Living 50 Plus - September 2013

LIVING Because the longer we live, the more beautiful life becomes.

50 plus

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Living 50+ • September 2013

What’s Inside 4

Getting kids interested: How to help your kids enjoy precious time with grandparents

5

Six ways boomers can stay active

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New technology helps seniors have fun and stay in touch

8-9

Michigan Apple recipes to start fall off right

10

How to have great skin at any age

11

Q&A: Common questions about social security answered

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Michigan Gerontology Institute to host educational seminar series

13

Grandparents Day 2013

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COA Lowe Center to host weekly seminar for living a healthy life

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Increase in divorce rate for adults over 50

Have You Heard The News?

Check Out

leaderpub.com

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Featured Story

Coach Jim Myers: Staying active and involved has kept me healthy pg. 6

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Living 50+ • September 2013

BETTER, FASTER

EMERGENCY CARE

Getting kids interested How to help your kids enjoy precious time with their grandparents Do your kids drag their heels when it’s time to visit Grandma and Grandpa? Do they plead to bring along their electronic games or to be left at home alone?

While some of us have fun-loving over-fifty parents who seem ever youthful and dynamic, many more of us have mothers and fathers who are elderly, frail, and lonely.

It is understandable that our children might resist visiting a grandparent who is clueless about iPods, especially if it involves a trip to a nursing home. But for the sake of family, it is important to help the two generations find a way to relate.

When planning a visit, pick a time of day when Grandma and Grandpa are likely to be awake and alert. If your children feel uncomfortable in their grandparents’ tiny apartment or nursing home, try inviting your parents to spend time with you and your children at a

café or restaurant; the event might be considered a real treat, by both young and old.

If conversation is the challenge, perhaps because the elderly person has hearing difficulties or cognitive loss, you might suggest an activity that requires little talk but that has togetherness-appeal — perhaps a game of dominoes or lawn bowling.

The most important thing is to respect everybody’s feelings by listening to them. If Grandpa is sad because he doesn’t get more frequent visits, offer him some empathy and then steer the conversation back to a neutral topic. If your child is frustrated because he or she would rather be doing something else, offer some understanding and thank them for making an effort.

Hopefully, with time, your children will see that visiting elderly grandparents is just a part of taking care of family.

So much to see and do...

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Six ways baby boomers can stay active

(StatePoint) While it’s difficult to encapsulate the moods of tens of millions of people born between 1946 and 1964, one thing has often been said about boomers, they share a determination to stay forever young.

Next to improving diet and shunning tobacco, nothing a person does increases life expectancy more than exercising, according to the National Institute on Aging. As such, many boomers are busy with their quest for immortality on the bike paths and exercise mats of America.

While exercise is great for body and mind, it doesn’t come without risk. And an injury can derail a routine quickly.

Here are six ways boomers can ensure they’re staying safe and having fun with exercise:

1

Know your limitations:

2

Try something new:

3

Photos courtesy of Statepoint.com

it is important.“ Avoid medications that mask pain coming from strained or damaged tissues,” says Jyl Steinback, author of “Superfoods: Cook Your Way to Health,” and executive director of ShapeUpUS. org. “Instead, consider a homeopathic medicine, such as Arnicare Gel, that works naturally with the body to help it heal and won’t interfere with other medications you’re taking. I bring it with me whenever I exercise.”

Unscented and non-greasy, the gel is quickly absorbed by the skin. More information about natural muscle pain treatment can be found at www.

Arnicare.com.

Don’t increase the intensity of physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardiovascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result. Work with a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, and create a custom workout program accordingly.

New activities can keep you motivated and help you avoid over-working particular joints and muscles. Consider something totally different, such as pickleball, a fast-paced court sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Take control:

Whether gardening, golfing or dancing, it’s inevitable that physical activity will create occasional muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising. Pain can be immobilizing and depressing, so managing

4

Spice rack resources:

Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper all have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to your good-foryou, energy-boosting diet by giving your bland foods a low-calorie kick with spices, roots and herbs.

5

Boost your metabolism:

6

Recharge at night:

As we age, our metabolism slows down. Avoid compounding this with stress or fatty, heavy meals. To maintain a healthy weight and avoid insulin spikes or hypoglycemia, try eating small, balanced meals six times a day, rather than three big ones. Eating at the same time each day in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere speeds up digestion and makes energy more readily available.

You’ll need your shut eye with your new active lifestyle. Luckily, exercise can contribute to longer, deeper sleep, helping replenish and rebuild every cell in the body. This goes beyond beauty sleep. Great sleep can aid longevity.

Don’t let potential aches and pains stop you from exercising regularly. The sooner you start moving, the better you’ll look and feel.

With a few tricks, you can exercise more safely and pain-free.

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Local coach says staying active and involved has kept him healthy

By AMBROSIA NELDON ambrosia.neldon @leaderpub.com

One Southwest Michigan coach has dedicated his life to coaching in Southwest Michigan, and he credits his service for his health and longevity.

Jim Myers, who was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) Hall of Fame in March, has co-ached 41 seasons of football, 14 seasons of volleyball, 17 seasons of softball and a handful of seasons of middle school basketball.

He boasts one solo and two tied conference championships in volleyball, an undefeated football season in 1995 and a state championship in softball in 2001, all at Brandywine High School.

“

ers.

As a coach in the Lakeland Conference and at Niles, Myers has spent the majority of his career as an opponent of his alma mater, Edwardsburg High School, where he played as center on offense and linebacker and cornerback on defense.

“Football’s kind of been in my blood forever, so I would probably say it’s my favorite sport to coach, but I really enjoyed coaching volleyball and softball, too,” he said.

Myers retired from Brandywine High School in 2009 after teaching a variety of advanced science classes over the course of about 40 years.

He said he continues to coach football and volunteer with the softball team at Brandywine despite his retirement not only because it keeps him active,

“This semester I’m teaching a second year anatomy class for nurses and radiologist and x-ray technicians. It’s a pretty tough class,” said Myers, who was known for his extremely difficult science classes at Brandywine.

He said he often hears feedback from students saying they were happy for the challenge in and out of the classroom, and he’s happy to have given it to them.

“I teach for the same reason that I coach. Good coaches are good teachers. I’m a strong believer that you have to be able to teach on the field and in the classroom to be a good coach,” he said.

Despite the fact that his retirement does not resemble what most do during their own retirements, Myers said he wouldn’t

S T A C BOB

I teach for the same reason I coach. Good coaches are good teachers. I’m a strong believer that you have to be able to teach on the field and in the classroom to be a good coach.

-Jim Myers

“I’m a very competitive person. Coaching satisfies my need to be in competition,” said Myers, who has also coached at various other high schools in the area in recent years.

Though the majority of his career was spent at Brandywine, for the last seven seasons, Myers has coached the freshman football team at Niles, and this season he’ll be the offensive coordinator for the Cassopolis Rang-

but because it helps the kids.

“I enjoy helping kids accomplish things they couldn’t do when they started. It’s a challenge to teach them discipline and determination that will help them accomplish the kinds of tasks they’re going to need for the rest of their lives.”

He also teaches anatomy classes at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor.

”

have it any other way.

“I’m really enjoying life right now,” he said.

Myers said he spends his free time coaching his favorite player of all.

“I have a grandson that just turned three. That’s been a real positive. I’m making him a football player,” he said.

As for his coaching career, he doesn’t think he’ll be stepping off the field for good any time soon.

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Living 50+ • September 2013

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New technology helps seniors have fun and stay in touch (StatePoint) Whether you’re a technophobe who is reluctant to make new purchases, or you warmly embrace every trend, you may be excited to hear about user-friendly innovations, such as touch screen computers, that can make life easier and more fun: • Show and tell: Miss your grandkids? New desktop computers, laptops and two-in-one detachable PCs like the HP SlateBook x2 make it possible to communicate face-to-face without the need for travel. Use a Skype account and a built-in webcam to video chat with loved ones and friends. Set up afternoon appointments with your grandkids where they can share the big news of the school day with you in real time or read them a bedtime story from hundreds of miles away.

• Dig up the past: Get the family together to take a quick trip back through time and explore your

family heritage. Discover the root of your surname and explore your history. You’ll spark great conversation and maybe even a few funny stories from the past. Online software can help you create a family tree.

• Be artistic: Need a stress-relieving activity? Why not take up painting? But rather than get your hands dirty, try a free application, such as Windows 8 FreshPaint, which offers a realistic alternative to oil painting, without the mess.

And you don’t have to shell out for painting supplies.

• Be a chef: You may already have a collection of favorite tried and true recipes. But it’s never too late to enlarge your collection. If you have an Internet connection, use it to find new recipes and save them to a computer program, such as HP Recipe Box, which is an easy way to organize and store them. You can even print out a grocery list to

Photos courtesy of Statepoint.com

save you time while planning.

• Take it easy: For those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, or those who just like things to be plain and simple, a touchscreen desktop PC such as the HP ENVY 23 TouchSmart All-in-One can provide much needed relief. You can browse the web, play games, and keep in touch without the need for a keyboard and mouse. More information can be found at www.

HP.com.

• Play a game: From Scrabble to poker, you can play any of your favorite games even when you’re home alone. Either compete against the computer or play with far-away friends.

You may not jump on board every consumer technology trend, so if you’re going to be selective, look for those technologies that can enrich your

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Michigan Apple recipes to start fall off right akes Upside Down C le p p A al u id iv d In (1 cake each) Makes 12 servings

Recipes and photos courtesy of MichiganApples.com

eam • 1 cup sour cr ice • 1 cup apple ju Cake: le oil b melted • ½ cup vegeta r, e tt u b . sp tb 3 • sugar ed • 3 large eggs packed brown la, finely crush o • 3 tbsp. firmly n ra g in la p n s o p cinnam • 1½ cu • ½ tsp. ground led cored MI e e p n u .) in ¼ 2 out Toppings: topping thick ch • 4 medium (ab in ½ d mel ice cream e ra ic sl ca p s, le cu p p ¾ a • e d topping Gala or Empir rries repared whippe e p p ch cu rt ta ¾ I • M d e ke mix • ¼ cup dri z.) dry yellow ca o 2 ., lb muffin cups with (1 ch s n p -i ½ 4 e • 3½ cu lv e it. Spray tw rees Fahrenhe g e d 0 5 3 to n muffin dard ove ly between 12 into n ve e re 1. Preheat stan with flour. tu ix m n. Divide ing firmly baking spray ar and cinnamoom of each muffin cup press g su n w ro b r, e tt re on bo mbine butt 2. For cake, co 1 apple slice over butter mixtu ith paddle cups. Place s. f mixer fitted w s. Portion ie o rr l e w o ch b ith in w s r g g te d 3 minute e, oil and e cup. Fill cen eam, apple juic Then beat on medium spee, lightly pressing into batter. cr r u so , ix m s. ke 3. Combine ca Mix on low speed 30 second tablespoons crushed granola n. Cool in 2 t. n ith e w m e attach prinkl comes out clea S . ke p ca cu f o n r ffi u te n m rted into ce batter into each oden pick inse ck. Cool Completely. o w til n u r o s lespoon te ra ling minu d top with 1 tab n a g 4. Bake 30-35 tes. Carefully invert onto coo in p p to l e . caram pan 10 minu cake with 1 tbsp ch a e le zz ri d , e to serv 5. When ready ping. p to whipped

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Apple Salad Bundles Makes 8 servings

• 2 medium unpeeled cored MI Gala apples, chopped • ¾ cup (3 ounces) shredded aged provolone cheese • 1/3 cup cooked drained crumbled bacon • 1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds

• 3 tbsp. diced green onions • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper • ½ cup reduced fat mayonnaise • 16 medium to large leaves Boston lettuce • 2 cups reduced calorie Caesar dressing

1. Combine all ingredients except lettuce leaves and Caesar dressing. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. For each serving, place ¼ cup apple mixture on each of 2 lettuce leaves. Fold sides inward, then fold top and bottom of lettuce over filling. Secu re each with a wooden pick.* 3. Serve with ¼ cup Caesar dressing for dipping. *NOTE: Use 7-inch pieces of chives to secure Bun boiling water 10 seconds. Drain, then immerse in dles for a unique look. Blanch chives in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Tie one chive around each bundle; trim ends.

Creamy Blue Cheese & Honey Apple Top Makes 12 servings (3 crostini each)

ped Crostini

• 1 lb. part skim ricotta cheese • 5 oz. crumbled blue cheese • 2 tbsp. honey • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper • 4 tsp. olive oil

• 36 thin slices baguette • 36 unpeeled cored thinly sliced Michigan McIntosh or Northern Spy apples • 36 small fresh basil leaves 1. Combine all ingredients except oliv e oil, bread and apple slices.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

2. Preheat convection oven to 375 deg rees Fahrenheit. Brush one side of each baguette slice lightly with oil.

Place on a full sheet pan.

Bake 4-5 minutes or until toasted. Coo l.

3. For each serving, top 3 crostini with 1 tbsp. apple mixture, 1 apple slice and 1 fresh basil leaf. Plate and serve

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Page 10

Living 50+ • September 2013

How to have great skin at any age

(StatePoint) One of the customary perks of getting older is growing a little wiser along the way. You’ve most likely come to appreciate your “thicker skin” when dealing with life’s sticky situations. However, when you look in the mirror, all you seem to see is thinning skin — your epidermis that is, not your ego.

The good news is there are steps you can take to help maintain your skin’s firmness and elasticity and improve its appearance.

Eat Right

Photo courtesy of Statepoint.com

Avoid eating too many highly processed carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, as research suggests that these foods can promote skin aging, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your skin, which is a reflection of your wellness, benefits from a healthful diet. Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein from lean meat. These choices will provide you with a variety of nutrients for your skin and overall health.

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For example, DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula can help improve skin texture, as well as maintain collagen and elastin production. DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula can help to boost moisture and suppleness, and help lessen the appearance of skin discoloration. The formula is non-irritating, fragrance-free and rich in skin penetrating ingredients, such as ceramides, retinol, arnica oil and glycolic acid. Best of all, this formula absorbs easily into skin and won’t stain clothing. DerMend, which is available online and at select CVS stores, is a great step to work into your daily morning and evening skin care routine.

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Q&A:

r n u

Common questions about social security answered

-

o Question: I applied for a Social Security card for my baby at the hospital, but the lcard came back with the wrong name. What do I do? n d Answer: This is very rare, but if it does happen, go to your local Social Security office. We need to see original documents proving your child’s: • U.S. citizenship; • Age; and Identity. n • l If you corrected the child’s birth certificate, we will want to see that. We also will eneed to see a document proving your identity. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized -copies of documents. To learn what documents we will accept, visit www.socialsecugrity.gov/ssnumber. d Question: My daughter just joined a non-profit charity and is helping victims of nat-ural disasters. She gets a salary. We were wondering if she has to pay Social Security -tax. o Answer: Yes, people who work for non-profits and who receive a salary must pay Social Security tax just like everyone else. It is commendable that she is helping people in need. But the fact is that she is also a wage-earner. Those wages and the Social eSecurity tax she pays on them will offer her financial relief in the future, when it ocomes time to apply for Social Security. t Question: What is the earliest age that I can apply for my Social Security retirement benefits? t Answer: If you want benefits to begin at age 62 — the earliest age you can receive reduced retirement benefits — you must be at least 61 years and 9 months of age to apply. Keep in mind that if you retire before your full retirement age, your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced. On the flip side, if you delay your benefits until after your full retirement age, you’ll receive higher benefits because of delayed retirement credits. Even if you are not ready to retire, you should still sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. You can do both (and try out different retirement scenarios) online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only?

How does that affect me?

Answer: It depends on your age. If you are full retirement age or older when you first apply, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to apply and receive benefits on just your spouse’s Social Security record. This way, you could delay applying for benefits on your own record in order to receive delayed retirement credits. If you are full retirement age or older, and have already applied for retirement benefits, you can request to have payments suspended. If you qualify for a spouse’s benefit, you can receive those payments and earn delayed retirement credits on your own record. By applying only for benefits as a spouse, you may receive a higher retirement benefit on your own record later based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. You can earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70 as long as you do not collect your own benefits. Since the rules vary depending on the situation, you may want to talk to a Social Security representative about the options available to you. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question: What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Answer: The SSI program provides monthly payments to people with limited income and financial resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. In 2013, the maximum federal SSI payment is $710 a month for an individual and $1,066 a month for an eligible couple. Keep in mind this amount may be reduced if you have other income. To get SSI, your financial resources (savings and assets you own) cannot exceed $2,000 ($3,000 if married). If you are married and only one person is eligible, a portion of your spouse’s income may be counted. You can be eligible for SSI even if you have never worked in employment covered under Social Security. There are other requirements as well. Learn more by reading or listening to the publication SSI or You May Be Able To Get SSI. Both are available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits subject to federal income tax?

Answer: No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes. However, if you also receive Social Security benefits, those benefits may be subject to income taxes. Learn more about SSI by visiting our publications library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs and selecting the “SSI” topic on the left.

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Michiana Gerontology Institute to host educational seminar series NOTRE DAME, IN — As part of the ongoing effort to provide outreach and improve education in the Michiana region, the Michiana Gerontology Institute (MGI) of Holy Cross College will inaugurate its annual MGI Seminar Series on September 9, 2013.

The MGI Seminar Series is collaborative venture between numerous MGI member organizations and agencies at which speakers will present on a wide variety of aging and gerontology related topics.

All seminars are scheduled on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. in the Driscoll Auditorium at Holy Cross College. All presentations are free and open to the public.

The Fall 2013 Schedule: September 9th: The Upside of Aging – Rosemary Cox, Memorial BrainWorks Expressions like “over the hill”, having a “senior moment”, or even “retirement age” send a message that the older years and the process of aging is about loss and a lessening of vitality and capability. Come learn the truth! Aging is filled with upsides and many gains. What upsides are you experiencing and what others are still in your future as you look into your future and aging.

September 23rd: Lifestyle Habits of Effective Minds — Debra Raybold, Memorial BrainWorks This program provides a roadmap of the key 7 habits to support optimizing brain performance and enjoyment of life. Each of the 7 lifestyle habits presented are areas we can consider an opportunity for more focus, or perhaps can be considered areas in which we already hold masterly. Walk away with an understanding how our day to day moments and choices fit together to make us who we are, and are directly connected to our outlook, performance, and resilience.

October 7th: The 10 warning signs of early Alzheimer’s disease – Heather Romero, PhD, University of Notre Dame Mild forgetfulness is common in normal aging. However, older adults often wonder about how to tell the difference between memory loss that is due to normal normal aging vs. memory loss that is concerning for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has published a useful information sheet that describes the 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, for example: memory loss that disrupts daily life, or withdrawal from work or social activities. Dr. Romero will provide concrete examples of these 10 signs, and explain how these 10 signs differ from memory loss that occurs as part of normal aging.

October 28th: Stressed Out by Your Memory – Rosemary Cox, Memorial BrainWorks Forgetting names? Can’t find your car keys? Forgot what you wanted from the other room? Memory is one of the most unique and fascinating functions of the human brain. And, so critical to how we enjoy our life and perform the tasks in our daily routine. Many people know that memory changes over time, yet there are so many variables from stress, to age, to even base health management that influence memory each and every day, and make a difference for how memory works over time. You can train your mind at any age to enhance your memory. Join us to learn how memory works and strategies you can use to improve it.

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November 18th: Senior Navigators – Helpers on your Life’s Journey – Mary Jo Campbell, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center It’s inevitable we’ll all face changes in our lives as we continue to age? But if the need to alter our course presents itself unexpectedly, how do we know where to find answers? With so much information out there it can be overwhelming. A Senior Navigator is a great resource, and also a guide and partner. A Navigator listens, researches, presents and offers options or even possibly additional resources. Join us to learn more about the role of a Navigator in helping one journey through the wonderful and “wonder-filled” senior years.

Living 50+ • September 2013

Grandparents Day 2013

Page 13

A Brief History of Grandparents Day How it Originated:

Photo courtesy of NewspaperToolbox.com

There was a time when most grandparents would welcome their children and grandchildren for a family supper once in a while, but that was just about the only link they had with the people they loved most in the world. Times have certainly changed.

Today, many grandparents see family members regularly and even stay in touch on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, Skype, or Facebook. By doing this they are able to convey a real sense of family to their offspring.

It is in fact very reassuring for children, and very useful to parents, to know that they can always count on Gran or Grandpa if a problem arises. The lucky ones among us have grandparents who overflow with love and with the wisdom not to judge. They are trusted confidantes for broken hearts or when life delivers any other kind of blow. Grandparents can be good advisors when the time comes to discuss important decisions such as career choices or moving away from home.

By telling anecdotes about their own lives, grandparents help us to understand that they aren’t perfect either, and that they were able to succeed in life by putting their mistakes behind them and looking to the future. Without us even realizing it, they illustrate the benefits of values such as respect, honesty, and generosity. They also show us that a little bit of good can be done with something as small as a helping hand, a hug, or a steaming hot apple pie!

We say “thank you” to all you grandparents out there, for sharing your knowledge and your loving care.

In the 1970s, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade of West Virginia felt very passionately that grandparents play a crucial role in their grandchildren’s lives. A grandmother of 43 herself, McQuade wanted to set aside one day as a designated “family day.” Like moms and dads get on Mothers Day and Fathers Day, McQuade felt that grandparents deserved special recognition on one day of the year.

In 1978, her wish was granted when the United States officially decided to recognize National Grandparents Day as a national holiday.

When it is: Grandparents Day is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, it falls on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Fun Facts • • •

Once Sen. Jennings Randolph introduced the resolution suggestion National Grandparents Day in the Senate, it took five years for the holiday to be approved.

In the United States, National Grandparents Day has an official song.

It’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill.

National Grandparents Day is celebrated in several other countries across the world including Australia, France, Singapore and Italy.

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Good Hearing Isn’t Expensive...

IT’S PRICELESS

Our Family Serving Yours Since 1957 Michiana’s oldest and largest hearing aid providers “YOU WILL HEAR THE DIFFERENCE” We Provide  In home Service for those with travel concerns Call us for a “No Charge”  2 Year Standard Warranty on Mainline Products hearing screening in our  Doctor of Audiology on Staff office or your home.  56 Years of continuous service

West Woods of Niles is a family owned and operated long term care community. Our home offers private rooms, courtyards, and common areas for visiting family & friends. Please come see us.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

We value the concept that aging is not a decline, but a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life. We have made a commitment to create a culture that fosters warmth and growth for our residents and for our employees. Residents can enjoy deliciously prepared meals, beautiful courtyards, activity center with a kitchenette, multiple common areas for visiting with family, wireless internet, digital satellite TV, in house laundry and housekeeping, and church services just to name a few.

ACOUSTIC AUDIO HEARING SERVICE 808 S. Michigan St. • South Bend, IN (574) 287-7221 721 E. Madison St. • Goshen, IN (574) 534-7630 1170 W. Michigan St. • Three Rivers, MI (269) 273-7237

www.acoustic-audio.com

1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120 Wayne Thomas, Pamula Guard, Stephen Thomas, Adam Thomas & Dr. Limda Murphy

269.684.2810

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Living 50+ • September 2013

COA Lowe Center to host weekly seminar for living a healthy life CASSOPOLIS—Starting Tuesday, September 24 through October 29, the COA Lowe Center in Cassopolis will be offering a 6-week workshop for those living with an ongoing health condition.

The PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) classes are weekly workshops that teach practical skills for living a healthy life.

The program was developed by Stanford University and is designed to complement the current medical programs a person may be undergoing.

The entire workshop is free and all materials are included. Space is limited, however, so pre-registration is required.

For those dealing with an ongoing health issue, the PATH program will

discuss how to: • • • • • •

Deal with the challenges of not feeling well Talk to healthcare workers and family members Overcome stress and relax Increase energy Handle everyday activities more easily Stay independent

The program is offered in conjunction with Region IV Area Agency on Aging and the Michigan Partners on the PATH. Space is limited so please register for this free workshop at (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390. The Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Rd. in Cassopolis.

RECYCLE YOUR PAPER FOR FREE

Call 269-684-0900 or 800-722-9710 michianarecyclinganddisposal.com

Serving the Niles Community with excellence for the past 60 years!

Riveridge Manor provides warm and personalized skilled nursing care, rehabilitation & wound care in a home-like setting. Our facility is in a beautiful, wooded area surrounded e m o by the sights & lc e ! sounds of nature. W ome H

RiveRidge ManoR

269-684-1111 • 1333 Wells St. Niles TOURS AVAILABLE

Convenient Visiting Hours • Children & Pets Welcome

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Living 50+ • September 2013

Increase in divorce rate for adults over 50 According to a recent U.S. study, the divorce rate for people aged 50 or more has doubled over the last 20 years. A similar phenomenon has been observed in several other Western countries, even as the overall divorce rate has stabilized over the past few decades. One of the possible explanations for this trend is that many divorced people who remarry are likely to divorce again—their risk of divorcing is 2.5 times higher than average.

Baby boomers seem to have higher and higher expectations of the institution of marriage.

They wonder if a union will bring them the self-fulfillment and happiness that they expect from an intimate relationship once they reach retirement or as they approach it. Many look ahead to this new and long stage of life and make the choice to no longer invest in their existing relationships.

Other causes for this increase in the over-50 divorce rate could include the departure of children from the family home, the feeling that time is running out on life, or the death of loved ones. Relationship experts believe that separation at this age usually occurs only if the marriage was already experiencing difficulties. Such difficulties might include inadequate communication and a lack of shared projects or interests.

Some of these experts are of the opinion that the longer a marriage has lasted, the more difficult life will be after a separation or divorce.

There is little question that such a big decision, taken at this age, will affect children, grandchildren, and everyone in your social network. So, one piece of advice for any who might be thinking it’s time to make a choice: be sure to think things through Photo courtesy of NewspaperToolbox.com carefully!

Semes te Begins r i Septem n ber

see the seasons in a whole new liGht!

We Are Your Backyard Solution: • Free In Home Design Consultation • Free Estimate • We Custom Manufacture Each Room • Installed By Us

7 Full Size Indoor Displays

The MOST Sunroom Styles & Options!

• We Offer The Best Warranty In The Industry!

Visit Ou Showroo r m

FREE

Sunrooms • Solariums • Conservatories Screen Enclosures • Replacement Windows • Window Awnings

remote control motor with retractable awning purchase *expires 10/1/13

51675 Bittersweet road • GranGer, in 46530 574.277.8864 • 800-523-9730 • www.patioenc.com

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Living 50+ • September 2013