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SPRING

FORGIVE AND FORGET CHICKEN PASTA SALAD LIFESTYLES AND CAR BUYING

THERAPEUTIC

g n i n e d r a G AD SPRING

RELATIONSHIPS

FORGIVE AND Forget HOW FORGIVENESS PROMOTES GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

orgiving someone is often easier said than done. Our natural tendency often nudges us toward keeping account of the words or actions of others that hurt us. If left unchecked, these negative feelings can lead to harboring resentment. This is a slippery slope, and we may end up with mental injuries that can last a lifetime. The key to avoiding such pain? Forgiveness. WHAT SCIENCE TELLS US The medical experts agree—forgiveness is good for our mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of forgiving someone (or even yourself) can lead to “less anxiety, stress and hostility” and “fewer symptoms of depression.” And John Hopkins Medicine pointed to studies demonstrating that people who hold grudges “are more likely to experience severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.” LET GO OF GRUDGES Holding onto a grudge could be likened to you consuming poison while hoping someone else gets sick. Staying angry at someone, who may be oblivious to what they did, is only hurting

you. Nursing a grudge denies you the peace that comes from extending forgiveness and mending relationships. Forgiving someone from the depths of your heart and mind will lift a burden off of your shoulders, and allow the healing process to flourish. STEPS TO TAKE ✣ Decide whether or not you can simply forgive and move on. If you feel the need to address the matter, keep this objective in mind— to make peace, mend the relationship, don’t add fuel to the fire. ✣ Send a card, letter or email and let them know how you feel. Acknowledge and apologize for any role you played in the situation. Express your desire to move forward in peace. ✣ If you’re upset with your partner, don’t resort to the “silent treatment”. Instead, let your anger diminish and don’t delay in having a frank, respectful and honest conversation. ✣ After forgiving, resist any tendency to revisit the situation in your mind. Do not dwell on the past. Forgiveness implies you will not keep bringing it up to them, or to yourself.

By Julie Maddock

✣ It’s time to build a bridge and get over it! Doing enables you to forge a stronger marriage, strengthen relationships with your family and repair friendships. The resulting mental peace and happiness are worth the effort.

Seniors

ACTIVE

The information contained in Active Seniors is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Active Seniors for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Active Seniors, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Active Seniors and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Active Seniors. Readers should not use the information in Active Seniors for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

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FINANCE

LIFESTYLES AND CAR BUYING

read about the latest comfort and safety features. Make a list of your must-haves as well as questions for the dealer. Talk to whoever helps with your finances ahead of time to know what will work with your monthly budget.

By Dina Zelden

ar buying has changed significantly over the past few decades. The internet has influenced every aspect of the process, from browsing the latest models to comparing finance options. As a senior, your lifestyle changes require a different outlook on purchasing a vehicle. Follow these do’s and don’t’s to avoid a bumpy ride.

DON’T expect to learn everything at the dealership. DO educate yourself before you go. Use the internet to compare cars and

DON’T think you have to do things the way you have in the past. DO consider different makes and models of cars than you have in the past. Comfort and safety features are important at this time in your life. Be willing to look at all your finance options. Leasing could be right for you. Updates on cars happen quickly and safety features are being improved and added often. Leasing allows you to keep up-to-date by getting a new model every few years. On the other hand, if there is a change in your lifestyle and driving ability, a lease must be paid off whereas a car that has been purchased can be sold. You may want to involve your adult children in this decision.

DON’T rush into a decision. DO have an exit strategy prepared for when you visit the dealership. Take time to consider your options. Remember that the internet is a great tool. If you are not comfortable with face-toface negotiation, email lets you compose your thoughts and decide your strategy for getting the best value. You may want to ask about an extended test drive. Taking the car for a longer period of time allows you to be sure the seating is comfortable and you can handle the vehicle well. It is also an opportunity to be sure it fits in your garage or parking space, and can be moved in and out easily. Purchasing or leasing a new vehicle can be an exciting time. Be sure to use modern tools and consider your lifestyle to be certain that your new car will be a good fit, physically and financially.

COVER STORY

THERAPEUTIC

Gardening By Juliane Morris

CONSIDER GARDENING IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A RELAXING AND FULFILLING ACTIVITY. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET YOU GOING.

PATHWAYS: Consider your pathways to and around the

garden area. Are they flat, well-paved and generally safe? Paths that are 4 or more feet wide allow access to walker and wheelchair maneuvering. Place a comfortable and shaded outdoor bench or chairs along the path. Install low-voltage and solar-powered path lighting to improve pathway visibility. HEIGHT & ACCESS MATTER: Raised beds or planters help with planting, watering, feeding, weeding and harvest time, while minimizing excessive straining, bending and reaching. Use garden pots, planted flowers and veggies for lighter-weight options. GROWING CHOICES: Select low-maintenance, drought tolerant plants that allow you to spend more time with your grandchildren. SAFETY MEASURES: Use a safe sunscreen (including protective SPF lip balm), a broad-brim hat, sunglasses, gardening gloves, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent when needed. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to help protect against sometimes slower-healing garden scratches and cuts. Work in the morning and evening when the sun is lower and air cooler. Take a filled reusable drinking container outdoors so the thought of having to go indoors to get a drink is not a hindrance to quenching your thirst.

MOVEMENT MATTERS: Tighten the body’s core muscles when lifting and placing down carried items, taking

care not to twist. To help prevent injury, bend at the knees and hips. Use a stool rather than kneeling or crouching to do ground-level work. Avoid excessively prolonged repetitive motions and work that strain certain muscle groups or joints. Switch between easier and more rigorous tasks to provide periods of less straining work.

BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS: Planting a small potted garden on a windowsill or two around the home creates a low maintenance way to continue enjoying living, green, oxygen-gifting and spirit-lifting plant growth. TOOL TIPS: Tool handles can be painted in bright col-

ors or wrapped in colorful tape to make them easier to locate from tool inventory or if dropped. Some tools have thicker handles which are sometimes easier to grip and control, or wrap the handles of existing tools with sliding form-fitting foam tubing.

GRANDCHILDREN

Simple Sea Glass Craft By Julie Maddock

here’s never a bad time for a beach walk with your grandchildren. It doesn’t matter if you’re bundled up or enjoying the sand between your toes, a beach adventure is always fun. So next time you’re near the water, hunt for the elusive sea glass with your grandchildren and collect the raw materials for a fun art project together! The Hunt Begins Walking along a quiet beach searching for sea glass is not only relaxing, but affords the perfect opportunity for meaningful communication with your grandchildren. These walks—whether 20 minutes or an entire afternoon—allow for deep conversations about the challenges

the children are facing in school or at home, dreams they have for the future, or simply about whatever pops into their head. The casual atmosphere and distraction of combing the beach allows children to easily share their feelings. Take advantage of these times to really get to know the children’s personalities. A Sea Glass Art Project Challenge the children and yourself to find as many different colors of sea glass as you can. Green, blue, purple, white, yellow, brown—the many colors will combine to create eye-catching art projects. An easy project to start with is using your sea glass pieces to create a work of art in a frame. This project is easy for all ages. Your grandchildren

will love it! Gather Your Supplies • Dollar Store Picture Frame - any size. • Construction or colored paper. • Clear-dry glue for glass, • Pencils, markers • Sea glass • White or pastel paint How to Do It  Choose a sheet of colored paper that has a nice contrast to your sea glass.  Cut the paper to fit inside the frame under the glass.  Create a picture or design with your sea glass on top of the glass.  Using the clear glue, glue the sea glass to the glass to create your

picture.  Paint the frame white or a pastel color that matches your sea glass.  Let dry completely before hanging on the wall. Tip: If you have spray paint, paint the frame first when you take it apart to add the paper background.

RECIPE

MEAL FOR ONE

icken ChPASTA SALAD By Amber Arevalos

THIS MEAL FOR ONE HAS BOLD FLAVORS, BUT DON’T WORRY, IT’S HEALTHY! PASTA IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DISHES AND PEOPLE AGREE IT’S DELICIOUS. THIS DISH INCORPORATES A LOT OF COMPONENTS BUT IT IS WORTH THE WORK. CHICKEN BREAST IS KNOWN FOR ITS LEAN, CLEAN PROTEIN. IT’S ALSO A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMIN A, B, C, D AND CAN BE LINKED TO BUILDING LEAN MUSCLE MASS. IT ALSO STRENGTHENS BONES AND PROVIDES BENEFITS FOR A HEALTHY HEART.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup pasta of choice • 1 whole chicken breast • 1/4 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp paprika • Salt to taste • 1/2 of a zucchini • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes • 2 tbsp red onion • 2 tbsp red bell pepper • 2 tbsp green bell pepper FOR LEMON HERB DRESSING • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1/4 tbsp lemon juice • 1/5 tsp mustard • 1 tsp coconut sugar • 1/2 tsp Italian herbs • 1 large garlic clove minced • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS  In a bowl add all the salad dressing ingredients, whisk until combined.  Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt, paprika and garlic powder on both sides.  Cook chicken in a grill pan 4-5 minutes each side. Set aside and let it cool. Once cooled cut into small chunks.  In a large salad bowl add cooked pasta, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and toss together.  Add cooked chicken pieces to the bowl. Pour in the salad dressing and fully incorporate ingredients. Chill at least an hour and serve.

NUTRITION SERVES 1, CALORIES: 515KCAL, CARBOHYDRATES: 30G, PROTEIN: 28G, FAT: 30G