Growing Bolder Magazine: Vol. 37 by Growing Bolder

RE DEFINING RISK Inventor Bill Booth makes skydiving safer than driving

T H E P OW E R O F

YES! Oscar winner Regina King on Resilience

O R D I N A RY P E O P L E L I V I N G E X T R AO R D I N A RY L I V E S

SUMMER 2019 $ 9.9 9 G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

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©Disney ABD-18-394798 CST 2082519-20

The best education in the world? That’d be the world. Adventures by Disney® can show you the world in ways you’ve never thought possible. We’re a leader in guided group family travel, with active itineraries and VIP access throughout Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Visit AdventuresByDisney.com or contact your local Travel Agent. facebook.com/AdventuresByDisney

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CONTENTS 30 54

features 20

REGINA KING GIVES THANKS

The Academy Award winner shares the source of her resilience.

JUMPING FOR JOY

Expedition skydiving around the world with inventor Bill Booth.

special section: book excerpt GROWING BOLDER: DEFY THE CULT OF YOUTH, LIVE WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE

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RETHINKING RISK

The life-expanding power of saying, 'Yes!'

SUMMER 2019

in every issue

finance

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

TIPS FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF REMODELERS

CONTRIBUTORS

How to save time and money on your next project.

YOUR TAKE

AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT ABROAD

Couple saves $1.5M by retiring overseas.

Readers weigh in on taking up new sports and activities.

THE FLIP SIDE OF RISK

GROWING BOLDER WITH

Opportunity costs of not retiring.

Big names, bold lives.

5 QUESTIONS

Exploring the open road on two wheels with Gary McKechnie.

TEN PERFECT WAYS TO ENJOY ITALY

TRANSLATING TECH

Retired expats experience ‘La Dolce Vita.’

Free apps to make the most of your summer vacation.

TRAVEL TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED ADVENTURERS

THE TAKEAWAY

Road Scholar participants share lessons learned.

Herbie Hancock on risk, fearlessness and creative freedom.

travel

connect

defy

THE CONVERSATION PROJECT

How to approach end-of-life issues with intention.

JUMP INTO YOUR BIGNESS

How to take action in the face of uncertainty.

THE DIGNITY OF RISK

DAVEY JOHNSON

Life lessons from a baseball legend.

Balancing safety and autonomy for those with physical challenges.

heal 14

COGNITIVE CARDIO BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH

Keep your body and mind strong with movement.

DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

Refreshing antioxidant boost in a blender.

GETTING YOUR GENES TO FIT

Epigenetics and gene expression.

BACK TO LIFE

From wheelchair bound to climbing mountains.

THREE WAYS YOGA CAN EASE BACK PAIN

Simple lifestyle changes for pain management.

create 36

GB BOOK REVIEWS

Summer reading on risk, resilience and the power of redemption.

38 ‘POMS’ HIGHLIGHTS JOY, TENACITY OF CHEERLEADING

Diane Keaton stars in new movie about this popular 55+ hobby.

AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Creativity, curiosity have no time limit.

move 48

TENNIS AFTER 80

Three friends share the holistic benefits of sports.

RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE

Diane Travis runs like she lives.

ON THE COVE R Inventor Bill Booth created the sport of tandem skydiving and the equipment that makes it so safe. Despite the perceived risk, there reportedly were no fatalities in the 2.5 million tandem jumps made last year. A successful entrepreneur now in his 70s, Booth is an expedition skydiver, jumping into unusual and difficult places. He shares his adventurous travel with Growing Bolder. (Photo: Courtesy Bill Booth)

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NOTE FROM THE CEO

The key to successful aging is not to mourn what’s lost but to celebrate what remains. This is easy to say but can be difficult to do.

It requires two key abilities that we’ve decided to highlight in this issue — risk-taking and resilience. As we age, most of us become extremely risk-averse, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to keep moving forward. And if we’re not resilient, we can’t continue bouncing back from the challenges and setbacks that are part of the human condition. The “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up” type of messaging that we’re bombarded with on a daily basis peddles fear, discourages risk-taking and reinforces the damaging, ageist stereotyping so prevalent in our culture. We’ve been programmed to give up and brainwashed into believing that when our skin begins to wrinkle, our dreams begin to die. Our obsession with what might go wrong prevents us from taking even modest risks and eliminates the possibility of what might go right. It’s fair to say that I took a pretty big risk when I walked away from my career in TV news to launch Growing Bolder. I wish I could tell you that it’s been an easy journey and that I have never wondered, “What in the hell was I thinking?” The truth is, even good ideas are met with an extreme amount of resistance; and it’s easy to secondguess yourself. But if I hadn’t taken the risk, and our team hadn’t been amazingly resilient, we wouldn’t be here today. We wouldn’t be one of the world’s leading active lifestyle

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RISK AND RESILIENCE To be afraid to fail is to be afraid to live

media companies engaging over 275 million women and men every year through this magazine, our national TV and radio shows, live events, podcast, website and social media channels. To be clear, I’m not encouraging you to take the kind of risks that could lead to serious injury. I’m talking about the risk of embarrassment, the risk of failure, the risk of social unease, the risk of wasting time at something you might not enjoy. These are the kinds of risks that we have to embrace, especially as we age. To be afraid to fail is to be afraid to live. Living a passionate, engaged and active life into our 90s and beyond is no longer an outlandish, unachievable dream. It’s also not a given. It’s simply an opportunity; but we have to want it, and we have to go get it. Are you unhappy with who you are? With where you are in life? Do you long for more? Then go get it. Go find it. Quit waiting for passion and purpose to find you, and quit waiting for permission to find it. Lean into life and take a leap of faith. And don’t stop if you fail because you probably will. Everyone does — at least at first. Refine, adjust and try again. And again. And again. Calculated, strategic risk-taking, followed by extreme resilience, always has been and always will be the path to personal success.

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Volume 37 PUBLISHER Jackie Carlin EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Heafy EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doris Bloodsworth FEATURES DIRECTOR Bill Shafer PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jill Middleton TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Joshua Doolittle EDITORIAL SPECIAL FEATURES Doris Bloodsworth, Katy Widrick VIDEO PRODUCER Jason Morrow, Michael Nanus CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ACTIVE LONGEVITY Roger Landry, M.D., M.P.H. PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION Jim Smith, Ph.D. CAREER DESIGN Christy Wilson-Delk HEALTHY AGING Kay Van Norman NUTRITION Collette Haw FUNCTIONAL FITNESS Mary Cox Ph.D. GROWING BOLDER PRESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Marc Middleton PRESIDENT Robert Thompson SUBSCRIPTIONS

For subscriber information or address changes visit GrowingBolder.com/subscribe, or email subscriptions@growingbolder.com NEWSLETTERS

To sign up for Growing Bolder's weekly newsletter, go to GrowingBolder.com/newsletter COMMENTS

For information about advertising and sponsorships email sales@GrowingBolder.com GROWING BOLDER IS PUBLISHED BY GROWING BOLDER PRESS

Editorial Content Â©GrowingBolder. Growing Bolder is a registered trademark of Bolder Broadcasting Inc. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission for the Publisher is prohibited. Growing Bolder Publishing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all published content. Neither the publisher nor advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein and the publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in ad and/or paid promotional features. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Growing Bolder Publishing. Growing Bolder Publishing does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within the articles. All content is presented for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial or medical advice. Growing Bolder Publishing expressly disclaims and denies any liability for any decisions made based upon the information presented.

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CONTRIBUTORS

R O G E R L A N D RY, M . D . , M . P. H .

Roger Landry, M.D., M.P.H. is a preventative-medicine physician and author. He is president of Masterpiece Living, a group of specialists in multiple aging-related disciplines who partner with communities to assist them in becoming destinations for continued growth. Dr. Landry specializes in building environments that empower older adults to maximize their unique potential.

CHRIST Y WILSON DELK

Christy Wilson Delk is a business professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is a contributing franchise industry writer and educator. She consults, leads workshops and gives presentations about how to achieve greater performance and success through the franchise business model.

C O L L E T T E H AW

Chef Collette Haw studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After training in some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most honored restaurants, she became a personal chef for celebrities. She launched her own business, Colletteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean Eats, to provide healthy, prepared meals for busy families. She is now partnering with the Winter Park Health Foundation to launch Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen in the new Center for Health & Wellbeing. 10

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D O R I S B L O O D S WO R T H

Doris Bloodsworth, APR, is a Pulitzer-nominated writer and award-winning journalist. She is the author of several history books and is accredited nationally in public relations. She is president of Crosswords Communications and has been inducted into two Central Florida halls of fame.

DR. JIM SMITH JR.

Dr. Jim Smith Jr., is a global leader in personal and professional improvement who specializes in creating performance breakthroughs for individuals, teams and organizations. An internationally, sought-after professional speaker, coach consultant and best-selling author, Smith helps men and women worldwide reach their full potential through his "No Excuses" philosophy.

K AY VA N N O R M A N

Kay Van Norman is president of Brilliant Aging and is an internationally known author, writer and thought leader in healthy aging. Her passion is uncovering hidden barriers so that people can move from intending to age well into taking actions that will help ensure that they age well.

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YOUR TAKE

Have you discovered a new sport or activity as an adult?

Our Next “Your Take” We are inspired by stories of risk and resilience. What is the biggest risk you have taken? How has it shaped your life? Tell us at GrowingBolder.com/yourtake and your response could be featured in our next issue.

I had been a sedentary, overweight person all my life. [After] my younger brother had a heart attack, I decided I better get in better shape. While getting bored in a gym, I watched a group having fun in a Zumba class and decided to join in. Three years later, I became an instructor and I now teach 10 classes a week, mostly to active, older adults.

I am 54 years old. Started powerlifting at 50. Now stronger than I have ever been! Feeling healthy and fit.

DEBBIE H. Omaha, Nebraska

Hiking. It has given nature therapy and health/fitness to my life after 50. The "mountains are calling and I must go." Multi-day backpacking is my favorite thing, although time away is hard to come by.

D I A N A Y. Lacey, Washington

ELISABETH S. East Tennessee

Powerlifting. I began strength training at 50. After a time of illness and bereavement, my weight had gotten out of control…My first competition was in February, 2018, and I have not looked back.

I started Crossfit just before my 59th birthday, and I’m 64 now. It was the best and hardest thing I ever did for myself. I’m so much stronger now than I’ve ever been.

TREE G.

JULIA H.

United Kingdom

Sioux City, Iowa

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COGNITIVE CARDIO BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH Full-body brainteasers can keep your body strong and your mind sharp M . A . C OX , P H . D . , K AT Y H A RV E Y, B . S . , YA S M I N T I M M , M . S . A N D E L I Z A B E T H M O R R I S , B . S .

Here’s to a double dose of good news: Cardio fitness benefits your heart and your brain. The aging process can be associated with decline in executive functions and episodic memory; however, there is a significant amount of research to support cardiovascular fitness reduces age-related cognitive decline as well as strengthens heart health. Some people exercise to control blood sugar levels, manage weight or maintain bone density and range of motion. But what are you doing for your brain? Research shows physical activity has a significant impact on cardiovascular health but also suggests a relationship with cognitive health. At the Crosby Wellness Center, we provide a class called Cognitive Cardio, which places emphasis on combining physical movements with cognitive movements, in a fun and engaging environment. It’s much more than the old pat the belly, rub the head. The full-body brainteasers act as cardiovascular exercises to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain. You are probably wondering how this all works. Exercise, even activities such as washing the dishes or

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walking your pet, can generate the creation of mitochondria, which supply your cells with energy and help to stimulate the growth of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis. Physical activity engages the area of the brain known as the hippocampus. This part of the brain is responsible for your spatial memory, like where you last placed your car keys or the route you take to drive to your favorite restaurant. If exercise isn’t on your to-do list, there is evidence to suggest that you can improve memory retention by moving when you study or memorize facts. The long-term effects of exercise are beneficial across all age ranges. Aerobic exercise enhances neuroplasticity, the process by which the neurons in the brain adapt to changes in the environment. Studies suggest that there is an increase of gray matter in the area of your brain responsible for memory-processing and cognitive control. Don’t sweat the small stuff, because even a single session of aerobic exercise can help to improve cognitive function. So, remember: heart health is head health. Cognitive cardio exercises will challenge the mind, engage the senses and are guaranteed to make you smile and laugh.

The following exercises are designed to engage your spatial awareness, improve range of motion, support balance and increase strength. Try them seated or standing, at home or in a community setting. And don’t forget — have fun!

Perform each exercise for 12-15 reps or for 1-2 minutes, 3 times per week.

The Alphabet Stretch Start with the letter A. Reach the arms overhead as you say the letter, touch the shoulders as you say the letter’s sound, fold and reach for the toes as you say a word that starts with that letter. Can you make it all the way to Z? 1

Around the World Holding a small to medium-sized ball in the right hand, pass it around the body in a clockwise direction, switching to the left hand behind the back. Repeat 10 to 15 times and then alternate direction, moving in a counterclockwise direction for 10-15 times. Make it more challenging by closing your eyes.

Arm Circles Hold your arms out at shoulder height and start with small circles forward 15-20 times, then reverse the direction and make the arm circles backward 15-20 times. Increase the cognitive challenge by moving the arms in opposite direction. Right arm forward, left arm back. Reverse. 1

M OV E

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Dance Put on a song with prechoreographed steps and learn a new routine. Some examples include the Hokey Pokey, Cupid Shuffle and the Electric Slide.

Even/Odd Lunges Assign even numbers to the right foot and odd numbers to the left foot. Count from 1-10 and lunge forward with each number using the correct foot, and then step back to the start with both feet together. Complete 2-3 rounds.

Mary A. Cox, Ph.D., is the Center Director at the Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Cox has degrees in Public Health (Ph.D., West Virginia University), Exercise Physiology (M.S., West Virginia University), Health Education & Nutrition (B.S., Marshall University) and Therapeutic Recreation (B.S., West Virginia State University). She is a member of the Medical Fitness Association, National Association of Public Health Professionals, National Therapeutic Recreation Association and American College of Sports Medicine. Her co-authors for this article, Katy Harvey, Yasmin Timm and Elizabeth Morris, are fitness instructors at the Crosby Wellness Center and are working closely with Cox on the pursuit of Medical Fitness Association certification for the facility.

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The Conversation Project When to discuss end-of-life issues K AT Y W I D R I C K

Growing Bolder is about seizing the opportunity of aging and making the rest of your life the best of your life. But, we are mortal beings; and decline and ultimately death are inevitable. With 10,000 of us turning 65 every day, there’s almost a deafening silence when it comes to talking about our wishes for end-of-life care. Not having those conversations with our loved ones and caregivers can lead to difficulty, confusion, frustration, suffering and guilt. So why do we keep ignoring the inevitable? Ellen Goodman is using a personal experience to change the world, and change the way we all approach death and dying. As her own mother deteriorated into dementia, the two women talked about absolutely everything — except what turned out to be the most important item. “When she could no longer decide what she wanted for lunch, let alone what she wanted for healthcare, I was quite shocked to find that those decisions fell to me. And I often wished that I could have heard her voice in my ear telling me what she wanted, because it would have made life much more comfortable,” Goodman said. After her mother’s death, Goodman began to speak with others about their experience through end-of-life with friends and loved ones. Nearly universally, those who had not had a plan ahead of time shared regret and guilt.

I N E V E RY I S S U E : T H E A R T O F C A R EG I V I N G

Those who had served as a healthcare proxy, or whose family members had shared their wishes ahead of time, expressed to Goodman that the experience was, in fact, one of the richest, most honest and positive of their lives. Goodman co-founded The Conversation Project and today serves as the organization’s director. The team is on a mission to help all of us have open and honest discussions and then embrace the powerful opportunity to have a say in how we live in our last days. “If you haven’t told anybody how you want to live at the end of your life — and that’s what we’re talking about, how you want to live — who is going to make those decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself? You need to share what matters to you, not what is the matter with you,” recommends Goodman. Goodman admits that the last thing her own mom would have wanted was to force her daughter into such a painful uncertainty about the end of her life, and eventually, her death. And because of that, she’s driven to help others avoid the same experience. The Conversation Project offers starter kits to help families share their wishes about death and dying. It also includes guides on choosing a healthcare proxy and serving as a proxy for someone else. Plus, there are suggestions on how to speak with your doctor or medical providers about your plans, before you find yourself in a health crisis.

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GROWING BOLDER WITH

78 Aaron Neville Aaron Neville’s voice has been an unmistakable part of the American music scene since the 1960s. Throughout his long and legendary career, he’s scored four platinum albums and four Top 10 hits, including three No. 1 hits, “Tell It Like It Is,” “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “Don’t Know Much” with Linda Ronstadt. His voice conveys wisdom, experience and lessons learned. One of the hardest lessons to learn was how to live without his beloved wife Joel by his side. She died in 2008 following a three-year battle against lung cancer. “After Joel died, I didn’t know if I’d go on,” Neville said. “I had been with her since we were 16, and I buried her on our 48th anniversary. She was my everything.” A few years later, he unexpectedly found love again with photographer Sarah Friedman, whom he met on a “People” magazine photoshoot. “Sarah encouraged me to talk about Joel, and it helped to get some of the sadness out of me. Meeting her taught me that life goes on and it can get better. Before her, I felt like there was no tomorrow; but here I am, years later, happy and alive,” he said. Today, he and Sarah are married, he’s touring the country and creating new music. “I’m 78 and doing what I love. In life, you’re born and you die, but it’s what you do in between that counts,” he said. “Don’t make it a blank trip. Reach out and do things for other people.” 18

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80 Judy Collins Chances are, when you think of Judy Collins, you think of her legendary music career, but hers is also a story of compassion, overcoming obstacles and surviving and thriving. “I know how it feels to be overwhelmed by life. I’ve suffered from polio, tuberculosis, bulimia, depression and alcoholism. I’ve been sober for more than 40 years. I’ve had vocal cord surgery, which left me afraid that I might never sing again. And most devastating of all was the loss of my son to suicide,” she said. Collins is also a prolific writer, and she has several reasons for writing so candidly about her struggles. “One of the reasons I’ve written books on some of the most personal and painful parts of my life is that I believe I get the benefit of healing by sharing. Second, it connects me with other people who have struggled with the same issues. Third, I want to reach out to others who are struggling to let them know they’re not alone.” Her willingness to share her pain so that others don’t feel alone recently earned her the Erasing the Stigma Leadership Award for bringing awareness about suicide and mental illness. “If I can pass on a bit of wisdom it would be this: Never say never,” she said. “Never give up, never surrender, keep doing what you love and always remember to find a way to serve others.”

Louie Anderson

Carol Burnett

Louie Anderson is one of the most versatile and successful comedians of our time. From the moment when Johnny Carson first introduced him to a national audience in 1984 to his time as host of “Family Feud” to selling out comedy clubs across the country, he gained millions of fans.

Carol Burnett is a comedy pioneer and inspiration. Her sketch comedy show debuted in 1967 and ran for 11 seasons. Now 86, she’s touring the country, playing to sell-out crowds; and she was recently saluted at the Golden Globes Awards with the inaugural Carol Burnett Award, which will be given annually to honor lifetime achievements in television. She says her secret to success and longevity is staying busy.

Despite earning three Emmys, Anderson's latest television role has earned him some of the highest acclaim of his career. On the hit FX series “Baskets,” he plays Christine, the matriarch of a family that includes twins, both played by Zach Galifianakis. Anderson said it’s a role that allows him to channel and honor the memory of his late mother. “When producers asked me to play the role of a woman, I immediately jumped at the chance. I didn’t have any question over whether I could do it or not because I’m so full of myself!” he said, laughing. “I feel so fortunate to have such a beautiful part to play in the third act of my career. My mom was such a huge influence on me, so I play the character as if I was a mom. I try to make Louie Anderson disappear in the part.” “I’m proud to be 66. Age really is a state of mind. I’ve never thought your age defines you; I think it’s your mind, spirit and soul that define you,” he said.

“When you’re engaged with life, it keeps you going. Last year, I did 20 appearances as part of my Q&A tour. It’s just me and a few clips, and I field questions from the audience. It keeps the old gray matter ticking because I have to be on my toes. I have to be in the present, and I think that’s healthy,” she said. She says throughout her life, she’s experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows, especially losing her 38-year-old daughter to cancer. She says even though she’ll never get over losing her daughter, she learned an important lesson. “I’m grateful for the time I had with her. I wouldn’t trade that for the world. She’s with me every day, and I welcome that. You just have to take life one day at a time. Appreciate each and every day because you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s a waste of time to fret over it. Good things happen, bad things happen. That’s life. You have to accept that and get on with it.”

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REGINA KING GIVES THANKS BILL SHAFER

Best Supporting Actress for 'If Beale Street Could Talk' at the 24th annual Critics' Choice Awards (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Critics' Choice Awards)

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“And the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress goes to…” Regina King had no idea what she would hear next. After all, careers like hers are not the norm. Awards most commonly seem to go to the new sensation. To the exciting, hot talent bursting on the scene. To the young. King has been able to find work, great work, for 30 years, starting when she was just a teenager on the TV sitcom “227.” She moved to the big screen for big roles in films such as” Jerry Maguire,” “Ray” and “Enemy of the State.” And she went back to TV for “American Crime,” “Big Bang Theory” and the Netflix series “Seven Seconds.” She’s been awarded three Prime-Time Emmys, the Critics Choice Award and several NAACP Image Awards. She also produces and directs. Her credits include episodes of “Being Mary Jane,” “Scandal,” “Insecure” and “This Is Us.” But this time it’s different. First, this is her first Oscar nomination. Second, it’s for the Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of the James Baldwin novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” a moving love story about the bonds that hold a family together. Third, she’s 48 years old. ‘Miss Regina King!’ As she made her way to the podium the tears began to flow. It was not lost on King that she was bestowed acting’s ultimate honor for her portrayal of the lead character’s mother. In the audience was King’s mother, Gloria Cain, whom the actress considered the most important person in her life. “I’m an example of what it looks like when support and love are poured into someone,” King said as she accepted the award. “Mom, I love you so much.” King said her greatest role model was her mother. Cain was a special education teacher and a hero in the eyes of her daughter. Cain also was a single parent from the time King was 8 years old.

C R E AT E

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Circa 1987. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

“She’s just always created a space for my sister and me to dream big and dream with our hearts and our minds,” King said. “And when you have that in abundance, then you’re better-prepared for what life can throw at you.” King always held her mother in the highest regard, but it wasn’t until she had a child of her own that their relationship began to evolve from strictly motherdaughter to something greater. “You know how sometimes you hear people say, ‘That’s my best friend?’” she said. “It was when I became a mother that our relationship turned more toward best friends. She inspires me to be my best every single day. In fact, if I can just be 20% of the mother my mom is to me, then my son will be okay.” Many actresses begin to wind down as they age, but King seems to be on a different trajectory. She is just now blossoming into her prime as she approaches the age of 50. She has always been an outspoken warrior in the fight against gender inequality, racism and now ageism. She has never been afraid to step up and take on risks. That characteristic has allowed her to step across to the other side of the camera and work as a director. “You know, I heard a statistic that of all the content produced in this country only 7% is directed by women,” she said. “You better believe when I had the chance I took it; and what I found is, I really enjoy working with people.” Regina King stars as Sharon in Barry Jenkins' "If Beale Street Could Talk," an Annapurna Pictures release. Credit: Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Pictures

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Regina King accepts the Actress in a Supporting Role award for 'If Beale Street Could Talk' onstage during the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Many actresses go to great lengths to hide or disguise their age, but King says growing older has brought nothing but advantages. “As I mature, I am beginning to understand that I can be a part of the storytelling process in a much more involved way as a director and producer than I can as an actor,” she explains. “Being in a position to create opportunities for other people is stimulating; and it’s creating opportunities for me, too. It truly is exciting.” She also believes that age has given her another advantage — clarity in knowing what roles are right and what parts are important. “I definitely feel that I’m in a place where, as I grow as a human being, my career is growing with me,” she said. “As long as I remain true to that and not try to do something that just doesn’t speak to me personally and not do something just because others say that it’s cool, I will be OK. I hope I will be able to continue to do what I love until I decide I don’t want to do it anymore.” Now, with an Oscar to her name, she is looking forward to new opportunities to inspire others to achieve their dreams. “Far too many of us get caught up in what others are doing,” she says, as if speaking from personal experience. “Never compare yourself to the person next to you. That’s not your story. You create your story. It’s important not to be distracted by what happens to others. Focus on your prize. If you do, it will be there for you.”

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DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH Antioxidants in a glass

C O L L E T T E H AW

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Too often, we’re told what not to eat; but I love to give people ideas of fun and tasty foods they should eat. Did you know some foods are not only better for weight management, they may even improve your overall health? One of my favorite superfoods is the tiny but mighty blueberry. Blueberries are the kings of antioxidant foods that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and can contribute to premature aging and diseases. At Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen, at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida, we use wild organic blueberries, or lowbush berries, which are typically smaller and richer in some antioxidants. The main antioxidant compound in blueberries belongs to a family of polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids. Among the many benefits attributed to flavonoids are reduced risks of cancer, heart disease, asthma and stroke. When it’s hot outside, one of my favorite ways to cool off is with a nutritious, delicious smoothie. This Wild Blueberry Smoothie is packed full of ingredients designed to keep you healthy and strong, including a fun garnish: local bee pollen. Like blueberries, bee pollen contains a powerful antioxidant punch. It’s also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and boost liver function. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These days, you can pick up some bee pollen at most health food stores or from a local beekeeper. Drink to your health!

W I L D B L U E B E R RY S M O O T H I E

Makes one 12-ounce smoothie. Ingredients 6 ounces of unsweetened almond milk 1 cup of organic wild blueberries, frozen 1 banana 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds 1 tablespoon of chia seeds Sprinkle of cinnamon 2 ounces of ice Garnish with local bee pollen. Directions Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you achieve the desired consistency. Garnish with the local bee pollen. Nutrition information Calories 392, fat 22.6g, sodium 101mg, carbs 44.2g, fiber 7.7g, protein 7.6g

HEAL

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QUESTIONS

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Riding the backroads of America towards lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest adventure BILL SHAFER

Photo by Duncan Adler on Unsplash

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

There may be no greater or more enjoyable adventure than to simply jump on a motorcycle and take a ride down the backroads of America. Bored with his 9-to-5 job, Gary McKechnie did just that. He sold his house and set out on an 18-month ride of a lifetime. Along the way, he also happened to write the country’s best-selling motorcycle guidebook, “Great American Motorcycle Tours.” McKechnie is one of the nation’s top travel writers and is a passionate speaker on the topic. He’s also a humorist, comedian and storyteller. He lectures on American travel and history aboard ships of the Cunard, Seabourn and Silversea lines. His exploration of the “roads less traveled” have given him a unique perspective shared in his fascinating stories of American innovation, imagination and perseverance.

What is it about motorcycles that attract millions of riders? I think it’s the sense of freedom that a motorcycle brings. Whether it’s in the workplace or at home, most of us are restricted by responsibilities. We’re stuck in a routine most of the time and may not even know it. But once you’re in the saddle of a cycle and take to the open road, you instantly become part of the world around you. You’re not enclosed anymore like you are at work or when you’re driving a car. It’s a feeling that generates a sense of adventure and a desire to explore.

Who is out there riding motorcycles these days? In the 1980s, when Malcolm Forbes started bringing attention to Harley-Davidson, the image of riders changed from Marlon Brando to Marlin Perkins! From the Hell’s Angels to Hollywood, there has been a constant shift in attitudes about riding that has spread all across the country. Today, no one gives a second look to a housewife or a senior citizen riding a motorcycle.

What are some great destinations "off the beaten path" that we should add to our "gotta go" list? There are about 3 million miles of roads in America, and few of them are interstates or major highways. That leaves a lot of blacktop to discover. You can find really cool backroads in every state, but there are a few that always get my tail wagging. One is the Oregon coast between Cannon Beach and Florence. Highway 101 scribbles along the Pacific coast; and since there’s no structure taller than three stories along the waterfront, (thanks to a law passed in the early 1900s), you get an unobstructed view of the ocean on this 150-mile run. I would say it’s my favorite one-day ride ever! Another waterfront ride is from Ludington, Michigan, to the Lake Michigan shoreline. You’ll ride north to the Leelanau Peninsula, double back to Traverse City, then head north again through Petoskey and Charlevoix before reaching the top of the mitten at

I N E V E RY I S S U E : 5 Q U E S T I O N S

Mackinaw City. The best part is that it’s nearly all twolane riding, with fantastic views of the lake, and often you’re zipping through a tunnel of trees. Finally, I’d highly recommend riding across northern Kansas from Concordia to Oberlin, the majority of which is on Highway 24. It’s not a place anyone would plan to see on a vacation, and that’s why you should go. It’s wonderful to ride past fields of corn and wheat. There are many places where you can stop, park, look around and realize it’s only you and your bike in the middle of 900 square miles. You can look from horizon to horizon with nothing visible but you. The solitude is spiritual. Magic!

Many riders like to do day trips during the weekend. What are the challenges to keep in mind for longer rides? Incredibly, the biggest challenge is just deciding to go. Most of us are so wrapped up in a daily routine that we forget that we need time to explore and refresh our souls. Once you’ve made that decision, then the biggest challenges are deciding where to go and what to pack. Unless you haul a trailer, a motorcycle doesn’t afford room for suitcases or all of the things you would stow in a car, so you’ve got to pare it down to the essentials that will work for you in the desert, mountains or prairies, and also be appropriate when you go out at night.

For those of us who don’t ride, how difficult is it to learn and become confident enough to explore those backroads of America? Before you can receive your motorcycle endorsement on your license, you need to pass a motorcycle safety course. That’s handled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (800-446-9227, www.msf-usa.org), which offers saferiding courses across the United States. The cost is minimal, and they provide small motorcycles to help you learn how to shift, brake, turn, lean and provide a general understanding of how to handle a motorcycle. Still not sure? Take my advice, do it! Open the door to some of the most incredible trips of your life.

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MORE TIME TO MAKE Free travel tools for your summer getaway E M I LY T H O M P S O N

Technology makes it possible for everyone to plan their travel from a computer or smartphone. But being your own travel agent can feel overwhelming with so many options. Here are our recommendations for free tools to simplify your travel planning and maximize your experience at the destination.

Find travel deals with Skyscanner Find the best deals on flights, hotels and more using Skyscannerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful search tools. Skyscanner can even help you choose the best destination for your budget. Search flexible travel dates to discover the best time of year to travel domestically or internationally on a budget. For multi-city trips, you can compare prices for up to six destinations at the same time.

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GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

Consolidate and share your itinerary with TripItÂŽ TripIt consolidates all your travel itineraries into one convenient location, full of features designed to take the stress out of traveling. The free version of TripIt adds plans directly from your email inbox, syncs across all your devices and helps you share your trip information with others. It also shows neighborhood safety scores, transportation options and includes maps of airports and terminals. The paid version includes even more convenient features, such as managing frequent flyer and hotel rewards programs.

tripit.com/web

Learn a new language with Duolingo

Bonjour

O Hola lĂĄ hiwa c i n n o K Ciao

Duolingo is a free language-learning platform designed like a game, making it easy to learn a new language. Take the time to practice polite greetings and common phrases in the language spoken in your travel destinations. While many people around the world learn English in addition to their native tongue, this sign of respect will likely be appreciated and reciprocated. When a native speaker realizes from your accent that you speak English, they will likely attempt to continue the interaction in English as a courtesy, if they can.

duolingo.com

Free messaging and calling with WhatsApp Reliable cellular service may be difficult to find while traveling to rural or international destinations. You can communicate with your travel companions and your loved ones back home using a Wi-Fi connection and WhatsApp. Free messaging, group chats and WhatsApp Calling are available around the world.

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Plan a road trip with Roadtrippers Taking to the open road this summer? Roadtripper can help you plan your trip and get more out of it once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on your way. Discover local restaurants, attractions, historical sites and more with reviews from other users. Sort by themes, including national parks, campgrounds, RV rentals, offbeat guides and more. Follow navigation, book hotels along the way and discover places to visit all within the Roadtripper app.

roadtrippers.com

I N E V E RY I S S U E : T R A N S L AT I N G T EC H

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GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

JUMPING FOR JOY MARC MIDDLETON

Bill Booth was a freshman at the University of Florida when his future literally fell out of the sky and landed in front of him. “I was driving to go scuba diving,” Booth recalls, “when a parachutist landed in the road. I picked him up and took him back to the drop zone. I made my first jump two hours later. If I had left on my trip five minutes before or after, I might never have gotten into this sport.” Booth didn’t just get into the sport, he transformed it — making it safer and more accessible to millions. “When I started skydiving, parachuting gear hadn’t changed since 1927. Everyone was using modified military gear,” Booth said. “Within a year of getting involved in the sport, there were three or four issues that really bugged me.” That’s when the world began to learn that Booth was not just another kid looking for a thrill. He rented a sewing machine and began designing and fabricating parachute equipment in his garage. His first invention was a hand-deployed pilot chute that changed the way skydivers release their main canopies. His next invention, the three-ring system, quickly became the most widely used cutaway system in the world, allowing for the rapid release of a malfunctioning main parachute.

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“I used three, interlocking rings to form multiple levers and divide the force of the opening 200 times to create better control. I used a little tiny force to control a big one,” Booth said. Booth’s first two inventions dramatically reduced fatalities, making the sport safer for the relatively few who were interested in jumping out of an airplane — by all accounts a traumatic and dangerous experience for a first-time jumper. “What bugged me from the very beginning,” Booth said, “is that when you learn to drive or fly you go up with an instructor who has ultimate control. But in parachuting, you have to make your first jumps by yourself.” That was a deal-breaker for most wannabes and resulted in skydiving remaining a fringe, niche sport for young thrill-seekers. Booth knew exactly how to solve the problem but he had to wait a few years for canopy design to support his solution. “Two people falling together have far greater speed, mass and kinetic energy than two people falling side-by-side,” he says. “We had to develop parachutes that wouldn’t kill you at high velocity and high weights.” When that happened, Booth opened the floodgates to recreational skydiving with a tandem harnessing system allowing first-time jumpers to be clipped to a highly trained, certified instructor.

Meeting challenges and solving problems make life worth living. “Tandem jumping is theoretically much more dangerous than solo jumping but the fatality rate is 500% lower because I wrote the rules,” he said. “Last year, 2.5 million tandem jumps were made worldwide, and we had zero fatalities. No other aviation sport comes close to the safety of tandem parachuting. That’s because I look at how people get killed and say, ‘Don’t do that.’” It’s not just a threat, it’s a rule. Booth holds the patent on the tandem rigs used in nearly every drop zone in the world, and instructors have to be certified and abide by his rules in order to use his equipment. “Tandem jumping is a business designed to keep the passenger safe, so we’ve made bad behavior illegal.” Booth has been able to mandate safety in tandem jumping but admits that individual sport jumping is another matter. “I learned a long time ago that if I could make the perfect parachute system that never malfunctions, people would still die,” he said. “There's a skydiving law called Booth’s Law No. 2. It says, ‘The safer parachutes become, the more chances people will take in order to keep the fatality rate level.’ Thrill seekers get easily bored and begin to push and push and push. They’re falling faster and opening their parachute in new positions. We do our best to keep up with the craziness, but 95% of all skydiving fatalities are human error.” Booth’s next invention was SkyHook, a patented safety system that automatically deploys reserve parachutes. It’s an innovation that won him a contract to make all freefall parachute systems for the U.S. Marine Corps and to train all Marine freefall personnel. What started as a one-man operation in his garage has grown into the world’s leading manufacturer of parachute harnessing container systems with over 150 employees. Booth was the right guy at the right time. He was exposed to skydiving when parachutes were first being used for recreation. He was there when jumpers wanted better, safer and more comfortable performance; and he knew how to deliver it. He‘s made the sport safer and more accessible for everyone, including the elderly and the disabled. He’s one of the most innovative and influential figures in the history of the sport and has received every major industry award there is, including induction into the Skydiving Hall of Fame. 32

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

When he’s not traveling, Booth still visits his factory daily but admits his days of inventing transformational equipment may be over. “I have to see a problem that needs to be solved,“ he said. “And I don't see any problems right now, but I might tomorrow. I hope so. I love it when a problem presents itself. People that want a life without challenges, without problems to solve, are looking the wrong way as far as I can see. Meeting challenges and solving problems make life worth living.” Until be sees a problem, Booth has no problem enjoying himself. Now in his mid-70s, he seems a bit surprised to admit that his last decade has been the best of his life. “And now I'm thinking the same thing I thought 10 years ago, ‘What am I going to do next?’” After 6,500 jumps, Booth says simply jumping out of a plane no longer excites him. Expedition skydiving, jumping into unusual and difficult places, is now his passion. His stature in the sport provides him a unique opportunity to travel and experience the world in an unprecedented way. Skydiving is his first-class ticket to a world he’s sharing exclusively with Growing Bolder. Here, in his own words, are just a few Bill Booth highlights from the past decade as he’s traveled the world with his wife, Terri Booth.

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MOUNT EVEREST I realized I was far too lazy to ever climb Mount Everest, so I decided to make a parachute jump over it. We flew into Kathmandu, Nepal, and then on to Lukla, the world’s most dangerous airport. It has a single, tiny, treacherous runway that sits on a cliff above 9,000 feet, is surrounded by 26,000-foot mountains and is subject to sudden weather changes. From Lukla, it’s a three-day walk to Sang Boche, an old rescue airstrip that’s 13,000 feet above sea level. We stayed at the Hotel Everest View for several days until the weather was right for the jump. While we waited, we visited a memorial for Sir Edmund Hillary near the school he founded for Sherpa children at Kumjung Village. We gave the school some new computers as an offering to the gods for a safe expedition. When the weather broke, our aircraft took us up to 30,000 feet, 1,000 feet higher than Everest, for the jump. It was minus 60-degrees with a wind chill of minus 105 at jump altitude. We landed on a glacier at 14,500 feet. After the jump, my wife and I hiked above Everest Base Camp to Kala Patthar for one of the best views in the world, the North Face of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. While there, we also tested high-altitude military gear for jumping and landing at 18,200 feet — the highest parachute landing ever attempted. The Taj Mahal was only 300 miles from Kathmandu. So, after Everest, we dropped by for a visit. We also rode a painted elephant up to the Amber Fort and petted a cobra for good measure!

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

> Story continues on page 79 G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

Blake Blakely Photography, BeTheMatch.org

GB Book Reviews “Mrs. Everything” by Jennifer Weiner

From the No. 1 “New York Times” bestselling author Jennifer Weiner, “Mrs. Everything” explores the lives of two very different sisters. The story follows the sisters from 1950s Detroit to the present, as they struggle to remain true to themselves in a continuously changing America. The sisters’ stories parallel American women’s history, from 1950s housewives to modern working moms. They explore the struggle between expectations and self-fulfillment and how it’s never too late to reclaim our deepest truths.

“The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo

Parenting doesn’t end when the kids leave the house, as Marilyn and David Sorenson have discovered. Madly in love since the 1970s, the novel spans nearly 50 years and multiple generations as the family grows. Their four adult daughters each face painful challenges and ignite old rivalries. They unearth a secret that threatens to shatter the lives they have built. Set in the prosperous Chicago suburbs, the story explores the complicated and ambivalent relationships that exist within families.

“Recursion” by Blake Couch

Sci-fi thriller “Recursion” explores the relationship between memory and reality. A mysterious illness, named False Memory Syndrome by the media, fills victims’ minds with memories of a life they never had, driving them to madness. New York City cop Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith join forces to understand and defeat the syndrome that is unmaking the world around them. Helena’s research on recovering and preserving memories was fueled by her experience of her mother’s dementia. Now she must help prevent the past from being erased for everyone.

“City of Girls” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert, the No. 1 “New York Times” bestselling author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” returns to fiction. “City of Girls” is a scintillating love story told from the perspective of a 95-year-old woman, Vivian, as she looks back on her youth. Set in the New York City theater world of the 1940s, “City of Girls” explores themes of identity, autonomy and female sexuality, as Vivian recalls how the events of her youth altered her trajectory and led her to the love of her life.

“Ask Again, Yes” by Mary Beth Keane

Fate brings the Gleeson and Stanhope families together, then tears them apart, in this emotional family drama. In the 1970s, two young New York police officers, co-workers and their families end up living next door to each other in the suburbs. A tragedy changes the course of their lives, causing one family to move away, while forever entwining them. Strong characters drive this story about mental illness, alcoholism, friendship, forgiveness, love and tragedy.

I N E V E RY I S S U E : B O O K R E V I E W S

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‘POMS’ HIGHLIGHTS JOY, TENACITY OF CHEERLEADING

Cast of "Poms". Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty Images

D O R I S B L O O D S WO R T H

One of the summer cinema hits is “Poms,” a comedy starring Diane Keaton about senior cheerleaders who defy stereotypes and prove: “It’s never too late to chase a dream.” Zara Hayes, the film’s writer and director, said she was inspired when she came across an image of the Sun City (Arizona) retirement community Poms senior cheerleading squad while reading the Sunday paper in her London home. “This is amazing,” she recalled. Initially, Hayes planned to do a documentary about the dozens of senior cheerleading squads across America but decided it would be more powerful in cinemas. “I’ve never seen older women dancing in a movie,” she told a reporter. The movie brings attention to the growing trend of 55+ cheer groups, such as The Villages Cheerleaders in Florida and the Durham Divas ‘n’ Dudes in North Carolina. We’re talking the real deal, complete with glittery outfits, splits, cartwheels, pyramids and, of course, pompoms. Some groups have waiting lists up to five years. “Poms” poignantly captures many of the virtues the real-life, silver-haired cheerleaders say keep them cheering. For some, it’s a fond reminder of their highschool years. For others, like Keaton’s fictional character, Martha, it’s a chance to fulfill a dream. They like the attention — enough to overcome the objections of wellmeaning friends and family; and they cite the physical and mental benefits of an activity that requires hours of strenuous practice. And talk about dedication. There are stories galore of cheerleaders who return to the squad just weeks after an injury or surgery. The Durham Divas ‘n’ Dudes was started by a cancer

survivor. Other members have had knees replaced and strokes. One even had a heart attack during rehearsal. Fortunately, several members were nurses, and the ailing member eventually returned. The oldest member of the squad, at 82, is the top of the group’s pyramid routine. The cheerleading groups are popular fixtures at everything from professional sports events to community parades to grand openings. Some compete in senior sports games, while others use their platform to raise money for charity. With the movie has come lots of attention and newfound respect, the cheerleaders say. Janice Brown, president of the Sun City Poms, said she and other members were having lunch shortly after the movie premiered, when a 20-something server recognized the women. “Didn’t you just have a movie come out? Wow, I feel really honored to serve you,” the young man said. While most of the squads are made up of senior women, the Durham Divas ‘n’ Dudes includes two men. Squad founder Louise Gooche, 76, who is known for her signature split, said her group invited more men, but they left after they saw how active one practice was. For those who have what it takes to join these squads, there’s a bond that’s undeniable. Brown, in Arizona, said when she was in the hospital, her Poms teammates came to cheer her. “We are like an extended family. Nobody is alone. It’s kind of remarkable,” she said. Remarkable and certainly something to cheer about.

The Durham Divas 'n' Dudes have won gold medals for their cheerleading. Courtesy of Divas 'n' Dudes

Cheerleaders perform often in The Villages, Florida. Courtesy of Talk of The Villages

W H I C H FO U R P R E S I D E N T S W E R E C H E E R L E A D E R S ? Answer: George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt C R E AT E

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Resilience and risk taking. Meaning and mission. Passion and perseverance. Growing Bolder is not just media, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a movement.

Visit: GrowingBolder.com Subscribe: GrowingBolder.com/subscribe Follow: @GrowingBolder

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Rethinking Risk The life-expanding power of saying, 'Yes!'

Excerpt from “Growing Bolder: Defy the Cult of Youth, Live With Passion and Purpose,” by Marc Middleton.

“Life shrinks or expands according to one’s courage.” — Anais Nïn One of the most difficult and important challenges we face as we age is balancing the need for safety with the basic human need for experience. In 2012, Dr. Bill Thomas, the man who started the movement to deinstitutionalize the nursing-care industry, began talking about the concept of “surplus safety,” which he defined as an unhealthy obsession with avoiding downside risk (what might go wrong) while eliminating the possibility of upside risk (better-than-expected outcomes). Though Thomas was talking about life in nursing homes, I believe the concept of surplus safety has crept into all of our lives. The ageist propaganda machine has convinced us that there’s very little upside to risktaking as we age, so why take any risks in the first place? It has convinced us that we’ve reached, or are approaching, a point of diminishing ability, and that our strategy moving forward should be not to extend ourselves in any way. It’s time to pull our heads inside our shells and hunker down. There’s no denying that safety is critically important, but what is equally important is quality of life. Human beings, by nature, need autonomy, love and novelty. We thrive on experience. Without some degree of each, it’s fair to question if life is even worth living. Growing Bolder is about the need to confront life and chase experiences, not retreat and withdraw. The more we’re exposed to the possibilities of aging, the more we begin to understand the value of risk-taking and the dangers of surplus safety. Risk-taking, especially as we age, leads to the kind of experiences that make life worth living. I’m not talking about unnecessary physical risks. Participating in activities in which the prospect for serious injury is great, when you’re not prepared for those activities, is stupid. But to take away all risks and all opportunities to make mistakes is to take away what it means to be human. We must learn to balance risk tolerance, so we don’t simply wither away, strapped to a bed. When we allow surplus safety to creep into our lives and control our behavior, we eliminate the opportunity for the kinds of experiences that make life worth living.

We interviewed Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins the week after she broke the world record in the 100-meter dash in the 100-104 age group at the U.S. Masters National Championships. Hawkins didn’t begin running until she was 100, and this was just her second competition ever. I reminded Hawkins that most people gradually become totally risk-averse as they age, and may eventually choose to stay in their homes, their chairs or even their beds where they feel safest. “Weren’t you afraid?” I said. She admitted: “I was scared to death. I was afraid I’d fall and break my hip. I was afraid I’d embarrass my family. I was afraid that I might have a heart attack or a stroke. I was afraid I might die on the track. I was so afraid that I even took care of a few things at home just in case I never came back. Yes, I was afraid. But I looked that fear in the face and I ran. That’s what you must do as you grow older. You must continually face your fears.” Boom! Hawkins dropped a major truth bomb. The key to Growing Bolder is that idea: “I looked that fear in the face and I ran.” We’re confronted with countless fears throughout our lives, and we either move forward in the face of those fears or we back down. Those who maintain a high quality of life into their 90s and even 100s aren’t the backing-down types. They either live independently and can make their own decisions, or they’re surrounded by others who allow them the dignity of choice and help them pursue their passions while mitigating risk. Hawkins told us that she wanted to inspire her family, and she wanted the life experience. Not only did she not fall, embarrass herself or die, she became an international celebrity overnight. Video of her remarkable run went viral on social media, and reports of her accomplishment were featured on newscasts across the globe. “I’m so honored and humbled by all of the attention,” she said. “Mostly, I’m happy that I can inspire other older people to get moving. The risk was worth the reward.” We’ve all heard the axiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It’s been around for centuries. Its meaning has nothing to do with dogs and tricks and everything to do with people and learning. The truth is

that we’re never too old to learn. And yet we readily dismiss the possibility because of some silly sentiment written nearly 500 years ago and perpetuated to this day by “the Machine.” That’s the powerful forces in our culture, such as healthcare, government and the media, that need you to feel old, worn, weak and worthless. The real issue is not our inability to continue learning. In many ways, our capacity to learn increases as we age. The real issue is our unwillingness to continue taking risks. When people realize that their lives are almost over, they mourn for passions not pursued and risks not taken. Dr. Thomas is very straightforward in his prescription for successful aging: “Take risks!”

Growing Bolder is about the need to confront life and chase experiences, not retreat and withdraw.

Growing Bolder: Defy the Cult of Youth, Live With Passion and Purpose AVA I L A B L E N OW O N A M A Z O N .C O M

Special Section: Book Excerpt 43

Growing Bolder’s Launchpad to “

If you’re discouraged by the thought of growing older, listen to Marc Middleton. He exposes the lies, reveals the truth and provides the pathway to a better tomorrow. Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and NBC Sports Broadcaster

“

Marc Middleton has long inspired individuals from all walks of life who seek to live their lives to the fullest. He has personally impacted my life in profound ways, and I am so excited for all those who will benefit from hearing him speak. Doug Ulman, President and CEO, Pelotonia, Former President and CEO of Livestrong

“

I have worked with everyone from Martha Stewart to Dr. Oz, who are no strangers to THE antiaging movement, but Marc Middleton is THE rock star. Lisa Lynn Celebrity Fitness and Metabolic Expert, Wall Street Journal best Selling Author

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

LIVE! Launchpad to What’s Next LIVE! answers the most important questions, addresses the biggest fears, and inspires the kind of lifestyle change that empowers healthy and active aging. It’s a motivational seminar, an educational summit and a TED Talk all rolled into a fast–paced entertaining presentation. Marc Middleton, founder of Growing Bolder and a nationally recognized author, speaker and expert on the changing culture of aging, leads the high-energy, educational and inspiration-packed hour and a half program...with every guest excited to reignite their passion and discover WHAT’S NEXT. Special guests and insights from: Roger McGuinn Founder of the The Byrds and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rowdy Gaines Three-time Olympic gold medalist and sports broadcaster Diana Nyad Author, who at age 64 became the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without the aid of a shark cage Lisa Lynn Personal trainer to Martha Stewart and author of “The Metabolism Solution.” Dr. Roger Landry Highly-decorated flight surgeon and author of “Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging” Dr. Jim Smith Jr. A renowned trainer, motivational speaker and author of “The No-Excuse Guide to Success,” which was nominated for the NAACP Image Award Jean Chatzky Best-selling author, Financial Editor of “Today” show on NBC Dan Buettner Best-selling author, founder of “The Blue Zones”

U.S. TOUR LAUNCH NEXT STOP: ORLANDO, FLORIDA For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.GrowingBolder.com/LaunchpadLive

* E X P E R T S P E A K E R L I N E U P VA R I E S BY E V E N T G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 6

GETTING YOUR GENES TO FIT

Epigenetics and gene expression D R . R O G E R L A N D RY

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

No, this isn’t about weight loss; and yes, I spelled genes correctly. This is not about fashion but function… and empowerment… and the rest of your life. History made

On April 13, 2003, the 13-year-long international Human Genome Project announced its completion. For the first time, we had a mosaic of the DNA for humans. This opened a door to places previously unknown. We’ve already seen an explosion of products to discover ancestry, but for certain we can expect that this brave new world of genome exploration will have major implications for health and aging.

Lifestyle is king

For several decades now, since results of the 10-year-long MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America were published, we’ve known that our lifestyle choices have profound effects on our aging journey, much more than our genes. Paying attention to the whole self — the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual components — is key. Like the wind, brass, strings and percussion of a symphony orchestra, our holistic lifestyle must be in synchrony with each other. And when they are, magical things happen. Now, with our knowledge of the genome, we’re getting an understanding of just how some of that magic happens. There’s no doubt, lifestyle is king.

Epigenetics and you

An exploding new field of epigenetics is rocking the world of our understanding of how genes work. Officially, the Oxford English Dictionary defines epigenetics as “the study of changes in organisms caused by gene expression rather than alterations of the genetic code itself.” In my simplistic understanding, it means the effect of environment on how, and if, a gene expresses itself. There’s a lot more we need to do to fully understand epigenetics, but there’s one big preliminary observation that should set off alarms for all of us — in a good way. It appears that lifestyle has the possibility of shutting down or muting the effect of genes responsible for many chronic diseases!

The exclamation point is an understatement.

We’re not sure exactly how, but it may be through a mechanism that affects inflammation. In any case, research may be getting closer to understanding why lifestyle choices are a more powerful determinant in how we age. Why it is, as the MacArthur Study found, that identical twins with the same DNA and different lifestyles have different aging journeys.

Now what?

So, what does all this mean to you? At a minimum, we’re getting validation that lifestyle trumps genes. This should be a motivator for us all to focus like a laser on our day-to-day choices: how much we move, how much we keep learning, how connected we are to others and what our purpose is. The revelation also explains: why the cover of the Jan. 18, 2010, “Time” cover declared “Why Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny;” why we can’t blame our parents and why our future is in our hands.

HEAL

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TENNIS AFTER Three women making a racket 80 BILL SHAFER

Barbara Weber, age 80, is a tough woman to reach. So is 92-year-old Harriet Freeman. And at age 96, Jeanne Caroline is hardly ever at home. They believe the key to living is moving, and they’re always on the go. If they’re not running errands or having lunch with friends, you’ll most likely find them on the court at their local tennis club. “Most of our friends think we’re crazy,” said Weber with a laugh. “And maybe we are. But I have to tell you, I sure feel healthy, confident and involved in life.” Weber is adamant that it is never too late to pick up a racket. “I was never athletic in the least, but now I just love it. Physically, mentally and socially, exercise really keeps me going,” she said. Exercise has always been a part of Freeman’s life. But she never realized how much it meant until 25 years ago, when her husband died. “I felt so alone,” she remembers. “But it was my circle of friends from tennis who helped get me back on track.” Freeman believes getting involved, going out and keeping busy have given her a zest for life that she doesn’t often see in others. “I have a friend who is exactly the same age as I am, and she's sitting in a senior citizen home waiting to die. How can you have a good outlook and attitude when you don’t ever do anything?” she said. Caroline agrees. “Not only did I never believe life at 96 could be like this,” she says, “I honestly thought I’d have been long gone by now!” Instead, she has a list of activities that await her

every day. Not only does she play tennis, she also swims, does water aerobics, plays bridge, still drives a car and loves to read. “You’d be surprised how many people worry that I’m going to fall down and really get hurt,” she said. “But what good is being alive if you don’t get out there and live?” Adds Freeman: “Listen, age is very isolating. Friends decline, withdraw and pass away and your social circle gets smaller and smaller. I play tennis because I love all these women. Do you know what else happened right here on this court? They introduced me to a very nice

“You’d be surprised how many people worry that I’m going to fall down and really get hurt,” she said. “But what good is being alive if you don’t get out there and live?” man. And now, at 92, I have a boyfriend." One of the unexpected benefits Freeman has experienced is the reaction she and her group get from younger players. “Sometimes they almost treat us like celebrities,” she says, smiling. “Do you know some say they hope to be just like us? How nice is that? Sometimes we even get to feel like an inspiration!” Freeman said.

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BACK TO LIFE

From wheelchair bound to climbing mountains JAC K I E C A R L I N

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Is back pain keeping you from doing the things you love? You’re not alone. By most estimates, eight in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and one in three adults report back pain affects their everyday habits, including sleep. It’s something that impacts people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and fitness levels; but it doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying the moments that make life worth living. Just ask Jim Hammersley. He first injured his back in 2004 in a kayak accident. Over the years, he found his world getting smaller and smaller, as he coped with chronic back pain. In time, the avid outdoorsman even stopped participating in many of his favorite activities. He sought several treatments, including core strengthening exercises, epidurals and trigger point injections. “I got to where my core was fairly strong again, and I could actually move and do things,” he recalls. However, that relief was short-lived. In January 2018, he bent over to tie his shoe; and, without warning, his vertebrae slipped out of line, bringing on full-blown sciatica. “I couldn't walk. I was in a wheelchair for three months,” he said. “By nature, I'm an optimist. But being in a wheelchair, I gained 20 pounds; and I went through some depression. I don't think I ever lost hope, but I was certainly looking for sources of hope.” He found that hope in Dr. Chetan Patel, medical director of the spine program at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute. A friend raved to Hammersley about his son’s successful recovery from a cervical procedure by Dr. Patel. With his friend’s encouragement, Hammersley met with Dr. Patel, underwent a thorough evaluation and together, they established a treatment plan. “I know firsthand the impact spine illness can have on each of us, as well as our family and friends. That is why I am so passionate about providing top quality care to each patient and getting every one of them back to doing the things they love as quickly as possible,” Dr. Patel said. Physicians at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute perform more than 4,000 spine procedures annually, utilizing the latest in minimally invasive robotic surgery and non-surgical techniques, including advanced pain-reduction therapies. A multidisciplinary approach G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

includes pain management, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery and rehabilitation. The specialized team treats patients with a wide variety of conditions, including chronic neck and back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and more. Hammersley says the entire experience was different than any other he had with previous medical professionals. “Sometimes you just feel like a number somewhere. But from the moment I spoke to the receptionist, I felt like she truly cared if I was comfortable," he said. “From the front desk to the assistant who rolled me into the back, to Dr. Patel himself, you could sense a spirit of God in these people.” Today, at age 64, Hammersley is happy to report he’s living pain-free for the first time in years. In fact, just six months after his spinal fusion surgery, he flew from his home in Florida to Phoenix, Arizona, to fulfill a lifelong dream.

“Mother told me I needed to drink life, and I never forgot that. I live each day like it's my last, because I’ve been given an incredible new opportunity to keep drinking in this life.” “I'd always wanted to climb Camelback Mountain, but my back prevented me from doing it,” he said. “I did it! And that was a precursor to what was to come because it's like a floodgate has been opened and I'm pursuing all of the things I used to do, as well as some things I've never done before. It's just been amazing.” “With Jim, he had been suffering for so long – more than 15 years,” Dr. Patel said. “With our care approach and Jim’s dedication to post-op rehab, he went from wheelchair bound to climbing mountains. He is a great representation of what can happen with a lot of determination.” Hammersley has worked hard on his rehab to bounce back, but he also credits Dr. Patel’s team with giving him the courage and confidence to set and achieve his recovery goals. “Dr. Patel is clearly a first-tier surgeon in his field, but he also surrounds himself with professional, compassionate people. You really feel like you're being taken into a family in that kind of atmosphere and looked after as you proceed through the journey,” he said. Today, Hammersely is dreaming and planning for all the stops ahead on his new journey through life. It’s a lesson his mother ingrained in him as a young child. “Mother told me I needed to drink life, and I never forgot that. I live each day like it's my last, because I’ve been given an incredible new opportunity to keep drinking in this life.”

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

With a care network across Orlando, Florida, the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is one of the largest programs of its kind, providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to more neuroscience patients than any other hospital in the nation. An integrated team approach combines state-of the-art technology with innovative research, pain management and rehabilitation. Patients from around the world choose AdventHealth for our dedication to superior patient outcomes and whole person care. Learn more at AdventHealthNeuroInstitute.com.

Inspiring Whole-Person Health Wholeness | Fitness | Medicine

The Center for Health & Wellbeing is where wholeness, fitness and medicine all come together to help you achieve your optimal state of wellbeing. It’s where you can feed your body and your mind, while staying in tune with your health. Wholeness • Kid’s Corner • Conference center • Health and wellness education classes • Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen • Nutrition theater • Gardens with walking paths • Social gathering spaces • Terrace with patio seating

Fitness • Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center - a Medical Fitness Association Certified Facility* • Two indoor pools for lap swimming and warmwater activities • Multi-purpose group exercise rooms • Exercise equipment and weights • Indoor track

Medical • Acupuncture • Weight loss management and Diabetes education • Massage • Outpatient lab • • Retail pharmacy • • Sports medicine and rehabilitation

*Pending certification

A partnership between the Winter Park Health Foundation and AdventHealth

2005 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 | 407.644.2300 | YourHealthandWellbeing.org

WAYS YOGA CAN EASE BACK PAIN C H E TA N PAT E L , M . D .

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If you’re like millions of people in the world, then you probably suffer, or have suffered, from lower back pain (LBP) at some point in your life. On top of being uncomfortable for the patient, LBP is the costliest work disability in the United States; and it can lead to lost productivity, depression, restless sleep and debt problems associated with treatment costs. Introducing alternative therapies to existing treatment plans is one method to improve the way modern medicine treats spinal conditions. Yoga is a common alternative treatment that has become even more popular over the past few years. Overall, yoga intervention can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life with the added potential to reduce stress, depression, medication usage and the likelihood of disability. As with any form of exercise, it is important to talk to your doctor about specific postures that are best for your condition. Here are three ways that you can incorporate basic aspects of yoga into your everyday lifestyle:

1. Start and end each day with stretching. The physical part of yoga focuses on holding postures that help stretch and lengthen your muscles.

2. Practice breathing. Breathing is another very important part of yoga that aims to reduce stress and anxiety and clear your mind. Controlled breathing can help relax your muscles and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand. Take the time to inhale slowly and exhale slowly through your nose for a few rounds of deep breathing.

3. Maintain a balanced diet. The food you consume has a drastic effect on your spine health. Foods that are high in sodium, fat and sugar can cause inflammation in the body, and can result in back pain and injury. Dr. Chetan Patel is a world-renowned leader in minimally invasive surgery and spine health. He currently serves as the Medical Director of AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health in Altamonte Springs and Chairman of the North American Spine Society’s Robotics & Navigation Section. For more wellness education, visit the SpineU video library at AHMGSpineHealth.com.

HEAL

The goal of yoga in healthcare is to heal and strengthen the mind, body and spirit. Partnered with regular supervision from your doctor, yoga can help release the tense muscles that are causing back pain, while strengthening and lengthening your muscles to prevent future injuries from occurring. By combining these postures with a diet that has a high concentration of foods with anti-inflammatory properties and practicing breathing techniques to help you relax and de-stress, you will be well on your way to a more comfortable, pain-free lifestyle. G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

Now Open: Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Made for You

Join the Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center today. The all-new Wellness Center is located within the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Experience everything you need for whole-person health in one place: fitness facility, lab services, healthy cafĂŠ, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellness center, massage therapy, educational programming, personal training, physicians offices and more. For more information, and to join Crosby Wellness Center, call (407) 644-3606 or visit crosbywellnesscenter.org.

Mizell Ave

Crosby Way

North Edinburgh Drive

Center for Health & Wellbeing

Perth Avenue

Hospital Campus

Visit us today in the Center for Health & Wellbeing at 2005 Mizell Avenue in Winter Park.

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GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE Diane Travis runs like she lives D O R I S B L O O D S WO R T H

There’s an unmistakable determination about Diane Travis. It’s how she trains every day, not just for one sport, but for two. Travis is a champion duathlete, a demanding sport that requires running, biking and running again. Without a break. Travis just brought home the gold medal in the national championships for women 65-69 years of age and won the silver medal at the world championship in Spain. Passion and purpose fueled one successful career after another, from her days as an executive at Johnson & Johnson to an innovator in the telecom business to becoming a savvy Realtor, first at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty before founding her own agency in Clermont, Florida. It’s how she ran a successful campaign for city council in Clermont, known as the “Choice of Champions.” Travis is one of Florida’s most powerful advocates for bicycle safety, leading the annual Ride of Silence, part of a worldwide tradition to honor those who were killed while riding bicycles on public roads. M OV E

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Her family says Travis was competitive from an early age in Chicago, where she was a standout player on her high school’s state championship volleyball team. After graduating from Governor’s State University, she took up racquetball, becoming city champion. In 1989, Travis moved to Clermont, a picturesque city and training ground for elite athletes from around the world. It was love at first sight — an ideal place to train in her newfound athletic pursuit, duathlons. It was through racing that she met and fell in love with Harry Nickell, known for his big smile and his unofficial title of “ambassador for bicycling and triathlons.” The happy couple became engaged and moved into their dream home at Blue Springs Reserve. He worked as a construction project manager, while she sold real estate. They trained together. He competed in triathlons, while she ran in the companion duathlons. “We just did everything together,” Travis said. In 2010, Travis went to their cabin in North Carolina to prepare for Thanksgiving while Nickell stayed behind to participate in a popular bicycle ride dubbed the Horrible Hundred. He planned to bring their two dogs to the cabin as soon as the race was over. But he never made it. As Nickell rode on the shoulder of a highway, on his way to the bike ride, an 84-year-old driver struck and killed him. Travis had not even unpacked her suitcase before learning of the news. As she opened her luggage to find something to wear home, she found a card from Harry. “I just want you to know that I really love you, and I can’t wait to see you with the dogs on Tuesday,” he had written. At a lakefront park, where they had trained and spent so many happy hours, Travis donated a granite bench to memorialize Nickell. It is the beginning and ending point for Clermont’s Ride of Silence. After last year’s national duathlon championship, Travis’ close friend and fellow duathlete, Anne Viviani, was killed in a freak accident on her way home from the competition. Travis turned her sorrow into resolve. She would dedicate each race this year to Vivani. Running with passion and purpose, Travis won the 2019 national duathlete championship. A few weeks later, she traveled to Spain and brought home the silver at the world competition. As Travis rides her bicycle, or runs along the trails and hills of Central Florida, people are bound to see a certain intensity and passion. It’s the rare kind that comes from a life sharpened by tremendous success and tremendous loss. It’s the kind that molds world champions. Travis says it’s a mindset anyone can adopt. “Never too old, never too late, never give up.”

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

Never too old, never too late, never give up.

PERFECT WAYS TO ENJOY ITALY Retired expats experience ‘La Dolce Vita’ " I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G ” C O R R E S P O N D E N T S

View of Positano cityscape and coastline

T R AV E L

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Whether traveling to or living in Italy, part of the pleasure of “la dolce vita,” Italian for “the good life,” is combining sightseeing with only-in-Italy experiences. Italy has a staggering amount to offer travelers… and residents. Romantic cities, timeless hill towns, snowy mountains, idyllic islands, vineyard-covered countryside and a rivetingly, beautiful coastline. Plus, outside the major cities, homes start at a mere $50,000 — or less. Expats in Italy say they love not only the art, culture, impressive architecture, world-renowned food and easy access to the rest of Europe, but also the slower pace of life. That includes the culture that prioritizes family and friends over work and to-do lists. In fact, Italy has so much to offer that deciding what to do on an exploratory trip can be a challenge. The correspondents at “International Living” have put together a Top 10 list that goes beyond the usual sightseeing destinations and shows off some of the enjoyable, affordable and lesser-known qualities of this remarkable retirement destination.

S OA K I N H O T S P R I N G S

Italy is littered with the remains of ancient bath complexes and mosaic-covered pools, evidence that the ancient Romans loved to lounge in hot water. Curative therapies and spas are actually part of the national healthcare system. There are hot springs from the Alps down to the toe, but the most famous and abundant are on the island of Ischia and in Tuscany. Whether it’s a natural rock pool, or a spa facility with relaxation treatments, a soak in hot springs to unwind after sightseeing is a great idea.

9 8 BYO B

Italy is renowned for its wines, with each region having its own heritage vintage, so a wine tasting is definitely in order. Wine tastings can be full-formal, but a fun Italian tradition is called “vino sfuso,” literally meaning “loose wine.” Take a jug or bottle to a participating winery or wine shop and get the container filled directly from the vats for about €2 ($2.35) per liter. Not every winery offers sfuso, but there are some in every region. F I N D A FO L K F E S T I VA L O R S AG R A

A sagra is a down-home food festival dedicated to a particular delicacy, and it’s a fun experience. The festival is often held in conjunction with a religious feast day, but the sagra is all about the food. Eat well and cheap, mix it up with the locals and hit the dance floor for a bit of free fun.

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Saturnia springs, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy

Tuscan village of Pienza, Italy

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G E T O F F T H E B E AT E N PAT H

Get out and see some smaller cities or lesser-known regions. Gorgeous landscapes and fascinating towns exist throughout Italy, offering lower prices than the better-known tourist spots. For example, towns in Le Marche, Umbria, or northern Lazio are less explored but no less interesting than well-known Tuscan towns. But, the hidden gems aren’t nearly as crowded or pricey. DRIVE A FERRARI

On the outskirts of Modena, where Ferraris are made, visitors can get behind the wheel for an unforgettable rocket ride. There are several companies that offer the drives, either on the streets or a race track. The options range last from a 10-minute test drive up to two hours through the countryside. The area between Modena and Bologna is known as “Motor Valley,” so drives in a Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani are available here.

Politeama theater in Palermo, Italy

C AT C H A N O P E R A

Italy is the birthplace of opera, along with its most famous composers, such as Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and Vivaldi. There are sumptuous venues to take in an opera, including La Scala in Milan, La Fenice in Venice and Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Plus, there are fabulous open-air operas. An evening at the Roman amphitheater in Verona, the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome or the neoclassical-style arena in Macerata, Le Marche, would be unforgettable, too.

Umbria Region

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Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi

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S TAY I N A C A S T L E O R PA L A Z Z O

Italy’s long history means there are medieval castles and Renaissance palaces scattered all over. Many of them are now elegant hotels offering sumptuous stays and a chance to be surrounded by history. Tuscan castles, Palladian-style villas and many other historic buildings provide guests a fairytale experience. V I S I T A U N E S C O WO R L D H E R I TAG E S I T E O R T WO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a program that preserves sites of historic and cultural significance, provides a ready list of fascinating places to visit. Italy has 41 UNESCO sites that are located everywhere in the peninsula. Assisi and the Amalfi Coast are two examples. Others include the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri. VISIT AN ISL AND

There’s something about an island that makes people slow down, breathe deeply and really relax, so getting off the mainland for a day can be a refreshing revelation. Entire trips can be spent on Sicily or Sardinia, but there are other easily-accessible islands to visit for a day or two, as well. Try glittery Capri, lesser-known Ponza between Rome and Naples or enchanting Elba, in the Tuscan archipelago.

Overlooking The Via Krupp on Capri Island, Italy

E AT L I K E A L O C A L

Italian cuisine is not just a highlight of any trip, it’s often the focal point. Each region has its own specialties. Indeed, for many Italians, “ethnic food” is something from another region rather than a foreign country. Excellent eateries are found everywhere. But to truly eat like a local, get a “home-food” experience and dine with a family. They’ll prepare their area’s specialties and provide the bonus of being part of the Italian “famiglia” or “family” for an evening.

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A B O U T I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone investigating global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-newsletters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and resources to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money and find better business opportunities. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate and investment.

LIVE BOLDLY Subscribe today and save 25% off the newsstand cost:

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— 4 Big Issues — Stories That Matter — Resources for Life — Inspiration to Grow T O L E A R N M O R E A N D S U B S C R I B E V I S I T: G R OW I N G B O L D E R .C O M/ S U B S C R I B E

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TRAVEL TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED

Secrets of successful travel from those who have 'been there, done that' The following tips come from avid tourists who have traveled around the world through Road Scholar's educational adventures. 64

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Maxine loves the adventure of exploring a new city — music, landscapes, architecture and, of course, the food. Maxine worked in marketing and even modeled once for a funeral home advertisement. At age 50, she got her advanced degree and began a career in mental health and non-profit management. She started traveling seriously just six years ago and has now taken 25 trips with Road Scholar. She says her favorite trip is whichever one she's on.

Pack black.

Pack two to three pairs of black pants and tops and six to seven scarves to add color. It will look like you’re wearing a different outfit every day. You can also buy scarfs on your trip as inexpensive mementos.

"I list therefore I exist.”

M A X I N E T. , 7 3

Walnut Creek, California

Write short lists to remind yourself to pack your power cords or anything you’ve locked away in the hotel or room safe.

As a child, Bobbie and her family explored a different locale each year. Bobbie says her parents "were geniuses at doing this on a thin dime." Her favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands, where she swam by a hammerhead shark and also spotted a blue-footed booby. She says on her trip to Cuba, she learned more in one week than any other week in her life. Her travel credo is a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson: "There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign." Bobbie is a retired librarian and school administrator.

Soundproofing.

Travel with earplugs to block out noise on the plane. The moldable kind work best. BOBBIE O. , 7 3

Alexandria, Virginia

Practice mental flexibility.

Be open to new experiences. Plan B can be as interesting as Plan A.

Ona is an avid traveler who developed her love of adventure in the 1960s when she and her husband participated in an exchange program for pharmacists (his job) and took off for Europe to live for seven months. At that time, she reports international travelers were primarily older people, making the young American couple a bit of a rarity. Ona is a retired ESL teacher who went to graduate school in her 50s. She’s been on terrific intergenerational trips with four of her five grandchildren.

Toss your dross.

Old underwear, pajamas, or any other pieces of clothing you wish, can be left behind throughout your trip, making space for new items.

Be the early bird.

ONA R., 84

Tiberon

Try to arrive at your destination a day before your tour begins so you don’t miss connections. If you’re going on a cruise, best not to miss the boat.

T R AV E L

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Sarah developed her love of travel as a teenager, when she lived in Europe. She is passionate about traveling and just returned from a month in Australia and New Zealand. She says she loves starting with no expectations about a trip and is always amazed at her experiences. Sarah worked as a retail branch banker for 38 years and now travels the world.

Floss is boss.

Bring an extra container of dental floss to use as a clothesline in your hotel shower.

Don’t obsess, compress. S A R A H V. , 6 6

Philadelphia

Get up and walk around every two hours when you’re on a long flight. Compression socks are great for circulation and now come in funky, fashionable designs.

Debbie has visited such diverse locales as India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Austria, Iceland, Norway, England, Ecuador and many places in the United States and Canada. When at home, she cooks, entertains, gardens, rides her bike, kayaks, goes birding, plays bridge and even designed and contracted her 3,700 square-foot house in Texas. Debbie has also been building furniture with her husband for 43 years.

Lighten your load.

Pack two small bags rather than one big bag, especially if you’ll be carrying your bags up flights of stairs by yourself. Easier to take two trips than to lug one heavy suitcase.

Be aware and care.

DEBBIE S., 65

Arlington, Texas

Be considerate of other travelers in a group who may not be as agile as they once were. Hip replacements abound.

Road Scholar Tip Not all group travel is created equal. People who think they would never want to travel as part of a group may want to reconsider — there are significant advantages. It’s ideal for travelers who want to relax and enjoy their experience without sweating the details. Make sure you choose a program that allows ample time on your own and multiple options for activities. 66

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About Road Scholar Road Scholar is the nation’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for adults, a true university of the world. The company offers 5,500 programs in 150 countries and 50 states. Financial aid is available for those who otherwise could not participate. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the world leader in educational travel since 1975. Learn more at www.roadscholar.org.

Jump Into Your Bigness (And work on your TAN) DR. JIM SMITH JR.

Last year I went skydiving. I jumped out of the plane. I did it because my greatest fear in life is heights, and I wanted to face my fear. I did it. It was successful. It was surreal. The plane landed, and I said, “I did it! I did it! I jumped out of a plane!” I went home and told everybody. If you were near me and had a pulse, you heard about my jump. I talked to my mentor about it. She smiled and said, “That’s nice, however, how about doing that more often — not jumping out of a plane but facing your fears every day? Why not jump into your leadership? Why not jump into how you love? Why just jump into a single, isolated event? Why not jump out there every day? Why not jump into living your life in a big way?” She’s right. We’ve turned uncertainty into fear. They have become synonyms. There is no reason to fear uncertainty. In fact, we need to embrace uncertainty. I've learned that what you focus on grows; and when we focus on what's going wrong, we get more of what's going wrong. Yes, we all have our setbacks and moments of uncertainty. But we can’t allow that uncertainty to become fear. We have to quickly move into action. I love these seven words: What am I going to do next?

We’ve turned uncertainty into fear. They have become synonyms. There is no reason to fear uncertainty. In fact, we need to embrace uncertainty.

DEFY

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That's how I live. When something is going wrong, I ask myself, “What am I going to do about it?” And then I start thinking action. I start creating choices. I start creating possibilities. Of course, I have my moments of discouragement; but I never say, “I can't believe this is happening to me.” I make the choice to take action and move forward. When we’re young, we look a lot like our parents. But when we get older, we look a lot like our choices — the choices we make every single day. Some of us choose to blame and to be afraid. Some of us choose to face our fears and bounce back from disappointment. We choose to step up and to jump. Not just one day, someday or eventually when I get around to it. We choose to jump every day. We choose to live big. Start making big choices today and don’t forget to work on your TAN. TAN stands for Take Action Now. What’s the best way to work on your TAN? You guessed it — jump. Live big. And live that way every day.

Dr. Jim Smith Jr., is a global leader in personal and professional improvement who specializes in creating performance breakthroughs for individuals, teams and organizations. An internationally soughtafter speaker, coach, consultant and best-selling author. Smith helps men and women worldwide reach their full potential through his “No Excuses” philosophy.

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

FINANCE

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TIPS FOR DO-ITYOURSELF REMODELERS D O R I S B L O O D S WO R T H

How hard could remodeling a home be? Watch the DIY television shows, and it only takes 30 minutes. And it seems so fun! Anyone who has tackled painting a room or repairing a roof knows itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not quite that easy. However, older homeowners seem undeterred. According to Houzz, an online platform for home renovation and design, 55+ homeowners make up the majority of remodelers and spend nearly three times more than millennials on improvements. The reasons for remodeling vary. Some empty-nesters remodel so they can sell their homes for a premium and downsize. Others hope to stay in their homes for many more years to come and want to make them more user-friendly. Whatever the reason, here are tips from successful do-it-yourself remodelers.

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Plan Ahead.

Help.

House renovations can tax your wallet as well as your patience. Get professional help from general contractors or home designers to estimate your costs. Large-scale projects may require loans. These professionals also have a good sense of current trends.

Home-improvement stores are keen on helping customers. Help includes everything from cutting lumber to answering DIY questions to loading purchases in your car or truck. The last thing they want is an injury, so take advantage of the assistance. Some stores also include free accessories, such as paper for protection under plants and sod, cord for tying large bundles and plastic flags for supplies that protrude behind your vehicle.

Hiring a Pro.

Tool Buddies.

One of the biggest challenges, especially in hot construction markets, is finding reliable, affordable help. Some of the home-improvement stores provide directories of independent contractors. There also are a slew of online directories, such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. Your neighbors can be a resource through platforms such as Nextdoor, a socialnetworking service for neighborhoods. Use caution when letting any stranger into your home.

Besides the usual tools, a smart phone and a garden cart scooter are invaluable. There are tons of apps accessible through your phone such as iHandy Carpenter, BrightNest and RoomScan Pro, to name a few. The phone’s flashlight feature is helpful in dark corners. The camera and selfie features can put eyes in otherwise inaccessible places. A rolling garden cart scooter can save your back on floor and baseboard tasks.

Discounts.

Safety First.

Every nickel counts. Big-box stores often run special savings around holidays. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer savings to veterans. Check their websites for criteria. Research online to see if the stores or paint outlets have promo codes or coupons available.

If you plan to do some of the remodeling yourself, always put health and safety first. Are you up to it physically? Do you have the expertise? It isn’t worth saving a few pennies if it results in a trip to the doctor. Some renovations should always be done by professionals who are licensed and are familiar with permit requirements.

Home remodeling can be rewarding. Just remember to pace yourself and build in moments to relax and spend time with friends and families. After all, a home is where we live; family and friends are what we live for. G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT ABROAD I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G C O R R E S P O N D E N T S

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Couple saves $1.5 million by retiring overseas

A couple upgraded their lifestyle when they moved from the United States to Vietnam 13 years ago. At the same time, they saw their annual expenditure drop by over $115,000. This represents a trend — retirees saving tens of thousands of dollars by relocating to more affordable locales around the world. “When my husband, David, and I last lived in the United States in 2005, we gave up our jobs that were bringing in a total of about $140,000 annually,” said Wendy Justice, an “International Living” Vietnam correspondent. She continued: “Out of that, we were paying about $25,000 for rent, $3,000 for utilities, $5,000 for insurance, about $7,200 for groceries, $6,000 for two car payments, $6,000 for gas and car maintenance, around $50,000 for federal, state, and local income taxes, around $18,000 for a 401k retirement plan and savings and around $20,000 for entertainment and miscellaneous expenses — $140,200 per year. “These days, our budget looks more like $24,225. Rent, $9,000. Utilities, $1,200. Insurance, none. Groceries, $1,800..Car payment, none. Gas and maintenance on our motorbike, $125. Taxes, $4,500. Entertainment and

miscellaneous expenses: $3,600. Annual trip to the States: $4,000 (airfare, car rental, misc. expenses). “So, if we had stayed in the States for the past 13 years, we would have spent around $1,822,600. We've spent around $314,925 since leaving the States. That’s a total savings of $1,507,675. Figured annually, we're saving $115,975 for every year that we've lived abroad.” Justice said she and her husband have, while lowering their cost of living, simultaneously improved their quality of life. She said they live in a house that’s nicer than one they could have afforded back in California, a housekeeper cleans for them twice a week, they have access to low-cost medical and dental care, they eat out at least once a day — an indulgence that was out of the question when they were in the States — and there’s still enough left over in the budget for lots of little splurges. “I guess I'm in that ‘Million Dollar Club’ with all the money I've saved,” she said. Justice is among a growing number of savvy expats enjoying the fact that while their cost of living is lower overseas, they’re in fact able to afford more comforts.

TRADING UP, SPENDING LESS IN Six years ago, “International Living” correspondent Tricia Pimental and her husband moved to Portugal. Not only did their day-to-day lifestyle improve — enhanced by warm weather, friendly locals, and beautiful surrounds, but their cost of living dropped at the same time. “Has moving overseas enhanced my financial situation? You bet,” she said. “When Keith and I last lived in the United States in 2012, our monthly expenses were hefty at about $4,000 a month; but travel, gifts, income and property taxes, and unforeseen expenses, raised our average annual outlay to about $70,000.” “In Portugal, we spend $1,750 per month less than what it cost us for the same (expenses in the United States). That adds up to a huge saving overtime,” Pimental said. One of their most significant savings has been in property taxes. In America, they paid about $3,000 a year; but now, they pay approximately $600 per year on their Portuguese home. "We’ve maintained our lifestyle, with the same-size home, frequent travel and entertaining, so the difference may not be as remarkable as other expats have experienced,” Pimental said. “Nevertheless, we have saved about $126,000 over the last six years, and expect to continue to do that and more, as the cost of living in the States rises while it remains fairly constant here in Portugal. We’re so grateful to experience a lower cost of living, especially in such a lovely and peaceful a country,” she said. FINANCE

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LIVING BETTER FOR LESS IN

Donna Stiteler grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where retirees flock, attracted by the warm weather and lack of state income taxes. But in February 2014, she and her husband, Rowland, embarked on a new journey in search of somewhere cheaper to live — Ecuador. “Why would I leave my seaside home by one of the best beaches in the U.S.? Well, Florida’s not so cheap anymore, and it’s hot,” she said. “I’ve worked hard all my life and had good jobs but still didn’t put enough money into retirement funds to subsidize my retirement income, nor did I have a pension,” she said. Stiteler continued: “Before I moved to Cuenca, I decided to run a spreadsheet to compare my expenses in Florida compared to Ecuador. I also wanted to make sure I could live off my Social Security of $1,750 in case I outlived Rowland. Now, after living here for more than four years, this has turned out to be a great choice for us. “I sold my house at a profit, which allowed me to buy outright a bigger, nicer home in Cuenca and skip the largest retirement expense in retirement — housing. (Rentals in Cuenca are also a cheap option at $400 and up, so it’s not necessary to buy.) “I have no pension and only enough money in my IRA to cover emergencies and none to supplement my income on a monthly basis. Rowland and I have a total combined annual Social Security payment of $39,000 — but only if my husband outlives me. If I outlive him, my annual income would drop to $21,000. So, I also needed to be somewhere I could live on that alone. “Our total yearly spend in St. Petersburg, Florida was $31,700, but in Cuenca, we only spend $17,676. We are saving big in Cuenca.” 74

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Ecuador’s lower cost of living attracts many expats to this South American gem. Jim Santos and his wife, Rita, moved to Salinas, Ecuador, at the beginning of January, 2014. During that time, the Santoses have saved over a quarter of a million dollars. “In the U.S. we were living in a waterfront condo on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” Jim Santos said. “Our monthly expenses were averaging just over $6,000, or $72,000 per year. To add insult to injury, Maryland charges not only a state income tax, but you then add an additional 50% to your bill for the county. Clearly, we were living just to work.” Santos continued: “So we sold all of our U.S. properties and were then able to pay cash for both a smaller ‘safety house,’ which we now rent out in West Virginia, and our new home in Ecuador. In Salinas, on the Pacific Coast, we were able to secure a 2,000 square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo. Bye-bye to the mortgage. “When you work it out, our monthly expenses now average about $1,800, or $21,600 per year. That means that after five years in Salinas, we have saved a total of $252,000. “One of the most telling points is pretty obvious — I was able to retire at 57, just a year and a half after making the move. “And that’s not all — the healthy lifestyle, fresh produce and seafood, and the great weather that encourages walking, helped me reduce my weight from 319 pounds down to 209. I was able to first reduce my medications for Type 2 diabetes and then eliminate them completely. This has undoubtedly given me a chance at a longer, more active life — and that’s a priceless return on our investment.”

SPENDING LESS, LIVING BETTER IN

Steve Le Poidevin and his wife, Nancy Le Poidevin, left Canada in 2008 and have enjoyed the lower cost of living overseas since then. Today, they live in Peru, one of the least expensive countries in the world for retirees — a place where residents need not compromise on quality of life. “Our basic living costs, including taxes, pension contributions and unemployment contributions, were about $60,000 a year in Canada,” Steve Le Poidevin said. “Today we spend about $7,200 on rent, $4,800 on groceries, $400 on utilities, $1,200 on entertainment and $3,600 on insurance for an annual total of $17,200. We

usually fly back to Canada every couple of years, which costs about $2,000, so that brings our annual total up to just over $19,000,” Le Poidevin said. He continued: “We’ve been gone from Canada for a decade, and we have easily saved over $40,000 per year. “Moving abroad allowed us to retire early, see the world and live in a world absent of snow and cold — for much less money than we would have spent had we stayed. And we also gained the extra benefit of living in large, urban areas with all the amenities, like Chiang Mai, Thailand, and now Trujillo, Peru.”

A B O U T “ I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I V I N G ”

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate and investment.

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LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU’RE NOT JUST GROWING OLDER, YOU’RE GROWING BOLDER!

To order a GB Tee for you and those you want to inspire visit: GrowingBolder.com/shop

Visit: GrowingBolder.com Subscribe: GrowingBolder.com/subscribe Follow: @GrowingBolder

GROWING BOLDER / SUMMER 19

DUBAI The Crown Prince of Dubai took up skydiving and spent millions of dollars on a drop zone and millions more to bring the World Parachute Meet to Dubai. I know the prince because he uses our equipment. He gave me one of his custom yellow Lamborghinis to drive while we were there and treated us to dinner at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only seven-star hotel and restaurant. I also got to ride one of his racing camels (who did not like me a bit). The highlight, of course, was skydiving and being photographed over Palm Jumeirah Island. > Story continued on page 35

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ANTARCTICA I made the first-ever tandem jump onto the North Pole in the early 1990s. Then, in conjunction with the Russian government, I led six parachuting expeditions there through Siberia. I planned a jump at the South Pole in 1997, but a group of people that I had taken to the North Pole the year before rushed to beat me there in an effort to become the first to jump both poles. Tragically, three members of their group died in the attempt; and jumping on Antarctica has been effectively banned ever since until last year. Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), which sets up a base at Union Glacier for 10 weeks every year, finally decided to give skydiving another chance — but at Union Glacier, not the actual South Pole. We are working with them to get the South Pole open again. We flew down from Punta Arenas, Chile, and landed on a “katabatic wind sculpted” ice runway, the only place a wheeled aircraft can land in Antarctica. It was too windy to jump, so we hopped on a Twin Otter plane on skis and

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headed for the South Pole five hours away. We refueled at ALE’s fuel depot at Thiel Corners, halfway to the Pole. The fuel has to be flown in and then tractor-sledded to Thiel Corners. By the time it gets there, it’s worth about $500 a gallon. The aerial photos of the mountains clearly show the Glaciers “eating” the mountains. Most of the terrain under the ice is mountainous. The ice cap holds 70% of the world’s fresh water and is 8,000 feet thick at the South Pole. We landed at the American Amundsen-Scott Base and stayed at ALE’s tent camp. It was almost summer, and the wind chill temperature was 34 degrees below zero. Due to the weather conditions, we had to hunker down for four days. Then we flew back to Union Glacier and waited for jumpable conditions. We were finally able to make two jumps from 13,500 feet. The wind chill in freefall was 105 degrees below zero. We headed back to Punta Arenas after 14 days total on the ice.

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THE GREAT PYRAMIDS I've always wanted to jump over the pyramids; but until last summer, it's been impossible for political and logistical reasons. An Egyptian generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son became a skydiver, and I was invited to make two jumps out of an Egyptian Air Force plane at 15,000 feet directly over the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was an amazing experience. I jumped out, looked down and it brought tears to my eyes. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at this wonderful piece of history, seeing how all of the geometry lines up, and you're just floating over it like a god. Parachuting is a neat way to arrive. You get a view that you can't get from a noisy airplane. It's like sitting in a lawn chair, observing the earth.

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ALAN EUSTACE RECORD

We designed and built the parachute system for Google Executive Vice-President Alan Eustace, which he used during his record-breaking jump from the stratosphere at 135,800 feet. Alan took off from the ground wearing only a specially designed space suit attached to a helium-filled balloon. This was a top secret mission that we couldn’t talk about for over three years. Eustace’s jump broke Felix Baumgartner’s record set in 2012. Eustace fell more than 25 miles, reaching speeds over 800 miles an hour but didn’t experience the violent, life-threatening spin in freefall that Baumgartner did because of our drogue chute design.

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AFRICAN SAFARI We started our trip in Cape Town, South Africa, and travelled up to Zimbabwe, where I planned to make a jump over Victoria Falls. Unfortunately, the jump was cancelled due to bureaucratic details about crossing the Zambia -Zimbabwe border by parachute. (The falls are on the border; the airport is on one side and the drop zone on the other.) However, we did get to swim in the Devil's Pool and hang over the edge of the falls. We then traveled up to the Okavango River Delta in Botswana where we spent the day wandering through the bush with three “habituated” pet elephants. I can’t believe anyone would want to hunt these intelligent, beautiful animals.

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CHINA We were invited by the Chinese government to set up a tandem-jumping program and train tandem instructors. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting skydiving to grow rapidly in China, which will open up a huge new market for us. I made a jump at a Chinese airshow, where I was the guest of honor. We then took in the sights in Beijing, through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. T

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THE DIGNITY OF RISK K AY VA N N O R M A N

The “dignity of risk” concept has been a driving force in the disability movement for decades.

The dignity of risk simply refers to the right of individuals to make choices about how they want to live their lives, how to balance personal risk with safety, regardless of age or functional challenges. However, this concept is often overshadowed by negative expectations of aging. For example, consider what happens if a 35-year-old has a stroke. Family, friends and healthcare providers all rally with resources and encouragement to help the individual overcome challenges and get back to a full life. When a 75-year-old has a stroke, the goal is more likely focused on getting them healthy enough to return home and then making their environment safer and their world smaller to cope with challenges. These are two very different mindsets, driving dramatically different outcomes. For young people with disabilities, the dignity of risk embedded in disability services encourages them to overcome even severe challenges and accomplish remarkable things. By contrast, in the absence of positive expectations, many older adults end up in a “safety bubble” with resources, tools and encouragement to cope with rather than overcome challenges. Older adults who haven’t insulated themselves against aging stereotypes can easily fall victim to subconscious, negative aging scripts; and wellintentioned family members and helpers can make it difficult for someone to activate resilience.

Expectations of Others A dramatic example of this phenomenon is chronicled in a book, “Into the Blue.” It’s the story of Wayne Edsall from my town of Bozeman, Montana. Edsall, active and healthy with a passion for re-building and flying World War II airplanes, had a massive stroke in his 70s. Doctors told his family to place him in skilled nursing care. They said he would never recover. The family rejected this diagnosis and relentlessly pushed for rehabilitation, but they were denied rehab services due to his age and severity of the stroke.

DEFY

Undeterred, his daughters spent hours every day for months helping Edsall regain function and helping him recapture his passion for flying. Against all odds, he recovered fully and even regained his pilot's license to return to the air. This story inspires me, but it also breaks my heart. I’m not suggesting that every person could recover as well as Edsall, but how many people are never given the chance to recover simply because of age bias from others?

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Personal Expectations M O M ’ S S T O RY

Internalized expectations can also create recovery barriers. My mom survived a brain aneurysm with surprisingly few functional deficits. However, this ranch woman, who drove tractors, climbed corrals and drove her four-wheeler around the ranch with wild abandon, bitterly yet faithfully lived the aging script running in her head about what happens when you have a stroke in your 70s. Every encouragement to re-engage in life was met with the same rebuke, “I can’t, I’ve had a stroke.” Family relationships fractured along the line of those who wanted to build a small safety bubble life, and those who wanted to help her adapt and move forward. I know many people are either living or have lived that same journey with a loved one. E L D O ’ S S T O RY

In contrast, my friend Eldo fully recovered his independence and reclaimed his love for horseback riding after falling off a haystack and breaking his back and neck at age 82. His positive belief system drove his recovery. Eldo was also fortunate to have a doctor, a horseback rider himself, who understood that recovery is far more than physical and encouraged Eldo to live his passion for riding despite the very real risk of severe injury if he was to fall off of a horse. How different the outcome could have been if his doctor, family and friends had insisted he retreat to the safety of his recliner and had not afforded him the dignity of risk. H A R R I E T ’ S S T O RY

When Harriet, 80, expressed interest in providing part-time childcare for my infant son, Cole, her friends and mine issued dire warnings and admonishments. What were we thinking? Her age wasn’t a factor for me; but I did express concern about her advanced osteoporosis, which included spinal kyphosis, a rounded upper spine as a result of small fractures. After making a career out of advising people to focus on possibilities, not disabilities, could I live it with so much at stake? With equal parts amusement and determination, Harriet said, “Oh, I've had a bad back my whole life and took care of my own kids. I don't know why it would be any different now!” Embracing the dignity of risk and adaptive strategies to prevent injury, Harriet watched Cole from the time he was 6 months old until he went to school, and she was a part of our family for the rest of her life. She employed the dignity of risk again in her 90s and was using a walker. People pressured her to move out of her second-floor apartment with no elevator access. “I want to see the mountains when I wake up in the morning,” Harriet said. “I’ll scoot up on my butt if I have to!” She lived at the apartment through age 100.

Start Now

Both external forces and internalized expectations can support or diminish an individual’s chances of living fully in the face of challenges. Take steps every day to build internal defenses against negative expectations of aging. Guard against external forces by insisting on the dignity of risk for you or a loved one, regardless of age or challenges.

Visit kayvannorman.com for healthy aging resources and more information on building a mindset of well-being. 86

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“Fasten your seatbelt. Growing Bolder is a manifesto for a major shift in the roadmap of aging.” ROGER LANDRY M.D., author “Live Long, Die Short”

“I have worked with everyone from Martha Stewart to Dr. Oz, but Middle Marc Middleton is THE rock star. I’m buying this book for everyone I know! “ LISA LYNN, Wall Street Journal best-selling author

“Marc’s remarkable ability to inspire reveals a path to the joyful aging experience we all crave.” KAY VAN NORMAN, president, Brilliant Aging

“Read it and believe it. Growing Bolder is the pathway to a better tomorrow.” ROWDY GAINES, three-time Olympic champion

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DAVEY JOHNSON Life lessons from a baseball legend BILL SHAFER

One of the most interesting, intelligent and passionate figures in baseball, Davey Johnson, was always a winner. As a player, he was a four-time, All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award recipient and two-time World Series champion. As a manager, he became the first in National League history to win 90 games in each of his first five seasons. He led the New York Mets to a World Series championship and is the winningest manager in Mets history. He was named Manager of the Year in both the National and American leagues. Baseball has been his life since the age of 10, when he worked as a batboy for the Washington Senators, until he retired as manager of the Washington Nationals, at the age of 70. Now 76, Johnson reflects on what he’s learned about life after 60 years in uniform. Here in Johnson’s own words are his nine tips, one for each inning, to help you through a complete game of life.

1. It’s what’s in your heart that makes a champion. Most people in baseball assess someone by their ability. To me, the most important thing is your makeup. How strong is your drive to succeed? How easily do you get discouraged? How locked-in is your focus? I've taken players with half the ability of others and won championships with them. So, if you want to be a winner in life, talent does matter; but your work ethic, your drive to be a success and your belief in yourself is much more important.

2. Care about the people around you. You have to have awareness of what another person is going through. I mean, some guys may not run very well, may not throw very well, but you still need them to have success. I learned a lot from my wife, Susan, who was doing amazing work with severely handicapped children, I actually fell in love with her because of that. She showed me how difficult life could really be, yet she stayed positive, optimistic and dedicated. She taught me you could pass those traits on to anybody. Baseball taught me how to care in another way. When you’re a middle-of-the-diamond player, a second-baseman like me, you see it all. You see how everybody is positioning themselves, you see the catcher’s signs and the relationship he has with the pitcher. And caring on the field led me to care off of it, too. I got to watch Earl Weaver, the best I ever saw at handling players, knowing how to best use them and keeping everybody ready to go. Both taught me that success comes from caring about everybody on your team, not just yourself. It’s a winning formula for baseball and also for your relationships in life.

3. Curiosity is the greatest tool of all. There’s no question baseball was always my dream, but it wasn’t the only thing I was interested in. When I was in college, I wanted to be an oceanographer or a veterinarian. I also had an interest in homebuilding. And even when I was playing baseball, I had this curiosity to dig deeper and try to figure it out. When I was in the minor leagues, I wrote a program on an old IBM 360 computer for optimizing our lineup. It would figure out things that I thought were really insightful, like on-base percentage. When I got the Orioles, I would calculate our best lineup for each game. I would even give it to Weaver, but he would just throw it in the garbage can. When I was manager, I kept a book on every pitcher I had — who caught him and how many pitches he threw. Everybody uses things like that these days, but curiosity drew me to it all those years before; and I think it gave me an advantage. It made me realize that curiosity can be a big part of success.

DEFY

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4. Learn something from everybody.

7. Accept what you cannot control.

As a player, I used to talk to everybody to see what I could learn. I was in awe of what a great fielder Brooks Robinson was, so I asked him, “Brooks, you’ve already got five gold gloves, why in the world do you take so many grounders in practice?” He said, “How do you think I got them?” Hank Aaron was probably the greatest player I ever saw. I was the guy who hit behind him when he broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record. I used to squeeze the bat as hard as I could when I hit until I asked Ted Williams about it, and he told me, “No, you’ve got to grab it like you’re holding a bird or a fish. You don’t want it to get away; but you don’t want to kill it, either.” Satchel Paige taught me that pitching was about more than velocity. I asked him, “What was your best pitch, Satch?’ He said, “Son, my best pitch was my B pitch.” I said, “B pitch? What in the hell is a B pitch?” He said, “That’s a pitch that be where I want it to be!” And did you know I was the last player to get a hit off of Sandy Koufax? It was a line drive to right and they took him out of game. That was his last appearance. So, the next spring I saw him visiting the Dodgers in spring training and I said, “Sandy, guess what? Guess who got the last hit off you? Me!” He said, “Davey, when that happened, I knew I was washed up!” There’s always something to learn from others in your life.”

I was with the Chicago Cubs in 1975, and I was not in good shape physically. I had run over a catcher and ruptured two discs in my back. I knew I needed surgery because I couldn't move very much. I was even offered a contract with another club, but I said no. I thought, “I have to retire to take care of myself,” and a man came to me and said he needed a player-manager for the Miami Amigos. I said, “That sounds great! Yeah, I'd love to do that.”

5. Help others live up to their potential. As a manager, that’s really your job: to help each player live up to their potential. I found the best way was to focus on what they did well, and this is also true in life. Because to get the most out of your ability, you need to feel good and positive about yourself and have confidence. I think it does more harm than good to harp on anything negative, so I tried not to do that. Of course, I kept getting fired; but I didn’t worry about that because for each of the five teams that I managed, I believe I increased the asset value of each team by fully developing the players. All you can ask of someone is to reach for their potential.

6. Take care of your family. One of the first things I was aware of growing up is how my father and grandfather were both financially unable to support their families. And that thought was foremost in my mind when I signed my very first big-league contract. Even when I signed my bonus, the first thing I did was buy myself a set of golf clubs, a 1962 Pontiac convertible and I gave $1,000 dollars to my mother and each of my six aunts and uncles. You have to work hard, make good investments and keep your situation secure so that when you pass, your family is on solid financial footing. That’s always been my main goal. I truly believe that taking care of your family is the most important thing you can do with your life. 90

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8. Face your challenges. Age has been a difficult thing for me mostly because as a professional athlete, my body has been my life. My feet, my legs, my arms, my eyes, all of it. And now that I’m 76, I have tingling in my feet, I’ve got neuropathy, I’ve got osteoarthritis, I had a coronary ablation. I had a bad stomach and had half of it removed, and I had a ruptured appendix. My body provided such great success for me, and it was such a good friend of mine. Now it’s kind of having a hard time. You just have to accept it, deal with it and try to stay as strong, fit and healthy as you can.

9. It’s not over when it’s over. When you’re a manager, you know that at some point you’re going to get fired. Even though I was successful at it. I didn’t like it, but I tried to always see it as another opportunity. The worst thing is when your life is tied up in what you do. You have to have challenges outside of your profession. I saw some really sad examples of this in baseball. Guys like Elrod Hendricks. He was the bullpen coach of the Orioles for 28 years. When he retired, he felt his life was over. He died a couple of months later. Mike Flanagan took his own life. And I saw it with many others. I realized we all have to have interests outside of what we do that will keep us looking forward to new challenges, mental challenges. It’s not over when it’s over because if you let it, life can offer all kinds of new adventures.

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AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Curiosity, creativity have no expiration date

Sources: Staff research

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D O R I S B L O O D S WO R T H

Despite the stories of Silicon Valley whiz kids, some studies show that people are their most productive and creative in their later years.

Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals at 78. The American statesman asked his optician to cut a long-distance lens in half and do the same to a reading lens. He put them together in a glasses frame and called the new eyewear “double spectacles,” which became known as bifocals.

Josephine Cochrane’s automatic dishwasher invention went into production when she was 58. Widowed at 45, Cochrane developed the first commercially successful automatic dishwasher. The Cochrane Dishwasher eventually became the brand KitchenAid.

George Weiss invented the board game Dabble at 84. He later helped develop the app. Dabble was named Game of the Year and won other awards. Weiss’ success came after 45 years and 80 failed inventions. C R E AT E

Experts say that older people have many advantages, when it comes to invention. In addition to decades of workplace experience and problem-solving skills, scientists say we can see patterns better in later years. Some inventors are driven by curiosity and competitiveness, while others are motivated by social concerns. Here are just a few examples of 45+ inventors who have made an impact:

Charles Greeley Abbot invented the solar cooker at 99. Abbot remains the oldest person to receive a patent with his invention that uses direct sunlight to cook food and to heat beverages.

Yvonne Brill invented a rocket propulsion system at 48. Brill was a rocket engineer who invented the hydrazine resistojet, which increased engine performance and allowed for larger payloads.

Bob Nepper invented a solarpowered water purifier at 82. The retired 3M engineer and humanitarian invented the purifier for missionary groups going to Haiti.

Steve Jobs spearheaded invention of the iPad at 50. Jobs’ storied career with Apple included many inventions that continued up through his later years before he died of cancer.

James West invented a smart stethoscope at 88. West’s smart stethoscope is aimed at helping doctors treat children with pneumonia in third-world countries. West holds more than 60 U.S. patents and 200 foreign patents. His most famous invention is the electret microphone, a technology used in computers, mobile phones and hearing aids.

Grace Hopper invented COBOL, the first universal computer programming language used in business and government, when she was 53. Hopper was a mathematician and rear admiral in the U.S. Navy Reserve. G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 3 7

HERBIE HANCOCK 94

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THE TAKEAWAY I want you to do something. Sit down at a piano. Put your thumb on middle C. Now, put your pinky on the C an octave higher. What’s between your fingers? Seven white keys and five black. That’s it. That’s all the notes there are. Yet there are countless songs. From just those notes come infinite possibilities. I have learned that the same holds true with life. Our possibilities are infinite. These possibilities present us with a set of choices. And the decisions we make about those choices determine the direction of our lives. Where will you find your possibilities? Just look to your passions. Ask yourself what it is that lights you up, turns you on and brings you to life. There are a million different answers. For me, it’s always been music. We are all hesitant to take risks. None of us want to make mistakes, fail or hit a sour note. It takes developing a fearlessness that allows us to soar. I learned that from Miles Davis. He demanded that all of his musicians think outside the box. He told us we were being paid to take chances and explore new territories.

This led me to some very satisfying personal successes. But it probably cost me some monetary success. Critics said I was too unpredictable and that the record-buying audience wasn’t sure what to expect of me. But when people try to steer you away from where you want to go, there’s something you must remember: The face you look at in the mirror will always be your own. Personal satisfaction only comes from challenging, trusting and being true to yourself. I am at a very interesting point in my life. I’m 79 years old. The time has gone by in a flash. I’m blessed by the people who surround me, but none more so than my wife, who has been my rock for over 50 years. That brings us to the takeaway. Life is about the possibilities around you and what you do about them. Like everyone else, I’ve had my share of pain and suffering. I’ve had to battle demons that took me to places I wasn’t sure I could return from. So, my message is: Never give up. You can live your life to the fullest. Just look for the possibilities.

Herbie Hancock is a legendary musician who has been Growing Bolder throughout an incredible career that has spanned seven decades. A true innovator, Hancock has had an enormous influence on acoustic and electric jazz, R&B, hip hop and more, with his constant exploration of many musical genres. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Never give up. You can live your life to the fullest. Just look for the possibilities. I N E V E RY I S S U E : T H E TA K E AWAY

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THE FLIP SIDE OF RISK Opportunity costs of not retiring

CHRIST Y WILSON DELK

I recently had dinner with a dear friend who was contemplating retirement after nearly three decades with a large utility company. Having recently retired myself, and feeling quite confident with my decision, I decided to probe a bit. You can probably imagine the conversation. She said, (all together now) “What would I do if I’m not working?” And then, “I don’t really dislike my job.” Being a seasoned entrepreneur, and now part-time business professor, I challenged her to reframe her perspective. “What about the opportunity costs of not retiring?” I said. “In other words, the risk of not discovering what is next for you, the relationships you won’t make because you are working and the experiences you won’t have because you did not change?” Because I’ve known my friend for 40 years, and I know that she has plenty of money along with several rental properties, I was comfortable saying that. For many, starting a new venture or retiring feels like a huge risk.

R E F R A M I N G A R I S K- AV E R S E P E R S P E C T I V E

I have written before about finding one’s passion career and that the key to becoming comfortable with a new venture or an exit is to focus on two numbers. 1. Determine the amount you are willing to lose if you were to start a small passion business. Is it $5,000 or $50,000? Write that number down. That’s your risked money. 2. Determine the amount you absolutely must have to pay your bills and have the lifestyle you require at this time. Write that number down. That’s your safe harbor. Next, evaluate your means. What do you have and what do you do that can help you through the transition? Do you have a brother with a truck that can help you deliver catering jobs or floral arrangements? Do you currently volunteer for an organization to which you would like to devote more time? Are you ready to spend more time with your family? Have a national park tour with your bike and kayak? The more you write down, the less risky your changes will feel because you have a plan for the transition. The fun part is considering the newfound opportunities that are now within your sites and your grasp.

CHRIST Y WILSON DELK

Christy Wilson Delk is a former franchise owner and business professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is a contributing franchise industry writer, speaker and educator. Her book “Adventures in Franchise Ownership” is available at christywilsondelk.com.

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FINANCE

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