Forever Young January 2023

1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12 Amherst, NY 14228

Phone 716.783.9119 Fax 716.783.9983 www.foreveryoungwny.com

CORPORATE

President Sharon C. Levite Publisher / Chief Revenue Officer Barbara E. Macks Vice President Administrative & Finance Michele Ferguson

Publisher Barbara E. Macks

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Sabrina Kahwaty skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com

Contributing Writers Carol Ann Harlos, Jonnemarie Kahwaty, Jennifer Merrick, Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, Judith A. Rucki, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

Creative Director Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer Nicholas Vitello

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers Graphic Designers Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Eric Frick, Nancy J. Parisi, Dan Cappellazzo

ADVERTISING & SALES

Director of Sales & Advertising Barbara E. Macks bmacks@foreveryoungwny.com

A new year begins

With every new year comes a chance to make resolutions. Among the most popular are goals related to health and wellness. Maintaining fitness is challenging, but not impossible. This issue offers concrete ways to be fit over fifty. Whether you want to reclaim a previous level of fitness post-joint replacement, form new habits, or simply learn how to start, we’ll put you on the right path.

Resolutions can also be affirmative, like trying new things. So, in addition to fitness tips, the following pages also offer a healthy soup recipe, information on volunteering to grant senior wishes, noteworthy events, and more.

As we work to become our best selves, let’s also strive to make Western New York its best self—a place that welcomes, uplifts, and supports; a community that celebrates the arts and patronizes

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

DIGITAL

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE

should be sent to the editor (skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope of adequate size and strength. The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertising message or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

Michele Ferguson

FOREVER YOUNG *JANUARY RESOURCES

have

skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com.

Online IMAGINE BUFFALO SPEAKER SERIES Presented by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in conjunction with C-SAAHN and ImagineLifelongLearning.com via Zoom every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Each week features a local speaker and Q&A. FREE. Visit website for Zoom link: buffalolib.libcal.org

Online LAUGHTER WELLNESS Come as you are, just bring your laughter! Tuesdays at 11 a.m. FREE. Visit facebook.com/ Buffalo-Laughers for information.

Gowanda HEALTHY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Activities open to the public age 50+, (no residency requirements), Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule, visit communityalliance.org; 5321010

Niagara Falls SENIOR COMPANION/FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

Looking for seniors who enjoy working with their peers or children. Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, transportation assistance, and supplemental insurance coverage while volunteering. If you are 55+ and want to make a difference, call 285-8224 Jennifer Britton (ext. 217) for Senior Companions and Kelly Carr (ext. 228) for Foster Grandparents

Clarence WNY MEDICARE SMART START PROGRAM offers free help applying for Medicare. WNY MEDICARE SMARTSAVER PROGRAM offers free help to review, research, maximize coverage, and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Services offered through WNY Medicare Resource Center. Info: 833-0252 or wnymedicare.org

Buffalo HEADWAY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their

families, and caregivers; exchange information and resources, and find mutual support and encouragement. Info: 408-3100 or headwayofwny.org

Southtowns NEW HORIZONS

MUSIC Calling all musicians 50+. For info, email Janet Stout at 354janet@gmail.com and visit newhorizonsmusic.org.

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz.org/wnyc for info.

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 706-0060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.

West Seneca AMANA GARDEN CLUB OF WEST SENECA, is welcoming new members interested in gardening, floral arrangement, and more. For more information, contact Marie: 884-8543

Buffalo PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP United Way – Room 219, 742 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Contact: Stephanie Mruzek. Email: eastamherstDSM@ solsticeseniorliving.com. Visit parkinson.org for a full listing of Parkinson’s support groups in WNY.

Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE

SUPPORT: Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 632-3700 or mcguiregroup.com

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS

PROGRAM: The Pride Center of WNY offers support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. For information: 852-7743 or pridecenterwny.org

NIAGARA FALLS SINGLES

SOCIAL CLUB: This active 50+ crowd holds Meet & Greets second Fridays at Tim Hortons (8500 Niagara Falls Boulevard) and

dances third Friday at Buff Social Club (2565 Young St.). For more info, see Facebook: SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB or call 550-1232

TOPS CLUBS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Clubs offer tools, programs, support, and fellowship for healthy living and weight management.

Akron For info, call Diane 542-4980

Cheektowaga For info, call Karen 247-2334

Cheektowaga For info, call MaryAnn 895-4414

Niagara Falls For info, call Beth 385-7558

Farnham For info, call 934-9619

Lancaster For info, call Eva 4070539

Silver Creek For info, call 680-0313

Tonawanda For info, call 6935161

Basement Beverly Lenahan at 716-982-9504 beverlyannlenahan@gmail.com

Winter with houseplants

Know the issues that can threaten their health

die down to the soil because they need a rest. You can use this time to make cuttings, dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and have the pleasure of adding them to gardens or pots late next spring. If you brought potted plants into your home, cut back on watering and take your cue from their behavior.

Winter is a time to refresh after the rigors of the outdoor gardening season. It’s a time to contemplate the past season, study plant science (among other interests), and enjoy the plants in our homes. However, a fellow gardener recently commented, “I thought I would get a break from gardening during the colder months, but some of my plants look unwell. What should I do?”

Some plants don’t care about receiving large amounts of light during our winter, even if they are tropical because even in the tropics, they grew in shade under larger sun-loving plants. These include spider plants (from West and South Africa) peace lilies (from Venezuela and Columbia), Chinese evergreen (Agloenema, from Asia and New Guinea), snake plants (from West Africa), lucky bamboo (not bamboo at all but a relative of asparagus), fittonia (also called “nerve plant” because the leaf veins are red or white). These overwinter easily in our homes (though some are not pet-friendly so do your homework).

Other, sunlight-hungry plants do not. They may suffer from dry heated air, cold air from drafts, dust, too much or too little water. Perhaps you are growing tropicals such as ponytail palm, jade, sago palm, papyrus, croton, string of

pearls. These plants need direct light! What to do?

Purchase grow lights. If the plants grow under lights in an out of way place such as a basement, you can display them until they demonstrate a need to return to their high light environment. You can also make use of spots that have direct lighting; my ponytail palm is presently “visiting” us

on the kitchen table. The table was previously hosting a large Christmas cactus that went back to the basement after it finished blooming. Before that, it was a lemon scented geranium.

You may be overwintering garden plants; I do this with potted coleus, caladiums, and begonias. They hate heat ducts but love lots of light. Some will spontaneously

Frequently, they simply need to rest and will begin growing again in early spring. Then you can replenish the soil, prune dead plant parts, and begin the cycle again.

Isn’t winter fun?

I love hearing from you: caharlos@verizon.net FY

Carol Ann Harlos is an awardwinning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves learning from others and sharing her knowledge.

CAROL ANN HARLOS

New year, new resolutions Keeping research on track

I’m a New Year’s resolution person. Starting the year with sparkly new goals inspires me. When my kids were young, my resolutions were more about survival: be more patient, deep clean the house monthly, don’t eat all the Ho Hos on the way home from the store.

Fast forward to a mostly empty nest and my resolutions turn to genealogy. Resolutions can be easily forgotten by March, but the key to getting them to stick is keeping them realistic and bite-sized (like Ho Hos). These are suggestions from my own list as we head into a new year!

*Concentrate on one surname

per month and post a monthly list as a reminder. Give each ancestor with the surname a checklist noting what documents are still missing.

*Clear your desk. As genealogists, we collect paper. Stacks of page copies from books, historical documents, birth and marriage certificates, and maps cover every surface in my office.

I’ve made it a goal to scan twenty documents (or more!) each month to get rid of non-original documents and become less of a fire hazard.

*Attend conferences and webinars. My goal is at least one a month. Check conferencekeeper. org for the most complete collection of genealogy events. In recent years,

free webinars have become popular. RSVP for one and mark it on your calendar.

*Scan those photographs! Disaster strikes suddenly, and we need to be prepared. I was lucky enough to save a box of original photos from severe water damage a couple years ago but not before an emotional breakdown followed by

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

a major drying effort that covered every surface in my office. This is at the top of my list for 2023.

*Reintroduce yourself to your research. I download so many files and information that I have a little pink bowl of flash drives on my desk. When I take the time to look at what I have, I’m surprised at the volume of information hiding in that beautiful bowl.

*Make time for genealogy. If you’re a calendar keeper, schedule genealogy time as you would appointments. Turn off your cell phone and let voicemail take over. The world won’t slide off its axis if you steal a little time for yourself.

*Contact your cousins! You never know who holds the missing pieces of your family history. Social media makes it easier than ever to reach out so do it before it’s too late! I find my mind wandering midconversation so, I keep interview questions handy. Contact me for my list.

My resolutions aren’t as painful as the age-old promise to exercise more, which I seem to have abandoned in favor of genealogy research. Whatever resolutions you make, have fun. Wishing you an abundance of genealogical success in 2023! FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is Board Chairman and Vice President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. She is a National Genealogical Society member, Association of Professional Genealogists member, and a freelance writer. Send questions or comments to noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

Bingo Calendar

Bingo is back!

Please call event organizers to confirm information provided. Listings are alphabetical by day.

MONDAY

AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo 7 p.m. 875-9276

HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg 7:30 p.m. 649-9830/649-4340

MATTHEW GLAB POST 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7 p.m. 825-3733

ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m. ........................................ 836-0011

TUESDAY

AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13 25 Review Pl., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 874-0559

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 876-1038

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO. 4932 Clark St., Hamburg 7:30 p.m. ........................................ 649-9821

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m. ............................................. 681-7251

HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. (second Tuesday)

OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster

7 p.m. 683-6522

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m. 892-0425

WEDNESDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 S. Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C —

SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES

2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

7 p.m. ............................................. 681-7251

LANCASTER ELKS

33 Legion Parkway, Lancaster

7:30 p.m. 685-1478

OUR LADY OF HOPE

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

1530 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo

1:00 p.m. 875-5780

ST. ALOYSIUS RCC 156 Franklin, Springville

7:30 p.m. 592-2701

ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m. 836-0011

THURSDAY

BLESSED TRINITY

317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo

8 p.m. 833-0301

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

1 p.m. 681-7251

FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS

1345 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca

7:00 p.m. 674-2374

K OF C MADONNA COUNCIL NO. 2535

755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda

7:30 p.m. 693-5470

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m.

ST. JAMES DEPEW

500 Terrace Blvd., Depew

873-6716

7:30 p.m. 683-2746

VFW COL. WEBER POST 989

2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana

7:30 p.m. 823-9605

FRIDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 876-1038

DALE ASSOCIATION CENT. 33 Ontario St., Lockport 7 p.m (first and third Fridays).. 433-1886

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m. 1-800-421-2464

ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m. 833-1715

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga 7:00 p.m. 668-8370

SATURDAY

BUFFALO GAY BINGO/ AIDS PLUS FUND OF WNY

Amvets Medallion Post 13, 13 Review Pl., Buffalo

7 p.m (2nd Sat.) 822-0818

CARDINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m. 695-2600 x326

OUR LADY OF BISTRICA 1619 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m. ........................................ 822-0818

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m. 1-800-421-2464

ST. AMELIA’S RCC 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 1 p.m. 836-0011

ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m. 892-0425

ST. JOHN XXIII 1 Arcade St., W. Seneca 7 p.m. 239-2787

SUNDAY

CARDINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL

39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. 695-2600 x326

DELEVAN VFC N. Main St., Delevan 7 p.m. 492-1910

LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41 6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport 7 p.m (first and third Sundays). 434-2798

OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster 2 p.m. 683-6522

The VA Western New York Healthcare System, offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans in western New York, with 11 locations in western New York: 2 medical centers in Buffalo and Batavia, plus 9 community-based outpatient clinics in Buffalo, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Lackawanna, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Olean, Springville, and West Seneca.

VA Western New York Healthcare System provides primary and specialty health care to Veterans including

medical, surgical, mental health and long-term care services through a range of inpatient and outpatient programs.

Buffalo VA Medical Center is the main referral center for cardiac surgery, cardiology, and comprehensive cancer care for Veterans in central and western New York and northern Pennsylvania.

The Batavia VA Medical provides geriatric and rehabilitation services, separate residential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) units for men and women, and outpatient services.

To learn more about the services each location offers, and the services our mobile clinic provides, visit https:// www.va.gov/western-new-york-healthcare/locations/

You can ask questions about VA benefits and services, by calling 800698-2411 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bingo Calendar

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

1 & 7 p.m. 549-4389

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7 p.m. ............................................. 873-6716

BINGO IN CANADA

GOLDEN NUGGET

655 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie

1 & 7 p.m. daily • 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 4 p.m Saturday and Sunday. . 905-871-1277

DELTA MONTE CARLO

4735 Drummond, N. Falls

1& 7 p.m 905-356-8104

CASINO

SENECA GAMING

Broad St., Salamanca

1 p.m. Sunday • 1 & 7 p.m. Wednesday 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday • 1 & 7 p.m. Saturday 945-4080, 877-860-5130

ONEIDA INDIAN HIGH STAKES

BINGO AT TURNING STONE 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

12:45 & 7 p.m. daily ............ 800-782-1938

Nature heals And promotes physical and mental health

BY JENNIFER MERRICK

“Iknow for a fact the healing power of nature,” says Laura Sitting Eagle, an interpreter at Blackfoot Crossing, a historic park dedicated to preserving Siksika Nation’s culture and traditions. “The closer you are to the earth, the more healing power. We need nature to feel good about ourselves.”

While many cultures like the Siksika Nation have long recognized the importance of the natural world to our physical and mental health, scientific studies substantiate these benefits. Research from the University of Michigan, for instance, found that an older adult’s attention span increased by twenty percent after spending only an hour outdoors. Energy levels and memory retention also went up. Other studies found that time in nature reduces depression, increases happiness hormones, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure. and relieves anxiety. The benefits are so impressive that word is spreading. For the past decade, ParkRx, a nonprofit organization, has liaised with healthcare providers and governmental parks to offer a simple prescription: take time in nature

two hours per week, in twentyplus minute sessions. The Japanese have shinrin-yoku, which loosely translates to forest bathing. Many resorts offer meditative excursions with trained practitioners. But none of that is needed, just walking in a natural environment and consciously connecting to the surroundings.

For Jacob Rodenburg, nature sommelier and author of The Book of Nature Connection, this means using all our senses. “The average child spends seven hours a day on screens and for adults it’s closer to ten,” he says, explaining that screens require only sight and some hearing, which results in sensory deprivation, whereas fully experiencing nature requires all senses. “We need nature to feel that we belong to the natural world and connect to something bigger than ourselves.”

Here are some simple ways to add nature to your life:

• Find your own special place, perhaps a local park, to visit regularly.

• Bring nature into your home with plants and pictures of natural landscapes. Get a birdfeeder and watch as the wild comes to you.

• Exercise outdoors when possible, even if it’s just a walk around the block. (Sixty to seventy percent of Western New Yorkers are deficient in Vitamin D!)

• Encourage the kids in your life to leave devices at home and venture into natural spaces. In Jacob’s book, he includes seventy sensory activities to try outdoors.

• Rewild your backyard.

Shrink your lawn and replace it with native plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial creatures.

• Invite family and friends on a hike or snowshoe excursion close to home.

• Join an outdoors club.

• Begin a hobby you can do outdoors like birdwatching, gardening or Nordic skiing.

• Include nature in your travel plans. Whether it’s a stroll in a city’s green space or a stay in a resort close to nature, make a point of including a dose of the outdoors in your itinerary.

FY

Jennifer Merrick is an awardwinning freelance writer, photographer, and avid traveler based in Toronto.

Exercising after joint replacement

Safe fitness for the “bionic” you

BY JUDITH RUCKI

There are no set timetables. Some patients take the better part of a year to fully recover from knee or hip surgery, while others take just a few months. “If you were very active, you will do better,” says Quanteria Williams-Porche, a physical therapist with Split Second Fitness, who has worked for more than a decade with people recovering from hip and knee replacements. Of course, the more active you were, the more eager you’ll be to get moving. “Walking is your best friend, especially after hip surgery,” says Williams-Porche. But check with your medical team about how

much and how soon. Too much walking can stress implants prior to the ingrowth process.

Patients are often concerned about never being able to resume certain activities, says WilliamsPorche, but the good news is, “People usually have no restrictions afterward.”

Most patients won’t be prohibited certain activities, but low-impact activities are often recommended to longer preserve the integrity of the joint. Williams-Porche advises consulting with your surgeon as you “gradually work your way back.”

The pros at orthoInfo.com suggest staying active with the caveat that you do not do too much too soon. Once you have your doctor’s go-ahead, “you can return to many of the sports activities you enjoyed before your hip replacement.”

Where there is caution, it’s around high-impact activities such as singles tennis, jogging, racquetball, basketball, and skiing, which may put too much stress

Especially among older people, joint replacement is often what puts an end to years of painkillers, steroid shots, and difficulty walking or sleeping. But once the knees and hips have been replaced, getting back to pre-problem levels of activity can be challenging.

“Have confidence that your surgery was a success. You will be able to return to regular activities.”

on hip joints. Consider lower impact cardio options like golfing, bicycling, doubles tennis, and especially joint friendly swimming. Recommendations for knee replacements are similar. Lower impact fitness activities as those described above “will help increase the longevity of your knee and are preferable over high-impact activities such as jumping, jogging, and skiing,” according to orthoinfo. Contact sports, like football and soccer, plus sports that require jerking, twisting, or pulling should be avoided, as well as overly repetitive motions like running,

heavy weightlifting, and jumping, which can damage an implant over time.

At the gym, talk to a trainer about elliptical and stair machines or stationary bikes. Another option is low-resistance circuit training. This involves moving from one machine to the next with little or no resting time in-between.

Yoga practitioners should consult their doctors before resuming higher-intensity yoga and pass along any restrictions to the instructor who can help with appropriate modifications. Or they may ease back into practice with gentler,

restorative routines or even chair yoga. “Chair yoga is effective for the right person,” says Silver Sneakers yoga instructor Olivia Ebsary. “This is typically a population over age seventy or senior citizens rehabbing from something.”

Pilates instructor Annemarie Gorman advises clients who had joint replacement surgery to ease back into a routine for at least six weeks. She also advises that

resuming pre-surgery levels of everyday activities—excluding intense exercise—is a goal: “Don’t be hesitant to do things. Have confidence that your surgery was a success. You will be able to return to regular activities. That’s the whole reason why we have surgery.” FY

Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.

The home stretch

Maintain flexibility as you age

BY JONNEMARIE KAHWATY

What do you think when you hear “stretching and flexibility?” Do you cringe at the thought of trying to touch your toes? Do you picture people twisting themselves into pretzels or think “that’s just not my thing?” Despite popular belief, flexibility is not just for yogis and athletes. It’s one of the three components of fitness— cardiovascular and strength training are the other two—and is a critical part of health maintenance at any age, but especially for seniors who can expect to lose twenty-five to thirty percent of their flexibility by age seventy.

The benefits of stretching are myriad. Stretching not only supports and improves flexibility (the ability of your muscle groups to lengthen passively through a range of motion), but also mobility (the ability of a joint to move actively through a range of motion). It’s commonly thought that flexibility and mobility are the same thing, so here’s an exercise you can do to understand the difference. Extend your arm in front of you with palm facing up and use your other hand to push your fingers down from the wrist as far as you can comfortably. Now let go. Your hand probably came up a little bit, right? The range

in the assisted stretch demonstrates the flexibility of your wrist, while the unassisted bend demonstrates wrist mobility.

Why is all of this important to overall health and daily function? As you saw with that wrist exercise, the better your flexibility and mobility are, the easier it is for you to move your body. As we get older, muscles weaken and tighten, which decreases our range of motion. That makes it harder for us to do everyday tasks like reaching for things on a high shelf or even bending over to tie shoes. Consistent stretching improves circulation and keeps muscles and joints from stiffening.

That means you’ll use less energy completing daily movements and be at lower risk of injuring yourself doing them. It also improves stability and balance, which are key to preventing falls, an increasing danger as we age.

Muscle tension is also a common cause of pain. Have you ever felt pain after sitting too long in one position? How about after moving too much? Stretching can help in both scenarios! Stretching a muscle that’s been overworked or overused will boost blood flow and help that muscle heal more quickly. Stretching a muscle that has been stuck in one position for a long

time provides relief by allowing it to relax and lengthen. So next time something hurts, instead of reaching for painkillers, do your body a favor and try stretching it out first.

An important caveat: never stretch without warming up. Stretching cold muscles is not only less effective but can also lead to injury because the muscles are stiff. Warming up your body with dynamic movement—arm circles, controlled leg swings, a short walk, or even marching in place—wakes up your nerves, increases blood flow, and encourages elasticity in your muscles so they are more prepared to stretch.

Stretching should never be forced. When you assume a position, find the point where you feel a stretch without pain or discomfort. Don’t try to push past that point as it can lead to injury. Instead, move slowly into a stretch and avoid jerky movements or bouncing. Once you reach a comfortable point, hold that position for at least fifteen to thirty seconds. Breathe in and out slowly and allow your body to relax into the stretch.

A daily stretching practice is ideal but aim for three to five times a week. Look up specific stretches for certain muscles, or just do what feels good. Remember, this should not be painful. You’re relaxing your muscles, not working them!

Talk to your doctor before starting a new stretching routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are recovering from surgery or injury. Start slowly and respect your body’s limits. As time goes on, your flexibility and mobility will increase, and you may also notice improvements in posture, mood, and energy—all of which will boost your quality of life. FY

Jonnemarie Kahwaty is a dance instructor, musician, and aspiring herbalist with a passion for holistic health and wellness.

Preserving fitness

And even making gains

BY DANIEL CURRY

Physical activity is critical to optimal health at any age. Among other benefits, regular exercise promotes increased mobility and balance, improves mood and sleep, and reduces anxiety and injury. It is an incredibly important part of life. Having an exercise routine can help with things such as better balance, increased mobility, and wider flexibility. As we age, it’s more important than ever to maintain fitness routines—or start one.

Forward Fitness is a local exercise studio that focuses on fitness programs for older adults. Owner Jill Bronsky, M.S., a Certified Personal Trainer and Functional Aging Specialist, says maintaining physical fitness is crucial for reducing fall probability, improving function and injury recovery times, and maintaining independence.

Bronsky began focusing on elder fitness about twenty-five years ago when she noticed the industry lacked programs for a population that arguably needed them most. “Over time, our strength, flexibility, and mobility decrease as part of the aging process,” says Bronsky. “However, [with exercise], we are able to reverse a lot of those trends. Hire a personal trainer, do a class, do anything that will help encourage mobility, balance, and flexibility. Things that will help make everyday movements easier.”

It’s never too late to focus on physical activity because any amount of exercise at any age is beneficial—and always better than none at all. “People say, ‘Oh I’m in my seventies or eighties. It’s too late for me to start any fitness work,’ and that is simply not true,” Bronsky says. “Anything that you do is going to help.”

In Bronsky’s classes, participants work muscles that might get

neglected in everyday life. The result is increased range of motion and strength. “One of my favorite parts of in-studio classes is setting up an obstacle course,” Bronsky says. “This allows for participants to practice things stepping over and going around things.” This kind of functional fitness can prepare older exercisers for practical obstacles in daily life.

To make classes more accessible, Bronsky offers some virtually to allow participants to join in from their living rooms. “I really didn’t think that a lot of people would want to do it, but with the pandemic, a lot started to hop on the bandwagon,” Bronsky says. “Especially with Buffalo winters, it’s challenging for people to get out of the house.”

It’s easy to focus on the physical benefits of exercise, but exercise has myriad mental benefits as well, including better memory and sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased alertness, and confidence. Of the latter, Bronsky says, “People realize that they can lift their legs up higher, they can get around things a little more quickly. It is amazing seeing the improvement.”

What are you waiting for? FY

Daniel Curry is Assistant Editor of Forever Young

A healthy homemade soup to jumpstart the new year

COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

When sweater weather arrives, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of something savory and delicious simmering on the stove. As you turn to hearty soups this winter, having the right seasonal staples means you’ll be well on your way to having piping hot meals on the table, quickly and hassle-free.

Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with essential ingredients like onions, carrots, and celery, along with a collection of earthy, zesty spices and versatile, allpurpose seasonings. You’ll also need a rich and all-natural stock handy, such as Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock. Simmered all day with chicken, vegetables, and McCormick herbs and spices, this deeply flavored stock can bring a burst of savory warmth to countless dishes. It’s low on sodium so it’s a good-for-you start to many delicious meals beyond soup, like rice, sauces, and more.

To help you embrace the colder weather, try a recipe for a hearty

classic loaded with tender veggies, chicken, egg noodles and robust flavor that puts this stock frontand-center. Yep, you guessed it: savory homemade chicken noodle soup. Nostalgic and nourishing, all you need is ten minutes of prep time and twenty minutes cooking on the stovetop.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 C. chopped yellow onion

1 C. chopped carrots

1 C. chopped celery

2 Tbsp. McCormick Garlic, Herb and Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning

½ tsp. McCormick Ground Turmeric

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast

2 cartons (32 oz. each) Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock

2 C. uncooked medium egg noodles

½ C. frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook and stir three minutes or until softened. Stir in seasoning and turmeric; cook thirty seconds until

fragrant. Add chicken and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, fifteen to twenty minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. Transfer chicken to medium bowl; shred using two forks. Set aside. Stir noodles into broth; cook six minutes or until tender. Return shredded chicken to saucepan. Gently stir in peas. Sprinkle with parsley to serve, if desired.

For more great ways to warm up this season, visit mccormick.com/ kitchen-basics.

During the short, dark days of winter, healthy soups like this will feed your body and warm your soul. FY

Senior Wishes come true

It can happen to you

BY NANCY BLUMENSTALK MINGUS

Wish-granting organizations have traditionally centered on children, but Orchard Park’s Senior Wishes thinks older people deserve dream fulfillment, too.

The idea was born in 2013, when United Church Home Society (UCHS), owners of Fox Run retirement community in Orchard Park, wondered what else they might do for area seniors. Senior Wishes was formed and started granting wishes the following year. In addition to making wishes come true, twenty

veterans are selected to receive HERO boxes each Veterans Day. “When we deliver a HERO box to a veteran, and I get to talk to them about their service and they feel ‘seen,’” says Executive Director Wendy Backman, who says HERO boxes are among her favorite gifts. “That is so special.” Wish applications can be submitted

by the senior or another party. Grantees must be at least sixty-five years old (though previous selected seniors have been more than 100)

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and be a US citizen residing in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming County. There is a maximum income ceiling of $38,000

Live the life you deserve

BY DR. CHRISTIAN MILIOTO

I’m Dr. Milioto. I have dedicated my life to helping my patients eliminate their back or neuropathy pain, improve balance issues, and restore quality of life. When treating your pain and discomfort I take your full history into account, individually creating a plan of care dedicated to you. My methods of care are researched back therapies designed to heal your condition from the root cause. Our state-of-the-art treatments are effective, safe, long lasting, and non-surgical. If you suffer from chronic back or neuropathy pain, you may be subject to one of the

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for individuals, and $44,000 for households of two or more. Unlike some other wish-granting, applicants need not be in poor health to request a wish; in fact, the healthier the better as Senior Wishes wants recipients to fully enjoy their experiences. (HERO box applicants, which have a separate application form and process, can also reside in Monroe County.)

Staff approves the application, then sends it to the review committee, which meets monthly. Applicants are notified of the committee’s decisions and, if a senior is selected, the wheels for this wish are set in motion.

To date, more than 400 wishes have been given, including seeing baseball and football games in person; riding in a hot air balloon; visiting relatives in other cities, receiving crafting, art and cooking supplies; touring buildings, the Falls or other venues; and seeing a show at Shea’s. The average cost is $400, although some wishes incur no cost. Backman notes, however, that Senior Wishes “does not pay for vacation, house repairs, furniture or medical items.” Senior Wishes’ major fundraiser is its spring Sips, Suds and Sweets event, which hopefully runs in person this April. If you’d like to help, donate

funds directly to Senior Wishes, or host a fundraiser and donate the proceeds. Or volunteer.

“We have volunteers who work the event, deliver Simple Wishes for the holidays, deliver HERO boxes to Veterans, prep for all of these campaigns, help get donations for the event, work ice cream socials and help spread the word about Senior Wishes in the community,” says Backman. “There would be no Senior Wishes without all of our volunteers!”

To find out more, visit seniorwishes.org or call 508-2121, because the Senior Wishes motto is “It’s never too late to have a wish come true.” FY

Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus is a writer, trainer and consultant based in Orleans County, NY.

The Senior Wishes motto is “It’s never too late to have a wish come true.”

Members of West Side Community Services in Buffalo have their senior wishes granted with a day trip to East Aurora. Photo courtesy of Senior Wishes

HAPPY 2024 FROM THE BIG WECK

Nope, it’s not a typo. Life is short and goes fast, so I thought I would get a head start for next year.

The BIG WECK Radio celebrates memories made right here in Buffalo by playing oldies music 24/7 with the trusted DJs you’ve known for decades. This is the best music ever made. The oldies you hear on the BIG WECK have stood the test of time—literally decades! When you listen to oldies on BIG WECK, you are listening to works of art. It’s that special, and we hope you enjoy it.

New for 2023, BIG WECK presents Superset Weekends: three big songs from your favorite oldies artists in a row every hour. Each Superset Weekend starts Fridays at 5:00 p.m. and ends Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

We also welcome welcome longtime radio personality Dan Rinelli to our flagship of legendary air talent. Listen for Dan weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Happy New Year from all at the BIG WECK! Write us down everywhere you go!

Buddy Shula President/CEO

Forever Young readers: we want to hear from you! Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Tell us more. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Drop us a line. We want to devote space in Forever Young to what matters most: you. Send your story ideas to Executive Editor Sabrina Kahwaty at skahwaty@ foreveryoungwny.com.

January 7

Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition

Hear talented singers from Buffalo and Toronto as they compete in the first round of the Metropolitan Opera’s annual competition. Free will donation; no tickets.

10:00 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. (approx. end time), Nichols School, Flickinger Performing Arts Center (1250 Amherst St.)

January 20-22 Winter Blues Weekend

Lively Ellicottville never stops celebrating. Expect live music and fun happenings throughout bars, restaurants, and other venues. Check website for details.

ellicottvilleny.com

January 13-29

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

In MusicalFare’s Premier Cabaret Space, chanteuse Alex McArthur provides an intimate visit with jazz/swing great Billie Holliday as she performs in a run-down South Philadelphia bar in March 1959, just months before her untimely death. Hear her hits, accompanied by Jimmy Powers, as well as stories from her life as she increasingly and heartbreakingly loses control of the evening.

MusicalFare Theatre (4380 Main St., Suite 123, Amherst; musicalfare.com, 839-8540)

January 25 Winter Wildflowers

Explore the world of winter plants and see what next summer’s wildflowers will look like. Adults only; registration required.

10:30 a.m., Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve (93 Honorine Drive, Cheektowaga; reinsteinwoods.org, 683-5959)

Opens January 27

George Hughes: Identity, Power, and Reconciliation

George Afedzi Hughes, Associate Professor of Painting at SUNY Buffalo, is inspired by modern-day global issues and how they connect to the history of colonialism.

Buffalo Arts Studio (Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, Ste. 500; buffaloartsstudio.org, 833-4550)