50 Plus Guide

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

Try Something New

Chef Diane’s Israeli Couscous Salad perfect for summer

2011 Senior EXPO

Pg. 5

Information, entertainment and fun for area seniors Pg. 7

May 2011 • Vol. 4, Issue 1 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

It’s Not Easy Being Green Protectyourlawnand gardenfromthe BrazosValleySummer PAGE 8

50plus

CONTENTS Bradway: Excercise and Aging Health Matters Chef Diane: Israeli Couscous Salad Travel: Ageless Montreal Cover: Summer Lawn & Garden Care Financial Literacy: Postponing Retirement?

Calendar

4 4 5 6 8 12 13

Calendar events

May 2011

Do you have an event you’d like on the 50plus calendar? Email it to billy.mau@theeagle.com (subject line:50plus calendar) or fax it to 979-774-0053 (attn Billy Mau). Calendar space is first-come-first-served.

50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas

PUBLISHER

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Jim Wilson

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Ron Lee

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Billy Mau billy.mau@theeagle.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Joanne R. Patranella joanne.patranella@theeagle.com

For more information on 50plus advertising opportunities, call the Advertising Department at 979-731-4738

Studies demonstrate the affects of exercise on the aging brain In the April column, I presented some research evidence that memory problems of the elderly can be reduced by aerobic exercise. Remember, this is not weight-lifting kind of exercise, but exercise that causes a little shortness of breath and gets your heart beating faster.

We also know that memory can be helped by other factors, such as dietary restriction and enriched environment stimulation.

Few studies have directly compared these two factors and exercise all in the same study, as has been recently done in the lab of Alois Strasser in the University of Veterinary Medicine in Austria. Moreover, Strasser also examined a brain chemical that might cause some brain improvement, the so-called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

This compound sustains neuron life and promotes growth of neuronal

processes and synapse formation. As brain ages, the levels of BDNF typically decline.

Several studies have demonstrated that BDNF is important for memory function, thus possibly explaining age-related loss in memory dr. BiLL KLeMM capability.

The memory meDic Research prior to that of Strasser’s lab showed that exercise stimulates BDNF production. And there had been some indication that environmental enrichment (stimulation, social interactions, etc.) had a similar effect.

Therefore, Strasser and colleagues examined the tissue concentrations of BDNF in the cerebral cortex of old rats. Rats were divided randomly into six groups, living from 5 months up to

rat old-age of 23 months. In each age group, rats were divided into those that were given free access to running wheels, forced running on treadmills, food restriction and sedentary controls with no food restriction. Rats were either housed individually or in groups of four to provide social enrichment.

At the end of experiments, BDNF concentrations were determined.

Higher BDNF concentrations occurred in the 5-month-old animals than in the 23-month-old-animals, confirming other studies showing BDNF decline in old age. Within the older group of rats, sedentary rats that were housed in groups had significantly more BDNF than rats in the individually caged. Their BDNF concentrations were even higher than those of

See Memory Medic page 15

FREE

90-Day Trial on all digital hearing devices And FREE Batteries for Life!

*Monthly payments available with approved credit.

2010 Business Performance Award

Ronny Baker B.S.,A.C.A. 2805 Earl Rudder Freeway S. College Station • 979.680.8808 centraltexasent.com

2

For the last 20 years, JEA Senior Living has been doing what we do best, and that is taking care of seniors. At Hudson Creek we specialize in Alzheimer and Dementia care, and we pride oursel�es in pro�iding outstanding care in a warm homelike en�ironment. Our hope is that you will recognize our commitment through our quality of care.

Accepting Residents!

Call Today for More Information and to Schedule a Tour!

3850 Coppercrest Drive • Bryan, TX 979-774-0700 • www.jeaseniorliving.com

DADS License #102654

The Eagle • theeagle.com

• Pre-admission home visit and assessment.

• Licensed nurse on site 24 hours a day.

• Specially trained staff assist with all aspects of care while maximizing and encouraging independence.

• A fully supervised, success-oriented activities program offered everyday.

• Regularly scheduled social events with family involvement welcomed.

• Three nutritious meals served daily, with snacks available throughout the day.

• Supervised outings to nearby points of interest.

• Furnished linens and routine housekeeping.

• Comfortable, attractively decorated living rooms, activity rooms and private conversation areas.

• Cable TV and fireplace in living rooms.

• Beautifully landscaped secured courtyard with walking areas.

• Individualized service plans.

• Electronically monitored security system.

• TV and phone outlets in all resident rooms.

• Support groups, educational programs and referral services.

May 2011

Life at Hudson Creek offers these amenities for one monthly fee:

50plus

A Heartfelt Choice

3

50plus May 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Exercise helps curb the negative effects of aging

Exercises for those over 50 are designed to make you healthier and minimize the effects of aging. As we age, the following things can become concerns: 1. Decreased aerobic conditioning 2. Reduced coordination 3. Reduced bone strength 4. Increased blood pressure 5. Increased Leon Bradway body fat Physical TheraPy 6. Reduced muscle mass/core strength 7. More susceptible to mood swings and depression 8. Decreased flexibility All of these issues can lead to more dependency on others, decreases in your quality of life, increased probability of falling, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. A balanced exercise program can help you avoid these negative outcomes or at least put them off for as long as possible.

A balanced exercise program involves: 1. Aerobic conditioning can be increased by engaging in aerobic exercise such as walking, bicycling, using the stair-master, swimming, and

Affordable Living

so on.

Interval training is an excellent form of aerobic conditioning. It involves varying the exercise intensity.

This challenges your aerobic capacity (i.e., building your conditioning) but allows for recovery. The goal of interval training is to gradually expand the length of time for medium to high exertion followed by shorter periods of light to medium exertion.

2. Coordination exercises such as dancing, one legged standing, tennis, and golf are activities that can improve your balance. Improvement in your balance can reduce your chance of falling. Falls represent one of the greatest health risks as you age.

3. Increase bone strength.

Weight bearing exercises are essential for improving bone density. For example, with weights in both hands or strapped to your feet and pushing up from your knees or with the legs straight is a great general exercise. It uses body weight as the resistance.

4. Decrease blood pressure.

If you have high blood

HEALTH MATTERS Solve Sleep Problem Most sleep problems are treatable but some sleuthing might be necessary to find their source.

Sleep isn’t a luxury. Restful sleep is just as important to health as adequate nutrition and exercise.

Sleep is necessary to think clearly.

Studies have shown that being well rested improves the body’s response to infection.

Evidence suggests that brains are hard at work during sleep, possibly forming the pathways necessary for learning, making new memories and insights, and coming up with creative solutions to problems.

Inadequate sleep is linked to depression and irritability as well as diabetes, weight problems, and cravings for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods.

There’s a wide range of ways to address sleep problems, from eliminating naps to treating underlying illnesses. In fact, sleep problems often can be traced to treatable health issues.

Insomnia and depression often go hand in hand. Many people develop insomnia before being depressed. Studies show that unresolved insomnia increases

the risk of depression.

It’s not clear if one causes the other, but each can worsen if untreated.

Advising a physician about both insomnia and depression symptoms is important before determining a treatment plan.

Manage Knee Arthritis With Activity

Staying fit and active can ease the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee and make it easier to manage.

Osteoarthritis, also called wear-and-tear arthritis, involves gradual wearing away of the smooth slippery cartilage that lines a joint. Knee pain often is worst after periods of inactivity, such as first thing in the morning.

Walking up and down stairs or overuse also can trigger pain.

Some conservative measures to minimize this knee pain include: Strengthening Strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip to help support those joints and improve stability. A recent Mayo Clinic-led study found that greater strength in the front thigh (quadriceps) muscles reduced pain and improved function for people with knee arthritis.

Weight loss Excess weight puts extra strain on knee joints.

Oral medications Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can ease arthritis pain.

However, regular or daily use can cause serious side effects for some people.

Topical medications The prescription gel diclofenac (Voltaren, Solaraze) can provide pain relief. It’s rubbed directly on the skin around the knee.

This gel is an anti-inflammatory drug that typically causes fewer side effects than oral antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Check with your doctor.

Knee bracing Bracing can be effective at reducing pain, providing a feeling of support and, for some people, improving the ability to walk, and Shoe selection A shoe with a soft, cushioned heel can absorb some of the impact from walking.

Mature Life Features

Expanding our services to better meet your needs We would like to introduce you to you our Medical Directors....

See Bradway page 11

An Active Senior Living Community

Mid ✯Towne ApArtment Homes

2728 OsbOrn • bryan

Dr. Mark Florian, MD Medical Director

President of Brazos-Robertson County Medical Society President of Brazos Valley Physicians Organizatiom Board Chaiman of The Physicans Centre Hospital

Dr. Denise Turner, MD

Associate Medical Director

Board Certified in Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care and Family Medicine

....And Our Team Of Caring Professionals.

Community Features:

Planned Resident Activities Fitness Facility Transportation Service Beauty Salon Sparkling Swimming Pool

24 – Hour Emergency Maintenance

Call for move in specials!

4

979.774.5222

midtowneapts@lankfordinterests.com

Texas Home Health Hospice offers Physician home visits upon admission with follow up visits in your home as needed.

Our hospice team is available 24/7 When you call Texas Home Health Hospice after hours an experienced hospice RN will triage your call at once. No delays. No answering service For more information call 1-877-747-3860

Israeli Couscous Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Zucchini

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you. Dues are just $15 a year.

To join or for more information, call Mandy Williams at 979-764-5107 or visit CSMedCenter.com. Become part of the Circle.

Colors of New England October 10-17, 2011 Experience the lovely shades of fall with this tour of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium: Tulips, Windmills and Canals March 26 – April 8, 2012 Join Senior Circle on this European river cruise and explore the majestic waterways of Holland and Belgium. Meet new friends and make memories on this exciting 13-day adventure.

Diane Lestina, a certified personal chef, holds cooking classes and cooks for residents in the Bryan-College Station area. To learn more, visit www.chefdiane.com

Come play with someone your own age!

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Serves 4-6 Dressing: • ½ cup balsamic vinegar

This Israeli Couscous salad is both light and statisfying, and will make a splash at your next family get together or graduation celebration.

Salad: • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 2-3 medium zucchini, quartered • 2 cloves garlic, minced lengthwise and cut in half crosswise • 1 cup olive oil • 16-20 cherry tomatoes • Salt and freshly ground pepper to • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced taste

• 1 cup Israeli couscous • 2 cups chicken broth Directions: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and garlic in a small bowl.

Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place zucchini in medium bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons of dressing – toss to combine. Place zucchini on baking sheet.

Roast zucchini in oven for 15 minutes. Remove, place zucchini on cutting board, and reduce oven to 400 degrees. In the meantime, combine cherry tomatoes with 1-2 tablespoons of dressing. Roast tomatoes on same baking sheet as zucchini for 10 minutes.

Set vegetables aside.

Place chicken broth in medium saucepan and bring to boil. Add couscous and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.

Place in large serving bowl, add roasted vegetables and toss with remaining dressing. Let sit 15 minutes. Stir in basil and serve.

May 2011

May is the time for graduation celebrations and other family gettogethers. I am always looking for something different to take to these affairs, and I think this salad has some great flavors without too much work.

Israeli couscous is small, round, toasted pasta with grains about the size of peppercorns. You should be able to find it in the bulk section of your grocery store.

You can vary diane Lestina the vegetables, cook iT simPle according to your www.chefDiane.com preference, and you might also want to roast them on the grill instead of in the oven.

So next time someone asks you to bring a side dish to a picnic or barbeque, this is one that everyone will enjoy.

50plus

Bring something new to the table with Israeli Couscous

Sponsored by

1 6 0 4 R o c k P ra i r i e R o a d • C S M e d C e n t e r. c o m Official Healthcare Provider for Texas A&M Athletics

5

50plus

Montreal proves fun for vacationers of all ages

By MARLENE FANTA SHYER

The Eagle • theeagle.com

May 2011

Mature Life Features

MONTREAL – Whether or not taking the grandkids to a big city for a vacation is high on your “That’s a Good Idea” list, it’s not such a bad idea if the city’s as safe and manageable as Montreal, with its Gallic joie de vivre and weatherproof options.

Bicycles are everywhere. Public swimming pools are indoors or out.

And the city is home to 1,700 parks.

The preeminent 500-acre Mont Royal, the highest point in the city with exalting views of this metropolis, houses Beaver Lake. There aren’t any beavers but there’s skating in winter, toboggan runs, bike paths, and several cemeteries with walking paths. (Think “Let’s see who can find the oldest gravestone!”)

Graves are about the only installations unavailable in “RESO,” Montreal’s 20-miles of daylight-lit underground corridors where one can swim, play tennis or hit golf balls, pray, eat a steak, or visit a clinic in Montreal’s own Down-Under without dealing with weather.

A few blocks away, you can become one of the more than 25,000 people a year who brave an hour-long jet-boat thrill ride.

After being outfitted in waterproof

The observatory atop Montreal’s 575-foot leaning tower – the highest inclined tower in the world – offers visitors panoramic views of the city. gear, you hop aboard an open boat, enjoy smooth sailing for a quick view of the city’s shoreline and then “Whoosh,” you’re tossed through whitewater rapids five or six times as the waves (moutons) crash and splash all over you.

Kids really love this. A woman who tried it for the first time at age 91 came back for two subsequent years to do it again, according to owner Jack Kowalski. He claims it’s Montreal’s

Orthopedic Surgery rated

most popular attraction.

The Labyrinth is a drier choice and a guaranteed hit with all ages. The fun is getting lost, or rather un-lost, in its gloom. The maze has walls made of strips of dark plastic that part to let you through, or not, as floors squish or rock.

A more enriching way to spend time is at the futuristic glass-and-steel Science Center near the waterfront.

Hi-tech, interactive, and hands-on

keep kids both happy and informed.

There are easy chairs handy if you just want to relax a while.

All generations are likely to enjoy the Botanical Garden. It has more than 21,000 species and varieties of plants in woodland and alpine gardens, a rose garden of 10,000 flowers, and the largest Chinese garden outside Asia.

The Courtyard of the Senses was designed for the visually impaired, but is an eye-opening experience for those who see perfectly well. Smelling catnip, fennel or chamomile, or touching petals of silver sage that feel like fabric and a water hyacinth that’s wet rubber in the fingers is good fun for everyone. The Insectarium next door offers a creepy-crawly good time.

When night falls, the spirits rise and speak in French or English, as does most everyone here. You and the youngsters can take your pick for the weekly ghost hunt. A map is provided to stalk the dead hiding in shadowed alleys and dark streets. They tell their stories, based on historically accurate facts, to teach Canadian history in a spookily spoken manner.

But there’s more. There’s La Ronde Amusement Park, the 575-foot leaning

See Montreal page 11

H

ealthGrades, an independent healthcare ratings organization, has named St. Joseph Regional Health Center #1 in the state of Texas for overall orthopedic services, which includes joint replacement and spine surgery. St. Joseph also ranks among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide in orthopedic services. The nation's nearly 5,000 hospitals were included in this annual study.

If you are considering elective joint replacement or spine surgery, learn more about the difference St. Joseph can make.

Joint Replacement st-joseph.org/JointUniversity Spine Surgery

979.776.2978 The

Difference 6

st-joseph.org

Eagle Staff Report

Your Doctor” with Dr. Denise K. Turner, M.D. The Entertainment line-up for the day begins at 9 am with the Color Guard provided by the VFW Brazos Valley followed by an appearance by John Wayne, music by Country & Western singer Gary Buckaloo, Austin Music Artist Mandy Rothenbery, a fitness demonstration by Aerofit’s Silver Sneakers, and much more.

Local senior-friendly companies/ organizations will be distributing information about their services

and products in 89 booths, providing lots of great door prizes and special treats. The vendors come from a host of different fields including financial services, healthcare facilities, master gardeners, fitness and recreation and more.

Be sure to join other active Brazos Valley seniors and learn more about why the Brazos Valley is a great place for senior living.

The Senior EXPO takes place on May 25 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Brazos Center on Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.

We Give You

FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE!

979.731.1300

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Gardening” with Master Gardener Coordinator Charla Anthony; “Elder Law –What Are Your Rights” with Molly Abshire, Elder Law Attorney; “Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics” with Kiri Cook, Regional Outreach Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association, Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter and Amie Brauer, Director of Open Arms Respite Group at Peace Lutheran Church; “Estate Planning Reform” with Steve Marchant, Financial Services Professional; and “How To Talk To

May 2011

The 10th Annual Seniors EXPO is coming up May 25, so dust off your boots for this year’s “Go Western” theme. Visitors to this free event will enjoy varied entertainment throughout the day including singer and piano singer Mandy Rothenberg, sponsored

by Lampstand Health and Rehab of Bryan as well as an appearance by John Wayne, sponsored by Daniel Jarvis HomeHealth.

This Annual Expo is underwritten by HEB in cooperation with The Eagle and media partner KBTXTV. With 89 booths and six informative seminars, the Expo is the ideal location for seniors to collect information about local services and find answers to their concerns.

There will be drawings for various door prizes as well as a grand prize drawing for a trip to Branson, Missouri, donated by Oldies 107.3 – Aggieland’s Good Time Oldies.

Seminar topics this year will include “Protect Yourself and Your Medicare Benefits” by Ron Darby; “Container

50plus

10th Annual Seniors EXPO coming May 25

Active Senior Living at its Finest Stop by for a visit today!

Come experience our Love, Fun & WOW! 4235 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77802 www.retliv.com

7

50plus

50plus

It’s Not Easy Being Green Brazos Valley summers can be tough on your lawn and garden, but you can maintain a beautiful landscape during the draught

By HOLLI L. ESTRIDGE

The Eagle • theeagle.com

fertilized, mowed at the correct height and watered properly, the grass will not die.”

Meanwhile when it comes to summer plant maintenance, less frequent watering is key, said Michael Arnold, a professor of landscape horticulture at Texas A&M University and in Texas AgriLife Research.

Arnold said homeowners can employ several strategies — from introduction of more native and drought-tolerant plants to zoning plants into separate beds, according to height and water requirements.

“Mulching also helps to reduce weed growth, which in turn reduces labor and decreases water consumption,” said Arnold.

Homeowners also should avoid watering in windy conditions and consider installation of a drip irrigation system that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants —onto the soil surface or directly into the root zone.

Moriarty said insects are expected to attack plants in force during the summer months.

“Insects are the worst when plants are stressed — which they are in these conditions,” said Moriarty. “Spider mites and aphids are already being detected.” Homeowners should be prepared to fight pests in force during the summer months, Moriarty said.

While watering, homeowners also

should take care not to contribute to development of leaf diseases and other problems, by keeping water off trees and shrubs.

And according to Doug Welsh, professor and extension horticulturist for Texas AgriLife Extension Service, homeowners can water too much.

“Symptoms for plants which have been kept too wet are about the same as for those kept too dry,” Welsh wrote in a recent article for A&M Horticulture. “Roots in waterlogged soils die and do not take up water, so plants wilt and turn yellow. Try not to water a drowning plant!”

For more information and maintenance tips, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

8

As drought conditions and windy weather usher in the summer months, balancing lawn maintenance needs with reasonable water consumption may seem difficult.

But homeowners can keep lawns alive by soaking them with as little as inch of water each week through the months of June and July, said David Chalmers, State Extension Turfgrass Specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

“The two most important words when it comes to summer lawn care are ‘it depends,’” said Chalmers.

“What works for one type of grass may not work for another.”

In terms of general care, Chalmers said it isn’t too late to apply a base fertilizer if homeowners did not do it in the spring — going into the month of June.

Hope Bay Moriarty, lawn and garden manager for Producers Coop, said it is important — especially with the windy weather of recent weeks — to use a rain gauge or other measure to ensure lawns are receiving appropriate quantities of water.

“Many people are bringing plants in to us, thinking they are sick,” said Moriarty, who added that high winds are blowing water off plants before it can be absorbed into the leaves.

Homeowners should saturate their lawns up to an inch in June and July but can cut back to 6/10 of an inch in case water conservation is enforced in the summer months, said Chalmers.

“I don’t want people to think they have to keep their lawns beautiful,” said Chalmers. “As long as it is

May 2011

May 2011

Special to The Eagle

9

50plus Memorial Funeral Chapel Bryan • (979) 823-8125

PROUDLY SPONSOR

May 2011

2011 Senior Seminar Series May 11, 2011 Wills/Power of Attorney Chris Peterson

The Eagle • theeagle.com

June 8, 2011 Depression with Aging

10

July 13, 2011 Financial Estate Planning August 10, 2011 Managing Pain CENTER FOR REGIONAL SERVICES 3991 East 29th Street Bryan, Texas 11:30 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Call Today to RSVP: Susie Brown or Bobby Gail Jeffries 979-595-2800 ext. 2025 Lite Lunch Provided

Bradway

from page 4 The largest Chinese garden outside Asia is one of the many eye-pleasing attractions in Montreal’s Botanical Garden.

Card Shark

© CTW Features

and social interaction all stimulate mental faculties.

8. Flexibility. Activities such as Tai Chi and Yoga are great exercises to improve your flexibility. Check out programs designed specifically for those over 50 as they will know how to minimize and prevent joint stress.

The fountain of youth is known to consist of a combination of exercises, eating correctly, and finding mental and emotional peace and balance. Inappropriate exercises or wearing the wrong shoes can discourage us and cause us to overuse our joints and muscles. Try to find an activity you enjoy and then be consistent in using it weekly. We are all destined to live longer today which is why we should take care of our body as we age. The quality of our life as we age is dependent upon taking care of our body.

Bodies in motion = lifelong health.

Leon Bradway, PT MS OMPT, Director of Sports, Back & Pain Management Clinic

W

alter instinctively knows when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. It’s this talent, coupled with his famous poker face, that has won him many poker tournaments over the years.

At the Isle at Watercrest, Walter’s winning ways won’t have to change. He’ll even be able to share secrets with his new friends during their weekly poker games.

Whether it’s cards or camaraderie that excite you, life at the Isle at Watercrest will offer the perfect balance of supportive services and personalized health care with an active, engaged lifestyle.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

pressure, it is imperative that you control it.

Establishing good habits like proper eating and engaging in physical activity at least 3-4 times a week is a great start in preventing or decreasing high blood pressure.

5. Decrease body fat. An important exercise as we age is to push away from the table. As we age, we require fewer calories due to a decrease in physical activity.

6. Core muscle exercises. Lifting weights or increasing muscle strength can increase your metabolism helping you decrease body fat and give you more energy. The principal muscles to concentrate on are; the pelvic floor muscles, abdomen, trunk extensors, buttocks, and thigh muscles.

7. Mental health. This is significantly improved by reducing negative energy and filling your life with joy and positive energy.

Aging does not mean reducing mental exercises. Crosswords, puzzles, card games

Source: Norwegian University of Science and Technology study of nearly 16,000 physically able, fibromyalgia-free women who were followed for 11 years

May 2011

Montreal Tower with its views and exhilarating funicular ride, and museums devoted to history, art and archaeology.

For lunch or dinner, the most authentic of Montreal’s beloved smoked-meat sandwiches are at Schwartz’s deli, but they’re also delicious at Reubens on Sainte-Catherine Street, Canada’s longest shopping avenue.

Jardin Nelson on Place Jacques-Cartier offers great crepes.

If you like eating Italian, there’s Boccacino’s on McGill College Avenue.

Montreal’s favorite fast-food, the poutine, consists of French fries, cheese curd, and brown gravy, and is available everywhere.

Accommodation options are many. Downtown hotels are convenient to subways (so clean, so efficient!) and bus lines.

Before you book your trip, confirm all reservations and attraction schedules. Some of the activities are seasonal and hours vary.

For more information, go to www.tourisme-montreal.org.

29

Percent-lower risk of developing fibromyalgia for women who exercise four or more times a week compared to inactive women.

50plus

Pain Less

Montreal

from page 6

We’d love for you to continue your story with us.

WE’RE OPEN! Now serviNg

Bryan – College Station 4091 Eastchester Drive Bryan, TX 77802 www.horizonbay.com

“Life here is better than a Royal Flush.”

For more information call toll-free today! 1-888-479-3069 Resident experiences portrayed by models.

106759_11

ASSISTED LIVING • SKILLED NURSING

11

50plus May 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Your Retirement: Boom(ers) or Bust?

In a recent survey by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), eight out of ten CPA financial planners reported that they had at least one Boomer client who will be postponing their retirement and half of those clients said that delay would be four years or longer.

A recent Harris poll tracy stewart reveals financial liTeracy even more worrisome news for Boomers, finding that 25 percent of 46- to 64-year-olds have no money at all saved for retirement.

If that’s not enough bad news, the Wall Street Journal reported that those Boomers who do have retirement savings might not have enough to last them the rest of their lives. The Journal went on to report that the 401(k) retirement accounts held by median households headed up by 60- to 62-yearolds have less than a quarter of what they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement.

This certainly is scary, especially if you’re thinking, “That’s me they are talking about!” Don’t despair. You can still get on track or find a

new path for your retirement years.

Here are seven tips for you.

1. Track your expenses now. Ok, you know what you spend on the big-ticket items – mortgage, rent, car payments, insurance. But it’s the rest of your spending that adds up quickly. Track your expenses for three to six months. Start writing down everything you spend or list your expenses in the past three to six months. (I have more detailed tips on my blog at www. texasdivorcefinance.com. You don’t have to be in a divorce to benefit from those tips.)

2. Think about what will change. Think carefully how your spending will change when you retire. Will you want to make repairs to or remodel the house, because you will have time to notice what is falling apart? Will you want to travel? Will you finally have time for that vegetable garden? Surely your dry cleaning bills will fall.

3. Create projections. Yes, financial planners can create sophisticated projections, but you can use a retirement calculator online to find out if you have enough money to retire. There’s a link to a

See Retirement page 15

MONEY MATTERS

Bank Fees Cause for Shopping

The financial fiascos and failures of the past couple of years have led to an array of new fees by credit-card companies and banks. Free checking, for example, is getting more difficult to come by.

Automated teller machine fees also are on the rise, as are service costs for in-person bank visits.

If you having a checking account, take the time to shop around other banks convenient for you and ask what their fees and costs are for the type of checking account you need.

If you find a deal better than the one you have with your current bank, you can check with it to see if you can get the same treatment there. If not, move your account.

You can do some shopping on line by typing into your search engine such catch phrases as “bank fees” and “checking account fees.”

Loan Can Enhance Credit Score

It may sound blasphemous but taking out a loan could lift your credit score, especially if it has

suffered some recent damage during the current credit crisis.

A small loan of a few hundred dollars repaid on time each month can re-establish your credit reliability.

So will paying off your creditcard debt monthly and on time.

This also saves you a lot of money as interest rates climb.

You can us your credit cards to maintain a solid credit score. Just don’t use your credit limit.

Some advisors suggest you maintain your debt at less than 20 percent of your limit. If you have more than one credit card, use all of them, even sparingly, and pay the bills on time to retain a strong credit standing.

Keep in mind that any misstep -- a late payment, for example – can damage your credit score.

An important step to take to maintain a healthy credit score is to check your credit reports regularly.

The three major creditreporting bureaus offer you one free report a year. You can acquire one at different times of the year to spread out the reports and compare them with each other. Report any discrepancies immediately.

To get free copies of your

Sell Your Life Insurance Policy

If you’ve thought about dumping the payments on your life insurance policy or if you need some money or if you’re having problems making the premium payments, you might consider a “life settlement.”

What you do, in essence, is sell the policy for more than its current cash value but less than its face value: the amount it’s worth when you die.

The advantage, of course, is that you get cash for the policy instead of letting it lapse.

But be careful. Fraudsters galore have selected this market as ripe for picking because most sellers are eager to dump the payments so they don’t read the fine print or ask enough questions so they get conned by crooks.

Check with your Better Business Bureau before shopping around for a prospective buyer.

Also discuss the ramifications with your financial advisor and your tax preparer.

Mature Life Features

Vision for the way you live.

Proudly serving the Brazos Valley for over 25 years.

Cataract Screening & Surgery Diabetic Eye Exam Routine Eye Exams In-Office Laser Surgery Lasik/PRK Refractive Surgery Contact Lenses & Glasses

979-776-7564

or 1-800-338-7864

MARR EYE CENTER William H. Marr, M.D., P.A. Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology

Jamie Houser, O.D.

2801 East 29th at Memorial Drive • Bryan 12

credit score that you can download from your computer, go to equifax.com, transunion. com and experian.com.

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, WE’RE THE ONES TO SEE

Ongoing

May 4 Computer Club for Seniors - All Seniors are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Computer Club for Seniors from 9 - 10:30 am at the Carter Creek Training Room located at 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. No registration required.Formoreinformation,contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 7646371 or email: mrodgers@cstx.gov

May 5

May 9 AARP Driver Safety Program Course - The class meets from 1-5 pm at the Watercrest Retirement Center, 3801 East Crest Drive in Bryan. Please call (979) 703-7088 to provide registration information.

May 11 Rio Brazos Audubon Society Meeting – Dr. Toby Hibbitts, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles, Texas

Cooperative Wildlife Collection, Texas A&M University, will give a presentation on Texas amphibians.

He will discuss diversity, distribution, conservation, and behavior. Meeting starts at 6:30 pm at theBrazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.

May 17 Movie Day for Senior Adults “Secondhand Lions” - Enjoy a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center every third Tuesday from 1 - 3 pm located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov

May 23 Senior Advisory Committee meeting - Visitors are welcome to attend. The Senior Advisory Committee will meet on Monday at 10 am at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information contact College Station Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov

May 25 10th Annual Seniors EXPO - All senior adults are invited to the 10th Annual Seniors Expo at the Brazos Center for a Western style Seniors Expo from 9 am - 3 pm. Lots of entertainment, speaker seminars, information booths and giveaways.

Learn how “Senior Friendly” our community is. Visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services booth. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or by e-mail mrodgers@cstx.gov

May 27 BINGO for Senior Adults Please join us for Bingo on the last Friday of the month starting at 1 pm at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Prizes and refreshments. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov

ARE PAINFUL FEET EFFECTING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE? Dr. Robert Leisten, DPM • Dr. Amy Haase, DPM • Podiatrists - Foot Specialists

979-696-4080 or 979-774-3668 (FOOT) Visit our website at: www.diagnosticfootspecialists.com

FOOT HEALTH TIPS

NEW TREATMENT FOR HEEL PAIN & OTHER SOFT TISSUE INJURIES OF THE FOOT NOW AVAILABLE An innovative treatment for soft tissue injuries of the foot, using the patients own blood. This procedure offers a safer, less expensive and more effective alternative to invasive foot surgeries. This promising treatment will revolutionize the treatment of stubborn soft tissue injuries. There are various applications for this in the foot including planter fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, ankle sprains and Achilles tendonitis. This treatment is extremely safe with minimal risk, can be done in our office resulting in faster healing and recovery.

HAMMERTOE

BUNION

INGROWN TOENAIL

Hammertoes are a contracture of the toe caused by an inherited muscle imbalance or too short of shoes. Painful corns form when these toes rub against the tops of shoes. These can be corrected by an office procedure in less than one hour.

Bunions are an unsightly bump of bone on the side of the foot near the big toe.

They can become painful because of tight fitting shoes.

This condition tends to run in families and can be corrected with an office procedure.

Ingrown toenails cause pain from toenail pressing into skin aggravated by shoe gear. They are caused by the thickening or increased curvature of toenail. They can be progressively more painful with possible infection. They can be cured permanently with a minor office procedure.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

AARP Driver Safety Program Course - The class meets from 1-5 pm at the St. Joseph Healthy Communities training room at the

corner of East 29th and Broadmoor in Bryan. Please call 731-1231 to provide registration information.

Volunteer training - Open Arms Respite Group provides a free, volunteer run, safe and fun place where caregivers can leave loved ones with mild Alzheimer’s or dementia so they can take care of errands or themselves. Volunteers are needed to assist participants in activities, light exercise, dance, singing, games, devotional and lunch. Volunteer orientation and training will be provided from 10am - noon at Peace Lutheran Church in College Station. For more information or to register, call Amie Brauer, Director, Open Arms Respite Group (979) 764-4090

May 2011

Computers 102 - This class will move beyond the basics. Learn how to use tool bar functions along with formatting/retrieving documents and more. This six-session class meets on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9 - 10:30 am at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Cost of the class is $60. To register, please contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 764-3486 or in person at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Rd or on-line at parksweb.cstx.gov.

Friday Game Day - Senior Adults are invited to join the fun at Southwood Community Center every Friday afternoon from noon – 3 pm for bridge, dominoes, board games, billiards, Wii games and more! A place to meet your friends for a cup of coffee and enjoy your favorite games. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov Seniors meet to Play 42 - Senior adults meet to play 42 every Thursday at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 - 11:30 am. Contact Southwood

Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov Friday Bridge - Join other senior adults every Friday from 9am -noon at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road for a fun day of bridge. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov

50plus

CALENDAR

Covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid ♦ Board certified foot specialist ♦ No hospitalization required Treatment of bunions, heel pain, corns, calluses and all foot problems ♦ Call for free brochure on your foot problems at no obligation

Located in The Physicians Centre • 3201 University Dr. East, #100 • Bryan BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD PROVIDER FOR A&M EMPLOYEES • Medicare Accepted • Member Alliance PPO

13

50plus The Eagle • theeagle.com

May 2011

For the Time of Your Life.....in the Prime of Your Life!

How long have you been retired? Do you feel as though you work every day, cooking, cleaning, keeping up with your home and lawn care? Start having the time of your life in the prime of your life at Watercrest at Bryan! Enjoy carefree living with 24 hour maintenance, optional meal and housekeeping plans, along with transportation and daily social activities.

SEE OUR BOOTH AT THE

SENIOR EXPO MAY 25TH

Call today to inquire about our NEW lower rates and

$1500 MOVE-IN SPECIAL (EXPIRES MAY 31, 2011)

AT THE BRAZOS CENTER

Call for Current Specials.

Tours available Mon. through Sat.

14

9:00am - 6:00pm or by appointment.

3801 E. Crest Drive, Bryan TX 77802 979.703.7088 • www.watercrestbryan.com

from page 2

Dr. Bill Klemm is a Professor of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University. Visit his blog at ThankYouBrain.com for more memory tips.

Retirement from page 12

Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® specializes in advising couples and individuals regarding divorce financial advice. You can contact her through her blog at www.TexasDivorceFinance.com

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Retirement Shortfall Calculator on my blog under Website Links.

Tips for using the Retirement Shortfall Calculator: • Before you start popping numbers in the boxes, first read the “Definitions”. They really do matter.

• Rates of return – choosing the number for this box is like using a crystal ball. I recommend that you fill in all the other boxes first and then work on this one. First put in 2% and see the result. Then put in 4% and see how the result changes.

Take it up to 8%. It looks better there, doesn’t it? Actually getting your estimated rate of return in real life is a whole different matter.

• Federal tax rate – this is your “marginal” tax rate, the rate of tax on your highest taxed dollar. To help calculate that, there’s a link to a Marginal Tax Rate Calculator on my blog under Website Links.

• Number of years in retirement – assume you will live 10 years longer than the age of your longest living parent or grandparent or age 95.

• Expected inflation rate – use 3.0% or use the default of 3.1%.

• State income tax – thankfully, it is zero in Texas.

4. Overcome a shortfall. If you don’t have enough money for the

retirement you want, you don’t necessarily have to work longer.

You can downsize. Do you have a whole life insurance policy with cash value? You could use the cash or do a 1035 exchange. That is a tax-deferred arrangement that lets you use the cash value to buy an annuity.

5. Maximize Social Security.

Consider postponing the start date for your Social Security benefit payments. A Boomer who qualifies for full benefits at age 66 can get another 32 percent of the benefit by waiting until age 70.

6. Evaluate investments.

Boomers should reassess their investment allocation to ensure they’re getting appropriate returns – and that they are diversified to weather future economic storms.

7. Develop a transition plan.

Few people stop working the day after they turn 65. They are transitioning out of the workforce by going part-time or turning a hobby into a business. If you don’t have quite enough to retire comfortably, think about part-time or consulting work that could help you transition from a full paycheck.

May 2011

the young individually housed group.

These results suggest that housing and social interactions have more influence on BDNF concentrations in the cerebral cortex of aging rats than do physical exercise and food restriction.

But there was some benefit of the exercise too, but only from forced running on the treadmill, not voluntary activity. However, other studies had established that even voluntary exercise by old animals increased BDNF in other parts of brain, including the area so crucial to memory formation, the hippocampus.

More promising news comes from the research group of Art Kramer at the University of Illinois. Their study of 120 men and women from 60 to 80 years old demonstrated that exercise affected the size of the hippocampus.

Recall, I said the hippocampus is the part of the brain that helps form lasting memories. These people were typical “couch potatoes” who were divided into two experimental groups. One group served as controls, and they just participated in toning, stretching and light strengthening exercises.

The other group fast-walked an average of three miles in 40 minutes for three times a week for a year. Brain scans revealed that the walking group actually had about 2 percent increases

in hippocampal size, presumably because of the known effect of exercise on BDNF, which stimulates neuronal growth. Hippocampal size in controls decreased about 1 percent, which is typical for this age group. The net difference due to exercise was 3 percent in just one year.

So, taking all animal and human studies into account, it would seem like a good idea to: 1. Minimize stress.

2. Get out of the house and socialize.

3. Exercise regularly and vigorously Aerobic exercise has important benefits beyond cardiovascular fitness and mental sharpness. Such exercise improves general muscle tone and reduces fat. It reduces stress and tension. Natural opiates, the endorphins, are released by aerobic exercise to produce what is called the “runner’s high.” We not only feel good, we feel better about ourselves.

How much incentive do you have to have to get off that couch? Surely you can find six free minutes every other day.

50plus

Memory Medic

APPROVED skin types I-VI

Wave Goodbye to Spider Veins!

Dr. Andy Hansen

Board Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon 2803 Earl Rudder Freeway, Suite 100 • CS • 979-696-VEIN (8346) • www.centraltexasveincenter.com

15

50plus May 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

REJUVENATE

FOR

SpRINg

Look your best. Feel your best. Live your best.

It is time to put your best face forward.

At the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Scott & White in College Station, a multitude of skin care services are available for all of your skin care needs.

From cosmetic surgery to a complete range of non-surgical skin care services, including microdermabrasion and facials, we can provide the best skin care options for you.

Learn more about our services at bcsbeauty.sw.org

15% OFF SIgNATURE FACIALS (offer expires 06/30/11)

Call 979-691-3295 to schedule your appointment.

16