seasoned
O c to b e r 2017
Over 50 & living the good life!
Mental wellness
Dealing with overload
Memory
Mindfulness training
Physical therapy
How it can help with pain
Money matters
Financial fitness check-up at 50
Fun in a snap
Photography classes offer way to start hobby, business
seasoned
A monthly publication of The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 PUBLISHER Crystal Dupre’ DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Sean Lewis
DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Linda Brinkman SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis shauna.lewis@theeagle.com
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Contents
Mindfulness training promotes healthy aging Financial fitness check-up at 50 How to deal with overload and overwhelm What does a physical therapist do? Fun in a snap: Local photography classes How to turn a hobby into a career Calendar
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Mindfulness training promotes healthy aging
As we get older, we become more distractible. That is probably the main reason for declining memory ability with age. Ever open the refrigerator door and ask yourself, “Now what was I looking for?” You might have had eggs and bacon in mind, but something distracted you and erased what was being held in the working-memory Dr. Bill Klemm temporary storage. The Memory Medic The inability to focus means that the brain is not registering sensations normally. When awareness becomes limited, the brain becomes limited in what it can think and feel.
What is mindfulness meditation? Mindfulness is a meditation in which one deliberately focuses on a few thoughts in the present. Typically, this involves repeating a mantra or restricting thought to slow and deep breathing. Such meditation blocks thinking and worries about the past or future. Thus, meditation helps you live in the “now” and exercises the ability to focus and avoid distraction. Losing mindfulness with age Experiments show that as we age, we become more distractible. This is a major cause of memory problems like “brain freezes” in old age. Similar distractibility is seen in
young, undeveloped brains. Inability to concentrate also promotes fuzzy thinking. In both young and old, the cause is likely incomplete neuronal circuitry resulting from shriveling of neuron terminals in old age or incomplete development in children and teenagers.
Mindfulness and psychological well-being Like foggy weather, mental fog clouds our perceptive abilities. Impaired mental awareness diminishes and distorts life experiences. It may even promote depression. Mental fog certainly impairs the ability to think and reason and to have rich emotional experiences. Fog cheats us of a fully actualized life. When we practice mindfulness, we find psychological peace because we avoid thinking about the problems and anxieties of the past or those anticipated for the future. A recent review of multiple mindfulness studies reveals that meditation reduces stress and tissue inflammation, both of which accelerate aging. Another study revealed that meditation can reduce pain and improve sleep quality. Numerous studies show that meditation reduces depressive symptoms and improves the perceived quality of life in older people. Causes of brain deterioration The impending fog of aging can be reduced by regular meditation. A brain-scan study showed that all the
old people in the study had varying degrees of brain atrophy, but the loss of grey matter was significantly less in people who had meditated for at least four years. Some elderly people do not suffer much mental deterioration. Why are they different? I think it is because their brain has been protected from environmental causes of brain damage. Of course unhealthy diets and lack of exercise promote aging of both body and brain. In addition, a common cause of mental aging is the stress of life. Stress induces tissue inflammation but these also result from normal metabolism. That is why a diet full of antioxidants is universally recommended by the medical community. Stress has an additional effect: the release of cortisol, which shrivels neural synaptic connections and restricts growth of new ones. Obviously, a lifetime of stress could have lasting cumulative effects. Stress-coping strategies thus are likely to delay or even prevent agerelated mental decline. One of these strategies is mindfulness meditation. Fortunately, mindfulness can be trained, and once mastered it not only blocks negative thinking but also promotes mental and bodily relaxation. One study revealed that people who had at least 10 years of meditation experience compared to age-matched controls had better inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, processing speed and working memory.
Enhancing mindfulness To gain the benefits of meditation, all one has to do is to practice it for 15 minutes or so every day. Coupling meditative focus on slow breathing while holding yoga postures can provide an added benefit of isometric exercise.
Sources Founstain-Zaragosa, S. Stephanie, and Prakash, Ruchikka Shaurya (2017). Mindfulness training for healthy aging: Impact on attention, well-being, and inflammation. Aging Neuroscience, Feb. 3,. http://journal.frontiers. orgpeople/u/12680 Luders, E., Cherbuin, N., & Kurth, F. (2015). Forever Young(er): Potential age-defying effects of long-term meditation on gray matter atrophy. Frontiers in Psychology. Jan. 21. http://journal.frontiersin.org/ article/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01551/full Memory Medic’s book for seniors, “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine,” is available in inexpensive e-book format at www. smashwords.com/books/view/496252. See also his recent books, “Memory Power 101” (Skyhorse), and “Mental Biology. The New Science of How the Brain and Mind Relate” (Prometheus), and the new e-book at Amazon, “To Tell the Truth. Save Us from Concealment, Half-truths, Misrepresentation, Spin, and Fake News.”
Financial fitness check-up at 50
What do J.R.R. Tolkien, Jack Cover and Ronald Reagan have in common? You may not know this, but they all had amazing accomplishments after their 50th birthday. J.R.R. TracY Stewart Tolkien published Financial Literacy the first installment in the “Lord of the Rings” fantasy series at age 62. Cover’s name may be
unfamiliar, but the man started Taser, Inc. when he was 50 years old to find a weapon that could stop assailants without killing them. And Ronald Reagan, a famous actor earlier in life, was first elected to public office when he was 55 years old. Whether or not you are gearing up for your book, a marathon or a sail around the world, turning 50 is a beautiful thing. In fact, you might feel much younger! However, chances are your financial planner remembers your age well because money decisions at 50
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can shape the rest of your long life. Are you ready for a financial fitness check-up? Read on for ideas you can do on your own or bring with you to your next financial planning appointment. Reassess your healthcare coverage. Getting older can mean more medical appointments. More medications, eye care, dental care and lab tests may also be in your future. While a “bare bones” insurance plan
might work just fine for a healthy 25 year old, someone in their 50s should take an honest look at family and personal medical history to choose a coverage plan that actually covers them. This may mean a combination of an insurance policy, prescription coverage, and a savings account for those unexpected surprises.
See Long-term care page 10 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
How to deal with overload and overwhelm
There’s a lot going on right now, wouldn’t you agree? Political upheaval, economic uncertainty and security concerns. International tensions, terrorist attacks, wars and rumors of wars. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. Local community concerns, violence and crime. Information about all of this continually cascades down upon us with multiple voices touting strong opinions Gary Roe Hospice on almost every conceivable subject. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher what’s what, leaving us with furrowed brows and nagging uncertainties. What’s happening? What’s next? What does it all mean? Where are we going? Add to all this the stress of our own personal relationships, health troubles and financial concerns, and it’s not hard to see why many of us feel overwhelmed. Many are anxious, depressed, angry or frightened. Most are tired, even exhausted. Our world can be wonderful and scary. Life is tough and seems to be getting tougher all the time. No wonder we feel overloaded at times. My family adores the “Star Wars” movies. One of my favorite characters is a droid called C3PO. In one scene, after some severe stress, this goldplated, English-accented robot states, “Master, if it’s alright with you, I’m going to power down now.” And then, click, he shuts himself off. Wouldn’t that be nice? I wish I could do that. Imagine being able to simply “switch off” during times of overload. Sadly, since none of us can fully shut down with the flip of
I go through each task and check all the boxes that apply. Is it priority? Is it important? Is it urgent? Or is it “other?” Those with the most check marks get attention first, and so on, with those in the “other” column bringing up the rear. Intentionally deciding what’s most important can help ease the urge and need to do it all. We can rest better knowing we’ve done the things that matter most. 3. Do what we can and release the rest. Most of us like having a sense of control. Yet, when we analyze it, there’s hardly anything we can say that we’re in control of. I’m in control of what thoughts I choose to let reside in my mind and heart, and the decisions, words and actions that flow from those thoughts. When it comes to my world, I have influence in relationships and situations, but I can’t control any circumstance or anyone’s thoughts, decisions or actions. On some level, we all attempt to control some things, and that’s exhausting. We end up frustrated, confused and angry. Our anxiety, disappointment and depression only increases. Part of recognizing we’re human is learning to do what we can and release what we have no control over. I’m reminded of the words of the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” 4. Focus on quality relationships. Ultimately, life is all about relationships. In my work as a hospice chaplain and grief counselor, people share with me about
a switch. We must find ways to cope, manage and navigate through all the stuff coming at us. How do we do that? Here are some suggestions. Handling overload 1. Accept that we’re human. There is a limit to what each one of us can take in, deal with and handle. We are not all-powerful. We can’t be everywhere at once. We can’t know or understand everything. How much do we really need to handle? How much is too much? How much do we need to know? For our own sanity, most of us need to manage the amount of information, activity and stress that flows into our lives. There is a sense in which information can be power, but only if we use it to live better, more fruitful, and peaceful lives. Sane living requires managing the torrent of information, activity and stress in our lives. This begins with acknowledging that we are indeed human -- limited and fallible. 2. Decide what’s important. What’s priority? What’s important? What’s urgent? As Stephen Covey has said, a key to life is putting “first things first.” We live more in line with our purpose when we let our priorities dictate what we do, when and how. Many of us focus on doing the next urgent thing -- the task that seems to be screaming at us the loudest. But there are times when what’s urgent is not necessarily important, and we end up chasing minor details while neglecting our priorities. I am not a fan of lists, but I have one. I make it every Sunday evening. I divide the page into columns: priority, important, urgent, other. On the far left, I list tasks that come to mind for that week or in the future. Then
their lives and what’s important to them. They hardly ever talk about accomplishments, accolades, plaques, medals or bank accounts. Instead they talk about family, friends and coworkers. And when they share about their regrets, they’re always about people and relationships. People matter - our family, friends, co-workers, those around us and the world at large. We come out of the womb seeking connection. We’re wired to love and be loved. Relationships are the guts of life. Peace in the storm In this busy, often crazy world, we will have trouble. Obstacles abound. The storm is upon us and is always raging. We need peace in this tempest. Peace begins with accepting that we’re limited human beings. There’s only so much any of us can do. Yet, each of us is vitally important and placed here for a reason. We need strong convictions and laser-like focus on living out our priorities. We need to see those around us, reach out, and connect. Today comes down to us – you and me. What will we do? How will we live today? Do what we can. Travel light. Love, forgive, and exercise great kindness. Peace in the middle of the overwhelming storm. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Gary Roe is an award-winning author, chaplain and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley. His latest book, “Teen Grief: Caring for the Grieving Teenage Heart” was just released. Visit www.garyroe.com or contact Roe at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.
What does a physical therapist do?
October is Physical Therapy Month. And because I frequently get questions about physical therapy and what a doctor of physical therapy can do to help you, I’d like to answer Leon Bradway some of them here. Physical Therapy First and foremost, T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
may not have up-to-date information on the clinical skills and education of a doctor of physical therapy. A therapist’s expert knowledge today is leaps and bounds above what was taught in physical therapy school 30 to 40 years ago. In fact, in most instances, you should see a skilled physical therapist before you consider more invasive procedures, like surgery or lengthy courses of injections or pain medications that may only cover the
why should you have your own doctor of physical therapy as part of your close medical team, and how can he/ she help you with your overall health, welfare and longevity? Second, should you take an active part in choosing a physical therapist, and if so, why? It’s probably easy for many of us to say who really cares who our therapist is – our physician knows what’s best for us. Unfortunately, many physicians
symptoms and not the real underlying problem. Even if your physician recommends physical therapy, the way medicine is structured today -- with many physicians being employees of large corporations or employing their own physical therapists -- you may be
See Physical therapy page 8 October 5, 2017 | 5
Fun in a sn
Photography classes offer seniors way to sta By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle Photography can be a great hobby to keep seniors active, and could even help bring in a little extra income, experts say. The Brazos Valley area offers classes for beginner to experienced photographers. “Photography is a great hobby for seniors and everyone because it feeds your mind and your soul,” said Doug Box, certified professional photographer and owner/ instructor for Texas Photographic Workshops in Caldwell. “You have to get outside and do something. It helps keep you sharp because you use reasoning, logic and creativity. Photography is also something you can share with family and spend quality time together. A lot of seniors love to travel. Photography can be an incubator for discovery and learning. Plus, photography is a way for people to be involved with their community and give back.” Photography, whether it’s done as a hobby or a way to make some extra money, can also be an outlet for people to express their creativity. “As a photographer for over 40 years, I have found that photography is the perfect way to express myself in an artistic and creative way,” Box said. “It is relaxing and lets me combine multiple hobbies such as bird watching, painting, astronomy and more. It is a great way to record family history and to pass on photos to other generations. It also is a great way to grow your self-worth and share your images on a blog or Facebook. Plus, it is the perfect activity to share with kids and grandkids.” Box, a master photographer and photographic craftsman, said he began his photography career at Texas Lutheran University as head photographer for the yearbook in 1973. Since then, he has had a photography business in Houston, Brenham, Navasota and Caldwell. He has taught at conventions and seminars in all 50 states and seven countries. Box has also written six photography books, and Texas Photographic Workshops has hosted photographic students from all over Texas, 12 states and five countries. Classes offered through Texas Photographic Workshops range from macro photography, travel and landscape classes to portrait, lighting, posing and starting your own business, he said. “We take students into our home studio to learn everything they need to take their photography to the next level,” Box said. “From the basics to our master classes, all of our classes are small size for personal attention and hands on for the best learning experience. Besides classes, workshops and seminars, we host Photo Day Trips to explore interesting places with others who enjoy photography. And, we do the planning, so you can just enjoy the experience, which includes learning, education, fun and even follow up after the classes and day trips.”
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Doug Box, owner of Texas Photographic Workshops in Caldwell, visits with clients. Photography basics can be easily learned, he added. “The greatest thing about photography is you can start learning wherever you are and stop learning at whatever level you feel comfortable,” Box said. “With today’s sophisticated cameras, you can create beautiful images on program or delve deep and learn to go full manual.” Box suggests that the best way to get started is to get together with others who are interested in photography, as well.
“Local camera clubs or meet photo buddies,” he said. “Of cou lessons speeds up the learning p … is a great place to find bargai In addition to an enjoyable h pay the bills. “Almost any hobby can turn photography is no different,” Bo people, pets, sports, travel, stock
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How to turn a hobby art new hobby or business into a career
Contributed photo
t-up groups are a great way to find urse, attending classes or private process. Finding a local camera store ins and get to know an expert.” hobby, photography could also help
n into a small business, and ox said. “You can photograph k photography and more. I teach a
class called, ‘Make Money with your Camera and Write Off your Vacations.’” Another opportunity to learn photography skills is an upcoming Digital Photography Class, offered by the City of College Station Parks and Recreation Department at Southwood Community Center. This class, instructed by David Strawn, will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Mondays from Oct. 30 through Nov. 27. Students will learn how to use several functions of a digital camera, while also learning the techniques of better picture taking. They will also be given hints to improve composition, lighting and dramatic impact. “I try to do a balance between some of the technical aspects of digital photography, like explaining what a megapixel is and why it matters, how to get digital pictures out of a camera and on to a computer, some very basic editing skills - cropping, minor color correction, etc.,” Strawn said. “The other half of each session, I spend on taking better pictures. We spend a week on still life, a week on landscapes, a week on architecture, and a week on portraiture.” Strawn also believes that photography is a good hobby for seniors. “Most senior adults have had some experience with ‘point and shoot’ film cameras earlier in their lives, and now have a desire to take digital pictures of the events of their lives - trips, grandchildren, other hobbies they may have,” he said. “Many seniors are interested in keeping up with emerging technologies - smart phones, tablets, etc. and using social media like Facebook. Digital photography fits right in with these interests.” Learning the basics is extremely easy; however, mastering both the technical skills of a digital camera and the artistic skills of making good pictures takes a little more time, Strawn said. “Look for a digital camera with a good optical zoom lens and a sensor with at least 10 to 12 megapixels,” he said. “Take a lot of pictures of everything and then begin critiquing your images to learn how to improve them.” Strawn noted that while a person with a good camera and a good eye for images can sell them on a number of image sharing sites, he just does it for personal enjoyment. “I love taking pictures of people and places that I love, and then letting those images take me back to those times and reliving them over and over,” he said. More information For more information on Texas Photographic Workshops, visit texasphotographicworkshops.com. For more on the digital photography class offered by Strawn, visit cstx.gov. A quick online search will turn up additional Brazos Valley area photographers who offer lessons, as well as online courses. Those interested in photography can also meet others with similar interests at local photography meetups. Search www.meetup.com for meet-up group options.
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Metro Creative Connection Some might find it possible to turn hobbies and other interests into ventures that can make money or even serve as new jobs. Earning a living doing something you love is the ultimate goal for many people. However, before a person tries to turn a hobby into a career, he or she first needs to analyze the situation and give such a momentous decision ample consideration. All hobbies cannot be adapted into lucrative businesses, especially those that are very niche-oriented. The following techniques can help people turn their hobbies into careers. • Streamline and perfect your skill. Before trying to turn a hobby into a career, obtain further training or education, if necessary. Just because you’re qualified to do something as an amateur does not mean you can do it as a professional. Research if you need more schooling and pursue that schooling if you find you do. • Appeal to other hobbyists. Hobbyists tend to be quite enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Therefore, your first client base may very well be other hobbyists. Attend street fairs, carnivals and any other gatherings that tend to bring hobbyists together. This can help spread the word about your ventures and open up your work to an extended network of like-minded individuals. • Listen to all feedback. Take criticism and other feedback from as many people as you can. This will help you to really fine tune and professionalize your hobby. Try brainstorming with people, remaining open to what others have to say about your potential business. • Start small and simple. Getting your feet wet in the business world takes an investment of time and money. It’s easy to follow the mentality of “go big or go home.” But with the goal of turning a hobby into a career, you may want to start slowly --taking the bunny hills before skiing down the expert-level slopes. Start selling items or services in the community. Expand to a website. Keep track of your profit margin before you grow your business even further. You must be realistic in your ability to make money that can fully support you and your business. • Write about your interests. You may be able to make money through your hobby without performing the hobby. Become a freelance writer and share expertise through a blog or by contracting with newspapers and magazines. Sharing your expertise can be a lucrative and less costly way to turn a hobby into a new career. Turning a hobby into a profession may not result in instant success. But with dedication, the dream may come true.
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Physical therapy from page 5
Because so many of the problems that interfere with our ability to move or do so pain free pertain to the 600 muscles and nerves, it is prudent to have a long-term relationship with a physical therapist who can help you decide your best course of action throughout your lifetime. Physical therapists have the medical knowledge and expertise in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and thus can advise you on the most effective yet conservative treatment options before considering a drug program or surgical procedures. A doctor of physical therapy understands how the body operates and knows how to treat pain or movement problems. A few areas where a lifelong relationship with a physical therapist is advantageous include: sports injuries (particularly children during their growing years), pelvic pain (pre/post childbirth, prostate issues), diabetes and weight loss (adding or increasing exercise safely), injury and fall prevention and cardiovascular health. Remember anything pertaining to nerve, joint and muscle pertains to physical therapy -- a natural, conservative solution that works. Prevention and treatment of sports injuries in children: Research shows that the earlier the injury, the higher the probability of onset osteoarthritis, particularly when surgery is involved. Growing children are particularly susceptible as their bodies are vulnerable when growing. Prevention is key, along with proper
referred within their setting. Does this mean you won’t see a skilled therapist? No. But there is a reason the Stark Law discouraged referral within your own organization or “referral for profit.” Some doctors are required to send your physical therapy referral to a department where they determine referrals, but on what basis, education, experience, skill or whether the person is employed by the same entity. You have the right to choose your therapist. Research your physical therapist as you would your doctor, surgeon and so on. You are entrusting this person with your future good health and mobility. Call someone you know and find out about the place you are about to have physical therapy. As with any medical professional, not all physical therapists have the same training, skill, knowledge or understanding. Base your selection on experience, level of skill, additional training, personality and word of mouth. Also, make sure you are working with a physical therapist each visit, as opposed to seeing a technician or massage therapist for the majority of your sessions. Remember, you also have to do your part -- home exercises, a positive attitude and believe that you can get better. A doctor of physical therapy has expert knowledge rooted in the nervous and musculoskeletal IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES system through all stages of life. The human body ® is made up of over 600 muscles that enable movement, strength and play. Many of the aches Interactive Caregiving® is the unique way our Comfort Keepers® and pains we experience come from injuries to our deliver care to our clients. It centers on four interrelated aspects nervous and musculo– engagement of the mind, an active body, proper nutrition, and skeletal systems. These safety. A plan of Care which addresses these aspects, together, can be overuse injuries, will enhance quality of life and ultimately, independence. accidents, daily living, work, sports, leisure SERVICES activities and of course, Companion Care • Personal Care the aging process. And whether we get back to Light Housekeeping normal is dependent on In-Home Safety Solutions a number of things: the age at which we were injured, the severity of the injury, the remedy used to fix the problem, the skill of the medical professionals involved and the compliance of the patient in adhering 244 Southwest Parkway East • College Station, TX 77840 to medical instructions.
form of exercise and adequate rest. These are things a therapist can help with naturally. Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain is felt in the lower abdominal area in men and women. Pelvic pain for women can result from pregnancy and childbirth (hormone levels, muscular weakness, tender points, pressure on nerves, and scar tissue from surgical procedures). Males can experience pelvic pain due to prostatitis, epididymitis, pelvic floor muscle weakness, bladder spasms and gonad discomfort. A skilled physical therapist can work with you using natural methods to remedy your pain. Diabetes/weight loss/ cardiovascular health: Diabetes affects 26 million people in the United States. Poor nutrition and highly processed foods add to this increasing phenomenan. In the early 1900s, the average man, 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 150 pounds, and the average 5-foot-4 female weighed 130 pounds. Not so today. It is also a fact that many individuals in those days walked three to four miles every day. Today, 50 percent of the American people are obese (30 percent or more in body fat), few walk anywhere and the foods we purchase are deplete of minerals and vitamins, and yet are full of fillers, chemicals, unnatural fats, sugars and
glucose. A physical therapist can help you understand diabetes pitfalls and work with you on a diet and exercise program to reduce sugar levels and prevent exercise pain and injury. Falls and fall prevention: Falls can happen from dizziness, vertigo, stiff neck muscles, over medication, and overall body weakness. Dizziness is a feeling of light-headedness; vertigo is the sensation of the room spinning. Both of these feelings can be the result of neck stiffness, inner ear problems, or another form of disease or pathology. A skilled physical therapist can help with dizziness and vertigo problems and assure you better balance through visual and muscle strengthening to help prevent falls. Physical therapy is so often bypassed by the medical community pain problems. Many are referred for costly procedures, injections or surgical procedures. Before other remedies, why not ask to be seen by a physical therapist and start with a natural process? Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www.bvphysicaltherapy. com.
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CALENDAR
Ongoing Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Adults 55 and up meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. Gentle workout while sitting in a chair. Features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Line dance workshop for beginners – Adults 55 and older are invited to a free line dance workshop for beginners, held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first, second and third Monday of each month, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn the steps and terminology. No registration necessary. Contact 764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information. Line Dancing - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Low impact workout, to the hottest tunes. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Classic Country and Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels welcome. Bring string instruments and a friend. Open to all who like to listen to or play this kind of music. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov. Learn how to play 42 dominoes - Learn the game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov for more information. 42 dominoes - Adults 55 and up meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. New players welcome. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov. Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors 9:1510:30 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-7643779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information. Maj Jongg - Adults 55 and older interested in learning the game will meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Game Night - Seniors are invited to Game Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
Table games and dominoes provided or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. For more information contact 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Forevercise - Forevercise is a free exercise class for ages 55 and up, offered on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:30–3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Class offers individuals healthy lifestyle practices with helpful tips on nutrition and exercise. Exercises may be done while standing or sitting in a chair. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov. Dominoes - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays dominoes all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and from noon to closing Wednesdays. Sack lunch for those playing dominoes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/ www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Bridge – Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bridge from 12:30 p.m. until closing on Tuesdays; noon to closing on Thursdays; and 12:20 p.m. to closing Fridays. Partner needed Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Games - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays board games, Scrabble and other card games on Tuesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Bible study - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds Bible study 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Exercise class - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds exercise class 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Bingo - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bingo 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens. weebly.com. Canasta - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Canasta from 11:30 a.m. to closing on Thursdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. Potluck luncheon - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, has a potluck luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. For more, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com. One-on-one computer help - 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays at Larry J. Ringer Library,
1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S. in College Station. Contact the Reference Desk to schedule a 30-minute session, at 979-764-3416. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org. Flow and Balance Exercise Class - Seniors are invited to join this free exercise class held from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. The class combines traditional Korean dance movements with music to promote physical and mental health. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Zumba for Seniors Class – Free class held from 3-4 p.m. on Thursdays in October, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Zumba is an aerobic workout that incorporates dance moves. This easy-to-follow program lets participants move to the rhythm at their own speed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors. Oct. 10 AARP Smart Driver Course – Class held 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break, at the Carter Creek Training room, located at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station. Refresh your driving skills. Participants will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies and new traffic laws and rules of the road. To register contact 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pay at the door. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors. Oct. 14 Brazos Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Kicks off with registration at 8 a.m., followed by ceremony at 9 a.m. and walk at 9:30 a.m. Held at Wolf Pen Creek, 1015 Colgate Drive in College Station. For more information, contact Ali Bodovsky at 713-3141360 or alztexwalk@alz.org. Oct. 17 Genealogy Class – Held 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays from Oct. 17-Nov. 7, at the Carter Creek Training Room, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station. The class will concentrate on U.S. Census, courthouse and internet research. Cost is $25. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.
See Calendar page 11 October 5, 2017 | 9
Long-term care from page 4
Consider long-term care. You are in good health and active. Your kids may not even be married yet. It is difficult to imagine that there might be a time it will take effort to feed or dress yourself. And yet, surveys show that many in the 50 plus crowd will need some kind of extended care assistance relating to illness, accidents or simply getting older. Long-term care policies are complex. They can also be expensive. However, the older you get, the more costly your premiums will be. If long-term care is on your radar (and it should be) begin by having honest conversations with your family. Who will take care of you if you get sick? Do you plan to self-fund hired help through a dedicated savings account, or would you prefer to have an insurance policy? There is no single “right answer” for everyone, but it is far better to begin asking these questions sooner rather than wait for an emergency. Check your 401k contributions. Life is full. Between working, community involvement, kids and hobbies, many of us put the 401k on autopilot. It is easy to “set it and forget it,” and the automated nature of the payroll withholding can help you save. However, be sure that you periodically review and update your investments
and your contribution amounts. If your contribution is the same today as it was 10 years ago, it’s time to bump it up! Remember also that you can make extra catch-up contributions to your 401k (or similar) plan the year you turn 50. That can mean an additional $6,500 a year in savings! Look through your estate planning documents. If your response here is “What estate planning documents?” then you have work to do. Adults of any age should have a valid Will and Powers of Attorney documents. Age 50 is a good check-point to be sure those documents are still accurate. If you went through a divorce or had another change in your personal circumstances, you should meet with an attorney to revise those documents.
deferred savings account? Is now the time to drop (or buy) life insurance? Those are the difficult questions you cannot simply Google. Your personal goals, family circumstances, assets and debts, lifestyle and cash flow will define your individual best course of action. And the only way to be sure you are making good decisions is to work with a trusted financial planner. Just like a medical check-up, this is a necessity that will save you time, money and headache. Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.TexasDivorceCPA.com.
Be careful with debt. After you retire, interest payments can cut into your income stream – and you won’t have the luxury of just working harder to make ends meet. Therefore, age 50 is the time to get aggressive about paying down existing debt (and being cautious about taking on more). Balancing debt repayment with investing can be a tough act, which brings me to the next point. If you are not working with a trusted financial planner yet, now is the time! Do you need long-term care coverage? Should you pay off your mortgage or put more money into a tax-
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Calendar
from page 9 gov/seniors. A Computer Refresher Course – Held 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from Oct. 1726, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Update computer skills with this course. Cost of is $25. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors. Nutrition Education – Presented by Texas Agrilife, for ages 60 and up, from 10-11 a.m. at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor in College Station. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779. Oct. 18 Family History Computer Group: “German Immigrants” – Held 9:30-11 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the Carter Creek Training Room, at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station. Open to ages 55 and up. The group shares an interest in researching family history and storing it on their computers. No registration is required. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-
764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors. Oct. 19 Senior Fall Fest – Free event held 5-7 p.m. at the American Pavilion at Veterans Park, 3101 Harvey Road in College Station. Ages 55 and up are invited to enjoy free food, lively music, a cakewalk, door prizes and a costume contest. No registration required. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors. Movie and Popcorn: “The Last Word” – Enjoy a movie and popcorn from 1-3 p.m. every third Thursday at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors. Oct. 26 Monthly Dance – Ages 55 and up are invited to an evening of dancing with a live DJ at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Held from 7-9 p.m. Door prizes and light refreshments served. No reservation needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx. gov/seniors.
Oct. 27 Bingo & Birthday Celebration - Join on the last Friday of each month from 1:30 –2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, for bingo and cake to celebrate October birthdays. Prizes will be given out. No registration necessary. Call 979-764-6351 for more information. Oct. 30 Senior Advisory Committee meeting - The Senior Advisory Committee meets on the last Monday of the month to discuss programs and activities for ages 55 and up. Held at 10 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Visitors welcome. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors. Digital Photography Class – Held 2-3 p.m. on Mondays, from Oct. 30-Nov. 27 at Carter Creek Training Room, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station. Learn how to take better pictures. The class will cover how to improve composition, lighting and dramatic impact. Cost is $25. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors.
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