Living 50 Plus

1

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

lifestyle tips for the

Over 50 Jet Set

2 Page 2

Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012

ONLINE

Facebook page ignites memories of Niles

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert @leaderpub.com

Niles native John Quirk did something different for his 60th birthday.

He and his wife were sitting in their home in West Dundee, Ill., on an August day last year, reminiscing about days gone bye.

Quirk had trouble remembering something from his youth so he turned to the internet for an

answer.

He got on Facebook and created a new group called “If you grew up in Niles/ SW Michigan then you remember what…”

“I can’t remember what question I asked, or who I asked, but I got a reply,” Quirk said. “Soon, more and more people were reminiscing about growing up in Niles.”

Today, the Facebook group has almost 1,000

The Mill Run Playhouse, a site for many memories, was demolished in 1984.

members and more than 600 photos.

Quirk never imagined it would grow this big, this fast.

“It just shows you what you can do with social media,” he said.

People, such as Niles native Caryn Adler, use the site as a way to revisit their memories of Niles. They post old pictures and ask questions about old favorite restaurants or hangouts.

The group also acts as a way for people to reconnect with friends and family not seen or heard from for many years.

“It is not only an outlet for all our individual memories we carry from growing up, but it also helps people to recognize what their city was about,” said Adler, who graduated from Niles High in 1976. “It is a chance to open up the recesses of your mind to things you have forgotten about, and that is fun.”

Adler, 53, said the ma-

Even Steinberg Baum’s mishap is recorded on the popular Facebook site.

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Living 50 Plus

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Almost 1,000 people have joined the Facebook group “If you grew up in Niles/SW Michigan then you remember what…” Users upload old photos and reminisce about life growing up in a town that looked like this in 1967. jority of people using the group are 50 years of age or older.

“I think our attachments to our past get stronger or more appreciated with age,” Adler said. “Most of us are at a point in our lives where we have built careers and families and we realize there are things in life more important than money, status and material things.”

Anita Frucci-Rodgers, 76, of Elkhart, joined the group in October. She was born and raised in Niles, living there from 1935-65.

She recalled using the group to reminisce about visiting in her youth F r a n k y ’s R e s t a u r a n t , which used to be located on Lake Street but has since been torn down.

“It was famous for shaved ham sandwiches that were about three and a half inches high,” Rodgers said. “They were great.”

Sixty-four-year-old David Morse joined the group when there were a little more than 200 members. He graduated from Niles High in 1965 and worked for the city’s water department for 38 years.

“It is fun to reminisce and it’s important to know where we came from and how we evolved,” Morse said. “It is amazing how someone will mention something and it will all of a sudden spark a memory.”

Recently, group members have been meeting once a month at a local restaurant. Adler said she would post meeting dates on the Facebook page.

To access the Facebook group, visit Facebook and search for “if you grew up in Niles/SW Michigan then you remember what…”

For questions, email Adler at adlerpack@gmail. com.

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Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012

BENEFITS

Many unaware of SS strategies Understanding could increase monthly benefits, improve retirement security WASHINGTON — A recent AARP survey demonstrates that while many Americans approaching retirement have a basic understanding about the benefits they can expect to receive from Social Security, they remain unaware of different claiming strategies that could have a significant impact on their income throughout retirement.

Although the survey found widespread awareness that waiting to claim several years after age 62 can result in higher monthly benefits, very few respondents had an accurate sense of how much higher their benefits could be.

There was considerably more confusion about spousal benefits and the ramifications of claiming while working.

“When and how to claim Social Security retirement benefits can be a complex decision, and is different for everyone,” said Jean Setzfand, AARP vice president for financial security.

“This survey shows us that people who are approach-

ing retirement may be facing this decision without enough information to make the right choices for themselves and their families.”

“People are worried about retirement. Many know they haven’t saved enough, and they’re counting on Social Security,” Setzfand said. “By getting more information about claiming strategies that might result in a bigger base of monthly retirement income from Social Security, they can achieve some financial peace of mind.”

For many of the issues examined in AARP’s survey, knowledge increased with education, household income, and savings, and as people approached their expected claiming age.

Knowledge also tended to be higher among men than women and higher among non-Hispanic whites than among African Americans and Hispanics. AARP offers resources, including free webinars on Social Security and retirement planning, to help its members and all older Americans

plan for a secure retirement at www.aarp.org. To get an estimate of how much you can expect to receive in Social Security retirement benefits, visit www.aarp.

org/socialsecuritybenefits.

To find out if your plans are still on track to retire when – and how – you want, go to www.aarp.org/ retirementcalculator.

Survey findings n Just 29 percent of respondents realized waiting until at least age 70 to claim would mean receiving the highest possible monthly retirement benefit. About one in five respondents — 19 percent — incorrectly believed they could receive the maximum monthly benefits even before reaching full retirement age. n When asked at what age they expect to start collecting Social Security retirement benefits, a majority — 57 percent — reported an age lower than their full retirement age. Only one in 10 expect to claim at age 70 or older, which would maximize their monthly benefits. n Approximately nine in 10 respondents were aware their monthly benefits will be higher if

they claim benefits at their full retirement age rather than at age 62.

But of those, half underestimated by more than 10 percentage points how much their benefits would increase. n Fifty-seven percent of the people who identified themselves as the least knowledgeable about Social Security are, nonetheless, expecting Social Security to be a major source of their retirement income.

This gap in knowledge may mean they forego potential benefits. n Familiarity with Social Security benefits for widows and widowers is high, but fewer than half of respondents who are or have ever been married were aware that spousal benefits are available while the worker is alive.

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Online tool can help calculate benefits under health care law WASHINGTON — AARP has launched a personalized online tool, the Health Law Guide, to help Americans understand benefits available currently and in the future under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Through a brief series of questions, offered in English or Spanish, AARP’s unique Webbased tool provides an individually tailored report outlining coverage details based on an individual’s existing health care coverage or what other health coverage the individual may be eligible to get.

“The Affordable Care Act is complex but we can help,” AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz said. “ A A R P ’s o n l i n e Health Law Guide is a fast and simple tool where, in less than five minutes, an individual can quickly assess benefits available today.

Also, through an interactive timeline they can learn about the impact the law will have on them and their families when it fully goes into effect in 2014.”

To get started on the AARP Health Law Guide, users are asked to answer six basic questions about themselves and/or their loved ones.

Based on these responses, the tool provides users with a personalized report.

5

100TH BIRTHDAY

Week of March 11, 2012

Living 50 Plus

Page 5

Sylvia celebrates long life

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South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg issued a proclamation for Sylvia Rogers Suggs’ 100th birthday Feb. 14.

“Sylvia Rogers Suggs witnessed history through her eyes,” the mayoral proclamation said. “She observed soldiers living through two world wars, women fighting for their right to vote. She endured the afflictions of the Great Depression and, through courage and hard work, helped her family overcome great difficulties.”

Born in Marked Tree, Ark., to Lonnie and Mary Rogers, the birth of her sister in December 1926 took the life of the teen’s mother.

The widow of a black folklorist “rose above tragedy and took upon herself the responsibility of caring for her family,” raising her sister and two brothers.

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Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012

FRAUD

Recognizing the con artist

AARP.com offers tips to avoid six red-flag phrases used by con-artist contractors:

“I was in the neighborhood”

Beware of the handyman who comes knocking unsolicited, with news he happened to notice some problem with the roof, driveway, chimney or windows while driving by.

Alarm bells should ring if he comes calling with a buddy or his truck has outof-state license plates.

Good contractors are usually too busy to make unsolicited house calls, rarely have to travel far for work and may lack x-ray vision. For the scammers, the goal is to do a fast and faulty repair — like apply-

ing used motor oil to coat driveways or roof shingles. You only get wise to it after they’ve been paid and vanished.

When a pair of this

kind comes knocking, it’s not uncommon for one to try to distract you (often outside) while the other sneaks inside for a quick burglary.

“I need cash upfront. Or at least a large deposit.”

Never pay upfront — it’s too easy for a fix-it

fraudster to take the money and run (often under the guise of “leaving to buy materials”). Legitimate contractors have credit lines to buy materi-

Why older people are more prone to cons n Memory loss: With normal aging, the pace of processing information slows, becoming more noticeable in the 60s, according to Virginia Templeton, director of MemoryCare in Asheville, N.C. “In people with early memory loss, even before it’s clear there may be a problem, judgment, reasoning ability and decision-making skills may change,” she says.

“And in many scams — telemarketing, fake lotteries — you have to ‘act now!’”

These demands for speed are there for a reason.

“Unless you’re patient enough to give yourself more time to pro-

cess everything, you can be more vulnerable,” Templeton said.

When faced with such statements as “You forgot to pay me!” or “We agreed on this price,” your defense is to write everything down. And ability to grasp details such as contract terms can start to wane daily at around 2 p.m.

Scammers often call late in the day. n Loneliness: It’s loneliness or feeling undervalued that boosts a senior’s risk of falling for scams by 30 percent, suggests research by Peter A. Lichtenberg of Wayne State Universi-

ty’s Institute of Gerontology. Both states of mind, he says, “fall under the need of having status in society and those needs not being met. It comes down to feeling socially isolated.” Scammers step in to provide fake emotional support — while taking your money. n More trusting: Studies find that many older people are better at detecting lies than younger folks. Still, older people “tend to be more patriotic and more religious,” says neuropsychologist Stacey Wood of Scripps College, traits which the bad guys can sometimes exploit.

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7 Week of March 11, 2012

als and don’t charge before the work is complete.

And although a deposit is often warranted for huge jobs — such as a complete kitchen renovation or new siding, roof and windows — it should be no more than a third of the total estimate (materials and labor), payable on the day materials arrive at the job site, suggests Tom Silva of the long-running public television program “This Old House.”

“I can help you finance the project.”

Assuming the contractor isn’t named J.P. Morgan, pass on these offers.

What contractors claim is a special deal with a lender could really be a homeimprovement loan scam.

If you sign, you may be socked with kickback earning high interest rates, fees and points, or unknowingly agree to borrow far more than the project costs. There have

Living 50 Plus

even been cases of owners signing over the home to the contractor or his associates.

“Check my references.”

Indeed, you want to hear this. But you should understand sleazy contractors can easily supply the names and phone numbers of buddies to give bogus praise. What you want — and will get, from legit workmen — are the names of past local customers, neighbors whose homes can be visited to check their work.

It’s also smart to check the local courthouse and the state’s contractor licensing board, asking about any current or past lawsuits against the contractor and get a copy of the contractor’s license.

Other calls worth making: The building inspector, who may only be allowed to verify a workman’s credentials. Saying nothing may be code for

“pass on this guy.”

Or try specialty lumberyards and plumbing and electrical supply stores where reputable contractors are likely to be known.

“We have a special limited-time offer.”

This mantra is common among summertime doorto-door salesmen who claim to represent home improvement companies.

And sometimes they do.

But any legitimate offer for today should be honored in coming weeks, after you’ve had a chance to shop around and check references.

“I have leftover materials from another job.”

His leftovers, his problem — but hiring him could be yours. At best, assume this phrase means the contractor is inexperienced or incompetent for not accurately estimating

what was needed for the earlier job. And what does that say about the price he’ll quote for yours?

You should suspect that, at worst, he purposely cheated the last customer by overbuying, never finished the job or is just cruising neighborhoods looking for “act now” patsies who believe that unused two-by-fours or roof shingles will spoil on the back of his truck.

Don’t be one of them.

Find a reputable contractor n Look for a long-established company with a permanent business location and a listed phone number. n Ask friends, neighbors and coworkers for referrals. Just remember, there is no guarantee that the contractor will not be dishonest this time. n Contact local trade organizations, such as your local Home Builders Association.

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Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012

CAREER

Many 50 + move into new jobs Mature workers are committing themselves to new careers in technology, medical fields

By JOHN EBY john.eby @leaderpub.com

Call Cass County Council on Aging in Cassopolis and it’s likely the voice of Wendy Sanders on the other end of the line. She’s been the COA receptionist for a year.

As the number of workers age 50 and older soars, from 20 percent of the workforce in 1996 to 31 percent today, older employees might be carving out new careers, seeking different lives with more meaning or less stress.

In her previous life, Sanders had plenty of stress as a federal housing discrimination investigator for HUD, the Department

of Housing and Urban Development, in Chicago.

Or they might be at a crossroads imposed by change, which Southwestern Michigan College or Lake Michigan College helped sort out for a longtime Whirlpool machinery operator interested in trying health care or a maintenance technician interested in stepping up to mechatronics.

Manufacturing isn’t dead, either, with lucrative jobs for CNC programmers in high demand. But the jobs often are shunned by younger workers.

When Sanders and her husband retired, they built a house on Paradise Lake.

Compared to her old life, answering the phone part-

time at the COA is close by and “stress-free,” Sanders said.

She also coordinates outof-county medical transportation for trips as close as Niles or Kalamazoo and as far as Ann Arbor.

A fulltime volunteer Instead of working for a paycheck, Tom Celie became a dedicated volunteer.

“That’s how I created my second career,” Celie said.

“It keeps you young.”

Celie lives at Little Fish Lake in the Cassopolis-Marcellus area and has been a Cass County road commissioner since 2009.

When the accountant and controller retired after 35 years with NationalStandard and Tyler-Refrigeration (of Carrier Corp.) in Niles, he began by driv-

i n g Meals o n Wheels one day a week f o r COA, f o r Celie which he has also assisted with tax preparation and is now a board member.

At the COA, Celie is also active with Handy Helpers, a program which provides repairs and builds wheelchair ramps.

Celie also serves on the Medical Care Facility board and volunteers with SCORE, the nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.

Through SCORE, Celie is involved with the Niles

Entrepreneurial and Culinary Incubator opening in May in the upper level of Leader Publications’ building in the former Pickwick Club with the help of $20,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

“It does keep me busy,” said Celie, “but it’s fulfilling.”

He admits he surprised himself with what has blossomed from a simple desire to give back to his community while broadening his horizons and continuing to learn.

The fastest-growing jobs projected by 2018, according to AARP, include home health aide — 460,900 new jobs, $20,460 2008 median wages, shortterm on-the-job training required — personal and home care aide — 375,800 jobs, $19,180, short-termon-the-job training required — and medical as-

9 Week of March 11, 2012 sistant — 163,900 jobs, $28,300, moderate-term on-the-job training — along with 175,100 computer software engineer positions requiring a bachelor’s degree to command $85,430.

SMC dean living his encore career Tom Buszek, 58, the dean of the division of workforce education and business solutions at SMC’s Niles Area Campus in Milton Township, is a good person to speak with about second acts because he’s sort of following that script himself.

With a background in manufacturing, including employment with FritoLay, Buszek spent 17 years in human resources before joining SMC full-time 10 years ago.

Buszek came to this area from Detroit in 1984 and had been teaching on the adjunct faculty.

“Now I’m a dean,” he said.

Mechatronics, filtering down to the Van Buren Tech Center by fall, combines mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, control engineering and systems design en-

Living 50 Plus gineering to design and make useful products, though originally it referred to merely mechanics and electronics.

Buszek said employers in this area aren’t gigantic like a Ford or General Motors, but with more automation, still need multitalented individuals who can integrate robotics and maintain such systems which replace traditional factory jobs.

He is reminded of a college open house in December where a student’s laidoff father got interested in such a program for himself, since a maintenance background can be a

Page 9

launching pad.

“There are opportunities like that for adults who are nontraditional students,” Buszek said.

CNC machinists demand unabated Buszek said demand for computer numerical control (CNC) remains strong, so it could be a “good career move for older workers” with an aptitude for problem-solving, math and computers.

“We just had our advisory committee meeting and heard it again,” Buszek said, adding, in the past three years, as bad as the

economy has been, he couldn’t recall any CNC machinists being laid off.

He said some employers are considering passing on jobs unbid unless the demand can be met.

“Manufacturing is far from dead,” he said, and, within two years, a good job would be available paying $60,000 to $75,000 within five years.

“If we had a graduating class of 20, all could be placed.”

Short-term training Deborah Gillespie, training coordinator for com-

munity and business services in workforce development at Lake Michigan College’s M-Tech Center, noticed the career-change trend working with Whirlpool manufacturing employees who had been running machinery for 15 to 25 years.

While some wanted updating in computer skills, there was a segment which expressed they “wanted to give health care a try,” Gillespie said.

In response, LMC has introduced a number of short-term training preparation courses in such areas as pharmacy technician, certified nurse aide

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10 Page 10

Living 50 Plus

TRAVEL TRAVEL

Boomers set a new pace

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com

As the generation which trusted no one over 30 qualifies for Social Security and rethinks Pete Townshend’s rebel yell with The Who that he hoped to die before he got old, baby boomers are living on to leave their mark on travel, too.

“Boomers are more traveled and more active traveling,” according to Michele L. Boyd of Signal

Travel and Tours.

Signal Travel and Tours, operated by Boyd since the year man walked on the moon, has been serving Michiana for more than 40 years.

Today, she has storefronts in Niles, St. Joseph and Granger, Ind. “They all have bucket lists,” Boyd said.

Popular destinations include South America, Europe, the Galapagos, Costa RIca and Central America, Australia and New Zea-

GALAPAGOS

land, Africa and Antarctica, where cruises and tours rely on smaller ships to guard against ecological damage.

Popular places to see in South America include Machu Picchu, an Incan site on a mountain ridge in Peru; Chile’s fjords and the Amazon River.

Boyd said boomers are taking longer trips to compensate for time restraints during their working years and they are more active when they arrive — zip lining, hot air ballooning, kayaking.

Cruises have always been popular, but boomers like to return and explore the interior.

In addition to European river cruises, river boats are plying the Mississippi River again for the first time since 9/11, Boyd said.

The Pacific Northwest is a favored motor coach destination, but boomers might also travel by rail.

Visiting popular locations

Week of March 11, 2012

MACHU PICCHU

at peak travel times can mean paying top dollar.

During winter in Michigan — at least typical ones where snow birds scurry south to escape snow — Arizona restaurants and golf courses would be packed.

There would be deals galore in July because of fewer visitors, but you would be toasted in 110-degree heat.

However, there might be values to be had in May or June with ideal weather before sweltering heat and monsoon season arrive.

Travel guides list the best and worst times to visit.

Visit in between and save

hundreds of dollars.

Boyd has watched social media gather into a force that “has been a great aid to our business. Travelers are more informed and it’s increased interest and opened a lot of new destinations.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in 30 years. But they still want professional advice on how to buy and who to buy from. A perfect example is the motor coach tour we organized to Branson,” where a customer commented how nice it was that both of them could sit back, relax and leave driving details to someone else.

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Living 50 Plus

Page 11

TAXING TAXING

Volunteers make tax preparation easy Cass County on Aging offers help

By JOHN EBY john.eby @leaderpub.com

CASSOPOLIS — As a volunteer opportunity, helping prepare income taxes doesn’t sound very attractive.

Besides giving of time, there is training involved, plus responsibility for the preparation scrutinized by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS even sends around the equivalent of secret shoppers to monitor work.

“We not only get tested on the law and the tax code,” Beth Dodge said, “but we also have an ethics test on honesty, thoroughness and no cheating. They send people out to various sites around the country with cash income to see if tax preparers help them be less than forthright.

“If we were caught cheating, not only would we get fired, the site could get terminated and the whole county would lose.”

Yet Dodge calls the experience at the Cass County Council on Aging “so gratifying,” and not just because of free lunch.

Eyes opened

“It’s scary how little money people live on,” she said.

“How do they put food on the table with $14,000 a year and they have to pay heat, lights, rent, food and drugs with no health insurance? It’s a good lesson for me.”

The four volunteers, including Larry Balok and Frank Maley, are affiliated with the AARP Foundation Tax-Wise software program.

Balok, site coordinator, is in his 90s and has been at it for 28 years.

“He did about 73 returns going to Chestnut Towers and Stone Lake Woods,” Dodge said.

“Next year I hope we have a branch at the new building,” Front Street Crossing next to Dowagiac City Hall, the COA satellite senior center opening in late April or early May. “It’s an IRS program, so we’re required to take classes online or to go to classes and take tests to qualify to do taxes,” said Diane Celie, a certified public accountant (CPA) with a background in manufacturing.

Dodge, wife of Circuit Judge Michael Dodge, practiced law in Dowagiac and managed community corrections at the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office.

“Here, we’ve probably done about 200 returns,”

Celie said. “We started the first week in February. Now we’re slowing down. We had the site five days a week through February, each of us three days a week.

“In the past, we only had enough space for one at a time.”

Now, the room can be subdivided. They work in pairs so they can check each other’s work.

“We can do 400 to 500 a year, February until April,” Celie said.

“The earlier you file, the quicker you get your refund,” Dodge said.

While the $400/$800 if married, filing jointly, make work pay credit has been eliminated.

“We don’t get a lot of earned income tax credits, though we had a guy, 72, from Dowagiac, who’s raising grandchildren. I’ve even had Buchanan people,” Dodge said.

“The bulk are home-

stead property tax credits and heat credits. Michigan is accepting those electronically this year, so that helps,” Celie said.

“People can choose direct deposit or paper checks.

Some people still like to have paper in hand, but we file them electronically.

“We got acceptance back on all we filed yesterday.”

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“I had one lady who qualified for a $500 homestead property tax credit, and she had not filed for five years because she didn’t think there was anything in it for her,” Dodge said.

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12 Living 50 Plus

By KATIE ROHMAN katie.rohman@leaderpub.com

A pair of her mother’s purple stiletto pumps

from the 1950s inspires Christine Hoffman. Her “working-girl” style once put her ahead of her time in an era of stay-at-home moms.

Today, Hoffman pays homage to her mother by keeping the shoes on display at her shop, Niles Styles. Although she doesn’t stock anything close to a sky-high pair of heels, Hoffman says a woman can express herself at any age with the right look.

Leader photos/KATIE ROHMAN

Christine Hoffman, owner of Niles Styles, displays a popular handkerchiefcut tunic. Customers may special order it in a variety of sizes.

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Week of March 11, 2012

Mature fashions for edgy boomers

STYLE STYLE

Page 12

“I do not tell people, ‘you look good,’ just to make a sale,” she said. “I want them to feel confident in what they’re wearing. It’s a matter of comfort, too.”

Hoffman travels to Chicago and Las Vegas to buy merchandise, viewing her purchases as an opportunity to introduce the conservative, practical-dressed Michiana residents to other styles.

“Going out of the area, I can bring in things that are popular on the West Coast,” she said. “I

always keep in mind what this market is.”

Tops

“The biggest trend right now is tunic tops,” Hoffman said.

“The young girls like to wear the tunics, and you can get really edgy with that, but it can be turned down, too.”

Niles Styles stocks the Jess and Jane brand, an Americanmade company that carries missy cut tops. Hoffman can special-order them in a variety of sizes up to 3X.

13 Week of March 11, 2012 A popular style of the brand’s tunics has a handkerchief-cut bottom, pastel pattern and lightweight fabric.

“When I initially ordered this company in, I only ordered a few,” Hoffman said. “Ever since, I have been ordering in bigger sizes.”

Hoffman recommends wearing a straight-cut tunic without frills over boot-cut jeans or leggings.

Tunics come in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns and are forgiving on most figures. Hoffman said the length worn should depend on the wearer’s stature.

“They make tunics in all different lengths,” she said.

Bottoms

Leggings are another style that works well on most frames. Pair with a long tunic and flats or boots.

Hoffman offers a wide selection of leggings in neutral, lightweight fabrics and is now stocking denim leggings, which can have zippers or just a classic cut.

“We ladies like our jeans,” Hoffman said.

For those looking for traditional jeans, Hoffman recommends investing in a well-fitting, higher-cut waist pant.

Avoid low-rise jeans,

Living 50 Plus

Page 13

which don’t usually flatter even smaller figures.

“You don’t always have to show all your skin to be sexy,” Hoffman said. “I think the worst fashion faux pas is low-rise.

They’re (the fashion industry) thinking everyone is size 3, size 6.”

Colors and patterns

Longer necklaces with pendants are all the rage, including those with clocks. Peacock pendants and costume-style jewelry are a continuing trend.

“Bling is always good,” Hoffman said.

Bright colors can update a tired look without appearing too trendy. Hoffman said she is seeing orange this summer as well as into the autumn. Avoid frills or embellishments to make a fashion statement without being a fashion victim.

“A purse can age you, so pick a fun color,” she said.

“Sometime less is more.”

Animal prints — in moderation — in tops, purses and accessories can express style.

Hoffman is also carrying jackets, tops and purses with hippie-inspired patchwork and peace signs.

“Everything old is new again,” she said. “Here we are with peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll.”

Hippie-style patchwork, above, peace signs and bright colors are popping up in clothing, accessories and purses.

Christine Hoffman’s style tips n Avoid low-rise jeans. No matter what age, this cut is not usually flattering on most figures — even small frames — unless the wearer has a very flat tummy. A boot-cut, classic-rise jean can be worn anywhere, with anything. n Purses can age a person. Make a statement with a bright-colored bag in a classic style. Avoid frills and excessive embellishments. n Leggings are a popular style, but don’t fall into a fashion fad. A simple denim legging works well with long tunics and flats or boots. Keep it simple — lace and zippers aren’t always for everyone, but if that is your personality, flaunt it. n Don’t be afraid of color. Comfort is important, but to update a boring look without going overboard, try a pop of orange, pink or green in a purse, scarf or top. n Tunics are popular with all ages of women. Pair with a boot-cut jean or legging. Try a bright color or print. A straight-cut tunic is a good style to try for those unsure of how to wear the look.

Follow our Progress!

These tops, left, can either be worn as tunics over leggings or as dresses.

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14 Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012

Adams Therapeutic Massage offers outlet to calmer lifestyle

MASSAGE

Page 14

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com

E D WA R D S B U R G — Adams Therapeutic Massage is a bit off the beaten path, but its rural setting in Jefferson Township suits Ruthann Adams’ outdoorsy personality.

Adams Therapeutic Massage has been around since January 2003. She built a snug stand-alone building adjacent to her residence at 26228 Yankee St. in 2006.

Gentle music and the faint splash of water in a small fountain set a soothing mood before her healing hands melt stress into her heated table.

“I had been receiving massage, really enjoyed it and thought providing it would be a good mid-life change,” said Adams, who is nationally certified.

Leaderpub photo/JOHN EBY

Ruthann Adams stands ready to soothe customers.

15 Week of March 11, 2012

Living 50 Plus

Page 15

DANCE

Get your groove on

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com

CASSOPOLIS — It’s Thursday morning at Cass County Council on Aging, and the country music is cranked.

That can only mean one thing — dance club, with deejay Louis Desrochers from Lewis Lake, Vandalia, and his wife, Betty.

He’s 84. She’s 82.

Married 62 years.

Lunch time is still a while away, so there’s only one couple, Bob and Peggy from Bristol, Ind., gliding around the dance floor, but it will fill before their weekly 9 a.m. to noon gig ends.

Louis’ story starts way up north with his French

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Canadian ancestors and makes its way south to the Upper Peninsula, where he lived in Rudyard and Sault Ste. Marie, where his $40-a-week salary printing Evening News papers and his new wife’s 50-cent-anhour restaurant pay couldn’t sustain them.

They crossed Michigan for more lucrative employment in South Bend, Ind. His check jumped to $180, “pretty good money in those days.”

His music setup provides some clue to his background in construction. Although his custom cabinet isn’t built of bricks, it does have a stained glass window, like a wooden jukebox.

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Lois and Betty Derochers host the dance club at Cass County Council on Aging.

50 years,” he offers affably, proved by the glint of his half-century BAC wristwatch (Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen).

Desrochers came to South Bend in 1951. He also called Elkhart home before settling in the vicinity of Dr. T.K. Lawless Park.

They had a Cass County lake cottage, but replaced

it with a permanent home he built.

When he retired in 1989, they began wintering in Texas until 2000.

Dance club is in its 10th year. A kid brother with more computer savvy helped him transfer his music collection from old Time-Life and Reader’s Digest records to compact discs.

In Rudyard, where he graduated in 1947, “We had an outside toilet and had to carry water,” he said, hands on his red suspenders.

Whether or not his dance floor is full doesn’t matter.

“It’s good therapy to get get together,” he said, but dancing “will keep you in shape.”

16 Page 16

Living 50 Plus

Week of March 11, 2012