. Cheque or Credit Card accepted. Toll Free 1-877479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1 30

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Next Month in Senior Living...

Planned Giving Private citizens’ contributions (time and money) are keeping the doors of many charities open, and ensuring important causes continue to move forward.

with everything from bright floral bouquets to the garden’s daily pick. Most are unstaffed, and are operated by a trustworthy honour system. What a refreshing change from our commercialized big box stores! While cruising along the country roads that are fringed by farmlands, we giggle and gab and discuss everything from people to politics. We stop to check out schooners that bob in Burgoyne Bay and retrace the steps of time while peering into St. Paul’s Church. This place of worship was constructed out of salvaged material; shipped from Vancouver by Aboriginal war canoes, back in 1885. The 1906 Ruckle farmhouse is another heritage site that we happen upon, and just beyond is a park bench that overlooks Swanson Channel. From this ringside seat, we enjoy an awesome Salt Spring show. It’s not a film that’s staged or rehearsed, nor a play that uses any props. But it does feature a cast of first-rate performers. Long-legged herons and sun-basking cormorants poise stoically on the craggy shore.

��

Excited gulls squawk overhead, and then dive-bomb toward their prey. And two curious seal pups pop up from the deep to take a big bow. But the height of excitement comes when the first signature dorsal fin slices through the sun-glinted waves. It’s followed by another, and then another. And directly within our view, the orcas crest above the water’s surface, then dip beneath, and all with divine synchronicity. The splendour activates my digital camera. It creates a sense of awe. And as we relax in silence side by side, in the comfort of each other’s company, I reflect on the great weekend we’ve had together and another familiar saying comes to mind. “Although we were born sisters, we’ve grown up to be friends.” SL BC Ferries 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) from anywhere in North America or from your cellphone on Rogers or Telus Mobility Networks dial *BCF (*223). Online, visit www.bcferries.com

Page 29, Sisters Jane Cassie and Katherine Surridge enjoy a peaceful moment and a few girlish giggles on Salt Spring Island. Opposite page, Sisters ride the ferry to Salt Spring Island. Above, Katherine is personally pampered with a lavender scrub. Left, The author (right) and her sister Katherine. OCTOBER 2010

THE GLOVEBOX

very car I have ever owned or seen has always had a glovebox, often called a “glove compartment.” And yet, I’ve never put a pair of gloves in any one of them. Its original intent, I am sure, was to supply a place for driving gloves, often used in the beginning of the 20th century. However, I think a name change is in order! I don’t know what to change it to, but I believe a change is imperative. I am always nervous of the glovebox (for lack of a better name) in my car. It is a mysterious place, best kept at a distance. Every two years or so, I gather up the courage to go through it, inspect it, even clean it, and each time I shake with trepidation. And I am amazed at some of the contents. I once found an apple core – snuck in there, I guess, by one of my kids. It had become fossilized (I was tempted to have it bronzed). There was an old stick of gum that disintegrated as I unwrapped it; three screws, one washer, a ballpoint pen without a point, a neatly folded candy wrapper, four books of matches, two receipts with faded dates, an unravelled eight-track tape, a lint-covered Life Saver and a broken pencil. There were other odds and ends as well, but

they were just junk. And not one pair of gloves! Cars once had running boards but the automakers realized their folly, when it was pointed out that you couldn’t run on them; you could only stand on them, so they stopped putting them on cars. But the glovebox is still there, taunting people to discover its hidden treasures. We misname many things. There is no egg in eggplant, no pine or apple in pineapple. Quicksand takes one down slowly and boxing rings are square. People recite in a play, but play at a recital. We park in driveways and drive on parkways. We say a house is burning up when it is actually burning down. We fill in a form by filling it out. When stars are out they are visible, when lights are out they are invisible. Rush hour is when most traffic is at a standstill. Running shoes are worn by many who don’t run and loafers worn by many who don’t loaf. And then, of course, there’s the glovebox. I’ve met some people who keep their glovebox immaculately clean with just their car registration resting comfortably there. I try to stay away from such people: they frighten me. The automobile has come a long, long, long way since Henry Ford’s Model-T. They are so sophisticated now that you almost have to be a rocket scientist to figure them out: computer this and computer that. Some even talk. They make me so nervous with all their bells and whistles that I feel like I should carry a gun to protect myself. But then again, the cars might shoot back. They might have their own gun hidden in the glovebox! Surely, with all of man’s ingenuity, the space the glovebox takes up in a car could be exchanged for something else like a Pez dispenser, a miniature piano or a pop machine. But if the auto manufacturer is going to insist on still putting a glovebox in 21st century cars, let us at least demand that each car comes equipped with a new pair of gloves! SL

Every two years or so, I gather up the courage to go through it, inspect it, even clean it, and each time I shake with trepidation.

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SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Photo: Krystle Wiseman

Reﬂections THEN & NOW

BY GIPP FORSTER

To Move or Not to Move?

BC EDITION

A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

Published by Senior Living

JANUARY 2009

14.95 Buy it now! �

REG. PRICE: $

ONLY

9.95

If you are a senior who has been wondering lately whether you should consider moving - either because you find the maintenance of your current home more difficult due to diminishing ability or energy, or you simply want a lifestyle that allows you more freedom and less responsibility - then this is the book that can help you ask the right questions and find the solution that is right for you. • What residential options are available? • Define your current situation - What residential option is right for you? • How to research and assess Independent and Assisted Living residences. • What do Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities have to offer? • How much does it cost to live in an Assisted Living residence? What subsidies are available? • Thinking of moving in with family members? Questions to consider before making your decision. • Are there any other residential options besides Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities? • If you choose to stay in your own home, what are your options and what should you plan for? • Who can help you decide what you can or cannot afford? • Funding sources available to seniors - tax deductions, housing subsidies, home care subsidies, equipment loan programs, renovation grants, etc. • Selling your home - how to find the right realtor or relocation services to assist your move. • Downsizing - Where do you start? How do you proceed? • Adapting your home to meet your mobility needs - tips and suggestions • Hiring home care services; do it yourself or hire an agency? • Legal matters - how to make sure you receive the care you desire should you not be able to communicate due to some incapacitating condition • AND MUCH MORE Advice from professionals who are experts in the area of assisting seniors with their relocation

questions and concerns. A handy reference guide for seniors and their families wrestling with the issues around whether relocation is the best option. This 128-page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand the decisions they need to make.

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Address_____________________________________________ City_________________________________ Prov ___________ Postal Code_______________ Phone _____________________

EXPIRY DATE ________________ NAME ON CARD ________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________ ____ BOOKS @ $9.95 each = $____________ GST only (5% on above total) = $____________ SHIPPING $3.95 FIRST BOOK, $1.95 PER ADDITIONAL BOOK = $____________ HST (12% on above shipping total) = $____________ TOTAL

____VISA ____MC ____AMEX

CARD NUMBER _________________________________________

= $____________

Mail to: Senior Living Box 153, 1581–H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Shipping rates apply to British Columbia addresses ONLY. To have book mailed to addresses outside of BC, please call Senior Living 1-877-479-4705 for shipping costs. Please allow 2 weeks for shipping.

Read my article on the Senior Living website at www.seniorlivingmag.com