Growing Bolder Magazine: Vol. 21

MEET THE WINNER OF THE GROWING BOLDER INSPIRATION AWARD

Stop Growing Older.

Start Growing Bolder.™

A REVOLUTION IN MEDICAL EDUCATION LOVE AND ADDICTION: GROWING UP CARLIN

STILL FOOTLOOSE AT 90 Dick Van Dyke’s Advice? Dance More, Worry Less.

Dick Van Dyke and his 2013 Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.

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TEAM GB

JOIN TEAM GB AND GET MOVING!

W

e’re excited about a new partnership designed to get more of us off the couch and into life. Growing Bolder is partnering with Track Shack, one of the nation’s premier race-management and running retailers, to encourage, support, develop and provide opportunities for runners and walkers 50 and older.

Together with Track Shack’s world-class coaches and other Team GB partners, we’ll be producing exclusive content that will be available across the entire Growing Bolder platform, including TV, radio, print, Web and all social media channels.

It’s free to join Team GB, and all members will receive special benefits, including:  Workout plans and weekly video training tips from Track Shack’s team of nutrition and fitness experts.  Growing Bolder inspirational and motivational messages.  Access to a weekly Team GB/Track Shack podcast featuring interviews with some of the world’s top masters athletes.  Nutrition tips, special awards, discounts on Team GB merchandise, an opportunity to be featured nationally in a Growing Bolder TV profile and much more.

Track Shack is all about running and walking for fun and fitness. Its store, races and content are all inviting to beginners as

well as veterans. You don’t have to aspire to be a champion. If fact, you don’t have to ever participate in an event to be part of Team GB and enjoy its many benefits —but we hope you will!

Our first Team GB event is the historic Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race, presented by Florida Hospital, on March 12 in Winter Park, Florida. Anyone 50 and over who enters either the 10k or 2-mile fun run is eligible to be on Team GB and receive all Team GB benefits.

Growing Bolder is already a media partner with U.S. Masters Swimming, and this partnership with Track Shack expands our move into Masters sports — which we know has the ability to transform lives and dramatically improve overall health and wellness.

We’re also proud to announce that our first Team GB sponsor is Morgan Stanley. Like Growing Bolder, Morgan Stanley believes that the rest of our lives can be the best of our lives as long as we take care of our health and our finances.

We’re excited about these new partnerships with Track Shack and Morgan Stanley — and together, we invite you to join Team GB for fun and fitness.

For more information about joining the Team GB movement, just visit growingbolder.com/teamgb.

March 12, 2016 Downtown Winter Park, Florida

Great Swag! 10k Finisher’s Medal | Gender Specific Tech Tee | Sports Towel from Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic | Souvenir Pint Glass

GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

GROWING BOLDER 3

CONTENTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

FEATURE

WORRY LESS, DANCE MORE

DEPARTMENTS 5 | FROM THE EDITOR

12

6 | GROWING BOLDER WITH

22 | BOLDER HEALTH Medical school dean teaches a focus on prevention. By Jackie Carlin

7 | THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ® At 96, Charles Eugster is a champ in every way. By Marc Middleton

24 | TEAM GB ELITE Despite her hearing aid, she’s now living out loud. By Karen Putz

8 | MOVE FORWARD. GIVE BACK. ® Rob Butcher wins the Growing Bolder Inspiration Award. By Marc Middleton

26 | ROAD TO RECOVERY Embracing one of life’s most vital conversations. By Robert Masson, M.D.

A TV icon and a YouTube sensation at 90, Dick Van Dyke says the secret to his longevity is to never stay still.

BY JACKIE CARLIN

30 | THE TAKEAWAY When it comes to success, risky is the new safe. By Randy Gage

SPECIAL SECTION THE GOOD LIFE A roundup spotlighting some of Central Florida's top active-adult communities.

MEET THE WINNER OF THE GROWING BOLDER INSPIRATION AWARD

STOP GROWING OLDER. Start GrowinG Bolder.™

9 | BOLDER HEALTH Good nutrition plays a critical role in healing. By Jackie Carlin

27 | ROAD TO RECOVERY Neurosurgeon fulfills a dream with Park City facility. By Marc Middleton

10 | 5 QUESTIONS Kelly Carlin on a childhood full of love – and addiction. By Bill Shafer

28 | SURVIVING & THRIVING How a midlife career shift became a fight for life. By Bill Shafer

4 GROWING BOLDER

®

A REVOLUTION IN MEDICAL EDUCATION LOVE AND ADDICTION: GROWING UP CARLIN

STILL FOOTLOOSE AT 90 Dick Van Dyke’s Advice? Dance More, Worry Less.

Dick Van Dyke and his 2013 Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.

ON THE COVER: Dick Van Dyke, photo

by Mark Hill/TNT. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Marc Middleton Managing Editor Jackie Carlin Associate Editors Bill Shafer, Katy Widrick Contributing Writers Robert Masson, M.D. Additional Photography Dan Dion, Mark Hill/TNT, Rob Greer Lynn Novakofski, Terri Potoczna

407-406-5910 One Purlieu Place, Suite 139 Winter Park, FL 32792 GrowingBolderMagazine.com All editorial content copyright 2016 by Bolder Broadcasting Inc. Growing Bolder is a registered trademark of Bolder Broadcasting Inc. Nothing may be reprinted in part or in whole without written permission from Bolder Broadcasting Inc.

PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FLORIDA HOME MEDIA Group Publisher Randy Noles Art Director Jenna Carberg CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Harry Wessel Florida Home Media’s Family of Publications: VoLUsia CoUntY: beaChes anD beYonD

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artsLife

Rebranding Aging

™

Digital Development and Production Jason Morrow, Pat Narciso, Josh Doolittle, Mike Nanus

H

appy New Year! And thanks for helping us change the narrative around aging. As we like to say, we’re Rebranding Aging™. I had a business meeting recently with a very smart guy who wanted to learn more about Growing Bolder.

He’s a Harvard Business School grad and works for one of the world’s most successful and entrepreneurial companies.

We talked about all things Growing Bolder, and eventually the conversation came around to the advertising and marketing world’s obsession with young people and their lack of appreciation for the larger, more lucrative 50-plus audience.

“You know why the big companies only talk to, target and spend money to attract younger customers?” he asked. Of course, I knew the many versions of the answer — but I paused because I wanted to hear what he thought.

“They believe,” he continued, “that all older people aspire to be younger, and if they can show young people enjoying their products, the older people will want to buy those products as well. They believe that they don’t have to target the older audience. They’ll get them automatically if they can get the younger audience.”

I was about to launch into my regularly delivered response on why that’s no longer true when he continued with an observation that floored me: “You’re the first company, the first media group, to successfully flip that assumption 180 degrees. You’re making younger people aspire to be like the older people that you feature. That’s huge, and potentially very valuable. You’re selling yourself short if you think Growing Bolder only connects with the 45-plus market.”

I paused again to enjoy the moment. We hear regularly from younger people who tell us that they’re inspired by and relate to the message of Growing Bolder. We know that for many who follow us, we have indeed flipped the aging-aspiration assumption 180 degrees. We just didn’t think that anyone else fully understood that yet.

When it comes to Growing Bolder, we’re only the messenger. You are the ones who are flipping the switch, because it’s your stories that we tell, your examples that we share. So thanks again for helping us spread the life-changing and life-affirming message of Growing Bolder. 

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Marc Middleton, Editor-in-Chief marcmiddleton@growingbolder.com GROWING BOLDER 5

GROWING BOLDER WITH

ANNABELLE GURWITCH

54

COMEDIAN AND AUTHOR

“Hitting 50 was just one of those moments when you think, ‘Wow! Is that possible? I know 50 follows 49, but it can’t be right. The math must be wrong!’ You just have to laugh about it. I also started thinking about that popular saying that 50 is the new 40. What 40-year-old thinks they’re the same age as someone who’s 50? That’s just silly. I knew I had to find a way to be the actual age I am and love it. So I made up business cards that said, ‘Annabelle Gurwitch: Since 1961.’ If restaurants can tout the years they were founded, why can’t I? I’ve found a sense of humor gets me through the hardest things I face in life.”

While some people take the notion of aging very seriously, others point out the humor in it, including the very funny Annabelle Gurwitch. You may remember her from hosting the weekend TV specials, Dinner and a Movie. Today, she’s also a comedian, actor and author. In her book, I See You Made an Effort, she takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the positive and negative aspects of the aging process.

SUZANNE SOMERS

69

ACTRESS AND AUTHOR

“Life is a journey you can’t plan. I never, ever, ever thought this was the path I’d take — but if you follow the flow, it seems to take you to the right place. I never wanted to be a cancer victim or a cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed, I said to myself, ‘What have I done in my diet or lifestyle that caused me to play host to this disease?’ That sent me on a journey that turned my cancer into this great gift. I’m at such a great time in my life. I feel content and have everything I want — and it has nothing to do with money. My journey has taken me right to where I want to be.”

When America first discovered Suzanne Somers, she was the goofy, gorgeous blonde on the sitcom Three’s Company. When that fell apart over a contract dispute, she set out to reinvent herself. Over the years, she became known for new things, from exercise equipment to her unconventional way of dealing with cancer. Since her diagnosis in 2001, Somers has used her celebrity to implore all of us to take charge of our own health. She’s the author of 25 books, including her latest, Tox-Sick: From Toxic to Not Sick.

CLIVE CUSSLER

“When I was starting out, nobody wanted to publish me because they said adventure stories would never sell. They said, ‘Don’t get your hopes up. Nothing will ever come from it.’ Well, now I’m in my 80s and nobody will let me retire! Life is about always looking for something new. When I travel, I don’t usually visit the same place twice. Go out there and keep searching for whatever you want to look for. Experiment and try new things. Do something no one else has ever done before. That’s a real adventure!”

Clive Cussler is the bestselling author or co-author of more than 60 books, and he’s one of those rare writers whose non-fiction works are just as fascinating as his fictional ones. He’s also founder of the National Underwater & Marine Agency, a nonprofit organization dedicated to American maritime and naval history. NUMA volunteers have discovered more than 60 lost, sunken ships of historic significance and turned verified artifacts over to other nonprofit agencies, universities and governments around the world.

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our entire Growing Bolder Radio conversations with Clive Cussler, Suzanne Somers and Annabelle Gurwitch.

6 GROWING BOLDER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

PHOTO OF clive cussler: Rob Greer

84

AUTHOR

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH  Charles Eugster may very well be the fittest man alive over the age of 90, holding several age-group world records in Masters sports.

NEVER TOO LATE At 96, Charles Eugster is a Champ in Every Way.

PHOTO OF Charles Eugster: Terri Potocnza

BY MARC MIDDLETON

C

harles Eugster, 96, may be the fittest man alive over the age of 90. The retired dentist is, without question, the greatest athlete alive over 90. But Eugster isn’t just a nonagenarian with muscles; he’s a man on a mission.

“I want to change the world,” he says.

“Our perception of age is completely faulty.

You can start something new at any age.”

And he isn’t just saying it. He’s proving it. Eugster took up competitive rowing when he was 63, and became the World Masters Rowing Champion.

But as he grew older, it became harder for him to find training partners. So, despite an occasional workout, he gained weight and lost both muscle mass and enGROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

ergy. When he was 87, vanity got him off the couch for good.

“I looked in the mirror one morning,” he recalls, “and I didn’t like what I saw. I decided to rebuild my body.” He hired a personal trainer and began lifting weights, eventually becoming a Masters bodybuilding champion.

In 2014, he decided to take up running for the first time ever.

“I wanted to start sprinting because I read something about high intensity interval training being good for your heart,” he says. “And I wanted to show that you can start something completely new at any age.”

Mission accomplished. In March 2015, he obliterated the indoor 200-meter world record by nearly three seconds in the 95-

99-year age group — and has set two other age-group world records since then.

Eugster has become an outspoken evangelist for active aging. “Old age has been reduced to suffering with chronic disease.

It doesn’t have to be that way,” he insists.

He offered Growing Bolder three keys to successful aging: 1. NEVER RETIRE. “Retirement is a financial disaster and a health catastrophe. We must get rid of retirement, re-educate older people so they can get new jobs and rebuild their bodies so they can start new lives.”

2. WATCH YOUR DIET. “We still have the bodies of hunter-gatherers, and the huntergatherers had enormous variety in their diet.

We should continue that today, consuming naturally produced foods and avoiding manufactured and processed foods.”

3. EXERCISE. “We need to vary our training and train with more intensity.

Training routines should be altered every five to six weeks, completely changed. The reason there are so many injuries in sports is because of the enormous repetition — doing the same thing over and over again. The answer to that is to cross train for multiple sports. And we have to train harder — working the muscles to exhaustion or failure.”

What’s next for Eugster? More running, more weightlifting and perhaps some swimming.

“When I was younger, I had an allergy to the chemical that they put in the water,” he says. “I’m thinking of having myself tested to see if I still have an allergic reaction — and if not, I may take up swimming.”

Scientists and researchers can tell us what they think might be possible as we age, but it takes someone like Eugster — who has the will, the discipline and the intellectual curiosity — to actually prove that age is just a number.

“Life really started getting better when I reached 90,” he says. “At the moment, I can tell you that life at 96 is fantastic, stupendous, amazing, exciting, glorious and wonderful. My God, it’s absolutely super.” 

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our Growing Bolder Radio conversation with Dr. Charles Eugster and to meet other people who’ve discovered the power of the Fountain of Youth®.

GROWING BOLDER 7



MOVE FORWARD. GIVE BACK.

Rob Butcher, winner of the Growing Bolder Inspiration Award, lost his mom (left) to cancer. That’s why the chance to join the battle against the disease through Swim Across America was irresistible to him.

NEW CHALLENGE Rob Butcher Wins Growing Bolder Inspiration Award.

BY MARC MIDDLETON

R

ob Butcher has walked onto the pool deck to compete in the 7th Annual Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic. It will be his final meet as executive director for U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), an organization he’s helped transform since taking over in 2008.

A world-class swimmer and an expert on marketing, branding and leadership, Butcher feels at home in either a swimsuit or a business suit. When he was hired eight years ago, USMS was a virtual organization with only two employees. Today there are 15 employees and 1,500 Masters programs nationwide.

USMS has a multimillion-dollar budget and serves a rapidly growing membership that now numbers more than 70,000 people.

“There is no finer character than you’ll find in Rob Butcher, and that’s the honest-to-God truth,” says meet host and three-time Olympic champion Rowdy Gaines. “He’s just a good guy — and that passion, that love that he has for people, rubs off on everyone. Besides that, he’s brilliant. The dude is so smart.”

Under Butcher’s leadership, USMS has created grassroots programs to support and 8 GROWING BOLDER

benefit coaches — its primary connection to those it serves. “We’ve invested heavily in coaches,” says Butcher. “It’s important to provide them with the best pools and the resources they need to deliver, day in and day out, a great Masters swimming experience.”

He also created the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, which trains instructors and provides opportunities for all adults to learn to swim. “Whether you’re 18 or 98, learning to swim can not only improve your life but can save your life,” Butcher notes. “We want to create an inclusive environment where more adults can ultimately swim.”

Butcher wasn’t looking to leave a job he loves. But the opportunity to help defeat a disease he hates was too much to turn down. When Swim Across America (SAA) — the nation’s No. 1 swimming-related nonprofit raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment — approached him about becoming its president and CEO, he couldn’t say no.

“I lost my mom to cancer, and my stepmother and grandmother had cancer,” he says. “I have many friends who have died from or are battling cancer. It’s very personal

and a cause that I can wholeheartedly give my soul to. I want to join the fight to defeat the disease that took my mother. It’s hard not to tear up when I think about that.”

Butcher recalls that once he made the decision to join SAA, his wife, Allison, gave him a hug and said, “Your mom is smiling down from heaven right now, and she would be incredibly proud of you and the desire you have to help make a difference.”

For all he’s done for so many — and for all he’s certain to do for so many more — Butcher is the winner of the Growing Bolder Inspiration Award, presented at the 7th Annual Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic.

“I’m humbled, I’m speechless, I’m honored,” he said when accepting the award.

“Growing Bolder makes such a difference in people’s lives, and that’s something I try to do as well.”

Like any Growing Bolder Inspiration Award recipient, Butcher has a takeaway for us all: “If we can continue to help people, and if we can bring a servant’s heart to whatever we’re doing, the dividends will pay off. It may not necessarily be in the form of money in the bank, but there are so many others, forms of currency. Give of yourself to others, because the rewards will come back tenfold.” 

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine. com to watch our full coverage of the Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic and to learn more about USMS and Swim Across America.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

BOLDER HEALTH

FOOD MATTERS Good Nutrition Plays a Critical Role in Healing.

BY JACKIE CARLIN

I

f you’re facing a surgical procedure this year, have you started thinking about your nutritional plan? Dietitians and physicians agree that your diet is one of the most important factors in how you recover. And the best news is, it’s something over which you have complete control.

Now more than ever, hospitals are taking a whole-person approach to caring for their patients — and Health Central Hospital in Ocoee (near Orlando) is at the forefront of this holistic approach to patient care.

Through new programs such as outpatient nutritional counseling, Health Central is empowering patients to take control of their health. That leads to better surgical outcomes and shorter hospital stays.

“The best point to reach a patient is before they come to the hospital,” says GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

Health Central clinical dietitian Megan Walsh, R.D. “Ideally, we like to see them at least one week before a planned surgery to make sure that their nutrition is optimized and that they have the appropriate intake of calories and protein.”

After surgery, the nutritional element becomes a key component of the followup care program.

“We usually make diet recommendations before, during and after surgery because poor nutrition has a negative impact on healing,” says Arelys Villafane, Health Central’s clinical nutrition manager.

Villafane and her team often make specific nutritional recommendations to control post-surgical inflammation and promote the healing process.

“Some foods prevent inflammation and others contribute to it,” she says. “Fiberrich foods and foods that are high in Ome-

ga-3s, such as fish and olive oil, help reduce inflammation.”

Junk foods, she adds, can contribute to inflammation. Therefore, foods high in refined sugar, carbohydrates and saturated and trans fats trigger inflammation and should be avoided.

Following surgery, many patients also struggle with constipation, which can be caused by dietary changes, anesthesia, medications or inactivity.

Villafane recommends patients get moving to get their bodies moving. “Exercise will help the entire system function properly,” she says. “We recommend that our patients get active as soon as their doctor says they can exercise. And we instruct them to consume a high-fiber diet.”

Some great high-fiber options, she notes, are whole foods such as brown rice, wheat pasta, fruits and vegetables with skins. “And if you’re getting enough fiber, you need to drink enough water to make that fiber work,” she adds.

Over the past several years, Health Central has become a world center for minimally invasive spine procedures. One of the principles at the core of this program is its emphasis on prehabilitation — a philosophy that encourages patients, even those struggling with back pain, to prepare their bodies for surgery through exercise and nutrition.

“So many people think they shouldn’t exercise if they have back pain,” says Villafane. “But exercise is vital for most patients who are going to undergo surgery. The healthier and fitter you are before surgery, the better you’ll heal and the greater your chances will be for a full and fast recovery.”

Walsh agrees that helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles and habits will lead to benefits that can last a lifetime.

“The biggest problem I see is people wanting a fast fix,” she says. “They want to lose weight and feel better, but they’re not willing to make the kind of positive lifestyle changes that will last forever. There is no quick fix — but with the right education and commitment, anyone can live a better and healthier life.” 

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to watch our series of nutrition minutes with Megan Walsh and Arelys Villafane. You can also sign up for our Bolder Health newsletter for more healthy living tips and stories.

GROWING BOLDER 9

5 QUESTIONS

growing up carlin The Legendary Comic’s Daughter on a Childhood Full of Love – and Addiction.

BY BILL SHAFER 10 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

PHOTO OF Kelly Carlin: Dan Dion

Kelly Carlin says she once thought her family’s problems were a result of her father’s fame. Now she realizes that addiction impacts most families.

kelly carlin

is the only child of legendary comedian George Carlin. In her book, A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up With George (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), she writes about being raised in a house of addiction, conflict and love — and about the search for her own identity as the daughter of one of the most brilliant entertainers of our time.

Growing up as the daughter of George Carlin sounds like a blessing, but weren’t you faced with some deeply troubling times?

It’s true that our family had some very difficult issues. For the longest time, I thought maybe they were unique because of my father’s celebrity. But I now see that my story is, in many ways, that of the typical average American. Most of the difficulties we face were because of addiction, and I’ve come to learn that probably every single person out there is also touched in some way by the fallout from dealing with addiction.

Your father must have been a complicated man. What was the genesis of his brilliance?

Well, he really wasn’t that complicated. He loved his work and he was fascinated by life. He was a man who was fed and driven by ideas. You could see that in the joy he got from his work. Being a comedian, he ultimately discovered humor in the world — and he wanted to share that with everyone. Just like most artists, he was driven and slightly obsessed with his work, which contributed to his issues with depression, which fed his problem with addiction.

But that didn’t dominate my upbringing.

GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

It was a joy to be with my parents. When my parents were sober, it was the greatest joy in the world. They were smart, funny, insightful and wise. They looked at the world through what I think were some pretty amazing eyes.

You’ve had many careers already in your life. You’re a therapist, writer, author and radio-show host. What’s your overall message?

Well, it’s pretty simple. We all have so much more in common than we even realize. Life is basically the process of living through the difficult periods and making our way to the other side. Once we do, then we need to share our stories with each other, if for no other reason than to remind ourselves that we’re all in this together. We’re all trying to figure things out.

If we remember to keep our hearts open and keep walking forward, that’s when we discover that anything is possible.

What do you think your dad would have thought of all the social media tools we have today?

Twitter for the challenge of fitting his thoughts into 140 characters, but I think he would have skewered all of us for this new world we live in. In fact, one of the things that aches my heart the most is that he’s not doing a huge bit on social media.

Wouldn’t you love to hear his perspective on smartphones and Facebook, and what they’re doing to our minds and the ways we connect with each other?

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your personal experiences?

I was afraid to fail. I felt that if I failed, it meant that I wasn’t doing something right. And what I’ve learned in the last 10 years is that failing is essential in order to learn what you’re really about, and where you’re really going. So a big lesson would be, don’t be afraid to fall on your face, don’t be afraid to get messy in life. I was afraid, and it kept me paralyzed and hidden in my house for 20 years. So go out there, fall down, get back up and take another step forward. 

GB EXTRA I think it would have been a double-edged sword for him. He would have loved

Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our Growing Bolder Radio conversation with Kelly Carlin and learn more about growing up as the child of one of the most famous and beloved comics of all time.

G R O W I N G B O L D E R 11

photo courtesy of dick van dyke

Van Dyke, shown here when he was a struggling young actor in the 1950s, still has some pretty smooth moves 60 years later.

ance D

, S S E L Y R R O W

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e YouTub a d n a con k A TV I 90, Dic t a n o i Sensat e Says the k y Van Dy His Longevit o Secret t er Stay Still. v is to Ne LIN IE CAR K C A J BY

more

Van Dyke's talent extends to drawing, which he refers to as "doodling." Here, he's rendering a caricature of himself.

From his Tony Award-winning work on Broadway, to his five Emmy Awards for his TV roles, to his unforgettable parts in beloved film classics, there’s just a certain aura of magic about Van Dyke that gives him universal appeal.

Now he’s bringing that same enthusiasm 14 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

and energy to what might be his most important role yet: being a role model for active and vibrant aging.

The iconic 90-year-old entertainer recently published his fifth book, Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging.

It serves as an instruction manual for what

Van Dyke has dubbed the “Gray Rights Movement.”

The book was his publisher’s idea, Van Dyke says, and at first, he was hesitant about doling out unsolicited advice. Once he started writing, though, the ideas kept flowing.

“I realized there’s a lot more to say,” he JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

photo by arlene silver van dyke

F

or six decades, the effervescent Dick Van Dyke has charmed audiences with his trademark face-splitting grin and the joyful energy he brings to his roles — whether it’s the tap-dancing chimney sweep Bert in Mary Poppins, or the ottoman-tripping Rob Petrie in the The Dick Van Dyke Show, or even the conniving villain in the more recent Night at the Museum series of movies.

GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

G R O W I N G B O L D E R 15

states. “And I figured there are some codgers out there who might benefit!” Much of what Van Dyke has to say is about how to change the conversation surrounding aging.

“You just cannot listen to what the popular culture is telling you,” Van Dyke tells Growing Bolder. “I recently saw a news report that said if you work out 30 minutes, that’s not enough. Don’t listen to that!

Supposed studies like that have no meaning to someone my age. You’ve got to go out and do what you can, when you can. I 16 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

don’t care if it’s 10 or 12 minutes. Just get out there and move!”

Van Dyke says he’s not just talking to other 90-year-olds. He wants to show us all what’s possible in our 90s — if we take care of ourselves.

“So many young people today say they would rather die than get old,” he says.

“Remember, The Who once sang, ‘I hope I die before I get old.’ People fear old age more than death, and it’s just so sad.”

Van Dyke says he’s trying to dispel these

outdated notions by showing that old age can be a great time of life.

“I have some contemporaries, who are younger than I, who have not changed their attitude, their mind or their philosophy about anything in their lives,” he says.

“New information has no effect on them at all. But I think being open minded, and realizing that security doesn’t really exist, frees you up.”

That freedom from the stereotypes of aging allows Van Dyke to keep pushing JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

photos by andy gotts

Van Dyke says that he and his longtime friend Carl Reiner have never grown up when it comes to imagination, creativity and joyful energy.

himself to new limits, and to keep trying new things. It’s an attitude he adopted early in his career.

Today, he’s well known for his dancing skills. But early in his career, he didn’t know how to dance — so he enthusiastically faked it for an audition.

His effort was good enough to land him the part: the lead role in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie. In 1963, he reprised his role as songwriter Albert Peterson in the film that co-starred Ann-Margaret and Paul Lynde.

GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

“It was the desperation of needing a job and having nothing to lose,” Van Dyke recalls. “You know they say, ‘Can you sing and dance?’ And you say, ‘Of course!’ Then you run out and learn how to do it. I was in my early 30s when I discovered dancing, and my God, it was like flying. I just fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since.”

Van Dyke’s dancing scenes in 1964’s Mary Poppins are indelible moments in film history. And now he’s making Internet history with his scene-stealing hoofing in the

“Never Had to Go” music video by the Dustbowl Revival. As of December, the video had been viewed nearly 3 million times.

Van Dyke’s dancing partner in that irresistible You Tube sensation is his wife of four years, Arlene, who is 46 years his junior.

“Yes, that shocked a lot of people,” he says, laughing. “She’s very wise for her age and I am, of course, infantile, so we meet at the same level. She’s just a joy.”

His old friend and collaborator Walt Disney, Van Dyke says, taught him to emG R O W I N G B O L D E R 17

18 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

Van Dyke’s sense of wonder about the world around him pushes him to keep trying new things and learning new skills.

“I’m actually an amateur computer animator,” he says. “I create all these 3-D animations on my computer, which is a really involving kind of a hobby.”

Van Dyke believes that anything to take your mind off the passage of time is worth doing.

“Get rid of those voices in your head that tell you you’re too old to do something new,” he adds. “We’ve got to change the whole culture that centers on being young, pretty and rich.”

Van Dyke says staying physically active helps keep him mentally sharp. He’s not just strolling around the block — he’s hitting the gym nearly every day.

“I get on the treadmill, for as long as JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

photo by curtis dahl

brace a youthful outlook.

“We both used to say we’re children searching for our inner adult,” he says.

“There’s that biblical admonition about setting aside childish things, but I think it meant self-centeredness and things like that. I don’t think it meant imagination and creativity and all those wonderful childlike things. I think you’ve got to keep that childlike wonder about life alive in yourself.”

DICK VAN DYKE

FAST FACTS BIRTH DATE: December 13, 1925 BIRTHPLACE: West Plains, Missouri BIRTH NAME: Richard Wayne Van Dyke FATHER: Loren “Cookie” Van Dyke, a traveling salesman for the Sunshine Biscuit Company MOTHER: Hazel (McCord) Van Dyke MARRIAGES: Arlene (Silver) Van Dyke (2012-present); Marjorie (Willett) Van Dyke (1948-1984) CHILDREN: With Marjorie (Willett) Van Dyke: Christian; Barry; Stacy; Carrie Beth MILITARY SERVICE: U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II FAMOUS RELATIVES: Comedian Jerry Van Dyke, his brother; actor Barry Van Dyke, his son AWARDS: Nine Emmy nominations (four wins), one Grammy nomination (one win), one Tony nomination (one win), Television Hall of Fame (1995), Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) The Van Dyke extended family, including some familiar faces, gathered for a wedding in 2011. Shown are (back row, left to right): Shane Van Dyke, Wes Van Dyke, Arlene Van Dyke, Dick Van Dyke, Kristen McNally Mullin, Russell Mullin, Carrie McNally, Kevin McNally, Christine Van Dyke, Chris Van Dyke and Carrie Wayne Van Dyke. (Front row, left to right): Taryn Van Dyke, Ryan Breen, Stacy Van Dyke, Mary Van Dyke and Barry Van Dyke.

it feels right,” he says. “Then I do some resistance and strength training with the weights. Not a lot, but I do about 30 or 40 minutes and I feel good. I try to tell everybody that moving makes you feel better. I’m not like Jack LaLane out there towing boats with my teeth — but what I do makes me feel great.”

Just because he’s moving doesn’t mean he’s completely pain-free. In fact, Van GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

Dyke admits that he has all the “infirmities appropriate for my age.” The important thing, he adds, is to remain active.

“Start moving, and make it your habit,” he says. “You’ll be amazed! I’ve seen 90-year-old guys get off their walkers who didn’t believe they could do it. As soon as you start going down the stairs sideways, that’s the beginning of your troubles.”

When you become sedentary, Van Dyke

BOOKS: Altar Egos (1967), Faith, Hope and Hilarity (1970), Those Funny Kids! (1975), My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business (2011), Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging (2014) MOST NOTABLE ROLES: Albert Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie, on Broadway and in the 1963 film); Rob Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show, CBS sitcom, 1961-1966); Bert (Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins, 1964); Dr. Mark Sloan (Diagnosis: Murder, CBS mystery series, 1993-2001); Cecil Fredericks (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, 2014) G R O W I N G B O L D E R 19

Van Dyke says he and Arlene, 46 years his junior, are so compatible because "she’s very wise for her age and I am, of course, infantile."

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our Growing Bolder Radio conversation with Dick Van Dyke and to watch the viral music video that features Van Dyke dancing through his house.

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20 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

photo by andy gotts

says, is when the impact of aging can be felt most acutely.

“I’ve had arthritis since I was 40 years old,” he notes. “But it doesn’t bother me because I stretch and I move every day. The main thing is to get on your feet, get interested in something, be aware of the mind-body connection. A little blood through your brain and oxygen will change the way you think. And without exercise, you can’t do it.

So what’s my takeaway? Just keep moving! ” Van Dyke knows the clock is ticking.

But, unlike his longtime friend, Carl Reiner, he’s not obsessed with the idea of death.

Nor does he fear it.

“For some reason, the idea of death doesn’t bother me. I don’t share what I call Carl’s unreasonable fear of death. I mean, when you’re dead, you’re dead; you don’t notice it. Of course, I don’t want to go, either. I’m having too much fun!” 

GOOD THE

LIFE

ACTIVE-ADULT COMMUNITIES HAVE EVERY AMENITY TODAY’S 55-PLUS BUYERS COULD POSSIBLY WANT.

BY MICK Lochridge

A SPECIAL SECTION OF FLORIDA HOMEBUYER ORLANDO AND GROWING BOLDER

AV Homes Offers Award-Winning 55-Plus Lifestyles in Two Amazing Florida Communities!

VITALIA AT TRADITION

Kissimmee, Florida

| Minutes from Orlando

Port St. Lucie, Florida

| Minutes from the Ocean

Two 18-hole golf courses.

Tradition’s only 55-plus gated community.

32,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center with heated pools, indoor track, aerobics, training staff and more.

Ballroom, movies, festivals and special events.

24,000 sq. ft. resident’s clubhouse with pool, aerobics, pickleball, tennis, bocce, putting green, lakeside pavilion and the pleasures of Tradition’s array of dining and shopping.

Three restaurants. Over 150 residents’ clubs.

Residents’ Clubs and events.

New Homes from the $150s to $400s

New Homes from the $190s to $300s

Call 877-335-1543

Call 800-863-1954

Come visit! Exciting 2-Night Discovery Days Packages Available at Both Communities!

Discover more at AVHomesInc.com

Pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, this housing is intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per home, although the occupants of a limited number of the homes may be younger, but no one under 18 years of age may be in permanent residence. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Please review the full list of restrictions and disclosures at www.avhomesinc.com/terms-conditions. AV Homes™, Solivita™ and VItalia™ are the exclusive trademarks and service marks of AV Homes, Inc. © 2015 AV Homes, Inc. All rights reserved. CBC1260030 CBC1254089

F

The Lakes at Harmony will boast a beautiful clubhouse and a resort-style pool adjacent to the golf course. The master-planned community also features a town center and vast preservation areas.

rancine Case can list dozens of reasons why the post-retirement move from New Jersey to Central Florida made sense for her and husband, Charles. Chief among them are mild winters, theme parks and great neighbors in their active-adult community.

And after her hip-replacement surgery, the Solivita resident added one more important plus: The community’s fitness center and indoor track, which was ideal for her physical-therapy walks.

“We wanted to be in an active-adult community for what it offers,” Case says of the amenities in the 55-plus development, which is located in Polk County.

At 69, Francine Case is among more than 75 million baby boomers, defined as those born between 1946 to 1964. Pew Research Center says that 10,000-plus boomers are turning 65 every day — a trend that will continue until 2030.

THE GOOD L I FE

3

Not all homes in active-adult communities are for downsizers.

This model, by Pringle Homebuilding Group in The Lakes of Mount Dora, is a real showplace. And it’s as spectacular on the inside (facing page) as it it is on the outside.

Those numbers add up to a lot of people like Francine, creating a huge market for homebuilders looking to capitalize on the “age wave,” says Doug Buck, director of governmental affairs for the Florida Home Builders Association in Tallahassee.

Last year, about 27 percent of new production homes were bought by people aged 55 and up. Nearly 17 percent of new custom homes were bought by people in that age group, notes Buck.

In Central Florida, particularly, there’s a happy marriage of boomers and builders who cater to the 55-plus market.

Throughout the region, communities that market themselves to active adults are thriving in the land of sunshine, beaches and temperate winters. Living close to international airports and world-class theme parks is just icing on the cake.

“As folks retire, they want maintenance-free homes and prefer to be surrounded by people their own age, with similar interests and backgrounds,” says Mark Bines, vice president of Kolter Homes, developer of Cresswind at Victoria Gardens in DeLand.

While homes in active-adult communities come in every style and price range, they tend to share common characteristics. For example, most designs are single-story, with open floorplans, spacious kitchens, covered patios and flex spaces for crafts or home offices.

Those are some of the attributes that persuaded Judy Schaffer and her husband, Marvin, to buy a home in Heritage Hills in Clermont, a bustling small city in Lake County. They also liked the fact that the community provides lawn care and basic home maintenance.

“We always wanted to be in an active-adult community

4

THE GOOD LIFE

where we can enjoy all the amenities,” says Schaffer, 69. “That’s easier to do when a lot of the chores are taken care of.”

Longwood residents for 31 years, the Schaffers were empty nesters who found what they were looking for without leaving the area. Staying close by was an important consideration for the couple, since their two daughters and a grandchild live in Winter Park.

Just as the homes boast similar themes, so do the communities. Typical amenities include fitness centers, golf courses, biking and walking trails, social and educational programs, swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness classes. And just about everyplace offers pickleball and bocce ball.

“In many ways, active-adult communities are summer camps for adults,” notes Bines.

While a number of local active-adult communities are well established, many more are just getting underway, such as The Lakes at Harmony in Osceola County.

“Active-adult communities are all about the 55-plus lifestyle, so this community is planned specifically for that group,” says Amber Sambuca, associate project manager.

“The recession prohibited many people from selling their homes so they were unable to move when they had planned to,” she adds. “Now, home prices have rebounded and homes are selling.”

Homes in active-adult communities, she adds, are affordable compared to homes near major employment centers — and very affordable compared to homes in major Northeastern and Midwestern markets.

The social hub of Victoria Gardens is its traditionally styled clubhouse. You can play golf at neighboring Victoria Hills Golf Club. Home options include the Apter (facing page) with two bedrooms, two full baths and one half bath.

Home prices in Central Florida active-adult communities range from less than $200,000 to more than $500,000, with home sizes ranging from a cozy 1,300 to a spacious 3,000 square feet.

It’s no secret that the Orlando area is popular among the 65-and-older cadre. For example, 19.5 percent of Polk County’s population is 65 or older, as is nearly 13 percent of Osceola County’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In fact, a full 19 percent of Floridians are at least 65 — the highest percentage of any state in the U.S. And that’s good for developers of active-adult communities, says Buck, since typical buyers are retired couples in their mid- to late 60s, usually with professional backgrounds.

“Although buyers are likely to be healthy and able, health and wellness are still big concerns for this group,” Buck notes.

“They want to be able to stay active and to have plenty to do.”

Homebuyers such as the Cases and Schaffers are typical of busy boomers who want to relax — but not necessarily slow down.

“As boomers continue to adjust to the empty-nest experience, it’s understandable that they’d look at housing options that facilitate a more active lifestyle,” says Richard Tucker, professor emeritus of Psychology and Aging Studies at the University of Central Florida and the UCF liaison to the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF. Having wellness programs within their communities becomes a very attractive option, he adds, as does the proximity of “age peers” who share the same attitudes towards healthy living and healthy aging.

“Boomers are sending a strong message to society that the gift of time that comes with retirement brings many opportunities to age successfully, and to do so with more independence from their adult children,” Tucker notes.

Most active-adult communities are close to major urban areas, so residents can enjoy access to entertainment, shopping, dining, sports and cultural venues. They’re also generally near hospitals and healthcare facilities.

They’re close, but not too close. Most are just far enough removed from the hustle bustle that traffic and crime aren’t

6

THE GOOD LIFE

major concerns, according to Sambuca of The Lakes. Plus, she adds, locations slightly outside the urban core help keep prices down because land is cheaper.

So, let’s have a look. Here’s a sampling of active-adult communities in Central Florida — and what they have to offer.

Solivita

avhomesinc.com Solivita, developed by AV Homes, has been popular since it opened 15 years ago — and now covers 4,300 acres primarily in Polk County, near the Osceola County line.

Plans call for a total of 5,600 homes, mostly single-family, as well as some attached villas. Prices range from $159,990 to $370,990 with square footage ranging from 1,361 to 2,840.

“Overall, active adults want the best of both worlds when retiring,” says Kanjian, sales manager for AV Homes, which recently won the 55-Plus Builder of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders. “They want suburban-style communities that aren’t too far from urban life. They also want opportunities to socialize and a diverse choice of activities.”

He adds that baby boomers prefer single-story homes to avoid climbing stairs and oversized, frameless showers that accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

While most 55-plus buyers aren’t mobility-restricted — quite the opposite, in fact — they do like the option of aging in place, which means they can remain in their homes even as their physical needs change. That’s why open floorplans are popular, Kanjian says.

Solivita amenities include fitness centers, golf courses, pickleball courts, biking and walking trails, social programs and clubs, classes and special events. There’s also a lively village center.

Many of Solivita’s residents come from the Northeast and Midwest in search of warmer weather. Kanjian says they’re looking for “resort-style living at an affordable price.”

The Lakes at Harmony harmonyfl.com

The Lakes at Harmony, which is scheduled to open in early 2016, will be part of the 11,000-acre Harmony master-planned community located east of St. Cloud in Osceola County.

Developed by Starwood Land Ventures, the gated neighborhood will offer 400 single-family homes as part of its first phase.

Home prices will range from $200,000 to more than $400,000, with square footage ranging from about 1,400 to almost 3,000.

Amber Sambuca, associate project manager, says buyers will like the idyllic small-town atmosphere of Harmony, which includes a town square with shops and restaurants.

Homes at The Lakes will boast three key features: huge kitchens that open to entertainment areas; large master suites with ample space for a king-size bed and comfortable furniture; and outdoor living areas with swimming pools, spas, summer kitchens, fireplaces, gazebos and putting greens.

Community amenities will include a clubhouse with a fitness center, card room, ballroom, crafts room and lounge with multiple TVs. There’ll also be a swimming pool with large deck and spa along with tennis, bocce ball and pickleball courts.

Harmony, known for its eco-friendly philosophy, has hiking trails, a golf course and two large lakes.

“The active-adult market is hot for many of the same reasons that Central Florida is the No. 1 tourist destination in the world,” says Sambuca. “Active adults are just that — they want to remain active and they want plenty of options. Plus, they want their children and grandchildren to visit them.”

Del Webb Orlando

delwebb.com/dwo Del Webb Orlando, located in Davenport in Polk County, currently encompasses 495 single-family homes. Plans call for

8

T H E G O O D L I FE

a total of 780 at buildout. Developed by the Pulte Group, it opened in 2007.

Home prices range from $173,000 to $400,000, with square footage ranging from 1,289 to 3,000. Typical buyers are retired couples moving from colder areas of the country or seasonal residents escaping harsh winters, says Lisa Wink, sales consultant. The majority of residents are from the Northeast, she adds.

Like homes in other active-adult communities, Del Webb Orlando’s designs include open floorplans, large island kitchens and covered patios ideal for entertaining or relaxing.

Community amenities include a fitness center with an indoor walking track and aerobics room; tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts; walking trails and a fishing dock; and an outdoor amphitheater and a fire pit. Being near the major attractions is also a key selling selling point.

“More homebuyers are looking for new, energy-efficient construction and the kind of resort-style living that activeadult communities provide,” says Wink.

Cresswind at Victoria Gardens kolterhomes.com

Developed by Kolter Homes, Cresswind at Victoria Gardens is the active-adult component of the Victoria Park masterplanned community in DeLand, located in Volusia County.

Home prices are in the $200s, with square footage ranging from more than 1,500 to just under 3,000. There are now about 655 homes, with 1,070 projected at buildout.

Victoria Park is a traditional neighborhood with tree-lined streets, small pocket parks, walking and biking paths, hundreds of acres of open space and preservation areas with nearby retail and medical facilities.

“Proximity to the quaint town of DeLand and convenience to the beaches makes Victoria Gardens the perfect place for an active lifestyle,” says Mark Bines, Kolter’s vice president.

“Also, we’re close to everything Orlando has to offer.”

Bines notes that three-quarters of Crosswind’s residents are early-retired couples, and about two-thirds are from Florida.

Half, in fact, are from in or around Volusia County, while roughly one-third are from other states.

Buyers are looking for flex space that can be used for crafts or home offices; open floorplans; well-planned kitchens; covered lanais; owners’ retreats; and an abundance of windows to bring in the outdoors, Bines says.

Community amenities include many opportunities to connect with neighbors through activities such as tennis, bocce ball or pickleball; hiking and biking trails; exercise classes and cards.

New active adult community now selling!

Pristine Lakes. A-Rated Schools. Championship Golf. Parks. Nature Trails.

SPARKLING, NATURAL LAKES

More than 750 families live in this idyllic small town, with its tree-lined streets, lakes and nature preserves, and a town square rimmed with shops, eateries, an equestrian center and swim clubs.

In Harmony you can:

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

BEAUTIFUL PARKS

Walk to Harmony High and the K-8 community school, both A-rated.

Enjoy two private natural lakes and the neighborhood parks, including dog parks.

Play golf at the championship Harmony Golf Preserve.

Walk, run or bike on 12.5 miles of nature trails through some of the more than 7,000 acres of conservation areas.

Meet friends at any of the restaurants, or the swim club, or the grocery store on the Town Square.

Located just 20 minutes from Medical City, 30 minutes to the beach.

Now selling — The Lakes at Harmony is a new active adult community with homes from the $200s. Take advantage of pre-construction pricing and watch for the exciting Grand Opening of the 6-home model center by Ryland Homes.

Visit our small town with the big life. . . and discover a special lifestyle with lots of new friends waiting to enjoy it with you.

Our builders offer homes from the $180s to more than $600,000.

Community tours offered 7 days a week | 407-891-8358 | HarmonyFL.com Prices, features and availability are subject to change without notice. Ask the homebuilder’s representative for up-to-date information.

Solivita encompasses more than 150,000 acres of amenities, including a town center. The largest amenity is the 32,000-squarefoot Riviera Spa and Fitness Center (facing page), which features an indoor walking track above an indoor heated lap and exercise pool. The Stonegate Golf Club (also facing page) boasts two championship courses, including The Oaks designed by Ron Garl.

Twin Lakes

joneshomesusa.com Twin Lakes, another new active-adult community, will open in early 2016 with plans for 2,000 duplex and singlefamily homes at buildout.

The Jones Homes USA development will offer homes priced from the $200s with square footage ranging from 1,350 to more

10

TH E G O O D L I FE

than 3,100, according to Deb Marton, sales and marketing director.

Marton says she expects the typical Twin Lakes buyer to be someone “who doesn’t need a large home because the children are grown and on their own.”

Buyers will be seeking an active and vibrant social life, Marten adds, so they’ll want to live around people who share their interests. Maintenance-fee living will likewise rank high on the priority list, she notes.

The majority of buyers are expected to come from South and Central Florida, Georgia and the Midwest, Marton adds.

“They’re attracted to the area by its entertainment, health care and environmental factors,” she says.

Homes will be one-story designs featuring open island

THE GOOD LIF E

11

Esplanade at Highland Ranch, by Taylor Morrison, features stylish homes such as the Pallazio and the Farnese (below). The Pallazio’s outdoor living area allows residents to enjoy what they came to Florida for in the first place — warm weather and sunshine. The Farnese’s open living area and kitchen lends itself to entertaining and socializing, which many 55-plus buyers love to do.

Life More Than Imagined New 55+ Community in Clermont

55

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GATED COMMUNITY

For those who understand that life is meant to be lived well, welcome to Esplanade at Highland Ranch!

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· Fitness Center · Treatment Room · Resort Pool

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New Homes from the low $200s | Homes Range from 1,700 – 2,900 sq. ft.

HighlandRanchFL.com | 983 Ridgeglen Way Clermont, FL 34711 | 352-415-4237 (Blackstill Lake Rd & Old Hwy. 50) Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © December, 2015, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM

kitchens that flow into a great rooms ideal for entertaining.

Outdoor spaces will have covered lanais and such features as summer kitchens, pools, spas and dining areas.

There’ll be a fulltime social director to organize a wide variety of activities, including pickleball, tennis, swimming and dining.

“Active-adult communities have been popular for decades, especially in Florida because of the warm weather, affordable homes and low cost of living,” Marton says.

Espanade at Highland Ranch taylormorrison.com

Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Highland Ranch touts its resort-style amenities, its onsite lifestyle director and the natural beauty of Lake County as prime selling points.

The master-planned community, located in Clermont, will have a gated section exclusively for 55-plus buyers. Singlefamily homes are priced from the low $200s with square footage ranging from 1,722 to 2,930.

Highland Ranch is oriented around an extensive network of parks and open spaces that allow residents to be active, meet neighbors and enjoy nature.

Plans call for a state-of-the-art clubhouse with fitness and multipurpose rooms for yoga and exercise classes. There’ll also be a card room and coffee bar as well as a catering kitchen.

Other recreational amenities will include pickleball, bocce ball and tennis courts as well as a pool and hot tub. Conservation areas will boast elevated boardwalks and nature trails.

The trails within the community connect directly to the sevenmile South Lake Trail, which in turn connects to the 19-mile West Orange Trail. Clermont’s charming Waterfront Park is nearby.

Pringle Homebuilding Group pringle.com

Although many builders have embraced the active-adult market, some have long been synonymous with it. That’s the

14

T H E G O O D L I FE

case with Pringle Homebuilding Group, based in Eustis, a small city in Lake County.

Its flagship 55-plus community, The Lakes of Mount Dora, has been selected among the Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the U.S. by Where To Retire Magazine.

Picture-postcard Mount Dora is one of the most beautiful small towns in Central Florida. Most of the 950 homesites in The Lakes of Mount Dora feature water views.

Homes are priced from the $190s to more than $500 thousand, with square footage ranging from 1,400 to more than 5,000. Community amenities include an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, swimming pools and a fitness trail And that clubhouse is especially noteworthy, encompassing a 6,000-square-foot great hall with a full live-production stage and well as a library, a game room and a fitness center with men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Pringle also originally developed The Legacy of Leesburg, which boasts an eco-friendly ambience. There are abundant conservation areas and walking trails along an unspoiled stretch of the Palatlakaha River.

The Legacy of Leesburg also has a resort-sized heated-pool set in a lush tropical garden as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and courts for tennis, horseshoes, pickleball and bocce ball.

A community center contains full kitchen facilities, an arts and crafts room, a card room, a library with computers, a media center and a billiards table.

Affordability is a major attraction, with prices starting at about $150,000 and square footage ranging from 1,670 to 1,725.

Florida Leisure Communities bought the project in 2011, and is building the final 72 homes in the community. At buildout, The Legacy of Leesburg will contain nearly 1,000 single-family homes.    While developers and homebuilders can provide desirable floorplans, gyms and walking trails, it’s buyers who turn the houses into homes.

For both the Cases in Polk County and Schaffers in Lake County, that human element supplies the essential ingredient for a winning formula.

In addition to participating in other activities, Francine Case joined a singing group, and she and Charles made many new friends, including some from their home state of New Jersey. “Our community is richly diverse, both financially and ethnically,” she says. “They’re very welcoming to strangers.”

Judy Schaffer shares that sentiment. “Everybody is welcome,” she says. “We found it very easy to assimilate in the neighborhood.”

For UCF’s Tucker, those two couples, and many more just like them, define a new vibrance in the aging of America.

“In the same way that today’s baby boomers have redefined every generation they’ve been a part of, they’re now redefining the images of aging,” Tucker says. “Rather than conforming to the stereotypes of aging as a time of dysfunction and despair, they’re focusing on the importance of lifestyle factors as critical influences in the aging process.” 

Nothing Beats VP Living.

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It’s the charm, convenience and culture of historic DeLand with the fun lifestyle and simple luxury of Victoria Park.

Walking trails, pocket parks and acres of preserves

Three community Clubhouses with pools and fitness

Championship golf and neighborhood dining

New homes for families and active adults from the low $200s to the $500s VictoriaParkDeLand.com • 855-628-0209 DIRECTIONS: Take I-4 to Exit 116, west on Orange Camp Road and follow signs to Kolter Homes. © 2015 Victoria Park is a registered trademark of Kolter Homes. Prices subject to change without notice.

If YOU can DREAM IT….

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BOLDER HEALTH German is helping to lead a revolution in how medical students are trained.

WALK THE WALK Medical School Dean Teaches a Focus on Prevention.

BY JACKIE CARLIN

T

his is a time of great change in our healthcare system. One of the most positive changes for both patients and medical professionals is a focus on prevention.

Healthcare professionals are embracing the idea that keeping people out of their offices and hospitals is better for the system, both short term and long term.

America’s top medical schools are now teaching students how to inspire and educate people of all ages to get and stay healthy.

Deborah German, M.D., founding dean of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, says there’s been an enormous shift in how medicine is taught since the days when she studied at Har-

22 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

vard Medical School.

“When I went to medical school, it was all about disease,” she says. “Of course, we still study disease so we can take care of our patients when they get sick. But it’s equally important — if not more important — for our students to understand how to promote health and wellness.

We want future doctors to help patients prevent the diseases that my generation learned so much about.”

This focus on health and wellness isn’t just something German teaches. It’s a philosophy she lives.

“Focusing on your health is something you have to do every day, and it has to be something you enjoy,” she says. “Over

the years, my own exercise routine has changed with my lifestyle.”

For example, German gets up every day at 5:30 a.m. and walks for at least an hour.

Sometimes, she admits, she has to force herself to roll out of bed. But her morning walks make her feel good all day, she says.

A focus on movement was integral in the planning of this highly selective institution, located in Lake Nona’s Medical City. Established in 2006, it was one of the first U.S. medical schools in decades to be built from the ground up.

Its 17,000-square-foot medical education facility features leading-edge lab and classroom technology, as you’d expect. But the health of students and staffers was also considered during the facility’s design.

Wide hallways boast views of the surrounding landscape. There’s even a 1K walking course within the building, so exercise is possible even during Florida’s hot, rainy summers.

German says every new employee is taught about the “1K a Day” program, and urged to take regular walking breaks.

She believes one of the most important lessons the medical school can teach is that it’s vital for doctors to practice what they preach to their patients.

“The reality is that doctors face the same challenges that everyone else does in keeping ourselves fit, and we lack credibility if we don’t take care of ourselves,” she says.

“We need to inspire our patients — and we can only do that if we inspire ourselves.”

She also wants people to know that it’s never too late to start making positive changes — and, most importantly, to get moving.

“I have an 87-year-old dad, and he’s constantly thinking of new ways to exercise,” says German. “My 2-year-old grandson is his newest, favorite exercise tool. He gets down on the floor with him, he plays catch with him. He’s also teaching him to golf.”

He does these things, German says, because they’re a joy. “When you get older, you have to remind yourself to find joy in movement,” she adds. “Whatever brings you joy, you should do it.” 

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our Growing Bolder Radio conversation with German, as well as other experts from the school who are on the forefront of changing the future of healthcare.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

We Practice What We Teach.

We are UCF Health

Christopher Smith, M.D. Family & Integrative Medicine

UCF

Health

As UCF College of Medicine physicians, scientists and teachers, we’re discovering innovative solutions to today’s medical challenges. And at UCF Health, we bring these advancements to you.

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UNIVERSITY BLVD.

Schedule an appointment at 407-266-DOCS or visit UCFHealth.com

College of Medicine Practice

MEDICAL CITY

EAST ORLANDO

TEAM GB ELITE Karen Putz says deafness challenged her to dig deep and discover her unique talents and gifts.

BE THE BEST YOU Despite Her Hearing Aid, She’s Now Living Out Loud.

F

ponytail. I was pretty sure everyone was staring at me. It took me a while to become comfortable with the changes.

You know what happens when you step into your authentic self? The stress disappears.

You no longer try to fit in. Instead, you become comfortable with yourself and begin to share your unique gifts, talents and abilities — just as you are. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

So, if you’ve been struggling with trying to be someone you’re not, perhaps it’s time to dig deep and discover what makes you unique. Embrace that. We’re beautifully unique for a reason.

We’re meant to share our gifts with the world.  We’re proud to have Karen Putz as a member of our Team GB Elite blogging crew. Karen, who wrote her first story at the age of 9, grew up wanting to be a reporter, but abandoned those dreams because her impaired hearing made it difficult to conduct interviews. She reconnected with her love of the written word, and now writes for a number of websites and has even published her own books. In her teens, she went from hard-of-hearing to deaf following a barefoot water skiing fall. In her mid-40s, she boldly returned to the sport she once loved.

She, her husband and three children live near Chicago.

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to read more thought-provoking stories like this from the Team GB Elite bloggers.

PHOTO OF KAREN PUTZ: Lynn Novakofsk

or way too many years, I tried like heck to blend in with everyone else. I had one hearing aid that I wore on my right ear — and I did everything possible to hide it.

Most days, the hearing aid ended up in the pocket of my jeans. During the summer, it sat on a shelf at home.

My only role models all had perfect hearing. So, of course, I wanted to be just like them. The problem was, I was a poor imitation of a person who could hear. I ended up bluffing my way through conversations, smiling and nodding at the appropriate times.

Of course, all of that came at a heavy price: stress.

The stress of being someone you’re not is a heavy burden. It requires you to use a huge amount of energy to play a role that doesn’t fit you.

Then one day, I became deaf. There was no way I could continue to pretend that everything was okay. Nothing was okay. The hearing aid became a constant companion.

I was a college student at the time, trying to juggle the new path of being deaf with the daily demands of professors who walked while lecturing. It was impossible to lip read a moving target.

One morning, I was lying in bed, contemplating my choices.

I could continue to struggle and cry about the situation — or I could change my attitude and become the best possible deaf person I could be.

I decided that I was tired of struggling, and I would embrace the new path instead.

Everything changed that day. For the first time in my life, I put my hearing aid on and went out in public with my hair in a

BY KAREN PUTZ

24 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

FROM OUR BROADCAST PARTNERS IN JACKSONVILLE AND West Palm Beach

WEEKDAYS AT

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G R O W I N G B O L D E R 25

ROAD TO RECOVERY Robert Masson, M.D. (far left), was recently honored by Cornerstone Hospice. Masson is shown at the event with Jill and Marc Middleton and his wife, Denise.

THE JOURNEY

Embracing One of Life’s Most Vital Conversations.

By Robert Masson, M.D.

M

y good friend Max Elson opened up his home recently for a unique party to benefit Cornerstone Hospice and its critically important services.

“The last time I checked, we’re never getting out of here alive,” says Max. “And the most passionate component of healthcare is end-of-life. I believe compassion and love heal the things that medicine cannot, and Cornerstone Hospice deserves our support.”

When Cornerstone asked if they could honor me that evening for my commitment to living as big and as bold a life as possible, I admit to being a little taken aback.

I wondered how my lifestyle and my message would fit into their mission of providing end-of-life services and support. Carol

26 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

Felder, the regional development director for Cornerstone, explained that the party was about letting people know that Hospice isn’t just about our last days — it’s about living every day that we’re given to the fullest.

That, I could relate to.

I’ve always believed that every great adventure, every great journey, has a destination — and an arrival at that destination.

We all hope that our journey through life can be long and fulfilling, and that our arrival — our death — can be peaceful, painless and highly personal.

I quickly realized that while I’m in the business of helping people live every day to its fullest potential, so is Cornerstone.

We’re both doing whatever we can to translate a message of optimism, hope, grace and dignity to the journey of life —

including the arrival.

Max’s party was filled with men and women who believe that to fully celebrate life, you have to embrace the dialogue about death with dignity. “There comes a time when we can no longer speak for ourselves,” says Carol. “Sometimes, we have months or even years to prepare. But sometimes, it happens in the blink of an eye — and it’s important to have the conversation whether you’re young or old.”

It’s a conversation that those who love life are not only willing, but even anxious to have.

It was a great night, and I was honored to help spread an important message about living boldly and dying well.

We should all be aware of — and grateful for — organizations like Cornerstone Hospice that help us complete our journey in a peaceful, powerful and highly personal way. 

GB EXTRA Get more lifestyle and wellness tips from Dr. Masson on the NeuroSpine Institute’s YouTube channel.

Visit youtube.com/neurospineinstitute and get inspired to get started on your own Road to Recovery.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

ROAD TO RECOVERY

The opening of a Utah surgical center was the culmination of a dream for Robert Masson, M.D., an internationally renowned innovator in spine care.

WESTWARD, HO! Neurosurgeon Fulfills a Dream With Park City Facility.

BY MARC MIDDLETON

R

obert Masson was a fourth-year resident in neurological surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine when he and one of his best friends went on a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado.

“That’s when we first had the dream of opening a major spine institute in a mountain location,” Masson recalls.

Over the next two decades, Masson became an internationally recognized neurosurgeon and founded NeuroSpine Institute (NSI) in Orlando.

Specializing in sports spine medicine and employing minimally invasive techniques and leading-edge technologies that he developed, Masson is a major force in changing spine care worldwide — and NSI is a worldwide medical destination for patients interested in extreme and rapid recovery.

Despite his success, Masson never lost focus on his medical school dream. Every move was strategic, and every year moved him closer to GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

following in the footsteps of two orthopedic pioneers whom he has long admired.

“I’ve always been inspired by Dr. Richard Steadman and Dr. James Andrews, who’ve been instrumental in the transformation of American orthopedics by helping create the subspecialty of sports orthopedics,” he says.

“I’m working to advance spine-reconstruction surgery to a level where extreme recovery from major injuries is commonplace.”

Masson is passionate about pursuing spine wellness, spine surgery and spine recovery from a sports perspective. But his approach applies to all active-lifestyle patients — not just professional athletes.

Twenty-three years after that fateful ski trip, Masson has opened Restitute PC, a 21,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Park City, Utah, one of the world’s top international skiing centers.

“We purchased and updated a building that was home to the first major surgical environment in Park City,” he says. “It’s

where Tiger Woods had his knee surgery five years ago.”

History will record that the first surgery performed at Restitute PC was a challenging, three-level microsurgical decompression.

“The patient saw several surgeons before me, and all talked about a 12-inch incision and a weeklong hospital stay,” Masson says.

“I did the surgery with a 14-mm incision and sent him home two hours post op.”

It was a fitting way to celebrate the opening of Restitute PC, a multidisciplinary practice for exceptional care.

“We have a surgery center upstairs,” says Masson. “And in addition to our NSI offices downstairs, we’ll assemble a team of the best specialists in the world in orthopedics, hand, podiatry and aesthetic plastic surgery services to create a world-class restoration health destination.”

It was a dream that Masson first had 23 years ago; a vision held firmly and clearly in his mind until it came true. While Orlando remains NSI’s global headquarters, Restitute PC becomes a major western operational base, providing the opportunity to not only help more patients but also train more surgeons.

“I’m extremely excited and I’m extremely proud,” Masson notes. “We’re passionate about helping patients return to the kind of active lifestyle that makes life exceptional — and this is a very big step for us.”  G R O W I N G B O L D E R 27

SURVIVING & THRIVING ® Despite an unexpected series of heart attacks during training, Richard Belanger is still determined to purse a career in law enforcement.

HEART TO HELP

How a Midlife Career Shift Became a Fight for Life.

BY BILL SHAFER

W

hen Richard Belanger turned 50, he took a good, long look at his life. He’d enjoyed a successful career as a chef, but felt he needed more. He wanted to make a real difference in his

community.

He thought back to his days in the Ma­ rines, and how rewarding it was to protect and serve. So he decided pursue a job in law enforcement.

He seemed to be in pret­ty good shape, but had himself checked out by a cardiologist just in case. After getting a medical thumbs up, he enrolled in the local police academy.

28 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

Belanger breezed through the training course until it was time to take the physical agility test. Halfway through, he felt lightheaded and then passed out. “I thought I just blacked out for a second,” he says. “But I had a massive heart attack.”

A nearby defibrillator restarted Belanger’s heart and saved his life as the EMTs rushed him to the hospital “Next thing I know, I had another heart attack, right there in the ambulance,” he recalls.

And as he was being rolled into the emergency room, he went into cardiac arrest for a third time and, once again, the medical staff had to scramble to bring him back to

life. “I had died for a total of 20 minutes and 48 seconds,” he says in near disbelief.

“No brain, no heart, no lung — I died.”

It took the extraordinary effort of Chin Kim, M.D., at Florida Hospital to save him. “What he had is affectionately known as the widow maker,” Kim explains. “He had a plaque that ruptured and caused a blood clot in his left main coronary artery.”

As dire as Belanger’s condition was, he was struck by the fact that no one ever gave up on him.

“So that’s what I do now, I don’t give up on people,” he says. “That’s why despite all I’ve been through, I’m still determined to become a deputy. I want to give, I want to make a difference.” 

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to watch Richard Belanger’s story and other stories of people who’ve survived life’s toughest obstacles. You can also watch complete episodes of our Emmy-nominated show, Surviving & Thriving.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

BOLDER EXPERTS

CARING FROM AFAR GreatTRANSITIONS® Has Some Timely Tips.

By Paul and Lyn Henderson

W

e all wish we could be there to look after our relatives as they age. Yet, 35 percent of adult children and their parents don’t even live in the same state.

But it’s still possible to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Follow these tips to become an effective long-distance caregiver:

GROWINGBOLDERMAGAZINE.COM

1. GATHER INFORMATION Talk to neighbors, friends and relatives. Ask if your loved ones are getting out of the house. Have they noticed any driving issues or mood swings? Be sure you’re notified of any changes.

2. MAKE SURPRISE VISITS Is the home clean? Are the pantry and refrigerator well stocked?

Are your loved ones taking their medications?

3. ESTABLISH CONTACTS Let others be your eyes and years. Communicate regularly with the people watching over your loved ones. Call when it’s most convenient for them to discuss concerns.

4. KEEP RECORDS Use a journal to log dates, times and topics of each conversation.

Make sure it also contains contact information for your loved ones’ doctors, financial professionals, family members and friends.

Don’t let distance prevent you from being involved. You can find more information on long-distance caregiving and other important topics at Great-Transitions.com.

Paul and Lyn Henderson are certified as Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®) and have more than two decades of professional experience. They have created GreatTRANSITIONS® to help families fully understand their options when it’s time to make lifechanging decisions. Let GreatTRANSITIONS® help you transition to the next place you call home.

G R O W I N G B O L D E R 29

THE TAKEAWAY

RANDY GAGE W

When it Comes to Success, Risky is the New Safe.

e live in the most exciting time to be alive. Ever. Things.” They brought that philosophy to their corporate offices If you could get into that DeLorean from Back to — and it still holds true.

If you want to succeed today, you can’t ask for permission. You the Future and pick any time to go to, this would can’t wait for trends to develop. You can’t hope that somebody will be the time.

The next decade, starting right now, is going to tell you what the next big thing will be.

You have to go out and make mistakes and try new things. Be be the most exciting time in human history, thanks to innovations like social media, the Internet, bio- willing to fail and let yourself fail. Then pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try the next thing. Because every one genetic engineering, cloning, artificial intelligence, of those failures is just a stepping stone to help you mobile apps and more.

“If you want to learn things, modify things and develop character.

These new technologies have changed the way we do business forever. Of course, all these new succeed today, Failure makes us better for the next time around.

I wake up every morning and I do my sacred technologies are also going to cause a lot of problems and challenges we’ve never faced before — but you can’t ask for hour. I do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of self-development — reading, listening to podcasts every one of those challenges creates an opportupermission.” or audiobooks, etc. I use this time to feed my mind nity for somebody to solve a problem. and create my attitude and consciousness.

That’s where all the next millionaires and billionaires will be created — the people who help us deal with and solve I don’t answer my phone or the door, and I don’t leave the these problems. house, until I have my consciousness where I want it. Then, I All the rules of success have changed. The marketplace, the attract people and circumstances that are in alignment with that. world, everything has changed so much. The traditional pathways There are millions of mind viruses out there perpetuated by to success no longer hold true. People who try to play it safe and the media, by the government and even by ourselves. Some of the stay under the radar by being conservative will not succeed. most prevalent mind viruses are things like: money is bad; rich That’s why I say, “risky is the new safe.” Now is the time for people are evil; it’s spiritual or noble to be poor; you have to be a bad parent to be successful. And all of them are false. bold moves. Playing it safe is riskier than ever.

These are exciting times — and you have more opportunities When Mark Zuckerberg and his friends were still in their dorm rooms creating Facebook, their mantra was “Move Fast and Break than ever to create your own success. I know you can do it. 

Randy Gage made the transition from living in a jail cell as a teen to living large as a self-made millionaire. Along the way, he overcame addiction, gunshot wounds and near financial collapse. Gage, the so-called Millionaire Messiah, is the author of nine bestselling books on prosperity and success, and believes we were all born to be rich. His most recent book, Risky is the New Safe (Wiley, 2012), explains why the traditional pathways to success no longer hold the promise of wealth.

30 G R O W I N G B O L D E R

GB EXTRA Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com to listen to our entire Growing Bolder Radio conversation with Randy Gage and learn more about his strategies of finding success in your life.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016