50+ Lifestyle Magazine
Boomers & Social Media Power Shifting 3 Steps to Booming Happiness!
Patty Spitler
From News Show To Pet Show: A Magnificent Comeback Story
LET OUR FAMILY HELP EXTEND YOURS. We know how much you care for your family, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are considering living options or facing a health care challenge with someone you love, we can help. CarDon has been a resource to families in Indianapolis and surrounding areas for more than 35 years. Find helpful resources and learn about our communities at www.cardon.us. Altenheim (Indianapolis/Beech Grove) Aspen Trace (coming soon to Greenwood/Bargersville/Center Grove) Carmel Health & Living Community Countryside (Anderson) Greenwood Health & Living Community Hamilton Trace (Fishers) Harbour Manor and The Lodge (Noblesville) Rawlins House and Fall Creek (Pendleton) University Heights (Indianapolis/Greenwood)
Independent Living / Assisted Living / Rehabilitation Long-term Care / Memory Support & Alzheimer’s Care
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Downsizing? Goodwill can help.
If there’s too much to give away, set some aside to donate. We’ll pack up your donations of furniture, clothing and household goods, and bring them to local Goodwill stores. Our services are free, and your donations are tax-deductible.
Call 317.524.4563 today to schedule a convenient pickup time.
Estate Services
Downsize. Relocate. Repurpose.
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BOOK REVIEWS
Hunka Hunka Nursing Love. by Kathryn Maeglin
In a nutshell, this book addresses many of the problems that adult children experience when dealing with aging parents. The main character - Valerie - is a workaholic entrepreneur trying to keep her independent elderly mom Helen safe while going through the end of her own 20-year marriage and the newness of being single again. Keith is a younger male nurse and physical therapist who is trying to bring satisfaction into his own life. When Valerie opens a “hotties only” male homecare nursing business, Valerie and Keith form a romance connection. It isn’t until a third of the way through the book, however, that the relationship has an opening to begin in earnest, and when it does, very little of their story is developed due to a side anecdote about a fling between Helen and an elderly man being played out (if you enjoy tales about senior sex, then this book is for you). It’s a nice story but not a knock-your socks off adventure. Valerie is still married at the beginning of the book and the divorce is left as unfortunate rather than the reader being provided with the understanding that it was the right outcome. The novel spends too much time on peripheral issues to develop the main romance which could have probably made it more fun to read. It needs a bit of editing for continuity, as there was a lot of jumping around during the telling of the tale. You will find yourself having to reread a page here and there when the scene changes from one set of characters to another without warning. A good book to bring to the beach or to read on a plane, but certainly not a deep satisfying read.
The Body Ecology Guide to Growing Younger by Donna Gates
A good place to start for anyone who is open to change and willing to do the work. This is a very helpful guide to be kept handy when cooking or preparing food. The chapters about cleansing and detoxification were particularly beneficial, highlighting some information that was not new, and a few facts that debunked myths on how to eliminate toxins from our system. Recommendations for the shopping list at the end of the book includes items that are not so easy to find not to mention the additional expense that buying organic entails. But of course that’s a personal decision. The book is easy to read and provides essential information. However, the author touts her own product line so often it tends to feel like an extended infomercial script. It’s a small criticism, as she also provides many other resources that are extremely useful. If you can find a way to reconcile what you can do with the information and still maintain a healthy diet after reading this guide, you will doubtless reap great benefits for your body. I recommend this book to Boomers who are really keen to improve their health, as it is not riddled with statements of doom and gloom like so many health books: you don’t come away from reading it feeling like you can’t eat anything because it’s not safe! Well researched, well written, insightful, and thorough. This isn’t a diet or recipe book. If you are looking for a way to feel better and live longer, you should definitely read The Body Ecology Guide.
Use Your Brain to Change Your Age by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. There does not seem to be anything new or thought-provoking here: basically he takes 368 pages to say, “Eat right, take vitamins, exercise”. His suggestions on which foods to avoid, and which to consume sound sensible, but a familiarity with the general rules of good nutrition would provide the same information. That’s a no-brainer… The author recommends that you first get tested to find out if you have nutrient deficiencies, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc., and take care of those (duh…). Then he suggests reducing anxiety by learning to empty your mind of negative thoughts, and makes other recommendations that seem out of sync with what he claims is the primary objective of this book, namely to get directions for how to “eat brain-healthy foods”. In other words, he doesn’t actually tell you how to use your brain to change your age, the title being, after all, how he gets you to buy the book. He seems to be pushing his Amen Clinics, his website and certain products, like the sugar substitute Stevia®, and vitamin supplements, which have not been proven to improve health, although they probably don’t harm it. There are many suggestions that one go to his website, and once there, we face a barrage of info on how his clinics can help us live a better life, his supplements can make us feel better, and his books and tapes can lead us down the path to better health. Lots of hype here! He encourages readers to use food as medicine, which sounds thought-provoking, but then he goes on to say that consumption of peaches, kale, apples, and berries might have negative effects on brain function, and does not back this up with any studies or concrete data. If this is your first read on how to take better care of yourself, go for it, but If you’re looking for new insights, you will be disappointed.
BY DONNA EINHORN
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Features
6 3 STEPS TO BOOMING HAPPINESS! By Tim Shurr
8 FROM NEWS SHOW TO PET SHOW: MAGNIFICENT COMEBACK STORY By Donna Einhorn
11 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 14 ENERGY WORK FOR ANIMALS
By Constance McCloy
24 WHY ADVOCAR? Because It’s Your Money By Doug Edmundson
25 CAREGIVER CROSSING What Is Home Safety? By Tina McIntosh
28 HUGH R. SULLIVAN JR. Indy Man Made A Difference... By Eunice Trotter
29 VETERAN’S BENEFIT OFFERS OPTIONS FOR SENIORS By Susan Albers
31 LISTEN TO YOUR EARS By Marty Wood
Topics
16 HOUSING ISSUES
20 FITNESS/NUTRITION
17 TRAVEL PLANS
21 FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS
18 LEGAL CONCERNS
22 MONEY MATTERS
19 BOOMERS@WORK
23 REVERSED ROLES
Do We Buy A Downsizer Or Do We Rent? The Importance of Balance & Movement By Sharon McMahon By John Munson
Dream European Vacation By Scott Jones
Power Shifting By Anne Hensley Poindexter
Boomers & Social Media By Brenda Johnson
Generativity vs. Stagnation By Amelia Barnes
How to Pay for Your Care By Wesley Young
Wonderful Companions By Marti Lindell
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3 STEPS TO BOOMING HAPPINESS! Mental Strategies For Fostering Happiness At Any Age Tim Shurr, MA
Life is full of challenges and our greatest resource is the ability to choose how we emotionally respond to the daily ups and downs of life. Since most haven’t been taught how to harness the power of their emotions, this article will give you a head start.
Expect To Succeed Those who fully believe they will reach a goal continue taking action towards it regardless of the setbacks. Those, however, who secretly expect to fail, based on fear or prior attempts, spend more time talking about why things aren’t working rather than taking action. “If you think you can or you can’t, you’re right!” – Henry Ford
“Train Your Brain” For Success! Ever wonder why people do nine things really well, mess up once, and dwell on the mistake for hours? That’s an “A” in any classroom, yet most have been conditioned to dwell more on their mistakes than their successes. The solution is to train your brain to focus on what you’re doing right so you continue in that direction!
Here’s how. First, decide what you’d like to believe about yourself. “I am resilient. I can do anything I put my mind to. I am a good person. I show compassion for myself and others.” Next, say these things to yourself out loud and with lots of physical movement and energy. Put your arms in the air, over your head if possible, and with enthusiasm repeat your affirmations five times each. Repeat this behavior any time you want to reinforce your positive beliefs. When a negative thought pops into mind, acknowledge it, then put your arms back in the air and state out loud with enthusiasm what you’d rather believe instead! People struggle with eliminating negative thinking because the “negative” thoughts are backed up with emotional intensity. When first trying this new approach, people will say in a flat, emotionless manner, “I’m a good person and everything will be ok.” Then in the next breath they angrily yell out, “THIS IS STUPID! I feel like I’m lying to myself. Things are NOT OK!” Which set of beliefs do you think get emotionally reinforced in the mind? The thoughts with the most emotional intensity behind them are felt stronger and thus believed in more.
Ask Yourself The Right Questions! William James, the founder of modern psychology stated, “The quality of a man’s life is directly related to the quality of the questions he asks himself.” If you ask yourself quality questions, your brain will provide you with quality answers. If you ask yourself lousy questions, you’ll get lousy responses. Quality Questions: “What can I do to make progress towards my goal today and how can I make it fun?” “What can I eat for lunch that will give me energy this afternoon while still tasting good?” “What might be going on in my spouse’s life right now that would cause him/her to act in such a way?” Lousy Questions: “Why doesn’t anything ever work out for me?” “How could he do that to me?” “Why does everything always have to be so hard?” Sometimes we aren’t even asking ourselves questions. Instead, we are walking around making critical statements that leave us feeling defeated before we even begin. “Why bother, it isn’t going to work out anyway!” Put these strategies to work and your happiness will boom!
Tim Shurr, MA, is a high performance coach, motivational speaker, author of Get Out Of Your Way, and Director of Indy Hypnosis. For more tips, visit IndyHypnosis.com
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Editor’s Note
Meet the Staff Mary Pat McKee Owner/Publisher MaryPat@IndyBoomer.com (317)440-9376 ––––––––––––––––––– Business Development/Sales Patrick Pickett Patrick@IndyBoomer.com Karen Elliott Karen@IndyBoomer.com ––––––––––––––––––– Art/Graphic Design Cheri Moore Website Design Kind Technology Solutions ––––––––––––––––––– Cover Photo by Photographer Ed Stewart. Make up by Andrew Elliot. Hair by Jaron Fairchild.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Copyright © September 2014 by MPM Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of MPM Marketing, Inc. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of Indy Boomer Magazine. Although care is taken to see that errors do not occur, Indy Boomer Magazine disclaims all legal responsibility for errors and omissions or typographical errors. Use of articles, artwork, and photography is prohibited unless arrangements have been made with the publisher.
If you thought you knew Patty Spitler, then think again, because she’s a whole new television personality who has accomplished what Boomers are working on all over the country: reinventing ourselves. Starting on page 8, read about how her new focus on the health and well being of our pets illustrates the importance of discovering what makes us happy, and getting out there and doing it. But first, to get tips on mental strategies for fostering that happiness at any age, read Tim Shurr’s advice on page 6. You’ll be inspired. Continuing that pet theme, you’ll learn about energy healing for cats with ‘litter box’ issues, eliminating anxiety in parrots exposed to aberrant owner behavior, and alleviating pain in a dog with cancer, among other examples. Constance McCloy’s essay on page 14 is called Energy Work for Animals, and it’s an eye opener. Then Marti Lindell’s informative piece on Wonderful Companions on page 23 imparts words of wisdom on the importance of pets in our lives. Find out how humans and animals can form warm and lasting relationships on these pages. John Munson’s’ article on page 16 will guide you through the process of deciding whether to downsize to a rental or just buy a smaller home, as you determine the best choice for you, taking into account income, lifestyle, and whether you want or need a sense of community. Now’s the time to begin thinking about where you want to live in 10 or 20 years.
Get moving over to page 20 by taking the recommendations offered by Sharon McMahon, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant,
and learn the meaning of Generativity from Amelia Barnes on page 21 – stagnation is not what Boomers are about. For those of you who are determined to stay employed in the 21st century, Brenda Johnson provides some hints on dealing with recruiters, preparing for and acing video interviews, and understanding the importance of how you express yourself in social media: people are watching you…on page 19. Hey – I always thought the Kelly Blue Book was the bible for car dealers and a tool that they use to determine what to charge for a vehicle – but I was wrong! Read Doug Edmundson’s piece on page 24, because he will help you to avoid the ‘traditional’ car deal, and feel good about the result. Doug is ADVOCAR, and he’ll save you money. Did you know that there may be funds available from the Department of Veterans Affairs if you or a loved one was exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War? Find out about eligibility in Susan Alber’s article on page 30. So it’s September already, and you need to be thinking about taking advantage of the season with a trip abroad for what Scott Jones characterizes as ‘many different ways to see Europe’. Read all about it on page 17, and relax. It’s time to enjoy life. Anyway, have a great September, wherever you are.
Donna Einhorn Editor Donna@IndyBoomer.com
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Patty Spitler From News Show To Pet Show: A Magnificent Comeback Story
If you or a Boomer you know has ever traveled down the road named “Forced Retirement”, which sometimes lies at the corner of “Physical Limitation Avenue” you will identify with the changes that Patty Spitler has had to make in her life over the past ten years. And when you read about what she has accomplished, you will cheer and hope that you can do it too. From 1982 until 2004, she was a reporter for Indianapolis local station WISH-TV news, and host of a lively entertainment show. On that show – for which she won an Emmy - she interviewed such stars as Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman, to name a few. Then a medical diagnosis based on a hearing disorder (Ménière’s Disease) finally made it difficult to report the news, because one must listen to the feeds coming through ear buds, and repeat the essence of that information while conveying the story to the camera. So, as she tells it, when someone says “flash fire”, and you hear “flat tire”, it’s time for a TV reporter to think about adjusting her career direction.
MÉNIÈRE’S DISEASE
What it is
How it has changed her life & career
A disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo (the perception of non-existent motion), low-pitched tinnitus (you hear noise when no external sound is present), and hearing loss in one or both ears. Apparently, Vincent Van Gogh had the affliction, and Patty says she understands why he cut his ear off: the symptoms can be really annoying! Patty had an episode of vertigo at work in 1987 that caused her to fall, and upon medical evaluation, she was diagnosed with Ménière’s. She subsequently experienced hearing anomalies that made it difficult for her to continue in her role as a newscaster.
Go to menieresinfo.com for more information.
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Due to issues with Ménière’s, Patty was forced to leave the show in 2004. When she ‘retired’ from TV reporting, she suddenly found herself depressed and despondent, missing her regular working routine, feeling no longer needed and sometimes not leaving the house for days at a time. She was looking for ways to ‘make the pain go away’. As an inveterate pet lover, in her adult life she had previously only had cats, but in her search for a way out of the malaise, she thought, “What if I get a dog?” She had been an only child, and grew up with a dog ‘Duke’, who became what she characterizes as her best friend. Well, it was one of the best ideas she ever had. Soon a Bernese Mountain dog, “Louie” entered her life, and like the classic drama two-sided mask, her sad face began to smile. No longer was the attention focused on Poor Patty, now strangers would approach her on the street and ask, “What breed is your dog?” Having Louie around helped her to get out of the doldrums.
situation: Figure out what makes you happy, and then pursue it. “Louie saved my life,” she says without hesitation. Spitler then became the host of PetPals TV, currently broadcast locally on WISH-TV (Channel 8) on Saturday mornings at 5:30 a.m. and WNDYTV (Channel 23) on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m., and showing on all the stations listed in the box on the next page. As announced on its website (petpalstv.com), the show is about “celebrating the bond between pets and people and the relationship between animals and humans”. For example, a recent post discusses how to deal with your aging pet: “Your Best Friend is Getting Older....Now What?” A topic close to the heart of anyone whose pet is gaining on its life cycle maximum. You know who you are… As you can see, the site is relevant and useful for pet owners everywhere.
The TV show shines a light on folks who promote responsible pet ownership. She recommends that if you want a dog, adopt one from a rescue agency and not a store where the dogs may come from a puppy mill [see http://community. petpalstv.com/page/dog-rescues-1]. She proclaims, however, that it doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have, be it snake, rat, rabbit, parrot, guinea pig, or whatever: just take care of it and be sensible when taking it out in public. She tells of some unscrupulous folks who have been buying ID cards, certified dog tags and special vests online to make them appear to be service dogs, so that they can take them into restaurants and on public transportation (service dogs fly for free), but they’re not those kinds of dogs. For example, sometimes they do their business on the floor, which a trained service dog would never do. Just be aware… Patty reflects on how expectations for Baby Boomers were different from those of our parents. She says that female
Louie had been in her life for several years when an old producer friend came by one day to see if she might be interested in contributing time and ideas to a new independent TV production called PetPals-TV. Was she interested? Oh yeah! This would be the perfect career side-shift that not only fit her interests and skills, but she was ready for a new role, and this one matched her knowledge and experience beautifully. Depression? She snapped out of it! She suggests to those in a similar –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sign Up For Your Free Digital Version At IndyBoomer.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 9
Boomers grew up with a sense that you have to do something with your life, instead of looking forward to being just a wife and mother (or a nurse, schoolteacher or secretary if you wanted to work). Doors were just opening up for us in the sixties e.g., it wasn’t even a thought in her mother’s mind that she should consider going to college. But for Patty, it was not only possible, but expected. And that can really come in handy when we’re reflecting on how to point our lives in a positive direction once our long-term career has taken a turn. In reflecting on the phases of her recovery from that low point, she declares that Boomers tend not to put themselves “out there” publically when they have a mental or physical disability, and as you might imagine, a hearing disability is very isolating, because for one thing - you can‘t use the phone! Patty says that she learned the hard way how absolutely critical it is for Boomers who find themselves in a similar situation (when our regular work routine is derailed) that we identify the basic issue for ourselves: is it that we no longer feel needed or useful? Is it a physical problem that is
keeping us from continuing on our usual course, and is there a way that we can get around that? Can we still do what we’re good at, only in another format? Then, once you come to a realization of what you really want to do and are capable of, you need to find a way to adjust your expectations to fit your reality, set new goals, and make a plan to accomplish those. Be open to new ideas, then go out there and do something about your situation.
Patty has learned that health problems for older folks can translate into isolation – because sometimes we’re too proud to admit that we have problems. But she proclaims that it’s kind of hard to begin to deal with personal trials and tribulations until you can admit that you’re experiencing them, and believe that you can do something to change your situation. She’d make a great therapist! Those of you who have been turned away from your chosen career can take a lesson from her life, and get your act together!
WISH TV 8 INDIANAPOLIS, IN MY WNDY 23 INDIANAPOLIS, IN CHARTER LOS ANGELES, CA THE CW AUSTIN, TX WOOD TV 8 GRAND RAPIDS, MI WDTN 2 DAYTON, OH WAYNE-TV 15 FORT WAYNE, IN MY FOX 10 TERRE HAUTE, IN WEHT LOCAL ABC EVANSVILLE, IN WKYI 24 LOUISVILLE, KY WIWU MARION, IN COMCAST CHANNEL 81 INDIANAPOLIS, IN COMCAST ON DEMAND SALT LAKE CITY, UT KTRV12 BOISE, ID FOX28 SOUTH BEND, IN FOX 7 KFXF FAIRBANKS FAIRBANKS, AK CBS17 KVIQ - DT EUREKA EUREKA, CA WBKO BOWLING GREEN, KY OZARKS THE CW KCZ/KDL SPRINGFIELD, MO FOX 47 ROCHESTER, MN CHARTER LAKE TAHOE, CA CHARTER SANTA CRUZ, CA CHARTER SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
Saturday 5:30 a.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 p.m. Saturday 6:30 a.m. Monday 1:30 a.m. Sunday 5:30 a.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. Saturday 6:30 a.m. Sunday 4:30 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. Various Various Saturday 6:30 a.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. Various Sunday 11:00 a.m. Saturday 1:30 p.m. Saturday 6:30 a.m. Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 p.m. Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 p.m. Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 3:30 p.m.
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Willie Nelson & Family 9/15 | 7:30pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts PlayFULL Hours - Music and Movement 9/15 | 10-11am Heritage Park Earthly Adventure Series - Clever Coyote 9/16 | 9:30-11am Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Jabberwocky Fishers 9/18-11/20 Fishers Public Library Merrell 5K Summer Series 9/19 | All day Monon Community Center 2014 Music & All That Jazz Concert Series: The West Central Band 9/19 | 7pm Historic Noblesville Square Carmel Community Players present: Ordinary Days 9/19-10/5 | Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30 pm Carmel Community Players Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk 9/19 | 8pm Historic Noblesville Square Noblesville Historic Tour of Homes 9/20 | 10-5pm Downtown Noblesville The Center Presents: Al Jarreau 9/20 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Old Mill Festival 9/20 | 9-4pm Historic Noblesville Square
Native Fishing Tools & Techniques 9/20 | 12:30-4:30pm Strawtown Koteewi Park
Take A Child Outside Week 9/24-9/30 | 10-5pm (Closed 9/29) Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Barker Brothers Kiln Burn 9/20 | 10-5pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Trailblazing Twos - Pumpkin Time! 9/25 | 9:30-10:30am Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Nickel Plate Arts Block Party 2014 9/20 | 6-9pm Nickel Plate Arts Block- 8th & Maple Streets
CIASA (Adult Men’s) League 9/25 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield
Sheridan Harvest Moon Festival 9/20-9/21 | Thurs-Fri:5-10pm, Sat:96pm, Sun:11-4pm Sheridan Harvest Moon Festival
Actors Theatre of Indiana Presents: Chita: A Legendary Celebration 9/25-9/28 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts
Indiana State Chili Championship 9/20 | 12-3pm Red Bridge Park The Center Presents: Peanut Butter & Jam: Bongo Boy 9/20 | 10:30am The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Carmel Clay Historical Society’s Annual Meeting and Picnic 9/21 Carmel Monon Depot Museum Olympic Development Program 9/21 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield Monday Night Drawing Class 9/22-11/24 | 7- 9pm Nickel Plate Arts Campus Bingo & Coffee presented by Hamilton Trace 9/22 | 9-11am Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
Playing for Parkinson’s” Golf Outing Thursday, September 18th at 11a.m. Golf Club of Indiana 6905 S. 525 E. Lebanon, IN. 46052
The Belfry Theatre presents: The Desk Set 9/26-10/12 | Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm The Belfry Theater Movies in the Park 9/26 | Movies start at sunset Asa Bales Park Westfield Playhouse Presents: God’s Favorite 9/26-10/12 | Sept. 26 & 27; Oct. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 Main Street Productions/Westfield Playhouse Bicentennials–The Star Spangled Banner and the Saxophone 9/27 | 7:30pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch Country Fall Festival 9/27-10/26 | Sept 27-28, Oct 4-5, Oct 11 -12, Oct 18-19, Oct 25-26, 10-6pm & special dates, Oct 17 & 24 2-6pm Russell Farms
Annual Parkinson Symposium Saturday, September 27th Indy West Conference Center 400 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis
More information about both events is available by calling Sheri at the PAACI office at 317-255-1993 or by emailing sheripaaci@sbcglobal.net. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sign ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SignUp UpFor ForYour YourFree FreeDigital DigitalVersion VersionAtAtIndyBoomer.com IndyBoomer.com–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 11 11
Prairie Pursuits: Fun in the Forge 9/27 | 9:30-4pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Westfield Historic Underground Railroad Ghost Walk 9/27 | 8pm Asa Bales Park Dierks Bentley 9/27 | 7pm Klipsch Music Center Twilight Trail Run & Walk 9/27 | Race begins at 5:30pm Strawtown Koteewi Park Atlanta New Earth Festival 9/27-9/28 | Sat 9-6pm, Sun 9-5pm Atlanta New Earth Festival 17th Annual Carmel International Arts Festival 9/27-9/28 | Sat 10-6pm, Sun 10-5pm Carmel Arts & Design District Fishers Oktoberfest @ Saxony 9/27 | Noon-10pm Witten Park at Saxony Stonycreek Farm’s 42nd Annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival 9/27-10/31 | Daily 10-5pmp Stonycreek Farm Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! 9/27 | 10-5pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Arts Festival Antiques Sale 9/27-9/28 | 10-7pm Carmel Old Town Antique Mall Nut Harvest and Processing 9/27 | 12:30-4:30pm Strawtown Koteewi Park Riverview Hospital Twilight Trail Run & Walk 9/27 | Race starts at 5:30pm Strawtown Koteewi Park The Center Presents: Zakir Hussain 9/28 | 7pm The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts Family Pumpkin Festival 9/28 | 3-6pm Two Times the Fun - Lil Punkins 10/2 | 10-11am Billericay Park Intro to Cruise Vacationing presented by Hamilton Trace 10/2 | 7-8pm Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
Nickel Plate Arts Project Party: Fall/Halloween Project 10/2-10/4 | Oct. 2, 6-9pm OR Oct. 4, 9-Noon Nickel Plate Arts Campus The Center Presents: Trace Adkins 10/3 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts First Friday Caboose Rides 10/3-11/7 | 5- 9pm Historic Noblesville Square Halloween Hikes 10/3 | Fri 7-10pm, Sat 6-9pm Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Dance! Lenape Indian Traditions 10/4 | 1-2pm Conner Prairie Perky Turkey Pottery 10/4 | 1-2pm Billericay Park Pumpkin Pottery 10/4 | 1-2pm Billericay Park The Center Presents: Tommy Tune: Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales 10/4 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Grand Junction Derby & Street Festival 10/4 | 3-7pm Downtown Westfield Blue Arrow Train in October-November 10/4 | Depart Fishers 4:36; depart Tipton 7:58 Fishers Train Station College Club Lacrosse 10/4 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield Prairie Pursuits: iPhoneography Class 10/4 | 8:30-12:30pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Fishers Renaissance Faire 10/4 | 10-6pm Fishers Renaissance Faire Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival 10/4 | 11-3pm Potters Bridge Indiana Soccer League 10/4 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield
Predators Lacrosse Tournament 10/5 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield Fall Exhibit: Autumn Attractions 10/6 | Mon-Sat 10-5pm Sun 1-5pm Cool Creek Park & Nature Center Pumpkin Painting Workshop 10/9 | 10-10:45am Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Prairie Tykes: Pumpkin Patch Parade 10/9 | Oct. 9, 9:30-11am; Oct. 10, 9:3011am &12:30-2pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk 10/10 | 7pm Historic Noblesville Square Flappers and Dappers: A Speakeasy 10/10 | 7pm Bridgewater Club Headless Horseman 10/10 | October 10-12, 16-19 & 23-26 Conner Prairie Interactive History Park The Center Presents: Gladys Knight 10/10 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Oktoberfest with Polkaboy 10/10 | 6-10pm Carmel City Center Christmas in October Craft Fair 10/11 | 9-3pm Fishers High School The Center Presents: Samité 10/11 | 8pm The Studio at the Center for the Performing Arts Very, Very Cold Case Files 10/11 | 1-2pm Strawtown Koteewi Park Re-boo! Re-wear! Re-Scare! A Costume Swap 10/11 | 1-4pm Cool Creek Park & Nature Center Olympic Development Program 10/12 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield Indiana Soccer League 10/12 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield
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Prairie Pursuits: Wheel Thrown Pottery 10/15 | 6-7:30pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Deal With the Dealer Day 10/18 | 11-3pm Carmel Old Town Antique Mall
Earthly Adventure Series - Spectacular Spiders 10/15 | 9:30-11am Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
The Center Presents: Peanut Butter &Jam: Mariachi sol Jalisciese 10/18 | 10:30am The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Charity Shopping Weekend 10/16 | Store Hours Saks Fifth Avenue at The Fashion Mall Fall Break Camp at Conner Prairie 10/17 | October 17 & 24 Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk 10/17 | 7pm Historic Noblesville Square Intro to Cruise Vacationing presented by Hamilton Trace 10/17 | 11:30-12:30pm Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Tween Halloween for Ages 8-12 10/18 | 5:30-8:30pm Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Westfield Historic Underground Railroad Ghost Walk 10/18 | 7pm Asa Bales Park Prairie Pursuits: Basketmaking - Make a Kentucky Egg Basket 10/18 | 9-5pm Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Mid-West Cross Country Championships 10/18 | All day Riverside Intermediate/ Jr. High Historical Spooky Stories around a Bonfiire 10/18 | 7-8:30pm Strawtown Koteewi Park
The Center Presents: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Jonathan Biss 10/18 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts The Center Presents: SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK(R) - 40TH ANNIVERSARY 10/19 | 7pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Carmel Clay Historical Society’s “Law & Order: Carmel Style” 10/19 | 2pm Carmel Clay Public Library 2014 Smiley Pumpkin Drop 10/23 | 6-10am Hamilton Town Center The Center Presents: Home Free 10/23 | 7:30pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Trailblazing Twos - Lovely Leaves 10/23 | 9:30-10:30am Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Boo Bash 10/24 | 6:30-8:30pm Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Westfield Historic Underground Railroad Ghost Walk 10/24 | 7pm Asa Bales Park
Community Family Halloween Party 10/24 | 6:30-8:30pm Shelters 2, 3, and 5 The Center Presents: The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China: “Cirque Peking” 10/25 | 8pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Boo ‘n Brew at Clay Terrace 10/25 | 2-6pm Clay Terrace Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk 10/25 | 7pm Historic Noblesville Square The Center Presents: Ethan Bortnick 10/26 | 7pm The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Olympic Development Program 10/26 | All day Grand Park - the Sports Campus at Westfield Haunted Trails 10/28-10/30 | 7-10ppm Cool Creek Park & Nature Center Guitarist Peppino D’Agostino 10/31 | 7pm Hedgehog Music Showcase Westfield Historic Underground Railroad Ghost Walk 10/31 | 8pm Asa Bales Park
A Smartphone app is available at the Google Play Store ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2013 www.HamiltonCountyRadio.com went live. Available for listening on phones, tablets, etc. using the TuneIn app, available at playgoogle.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sign Up For Your Free Digital Version At IndyBoomer.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 13
Energy Work For Animals
Boomer animal owners love their pets and will do everything they can to keep them healthy and happy. For example, they routinely provide their animal companions with regular checkups and veterinary care. Over the past decade, however, animal owners have also become interested in promoting the health and longevity of their pets through the use of “integrative” or “complementary health” practices. These modalities support the animal’s well-being, help to prevent disease and facilitate the healing process when an animal becomes ill or injured. One modality that is both integrative and complementary is “energy work”, also known as energy medicine or energy healing. Scientists tell us that everything that is “material”, including people and animals, is composed of energy and
energy fields. We are atoms and particles vibrating and moving at various rates and frequencies. The patterns and flow of energy within and around us influence our physical and emotional health. Energy Work is the art and science of assessing these patterns and conveying energies that promote balance and health. People and animals not only have “physical anatomy” we also have “energy anatomy.” For example, we have seven major energy centers (often called chakras) that vitalize particular nerves, organ systems, endocrine glands and the circulatory system. Some energy work modalities also utilize the
meridians, which are channels of energy that course through the body along predictable tracks. When energy is flowing freely through these channels, there is health. All energy work impacts the “aura” or field of energy that surrounds a person or animal. This field has layers that influence physical and emotional health.
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Practitioners have found that the layer of energy that lies just outside and penetrates the physical body is a “blueprint” or “matrix” upon which the physical body is constructed and functions. When there is long-standing disruption of energy flow within this etheric layer, disease can develop. Because dysfunctional patterns show up in the field long before the animal or person experiences full-blown disease, early treatment of these imbalances can help to prevent future problems. Examples of energy work modalities that can easily be applied to animals include: Reiki, Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Touch for Health and Esoteric Healing (also known as Energy Healing). Trained practitioners “allow balance” of the field by conveying loving, healing energies from a variety of sources, according to the modality applied. The practitioner’s hands may touch the animal or they may be positioned a few inches to a few feet from the animal. Interestingly, quantum mechanics theory explains why treatments can be performed “at a distance”, with the animal being in a geographic location different from that of the practitioner. Animals seem to love receiving energy work. During local sessions, they typically want to sit near the practitioner. During both local and distance sessions the animal usually falls asleep and rests. In my experience as an energy
work practitioner, I have found that Esoteric Healing (EH) energy work is a wonderful adjunct to traditional veterinary care and behavioral interventions. Here are some examples of animals helped by EH: “Peter”, a Red Parrot rescued from owners who ran a “crack house”. EH helped to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and supported his adjustment to foster care and later to a permanent home. “Dugan”, a Labradoodle with osteoarthritis and spinal alignment problems that affected his movement patterns. EH helped reduce his pain and muscle spasms, allowing freer movement of his spine during running activities.
helped to reduce Parker’s pain. “Sibilla”, a rescued Greyhound with such extreme anxiety during thunder storms that she burrowed under carpeting in a closet in order to feel safe. EH combined with medications and use of a Thunder Shirt helped reduce her anxiety. Energy work does not replace traditional veterinary care. However, it appears to have many benefits, and can help pet owners keep their “furry friends” healthy and happy throughout life. If you are interested in energy work for your pet, seek an experienced practitioner in your area, and explore the many books, articles and websites available on this topic.
“Tiger” a Bengal cat who had “litter box issues” because he was upset about his owner’s new boyfriend moving into the house. EH helped his owner understand what the cat was upset about, and reduced Tiger’s maladaptive litter box behavior. “Parker” a Sheep dog with cancer. EH helped to calm both the owner and Parker during the course of the disease, and
Constance McCloy, EdD, PT is a Certified Practitioner of Esoteric Healing (Energy Healing), a physical therapist and an academician of many years. She teaches classes in Energy Healing in the Indianapolis area. She can be reached at Constance.mccloy@gmail.com.
From Aging to Sage-ing A 2014 Spirit & Place Festival Event ––––––––––––––––– November 12, 2014 1:30-3:30pm Register at www.uindy.edu/cac
Learn about wisdom circles and journaling – tools that enable us to navigate the autumn and winter of life’s journey with intentionality and joy. Presented by: University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community, Sageing International, and Memorial Brainworks –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sign Up For Your Free Digital Version At IndyBoomer.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 15
HOUSING ISSUES
Do We Buy A Downsizer or Rent?
Do We Buy A Downsizer or Rent?
1
Determine how much space you need or want and plug in a monthly payment number. If you sell your present house and you can pay cash for your new home, great. If the choice is to put some of the money in investments or have as reserves, now is the time to make that decision.
2
Based on your projected income, how much can you afford monthly for a house payment, utilities, and maintenance? Most 55+ communities will have an association monthly fee that will cover water, sewer, and all outside maintenance, but you will be responsible for all inside maintenance.
Thoughts:
1
Not all Boomers want to live in an age-restricted community. Some feel uncomfortable in an aging environment without age diversity but again they may want the security of like-minded and aged people. Not a subdivision but a community. This is an important question that needs to be addressed by both partners.
2 3
Statistically women outlive men by a wide margin.
Consider the physical location based on where your doctors, friends and family are.
4
Consider getting rid of stuff you have collected for many years. What will fit in your new home?
5
Do We Rent? Renting covers a lot of ground. Age restricted apartments? A house that is a ranch style? A duplex or triplex? High end community where they offer services i.e. two meals a day and have activities scheduled for you to enjoy? Subsidized housing because you can’t afford anything else? Rent a remodeled apartment over one of your children’s garages? Lots of choices.
2
Qualifiers: Does the rental 1. have a walk-in shower or tub cut for convenience and safety; 2. Limited steps that can be managed; 3. Meet your budget?
Is the complex safe and managed well? Interview some of the renters to find out about present management and especially does management change frequently?
4
Do you want the ability to come and go as you please and not worry about being away from home for a few weeks?
1
3
Can you negotiate a lease renewably with rent raises spelled out so you can see what impact that has on your monthly budget?
Research: Review web sites like trulia.com. They have a section that can show you for your area if renting or purchasing a home would be less expensive. Look under any web pages under Owning versus Renting a Home. The good news is that whether buying a home or renting an apartment or house, you will be an asset because you’re going to stay there for a while and you’re financially predictable. Remind your lender and or owner of the home or apartment you want to rent or buy because you are money in the bank to them.
By John Munson Boomer Properties, LLC Info@BoomerPropertiesLLC.com
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Maybe you are an empty-nester and starting to plan your dream European vacation for you and your spouse…. Or maybe you have recently retired but not yet pulled the trigger on your trip to Europe because you’re not sure where to start… or perhaps you have been there before and can’t wait to go back and take the entire family this time… In any case you want to experience the Old World, and who can blame you? Several European cities are on virtually everyone’s travel bucket list (Barcelona, London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, to name just a few) and with good reason. With the rich history, architecture & cuisine there is so much to seen, do and experience. Imagine visiting buildings well over 1000 years old, yet still operational… Imagine visiting a winery that has continuously been producing for several centuries! There are many different styles and many different ways to see Europe and there is no better time to go than now. With geopolitical relationships constantly changing, you never know when it may be too late to visit a particular destination. Just look at how quickly the world is changing right before your eyes – imagine planning a trip to Russia 30 years ago - unheard of! The past 20 years has really been a
golden age for traveling to Europe, since previous to the Cold War ending it was virtually unheard of for US citizens to travel to the former Soviet republics, and it may one day again be difficult to travel to Russia or other nearby nations, but for now the gates are mostly open and the world is yours to discover. From organized excursions by land to river travel to independent discovery trips on your own there are options galore. Cruise the Baltic and Scandinavian countries porting in St Petersburg for a couple of nights - enjoy river travel all over Central Europe or ride the rails throughout the continent in modern cars on schedules as reliable as a Swiss watch – in short, there are myriad options. Mediterranean cruises are best for discovering southern France, Italy, Greece and beyond with excellent port cities such as Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Florence, Athens, Istanbul and let’s not forget an off-the-radar but extremely popular port in Dubrovnik, Croatia. River journeys are a fantastic way to discover smaller towns along the waterways of Central Europe- cities such as
TRAVEL PLANS
DR EEuropean AM Vacation Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Nuremberg and Paris. From discovering fine wines to castles to windmills and more, river cruises are an incredible way to experience the old world in a virtually all-inclusive package where everything from lodging to meals to tours are included. Enjoy a cocktail before and a wine with dinner after you spend the day riding complimentary bikes around small villages where you are likely to bump into your ship’s chef at the local market shopping for your dinner! Organized sightseeing adventures are once again becoming popular as tour companies have reimagined themselves and technology helps allow for more independence and time for self-discovery than ever before. The additional security and safety of having a tour company by your side as you are free to discover new cultures and make new friends along the way cannot be overstated. Whatever your plans, find a travel advisor to work with. Many, like EZTravelPad, charge no fees and can add tremendous value while reliving significant stress so you are free to enjoy!
By Scott Jones EZTravelPad 317-731-2293 Scott@EZTravelPad.com www.EZTravelPAd.com
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LEGAL CONCERNS
POWER SHIFTING
When the average individual thinks about “estate planning”, Wills and/or Trusts are what come to mind. There is much more that should be considered when you meet with a lawyer to plan your estate. Powers of Attorney, in particular, are valuable planning tools that every person should consider. A Power of Attorney is a written document in which you authorize another person to act for you. It is possible to designate a trusted individual to act for you when you are unable to do so or as a matter of convenience. Powers of Attorney can be broad or limited. You can give another the power to take almost any action you can take yourself. For example, many “general” powers authorize your agent to undertake banking, real estate, insurance, and gift and estate transactions to
name only a few. Limited powers of attorney typically provide your agent authority to exercise one or a few powers, such as power to close a real estate transaction. Powers of Attorney can be effective at signing so that your agent immediately has authority to act, or they can be springing. Springing powers are effective on a date specified in the document or upon the occurrence of an event. For example, powers may be effective upon certification of your incapacity by a physician or on a specific date, such as at closing for a real estate transaction. Powers of Attorney to allow another to exercise healthcare powers for you may be combined with other estate planning documents, such as a Living Will. A Power of Attorney for most purposes terminates at your death
with the exception of the power to make anatomical gifts, request an autopsy and/or make pleas for the disposition of bodily remains, if those powers are granted in the document. Otherwise, Powers of Attorney terminate on a date specified in the document. You may also revoke Powers of Attorney at any time. Powers of Attorney are valuable and important planning documents. The most important practical considerations are selecting an individual you can trust and carefully selecting the powers you grant your agent. By Anne Hensley Poindexter, Managing Partner Campbell Kyle Proffitt LLP Carmel 317-846-6514 Nobleville 317-773-2090 www.ckplaw.com apoindexter@ckplaw.com
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BOOMERS@WORK
BOOMERS & SOCIAL MEDIA “Since Boomers are out of work longer and understand the fundamentals of networking, they are going to LinkedIn in order to find new opportunities.” When Baby Boomers began their careers apples and blackberries were only thought of as fruit and twitter was the sound of a bird. Now technology and social media are critical success factors in managing a career. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Google+ and YouTube all have a role in job searching and staying employed in the 21st century. Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Millennial Branding, is quoted in CIO Magazine observing, “Since Boomers are out of work longer and understand the fundamentals of networking, they are going to LinkedIn in order to find new opportunities.” A survey sponsored by Millennial Branding and Beyond.com showed that Boomers use the Internet and social networks professionally more than younger generations. LinkedIn is the most popular professional networking tool with over 100 million users in the United States. Local LinkedIn and Technology Consultant, Dave Meeker, explains that having a photo on your profile, including recommendations from former co-workers and insuring your profile answers the employer’s question, “what can you do for me?” will help users realize the value of LinkedIn. For professionals concerned with receiving a plethora of emails and notifications, LinkedIn allows members to manage the volume by adjusting settings under ‘Privacy and Settings’. Recruiters are increasingly using Skype for video interviews prior to flying candidates out of town for in-person meetings. It is important to create a
By Brenda Johnson Work, Careers and Jobs @ 40+ 317-250-3366 workingover40@gmail.com www.workinglater.blogspot.com
well-lit, uncluttered quiet environment and suitable background for a video interview along with dressing professionally. Job seekers should also insure they have a strong wireless connection before conducting a video interview to avoid audio and video glitches. Participating in a video interview also shows a potential employer your comfort level with technology and communication skills. Boomers increasingly showcase their expertise with blogs, on YouTube, through webinars and with long-form posts on LinkedIn. Professionally, there are pitfalls and risks in the misuse of social media. Many employees assume that what they post or share on their personal time does not impact their careers and is not the business of their employers. That assumption is a mistake. Inappropriate use of social media, sharing company secrets online and violating confidentiality agreements and bullying others can result in disciplinary action at work as well as legal action. It is best to adhere to your employer’s social media policies and assume that whatever you post is visible to the public and is available to repost no matter what your privacy setting. Think of social media interaction as a post card that is permanently accessible to the universe. Human Resources departments perform online searches on candidates’ names to obtain additional information about them. Be careful posting pictures you would not want a potential employer to see or using names or terms online that could prevent you from being hired. Being present on social media platforms is not enough, positioning yourself as a credible, influential professional or developing thought leader status is the key to advancing a career. Social media is a tool like a resume or business card; it does not take the place of connecting with people in person.
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FITNESS/NUTRITION
The Importance of Balance & Movement “People are like bicycles. They can keep their balance only as long as they keep moving.” – Albert Einstein in a letter to his son Eduard, Feb. 5, 1930.
Movement! Haven’t we all heard this at one time or another…”Don’t lie down if you can sit, don’t sit if you can stand, don’t stand if you can walk.” Whatever! I know that I often just want to kick back with my feet up – literally. However, we must admit that A.E. did get that whole theory of relativity thing right so maybe we should pay attention to his remark about balance! (Although I do not agree with his minimal sleep habits – but that is another article!) The importance of balance and movement cannot be overemphasized for us as we move into the 50+ range. Along with changes in our muscle strength and flexibility we also incur issues with balance in our everyday movement. Increasing that movement can enhance our ability to maintain balance. How many times did you fall down as a child? Bet you sprang up without a problem; your strong bones, muscle tone, and flexibility enabled you to brush yourself off and keep on going with barely a notice! According to the BMJ (British Medical Journal, 29 October 2013) French researchers analyzed the results of 17 trials that tested the effect of fall-prevention exercises on seniors’ risk of falls and fallrelated injuries. Overall, exercise programs reduced falls that caused injuries by 37%, falls leading to se-
many people look upon stretching as a not-verychallenging workout and therefore not to be highly regarded. Ask any Olympian what type of workout offers the most benefits. In addition to increasing balance and flexibility, stretching transports oxygen and removes toxins from muscles, improving athletic performance.
rious injuries by 43%, and broken bones by 61%.
Fitness classes aimed at improving balance are increasingly common, I am pleased to say. In addition to promoting better balance, participants can experience improved muscle tone and stronger bones as well as coordination and a sense of well-being. When is it a good time to start? How about now? Taking control of our balance and movement – along with better nutrition – can make a world of difference to the quality of life we cherish. Self-care is not only a gift we give to ourselves, but a precious gift we offer to those who love us. It truly is the “gift that goes on giving” to coin a phrase!
Independence is something we all value – children are eager to become independent, and mature The opinions expressed in this article are not adults are eager to stay indepenintended to replace advice of your personal dent! Broken bones from falls physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues which can be prevented limit mobility and lead to a host of other you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity. health issues as well as lack of confidence and fear of falling. What is to be Sharon McMahon, CNWC Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant done? Movement! As Member, AFPA, ASFA, NETA a fitness instructor, I FlexAbility4u@aol.com find it both amusing 317-690-0871 and rather sad that
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Do you wake up every morning excited to be alive, looking forward to the new day? Eric Erickson, a famous psychologist, described the job of midlife as, “Can I make my life count?” If the answer is yes, this leads to “Generativity,” a term for creating a life of purpose and meaning. If the answer is no, this leads to “Stagnation,” regrets, blame and fear. Generativity leads to better relationships with family and friends. As a child, I memorized the soliloquy from Our Town. Emily looks down at the world saying, “Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?” Now I understand the meaning. We tend to sleepwalk through life and go on autopilot. We settle instead into making the most of our lives. We can be old at 30 or young at 90. When we stop being open to the possibilities, opportunities and the miracles of life, we grow old. We each have a choice. It is never too late to start. Holding on to regrets and disappointments from the past leave little room for creating a sunny today. We can never control what happens outside of us but we can choose how we wish to react and how we choose to live our lives today.
What Keeps Us Stuck And Leads To Stagnation? • Regrets, focusing on past problems. • Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
3. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Be open, honest, respectful, kind and worthy of others’ trust. Appreciate those qualities in others. 4. Cherish and strengthen your relationships, both old and new. As we grow older some enjoy the richness of deep friendships and others struggle with loneliness and isolation.
• Blaming others or ourselves for our situation and problems. • Living a life based on fear. Real problems exist: finances, relationships, health and a myriad of other issues. Facing the issues directly, not blaming others or ourselves for their existence allows us to move on. Stagnation leads to unhappiness, bitterness and fear.
How Can We Be Fully Alive To Life?
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Generativity vs. Stagnation Ten Ways To Be Fully Alive To Life
5. Do something each day to make the world a better place. Focusing on what we can do for others instead of our problems automatically increases our happiness quotient. 6. Don’t retire. Reinvent. Now is the time to take up a hobby or get involved in volunteer activities. Start a business. What have you always wanted to do?
1. Be open to new possibilities and new opportunities. Be open to something wonderful happening everyday and it will! 2. Appreciate the small stuff. Focus on the good stuff, on the miracles both large and small each day.
By Amelia Barnes, Life and Relationship Coach Inner Outcomes 317-688-7278 Amelia@InnerOutcomes.com www.InnerOutcomes.com www.facebook.com/InnerOutcomes –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sign Up For Your Free Digital Version At IndyBoomer.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 21
MONEY MATTERS
How To Pay For Your Care
With the cost of a nursing facility regularly reaching $85,000 per year, very few Hoosiers can afford to pay for care out of pocket for very long. While less expensive, assisted living facilities and in-home care options are available to Hoosiers, however they still put a strain on a monthly budget. If you are concerned about the high costs associated with long term care now or in the future, Veterans benefits are available to help pay for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home expenses. Most veterans who served during war time and their current or unremarried surviving spouses may be eligible for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit. The 2014 tax free monthly maximum benefits are: • $1,130 for a surviving spouse of a Veteran. • $1,759 for a Veteran.
• $2,085 for a Veteran and spouse.
Our company is dedicated to obtaining VA benefits for our clients. We work closely and personally There are additional benefits for with the local VA office to quickly dependent children. obtain an approval for our clients. This is a tax free “pension” payWhenever you are working with a ment to help pay for needed care. government agency, you can count Contrary to many myths, there are on a maze of forms and procedures only a few simple qualifications: to gain eligibility. You should only • The veteran must have served work with a company that special during a time of declared war. izes in this area of planning. As long as a veteran is eligible, we • Must have been honorably have a 100% success rate in ob discharged. taining benefits. Don’t disqualify • There has to be a health issue yourself or a loved one. Call our with the veteran and/or spouse. office for a free consultation to see • Must have current or pending if you or your spouse qualify for the health care expenses. benefits you deserve. Additionally, • There are no income limits. • Excess assets can be protected! • There is no “look back” provision.
By Wesley Young Senior Solutions Consulting, Inc 8310 Allison Pointe Blvd, Ste 105 317-863-0213 wyins@aol.com www.SeniorSolutionsConsulting.com
Looking For Money To Pay For Care? We Can Help! We specialize in... Nursing home benefits Veteran’s benefits Asset Protection Protecting Assets & Creating Additional Income to Pay for Care Serving Central Indiana for over 13 years. No cost initial consultation.
Don’t let a lifetime of savings be lost…Call Senior Solutions Consulting today to see if you qualify! (317)
863-0213
8310 Allison Pointe Boulevard, Suite 105 • Indianapolis, IN 46250 • www.SeniorSolutionsConsulting.com
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depressed or lonely when your precious pet idolizes you.
When you speak to a dog or cat and it cocks its head sideways and looks at you as if you are speaking a foreign language, does it understand what you are saying? If the word “treat”, “cookie” or “let’s go for a walk” gets an excited response from your pet, then you know that you are being understood. Medical research has confirmed that having pets can be very therapeutic and that they can be wonderful companions for older adults who are living alone. Independent adults who may be missing visits from their adult children and grandchildren are prime candidates for a companion pet. Aging parents often have a strong need to feel useful and nurturing after years of raising a family. A companion pet can satisfy this need
while delivering a bond of unconditional love that cannot be achieved in any other way.
Occasionally, friends or family members think they are doing a good thing by getting their aging parent or friend a young puppy or kitten to keep them company if they live alone. Unfortunately, good intentions can become disappointment if the recipient is unable to provide the level of exercise and attention that a young animal requires. Depending on the living arrangements of the older adult, a young pet who is not house-trained is not only an inconvenient cleaning nightmare, but it can also be a health hazard.
REVERSED ROLES
Wonderful Companions
Geriatric professionals some There are so many wonderful times recommend that seniors orphaned pets who need a loving who have become isolated in their home, it doesn’t make sense to buy own homes and have withdrawn a pet from a pet store. A rescued from normal activities can benefit dog or cat will show you a measure from the companionship of a furry of love and gratitude that is like friend. Taking care of a faithful nothing else you have ever experiand loyal pet can actually extend enced. So, find a furry friend at the life of aging adults. Having a one of your local humane society dog or cat to talk to or take on a shelters, and make a difference in walk is a great way to engage sethe life of a deserving pet and your niors and help them get adequate loved one too. exercise. There is no bond stronger than that of a pet for its master. Pets do not care what kind of a day you are having—they By Marti Lindell are always happy to see Senior Connections you, and they enjoy get317-797-9598 ting and giving undivided SeniorConnections2012@gmail.com attention. It is hard to be
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Why Advocar?
Because it’s your money...
Have you ever walked into a dealership and walked out with a new vehicle the same day? Don’t feel bad, so have I. Everyone in the dealership is so nice. But, why? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not because they care about you personally. Really, they can’t. They’re all commissioned employees whose pay is tied to unit volume and gross profit. They are all making money on you! Personally, I could care less if someone makes money on me, every business is in business to make a profit. The problem is that as a consumer you have no way of knowing how much profit is being generated on you. Simply, we don’t know what we don’t know. There are three parts to a traditional car deal. They would be the trade, financing, and vehicle being purchased. By allowing the dealership to combine all three we unknowingly are leaving money on the negotiating table. The average consumer buys a vehicle every five to ten years. The average dealership sells multiple vehicles per day.
Who do you think is going to win? Any sound financial advisor will tell you never to finance a depreciating asset. Most Boomers tend to be cash buyers. However, if you can’t pay cash, then you will have no other choice but to finance. If someone has a credit score above 685 and are paying more than 1.9% for a 2010 or newer, they are leaving money on the table. People tend to be fairly impulsive. We wait five to ten years to buy a new vehicle, but once we decide it’s time we purchase within seven to ten days. What’s more is how we determine value. Nine times out of ten we revert to Kelly Blue Book for these values. NEWS FLASH!! The banks don’t use it and neither do the dealerships. So, why do consumers? The banks use NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) to establish what their loan
to value ratios are on vehicles that they loan money on. This software is actually free for consumers, and can be found online at www.nada. com. Dealerships use a lot of different tools, but inevitably revert to the NADA website to also establish loan to value. However they are just trying to establish the maximum value they can charge based on what the bank will loan money on. Advocar is an advocate for the American car buyer. My name is Doug and I am the owner of Advocar. I don’t care what your buying or who you’re buying it from. My concern is that you do not leave money on the negotiating table. My clients tell me two things; I should charge more money and this was the best automotive experience they have ever had. Doug Edmundson (317) 213-2907 Doug@advocar.uss
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CAREGIVER CROSSING Ask an expert… What is home safety? It’s not as complicated as we sometimes make it. Let’s take a look at a handful of modifications that would be worth your time and investment. The Bathroom. According to our friends at Home Safe Homes, 75 percent of falls happen here. To help with safety, look at installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower. Buy a shower seat, handheld shower head and antislip strips or even shower shoes for the tub so that your loved one can bathe with security. The Main Floor. Make arrangements so that your loved one can live primarily on the main floor to avoid falls on the stairs. Invest in a simple baby monitor so that you can hear if your loved one is up and moving around. There are also pressure-sensitive bed alarms which will sound if your loved one gets out of the bed. Trust me, they help everyone sleep better. The Kitchen. Remove items which can be harmful and aren’t really needed. That includes extra knives, tea kettles just sitting on top of the stove, and the toaster, which could be placed out of sight in a cabinet. Rugs need to go away. They might look cute, but they are a tripping hazard. And find a way to lock your stove and oven. You will rest better knowing that they cannot be tampered with when you are away from home.
Seating. Go ahead and keep the couch that sucks you in! Nobody wants you to get rid of that. But also make sure that you have a few chairs throughout the house which allow for comfort and safety. This includes making sure that they will not slide across the room when scooting, that they have arms in case your loved one decides to take a snooze and leans a bit to the side and that the material is something that you can clean in case of…well, any kind of accident. If you were to take a walk through Joy’s House in Broad Ripple, you would notice that the blinds along the front of the house are drawn slightly, allowing you to see movement outside but not everything. The blinds along the back have a beautiful view of the garden. This is done intentionally. We want your attention to be drawn to the safer and more serene garden, which happens to be the place we want our Guests (clients) to go, not the busy street near the parking lot. You can do something similar in your home. If your loved one tends to get agitated about not being able to go out for a walk, draw attention to the safer backyard. Install locks on the doors that require keys to get through, keeping your loved one in a secure location for his own safety.
tant. Physical and occupational therapists often use them to help patients safely transfer from one location to another and to help add additional stability while walking. They are great tools to use at home as well and you should have a couple of them stored throughout the house, especially in the bathroom and bedroom. They are secured around your loved one’s waist and allow a place for you to hold when walking, transferring or simply trying to move. It allows you to stop the bad movement and encourage the good without bringing harm to either of you. Want more tips like these? Join us on Caregiver Crossing this and every Saturday from 8-9 am on 93.1 FM WIBC. Caregiver Crossing is a service of Joy’s House and serves as a weekly on-air support group for family caregivers and those of us who one day will be. I hope that you are able to join us soon. Warmly, Tina tina@joyshouse.org Tina McIntosh is the founder and president of Joy’s House, an adult day service located in Broad Ripple.
And finally…the Gait Belt. It’s not a place, but it sure is impor-
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Boone County Senior Services
Boone County Senior Services, Inc. (BCSSI) Activities – For a full listing of activities go to www.booneseniors.org Alzheimer’s Association Workshop (New) Communicating with People Who Have Alzheimer’s & Managing Behaviors: This program will explore how communication with a person with Alzheimer’s changes as the disease progresses and provides strategies for more effective communication. The program will also include approaches to address difficult behaviors. Workshop is on Friday, October 3 from 1:00-3:00PM. To register call BCSSI or the Alzheimer’s Association: 1-800-272-3900 A “Grand” Night at the Hearth A free, fun-filled, inter-generational event held on September 12 at the Hearth at Tudor Gardens, 11755 N. Michigan Rd, from 4:00-7:00PM. Food, games, cookie decorating, painting, storytelling and much more. Registration required. Contact BCSSI for more info. Sponsored by: The Hearth at Tudor Gardens Theater Thursday-Lebanon Theater Thursday is held on the third Thursday of each month at the Lebanon 7 Theater, 1600 N. Lebanon Street. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a breakfast snack followed by a special movie showing for age 60 and over beginning at 9:30 a.m. Cost is only $1. All movies are either rated PG or PG-13. Sponsored By: Clinton House Health and Rehabilitation, Excel Home Healthcare, and Southern Care Hospice
Lunch & Learn Join us for a FREE Lunch & Learn about current topics that affect seniors and their caregivers. The luncheon is the first and third Wednesday of the month at noon in the Lebanon Office and the second and fourth Friday in the Zionsville Town Hall Community Room and is limited to 30 people. For reservations contact BCSSI: 765-482-5220 or 317873-8939 Boone County Council on Aging Quarterly Meeting on Wednesday, September 17 at 12:00PM. Featuring George Slater, Senior Law Attorney. Lunch provided by Hickory Creek. RSVP required; call BCSSI to register. New Craft Club at BCSSI! Submit the winning name for the club and win a prize. Club will meet the second Wednesday of the month. Each month will feature a different craft. September 10: Jewelry Making October 8: Greeting Cards/Stamp Art Any age or gender is welcome. There are no dues, but there may be an occasional minimal cost for supplies. Come learn something new or finish up a current project! Call BCSSI to Register.
SHIP Counseling & CICOA Benefits Carrie Kincaid from CICOA will be available by appointment to provide seniors with unbiased information about Medicare/Medicaid, Nursing Facilities, Emergency Response Systems, Benefits, Nutrition, Social Security, and more on September 24 & October 22 from 9:00-11:30AM in Lebanon and 1:003:00PM in Zionsville. Call BCSSI to schedule your appointment.
For more information or to register for an activity or program contact Boone County Senior Services, Inc. (BCSSI): BCSSI Main Office 515 CrownPointe Drive, Lebanon Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 765-482-5220 or 317-873-8939
BCSSI Satellite Office – Zionsville Town Hall 1100 West Oak Street, Room 210, Zionsville Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday by appointment. Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
www.boonesseniors.org | Follow us on Facebook
Anita Bowen Boone County Senior Services, Inc. 765-482-5220
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PrimeLife Enrichment Center Bereavement Support Group – Support for those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one. The program explores the normal grieving process and mechanisms for coping with everyday problems. When you are ready to share your grief experience, know this group welcomes you in a relaxed and trusting atmosphere. Together we create a safe place to remember our loved ones and express our grief and pain over our losses. Third Monday of every month from 11:00 a.m. – noon.
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) educates and assists people with Medicare and their families with questions on health insurance. SHIP provides consumers with free, impartial and confidential health insurance counseling regarding Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare managed care plans, assistance, long-term care financing options, Medicaid and finding help with prescription costs. Connect with our counselors on the phone or on-site. Appointments are available Monday through Friday at 1:00p.m. and at 2:00p.m. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Transportation – PLE’s transportation program provides door to door transportation services for people 50 years and older living in Hamilton County. Requests will be taken for any of your transportation needs – medical, business, shopping, fitness, social, etc. Vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Clients must call with their request at least 48 hour in advance of the time transportation is needed, but this does not guarantee there will be availability. First pick of the day is at 8:00 a.m. and the last pick up is at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Minimal fees apply. Call for more details. Medicaid certified provider.
Engage in Early Stage Alzheimer’s Support Group – This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association. Social engagement for individuals experiencing a memory problem from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, mild cognitive impartment. Group participants should have some communication skills and a desire to talk about their experiences with their memory impairment. Third Tuesday of every month from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Must meet with facilitator in advance. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Caregiver Support Group – This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association. Support for those who are the primary caregiver of a loved one with a chronic illness or a family member of someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. This group provides emotional support, education and the opportunity to connect with other caregivers who are experiencing similar challenges. Second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Volunteer Opportunities – Only with the help of our volunteers can PrimeLife Enrichment’s work get done. Special care is taken to best utilize skills and talents to fill proper volunteer positions. Services and Volunteers Opportunities include Activity Center Activities, Friendly Visitor and Senior Companion In Home Services, General Office Assistance, Resale Shop Merchandise Sorting, plus a need for a Handyman, Kitchen Servers, and a Groundskeeper. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Go to www.primelifeenrichment.org for calendar or call 317-815-7000 for more information. PrimeLife Enrichment Center Monday - Thursday: Friday:
8:00am - 6:30 p.m. 8:00am - 5:00 p.m.
1078 Third Avenue SW, Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 815-7000 | www.primelifeenrichment.org
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HUGH R. SULLIVAN JR.
Indy Man Made a Difference for Millions of People who Suffer from Illness, Pain Hugh R. Sullivan Jr. made a difference in the lives of millions as one of the developers of popular pain relievers, antibiotics and other drugs. He spent decades at Eli Lilly & Co. working on the pain relievers Darvon and Darvocet, the antibiotics Keflex and Ceclor, and the drug methadone, used to help addicts curb their addictions. Sullivan, 88, also was widely known for developing ways to help drugs metabolize in the body more effectively. He published 96 papers and gave 26 lectures worldwide on the subject. He maintains his independence as a resident of Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living, a community located in Hamilton County at 11410 Allisonville Road, operated by American Senior Communities. His greatest joy, however, has been baking and cooking meals. He loves carrot and chocolate cakes and mincemeat pies and says he spent years baking them for his family and friends. “I guess it’s the chemist in me,” he said, laughing. Sullivan was born on the east side of Indianapolis and reared in a home with three brothers and a sister. He attended Little Flower and Phillips Cathedral schools. He said one of his greatest gifts from his parents was an education at Cathedral High School, which nurtured his love of history and science. Shortly before he graduated in 1944, two teachers en-
couraged him to further his education in organic chemistry. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Indiana and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 with a major in organic chemistry. He received a graduate degree from Temple University in Pennsylvania in 1951. Sullivan married his sweetheart, Betty, in 1948 and worked for Mobile developing synthetic oil. Three years later, he was offered a position in Lilly’s organic chemistry program, where he worked on patent teams creating medications. He had a personal reason for his interest in antibiotics. He is allergic to penicillin and wanted to find an antibiotic that people like him could take without fear of a reaction, he said. This led to his work on Ceclor. Sullivan said Darvon was developed after six attempts. The patent was sold to a manufacturer that modified its chemical makeup. That led to it not being prescribed today, he said. During the late 1960s many women, primarily in Europe, were delivering infants with birth defects that were believed to be caused by medications. The United States government asked Lilly to study the effects of medication once it was ingested. By EUNICE TROTTER American Senior Communities
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Veteran’s Benefit Offers Options for Seniors There’s been a lot of discussion about the Veteran’s Benefit for Aid and Attendance. It provides support for veterans to pay for assisted living services and rent in a senior community if they meet certain criteria such as having served during war time, meeting certain asset, income and expense requirements, etc. But did you know that there may also be funds available if you or a loved one was exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War? The benefit can be up to as much as $3,200 a month if, again, they meet certain criteria. The Department of Veterans Affairs distributes disability benefits to Vietnam Veterans who qualify for compensation under its Agent Orange exposure rules. Thousands of Vietnam Veterans may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions associated with Agent Orange. The coverage involves persons with diseases such as B-cell (or hairy-cell) Leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes Mellitus (type 2) and Ischemic Heart Disease. Other conditions include Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Peripheral Neuropathy, Prostate Cancer, and respiratory cancers. By identifying these conditions as “presumed” Agent Orange illnesses they have simplified and ac-
celerated the application process for benefits allowing that veterans who served during the Vietnam War and currently have these conditions will not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. At MorningSide of College Park we have a heartfelt respect for our veterans and have worked with them, their widows and families to assist them in receiving the Aid and Attendance Benefit that will pay for a portion of their costs associated with living in our community. We are now working with veterans to help them access this benefit for Vietnam Veterans as well. In addition, we have started a new companion program to provide independent or assisted living for seniors who are looking for more affordable options. Contact Marty or Linda at (317) 872-4567 for more information. To read more about VA benefits for veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange, go to: http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2010/11/va-payingon-new-agent-orange-claims/#ixzz3B27GZTd5 By Susan Albers, RCA, Executive Director MorningSide of College Park
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THE CARE YOU’VE
BEEN WAITING FOR.
WITHOUT THE WAIT. Franciscan St. Francis Health – Carmel offers a wide range of innovative outpatient and short-stay medical services right here, under one roof with ample parking.
For more information, visit FranciscanStFrancis.org/Carmel.
LAB & IMAGING • SURGERY • CARDIAC TESTING • PHYSICAL THERAPY • ORTHOPEDICS • PRIMARY CARE COLORECTAL AND CANCER CARE • INFUSION SERVICES • SLEEP DISORDERS
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To Your Ears Statistically, the U.S. has more than 27 million people over the age of 50 with hearing loss, yet only 1 in 7 recognize and choose to address their loss. With increased use of cell phones, ear buds, high performance speakers, as well as exposure to damaging noise levels in our environment, hearing loss is on the rise. However, it is widely recognized that the last person to acknowledge one’s hearing loss, is the one who has it. Why don’t we listen to what our ears can no longer tell us? Traditional hearing loss can be very gradual, occurring over several years and the result of cumulative noise exposure. A common reaction is to justify hearing loss with statements like, “I have selective hearing” or “I hear just fine when people speak slowly and clearly”. In fact, most people wait 7 – 10 years
before seeking help. However, when thinking about hearing loss consider this, your ear converts noise to an electronic impulse that your auditory nerve sends to your brain. Your brain translates that impulse to understand the noise. With hearing loss, the brain is deprived of all it needs to understand the noise and fully react. This is why a hearing loss can cause one to become irritable, start to withdraw socially, and in some cases begin to forget the sounds they no longer hear. It can cause an erosion of both physical and mental acuity. Studies have shown that many with a hearing loss may have a significantly higher risk of falling, dementia and depression. Many experience higher levels of stress and fatigue. Hearing loss can impact your lifestyle and your relationships with friends and family.
Have you had your hearing tested recently? Ask those nearest you, to count the times you say “what”. Do you hear better when someone is speaking directly to you, than when several people are speaking? Do you hear well in a restaurant or other group settings? Is the TV or radio volume often too loud for others? Do you hear others when they are speaking to you from another room in your home? Do you experience ringing in your ears? Listen to others and understand what your ears can no longer tell you by getting your hearing tested today. Marty Wood is the owner of Zounds of Fishers, a hearing center located at 11852 Allisonville Road. The Fishers center has been open for one year. Two new Zounds Hearing Centers are celebrating their grand opening this summer in the Indianapolis area. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 317-5-ZOUNDS.
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