Shared Passions Nadeem Khan Builds Bridges That Break Down Barriers
Beat the Odds & Change Your Life
Honest Conversations on Caregiving
Tips for Proper Running Posture
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contents.
THE MUSIC MAN CAR GUY
Head to page 22 to read Nadeems' story
December 2021
in every issue
masters sports
6
YOUR TAKE
20
TIPS FOR PROPER RUNNING POSTURE
7
NOTE FROM THE CEO
From National Senior Games Association
9
GROWING BOLDER WITH
10
ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
Finding Yourself without Leaving Home
12
TRANSLATING TECH
All About QR Codes
14
RECIPE
Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
29
THE TAKEAWAY
The Rolling Stones Are Rock Stars of Aging
finance 26
SMOOTH SAILING TOWARDS RETIREMENT
James Moskito's Annuity Protects Him Especially In Uncertain Waters
31
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FOR NON-TRADITIONAL EARNERS
Key Insights to Help Navigate the Challenges of Being an Independent Worker
the art of caregiving
lifestyle
16
THE ART OF CAREGIVING WITH AMY O'ROURKE
30
ACTING YOUR AGE
Advice on Beginning the Caregiving Conversation
Dreams Have No Expiration Date
florida 18
NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT
Explore Sarasota, Florida
36
BEAT THE ODDS & CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Tips to Make Your New Year's Resolutions Last
2
Department
G ROWING BOLDE R
Summer 2021
YOURTAKE What is your favorite tradition for this season?
"Christmas Eve candlelight service with family and friends, homemade soup for dinner and new jammies for the night."
"Baking goodies for the family, and presents while listening to holiday music." —Marine C.
—Rebecca P. B.
"Teaching another grandchild how to ice skate and skating with all of them."
"Going out for a good meal with my husband then wrapping presents together into the early hours of Christmas morning."
—Kathy H.
—Bev P.
"Christmas window decorations on a snowy night!!"
"Baking a huge batch of Christmas cookies for neighbors and going around caroling while wearing Santa hats with my family! It's something we look forward to every year."
—Karen K.
—Sarah B.
�� Presents! I like giving presents. Big ones, little
"
6 2
ones, funny ones, needful ones....As a teacher I used to ask my students what they were giving for Christmas. It often confused them."
"Cooking a huge meal for my loved ones and gifting them with love! "
—Elizabeth S. H.
—Magda M.
G R O W I N G B O L D E R / AU DEC GE UM S TB E DR I GDI TA I G ILTA DL I GDEISGTE2S1T 2 1
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Issue No. 46
NOTE FROM THE CEO
I heard someone say recently, “The pandemic has stolen two years of my life.” There is no question that we’ve all had a tough year followed by another tough year, but we are stealing from ourselves if we allow that mindset to exist. This month’s edition of our Digital Digest is filled with the stories of men and women who, even in the face of adversity, manage to extract countless moments of joy out of cooking, running, restoring cars, caring for others, acting, playing in bands, and other pursuits as individual as they are. They have not allowed anyone or anything to steal two years, let alone a single day, from their lives. As we head into the new year, let’s resolve to understand that despite the many challenges we face, we are still blessed with much that is worthy of our notice, celebration, and gratitude. Let’s cultivate the energy of abundance and be mindful of the countless blessings that unfold before us every day: a warm shower, a hot cup of coffee, a good friend, the touch of a loved one, the inspiration of co-workers, the generosity of those in our community, the power of technology, the loyalty of a pet, the miracle of modern medicine, a good book, clean water, a good night’s sleep, a deep breath. There is so much to be thankful for each and every day. Let’s not allow ourselves to become controlled by fear, negativity, or scarcity. Let’s be optimistic and solution oriented. Let’s develop a quiet confidence and be aware of the abundance that constantly surrounds us. Happy Holidays and many moments of joy in the New Year!
...let’s resolve to understand that despite the many challenges we face, we are still blessed with much that is worthy of our notice, celebration, and gratitude.
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Catch new episodes now airing across Florida!
Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Marc Middleton, What’s Next! features a team of well-known Florida broadcasters and personalities, including Secily Wilson, Amy Sweezey, Bill Shafer, and George Diaz, all shining the spotlight on ordinary people living extraordinary lives. What’s Next! is a jolt of inspiration that helps audiences of all ages believe that it’s never too late to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities. New episodes are now airing across Florida!
Check local listings and watch a full episode at
GrowingBolder.com/Whats-Next
GROWING BOLDER WITH
Lindsey Buckingham
Photography by Jim Spellman / Stringer via Getty Stock
72 Lindsey Buckingham is back, well sort of. He is still persona non grata in Fleetwood Mac. His love-hate relationship with Stevie Nicks seems to be stuck in hate, so at least for the time being, Buckingham, 72, is touring behind his latest solo release simply titled, Lindsey Buckingham. What you may not realize is how close we all came to losing him altogether. “I’m fortunate to be alive,” Buckingham said. In early 2019 Buckingham, named by Rolling Stone as one of the Greatest Guitarists of All time had to undergo emergency open heart surgery. As if that was not bad enough, there was a complication. “I guess someone was a little overzealous in putting a breathing tube down my throat,” he explained. “I could not sing, could barely speak and the doctor could not guarantee that my voice was ever going to come back.” All in a matter of weeks, Buckingham was told his voice may be permanently damaged, he had bypass surgery and he was kicked out of Fleetwood Mac. He could have gone to a dark place, but he did not.
“Well, I mean, you have to take everything with a sense of humor,” said Buckingham. “All of the stuff that we've all been through for so many years has really toughened me up. So, I never lost my faith that everything was going to come back around." He has many reasons for optimism: his voice is back, ticket sales are strong and he still hopes one day to be invited back to Fleetwood Mac. As the youngest member of the group, he knows time is running out. Christine McVie is the oldest member at 78. Buckingham’s wish is for the band to get back together for one final tour while they are healthy enough to thank their fans and honor their legacy. As for aging, he believes creativity is the key to living life to the fullest. "It is just so important to stay connected to your feelings and to things you care about deeply,” he said. “You have to continue to take risks, and to seek things that are outside of your comfort zone. I believe that is what helps keep age as just a number and not a defining factor.”
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you don’t have to run off in search of something if what you're looking for is already there. 10
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Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives ®
Robert Moehling
Photography Courtesy of Banks Helfrich
How One Man Found Himself Without Ever Leaving Home Robert Moehling has never had to struggle to seek meaning in his life, to discover his destiny or to find himself. He found his answers early on, which have led him to a surprisingly fruitful existence. Moehling, 68, runs a fruit stand, just as he has since 1959 when he was six years old. It’s called Robert is Here, named after the very spot his father tried to sell crops from their farm. Frustrated by poor sales, he thought people might stop if they saw a little boy selling them, so he made a sign out of an old shingle that said, “Robert Is Here.” It worked. Young Moeller would sell out after just a few hours nearly every day, and that very sign is still on display there. Young Robert loved working at the stand. He learned to interact with his customers and began to really enjoy working the family business. “By the time I was in high school it had really become a passion,” said Moehling. “It didn’t hurt that I was making close to $50,000 dollars a year.” Instead of searching for life, life - along with regular customers and tourists from around the world - has come to him; at his market at the same corner his boyhood stand was located, near Everglades National Park in Florida City, FL. “Yep, very same spot.” he said. “I never grew up and left so I must still be a kid. I feel like staying right here keeps me young and all my customers, old and new, keep me fresh, just like my produce.”
Robert Is Here is unlike any other market. He sells citrus, mangoes and produce with exotic names such as Monstera Deliciosa. You can enjoy a fresh tropical milkshake made to order. They sell preserves and jellies crafted from Moehling’s late mother’s secret recipes, honey-infused with fruit flavors, pies, fresh cut flowers and even firewood. Out back you can enjoy ducks, goats and tortoises in the petting zoo, and they feature live music on many weekends. Something you will not see are cash registers. Moehling doesn’t believe in them. “We weigh your produce and do the math right on the bag we wrap it in,” he explained. "That's how it was done before I was born, that's how I do it and that's not going to change." In this time of change Robert Is Here is a refreshing homage to a simpler time and it is likely to stay that way for at least another generation. Moehling has four adult children interested in making certain that Robert Is Here exists for years to come. After all, you don’t have to run off in search of something if what you're looking for is already there.
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TRANSLATING TECH All About QR Codes
Growing Bolder has teamed up with Senior Planet to bring you more technology content to keep you on the cutting edge of the latest in devices, platforms and tools.
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So, what are those weird little boxes? They’re known as QR (Quick Response) Codes and they’re getting much more popular. By now, anyone with a smartphone has noticed the proliferation of QR codes. They may look like messages from aliens who want to take over the planet, but they’re actually a machine-readable code used for storing website URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. They’re similar to bar codes used for grocery scanning, except QR codes can carry a lot more information in their seemingly random patterns and so are a lot more useful — especially when it comes to selling you, the consumer, more stuff. They’re certainly more artistic than bar codes. The initial design — by the Japanese — was influenced by the black and white pieces on a Go board.
How are QR codes used? QR Codes can be used to get customers to download apps, initiate customer service, access WiFi networks without a password, and purchase products — the list is endless. 11 million US households were expected to scan QR Codes by 2020 as this site explains. Marketers are in love with QR codes and plan to use them more and more as we consumers get used to them. Besides a website, you can also link to a Spotify playlist, a text message, a phone number, a virtual reality experience and more. QR codes seemed like something of a quirky gimmick to many US consumers, at least until restaurants started taking our menus away during lockdown. All of a sudden, the value and benefit of simply pointing your camera at a code and receiving information became apparent, according to a study on The Drum. If you’ve gone to a movie and bought your tickets online, you may have appreciated the convenience of flashing the QR code at a scanner and walking in, rather than printing out a ticket. If you’ve tried to sync your phone or computer with a streaming channel on your TV you may have appreciated doing it via QR code rather than laboriously navigating an alphabetical grid.
How to keep your information safe when using QR codes Just like every other aspect of e-commerce, QR codes have been targeted by scammers, who want to get your bank and credit card information. QR codes give easy access to our smartphones and the personal information inside them. This article provides an overview of QR Code security. Major takeaways:
1
Check the website the QR code sends you to. Examine the URL and see if it’s composed in a strange manner, has misspellings, differs from the website graphics, or if it has two different names.
2
Be wary of bit.ly links. They’re not as secure.
3
Don’t give your credit card, social security number or any personal info to an unknown site.
4
Install malware and spyware protection on your phone.
Want to test a QR code for yourself?
Remember — all you have to do is open the camera app on your smartphone and hover over the QR Code to scan it! It will give you a quick link automatically, and then you just have to tap the link. Using your phone’s camera app, hover over the codes in the illustration on the page at left for a surprise! Neat, right?
TEST SOME M O R E B E LOW :
So are QR codes a good or bad thing for us, the consumers? Will they bring us lower prices, more convenience and make technology more user friendly? I’d have to vote yes on all those fronts. Once you learn to scan a QR code with your camera, which is as easy as taking a photo, you can avoid the laborious multiple steps of typing information into your phone, carrying printouts or searching for the right website.
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Cozy Season Chef Collette Haw
Welcome to cozy season! It’s the time of the year for bodywarming soups and stews, and with cold and flu season approaching, it’s also a good time to keep your immunity up. This soup is filled with Vitamin C-packed butternut squash and carrots, two superfoods perfectly designed to keep you healthy. These veggies are both high in Vitamin A, which also supports healthy immune systems, in addition to protecting your eyes from certain age-related declines, supports bone health and may lower your risk of certain cancers. All of those health benefits and this soup is delicious, too! I love cooking up a big batch of this soup on the weekend and then freezing leftovers for quick weeknight meals. And if you’re caring for a friend or loved one who’s feeling under the weather, a steaming bowl of this soup is guaranteed to make them feel better.
Want more ideas? Visit YourHealthandWellbeing.org to join me in the kitchen for more fresh recipes!
Chef Collette Haw studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After training in some of the country’s most honored restaurants, she became a personal chef for celebrities. She then launched her own business, Collette’s Clean Eats, to provide healthy, prepared meals to busy families. Haw is now a restauranteur, partnering with the Winter Park Health Foundation to operate Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen in the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida.
Photography by Jacob Langston
Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup Makes 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
DIREC TIONS
1 head garlic 3 tablespoons avocado oil 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 8 cups butternut squash, diced 2 cups carrots, diced 1 medium yellow onion, sliced 8 cups vegetable stock ½ cup cilantro ¼ cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon maple syrup Salt & pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Once the oven is preheated, slice the whole head of garlic in half, wrap in foil and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until garlic is soft. While garlic is roasting, roast your butternut squash and carrots in the same oven. Toss your butternut squash and carrots in 1 tbsp avocado oil, season with some salt and pepper and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden brown. 2.
Preheat a heavy bottom stock pot on medium high heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp avocado oil. Sauté the onion slices until caramelized, once caramelized add your roasted butternut squash and carrots and squeeze your roasted garlic into the pot.
3. Add your salt, vegetable stock, coconut milk, and ginger, simmer for 20 minutes.
You can garnish with cilantro and roasted pepitas if you wish. Enjoy!
4. Add your cilantro, and maple syrup and blend in a blender until smooth or you can use a stick blender. Once blended, season with salt and pepper.
ART OF CAREGIVING with Amy O’Rourke
America’s Advocate for Caregivers and Families
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The holidays are here: food, fun and connecting with those we care most about. The chance, finally, to be together once again. And an opportunity for adult children and aging parents to have what can be some of life’s most important and meaningful conversations. Knowing that we need to have these conversations is one thing. Growing Bolder’s aging and care management expert Amy O’Rourke shares some advice from her new book, The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones for her advice on beginning the conversation. I’ve worked with many families overwhelmed by the complex and emotional decisions they face when a previously healthy and self-sufficient parent becomes dependent upon them. That is why I encourage you to prepare for a parent’s fragile years by talking to them about their preferences for care. Eighty percent of Americans say they would prefer to die at home, but only 20 percent are actually home when they die. Sixty percent die in acute care. Twenty percent die in nursing homes. Yet, in our experience, the best place for clients to spend their final hours is at home with loved ones.
While it might be a difficult conversation to have when your parent is still independent and doing well, you will be very glad to have prepared for the fragile years ahead and all the challenges they bring.
I recommend having these discussions when your loved ones are still in good health and clear-minded, but I know that isn’t always easy. To find out what your parent wants, you don’t have to pressure them. I had a friend whose parents resisted talking about how they felt about a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, so one day he mentioned to them that a person of very advanced age had gone in for knee surgery and died of an infection while in the hospital. His father’s response was, “I can’t believe he went in for that surgery at his age. Hadn’t he ever heard of ‘death by hospital?’” That told his son all he needed to hear. His father was definitely in favor of a DNR, and that comment led to an extended conversation about setting up the order for him. I recommend this indirect method of broaching delicate topics if your loved ones resist talking about them. Talk to them about other people and the decisions they’ve made regarding Do Not Resuscitate orders in living wills, and then ask your loved one for their opinion or preferences. My experience is that most older adults want to do the things that make them happy later in life, whether it’s reading novels, having a bowl of ice cream every night, taking walks, or sipping wine while watching movies. If they can’t do the things that make them happy and are faced with being confined to bed or a wheelchair, they may not want to prolong their lives under those conditions. Knowing how your parents feel about having a DNR order in place is particularly important. If they have a serious medical problem at any point, one of the first things you will be asked by the EMTs or the ER nurse is, “Do they have a DNR?” This is not a cut and dry matter. It is a quiet secret in the emergency medical field that older people often do not survive an attempt at resuscitation. And, if they do, they often sustain serious injuries. Many people also think that if they have a living will, they’re all set. But that only works if two physicians agree that you have a terminal diagnosis. So, for example, if your parent, who is fragile and has memory impairment, slips and falls and incurs bleeding in the brain, the ER docs and surgeons will likely want to go in and do a procedure to stop the bleeding. Because your parent didn’t have a terminal
diagnosis, all efforts were taken to prolong their life. But that is a major surgery requiring anesthesia, which can make memory impairment even more severe and seriously impact quality of life. The doctors will argue that if they don’t repair the bleed, the patient might have a stroke. But no one really knows what will happen with the operation, because they don’t do medical studies on people in their eighties. The saying is that those in that age group are “evidence free” because clinical trials and studies are only done on much younger people. In my forty years of working with older people, I’ve never had someone say, “I want to spend my final years incapacitated in a nursing home.” The tough decisions come when there is no terminal diagnosis, but you have to decide on medical intervention. With patients in their eighties, there is a 90 percent chance that surgery will result in a decline in condition and quality of life. The health care system, which is focused on fixing, curing, and treating for a profit, will push you to “treat for a cure.” But they make money doing procedures, and most of the time, they will not answer the question: “What would you do if this was your parent?” Or other questions such as these: “Will the person still be able to walk? Go to the bathroom alone? Eat alone?” While it might be a difficult conversation to have when your parent is still independent and doing well, you will be very glad to have prepared for the fragile years ahead and all the challenges they bring. If they do not have a living will and haven’t documented their preferences for funeral services, internment, and asset distribution, you should encourage them to do that.
For more Caregiving Tips from Amy O’Rourke read The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones
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Neighborhood Spotlight
Located on the Southwest coast of Florida, Sarasota is known for its white-sand beaches, beautiful barrier islands and vibrant cultural offerings. Home to a ballet, opera and theater companies and multiple art galleries, many artists call this pillar of Florida’s cultural coast home. From sunrise to sunset, there’s plenty to do and beautiful views to take in. Here are a few of our favorite spots. S I E S TA K E Y B E AC H #1 as in voted the top beach in the US and #11 in the world by TripAdvisor in 2020. What makes it so special? Pristine white sand that is 99% quartz and so reflective that it stays cool on your toes. Enjoy the dazzling sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico and stay for the nightly drum circle. THE RINGLING The Renaissance palace-style art museum that Circus mogul and prolific art collector John Ringling left in his will to the people of Florida is alive and well today, with rotating installations. But that’s the just the beginning. Explore the Circus Museum and wander through the Bayfront Gardens and the property’s crown jewel, the Ca’ d’Zan: the 36,000 square foot Venetian Gothic style mansion that was the winter home of Ringling and his wife, Mable. M YA K K A R I V E R S TAT E PA R K Enjoy wildlife tours by boat or tram, climb among the park’s oak and palm trees on the Canopy Walkway, or rent a bike or canoe and meander at your leisure through the wetlands and waterways. Keep your eyes up and out for native Florida birds, reptiles and other wildlife. 18
10.75 in.
Sarasota B I G C AT H A B I TAT A N D G U L F C OA S T S A N C T UA RY It’s more than lions and tigers at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire, this non-profit offers a home for many exotic and domestic animals in need, including bears, primates, camels, alligators, birds and more. Visit Fridays – Sundays, or book an animal encounter Wednesdays – Sundays.
PHILLIPPI CREEK OY S T E R B A R Known to locals as the “Creek,” this family-owned restaurant has been offering patrons fresh local seafood for lunch or dinner daily for 35 years. Come by water or road, sit indoors or outside, but bring a big appetite and enjoy this Sarasota institution.
T H E R O O F B A R & E AT S With dazzling views of downtown Sarasota, the local marina and Sarasota Bay, The Roof Bar & Eats gives a whole new meaning to a room with a view. Located on the 19th floor of The Westin hotel, you can enjoy poolside cocktails, lunch or sundown menus, and live music several nights a week. Photo by Tessa Wilson via Unsplash
WORK. RETIRE. GROW BOLD. Living the life you want in retirement requires a plan that can protect and grow your money. An annuity provides protected income that can help cover your essential monthly expenses — now or in the future. The right financial professional can show you how.
Find out more at protectedincome.org
Tips for Proper Running Posture
Running pictures of Joy: courtesy “Dave Albo, Lane1photos”
FROM A N AT I O N A L SENIOR GAMES CHAMPION
Staying physically active as we age is key to increasing our health span. Whether it’s walking, fishing, hiking, lifting weights or playing a sport, exercise can help us enjoy healthier years. Studies show that running is especially good from a cardiovascular standpoint. However, if you observe different runners, you’ll quickly realize that not everyone has the same form, which begs the question: Is running posture important?
Growing Bolder went to an expert to help drill down on the basics of the perfect running form. In an interactive discussion airing on Facebook and Twitch, National Senior Games champion Joy Upshaw offered a demonstration of her six tips for proper running posture. Upshaw, 60, is a Masters Track and Field Hall of Fame member. She has won 24 Masters World Championships in track and field, including six titles in the hurdles and relays. She has spent more than 35 years as a USATFCertified Coach and is the founder of her own track club for boys and girls. Upshaw enthusiastically offered to help the Growing Bolder community set new goals of what older adults can achieve physically by raising the bar on living a healthier lifestyle that includes running. Following are Coach Upshaw’s keys to the fundamentals of running.
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Watch the video here!
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Stand Tall
“A tip that helps is to think of a line going from your ear down through your shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. Bad posture would be hunching over. We want to be nice and tall in a line.”
Bend Elbows
“When you are starting to run, or even just walking, bend your elbows in while maintaining your good posture.”
Swing Arms Forward and Back
“Swing your arms forward and back. Don’t swing your arms side-to-side. (Imagine) you had a golden rod going horizontal through your shoulders to keep them level.”
Maintain Foot Dorsiflexion
According to healthline, dorsiflexion is defined as “the backward bending and contracting of your foot. It occurs when you draw your toes back towards your shin.” Upshaw said that keeping your foot dorsiflexed is key to ensure your entire foot lands on the ground with each stride. “You get the most power when you are running when your foot is dorsiflexed,” Upshaw said. “My whole foot is landing flat. Not just heel, and not just tippy-toes.”
Stretch Out Your Stride
“When you progress, stretch out your stride. Put a little bit more energy into your arms as you extend your legs, and you start to move.”
Push Your Feet Through the Ground
As Upshaw demonstrated her stride across both ends of the track, she concluded her lesson with a tip to build more power. She explained while pumping her arms more that she focuses on pushing her foot “through the ground” to increase speed.
Growing Bolder is proud to be the official media partner for the National Senior Games Association.
Upshaw plans on competing at the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more stories and information about the upcoming games, click here.
The Music Man Car Guy Nadeem Khan Builds Bridges that Break Down Barriers Marc Middleton
Nadeem Kahn puts the OMG in DIY. One day, he brought home the metal needed to build a carport. “My wife immediately said, you’re not capable and nixed the idea,” he recalls. “She was right, but I couldn’t take the metal back, so I used it.” Working in the driveway (a carport would have been nice), Kahn and his son, Miles, used the metal to fabricate the frame for a street rod. Pleased with their ingenuity, they went full blown Dr. Frankenstein; finding, adapting, handcrafting, and cobbling together bits and pieces from dozens of cars: Buicks, Chevys, Fords, Edsels and more. You name it and a piece of it has likely found its way into Kahn’s right-hand drive T-Bucket hot rod complete with a Daimler V8 powertrain. Kahn’s journey into automotive eccentricity began when he was a teenage boy growing up in England and first saw a concept car called the Lincoln Futura. The Futura was hand built in 1955 at a cost of $250,000 (equivalent to $2,400,000 in 2021). After a successful run on the show circuit, Ford Motor Company sold it to car customizer George Barris for one dollar. In 1965, the producers of a new TV show called Batman asked Barris if he could fabricate “a Batmobile” on a nearly impossible timeline. In two weeks, the Futura became the Batmobile, Barris became famous, and Kahn became hooked on car culture. “There were no cool cars that you actually saw on the street,” Kahn recalls. “But occasionally, you'd see a big American car and that was mindblowing for a child. You can imagine how my imagination ran wild when my dad, who was quite the storyteller, told me that he was close personal friends with Batman and Robin. He said all he had to do was make a phone call and they'd come over. He was a bus driver. How could he be friends with Batman and Robin? But I was just a child and I really believed him.”
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Kahn’s father provided the spark of imagination and curiosity that has defined his life. “He gave me a tin toy, a battery powered Ford Mustang coupe,” he says. “You put it on a table, and it would go to the edge and then back up. It would never fall off. I was determined to figure out how it worked and that's really where everything started. I wrecked a lot of stuff with my own version of reverse engineering.” Now 60-years-old, Kahn is still collecting cars. He’s still taking them apart and putting them back together. His taste is eclectic. He’s drawn to the everyday British cars he saw as a young boy growing up in England and to the American cars he coveted when his family immigrated to America when he was 19. He owns Cadillacs, an El Camino, an old Plymouth hardtop, and of course, a few hot rods. If he didn’t build them himself, they’re at least 50 or 60 years old. He’s into vintage and drawn to cars in original condition. “I love cars that have lived a life, show some wear, and are still running strong,” he says. They’re beautiful and they make me happy.”
Music Man Cars are not the only thing that make Kahn happy. Over the years, he’s played in more bands than he can remember. “I’ve been in three or four bands at one time, he says.” His performing pedigree includes stints with Wild Tones, Obliterati, Operation Bell-Bottom, the Delusionaires and Bloodshot Bill. (Yeah, neither had I). But I’m told they all brought something to the party and had passionate, if not large, fan bases. Kahn’s current band is Big Jef Special. “It’s a cow punk band.” he says. Sensing my confusion, he quickly adds, “You know, country western rockabilly with a punk rock edge.” Of course. What else could it be? He’s played the drums and guitar but these days he’s focused on the standup bass. “I just love playing. Seeing people get excited makes me happy.” Other than making him happy, I wondered if Nadeem is drawn to some
other common thread that might be running through his two very different passions. “Absolutely!” he answers quickly. “Americana! Both are infused with Americana.” Americana is a blending of many aspects of American culture. In music, it’s the intersection of folk, indie, country, rock, and rhythm and blues. In car culture, it represents individuality, speed, freedom, creativity and risk-taking. These are the things that defined Kahn’s life from an early age and drew him into two very different cultures that gave an immigrant teenager a sense of belonging. That’s not to say that he hasn’t seen or experienced racism and bigotry, especially in recent years. “I know who the bigots are,” he says. “And some of them are people I’ve known for years. They’re the ‘I don’t like immigrants but you’re OK’ kind of people. They upset me but I can’t cut them out of my life because I’m hoping that I can help open their minds.” Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Nadeem Kahn is just a music man or a car guy. He’s both but he’s something far bigger and more important. He’s a universal adapter. A bridge between generations, cultures, and ethnicities. He’s someone you can’t help but like and respect when you get to know him and that’s the beauty of shared passions. People of passion are inevitably, almost irresistibly, drawn to people who share their passion. If we love the same thing, it becomes easier to love one another. In sharing our passions we’re given the gift of time together. We’re exposed to real people and not derisive stereotypes. “Cars and music are everywhere,” Kahn says. “They touch everyone. They bring people together and make room for everyone. I’m just trying to do my part.” Photos by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder
“Cars and music are everywhere... They touch everyone. They bring people together and make room for everyone. I’m just trying to do my part.”
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JA M E S M O S K I TO I S A N A M B A S S A D O R for creatures of the sea. And he believes that
the key to protecting them and their environment is introducing as many people as possible to these amazing animals. Moskito runs a company in San Francisco, called Ocean Safaris. He takes clients on dives that can bring them face-to-face with all kinds of marine life, from sharks to sea lions and humpback whales. Once people experience whales and other creatures in their natural habitat, it’s life-changing for them, he says. “Like Jacques Cousteau said, ‘People protect what they love, they love what they understand and they understand what they are taught.’ So it’s important for me to share this part of my world that people can experience on their own.” His annuity protects him especially in uncertain waters.
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Smooth Sailing Towards Retirement
Photography provided by Alliance for Lifetime Income
T H E R E ’ S N O P L AC E FO R R I S K I N D I V E R ’ S RETIREMENT LIFE
Obviously, his occupation comes with a lot of risks. “People tell me all the time that I have the craziest and the riskiest job. But for me it’s not risk. For me, being underwater is life,” Moskito explains. Why? Because he knows he has the right plan and that there are certain measures he can take to help manage those risks. He applied that same logic to his retirement fund when he purchased an annuity. In doing that, he not only gained a measure of financial security for down the road, but also guaranteed that he can keep diving well into his golden years, if he so chooses. Considering some of the incredible experiences he’s had underwater, it’s easy to see why Moskito is in no hurry to come up for air. Like the time he and several other divers were called on to rescue a 50-ton humpback whale that was hopelessly tangled in more than a mile of thick nylon rope connected to 100-pound crab traps. While Moskito and his fellow divers worked tirelessly in 47-degree water, they had to be careful of the writhing whale, which at one point raised its pectoral fin and brought it crashing down into the ocean, just inches from his head. Finally, after two and a half hours, the exhausted mammal was freed. “The magical moment of me…cutting that one rope and just seeing all those crab traps…go into the abyss, falling down below,” recalls Moskito. “Then the feeling of ‘we did it.’ We actually did it. This whale is now free.” Working as much as he does in oceans around the world, Moskito often has to deal with inhospitable waters where things can go from calm to treacherous in a matter of minutes. He found that out while diving at Cortes Bank, a shallow seamount in the North Pacific Ocean, notorious for producing some of the world’s tallest surfable waves. “We went in—it was glass flat—and when we came out, 35-foot waves were breaking,” says Moskito. While he’s obviously very tolerant of all the occupational risks, there’s no place for it in his retirement.
“Life’s unpredictable. The ocean is unpredictable. The ocean changes. With my annuity, I know I have a guarantee.” Moskito’s annuity not only provides him with a protected income, but also will allow him to maintain his current lifestyle throughout retirement. “Life’s unpredictable. The ocean is unpredictable. The ocean changes. With my annuity, I know I have a guarantee.” When one of those unpredictable events occurred— the pandemic—Moskito felt “more secure knowing my money will be there when I need it” because of his annuity, he says. “My annuity is consistent, safe and secure, and with a protected lifetime income, I enjoy the peace of mind it gives me.” There was another important factor that Moskito took into consideration when deciding to purchase his annuity —the lifespan of his family members. All four of his grandparents lived to be more than 100 years old. One grandfather even continued to play golf until he was 96 years old. Moskito recognized that there was a distinct possibility that he could outlive his money and decided to do something about it. Moskito believes that what he’s doing is too important to give up and viewed an annuity as a guarantee that he would have steady, reliable income each month to help cover his basic expenses, so he can keep doing it for as long as possible. “I want to keep doing what I love and not have to worry about it. That’s the retirement plan,” he explains.
To learn more about how to rock your retirement, visit protectedincome.org
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I'm proof it's never too late to find your passion. That will lead you to your purpose, and that is where you will find your power. At 74, I love my life and cannot get enough of it! – Quin Bommelje
FOR M O RE DAILY M EME S :
@GrowingBolder
Photography by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder
BALLROOM DANCER
THE TAKEAWAY
Rock Stars of Aging Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images
Marc Middleton
We had a bit of Growing Bolder road trip recently. We piled into the company van and like a bunch of excited college kids drove to Tampa to see the Rolling Stones in a sold-out Raymond James Stadium. The truth is that the Stones could have phoned it in, and no one would complain. They could stumble through their many classic hits and their legion of fans would still be entertained and grateful for the memories. But they wouldn’t be selling out stadiums around the world and the lines to buy $50 t-shirts wouldn’t stretch forever. And maybe, most importantly, they wouldn’t be spreading an important message that transcends even their music. Mick Jagger is 78, Keith Richards is 77 and Ronnie Wood is 74. And they don’t just phone it in. They explode onto the stage with total commitment. In Mick’s case, total abandonment. He struts, runs, dances, poses, and peacocks across the stage with the same passion and energy that he had 60 years ago. And why not? Passion and energy have nothing to do with age. They’re about a state of mind, not a date of birth. The Stones don’t just entertain, they inspire. They sell out stadiums because they’re not selling out. They’re going all in. Unlike many aging acts, they’ve not become a novelty. They’re not some slightly sad reminiscence machine that allows us to reconnect with the wild days of our past but reminds us that we’re getting old. On the contrary, they show us the potential for our future. They remind us in a most unusual and entertaining fashion that more is possible and to continue doing what we love for as long as possible and with as much passion as possible. The Stones are not only still a great band, but they have also become a great life lesson. I must admit that I didn’t see that coming.
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Acting Your Age Hollywood is calling! Joy Perry
Dreams have no expiration date.
Story reprinted from our Fall 2020 Print Issue
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Casting call: Acting experience is strongly preferred, but amateurs will be considered. You should be a 55+ female for consideration. The character is a female, 60s, funny, sharp and full of life. When Joy Perry read the casting call for the Hallmark movie, “The Christmas Bow,” she thought, “I’m a 57-year-old, funny, sharp, full-of-life amateur. I fit all the criteria!” Hallmark said the character, Tess, also suffered from a neuropathological disease, and Perry fit that description, too. Proving that dreams have no expiration date, here is Joy Perry’s inspiring story of how a 57-year-old Winter Springs, Florida, woman, with an untreatable, incurable diagnosis, performed the role of a lifetime. *****
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Photos Courtesy of Crown Media
Have you ever been engaged in a conversation and hear something so unexpected and so stunning that you didn’t hear anything else after that moment? That happened to me twice. The first time was in February, 2010, when a doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville told me that I had a neuromuscular disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). He told me that the condition was “non-treatable, non-curable and progressive.” I don’t remember anything else about the appointment. I was overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. Fast forward a decade later to July 30, 2020. MacLain Nelson, executive producer of “Little Women (2018),” called me — a person with no acting experience — to say I had been chosen to play the part of Tess in an upcoming Hallmark Christmas movie. I don’t remember anything else either of us said — I was overflowing with excitement and disbelief. What followed was a whirlwind of activity. Just three days later, I flew to Utah and spent three weeks performing the role of Tess, the mother of the main character, Patrick, played by Michael Rady. In the film, Patrick is a physical therapist. I’m a physical therapist assistant in real life, so an unexpected bonus was providing technical assistance in some of the scenes. Filming days were long, but the cast and crew were encouraging and helpful. The director, Clare Niederpruem,
was patient and kind. Michael Rady, my screen son, who is perhaps best known for his role in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” gave freely of his time and expertise, often role-playing with me and offering suggestions to boost my confidence. The hair and makeup staff were amazing and made me look beautiful, even after being on set all day. I was fascinated by the props specialists and lighting staff who transformed sets into those beautifully decorated, magical backgrounds that are signature features of Hallmark holiday movies. Even on days when I was not filming, I would go to the set just to watch and listen to other actors and to learn more about what goes into making a movie. After a few days, I began to feel more comfortable and allowed my personality to shine through my character. Tess and I really are a lot alike. Both of us have a strong support system of family and friends, and both of us don’t let CMT hold us back. My family took turns visiting me while I was filming, including my son, Maxwell. During off hours, we explored the Provo area, hiking and biking through the beautiful trails and canyons. I fell in love with the state and hope to return in the fall or spring. At this point, you may be wondering, “What about CMT and the dire diagnosis you received?”
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It is often said that CMT is the most common disease that people have never heard of. CMT affects 1 out of 2,500 people. Since receiving the news in 2010, many things have changed. While CMT is still untreatable and incurable, there has been progress, due in part to the efforts of Allison Moore, founder of the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF). The nonprofit foundation’s mission is to increase awareness and accurate diagnosis of CMT, to support patients and families with information that improves their quality of life and to fund research for treatments and cures. While CMT is still progressive, I have learned to make adjustments. CMT affects the extremities first. Nerves die causing muscles to waste away. My feet and lower legs are the most affected. I don’t have the strength to run anymore, so I walk slowly with an odd gait. My balance is affected since I no longer have full feeling in my feet. What most observers see, however, is an avid cyclist, logging about 100 miles a week. I love to ride my mountain bike through the Ocala National Forest trails. Despite some weakening in my hands and forearms I am a passionate swimmer and swim regularly with a group of friends and neighbors. We call ourselves “the mermaids.” In July, I completed a 3-mile ocean swim. I’m grateful that my progression has proven to be slow. Yet, I can’t ignore the growing fatigue, cramping in my legs and hands and increasing loss of balance.
Although my CMT has advanced, so has my resolve to advance in other areas of my life. So, when an email arrived with the Hallmark casting call, I went for it. With the help of my sister, Adria Clark, I rehearsed scenes, practiced with a walker and wheelchair and taped my audition. Two weeks later, I was performing scenes on Zoom for the producer and director. Two days later, I received a call from Hallmark offering me the part. People have told me they would never have taken the chance and responded to the casting call. They are surprised that I dropped everything and went to Utah for three weeks to film a movie. I mean, who gets a major role in a movie at 57? With NO previous acting experience? ME—someone who is Growing Bolder! “The Christmas Bow,” starring Lucia Micarelli and Michael Rady, will air this fall on the Hallmark Channel. Check your local listings. For more about the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, visit www.hnf-cure.org.
To watch “The Christmas Bow” on the Hallmark Channel, check your local listings.
Watch inspirational stories any time of day or night. Search for Growing Bolder in the app store and download today.
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“I have learned that life is about cherishing every single moment and understanding that there's an assignment that you have while you’re here, and that’s making a difference in the lives of others.” – Thomas McClary
FOR MORE DAILY MEME S :
@GrowingBolder
Kuzma via GettyImages
M USICIAN
Financial Empowerment for 51 Million Non-Traditional Earners Imagine that you want to learn how to ski. You envision yourself whizzing down mountains, wind whistling in your ears as you pick up speed. When you arrive at your first class, eager to get started, the instructor explains that you’ve signed up for a cross-country skiing program, and dives right into the skills you’ll need to master and enjoy the sport. Freelancers, artists, and gig-economy workers—basically, independent workers who are outside of the traditional workforce and are looking for financial understanding and growth—may feel like downhill skiers in a crosscountry class. Certainly, there are ideas and skills to be gained from the multitude of financial experts, money books and podcasts. But the truth is that most financial conversations fail to address the realities that come with life as a non-traditional earner. You are likely to have multiple periods of part-time employment or no employment, or time at a job with no security or benefits. Your income may be sporadic—earning larger amounts for a few months, followed by lengthy periods without income. Here are three key insights to help navigate the challenges of being an independent worker.
For more financial guidance and information for independent workers, visit
protectedincome.org.
Understand your numbers.
Following a non-traditional career path, requires significant clarity with regards to your precise financial starting point. • Without the inherent stability of a regular paycheck, it will be critical that you maintain an accurate picture of your financial position, including your overall expenses and earnings. Establish your current cost of living by reviewing at least your last six months of bank and credit card statements to determine your specific expense categories and the average monthly amounts being spent in each one.
Illustration: Nuthawut Somsuk via Getty Images
• Create a balance sheet that reflects your current net worth. Itemize the value of each of your assets, along with a list of each of your liabilities (debts).
Focus on the long term. Don’t allow an increased focus on day-to-day survival eliminate attention to your long-term financial stability. • Estimate what you’ll need to secure your comfort and lifestyle you want in retirement. The Alliance for Lifetime Income provides helpful tools, like the (RISE) Score®, that can tell you whether you’re on track with having enough retirement income and how well it will cover at least your basic living expenses. It’s like a credit score for your retirement plan. • Make sure you understand powerful retirement vehicles designed for solo entrepreneurs such as SEP IRAs and Solo 401Ks. As someone who will likely experience larger single chunks of income, commit to learning about financial options that can create protected lifetime income, like annuities, that can give you the security and comfort knowing your basic living expenses will always be covered, so you can live the life you want.
Build community. When you’re not a part of the traditional workforce, your
community is no longer automatic, so take time to create a network, personally and professionally, that lasts. The decision to be an independent worker does not mean you have to go it alone. Regardless of where in the country (or world) you’re currently living, it’s not difficult to find robust online communities, specifically designed for individuals building their own businesses and streams of income. As an independent worker, commit to establishing an intentional approach to financial management and to developing a relationship with money that allows you to flourish and live the life you truly want.
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Beat the Odds & Change Your Life Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Last
A recent study by Statista revealed that only 9% of Americans were able to last an entire year without breaking any of their New Year’s resolutions. In fact, the majority of people gave up on their resolutions within the first month. However, making a plan to reshape your life is worth the effort. As adults around the globe gear up to change their habits, many will focus on leading healthier lives. Just like you would make a strategy to invest in your financial future, it’s crucial to put the same level of care into a plan to invest in your health. The small resolutions you make today can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing for years to come. You can beat the odds and stick to your resolutions by following a few simple tips in the new year.
Illustration: grivina via Getty Images
All benefits are not available on all plans. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2021 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health coverage is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. Florida Blue is a PPO, RPPO and Rx (PDP) plan with a Medicare contract. Florida Blue Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue or Florida Blue Medicare depends on contract renewal. HMO coverage is offered by Florida Blue Medicare, Inc., DBA Florida Blue Medicare. 36
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Choose Specific, Attainable Goals When thinking about the resolutions you’d like to make in 2022, be sure to narrow in on a focused target. Rather than making a broad statement like “I want to exercise more this year,” set a specific goal that you can hold yourself accountable to. As you set this mark, make sure it is realistic and attainable as well. As an example say, “I want to exercise at least once per week.” This is a specific goal that is achievable and can be tracked throughout the year. Write Down Your Resolutions By making a list, our resolutions feel concrete and tangible. Some people find it helpful to use a pen and paper to make a list to carry in their wallet, while others keep a digital list on their phone. Jot down small details on how you felt about making the goals and why they are important to you. Leave yourself a note of encouragement you can reflect on. As the months progress into the middle of 2022, this list will help you remember WHY you made these resolutions and act as a permanent guide for extra motivation.
These companies are affiliates of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., and Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. You may access the Nondiscrimination and Accessibility notice at floridablue.com/ndnotice. © 2021 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.
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Track Your Progress Let’s consider someone who wants to improve upon their diet in the new year. This person had a habit of eating too much fast food and it has impacted their overall wellbeing. They’ve written down a specific, attainable goal: “I only want to eat fast food once per week in 2022.” To follow up on their resolution, they can track their progress on their calendar at home. This person can circle the days that they ate fast food as a visual representation of their actions. For extra motivation, they can keep notes of how much money they’ve saved by not dining out like they used to. As their habits change and their overall health improves, they might start jotting down their weight once a month. Seeing the tangible number of days they’ve cut their fast food choices down to, and a visual amount of dollars saved or pounds lost will help to keep this person on track throughout the year. Partner Up for Support One of the best ways to hold ourselves accountable is to have a partner in our resolutions. Whether it’s your spouse, a sibling, or a friend, it helps to have someone to talk to. Share your goals and your progress every week and listen to the progress they are making on their own resolutions. Hearing words of encouragement or having a friendly competition can give an extra boost of motivation when we need it most. Even just knowing that someone else is aware of your resolutions can help keep us focused.
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Reward Yourself As the weeks go by and you stick to your resolutions, be sure to reward yourself for all that you have achieved. These little gifts should make sense as added motivation while keeping us on track. Someone who has been going to the gym once per week might buy themselves some new running shoes or new headphones. A person who has been learning how to play the guitar might buy themselves concert tickets to see their favorite musician. Be sure to pick rewards that celebrate your progress rather than hinder it. Give Yourself Grace Above all, be sure to give yourself grace. No one is perfect, and everyone is prone to mistakes at any given point. If you get sidetracked from your goal one week, forgive yourself and try to get back on track the following week. The key is not to give up at the first sign of a struggle, and instead give yourself compassion and encouragement to keep trying.
Studies have shown that the most popular resolutions made every year revolve around health and wellbeing. Now is the time to get started. The small steps that you can take towards improving your health are an investment in your future. The changes that you make today will last beyond 2022 and can set you on the path to a longer, happier life for years to come. You can talk to your doctor about these tips and other steps you can take to start living a healthier life. A Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for many preventive screenings at no extra cost to you when you use a network doctor. Our Medicare Advantage plans offer online tools and resources to support your health and wellbeing, like: > SilverSneakers® classes on-demand and in-person at participating gyms > meQuilibrium, for stress management and resilience building > MyCareDeskTM to help with caregiver support > Up to $170 in HealthyBlue Rewards for completing eligible health activities
Take advantage of our online resources at
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64& MEDICARE
Make Medicare an opportunity to live BOLDER.
SO MUCH MORE! Go to growingbolder.com/Medicare to download your free, easy to understand guide to Medicare. To speak to a representative call 1-844-396-2579.
Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©️2021 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. Y0011_101935 R1 2020_C
