Los AngeLes Metro June 2015
lifeafter50.com
A Look At
men’s HealtH
RemembeRing
Marlon Brando BArry Livingston
of “My Three Sons”
kenny
RogeRs Laying down his cards
on family, fatherhood and much more
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Contents
June 2015
10
18
Cover Profile
26
28
Departments
10 Kenny Rogers
6 50-Plus: What You Need to Know
8 It’s The Law
Laying down his cards on family, fatherhood, plastic surgery and more.
Features 18 Life After 50 Looks At Men’s Health
Tips on managing health and keeping your sex life alive.
22 The Male View On Cosmetically Facing The Passage Of Time The most-requested procedures men seek from plastic surgeons.
26 The Look Of Life After 50 – Barry Livingston
Catching up with the actor who gave us Ernie on “My Three Sons.”
28 The Hallowed Hall Of Must-Knowtables * Marlon Brando Legendary notables that everyone, of every age, should know.
A quick look at things 50-plusers should be aware of.
Mitchell A. Karasov on doing what is right for dad.
31 Let’s Get Out
Looking to get out and about? Our June/July calendar has some great suggestions.
35 Rick Steves’ Travels
The romantic allure of Italy’s Lake Como.
38 And Finally…The Bookworm’s Best, A Look Back and Just A Thought Before We Go
A book suggestion, memory, and a little something to leave you with.
Cover photo by Jay Fletcher, courtesy Webster PR All material published within this issue of Life After 50 and on www.lifeafte50.com is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. No individual, advice, product or service is in any way endorsed by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. or provided as a substitute for the reader’s seeking of individualized professional advice or instruction. Readers should seek the advice of qualified professionals on any matter regarding an individual, advice, recommendations, services or products covered within this issue. All information and material is provided to readers with the understanding that it comes from various sources from which there is no warranty or responsibility by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. as to its or their legality, completeness or technical accuracy.
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Editor’s Note...
Hail, The New Late-Night Kingmakers
Publisher Valarie Anderson Editor-in-Chief David Laurell
A
s I put the finishing touches on this month’s issue, the landscape of late-night television has generationally shifted and the 2016 presidential race has officially begun. With the recent departure of David Letterman from the nighttime chat circuit, the four men who now preside over the shows that ring down the curtain on most Americans’ days are either from that early 1960s crossover period between the dwindling baby boom and the just-beginning generation X, or are solidly gen Xers. Ironically, the newest late-night deskoccupier, Stephen Colbert, who will take over for Letterman in September, is far from the youngest. Over a decade older than Jimmy Fallon of “The Tonight Show,” Colbert is four years older than Jimmy Kimmell and just a year younger than the man who now finds himself as the cliques’ senior member – 52-year-old Conan O’Brien. If you are not a late-night television watcher, you may not be aware of just how significant this latest change in the lineup is, and what a generational impact it will have on the 2016 presidential election. Since the advent of the late-night talk show, Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Dick Cavett and Jay Leno have laced their monologues with a humorous take on current events, providing more insight into what is going on in the world than any news outlet could ever achieve. With each quip and joke, the monologues of the men who hold the late-night reins have not just been a comical report on the pulse of Americans, they have also served as the heartbeat that fuels their political pulsations. From Kennedy to Obama, these late-night alumni have, arguably, done more than any entity, including the 10 men who have actually served as the leader of the free world, to affect the outcome of every presidential campaign and then shape the public perception of each president and his legacy. As for the next commander-in-chief who will serve as the bullseye for the latenight boys’ comedic slings and arrows, they may also be the final representative of a generation. As the term of our nation’s third baby boomer president winds down and the field of serious contenders to succeed him becomes more focused, the odds are better than good that the next White House resident will also be a boomer, but the last of that generation to hold the office. And so we’re off on the 2016 presidential campaign, which means the mainstream news outlets will present their neatly produced, properly sanitized and correctly packaged coverage, FOX and MSNBC will feverishly preach propaganda to their respective choirs, bazillionaires will pollute the airwaves with a bazillion reasons why we should not vote for one candidate while giving no reason to vote for the other, and the Internet will serve up a gooey meringue of outlandish claims and conspiracies. And, alas, all of that cash-fueled presenting, explaining, debating, cajoling, arm-twisting and fearmongering will be equivalent to the tapping of a finger on a fish bowl to get the gold-finned inhabitant’s attention. That is because, come Election Day 2016, there will have only been four men who will be most responsible for having shifted the direction (for all but the hopelessly lost partisan Dems and GOPers) as to who will be the next inhabitant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – the Jimmys, Stephen and Conan.
David Laurell, Editor-in-Chief
4 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Associate Editors Steve Stoliar Claire Yezbak Fadden Art Director Michael Kraxenberger Editorial Assistant Max Andrews VP Of Finance Michael T. Nagami Human Resources Andrea E. Baker Business Manager Linda Lam Billing Supervisor Kacie Cobian VP Of Operations David Comden
To contact our editorial department: (818) 563-1007 davidl@lifeafter50.com
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©2015 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
A June Thought
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1
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 5
50
A Day For Dads – FINALLY!
W
hile many Americans think Washington lawmakers operate at a glacial pace today, the celebration of Father’s Day should be an annual reminder that the struggle to get things done in D.C. is nothing new. The woman behind the concept of Father’s Day was Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father raised six children singlehandedly after the death of his wife. She was behind the establishment of a day to honor fathers that originated in Spokane, Washington, on June 19, 1910 and, 14 years later, President Calvin Coolidge supported the concept of proclaiming a national day to honor fathers. It would take another 42 years for President Lyndon Johnson to sign a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as the celebration of Father’s Day, and another six years after that to see Father’s Day made an official observance by President Richard Nixon, who signed it into law in 1972.
Plus
What You Need To Know
By Claire Yezbak Fadden and Max Andrews
The Reflective Nine-Ender Zone
The Dad Delay Downside
re you 59, 69 or 79? If you are one of these ages or are soon to be, you may be inclined to deeper self-reflection than your peers. New research from New York University’s Stern School of Business Professor Adam Alter and the University of California at Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management Professor Hal Hershfield shows that when adults approach a new decade in age, they search for existential meaning and behave in ways that can be either constructive or destructive. Researchers conducted studies and examined data from nearly a million people to see how people changed their behavior as they approached a milestone birthday. They found that people who were entering a new decade in their lives are more likely to question whether their lives were meaningful. Those with ages ending in nine were also more likely to purchase pricey items, seek an extramarital affair or even choose to end their lives. The “nine-enders” also proved to be fitnessminded. The authors examined the ages of 500 first-time marathon runners randomly, and found 25-percent more “nine-enders” than runners whose ages ended in any other digit.
n the most comprehensive study to date of paternal age and its effects on the mental health of their offspring, researchers found that children born to middle-aged or older men are more likely to develop a range of mental difficulties. Compared with the children of young fathers, those born to older men had about twice the risk of developing psychosis, the signature symptom of schizophrenia; more than three times the likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of autism; and about 13 times the chance of having a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Children born to older fathers also tended to struggle more with academics, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. A reason for this is that sperm is constantly replicating. Each time sperm replicates, there is a chance for a mutation in the DNA to occur. As men age, they are also exposed to numerous environmental toxins shown to cause DNA mutations in sperm. “We were shocked by the findings,” lead researcher Brian D’Onofrio, an associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, said. “The specific associations with paternal age were much larger than in previous studies.” D’Onofrio, however, doesn’t want people to think that all, or even most, children of older fathers will have these problems. “We are not saying that all children born to older fathers will have psychiatric or educational problems,” D’Onofrio said. “Rather, the study found that advancing paternal age at childbearing is associated with greater risk for serious problems. As such, the study adds to a growing body of research that suggests families, doctors and society as a whole must consider both the pros and cons of delaying childbearing.”
A
Fifty Candles
F
ifty years ago this month, the second U.S. two-man flight, Gemini 4, was launched; the Kinks arrived in New York City beginning their first U.S. tour; President Lyndon Johnson authorized the first U.S. ground combat forces in Vietnam; a planned anti-war protest at the Pentagon turned into a five-hour teach-in, and the National Football League granted the Atlanta Falcons a franchise. Notable personalities born in June 1965 who are celebrating their 50th birthday this month include speed skater Dan Jansen, actor Kevin Farley, actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, guitarists Dado Villa-Lobos and Tripp Eisen, director Matthew Weiner, comic-book author Steve Niles and astronaut Shannon Walker.
6 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
I
A Little More You Need To Know
The Most Important Thing To Know This Month
Where You Need To Go
The Pasadena Chalk Festival
M
eet some 600 dedicated and talented chalk artists during Father’s Day weekend and be amazed at this unique art form. The Pasadena Chalk Festival offers an up-close opportunity to watch chalk murals come to life during the two-day festival on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. The free event places more than 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of madonnari (Italian for “street painters”) who spend the weekend creating spectacular murals on concrete areas throughout the Paseo Colorado shopping center stretching over three city blocks. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic, to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group, representing many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North America and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life. In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests can enjoy live music and children can get creative in the Kids’ Chalkland, where they can make Father’s Day cards. There will also be a Pasadena Police classic car show on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena’s historic downtown Civic Center. Plenty of convenient parking is available. For festival information call (626) 795-8891 or click on www.pasadenachalkfestival.com.
J
une is not just the month we honor our fathers, it is also Men’s Health Month, which was established to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, encourage healthy lifestyle habits, and promote early detection and treatment of disease among men. If you are a man over 50, this month is the perfect time to make sure you have had your annual prostate exam. More than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life, and over 50-percent of men in their 60s, and as many as 90-percent in their 70s or older, have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. If it has been over a year since your last exam, please remember that over 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and about 30,000 of them will die of this disease that, caught in its early stages, is highly treatable.
New Words
Y
ou might not find them in a dictionary yet, but they’re a part of the everyday American vocabulary. Here’s what they mean. Mantrum: A tantrum thrown by a man. Dongle: A small device that attaches to a computer, television or other electronic device in order to enable additional functions such as audio, video, games, data or other services, or as a security measure to enable the use of certain software. Wasband : A former husband from whom a woman is now divorced.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 7
It’s The Law Mitchell A. Karasov
Mitchell A. Karasov, Esq. has offices in Los Angeles, Ventura County and the Coachella Valley. He specializes in elder law with emphasis in estate planning, Medi-Cal eligibility, trust administration, probate, conservatorships of person or estate, estate and trust litigation and financial abuse litigation. For more information click on www.karasovelderlaw.com or call (818) 508-7192.
The desire to do what’s best for dad
Q A LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION For those who are suffering from feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness, memory loss, concentration difficulties, lack of energy, or loss of interest and pleasure in activities; UCLA is conducting a 12-month research study using an experimental combination of two drugs and a placebo (an inactive substance). If you are 60 years of age or older, not currently receiving any psychiatric treatment with effective medications, you may qualify. Medical and psychiatric evaluations and limited physical exams are provided as part of the study. Participants will undergo a PET scan and an MRI scan. Evaluations and study drug are provided at no charge.
For more information, call UCLA at: (310) 983-3375. 8 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
My dad is getting very frail and I live hundreds of miles away from him. There is no one in his community to look after him. I think it’s time he moved to an assisted care facility, but he wants to continue living at home. What if he falls or gets hurt in some way and I don’t know about it? How do you suggest I proceed, from a legal standpoint? I’m afraid he’s going to end up hating me if I push too hard.
Your concern for your dad’s welfare is valid if he is frail and no one lives close by to assist him. However, initially steering him towards an assisted living facility as his only choice when he wants to stay at home might result in his not trusting you and, in fact, being very angry with you. This would be unfortunate, because it sounds like your dad needs your help now and possibly in the future as a substitute decision-maker. The fact that you’re worried he might end up hating you if you push him tells me he may not be receptive to your suggestions. Not to stereotype, but many aging men were used to being in charge of their families, and so, adult kids are many times still thought of as children. What could help the process of assisting him is for you to know what your dad needs in the way of legal documents and his available care options. At a minimum, your dad should have an advance healthcare directive (aka: a durable power of attorney for healthcare) and a durable power of attorney for finance. Your dad would name who would make his healthcare and financial decisions. In addition, they would outline his wishes for how those decisions should be made. These documents could be effective immediately or upon his incapacity, whichever he chooses. Since you live out of town, it is particularly important that his healthcare providers have copies of the documents and your contact information. In addition, your father may benefit from the assistance of a lawyer to apply for some government long-term care programs. In many situations, seniors do not receive the benefits of these programs because they are confused about the eligibility requirements or do not seek advice. As far as your father’s residence options go, living at home may be a very viable option, even though he is frail and you live far away. I advise my long-distance-relative clients to hire a local geriatric care manager/coordinator to help with creating and implementing a care plan. With a care manager in place and a part-time caregiver, your dad might just do fine. Maybe adult day-care or even assisted living may be appropriate. However, this would be something that your dad, you, and the care manager could work out. Do not expect any overnight miracles, as it sometimes takes time to figure out what care-strategy works and what does not. It could be helpful to start out the discussion by letting him know of your genuine concern for his well-being and the challenges of your being so far away. Talk about finding a solution that works for both of you. Discuss the need for legal documents and the knowledge of community resources, so that he is not left at the mercy of strangers. Help him find the lawyer and the care manager. If your dad will not listen to you and/or the professionals, then you may need to bring family, friends or his doctor into the mix to facilitate this process. I wish you and your father the best of luck.
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June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 9
Photo by Piper Ferguson
Cover Profile
Kenny
RogeRs Laying down his cards on family, fatherhood, plastic surgery and much more
Story by David Laurell * Photos courtesy Kenny Rogers and Webster PR 10 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
O
ver the past five-and-a-half decades, Kenny Rogers has established himself as one the world’s most enduring entertainers and recording artists. A Country Music Hall of Fame inductee who first gained recognition in 1967 as a member of The First Edition, he has hit the top of the charts with 24 Number One hits, sold more than 120 million albums, and performed to sell-out crowds in every corner of the world.
a dad returning to his Atlanta home from dropping off his 10-year-old twin sons, Justin and Jordan, at the school bus stop.
A hugely popular crossover artist who, along with his country music base, has also appealed to fans of pop music, Rogers has broken into Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Top 10 28 times – a feat that has only been accomplished by six artists and only three other men – Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond and Elton John. He is also the recipient of three Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and six Country Music Association Awards, including the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award. And yet, in spite of all of his achievements and continuing worldwide popularity, on the morning Life After 50 spent time with Rogers, he was simply
KR: That’s right. And as a father of two 10-year-olds, that scares the heck out of me. Our country was built on a system of checks and balances, but today, it seems to be nothing more than adversarial fighting. There was a time when, if Congress or the president thought something was over the line, they would work it out. That’s no longer true. Today, it’s just everyone beating each other over the head and there is no one who ever solves anything, because it’s just all about the fight. That has gotten real old and sickening, to me, and I think to most Americans. But as far as the future that my sons will inherit – we are still a great country with so many great things to offer. But if we don’t start becoming serious and careful, we won’t be. That’s what scares me. I know it’s nothing new to worry about the direction the country and the world is going in.
Kenny Rogers (KR): This is a pretty typical day for me, if I’m not working. I take the boys over to the bus stop and come home and handle a little business – a few phone calls. Then, after that, I just watch television all day [laughing]. It’s a tough life here. life After 50 (lA50): What are you watching these days? KR: I’m a news junkie, so I watch a lot of news. But to be honest with you, I don’t know why I do, because it’s all so depressing. lA50: it’s especially depressing for those with young kids or grandkids who will be inheriting a world with what seem like insurmountable challenges.
Rogers says his bucket list doesn’t consist of things he wants to do, but rather of things he wants to do with his 10-year-old twins, Jordan and Justin.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 11
hearts, the boys want to do the right thing, but sometimes they don’t even know what the right thing is, and I know there is so much negative pressure out there on them that can be so great. So you have to overcome that. But I just love being a father at this time in my life. The boys are playing hockey and have been taking ice skating lessons. To see how far they have come in such a short time is just phenomenal. At first, they couldn’t even get up on the ice. Then, once they got up, if they fell, they couldn’t get back up. Now they are zooming around and doing these intentional slides. It’s just amazing. lA50. What are the differences or similarities between raising kids today as opposed to when you had your older children? KR: My older boys are so very special to me. But when I look back, I realize I made mistakes. Sometimes, when you’re living in the fast lane and your career is taking off and you’re chasing success, it’s hard to distinguish between being driven and being selfish. I think, when I look back, I was selfish a lot during those years. I just went and went and went in pursuit of my work. So I think I am now a better father, because I have learned from those mistakes. I’ve learned to care a lot. My older boys paid the price for my mistakes, but I learned from that, and Justin and Jordan are benefitting from that, and, fortunately, I have gotten very close with my older sons and we have a wonderful relationship. They both live in Los Angeles and we exchange phone calls and gifts all the time. I’m so proud of them. Christopher is studying filmmaking and Kenny has studied filmmaking and so they are working on projects together. They are doing short films and casting up-and-coming actors so they will have work to show for auditions. Rogers says he is a better father to his young sons, Jordan and Justin, by having learned from the mistakes he made raising his older sons, Christopher, left, and Kenny Jr., right.
My parents had fears for the future when I was a kid. I remember them saying things were getting bad 65 years ago. I just sometimes wonder if we are overall better or worse than they thought we would be at this point in time. And then we have technology growing so fast. Hey, I’m just really getting to learn my computer for God’s sake [laughing]. I’ll get messed up with something and one of my boys will come in and say: “Let me show you something, dad,” and it’s like boom, and it’s there. But, of course I certainly do wonder about their future. The jobs that will be available for them when they are in their 20s don’t even exist today. That is how fast technology and our world is moving now. I spoke to a teacher at their school who told me one of the most important things they are teaching kids is how to learn. I think that’s a great thing, because with all this rapid change, that will just get faster and faster, being able to understand how to constantly learn new things is what it will take to make it in the future. lA50: forget about the challenges of the future, raising two 10-year-old boys has got to be a quite the challenge right now! KR: [Laughing] They say that having kids at my age either makes you or breaks you, and right now, I’m leaning pretty heavily towards the break. But seriously, I have had such a great life and it is so wonderful – such a sweet thing – to watch the boys grow and mature. I try to teach them some of the things my parents taught me and things Wanda’s [Roger’s fifth wife, Wanda Miller, whom he married in 1997] parents taught her. I know that in their
12 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
lA50: So with all you’ve learned, what sums up your parental advice?
KR: Well, I recently saw some actress on television – I can’t remember who it was – and she said: “I talk to my kids in a way they will listen, and I listen to my kids in a way that makes them want to talk.” I thought that was a great concept – some great advice. lA50: As we gear up to celebrate father’s Day, can you share some memories of your father? KR: My dad was an alcoholic, and because of that, he wasn’t much of a participating father. When I look back, I realize it was right after World War II and he didn’t have any great skills. He couldn’t get work and I think it just broke his heart and spirit that he was not able to take care of his family. But he did stay with us. He was with my mom for 50 years. He had a great sense of humor. I always say I got my sense of humor from him and my sense of values from my mom. She had us going to church three times a week when we were kids and I once asked her if she thought were going to church too much. I’ll never forget this. She said: “I’m going to tell you something I want you to remember for when you have kids: You can never be anything as an adult if the proper values have not been put into you as a child.” I thought that was a great piece of philosophy, and today, our boys go to church every Sunday and they love it. But back to my dad. Here’s what I’ve learned about fathers and sons: you either grow up wanting to be just like your dad or totally unlike him. Either way, you learn and grow from that. My dad hardly ever went to see me perform. In the whole time I was with The First Edition, he only came to two shows and
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Rogers in a recent performance with his former band members from The First Edition, Terry Williams, from left, Mary Arnold Miller and Mike Settle.
that kind of broke my heart. So I go to everything my sons do and I see how important it is to them that I am there.
I’m there and onstage, there is nowhere else I’d rather be. Today, my children and my music and my wife are my purpose in life.
lA50: You were in your late 30s when your dad died, so he saw all your success. Did things get better between you as you both grew older?
lA50: And when you are returning home from dropping the kids off at the bus, what are you listening to?
KR: When he was near the end of his life, every time I would go to see him, we had this little game. I’d give him cash. So it got to where when I showed up, he would ask me if this was going to be a $10 or a $20 visit. He was really a very funny guy. We had a much better relationship as we got older, because I came to understand that people are what they are and you’re not going to change them. Towards the end of his life, I think he became very disappointed in himself and the lost opportunities of his life – that he couldn’t rise above what he had become, which was an alcoholic. But he was never a mean drunk. He was always a funny drunk.
KR: I don’t listen to music that much. When I get in my car, I’ll turn to a news station and not a music station. I don’t really relate to today’s music. I don’t mean any offense by that because, take rap, I have listened to it, and I have an appreciation for it – the articulation and word schemes are phenomenal. It’s just not my thing. But I respect what any artist does. As for today’s country music. I love so many people – Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and Luke Wilson. Their music has gone very mainstream. Much more so than mine. I suffered from that, the charge – the accusation – that I took country music into the pop realm. But what I thought I did was attract a lot of people to country music who otherwise would have never listened to it. So I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong, if what I did was good or not. But what I do know is there is a lot more money and interest in country music today. The audience for country has grown tremendously and there are some really great talents out there today.
lA50: Do you have anything special that was his? KR: I do. I have his wallet with his driver’s license in it. It’s in my drawer and every once in a while, I’ll take it out and just hold it. He had his problems, but he was a good guy. lA50: So let’s talk about music. You are still out there performing. Do you enjoy it? KR: Music is what I am. Getting there – the travel – isn’t much fun, but once
14 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
lA50: Kenny, you have lived the majority of your life in the public eye, and, unlike so many high-profile people, you have, seemingly, always been extremely open and candid about your life. is that just you? KR: There’s two reasons for that. One, I found out a long time ago if you try to hide something, someone is eventually going to find out about it and make more
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 15
out of it than it is. And secondly, I have seen so many people in the public eye get bad press because they have done everything they can to set themselves up for that. Hey, if I’ve done something wrong, I’ll tell you. Everyone has done things wrong at times in their lives. I’m not proud of everything I’ve done, but I am very proud of some things I’ve accomplished. So whatever anyone has ever wanted to know about me, I just tell them. lA50: You have even been open about having plastic surgery, which is something many people won’t even cop to. KR: It’s nothing I’ve ever tried to hide. I’ve had a bunch of different types of plastic surgery done. I’ve had weight removal, my eyes done, a brow lift; and not all of it have I been happy with. But I am who I am, and I look like what I look like, and I’m okay with that. When I look back at photos of me before I had my eyes done, I can see they looked so much better before the surgery. But I can’t change what was done, so I’m fine “Today, my children and my music and my wife are my purpose in life,” says Rogers. with it. I have had good experiences with plastic surgery, and also some I’m not happy with. I would never either encourage or discourage anyone from with us. I have started a bucket list, but it’s not a conventional bucket list. It is having cosmetic surgery. I think everyone should strive to do whatever they can not necessarily things I want to do, but rather things I want to do with my boys. to look as good as they can – not to try to look like a teenager – but to look as lA50: raising two 10-year-old boys is quite a workout, but do you good as you can for your age. I think it heals the spirit to try to look as good also adhere to any sort of a fitness regimen? as you can at any age. What I would recommend is that anyone considering it to do their homework and only go to a qualified plastic surgeon. I would also KR: That would be a really good idea, but it’s not going to happen, because suggest doing things in stages instead of doing something extreme all at once. I am basically lazy [laughs]. Wanda has a trainer who comes to the house, But even then, you don’t know what may happen. In my case, I had one of the and when he is here, I’ll go down for about 15 minutes and do some stretches best surgeons in the world do my eyes and he did them too much. But you can’t and twists. I have knee problems and that limits what I can do. In fact, it is go back, so I just try to look at the bright side. I have no idea what I would look sometimes painful for me to simply walk. I am constantly apologizing to the like today had I not done it. So even though I may not be happy with my eyes, I boys for not being able to get out and run around with them. My shoulder is just go along thinking that I look better than I would have if I hadn’t done it. out of socket, so it’s hard to throw a ball, and I can’t run around, because of my knees. But it’s so cute. The boys will come in and say: “Dad, you can’t sit and lA50: You have a birthday coming up in a few months, so as you prepare watch TV all day. You’ve got to get up and get moving.” And I’ll tell them I can’t to hang another year on the line, any thoughts about the passage of time? run and they tell me to just give it a try. So I will. I’ll get out there and shuffle KR: My life has become so much better since I’ve gotten older. I can honestly around a bit. The last time I did that, Jordan said: “That’s great, dad! You were say my life after 50 has been far greater than my life before 50, and that is so much faster than I thought you would be!” So they are always encouraging because of my wife. Wanda and I got married when I was 53 and we’ve been me, which is so sweet. They are really wonderful boys. together for 23 years now. My life with her has been a wonderful gift. When I met her, I was at a point in my life that I had really – finally – learned to lA50: one last thing: you say that life after 50 has been the best time appreciate a person like her – a person who is so giving. And I am so glad it of your life. Do you have any advice for others on how to enjoy life as worked out for us. She is considerably younger than me – she is half my age. they get older? So when we first met, her mom and dad were not too happy about our being KR: Well, what do they say: Getting older is not for sissies [laughs.] I think life together. I knew that, and asked to meet with her parents. When we did, her after 50 is a good time of life, because you do get wiser about things. You allow mother told me she didn’t appreciate my relationship with her daughter and I less things to bother you. I remember George Burns would do a song, “I Wish said: “May I tell you something. If she were my daughter, I would feel the same I Was 18 Again.” George was 92 and he was opening for me. I once asked him way. But I promise you I will never lie to her, and never lie to you.” Since then, how he kept going and he said: “Stay booked!” His attitude was that you have her mom and I have become best friends. Her parents have seen I don’t drink, to have a reason and a purpose. He would look at his calendar and see that he I don’t smoke or do drugs. I think I am now representative of those values my had to be in Detroit or somewhere the following week. So he couldn’t die – he mom instilled in me when I was young. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done a lot had a show to do – a reason to live. That was his approach to getting older and of dumb and stupid things along the way. We all do. But when it came time to I really got that, to always have a purpose. commit to Wanda, I knew a good thing when I saw it, and it’s all been so good. lA50: What do you and Wanda enjoy doing? KR: Well, children change your life so dramatically. We used to go out and do stuff with friends – go out for dinner or travel. We don’t do that much anymore. However, I am planning a trip to Africa to do a safari, and the boys are going
16 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
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Life After 50 on Men’s Health
Managing
Men’s HealtH
Managing health is the most important thing an aging man can do – for himself, and for those who love him Compiled by Maxine Andrews
T
his month, as we honor our fathers, it is the perfect time to remind the men in our lives that making a commitment to manage their health is one of the most important things they can do – for themselves and their family. This means adopting good lifestyle choices and scheduling regular medical examinations and health screenings. Doing these things will not only help safeguard a man’s present health, but will also help to improve the quality of life in the years to come. The following are common health issues and screening recommendations that men should discuss with their physician so that they can partner together to develop a personalized preventive plan for health and wellness.
Therefore, it’s essential for men (and women) to understand that there are many positive actions they can take to ensure a healthy heart. It’s important to: •
•
•
Heart HealtH The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other leading organizations list heart disease as the leading men’s health threat. However, many of the elements that can contribute to heart disease are within our control – simply by making good lifestyle and nutrition decisions. Awareness and lifestyle modifications are key in helping to improve and sustain heart health. 18 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
•
Know Your Numbers – As cholesterol in the blood increases, so does the risk for coronary heart disease. Therefore, the first step in preventing heart attack is to understand your cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels. Manage Chronic Conditions – If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. take Charge of Your Diet – Healthy eating habits can help you reduce three of the major risk factors for heart disease – abnormal lipid profile (e.g., high cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, low HDL), high blood pressure and excess body weight. Following a heart-healthy eating plan will help you achieve and maintain a healthy eating pattern. For more about heart-healthy dietary guidelines, click on the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org. exercise – Just as important to your heart as eating a healthy diet is using up more calories
(energy) than you consume each day. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which translates to about 45 minutes each day for five days. This is important because regular physical activity helps lower the risk of heart disease. •
Stop Smoking – If you smoke, quit! Smoking has been proven to contribute to atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty substances in the arteries). In fact, many studies have shown evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack.
•
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Find out what your ideal weight is based on your height and body structure, and make a commitment to achieving and maintaining that weight. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly are key factors in maintaining a healthy weight, all of which will translate to a healthier heart.
•
limit alcohol – If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
ProState HealtH As one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, affecting one in six men, prostate cancer is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. A complete prostate cancer screening includes both a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is performed with a basic blood draw, and a digital rectal exam (DRE). An abnormal PSA level or significant rise in PSA over time would necessitate further testing, which could include a prostate biopsy. There are numerous factors that can influence a PSA level, such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), urinary tract infections and prostatitis, and thus only 25-percent of prostate biopsies will reveal cancer. If the DRE test is abnormal, your physician may request a biopsy, or have you return months later for further testing to monitor if any changes have occurred. If diagnosed with prostate cancer, some men are eligible to participate in active surveillance, also known as “watchful waiting.” Active surveillance is a way of monitoring indolent or slow-growing prostate cancers. This approach relies on quarterly PSA testing and an annual biopsy to identify if there is cancer progression. It is important to understand that not all cancers are created equal. Some are aggressive, while others are slow-growing. Yet, depending on the individual’s ethnicity, family history, age and exposure to potential risks, screening and intervention may be necessary. It is recommended that you discuss this topic with your primary care physician or urologist to see when testing is most appropriate for you.
Low-dose CT screening is highly recommended for anyone aged 55 to 74 with at least a 30 packyear* smoking history. Individuals over the age of 50 with at least a 10 pack-year smoking history should also strongly consider low-dose CT screening. Pack-years refer to the number of years an individual smoked, multiplied by the number of packs smoked per day.
*
ColoreCtal HealtH Colorectal cancer is highly preventable with proper screening, the gold standard of which is colonoscopy. This is because colonoscopy not only provides the most comprehensive method for detecting cancer early when treatment is most successful, but also because it helps to prevent the onset of cancer by enabling physicians to remove polyps that could be found during the procedure. Although most polyps are benign, some can become cancerous over time. And because colorectal cancer symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is in advanced stages, regular screening is critical.
Research has shown the following risk factors contribute to colorectal cancer: •
age – More than 90-percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age for diagnosis is the mid 60s.
•
Colorectal Polyps – Most polyps are benign, but some can be cancerous. Consistently finding and removing polyps can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Oftentimes, polyps will develop into cancer.
•
Family History – Individuals who have close relatives with a history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves, and should speak with their physician about whether to begin colorectal cancer screening earlier.
•
Behavioral risk Factors – These include tobacco and alcohol, physical inactivity and obesity.
If you are over 50 and have not had a colonoscopy, or are due for your annual colonoscopy, speak with your physician.
luNg HealtH Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women, with approximately 160,000 individuals a year dying from this disease. In fact, lung cancer takes the lives of more people than cancers of the breast, prostate and colon combined. One of the best ways to protect your lung health is to refrain from smoking, and if you currently smoke, to stop. However, for individuals who have smoked for part of or the majority of their lives, lung cancer screening is highly recommended to detect any abnormality that may be cancerous as early as possible. A recent study has shown now that lung screening is truly a life-saving step. In October 2010, the National Cancer Institute released preliminary results of its National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which showed that lowdose CT scans reduced mortality from lung cancer by 20 percent in patients between the ages of 55 to 74, with greater than a 30 pack-year* smoking history. The study, which was conducted between 2002 and 2009, randomized 53,456 smokers or former smokers to screening by either a traditional chest X-ray or a low-radiation dose spiral CT scan, once a year for three consecutive years. The results demonstrated that the CT scanning technology found cancer more often than traditional a chest X-ray, saving the lives of many individuals. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 19
Special to Life After 50 by Dr. Dudley Danoff
Life After 50 on Men’s Health
Sex After 50 How To Have A Healthy Sex Life At Any Age
M
en worry about a lot of different things throughout their lives, but at some point or another, they all worry about sex. Men over 50 worry because they seem to have lost their libidos or they may fear that the effects of aging will interfere with their sex lives. Though the changes that come with age can affect a man’s sex drive and performance, this is no reason to despair.
Sex After 50
For men over 50 who are having concerns about their sex lives, the importance of attitude and mindset can’t be overlooked. More often than not, any sexual issues a man is having are one-percent between the legs and 99-percent between the ears. This, of course, is a figure of speech and not a real statistic, but it demonstrates the reality that most men have perfectly normal apparatuses. Whatever problem they have, or think they have, originates in their minds. Even so, medical conditions can affect one’s sexual ability, and with age, it becomes ever more important to take care of one’s health, see a doctor regularly, and never ignore symptoms of a larger problem. The good news is that even in cases in which sexual dysfunction complaints indicate real 20 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
medical problems, or when one of a number of physiological conditions is causing impotence, there is still hope. Physicians have made tremendous advances in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Today, sophisticated and relatively noninvasive tests can now determine the exact cause of the problem or, equally important, can rule out underlying medical causes. Once the problem has been identified, a growing number of effective treatments exist to help overcome any dysfunction. With the help of a doctor – and a positive outlook – men of any age can have a healthy and happy sex life. What follows are suggestions, based on years of urologic practice, on how to keep an active sex life in the face of conditions that are all too common for the aging American male. If you have had, or are currently experiencing, symptoms of any of these conditions, you should always consult your personal physician before making any lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, the average physician neglects to examine male genitals and often does not ask questions about his patient’s sex life, which could provide clues to physical disorders. If your doctor isn’t talking to you about sex and you’d like him or her to do so, use the information that follows to start the conversation.
Sex After DiAbeteS
Diabetes can cause severe damage to the blood vessels, as well as the nerves going to the genitals. Advanced diabetes can lead to damage of the peripheral nerves and can impair erections. A significant number of male diabetic patients experience a gradual decrease in the sensitivity of their genitals and a decline in the firmness of their erections, and some diabetics ultimately become incapable of normal sexual functioning. If the disease is diagnosed early and is managed with diet, oral medication, insulin injections, and regular exercise, diabetic men have a good chance of restoring strong sexual power – or never losing it at all. Follow your doctor’s advice for managing your diabetes and remember that sexual activity can be a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Experts recommend getting 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise at least five times a week, but that doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day. Making love is a great form of exercise for your whole body. Vigorous sex increases the volume of oxygen in your lungs, quickens your heart rate, and raises your effective circulating blood volume, all of which benefit your health.
If your diabetes has impaired your sexual functioning, it’s time to visit a urologist. There are treatments available and an urologist can explain your options and help you choose the right path.
Sex After A HeArt AttAck
Every heart patient should be advised according to his specific condition and consult with his cardiologist prior to vigorous activity of any kind, including sex. However, a pervasive and harmful myth needs to be dispelled: that having sex is damaging to the heart. In the past, men who survived heart attacks were often told not to have sex, not to exercise, and to retire from physically demanding work. We now know that within appropriate limits, exercise is good for heart patients, and sex is no different. It is a terrific form of exercise and is unsurpassed in lifting the spirit of a man who has suffered the trauma of a heart attack.
Two imporTanT caveaTs musT be noTed:
1. If you have a history of heart disease, you should not be overdoing anything, including sex. If you experience chest pain while having sex, stop immediately and see your cardiologist as soon as possible. 2. If you suffer from coronary artery disease and have occasional exertion-related chest pain (angina) and treat the pain with nitroglycerin, you should never take any of the oral medications for erectile dysfunction without a thorough evaluation by a competent urologist or other qualified physician.
Sex After ProStAte cAncer
When patients learn they have prostate cancer, they often fear that impotence will result. In almost all cases, this fear is totally unwarranted. Treatment depends on a number of factors, including physical condition and the type and stage of the cancer cells at the time of diagnosis. In many cases, the recommended treatment is a total nerve-sparing prostatectomy. This entails surgically removing the entire prostate gland, which is done by creating only a coin-sized incision. Because the prostate is a secondary sexual organ, it is possible to perform perfectly well without it. Today, approximately 80-percent of patients emerge from their recuperation with their full sexual functioning. The other 20-percent get help with the aid of oral erectile dysfunction drugs, injection therapy (prostaglandin-E1), or occasionally a penile prosthesis. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer has an extremely high success rate of restoring prostate health. If a prostate cancer has not extended beyond the prostate, prompt, early treatment offers a high percentage of disease-free survival.
Sex After DePreSSion
Depression can be a chronic, debilitating disease, and its effect on sexual desire and performance
can be long lasting. Such conditions are beyond the scope of a urologist. If you suffer from chronic depression, focusing on your sexuality alone is a mistake: See a psychiatrist. Today, medication, psychotherapy, or a combination, can effectively manage depression, and with ascent from the depths of depression comes a natural restoration of sexual functioning. Although depression is known to diminish sexual desire and responsiveness, this result is not inevitable. Every man is vulnerable to worries and fears at one time or another and to occasional situational depression, but if you have faith in yourself, develop a healthy method for dealing with your emotions, and learn how to take positive elements from every experience, you will climb out of depressions and can convert your worries into effective action. For those taking medication for depression, anxiety, or mental illness, you should know that some medicines for these conditions can cause diminished libido, retarded ejaculation, or erection problems. Do not, however, arbitrarily give up or alter any prescription medications you are taking. If you suspect that a prescription drug is negatively affecting your sex life, consult with your doctor. Reducing a dosage or stopping the use of a particular medication can cause a complicated and potentially life-threatening situation. Many forces, not just the medication, might be contributing to your inability to get an erection.
AttituDe iS tHe key to Longevity
While age can certainly bring new challenges and certain medical conditions can impact your sex life, you do not have to give up on sex as you age. Even if you’ve had a heart attack, prostate cancer, or other serious illness, your sexuality has not gone away. You may have to change your perspective or technique – you may need a little help from medication or other treatment – but if you keep a positive attitude you can keep enjoying sex for a long time. Of course, the conditions discussed above are not the only ones that can impact sexual functioning. Men with arthritis, for example, sometimes abstain from sex, because the pain in
their joints prevents them from moving around as vigorously as they would like. They are not only depriving themselves of some muchneeded and well-deserved joy, but they are also overlooking the significant ways in which sex can improve range of motion and relieve pain. Unfortunately, some physicians advise these patients to limit their sexual activity or even give it up entirely when illness strikes. A doctor might even tell a patient that he will never have “normal sexual relations” again. What terrible advice! If your doctor ever tells you to abstain from sex, get a second opinion. He or she may be misinformed or simply old fashioned. Age or illness might limit your sexuality, but they do not have to eliminate it. For most individuals, the solution involves learning new habits. You might take longer to achieve an erection, in which case you can learn to be more patient and your partner can learn new ways to stimulate you. If your illness makes it impossible to make love in the positions to which you are accustomed, practice new positions that do work. You might have to have sex less often or less vigorously, but you can learn to fully savor the slow and gentle sensuality that you used to hurry through. If you have intercourse less often, you might be able to enjoy oral sex or mutual masturbation more often. Such changes should be viewed as opportunities for new experiences, rather than reasons to give up one of life’s greatest pleasures. You can stay sexy as you age by maintaining good overall health habits: exercising regularly; minimizing your consumption of fat and cholesterol; controlling your weight; refraining from smoking, excessive drinking, and drugs; watching your blood pressure; and seeing your physician regularly. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude! Think of yourself as a singer whose voice is not as powerful as it once was, but who more than makes up for it with phrasing, feeling, and subtlety, or as an athlete or dancer whose legs are no longer as strong as oaks but who performs with added grace shaped by the wisdom of experience.
Dr. Dudley Danoff is the founder of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Tower Urology Medical Group, a prestigious group of surgeons who cover a full-range of urologic disciplines. Dr. Danoff’s extensive surgical experience and expertise, particularly in the treatment of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, has achieved worldwide recognition. He is the author of three books on men’s health, including the forthcoming “Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health,” a comprehensive, straightforward, and easyto-read guide. For more information, click on www.towerurology.om. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 21
Special to Life After 50 by Dr. Michael Sundine
The Male View
On Cosmetically Facing The Passage Of Time
With more men nipping and tucking than ever before, we look at five of the most-requested procedures they are seeking from plastic surgeons
I
nitially thought to be only for women, cosmetic plastic surgery has been gaining an increased acceptance by men. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons there were over a million cosmetic surgical procedures performed on male patients in 2014, representing about 10-percent of total cosmetic procedures. If a 10-percent growth doesn’t sound like much, consider this: plastic surgery procedures in men have increased by 273-percent since 1997, with the most common procedures performed, in descending order, being liposuction, nasal surgery, eyelid surgery, male breast reduction and facelift. While both sexes are interested in improving their appearance, their motivation for cosmetic surgery seems to be different. Women are much more attuned to the changes in their appearance as they age. They are motivated by special events in their lives such as graduations, anniversaries and their children’s weddings. Men, on the other hand, are typically motivated by trying to maintain a youthful appearance to remain competitive in the workplace – especially in fields such as sales and the computer industry where there is a bias for younger workers.
LIPOSUCTION Liposuction has long been one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. Ideal candidates for liposuction are patients with localized excess fatty tissue. Typical areas for treatments in males are the abdomen and flank areas (the so-called “love handles”). Ideal candidates for liposuction should be near their ideal body weight and have stubborn fat collections that do not go away with diet and exercise. 22 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Liposuction should not be thought of as an alternative to weight loss. It is important to note that males carry much of their fat inside of the abdominal wall and this fat cannot be removed using liposuction. Liposuction is more effective for obtaining an optimal body contour compared to the non-invasive technologies such as freezing fat. To perform liposuction, small incisions are made to provide access to the fat under the skin. Fluid containing dilute numbing medicine and adrenaline is infiltrated into the subcutaneous fat, which helps to reduce blood loss and allows for the removal of more fat. This also provides for some pain relief immediately following the procedure. Although liposuction can be performed using local anesthesia with some sedation, it should be noted that males typically do much better having a general anesthetic. Following the procedure, patients are asked to wear a compression garment for about three weeks. Patients can typically resume full activities at this time. There is little downtime from the procedure and most patients can return to work in three to seven days, depending on what type of work they do.
RHINOPLASTY Rhinoplasty, or nasal shaping, is a very common procedure in males. With men, this procedure is usually directed to treatment of a dorsal hump or significant deviation of the nose. Subtlety is very important in male rhinoplasty. Male aesthetics demand a somewhat broader nose with a straight dorsum. A turned-up refined tip is never consistent with the structure of the male nose. A rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about two hours to perform. It may be performed using incisions only inside the nose
or may be combined with an incision across the columella. If osteotomies (the breaking of the nose) is required, the patient will develop black eyes that resolve within seven to ten days postoperatively. Patients can resume full activities around three weeks postoperatively.
EYELID SURGERY Eyelid surgery is certainly one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in males, with approximately 27,800 procedures performed in 2014. Eyelid surgery is most appropriately divided into upper eyelid/eyebrow surgery and lower eyelid surgery. Surgery on the upper eyelids has been traditionally thought of as removal of excess skin and possibly fat from the upper eyelid area. Patients have been told that removal of this tissue will improve their appearance and also improve their vision. This thinking has been reinforced by the fact that many insurance companies will cover upper eyelid blepharoplasty if there is a visual field defect (the overhanging skin blocks vision usually in the upper outer quadrant). The fact is, in the majority of patients, the performance of an isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty paradoxically worsens their appearance. With the removal of the upper eyelid skin, the frontalis muscle (the muscle of the forehead that runs up and down and elevates the eyebrows and creates the midforehead creases) actually relaxes giving the patient lower eyebrows, exaggerated frown lines and the appearance of annoyance or anger along with the return of the “extra” upper eyelid skin, which appears as prominent as before the upper eyelid surgery. Thus
it is imperative that the eyebrow position be considered prior to any upper eyelid surgery. It is very important to consider the aesthetics of the male eyebrow. The male eyebrow is lower than the female eyebrow and does not have an arched appearance. The male upper eyelid is fuller and there is little pretarsal skin seen (the skin from the level of the eyelashes to the crease). A conservative brow lift is the proper treatment for sagging of the brow. There are many different approaches that can be utilized depending on hairline considerations in males. The brow lift may completely improve the appearance of the upper eyelids or may be combined with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Treatment of the lower eyelid skin bags is somewhat less complicated than the upper eyelid area. In younger patients with good skin tone, some excess fat can be removed without a skin incision by making an incision on the inside of the eyelid. In patients with more lax skin, an incision can be made just below the eyelashes to remove some of the herniated fat along with a conservative removal of skin. It is important to support the lower eyelid in many patients to prevent drooping of the lower eyelid. Fat removal must be conservative to prevent a vacant, hollowed appearance to the eyelids.
MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Treatment of benign excess breast development (gynecomastia) in males is another very common procedure. There are many reasons that breast tissue develops in men and, because of that, it is important that a full endocrine workup be performed prior to any surgery. Drugs such as cimetidine, spironolactone and marijuana can cause gynecomastia as well as the use of anabolic steroids. The surgical treatment of gynecomastia generally involves a combination of surgical excision of the glandular portion through an incision around the areola and liposuction. In some cases, where the breast is very fatty, liposuction alone can be effective for treatment.
FACELIFTS
Traditionally thought to be only for female patients, face and neck lifting have become more common for males. The changes seen in the aging face include a descent of the soft tissue off of the cheek bones, a loss of volume in the cheeks and the temples, deepening of the nasolabial crease (the crease between the wings of the nose and the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the crease running downward from the corners of the mouth), jowls, and banding in the central neck. These changes can
only be resolved with a facelift and the lifting of the neck with the possible addition of some fat grafting for volume. When it comes to a facelift, it is essential that the surgeon take an individualized approach to each patient’s needs. Paradoxically, many surgeons simply perform the same operation on every patient. As with a brow lift, the hairline and hair growth patterns need to be carefully considered in males to minimize any potential hairline distortion. In many cases this means that the incisions will be at the hairline. Essentially invisible scars can be obtained with hairline incisions if the incisions are precisely aligned with the hair follicles, and the skin is redraped, tailored, and sutured under no tension. The use of what plastic surgeons call a highsuperficial musculoaponeurotic system, or the high-SMAS technique, is critical to produce quality results. The SMAS is a fibrous layer in the face that is deep in the skin but above the muscles. By freeing this layer up, it allows the surgeon to reposition the facial fat, move the jowls into the cheeks, and flatten the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The use of the SMAS also takes tension off the skin closure so that the scars are a fine line.
MEET DR. MICHAEL SUNDINE
Dr. Michael Sundine, a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, has offices in Irvine and Beverly Hills, California. He has a specialized practice focused on facial aesthetic surgery with special interests in face and neck lifting, brow lifting, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). With a keen sense of facial aesthetics and safe patient outcome at the core of his practice, Dr. Sundine’s extensive training and experience allow him to optimize patient results while meeting their individual goals and sense of beauty and balance. Dr. Sundine has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications including four recent publications on facelifts. He is the co-editor and author of the book “Aesthetic Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck” to be released in September 2015 by Thieme Publishers of New York. For more information and to contact Dr. Sundine, call (949) 706-3100 or click on www.drsundine.com. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 23
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Barry Livingston
The actor best-known for his memorable role as the youngest son in the 1960’s television series “My Three Sons,” shares his thoughts on the show, his real-life father, parenting and much more By David Laurell
A
ctor Barry Livingston’s memorable character, Ernie Douglas, was parented by one of the most popular television pops in pop culture history – aeronautical engineer Steven Douglas – who was played by Fred MacMurray in the early 1960s sitcom “My Three Sons.” Today, 50 years after the last episode of “My Three Sons” was shot, Livingston is still a regular fixture on both television and the big screen. A resident of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, he and his wife, Karen, who works as a physical therapist, are the parents of two children in their 20s who have hopes of establishing their own careers in show business.
THE SETBACK THAT LED TO SUCCESS Cast in his first role when he was just four-years old, Livingston got an early taste of just how brutal it can be to find success in Hollywood. “My first role was in ‘Rally ‘Round the Flag Boys,’ that starred Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward,” says Livingston. “I was cast as one of Newman’s character’s children and when I got the job, I wasn’t wearing glasses. But then, during that shoot, I began to have problems with my eyes, and the director, Leo McCarey, who had directed the Marx Brothers in ‘Duck Soup,’ was constantly yelling at me for messing up scenes, which I was doing because I couldn’t see. To make a long story short, I ended up getting fired, because they didn’t want a kid wearing glasses.” Ironically, Livingston’s need of glasses gave him a look that made him stand out from what most casting directors of the time were seeing. “I was wearing these big, horn-rimmed glasses that rounded out the nerd look,” Livingston laughs. “I had these buck teeth and a Moe Howard bowl haircut and then the glasses were the cherry on top that created what was the early prototype for what has become the ‘nerd look.’ That was a new thing back then. Most of the kids you saw on television in the 1950s and ‘60s were these adorable, blonde, blue-eyed, Aryan children and I was kind of a ragamuffin. But that actually played to my favor.”
26 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
By late 1963, the then-nine-year-old Livingston was a screen veteran and his brother, Stan, was finishing his third season in the role of Chip Douglas on “My Three Sons.” “I had done a recurring role on the show and when Tim Considine [who played the eldest brother, Mike] left the show, they needed another son. I was already an established child actor and they knew me, so it was an easy and smooth transition.”
“MY THREE SONS” MEMORIES While the scenes between MacMurray’s character and his television sons provided Americans with a glimpse of an idyllic family life, Livingston says that behind-the-scenes, his relationship with his television dad was just professional. “We had a great cast and we all got along, but I had no relationship with Fred off the set,” Livingston reveals. “Doing the show was like living in an alternate universe. The real world I was living was so different. It was a time of rock ‘n’ roll and drugs and the pill, which was quite different than the idealized version of what the producers were putting on screen and the world that Fred knew and lived in.”
LIFE AFTER ERNIE After “My Three Sons” came to an end in 1972, Livingston, wanting to continue his career, took the advice of his father. “My dad encouraged me to really learn the craft of acting and not rely on celebrity or the momentum of any show,” says Livingston. “That was good advice. I’ve seen so many child actors get work because they were cute, but then, as they got older, it became hard for them to transition into adult roles and keep their careers going. I wanted to continue to work, so I studied acting and went to New York and appeared on Broadway.” After working in theater in New York, Livingston continued doing other stage productions and guest roles on numerous television series from the 1970s to the present. He has also been a constant presence on the big screen, appearing in such films as “Dickie Roberts,” “First Daughter,” “Zodiac,” “You Don’t
Mess With The Zohan,” “The Social Network” and “Jersey Boys.” Today, when not working, Livingston, who will turn 62 this year, says he enjoys writing scripts and songs, occasionally doing musical gigs, and working on home improvement projects with his wife of 32 years. He has also penned an autobiography, “The Importance of Being Ernie” (2011, Citadel Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing), which he says, provided him with a positive perspective on his accomplishments. “I think when you put down your life story in any sort of a cohesive and sequential way, you learn things about yourself,” says Livingston. “For me, I learned that I stayed the course with a perseverance and a doggedness and stubbornness to believe in myself and the things I have wanted to do. I think I can pat myself on the back for sticking with something I thought I was good at and saw it through.” Livingston says he believes that dogged commitment to being successful in his career came from his father having not realized his potential. “My dad was a near genius who spoke numerous languages and went to New York University when he was just 16,” says Livingston. “But he was frustrated and never fulfilled his ambitions. I have melancholy and bittersweet memories of my dad as a wonderful, patient, generous and giving human being. But I always felt bad that he was never able to use his exceptional gifts to find real success and accomplishment in life. He owned a home supply business, but he was capable of so much more. He never applied his gifts or followed through on so many things he began that had a real potential to be successful. That was a life lesson I took from him. I always said that whatever I started, I would finish – good or bad.”
KEEPING CURIOUS AND CREATIVE Queried on his thoughts about getting older, Livingston says he is approaching this stage of his life in the same way he has done most of his life: guided by the inspiration of his Uncle Bernard, whom he lived with while working in New York. “He was always a very inquisitive guy – curious about everything,” Livingston recalls. “He had a few books published and continued to write well into his 90s. He was never rich, but what made him happy was always being invested creatively and by making each day one that provided him with a mission to investigate and learn something new. He was a great role model. So that’s how I have lived my life, and continue to live my life, keeping busy and active and creative. I am much happier when I wake up with an agenda for the day, and if that agenda includes something new and creative, I feel great at the end of the day. I think that’s the answer: to always try to do things that make you feel good at the end of each day. To see things through and do something productive and enjoyable and creative.” For more information on Barry Livingston’s book, “The Importance of Being Ernie,” click on www.theimportanceofbeingernie.com.
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June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 27
The Hallowed Hall of Must-Knowtables By David Laurell Illustration by Mark Hammermeister
Marlon Brando Revered as one of the greatest actors of all time, Marlon Brando brought an unprecedented realism to the craft. A cultural icon for the roles he played, most notably, Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather,” he was also a passionate civil rights activist and one of the most eccentric and enigmatic personalities the world has ever known.
B
orn on April 3, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, the third child and first son of a pesticide salesman and his wife, a frustrated actress with a severe drinking problem, Marlon “Bud” Brando was gifted with a precocious ability to mimic the voices and mannerisms of childhood friends and adults. A rebellious and wily child who did poorly in school, Brando was sent to a military academy. After becoming interested in the dramatic arts, he dropped out of school and moved to New York to pursue an acting career like his older sister, Jocelyn, who was appearing in small roles on Broadway, in films and on television. Brando began studying with the legendary drama coach Stella Adler, from whom he learned the techniques of the Stanislavski System, which teaches an actor to explore his feelings and past experiences to fully realize the character being portrayed. After appearing in a few summer stock performances, Brando’s Broadway debut came in a 1944 production of “I Remember Mama,” followed, over the next three years, by critically acclaimed performances in “Truckline Café,” “A Flag is Born,” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Following his successful run in “Streetcar,” Hollywood beckoned and Brando made his screen debut as a paraplegic veteran in the 1950 film, “The Men.” The
following year, he reprised the role of Stanley Kowalski in the screen adaption of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The 1950s saw Brando achieve film stardom in a string of films including “Julius Caesar,” “The Wild One,” “Viva Zapata,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “On The Waterfront,” for which he won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of a failed boxer and longshoreman. During the 1960s, Brando’s career faltered, especially after starring in MGM’s disastrous 1962 remake of “Mutiny on the Bounty.” While that picture proved to be a failure, the filming of it profoundly changed Brando’s life. He became passionalty enamored with Tahiti, where the film was shot, and bought Tetiaroa, a 12-island Tahitian atoll. Making Tetiaroa his home, Brando hired an awardwinning architect to build a compound that included an environmental laboratory and animal sanctuary that welcomed environmentalists and students from around the world. Along with his passion for Tahiti, the 1960s also saw Brando embrace the civil rights movement, where he became an active participant in the work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By the early 1970s, Brando had reportedly turned down numerous highly coveted roles and had not appeared in a commercially successful film in over a
This feature is intended for you to clip and give to your children or grandchildren because…they must-know! 28 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
decade. That, along with his vocal abhorrence of the film industry and disparaging comments about acting, which he always considered to be, at best “a craft” and, at worst “a bum’s life,” tagged him as box-office poison. That changed when, despite Paramount Pictures’ wishes, director Francis Ford Coppola demanded Brando play Mafia Don, Vito Corleone, in the 1972 film adaptation of Mario Puzo’s bestselling book, “The Godfather.” Brando won the role, the applause of critics who considered it to be his greatest screen achievement, and his second Oscar for Best Actor. While Brando won the Academy Award for “The Godfather,” he didn’t accept it. On the night of the ceremony, Brando sent an Apache Indian named Sacheen Littlefeather (who was later revealed to be an actress portraying an American Indian) to decline the award on his behalf, in protest of Hollywood’s negative portrayal of American Indians. The refusal of the award gained even greater notice due to a coinciding standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota that saw rising tensions between the government and American Indian activists. Although his refusal of the Oscar again put him on the outs with the Hollywood hierarchy, in the wake of “The Godfather,” Brando’s career was at an all-time high. The following year he turned in another Oscarnominated performance in the highly acclaimed and sexually controversial X-rated “Last Tango in Paris.” Throughout the remainder of the 1970s, Brando seemed unengaged in acting as he accepted huge paydays for limited work in glorified cameos, such as Jor-El in 1978’s “Superman” and Colonel Kurtz in 1979’s “Apocalypse Now,” for which he was paid $3 million for a few weeks’ work. Although he was once again nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in 1989’s “A Dry White Season,” the latter part of Brando’s career saw him take roles in largely forgettable films including “The Freshman” with Matthew Broderick, in which he parodied his role of Vito Corleone, “Don Juan DeMarco” with Johnny Depp, “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” and “The Score.” While Brando’s career had its ups and downs, his personal life always seemed to be embroiled in turmoil. With wild sexual conquests that have become the stuff of Hollywood legend, three tumultuous marriages, a never-confirmed number of well over a dozen children, health issues, and a food obsession that saw him balloon to over 350 pounds, Brando became increasingly more eccentric and reclusive. Although he always seemed to weather the storms of his life, two events left Brando deeply shattered: In 1991, his son, Christian,
was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for killing his sister Cheyenne’s fiancé. Christian, who claimed the then-pregnant Cheyenne was being abused by her fiancé and accidently killed him when a gun went off during a heated argument, received a 10-year prison sentence. Three years after the shooting, the 25-yearold Cheyenne, who had been in and out of drug rehabilitation centers and mental hospitals for much of her life, committed suicide. In spite of Brando’s travails, which included suffering from diabetes, he did pen an autobiography, “Songs My Mother Taught Me” (Modern Library, 1994), and continue to work on various projects until a week before he died of respiratory failure from pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure at the UCLA Medical Center on July 1, 2004. Brando was cremated and his ashes were comingled with those of two childhood friends – actors Wally Cox and Sam Gilman. They were then scattered, partly in Tahiti and partly in Death Valley, California.
LEARN MORE • Along with Brando’s autobiography, there have been numerous biographies written about the legendary actor, most of which are highly sensationalized. The most comprehensive of them is Peter Manso’s 2,000-page tome, “Brando The Biography” (2004, Hyperion).
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Let’s Get OUt A Preview of Upcoming Events for June/July By Claire Yezbak Fadden
eNteRtAINMeNt MONDAY, JUNE 15 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD In a small Southern town during the depression, the idyllic childhood of eight-year old Scout and her brother Jem is changed forever when their lawyer-father defends a poor black man accused of raping a white girl. Through the drama of the trial and its aftermath, the children experience the harsh realities of prejudice that surround them. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Performances vary through Sept. 27. $10-$40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 MURDER FOR TWO Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed … fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills — with the help of his silent partner, Lou. Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious musical murder mystery with a twist. One actor investigates the crime. The other plays all the suspects. And they both play the piano. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. Tues.-Sun. through July 7. $59-$74 (310) 208-5454. geffenplayhouse.com. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 WATERFALL This epic love story is set in Bangkok and Tokyo between the turbulent years of 1933 and 1939, as a monarchy falls in Thailand and Japan is on the brink of war. A young Thai student falls in love with the American wife of a Thai diplomat, and the story of their forbidden love parallels history as the new democracy of Siam moves into the vortex of the increasingly anti-American Japan. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave. Pasadena. Tues.-Sun. through June 28. $47$87. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org. GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS Suzuki-Lo Giudice Duo. First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St., Glendale. Free. (818) 242-2113. glendalenoonconcerts. blogspot.com.
LA/Ventura
June/July 2015
THIRD WEDNESDAY Neighborhood-Wide Happy Hour. Drink and food specials, free samples, discounts and prize giveaways from more than 30 area merchants, plus live entertainment. Beat the traffic by riding the rails to the Expo Line Culver City Station. Culver City’s downtown area features a wonderful mix of historic buildings, boutiques, theaters, galleries and unique restaurants opening on to tree-lined streets. Downtown Culver City, between Culver and Washington Blvds. and Duquesne Ave., Culver City. downtownculvercity.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 18 OEDIPUS MACHINAL Inspired by Ellen McLaughlin’s “Oedipus,” adapted from Sophocles, Ron Sossi directs a lean, contemporary adaptation that brings a new and poignant power to this primal work, a cornerstone of western drama. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. $30-$35. Dates vary through Aug. 2. (310) 477-2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Shakespeare conjures a world of wonder, magic and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved, and all is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Performances vary through Sept. 25. $10-$40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com. MUSIC ON THE MAIN SUMMER JAZZ Bring your friends, picnics and folding chairs and savor the season of summer jazz. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Thursdays through Aug. 20. $6-$9. (818) 949-4200. descansogardens.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 19 4000 MILES Over the course of a single month, unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder and ultimately reach each other in many ways. Kentwood Players, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Also June 20. $20-$25. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org. LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL This three-day festival features folk, roots rock, country, swing, gypsy-jazz, Afro-Celtic, blues and soul Latin-rhythms. Enjoy 16 main stage musical performances, music workshops, teen concerts, hot licks dances, a children’s activities area and talent contest, food, beverages, arts and crafts booths, friends, festivities, jamming and camping. Live Oak Camp, Hwy. 154, near Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara. Also June 20-21. $55-plus. (805) 781-3030. liveoakfest.org. AMERICAN IDIOT This musical tells the story of three lifelong friends who are forced to choose between
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
ROADSHOW REVIVAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
This music festival features popular outlaw country, rockabilly, bluegrass and Johnny Cash tribute bands, plus a pin-up girl pageant, hot rods, custom cars and motorcycles, food and drink, a kid’s corral and scores of vendors with unique offerings and Johnny Cash collectibles. Musical acts include Reverend Horton Heat, Billy Joe Shaver, The Blasters, John Doe, Big Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys, Robert Gordon and Gamblers Mark. Mission Park, 185 East Santa Clara St., Ventura. Also June 28. One-day general admission $30-plus. Two-day tickets $40-plus. roadshowrevival.com.
their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Featuring the music of Green Day and the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the title track, “American Idiot.” DOMA Theatre Co. at The MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles. Fri.-Sun. through July 12. $20-$35. (323) 802-9181. domatheatre.com. THE HEIR APPARENT Meet young Eraste. He has it all: good looks, a beautiful fiancée and a huge inheritance from an ancient uncle. There’s just one little problem: the uncle won’t die and has bequeathed his entire fortune to a distant relative. Oh, and did we mention the uncle also intends to marry Eraste’s fiancée? What’s a fine 18th century fellow to do? What else but enlist the aid of his resourceful servant, Crispin, who could “outFigaro” Figaro. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Thurs.-Sun.
through July 12. $34-$48. (562) 436-4610. internationalcitytheatre.org. SATURDAY, JUNE 20 MATILDA THE MUSICAL Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, enjoy the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Tues.-Sun. through July 12. $25-$130. (213) 972-4400. centertheatregroup.org.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 31
CALeNDAR PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL This festival places more than 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of madonnari (Italian for street painter). They come from all over to spend two days on their hands and knees creating spectacular murals on concrete areas the size of two city blocks. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. Also June 21. Paseo Colorado, 280 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Free. (626) 795-8891. pasadenachalkfestival.com. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Dates vary through Sept. 27. $10-$40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com.
June/July 2015 LA/Ventura is first-come, first-served. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Tuesdays through Aug. 4. $6-$9. (818) 9494200. descansogardens.org. VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAMS Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Patio, Ventura Harbor Village, 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. (805) 658-0388. milanositalianrestaurant.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 25 PICNIC It’s a balmy Labor Day in the American Heartland, and a group of women are preparing for a picnic... but they’ll have to lay a lot on the line before they can lay out the checkered cloths. When a handsome young drifter named Hal arrives, his combination of uncouth manners and titillating charm sends the women reeling, especially the beautiful Madge. When Hal is forced out of town, Madge must decide whether their fleeting encounter is worth changing the course of her life. The Antaeus Company, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. Thurs.-Sun. through Aug. 9. $30-$34. (818) 506-1983. antaeus.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 3 ALL-AMERICAN GIRL Who will save the children? Playwright Wendy Graf explores the journey of an “all-American girl” as she develops from innocent youth to radicalized extremist. InterACT Theatre Company at the Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Tues.-Sun. through July 26. (818) 765-8732. interactla.org. SATURDAY, JULY 4 OLD-FASHIONED FAMILY BARN DANCE AND BARBECUE Celebrate the Fourth with a family hoe-down. There will be square dancing with special guest Evo Bluestein, live music horse shoes, barbecue, local products, food and crafts. Folk and country fun. Will Geer’s Theatricum
Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. $17 or family four-pack $40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com. SUNDAY, JULY 5 FREE FIRST SUNDAY Free admission to the Museum of Ventura County including its galleries and any special events. Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main St., Ventura. First Sunday of each month. (805) 653-0323. venturamuseum.org. THURSDAY, JULY 9 DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES ART WALK This self-guided, public art walk brings art lovers and community friends together in downtown Los Angeles.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 OFF THE KING’S ROAD With his wife’s passing and retirement, an American businessman takes a week’s respite in his favorite city, London. Upon checking into a small hotel, his stay unexpectedly turns into a voyage of self-discovery. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Weekends through Aug. 2. $25-$30. (323) 960-7712. plays411.com/kingsroad SUNDAY, JUNE 21 AS YOU LIKE IT Rosalind, daughter of a banished duke, is forced to flee the court and enter the Forest of Arden when her uncle, usurper of his brother’s estate, threatens to have her killed. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Performances vary through Sept. 26. $10-$40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com. WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION SHOWCASE Musicians and cowboy poets perform stories and songs of the romantic days of the Old West, contemporary music of the American West and songs of the open range and the American cowboy. The Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles. $6-$10. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org. THE ABBA SHOW This full-scale theatrical production features over two hours of live musical performances, a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $59. (805) 449-2787. civicartsplaza.com. TUESDAY, JUNE 23 WORLD RHYTHMS SERIES Celebrate the rich diversity of music from around the world. Bring a picnic. Lawn seating
32 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
SUNDAY, JUNE 28 THE FIXX The haunting guitar of Jamie West-Oram, expressive synth of Rupert Greenall, pounding bass of Dan K. Brown, steady beat of Adam Woods and unforgettable vocals of Cy Curnin add up to the undeniable sound that could only be The Fixx. Hits include “One Things Leads to Another,” “Red Skies,” “Saved By Zero” and “Stand or Fall.” The Canyon, 28912 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills. $20-$39. (818) 879-5016. canyonclub.net.
JULY WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS Los Angeles Horn Trio. First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St., Glendale. Free. (818) 242-2113. glendalenoonconcerts. blogspot.com.
JELLIES
They have no heart, brain, or eyes and have existed on our planet since before the time of the dinosaurs. Delve into the mysterious world of sea jellies through this new exhibition. Often referred to as “jellyfish,” sea jellies are actually invertebrates or animals without backbones. Some species of sea jellies can indicate if ocean water is clean while others indicate if it is polluted. They’re made up of 95 percent water and are delicate, but some jellies wield a potent sting. Explore the amazing life of these gelatinous animals and learn about their importance to our ocean planet through new exhibits, educational programs, a film and even art. Ever wondered what a jelly feels like? You can even safely touch them. The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Through April 30, 2016. $26-$29. (562) 590-3100. aquariumofpacific.org.
CALENDAR
June/July 2015 LA/Ventura 411 S. Main St., between Second and Ninth Streets, Los Angeles. Free. downtownartwalk.org. FRIDAY, JULY 10 BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS In this semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon, we meet 15-year-old Eugene Jerome during the heart of the Depression in 1937. He is witty, perceptive, obsessed with sex, and forever fantasizing his baseball-diamond triumphs as star pitcher for the New York Yankees. As our guide through his “memoirs,” Eugene takes us through a series of trenchant observations and insights that show his family meeting life’s challenges with pride, spirit and a marvelous sense of humor. Kentwood Players, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Weekends through Aug. 15. $20-$25. 310-645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org. SATURDAY, JULY 11
JAKE SHIMABUKURO In his young career, ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro has already redefined a heretofore under-the-radar instrument, been declared a musical hero by Rolling Stone. He is a ukulele virtuoso known for his complex finger work. His music combines elements of jazz, rock and pop. Shimabukuro’s music appeals to traditional fans of Hawaiian music, to jam band fans, and to today’s surf rock music scene. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. $38-$58. (888) 645-5006. sabantheatre.org. FAMILY JAM AT THE L.A. ZOO Enjoy an evening of family fun featuring live music, dancing, food trucks and up-close encounters with some of the zoo’s smaller residents. This is a rare opportunity for everyone to experience after-hours viewing of popular animal exhibits. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Griffith Park, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles. $16-$19. (323) 644-6042. lazoo.org.
GREEN GROW THE LILACS The courtship between a rancher and his gal is threatened by a menacing farmhand and turns violent, jeopardizing the young lovers’ future. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Through Sept. 26. $10-$40. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com. SUNDAY, JULY 12 SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT Pasadena Central Library, 285 E Walnut, Pasadena. Free. (626) 398-0658. TUESDAY, JULY 14 VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAMS Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Patio, Ventura Harbor Village, 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. (805) 658-0388. milanositalianrestaurant.com.
ExhibitioNs SOMEDAY IS NOW: THE ART OF CORITA KENT This is the first full-scale exhibition to survey the entire career of pioneering artist and designer Corita Kent (1918–1986). For more than three decades, Kent experimented in printmaking, producing a groundbreaking body of work that combines faith, activism, and teaching with messages of acceptance and hope. A Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she taught at the Art Department at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles from 1947 through 1968. At IHC, she developed her vibrant, pop-inspired prints from the 1960s, mining a variety of secular and religious sources and using the populist printmaking medium to pose philosophical questions about racism, war, poverty, and religion. Her work was widely recognized for its revolutionary impact and remains an iconic symbol of that period in American history. Pasadena Museum of Art, 490 East Union Street, Pasadena. Through Nov. 1. $5-$7. Wed.-Sun. (626) 568-3665. pmcaonline.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
CARS AND STRIPES FOREVER
This pre-Independence Day celebration features a classic car show, live bands performing on two stages and a grand fireworks finale at Fanfare Fountains. Gateway Plaza, Harbor Blvd. and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, Swinford St., San Pedro. Free. (310) 732-3508. lawaterfront.org.
A WORSE PLACE THAN HELL The Changing Face of Abraham Lincoln. This new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures coincides with the 150-year anniversary of the death of our celebrated 16th president. Pivotal moments of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency are shown via Stuart’s three dimensional sculptures amid historic photographs. This exhibit illustrates how Lincoln’s appearance changed from clean-shaven to bearded, from vigorous to careworn and exhausted. The carnage, grief and suffering, in addition to struggles in his personal life, weighed heavily on the president; a progression which Ojai-based sculptor George Stuart has so effectively captured in this series of Historical Figures. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Through Oct 11. $3-$4. (805) 653-0323. venturamuseum.org. Get the Word Out. E-mail your announcements to Claire Fadden, cfadden@lifeafter50.com. Include a brief description, location, date, time, cost, phone and website. Submission does not guarantee publication. Deadline for the July/ August calendar is June 1.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 33
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Rick Steves’ Travels By Rick Steves
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tretched out over two chairs atop the passenger deck of a ferry as it shuttles across Lake Como, I look south into the haze of Italy. I’m savoring the best of my favorite country with none of the chaos and intensity that are generally part of the Italian experience. Turning the other way, facing a crisp Alpine breeze, I marvel at the snow-capped Alps. Rather than the office buildings, banks and public clocks (which inundate nearby Swiss lake resorts, such as Lugano), the lanes that tumble down into this lake come with lazy cafes and hole-in-the-wall alimentari brimming with juicy red produce and crunchy greens. In Italy’s romantic Lakes District, wistful 19th century villas are seductively overgrown with old vines that seem to ache with stories to tell. Stunted palm trees seem held against their will in this northern location. Vistas are madeto-order for poets. In fact, it was the early nature lovers who wrote and painted here that put this region on the map in the 1800s. The handful of lakes in this region tempt visitors from all over the world. The millioneuro question is: Which lake to see? Tiny Orta has an offbeat, less-developed charm. Maggiore has garden islands, and Stresa offers a popular resort town. Garda is a hit with German windsurfers. But for the best mix of scenery, offbeat charm and aristocratic old-world romance, my choice is Lake Como. Just an hour north of Milan by convenient train, sleepy Lake Como is a good place to take a break from the obligatory turnstile culture of
1 LIFEAFTER50.COM NOvEMbER 2014
central Italy. It seems half the travelers you’ll meet have tossed their itineraries into the lake and are actually relaxing. Today the lake’s only serious industry is tourism. Thousands of lakeside residents travel daily to nearby Lugano, in Switzerland, to find work. The area’s isolation and flat economy have left it pretty much the way those 19th century romantics described and painted it. Bellagio is the lake’s leading resort. The selfproclaimed “Pearl of the Lake,” it is a combination of prim tidiness and yesteryear elegance. Arcades facing the lake are lined with shops. The heavy curtains, which hang between the arches keep the visitors cool. And, while the fancy ties and jewelry sell best at lake level, the locals shop up the hill. Lake Como is famous among Italians for its geographic shape — like a stick figure of a man with two legs striding out. Bellagio is located where the two legs come together (and the subject of funny and crude local rhymes you will undoubtedly hear at some point during a visit). For a delightful view, wander from the town right on out to the crotch. At Punta Spartivento – literally “the point that divides the wind” – where you’ll find just the right place for a picnic. The town of Varenna (a 10-minute hop on the ferry from Bellagio) is your best bet for a Lake Como home base. Varenna packs its 800 residents into a compact townscape where individual homes are defined only by their pastel colors.
Narrow stepped lanes climb almost invisibly from the harbor to the tiny road that parallels the lake along the top of town. With Varenna’s dwellings crowding the lake, the delightful passerella (boardwalk) arcs past private villas guarded by wrought iron and wisteria from the ferry dock to the tiny harbor. Two centuries ago, the harbor was busy with coopers expertly fitting their chestnut and oak into barrels, stoneworkers carving and shipping Varenna’s prized black marble, and characteristic wooden boats catching the lakes unique missoltino sardines – still proudly served by local chefs. Today, the harbor’s commerce is little more than the rental of paddle boats and a gelateria run by a guy named Eros. Other than watching the visitors wash ashore with the landing of each ferry, there’s wonderfully little to do in Varenna. At night, Varenna whispers luna di miele – honeymoon. A good place to enjoy that romance is on its passerella. Strolling this lane, passing under wisteria-draped villas and caryatids, lovers press silently against each other making you understand why the most important thing to bring to Varenna is the right travel partner.
Rick St eveS’ t Ravel
The romantic allure of Lake Como
Rick Steve writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and radio. You can e-mail him at rick@ricksteves. com and visit his website at www.ricksteves.com.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 35
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And Finally... The Bookworm’s Best A Life After 50 book review
by Terri “The Bookworm” Schlichenmeyer
Body Of Truth By Harriet Brown
Y
our summer clothes don’t fit this year. You’ll admit that you weren’t paying attention: too many holiday cookies, too little New Year’s resolving. The pounds just crept up and now you need to lose them before they multiply again. It’s for your health and well-being, right? Or maybe not. In the new book “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown, you’ll see that everything you thought you knew about weight might be a big fat lie. Some 25 years ago, on what she calls “a sticky summer evening,” Brown sat in a therapist’s chair, sobbing about her weight. Once, she’d been thin, but three pregnancies and a whole lot of living later, that was no longer the case; and she couldn’t take off the pounds. She was absolutely stunned when the therapist asked if she could learn to be okay with the body she had. She couldn’t even consider the possibility that having a few extra pounds wasn’t such a bad thing. Even the language we use for weight has changed in the past few years: what was once “chubby” or “husky” is now “obese” or “overweight,” words that carry a meaner stigma. As a society, we’ve gained weight, but our eating habits and our sedentary lives are not solely to blame. There are, says Brown, several reasons for weight gain, one of which is that dieting is generally detrimental. Statistically speaking, only five-percent of dieters keep the weight off, long-term; the other 95-percent of caloriecounters usually gain back any weight lost, and then some. We understand that yo-yo dieting is unhealthy, but we may not know that some researchers believe there’s no increased risk of death due to extra weight. Even so, says Brown, physicians sometimes admit to having “weight bias,” and treat (or don’t treat) patients accordingly. But our obsession with weight goes much deeper. Negative social pressure can affect our mental health, which suffers when we loathe our bodies. What’s worse is that our emphasis on weight adversely affects future generations: some pediatricians recommend that infants be put on diets and one study found three-year-old children who were unhappy with their bodies. Says Brown, “Something is definitely wrong with this picture.” This book offers some great food for thought. No pun intended, but that’s what you’ll find in “Body of Truth.” You’ll also find a good amount of controversy. For readers who struggle with their weight, there’s a certain feeling of freedom that comes with Brown’s urging for acceptance. It’s hard not to see that our attitudes about being overweight have gone overboard, and it’s equally hard to argue with the experts and research she cites. Definitely, this could cause weight-watching readers’ heads to spin – but Brown is quick to reassure the flummoxed: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach…” when it comes to weight or the loss thereof. Overall, I really enjoyed this book – in part, because it provides more balance in a world where new diets come out seemingly every day. If you’ve grown weary of that, then read “Body of Truth.” You have nothing to lose. “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown, 2015, DaCapo LifeLong, $25.99 The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer who lives on a hill with two dogs and more than 12,000 books. You can contact Terri at bookwormsez@yahoo.com and read more of her book reviews at www.lifeafter50.com. Just click on “Entertainment” and then “Book Reviews.”
A Look Back
Just A Thought Before We Go
F
ifty years ago this month, NASA launched Gemini IV, the 10th American manned spaceflight and the second in the agency’s Project Gemini program. Gemini IV saw astronauts James McDivitt and Edward H. White, II circle the Earth 66 times in four days. They did so in a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation-designed-and-built capsule that was a scaled-up version of the bell-shaped, blunt-ended spacecraft used in the Mercury program, which proved an astronaut could fly in orbit. What NASA had to determine with this mission was if a human could endure the weightlessness of an orbital freefall long enough to survive a journey to the moon and back. The highlight of the mission was the first spacewalk by an American, during which White floated outside the capsule for about 20 minutes. The flight was also the first to perform scientific experiments in space, including the use of a sextant to investigate the use of celestial navigation for lunar flight for the following Apollo program. Two years after the mission, on September 9, 1967, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Gemini IV as a part of their “Accomplishments in Space” commemorative issue.
38 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
“Dads are ordinary men turned, by love, into heroes, adventurers, storytellers and the singers of songs.” – Pam Brown
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Contents
June 2015
10
18
Cover Profile
26
28
Departments
10 Kenny Rogers
6 50-Plus: What You Need to Know
8 It’s The Law
Laying down his cards on family, fatherhood, plastic surgery and more.
Features 18 Life After 50 Looks At Men’s Health
Tips on managing health and keeping your sex life alive.
22 The Male View On Cosmetically Facing The Passage Of Time The most-requested procedures men seek from plastic surgeons.
26 The Look Of Life After 50 – Barry Livingston
Catching up with the actor who gave us Ernie on “My Three Sons.”
28 The Hallowed Hall Of Must-Knowtables * Marlon Brando Legendary notables that everyone, of every age, should know.
A quick look at things 50-plusers should be aware of.
Mitchell A. Karasov on doing what is right for dad.
31 Let’s Get Out
Looking to get out and about? Our June/July calendar has some great suggestions.
35 Rick Steves’ Travels
The romantic allure of Italy’s Lake Como.
38 And Finally…The Bookworm’s Best, A Look Back and Just A Thought Before We Go
A book suggestion, memory, and a little something to leave you with.
Cover photo by Jay Fletcher, courtesy Webster PR All material published within this issue of Life After 50 and on www.lifeafte50.com is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. No individual, advice, product or service is in any way endorsed by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. or provided as a substitute for the reader’s seeking of individualized professional advice or instruction. Readers should seek the advice of qualified professionals on any matter regarding an individual, advice, recommendations, services or products covered within this issue. All information and material is provided to readers with the understanding that it comes from various sources from which there is no warranty or responsibility by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. as to its or their legality, completeness or technical accuracy.
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Editor’s Note...
Hail, The New Late-Night Kingmakers
Publisher Valarie Anderson Editor-in-Chief David Laurell
A
s I put the finishing touches on this month’s issue, the landscape of late-night television has generationally shifted and the 2016 presidential race has officially begun. With the recent departure of David Letterman from the nighttime chat circuit, the four men who now preside over the shows that ring down the curtain on most Americans’ days are either from that early 1960s crossover period between the dwindling baby boom and the just-beginning generation X, or are solidly gen Xers. Ironically, the newest late-night deskoccupier, Stephen Colbert, who will take over for Letterman in September, is far from the youngest. Over a decade older than Jimmy Fallon of “The Tonight Show,” Colbert is four years older than Jimmy Kimmell and just a year younger than the man who now finds himself as the cliques’ senior member – 52-year-old Conan O’Brien. If you are not a late-night television watcher, you may not be aware of just how significant this latest change in the lineup is, and what a generational impact it will have on the 2016 presidential election. Since the advent of the late-night talk show, Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Dick Cavett and Jay Leno have laced their monologues with a humorous take on current events, providing more insight into what is going on in the world than any news outlet could ever achieve. With each quip and joke, the monologues of the men who hold the late-night reins have not just been a comical report on the pulse of Americans, they have also served as the heartbeat that fuels their political pulsations. From Kennedy to Obama, these late-night alumni have, arguably, done more than any entity, including the 10 men who have actually served as the leader of the free world, to affect the outcome of every presidential campaign and then shape the public perception of each president and his legacy. As for the next commander-in-chief who will serve as the bullseye for the latenight boys’ comedic slings and arrows, they may also be the final representative of a generation. As the term of our nation’s third baby boomer president winds down and the field of serious contenders to succeed him becomes more focused, the odds are better than good that the next White House resident will also be a boomer, but the last of that generation to hold the office. And so we’re off on the 2016 presidential campaign, which means the mainstream news outlets will present their neatly produced, properly sanitized and correctly packaged coverage, FOX and MSNBC will feverishly preach propaganda to their respective choirs, bazillionaires will pollute the airwaves with a bazillion reasons why we should not vote for one candidate while giving no reason to vote for the other, and the Internet will serve up a gooey meringue of outlandish claims and conspiracies. And, alas, all of that cash-fueled presenting, explaining, debating, cajoling, arm-twisting and fearmongering will be equivalent to the tapping of a finger on a fish bowl to get the gold-finned inhabitant’s attention. That is because, come Election Day 2016, there will have only been four men who will be most responsible for having shifted the direction (for all but the hopelessly lost partisan Dems and GOPers) as to who will be the next inhabitant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – the Jimmys, Stephen and Conan.
David Laurell, Editor-in-Chief
4 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Associate Editors Steve Stoliar Claire Yezbak Fadden Art Director Michael Kraxenberger Editorial Assistant Max Andrews VP Of Finance Michael T. Nagami Human Resources Andrea E. Baker Business Manager Linda Lam Billing Supervisor Kacie Cobian VP Of Operations David Comden
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A June Thought
“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.” – Bernard Williams
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June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 5
50
A Day For Dads – FINALLY!
W
hile many Americans think Washington lawmakers operate at a glacial pace today, the celebration of Father’s Day should be an annual reminder that the struggle to get things done in D.C. is nothing new. The woman behind the concept of Father’s Day was Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father raised six children singlehandedly after the death of his wife. She was behind the establishment of a day to honor fathers that originated in Spokane, Washington, on June 19, 1910 and, 14 years later, President Calvin Coolidge supported the concept of proclaiming a national day to honor fathers. It would take another 42 years for President Lyndon Johnson to sign a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as the celebration of Father’s Day, and another six years after that to see Father’s Day made an official observance by President Richard Nixon, who signed it into law in 1972.
Plus
What You Need To Know
By Claire Yezbak Fadden and Max Andrews
The Reflective Nine-Ender Zone
The Dad Delay Downside
re you 59, 69 or 79? If you are one of these ages or are soon to be, you may be inclined to deeper self-reflection than your peers. New research from New York University’s Stern School of Business Professor Adam Alter and the University of California at Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management Professor Hal Hershfield shows that when adults approach a new decade in age, they search for existential meaning and behave in ways that can be either constructive or destructive. Researchers conducted studies and examined data from nearly a million people to see how people changed their behavior as they approached a milestone birthday. They found that people who were entering a new decade in their lives are more likely to question whether their lives were meaningful. Those with ages ending in nine were also more likely to purchase pricey items, seek an extramarital affair or even choose to end their lives. The “nine-enders” also proved to be fitnessminded. The authors examined the ages of 500 first-time marathon runners randomly, and found 25-percent more “nine-enders” than runners whose ages ended in any other digit.
n the most comprehensive study to date of paternal age and its effects on the mental health of their offspring, researchers found that children born to middle-aged or older men are more likely to develop a range of mental difficulties. Compared with the children of young fathers, those born to older men had about twice the risk of developing psychosis, the signature symptom of schizophrenia; more than three times the likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of autism; and about 13 times the chance of having a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Children born to older fathers also tended to struggle more with academics, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. A reason for this is that sperm is constantly replicating. Each time sperm replicates, there is a chance for a mutation in the DNA to occur. As men age, they are also exposed to numerous environmental toxins shown to cause DNA mutations in sperm. “We were shocked by the findings,” lead researcher Brian D’Onofrio, an associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, said. “The specific associations with paternal age were much larger than in previous studies.” D’Onofrio, however, doesn’t want people to think that all, or even most, children of older fathers will have these problems. “We are not saying that all children born to older fathers will have psychiatric or educational problems,” D’Onofrio said. “Rather, the study found that advancing paternal age at childbearing is associated with greater risk for serious problems. As such, the study adds to a growing body of research that suggests families, doctors and society as a whole must consider both the pros and cons of delaying childbearing.”
A
Fifty Candles
F
ifty years ago this month, the second U.S. two-man flight, Gemini 4, was launched; the Kinks arrived in New York City beginning their first U.S. tour; President Lyndon Johnson authorized the first U.S. ground combat forces in Vietnam; a planned anti-war protest at the Pentagon turned into a five-hour teach-in, and the National Football League granted the Atlanta Falcons a franchise. Notable personalities born in June 1965 who are celebrating their 50th birthday this month include speed skater Dan Jansen, actor Kevin Farley, actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, guitarists Dado Villa-Lobos and Tripp Eisen, director Matthew Weiner, comic-book author Steve Niles and astronaut Shannon Walker.
6 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
I
A Little More You Need To Know
The Most Important Thing To Know This Month
Where You Need To Go
The Pasadena Chalk Festival
M
eet some 600 dedicated and talented chalk artists during Father’s Day weekend and be amazed at this unique art form. The Pasadena Chalk Festival offers an up-close opportunity to watch chalk murals come to life during the two-day festival on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. The free event places more than 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of madonnari (Italian for “street painters”) who spend the weekend creating spectacular murals on concrete areas throughout the Paseo Colorado shopping center stretching over three city blocks. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic, to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group, representing many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North America and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life. In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests can enjoy live music and children can get creative in the Kids’ Chalkland, where they can make Father’s Day cards. There will also be a Pasadena Police classic car show on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena’s historic downtown Civic Center. Plenty of convenient parking is available. For festival information call (626) 795-8891 or click on www.pasadenachalkfestival.com.
J
une is not just the month we honor our fathers, it is also Men’s Health Month, which was established to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, encourage healthy lifestyle habits, and promote early detection and treatment of disease among men. If you are a man over 50, this month is the perfect time to make sure you have had your annual prostate exam. More than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life, and over 50-percent of men in their 60s, and as many as 90-percent in their 70s or older, have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. If it has been over a year since your last exam, please remember that over 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and about 30,000 of them will die of this disease that, caught in its early stages, is highly treatable.
New Words
Y
ou might not find them in a dictionary yet, but they’re a part of the everyday American vocabulary. Here’s what they mean. Mantrum: A tantrum thrown by a man. Dongle: A small device that attaches to a computer, television or other electronic device in order to enable additional functions such as audio, video, games, data or other services, or as a security measure to enable the use of certain software. Wasband : A former husband from whom a woman is now divorced.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 7
It’s The Law Mitchell A. Karasov
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The desire to do what’s best for dad
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My dad is getting very frail and I live hundreds of miles away from him. There is no one in his community to look after him. I think it’s time he moved to an assisted care facility, but he wants to continue living at home. What if he falls or gets hurt in some way and I don’t know about it? How do you suggest I proceed, from a legal standpoint? I’m afraid he’s going to end up hating me if I push too hard.
Your concern for your dad’s welfare is valid if he is frail and no one lives close by to assist him. However, initially steering him towards an assisted living facility as his only choice when he wants to stay at home might result in his not trusting you and, in fact, being very angry with you. This would be unfortunate, because it sounds like your dad needs your help now and possibly in the future as a substitute decision-maker. The fact that you’re worried he might end up hating you if you push him tells me he may not be receptive to your suggestions. Not to stereotype, but many aging men were used to being in charge of their families, and so, adult kids are many times still thought of as children. What could help the process of assisting him is for you to know what your dad needs in the way of legal documents and his available care options. At a minimum, your dad should have an advance healthcare directive (aka: a durable power of attorney for healthcare) and a durable power of attorney for finance. Your dad would name who would make his healthcare and financial decisions. In addition, they would outline his wishes for how those decisions should be made. These documents could be effective immediately or upon his incapacity, whichever he chooses. Since you live out of town, it is particularly important that his healthcare providers have copies of the documents and your contact information. In addition, your father may benefit from the assistance of a lawyer to apply for some government long-term care programs. In many situations, seniors do not receive the benefits of these programs because they are confused about the eligibility requirements or do not seek advice. As far as your father’s residence options go, living at home may be a very viable option, even though he is frail and you live far away. I advise my long-distance-relative clients to hire a local geriatric care manager/coordinator to help with creating and implementing a care plan. With a care manager in place and a part-time caregiver, your dad might just do fine. Maybe adult day-care or even assisted living may be appropriate. However, this would be something that your dad, you, and the care manager could work out. Do not expect any overnight miracles, as it sometimes takes time to figure out what care-strategy works and what does not. It could be helpful to start out the discussion by letting him know of your genuine concern for his well-being and the challenges of your being so far away. Talk about finding a solution that works for both of you. Discuss the need for legal documents and the knowledge of community resources, so that he is not left at the mercy of strangers. Help him find the lawyer and the care manager. If your dad will not listen to you and/or the professionals, then you may need to bring family, friends or his doctor into the mix to facilitate this process. I wish you and your father the best of luck.
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Photo by Piper Ferguson
Cover Profile
Kenny
RogeRs Laying down his cards on family, fatherhood, plastic surgery and much more
Story by David Laurell * Photos courtesy Kenny Rogers and Webster PR 10 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
O
ver the past five-and-a-half decades, Kenny Rogers has established himself as one the world’s most enduring entertainers and recording artists. A Country Music Hall of Fame inductee who first gained recognition in 1967 as a member of The First Edition, he has hit the top of the charts with 24 Number One hits, sold more than 120 million albums, and performed to sell-out crowds in every corner of the world.
a dad returning to his Atlanta home from dropping off his 10-year-old twin sons, Justin and Jordan, at the school bus stop.
A hugely popular crossover artist who, along with his country music base, has also appealed to fans of pop music, Rogers has broken into Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Top 10 28 times – a feat that has only been accomplished by six artists and only three other men – Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond and Elton John. He is also the recipient of three Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and six Country Music Association Awards, including the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award. And yet, in spite of all of his achievements and continuing worldwide popularity, on the morning Life After 50 spent time with Rogers, he was simply
KR: That’s right. And as a father of two 10-year-olds, that scares the heck out of me. Our country was built on a system of checks and balances, but today, it seems to be nothing more than adversarial fighting. There was a time when, if Congress or the president thought something was over the line, they would work it out. That’s no longer true. Today, it’s just everyone beating each other over the head and there is no one who ever solves anything, because it’s just all about the fight. That has gotten real old and sickening, to me, and I think to most Americans. But as far as the future that my sons will inherit – we are still a great country with so many great things to offer. But if we don’t start becoming serious and careful, we won’t be. That’s what scares me. I know it’s nothing new to worry about the direction the country and the world is going in.
Kenny Rogers (KR): This is a pretty typical day for me, if I’m not working. I take the boys over to the bus stop and come home and handle a little business – a few phone calls. Then, after that, I just watch television all day [laughing]. It’s a tough life here. life After 50 (lA50): What are you watching these days? KR: I’m a news junkie, so I watch a lot of news. But to be honest with you, I don’t know why I do, because it’s all so depressing. lA50: it’s especially depressing for those with young kids or grandkids who will be inheriting a world with what seem like insurmountable challenges.
Rogers says his bucket list doesn’t consist of things he wants to do, but rather of things he wants to do with his 10-year-old twins, Jordan and Justin.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 11
hearts, the boys want to do the right thing, but sometimes they don’t even know what the right thing is, and I know there is so much negative pressure out there on them that can be so great. So you have to overcome that. But I just love being a father at this time in my life. The boys are playing hockey and have been taking ice skating lessons. To see how far they have come in such a short time is just phenomenal. At first, they couldn’t even get up on the ice. Then, once they got up, if they fell, they couldn’t get back up. Now they are zooming around and doing these intentional slides. It’s just amazing. lA50. What are the differences or similarities between raising kids today as opposed to when you had your older children? KR: My older boys are so very special to me. But when I look back, I realize I made mistakes. Sometimes, when you’re living in the fast lane and your career is taking off and you’re chasing success, it’s hard to distinguish between being driven and being selfish. I think, when I look back, I was selfish a lot during those years. I just went and went and went in pursuit of my work. So I think I am now a better father, because I have learned from those mistakes. I’ve learned to care a lot. My older boys paid the price for my mistakes, but I learned from that, and Justin and Jordan are benefitting from that, and, fortunately, I have gotten very close with my older sons and we have a wonderful relationship. They both live in Los Angeles and we exchange phone calls and gifts all the time. I’m so proud of them. Christopher is studying filmmaking and Kenny has studied filmmaking and so they are working on projects together. They are doing short films and casting up-and-coming actors so they will have work to show for auditions. Rogers says he is a better father to his young sons, Jordan and Justin, by having learned from the mistakes he made raising his older sons, Christopher, left, and Kenny Jr., right.
My parents had fears for the future when I was a kid. I remember them saying things were getting bad 65 years ago. I just sometimes wonder if we are overall better or worse than they thought we would be at this point in time. And then we have technology growing so fast. Hey, I’m just really getting to learn my computer for God’s sake [laughing]. I’ll get messed up with something and one of my boys will come in and say: “Let me show you something, dad,” and it’s like boom, and it’s there. But, of course I certainly do wonder about their future. The jobs that will be available for them when they are in their 20s don’t even exist today. That is how fast technology and our world is moving now. I spoke to a teacher at their school who told me one of the most important things they are teaching kids is how to learn. I think that’s a great thing, because with all this rapid change, that will just get faster and faster, being able to understand how to constantly learn new things is what it will take to make it in the future. lA50: forget about the challenges of the future, raising two 10-year-old boys has got to be a quite the challenge right now! KR: [Laughing] They say that having kids at my age either makes you or breaks you, and right now, I’m leaning pretty heavily towards the break. But seriously, I have had such a great life and it is so wonderful – such a sweet thing – to watch the boys grow and mature. I try to teach them some of the things my parents taught me and things Wanda’s [Roger’s fifth wife, Wanda Miller, whom he married in 1997] parents taught her. I know that in their
12 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
lA50: So with all you’ve learned, what sums up your parental advice?
KR: Well, I recently saw some actress on television – I can’t remember who it was – and she said: “I talk to my kids in a way they will listen, and I listen to my kids in a way that makes them want to talk.” I thought that was a great concept – some great advice. lA50: As we gear up to celebrate father’s Day, can you share some memories of your father? KR: My dad was an alcoholic, and because of that, he wasn’t much of a participating father. When I look back, I realize it was right after World War II and he didn’t have any great skills. He couldn’t get work and I think it just broke his heart and spirit that he was not able to take care of his family. But he did stay with us. He was with my mom for 50 years. He had a great sense of humor. I always say I got my sense of humor from him and my sense of values from my mom. She had us going to church three times a week when we were kids and I once asked her if she thought were going to church too much. I’ll never forget this. She said: “I’m going to tell you something I want you to remember for when you have kids: You can never be anything as an adult if the proper values have not been put into you as a child.” I thought that was a great piece of philosophy, and today, our boys go to church every Sunday and they love it. But back to my dad. Here’s what I’ve learned about fathers and sons: you either grow up wanting to be just like your dad or totally unlike him. Either way, you learn and grow from that. My dad hardly ever went to see me perform. In the whole time I was with The First Edition, he only came to two shows and
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Rogers in a recent performance with his former band members from The First Edition, Terry Williams, from left, Mary Arnold Miller and Mike Settle.
that kind of broke my heart. So I go to everything my sons do and I see how important it is to them that I am there.
I’m there and onstage, there is nowhere else I’d rather be. Today, my children and my music and my wife are my purpose in life.
lA50: You were in your late 30s when your dad died, so he saw all your success. Did things get better between you as you both grew older?
lA50: And when you are returning home from dropping the kids off at the bus, what are you listening to?
KR: When he was near the end of his life, every time I would go to see him, we had this little game. I’d give him cash. So it got to where when I showed up, he would ask me if this was going to be a $10 or a $20 visit. He was really a very funny guy. We had a much better relationship as we got older, because I came to understand that people are what they are and you’re not going to change them. Towards the end of his life, I think he became very disappointed in himself and the lost opportunities of his life – that he couldn’t rise above what he had become, which was an alcoholic. But he was never a mean drunk. He was always a funny drunk.
KR: I don’t listen to music that much. When I get in my car, I’ll turn to a news station and not a music station. I don’t really relate to today’s music. I don’t mean any offense by that because, take rap, I have listened to it, and I have an appreciation for it – the articulation and word schemes are phenomenal. It’s just not my thing. But I respect what any artist does. As for today’s country music. I love so many people – Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and Luke Wilson. Their music has gone very mainstream. Much more so than mine. I suffered from that, the charge – the accusation – that I took country music into the pop realm. But what I thought I did was attract a lot of people to country music who otherwise would have never listened to it. So I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong, if what I did was good or not. But what I do know is there is a lot more money and interest in country music today. The audience for country has grown tremendously and there are some really great talents out there today.
lA50: Do you have anything special that was his? KR: I do. I have his wallet with his driver’s license in it. It’s in my drawer and every once in a while, I’ll take it out and just hold it. He had his problems, but he was a good guy. lA50: So let’s talk about music. You are still out there performing. Do you enjoy it? KR: Music is what I am. Getting there – the travel – isn’t much fun, but once
14 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
lA50: Kenny, you have lived the majority of your life in the public eye, and, unlike so many high-profile people, you have, seemingly, always been extremely open and candid about your life. is that just you? KR: There’s two reasons for that. One, I found out a long time ago if you try to hide something, someone is eventually going to find out about it and make more
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June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 15
out of it than it is. And secondly, I have seen so many people in the public eye get bad press because they have done everything they can to set themselves up for that. Hey, if I’ve done something wrong, I’ll tell you. Everyone has done things wrong at times in their lives. I’m not proud of everything I’ve done, but I am very proud of some things I’ve accomplished. So whatever anyone has ever wanted to know about me, I just tell them. lA50: You have even been open about having plastic surgery, which is something many people won’t even cop to. KR: It’s nothing I’ve ever tried to hide. I’ve had a bunch of different types of plastic surgery done. I’ve had weight removal, my eyes done, a brow lift; and not all of it have I been happy with. But I am who I am, and I look like what I look like, and I’m okay with that. When I look back at photos of me before I had my eyes done, I can see they looked so much better before the surgery. But I can’t change what was done, so I’m fine “Today, my children and my music and my wife are my purpose in life,” says Rogers. with it. I have had good experiences with plastic surgery, and also some I’m not happy with. I would never either encourage or discourage anyone from with us. I have started a bucket list, but it’s not a conventional bucket list. It is having cosmetic surgery. I think everyone should strive to do whatever they can not necessarily things I want to do, but rather things I want to do with my boys. to look as good as they can – not to try to look like a teenager – but to look as lA50: raising two 10-year-old boys is quite a workout, but do you good as you can for your age. I think it heals the spirit to try to look as good also adhere to any sort of a fitness regimen? as you can at any age. What I would recommend is that anyone considering it to do their homework and only go to a qualified plastic surgeon. I would also KR: That would be a really good idea, but it’s not going to happen, because suggest doing things in stages instead of doing something extreme all at once. I am basically lazy [laughs]. Wanda has a trainer who comes to the house, But even then, you don’t know what may happen. In my case, I had one of the and when he is here, I’ll go down for about 15 minutes and do some stretches best surgeons in the world do my eyes and he did them too much. But you can’t and twists. I have knee problems and that limits what I can do. In fact, it is go back, so I just try to look at the bright side. I have no idea what I would look sometimes painful for me to simply walk. I am constantly apologizing to the like today had I not done it. So even though I may not be happy with my eyes, I boys for not being able to get out and run around with them. My shoulder is just go along thinking that I look better than I would have if I hadn’t done it. out of socket, so it’s hard to throw a ball, and I can’t run around, because of my knees. But it’s so cute. The boys will come in and say: “Dad, you can’t sit and lA50: You have a birthday coming up in a few months, so as you prepare watch TV all day. You’ve got to get up and get moving.” And I’ll tell them I can’t to hang another year on the line, any thoughts about the passage of time? run and they tell me to just give it a try. So I will. I’ll get out there and shuffle KR: My life has become so much better since I’ve gotten older. I can honestly around a bit. The last time I did that, Jordan said: “That’s great, dad! You were say my life after 50 has been far greater than my life before 50, and that is so much faster than I thought you would be!” So they are always encouraging because of my wife. Wanda and I got married when I was 53 and we’ve been me, which is so sweet. They are really wonderful boys. together for 23 years now. My life with her has been a wonderful gift. When I met her, I was at a point in my life that I had really – finally – learned to lA50: one last thing: you say that life after 50 has been the best time appreciate a person like her – a person who is so giving. And I am so glad it of your life. Do you have any advice for others on how to enjoy life as worked out for us. She is considerably younger than me – she is half my age. they get older? So when we first met, her mom and dad were not too happy about our being KR: Well, what do they say: Getting older is not for sissies [laughs.] I think life together. I knew that, and asked to meet with her parents. When we did, her after 50 is a good time of life, because you do get wiser about things. You allow mother told me she didn’t appreciate my relationship with her daughter and I less things to bother you. I remember George Burns would do a song, “I Wish said: “May I tell you something. If she were my daughter, I would feel the same I Was 18 Again.” George was 92 and he was opening for me. I once asked him way. But I promise you I will never lie to her, and never lie to you.” Since then, how he kept going and he said: “Stay booked!” His attitude was that you have her mom and I have become best friends. Her parents have seen I don’t drink, to have a reason and a purpose. He would look at his calendar and see that he I don’t smoke or do drugs. I think I am now representative of those values my had to be in Detroit or somewhere the following week. So he couldn’t die – he mom instilled in me when I was young. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done a lot had a show to do – a reason to live. That was his approach to getting older and of dumb and stupid things along the way. We all do. But when it came time to I really got that, to always have a purpose. commit to Wanda, I knew a good thing when I saw it, and it’s all been so good. lA50: What do you and Wanda enjoy doing? KR: Well, children change your life so dramatically. We used to go out and do stuff with friends – go out for dinner or travel. We don’t do that much anymore. However, I am planning a trip to Africa to do a safari, and the boys are going
16 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Kenny Rogers will bring his “Through The years World Tour” to Southern California on August 1 at Temecula’s Pechanga Casino and Resort. For more information and tickets, click on www.kennyrogers.com.
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Life After 50 on Men’s Health
Managing
Men’s HealtH
Managing health is the most important thing an aging man can do – for himself, and for those who love him Compiled by Maxine Andrews
T
his month, as we honor our fathers, it is the perfect time to remind the men in our lives that making a commitment to manage their health is one of the most important things they can do – for themselves and their family. This means adopting good lifestyle choices and scheduling regular medical examinations and health screenings. Doing these things will not only help safeguard a man’s present health, but will also help to improve the quality of life in the years to come. The following are common health issues and screening recommendations that men should discuss with their physician so that they can partner together to develop a personalized preventive plan for health and wellness.
Therefore, it’s essential for men (and women) to understand that there are many positive actions they can take to ensure a healthy heart. It’s important to: •
•
•
Heart HealtH The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other leading organizations list heart disease as the leading men’s health threat. However, many of the elements that can contribute to heart disease are within our control – simply by making good lifestyle and nutrition decisions. Awareness and lifestyle modifications are key in helping to improve and sustain heart health. 18 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
•
Know Your Numbers – As cholesterol in the blood increases, so does the risk for coronary heart disease. Therefore, the first step in preventing heart attack is to understand your cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels. Manage Chronic Conditions – If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. take Charge of Your Diet – Healthy eating habits can help you reduce three of the major risk factors for heart disease – abnormal lipid profile (e.g., high cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, low HDL), high blood pressure and excess body weight. Following a heart-healthy eating plan will help you achieve and maintain a healthy eating pattern. For more about heart-healthy dietary guidelines, click on the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org. exercise – Just as important to your heart as eating a healthy diet is using up more calories
(energy) than you consume each day. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which translates to about 45 minutes each day for five days. This is important because regular physical activity helps lower the risk of heart disease. •
Stop Smoking – If you smoke, quit! Smoking has been proven to contribute to atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty substances in the arteries). In fact, many studies have shown evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack.
•
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Find out what your ideal weight is based on your height and body structure, and make a commitment to achieving and maintaining that weight. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly are key factors in maintaining a healthy weight, all of which will translate to a healthier heart.
•
limit alcohol – If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
ProState HealtH As one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, affecting one in six men, prostate cancer is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. A complete prostate cancer screening includes both a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is performed with a basic blood draw, and a digital rectal exam (DRE). An abnormal PSA level or significant rise in PSA over time would necessitate further testing, which could include a prostate biopsy. There are numerous factors that can influence a PSA level, such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), urinary tract infections and prostatitis, and thus only 25-percent of prostate biopsies will reveal cancer. If the DRE test is abnormal, your physician may request a biopsy, or have you return months later for further testing to monitor if any changes have occurred. If diagnosed with prostate cancer, some men are eligible to participate in active surveillance, also known as “watchful waiting.” Active surveillance is a way of monitoring indolent or slow-growing prostate cancers. This approach relies on quarterly PSA testing and an annual biopsy to identify if there is cancer progression. It is important to understand that not all cancers are created equal. Some are aggressive, while others are slow-growing. Yet, depending on the individual’s ethnicity, family history, age and exposure to potential risks, screening and intervention may be necessary. It is recommended that you discuss this topic with your primary care physician or urologist to see when testing is most appropriate for you.
Low-dose CT screening is highly recommended for anyone aged 55 to 74 with at least a 30 packyear* smoking history. Individuals over the age of 50 with at least a 10 pack-year smoking history should also strongly consider low-dose CT screening. Pack-years refer to the number of years an individual smoked, multiplied by the number of packs smoked per day.
*
ColoreCtal HealtH Colorectal cancer is highly preventable with proper screening, the gold standard of which is colonoscopy. This is because colonoscopy not only provides the most comprehensive method for detecting cancer early when treatment is most successful, but also because it helps to prevent the onset of cancer by enabling physicians to remove polyps that could be found during the procedure. Although most polyps are benign, some can become cancerous over time. And because colorectal cancer symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is in advanced stages, regular screening is critical.
Research has shown the following risk factors contribute to colorectal cancer: •
age – More than 90-percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age for diagnosis is the mid 60s.
•
Colorectal Polyps – Most polyps are benign, but some can be cancerous. Consistently finding and removing polyps can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Oftentimes, polyps will develop into cancer.
•
Family History – Individuals who have close relatives with a history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves, and should speak with their physician about whether to begin colorectal cancer screening earlier.
•
Behavioral risk Factors – These include tobacco and alcohol, physical inactivity and obesity.
If you are over 50 and have not had a colonoscopy, or are due for your annual colonoscopy, speak with your physician.
luNg HealtH Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women, with approximately 160,000 individuals a year dying from this disease. In fact, lung cancer takes the lives of more people than cancers of the breast, prostate and colon combined. One of the best ways to protect your lung health is to refrain from smoking, and if you currently smoke, to stop. However, for individuals who have smoked for part of or the majority of their lives, lung cancer screening is highly recommended to detect any abnormality that may be cancerous as early as possible. A recent study has shown now that lung screening is truly a life-saving step. In October 2010, the National Cancer Institute released preliminary results of its National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which showed that lowdose CT scans reduced mortality from lung cancer by 20 percent in patients between the ages of 55 to 74, with greater than a 30 pack-year* smoking history. The study, which was conducted between 2002 and 2009, randomized 53,456 smokers or former smokers to screening by either a traditional chest X-ray or a low-radiation dose spiral CT scan, once a year for three consecutive years. The results demonstrated that the CT scanning technology found cancer more often than traditional a chest X-ray, saving the lives of many individuals. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 19
Special to Life After 50 by Dr. Dudley Danoff
Life After 50 on Men’s Health
Sex After 50 How To Have A Healthy Sex Life At Any Age
M
en worry about a lot of different things throughout their lives, but at some point or another, they all worry about sex. Men over 50 worry because they seem to have lost their libidos or they may fear that the effects of aging will interfere with their sex lives. Though the changes that come with age can affect a man’s sex drive and performance, this is no reason to despair.
Sex After 50
For men over 50 who are having concerns about their sex lives, the importance of attitude and mindset can’t be overlooked. More often than not, any sexual issues a man is having are one-percent between the legs and 99-percent between the ears. This, of course, is a figure of speech and not a real statistic, but it demonstrates the reality that most men have perfectly normal apparatuses. Whatever problem they have, or think they have, originates in their minds. Even so, medical conditions can affect one’s sexual ability, and with age, it becomes ever more important to take care of one’s health, see a doctor regularly, and never ignore symptoms of a larger problem. The good news is that even in cases in which sexual dysfunction complaints indicate real 20 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
medical problems, or when one of a number of physiological conditions is causing impotence, there is still hope. Physicians have made tremendous advances in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Today, sophisticated and relatively noninvasive tests can now determine the exact cause of the problem or, equally important, can rule out underlying medical causes. Once the problem has been identified, a growing number of effective treatments exist to help overcome any dysfunction. With the help of a doctor – and a positive outlook – men of any age can have a healthy and happy sex life. What follows are suggestions, based on years of urologic practice, on how to keep an active sex life in the face of conditions that are all too common for the aging American male. If you have had, or are currently experiencing, symptoms of any of these conditions, you should always consult your personal physician before making any lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, the average physician neglects to examine male genitals and often does not ask questions about his patient’s sex life, which could provide clues to physical disorders. If your doctor isn’t talking to you about sex and you’d like him or her to do so, use the information that follows to start the conversation.
Sex After DiAbeteS
Diabetes can cause severe damage to the blood vessels, as well as the nerves going to the genitals. Advanced diabetes can lead to damage of the peripheral nerves and can impair erections. A significant number of male diabetic patients experience a gradual decrease in the sensitivity of their genitals and a decline in the firmness of their erections, and some diabetics ultimately become incapable of normal sexual functioning. If the disease is diagnosed early and is managed with diet, oral medication, insulin injections, and regular exercise, diabetic men have a good chance of restoring strong sexual power – or never losing it at all. Follow your doctor’s advice for managing your diabetes and remember that sexual activity can be a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Experts recommend getting 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise at least five times a week, but that doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day. Making love is a great form of exercise for your whole body. Vigorous sex increases the volume of oxygen in your lungs, quickens your heart rate, and raises your effective circulating blood volume, all of which benefit your health.
If your diabetes has impaired your sexual functioning, it’s time to visit a urologist. There are treatments available and an urologist can explain your options and help you choose the right path.
Sex After A HeArt AttAck
Every heart patient should be advised according to his specific condition and consult with his cardiologist prior to vigorous activity of any kind, including sex. However, a pervasive and harmful myth needs to be dispelled: that having sex is damaging to the heart. In the past, men who survived heart attacks were often told not to have sex, not to exercise, and to retire from physically demanding work. We now know that within appropriate limits, exercise is good for heart patients, and sex is no different. It is a terrific form of exercise and is unsurpassed in lifting the spirit of a man who has suffered the trauma of a heart attack.
Two imporTanT caveaTs musT be noTed:
1. If you have a history of heart disease, you should not be overdoing anything, including sex. If you experience chest pain while having sex, stop immediately and see your cardiologist as soon as possible. 2. If you suffer from coronary artery disease and have occasional exertion-related chest pain (angina) and treat the pain with nitroglycerin, you should never take any of the oral medications for erectile dysfunction without a thorough evaluation by a competent urologist or other qualified physician.
Sex After ProStAte cAncer
When patients learn they have prostate cancer, they often fear that impotence will result. In almost all cases, this fear is totally unwarranted. Treatment depends on a number of factors, including physical condition and the type and stage of the cancer cells at the time of diagnosis. In many cases, the recommended treatment is a total nerve-sparing prostatectomy. This entails surgically removing the entire prostate gland, which is done by creating only a coin-sized incision. Because the prostate is a secondary sexual organ, it is possible to perform perfectly well without it. Today, approximately 80-percent of patients emerge from their recuperation with their full sexual functioning. The other 20-percent get help with the aid of oral erectile dysfunction drugs, injection therapy (prostaglandin-E1), or occasionally a penile prosthesis. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer has an extremely high success rate of restoring prostate health. If a prostate cancer has not extended beyond the prostate, prompt, early treatment offers a high percentage of disease-free survival.
Sex After DePreSSion
Depression can be a chronic, debilitating disease, and its effect on sexual desire and performance
can be long lasting. Such conditions are beyond the scope of a urologist. If you suffer from chronic depression, focusing on your sexuality alone is a mistake: See a psychiatrist. Today, medication, psychotherapy, or a combination, can effectively manage depression, and with ascent from the depths of depression comes a natural restoration of sexual functioning. Although depression is known to diminish sexual desire and responsiveness, this result is not inevitable. Every man is vulnerable to worries and fears at one time or another and to occasional situational depression, but if you have faith in yourself, develop a healthy method for dealing with your emotions, and learn how to take positive elements from every experience, you will climb out of depressions and can convert your worries into effective action. For those taking medication for depression, anxiety, or mental illness, you should know that some medicines for these conditions can cause diminished libido, retarded ejaculation, or erection problems. Do not, however, arbitrarily give up or alter any prescription medications you are taking. If you suspect that a prescription drug is negatively affecting your sex life, consult with your doctor. Reducing a dosage or stopping the use of a particular medication can cause a complicated and potentially life-threatening situation. Many forces, not just the medication, might be contributing to your inability to get an erection.
AttituDe iS tHe key to Longevity
While age can certainly bring new challenges and certain medical conditions can impact your sex life, you do not have to give up on sex as you age. Even if you’ve had a heart attack, prostate cancer, or other serious illness, your sexuality has not gone away. You may have to change your perspective or technique – you may need a little help from medication or other treatment – but if you keep a positive attitude you can keep enjoying sex for a long time. Of course, the conditions discussed above are not the only ones that can impact sexual functioning. Men with arthritis, for example, sometimes abstain from sex, because the pain in
their joints prevents them from moving around as vigorously as they would like. They are not only depriving themselves of some muchneeded and well-deserved joy, but they are also overlooking the significant ways in which sex can improve range of motion and relieve pain. Unfortunately, some physicians advise these patients to limit their sexual activity or even give it up entirely when illness strikes. A doctor might even tell a patient that he will never have “normal sexual relations” again. What terrible advice! If your doctor ever tells you to abstain from sex, get a second opinion. He or she may be misinformed or simply old fashioned. Age or illness might limit your sexuality, but they do not have to eliminate it. For most individuals, the solution involves learning new habits. You might take longer to achieve an erection, in which case you can learn to be more patient and your partner can learn new ways to stimulate you. If your illness makes it impossible to make love in the positions to which you are accustomed, practice new positions that do work. You might have to have sex less often or less vigorously, but you can learn to fully savor the slow and gentle sensuality that you used to hurry through. If you have intercourse less often, you might be able to enjoy oral sex or mutual masturbation more often. Such changes should be viewed as opportunities for new experiences, rather than reasons to give up one of life’s greatest pleasures. You can stay sexy as you age by maintaining good overall health habits: exercising regularly; minimizing your consumption of fat and cholesterol; controlling your weight; refraining from smoking, excessive drinking, and drugs; watching your blood pressure; and seeing your physician regularly. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude! Think of yourself as a singer whose voice is not as powerful as it once was, but who more than makes up for it with phrasing, feeling, and subtlety, or as an athlete or dancer whose legs are no longer as strong as oaks but who performs with added grace shaped by the wisdom of experience.
Dr. Dudley Danoff is the founder of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Tower Urology Medical Group, a prestigious group of surgeons who cover a full-range of urologic disciplines. Dr. Danoff’s extensive surgical experience and expertise, particularly in the treatment of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, has achieved worldwide recognition. He is the author of three books on men’s health, including the forthcoming “Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health,” a comprehensive, straightforward, and easyto-read guide. For more information, click on www.towerurology.om. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 21
Special to Life After 50 by Dr. Michael Sundine
The Male View
On Cosmetically Facing The Passage Of Time
With more men nipping and tucking than ever before, we look at five of the most-requested procedures they are seeking from plastic surgeons
I
nitially thought to be only for women, cosmetic plastic surgery has been gaining an increased acceptance by men. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons there were over a million cosmetic surgical procedures performed on male patients in 2014, representing about 10-percent of total cosmetic procedures. If a 10-percent growth doesn’t sound like much, consider this: plastic surgery procedures in men have increased by 273-percent since 1997, with the most common procedures performed, in descending order, being liposuction, nasal surgery, eyelid surgery, male breast reduction and facelift. While both sexes are interested in improving their appearance, their motivation for cosmetic surgery seems to be different. Women are much more attuned to the changes in their appearance as they age. They are motivated by special events in their lives such as graduations, anniversaries and their children’s weddings. Men, on the other hand, are typically motivated by trying to maintain a youthful appearance to remain competitive in the workplace – especially in fields such as sales and the computer industry where there is a bias for younger workers.
LIPOSUCTION Liposuction has long been one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. Ideal candidates for liposuction are patients with localized excess fatty tissue. Typical areas for treatments in males are the abdomen and flank areas (the so-called “love handles”). Ideal candidates for liposuction should be near their ideal body weight and have stubborn fat collections that do not go away with diet and exercise. 22 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Liposuction should not be thought of as an alternative to weight loss. It is important to note that males carry much of their fat inside of the abdominal wall and this fat cannot be removed using liposuction. Liposuction is more effective for obtaining an optimal body contour compared to the non-invasive technologies such as freezing fat. To perform liposuction, small incisions are made to provide access to the fat under the skin. Fluid containing dilute numbing medicine and adrenaline is infiltrated into the subcutaneous fat, which helps to reduce blood loss and allows for the removal of more fat. This also provides for some pain relief immediately following the procedure. Although liposuction can be performed using local anesthesia with some sedation, it should be noted that males typically do much better having a general anesthetic. Following the procedure, patients are asked to wear a compression garment for about three weeks. Patients can typically resume full activities at this time. There is little downtime from the procedure and most patients can return to work in three to seven days, depending on what type of work they do.
RHINOPLASTY Rhinoplasty, or nasal shaping, is a very common procedure in males. With men, this procedure is usually directed to treatment of a dorsal hump or significant deviation of the nose. Subtlety is very important in male rhinoplasty. Male aesthetics demand a somewhat broader nose with a straight dorsum. A turned-up refined tip is never consistent with the structure of the male nose. A rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about two hours to perform. It may be performed using incisions only inside the nose
or may be combined with an incision across the columella. If osteotomies (the breaking of the nose) is required, the patient will develop black eyes that resolve within seven to ten days postoperatively. Patients can resume full activities around three weeks postoperatively.
EYELID SURGERY Eyelid surgery is certainly one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in males, with approximately 27,800 procedures performed in 2014. Eyelid surgery is most appropriately divided into upper eyelid/eyebrow surgery and lower eyelid surgery. Surgery on the upper eyelids has been traditionally thought of as removal of excess skin and possibly fat from the upper eyelid area. Patients have been told that removal of this tissue will improve their appearance and also improve their vision. This thinking has been reinforced by the fact that many insurance companies will cover upper eyelid blepharoplasty if there is a visual field defect (the overhanging skin blocks vision usually in the upper outer quadrant). The fact is, in the majority of patients, the performance of an isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty paradoxically worsens their appearance. With the removal of the upper eyelid skin, the frontalis muscle (the muscle of the forehead that runs up and down and elevates the eyebrows and creates the midforehead creases) actually relaxes giving the patient lower eyebrows, exaggerated frown lines and the appearance of annoyance or anger along with the return of the “extra” upper eyelid skin, which appears as prominent as before the upper eyelid surgery. Thus
it is imperative that the eyebrow position be considered prior to any upper eyelid surgery. It is very important to consider the aesthetics of the male eyebrow. The male eyebrow is lower than the female eyebrow and does not have an arched appearance. The male upper eyelid is fuller and there is little pretarsal skin seen (the skin from the level of the eyelashes to the crease). A conservative brow lift is the proper treatment for sagging of the brow. There are many different approaches that can be utilized depending on hairline considerations in males. The brow lift may completely improve the appearance of the upper eyelids or may be combined with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Treatment of the lower eyelid skin bags is somewhat less complicated than the upper eyelid area. In younger patients with good skin tone, some excess fat can be removed without a skin incision by making an incision on the inside of the eyelid. In patients with more lax skin, an incision can be made just below the eyelashes to remove some of the herniated fat along with a conservative removal of skin. It is important to support the lower eyelid in many patients to prevent drooping of the lower eyelid. Fat removal must be conservative to prevent a vacant, hollowed appearance to the eyelids.
MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Treatment of benign excess breast development (gynecomastia) in males is another very common procedure. There are many reasons that breast tissue develops in men and, because of that, it is important that a full endocrine workup be performed prior to any surgery. Drugs such as cimetidine, spironolactone and marijuana can cause gynecomastia as well as the use of anabolic steroids. The surgical treatment of gynecomastia generally involves a combination of surgical excision of the glandular portion through an incision around the areola and liposuction. In some cases, where the breast is very fatty, liposuction alone can be effective for treatment.
FACELIFTS
Traditionally thought to be only for female patients, face and neck lifting have become more common for males. The changes seen in the aging face include a descent of the soft tissue off of the cheek bones, a loss of volume in the cheeks and the temples, deepening of the nasolabial crease (the crease between the wings of the nose and the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the crease running downward from the corners of the mouth), jowls, and banding in the central neck. These changes can
only be resolved with a facelift and the lifting of the neck with the possible addition of some fat grafting for volume. When it comes to a facelift, it is essential that the surgeon take an individualized approach to each patient’s needs. Paradoxically, many surgeons simply perform the same operation on every patient. As with a brow lift, the hairline and hair growth patterns need to be carefully considered in males to minimize any potential hairline distortion. In many cases this means that the incisions will be at the hairline. Essentially invisible scars can be obtained with hairline incisions if the incisions are precisely aligned with the hair follicles, and the skin is redraped, tailored, and sutured under no tension. The use of what plastic surgeons call a highsuperficial musculoaponeurotic system, or the high-SMAS technique, is critical to produce quality results. The SMAS is a fibrous layer in the face that is deep in the skin but above the muscles. By freeing this layer up, it allows the surgeon to reposition the facial fat, move the jowls into the cheeks, and flatten the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The use of the SMAS also takes tension off the skin closure so that the scars are a fine line.
MEET DR. MICHAEL SUNDINE
Dr. Michael Sundine, a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, has offices in Irvine and Beverly Hills, California. He has a specialized practice focused on facial aesthetic surgery with special interests in face and neck lifting, brow lifting, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). With a keen sense of facial aesthetics and safe patient outcome at the core of his practice, Dr. Sundine’s extensive training and experience allow him to optimize patient results while meeting their individual goals and sense of beauty and balance. Dr. Sundine has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications including four recent publications on facelifts. He is the co-editor and author of the book “Aesthetic Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck” to be released in September 2015 by Thieme Publishers of New York. For more information and to contact Dr. Sundine, call (949) 706-3100 or click on www.drsundine.com. June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 23
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emember when you could invest your money in a CD at 5%? Those were the days weren’t they? Excellent yields on your money and great security knowing it was safe. Nothing is quite like a CD but today interest rates are hovering at 1%. At those levels you aren’t even keeping up with inflation! As readers of my column know, bonds no longer offer a safe alternative. So where can you go for high yields while still protecting your money? Secured Yields For the last four years my clients have earned 7% or more by investing in what I call Double Secured First Trust Deeds. It’s a simple and secure opportunity to earn great income on your CD money. If you have been sitting on the sidelines unsure of how SAFE these assets really are you have missed out on great interest rates for three years. No client of ours has lost a cent of principal and every client has earned 7% or more. There is no reason to expect any change in the security of trust deeds for many years to come. Double Secured The Trust Deed is really just a mortgage. It is secured first by real estate worth almost twice the amount of money you loan confirmed with a current appraisal. Everyone understands mortgages and in this case you get to be the bank but with a higher return for yourself. There is also a Performance Protection Plan which provides for an independent fund or investor to also back up your interest and principal payment. Space doesn’t allow for a full explanation but request a free copy of my book The Seven Percent Solution for more details. Bottom line you have safety, control and a yield which should exceed 7%. All investments have risks, and a short article does not provide enough space to consider them all. However I have found that once my clients consider any risks compared to the potential yield they have been more than comfortable agreeing with my opinion that this is currently the best alternative for CD money (or bond money) available. In fact if you currently have any significant money in CDs or bonds I cannot stress how strongly I feel that you should inquire about alternatives to both immediately. Bonds are the next bubble which will burst and the risks are higher than most realize. I’ll address this in an upcoming article. More Information We have provided several options to obtain additional information. First, any reader of Life After 50 is able to receive a free electronic copy of my book, The Seven Percent Solution by calling or emailing our office. You can also order a physical copy of the book on Amazon.com. We also offer a complimentary income review of your current investments to confirm the amount of interest you could expect to receive. Call the office to schedule this free review. I strongly encourage you to educate yourself on this excellent fixed income investment option and see why You can earn 7% or more on your safe money. By William Jordan, financial advisor William Jordan is a nationally recognized wealth manager and well known speaker on financial and investment topics. For a free copy of William’s Seven Percent Solution, contact his office at (949) 916-8000 or online at www.WJIca.com. Past performance does not guarantee future results. William Jordan Investments is a Registered Investment Advisor with the state of California.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 25
Barry Livingston
The actor best-known for his memorable role as the youngest son in the 1960’s television series “My Three Sons,” shares his thoughts on the show, his real-life father, parenting and much more By David Laurell
A
ctor Barry Livingston’s memorable character, Ernie Douglas, was parented by one of the most popular television pops in pop culture history – aeronautical engineer Steven Douglas – who was played by Fred MacMurray in the early 1960s sitcom “My Three Sons.” Today, 50 years after the last episode of “My Three Sons” was shot, Livingston is still a regular fixture on both television and the big screen. A resident of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, he and his wife, Karen, who works as a physical therapist, are the parents of two children in their 20s who have hopes of establishing their own careers in show business.
THE SETBACK THAT LED TO SUCCESS Cast in his first role when he was just four-years old, Livingston got an early taste of just how brutal it can be to find success in Hollywood. “My first role was in ‘Rally ‘Round the Flag Boys,’ that starred Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward,” says Livingston. “I was cast as one of Newman’s character’s children and when I got the job, I wasn’t wearing glasses. But then, during that shoot, I began to have problems with my eyes, and the director, Leo McCarey, who had directed the Marx Brothers in ‘Duck Soup,’ was constantly yelling at me for messing up scenes, which I was doing because I couldn’t see. To make a long story short, I ended up getting fired, because they didn’t want a kid wearing glasses.” Ironically, Livingston’s need of glasses gave him a look that made him stand out from what most casting directors of the time were seeing. “I was wearing these big, horn-rimmed glasses that rounded out the nerd look,” Livingston laughs. “I had these buck teeth and a Moe Howard bowl haircut and then the glasses were the cherry on top that created what was the early prototype for what has become the ‘nerd look.’ That was a new thing back then. Most of the kids you saw on television in the 1950s and ‘60s were these adorable, blonde, blue-eyed, Aryan children and I was kind of a ragamuffin. But that actually played to my favor.”
26 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
By late 1963, the then-nine-year-old Livingston was a screen veteran and his brother, Stan, was finishing his third season in the role of Chip Douglas on “My Three Sons.” “I had done a recurring role on the show and when Tim Considine [who played the eldest brother, Mike] left the show, they needed another son. I was already an established child actor and they knew me, so it was an easy and smooth transition.”
“MY THREE SONS” MEMORIES While the scenes between MacMurray’s character and his television sons provided Americans with a glimpse of an idyllic family life, Livingston says that behind-the-scenes, his relationship with his television dad was just professional. “We had a great cast and we all got along, but I had no relationship with Fred off the set,” Livingston reveals. “Doing the show was like living in an alternate universe. The real world I was living was so different. It was a time of rock ‘n’ roll and drugs and the pill, which was quite different than the idealized version of what the producers were putting on screen and the world that Fred knew and lived in.”
LIFE AFTER ERNIE After “My Three Sons” came to an end in 1972, Livingston, wanting to continue his career, took the advice of his father. “My dad encouraged me to really learn the craft of acting and not rely on celebrity or the momentum of any show,” says Livingston. “That was good advice. I’ve seen so many child actors get work because they were cute, but then, as they got older, it became hard for them to transition into adult roles and keep their careers going. I wanted to continue to work, so I studied acting and went to New York and appeared on Broadway.” After working in theater in New York, Livingston continued doing other stage productions and guest roles on numerous television series from the 1970s to the present. He has also been a constant presence on the big screen, appearing in such films as “Dickie Roberts,” “First Daughter,” “Zodiac,” “You Don’t
Mess With The Zohan,” “The Social Network” and “Jersey Boys.” Today, when not working, Livingston, who will turn 62 this year, says he enjoys writing scripts and songs, occasionally doing musical gigs, and working on home improvement projects with his wife of 32 years. He has also penned an autobiography, “The Importance of Being Ernie” (2011, Citadel Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing), which he says, provided him with a positive perspective on his accomplishments. “I think when you put down your life story in any sort of a cohesive and sequential way, you learn things about yourself,” says Livingston. “For me, I learned that I stayed the course with a perseverance and a doggedness and stubbornness to believe in myself and the things I have wanted to do. I think I can pat myself on the back for sticking with something I thought I was good at and saw it through.” Livingston says he believes that dogged commitment to being successful in his career came from his father having not realized his potential. “My dad was a near genius who spoke numerous languages and went to New York University when he was just 16,” says Livingston. “But he was frustrated and never fulfilled his ambitions. I have melancholy and bittersweet memories of my dad as a wonderful, patient, generous and giving human being. But I always felt bad that he was never able to use his exceptional gifts to find real success and accomplishment in life. He owned a home supply business, but he was capable of so much more. He never applied his gifts or followed through on so many things he began that had a real potential to be successful. That was a life lesson I took from him. I always said that whatever I started, I would finish – good or bad.”
KEEPING CURIOUS AND CREATIVE Queried on his thoughts about getting older, Livingston says he is approaching this stage of his life in the same way he has done most of his life: guided by the inspiration of his Uncle Bernard, whom he lived with while working in New York. “He was always a very inquisitive guy – curious about everything,” Livingston recalls. “He had a few books published and continued to write well into his 90s. He was never rich, but what made him happy was always being invested creatively and by making each day one that provided him with a mission to investigate and learn something new. He was a great role model. So that’s how I have lived my life, and continue to live my life, keeping busy and active and creative. I am much happier when I wake up with an agenda for the day, and if that agenda includes something new and creative, I feel great at the end of the day. I think that’s the answer: to always try to do things that make you feel good at the end of each day. To see things through and do something productive and enjoyable and creative.” For more information on Barry Livingston’s book, “The Importance of Being Ernie,” click on www.theimportanceofbeingernie.com.
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*Offer is valid on select homesites where purchase agreements are accepted by Del Webb between 5/1/2015 and 5/31/2015 at Sun City Shadow Hills only and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. Backyard landscape package is for backyard only, is a design, type and grade selected by Del Webb, and Del Webb reserves the right to substitute the design, type, and/or grade offered at any time without notice. This offer may affect the amount of loan for which a buyer may be eligible, check with your lender for details. Some conditions, limitations, and restrictions apply. Backyard landscaping offer available through participation in the Preferred Buyer Rewards Program which includes financing through Pulte Mortgage LLC. Buyers participating in the Preferred Buyer Rewards Program receive a credit at closing of up to $9,967 for credit toward payment of backyard landscaping. Any unused incentive amount is the property of Del Webb, and may not be applied to purchase price. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent. All loans are subject to underwriting and loan qualifications of the lender. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Pulte Mortgage LLC is an Equal Opportunity Lender Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS Entity Identifier 1791. www.pultemortgage.com (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Residency requirements at this community require that at least one resident of household must be 55 years of age or older and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. Homeowner association fees required. Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or option and are subject to change without notice. Community association fees are required at this community. Additional information regarding these fees can be found in the DRE public report or a separate fact sheet on facilities available at the sales office. Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood or any completed improvements being offered. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required other than California or if void by law. Offers and availability subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Homes subject to prior sale. See a Del Webb sales associate for details. © 2015 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic.#00876003) 4/29/2015.
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The Hallowed Hall of Must-Knowtables By David Laurell Illustration by Mark Hammermeister
Marlon Brando Revered as one of the greatest actors of all time, Marlon Brando brought an unprecedented realism to the craft. A cultural icon for the roles he played, most notably, Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather,” he was also a passionate civil rights activist and one of the most eccentric and enigmatic personalities the world has ever known.
B
orn on April 3, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, the third child and first son of a pesticide salesman and his wife, a frustrated actress with a severe drinking problem, Marlon “Bud” Brando was gifted with a precocious ability to mimic the voices and mannerisms of childhood friends and adults. A rebellious and wily child who did poorly in school, Brando was sent to a military academy. After becoming interested in the dramatic arts, he dropped out of school and moved to New York to pursue an acting career like his older sister, Jocelyn, who was appearing in small roles on Broadway, in films and on television. Brando began studying with the legendary drama coach Stella Adler, from whom he learned the techniques of the Stanislavski System, which teaches an actor to explore his feelings and past experiences to fully realize the character being portrayed. After appearing in a few summer stock performances, Brando’s Broadway debut came in a 1944 production of “I Remember Mama,” followed, over the next three years, by critically acclaimed performances in “Truckline Café,” “A Flag is Born,” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Following his successful run in “Streetcar,” Hollywood beckoned and Brando made his screen debut as a paraplegic veteran in the 1950 film, “The Men.” The
following year, he reprised the role of Stanley Kowalski in the screen adaption of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The 1950s saw Brando achieve film stardom in a string of films including “Julius Caesar,” “The Wild One,” “Viva Zapata,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “On The Waterfront,” for which he won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of a failed boxer and longshoreman. During the 1960s, Brando’s career faltered, especially after starring in MGM’s disastrous 1962 remake of “Mutiny on the Bounty.” While that picture proved to be a failure, the filming of it profoundly changed Brando’s life. He became passionalty enamored with Tahiti, where the film was shot, and bought Tetiaroa, a 12-island Tahitian atoll. Making Tetiaroa his home, Brando hired an awardwinning architect to build a compound that included an environmental laboratory and animal sanctuary that welcomed environmentalists and students from around the world. Along with his passion for Tahiti, the 1960s also saw Brando embrace the civil rights movement, where he became an active participant in the work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By the early 1970s, Brando had reportedly turned down numerous highly coveted roles and had not appeared in a commercially successful film in over a
This feature is intended for you to clip and give to your children or grandchildren because…they must-know! 28 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
decade. That, along with his vocal abhorrence of the film industry and disparaging comments about acting, which he always considered to be, at best “a craft” and, at worst “a bum’s life,” tagged him as box-office poison. That changed when, despite Paramount Pictures’ wishes, director Francis Ford Coppola demanded Brando play Mafia Don, Vito Corleone, in the 1972 film adaptation of Mario Puzo’s bestselling book, “The Godfather.” Brando won the role, the applause of critics who considered it to be his greatest screen achievement, and his second Oscar for Best Actor. While Brando won the Academy Award for “The Godfather,” he didn’t accept it. On the night of the ceremony, Brando sent an Apache Indian named Sacheen Littlefeather (who was later revealed to be an actress portraying an American Indian) to decline the award on his behalf, in protest of Hollywood’s negative portrayal of American Indians. The refusal of the award gained even greater notice due to a coinciding standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota that saw rising tensions between the government and American Indian activists. Although his refusal of the Oscar again put him on the outs with the Hollywood hierarchy, in the wake of “The Godfather,” Brando’s career was at an all-time high. The following year he turned in another Oscarnominated performance in the highly acclaimed and sexually controversial X-rated “Last Tango in Paris.” Throughout the remainder of the 1970s, Brando seemed unengaged in acting as he accepted huge paydays for limited work in glorified cameos, such as Jor-El in 1978’s “Superman” and Colonel Kurtz in 1979’s “Apocalypse Now,” for which he was paid $3 million for a few weeks’ work. Although he was once again nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in 1989’s “A Dry White Season,” the latter part of Brando’s career saw him take roles in largely forgettable films including “The Freshman” with Matthew Broderick, in which he parodied his role of Vito Corleone, “Don Juan DeMarco” with Johnny Depp, “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” and “The Score.” While Brando’s career had its ups and downs, his personal life always seemed to be embroiled in turmoil. With wild sexual conquests that have become the stuff of Hollywood legend, three tumultuous marriages, a never-confirmed number of well over a dozen children, health issues, and a food obsession that saw him balloon to over 350 pounds, Brando became increasingly more eccentric and reclusive. Although he always seemed to weather the storms of his life, two events left Brando deeply shattered: In 1991, his son, Christian,
was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for killing his sister Cheyenne’s fiancé. Christian, who claimed the then-pregnant Cheyenne was being abused by her fiancé and accidently killed him when a gun went off during a heated argument, received a 10-year prison sentence. Three years after the shooting, the 25-yearold Cheyenne, who had been in and out of drug rehabilitation centers and mental hospitals for much of her life, committed suicide. In spite of Brando’s travails, which included suffering from diabetes, he did pen an autobiography, “Songs My Mother Taught Me” (Modern Library, 1994), and continue to work on various projects until a week before he died of respiratory failure from pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure at the UCLA Medical Center on July 1, 2004. Brando was cremated and his ashes were comingled with those of two childhood friends – actors Wally Cox and Sam Gilman. They were then scattered, partly in Tahiti and partly in Death Valley, California.
LEARN MORE • Along with Brando’s autobiography, there have been numerous biographies written about the legendary actor, most of which are highly sensationalized. The most comprehensive of them is Peter Manso’s 2,000-page tome, “Brando The Biography” (2004, Hyperion).
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Let’s Get OUt
San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire
A Preview of Upcoming Events for July/August By Claire Yezbak Fadden
July/August 2015
eNteRtAINMeNt MONDAY, JUNE 15 RICH GIRL Claudine’s mother has it all: she’s wealthy, successful, and famous. Claudine is awkward, shy and forever living in her mother’s shadow. When a dashing artist sweeps Claudine off her feet, her mother is convinced that all he’s after is her money. The Old Globe Theatre, Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29-plus. Through June 21. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org. COME FROM AWAY What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleepover when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland’s air strip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD Campus, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla. Prices vary. Through June 28. $25. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
It began as one man’s story and became everyone’s music. Motown shattered barriers, shaped lives and made everyone move to the same beat. This musical shares the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul. Gordy launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, the Temptations and other recording artists. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Through June 28. $29-plus. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’: THE MUSIC OF HARRY NILSSON Described as “the most famously anonymous composer and performer of our time,” Harry Nilsson, was a two-time Grammy Award winner and legendary hell-raiser best known for “Everybody’s Talkin’ at Me,” “Can’t Live, If Living is Without You,” “One is the Loneliest Number” and “You Put the Lime in the Coconut.” The world premiere production features Gregory Jbara and Alice Ripley. San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Space, Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego. Dates vary through June 21. $31-$75. (619) 544-1000. sdrep.org. SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR This year’s theme, “A Fair to Remember,” commemorates the centennial anniversary
of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park, and the great traditions and inventions arising from fairs. Did you know the bicycle, telephone, ice cream cone, Ferris Wheel, and air conditioning were all introduced at a World’s Fair? Favorite rides, food, exhibits, contests and entertainment. Del Mar Fairgrounds, I-5 at Via de la Valle, Del Mar. Through July 5. Closed Mondays. $8-$15. (858) 755-1161. sdfair.com/fair. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 CABARET The scene is the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy night club in Berlin, as the 1920s draw to a close. Cliff, a young American writer, meets Ernst, a German who puts his briefcase among Cliff’s luggage at the German border. Cabaret reminds us of the insidious reign of the Nazi regime and the lengths that the characters go to in order to “leave their troubles at the door.” Welk Resorts Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr., Escondido. Dates vary through July 26. $45-$75. (888) 802-7469. welktheatre.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 18 ARMS AND THE MAN The beautiful Raina Petkoff is about to marry the heroic soldier Sergius. But the battlefield
sweeps into her boudoir when an enemy soldier takes refuge under her bed. Soon she will have to decide between her romantic ideals and the surprising sensations of new love. This charming play mixes smarts and silliness in a wonderfully entertaining tale of love and war. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29-plus. Through June 14. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 19 ZORRO Follow the amazing exploits of Don Diego de la Vega as he assumes the mysterious identity of the cunning fox crusading for true justice in the days of Spanish California. Suspenseful swordfights combine with romance and comedy for a rousing musical adventure signed with the “Z” of Zorro. LifeHouse Theater, 1135 N. Church St., Redlands. Weekends through June 28. $14-$18. (909) 335-3037 ext. 21. lifehousetheater.com. HAWAIIAN LUAU Dinner party. San Dimas Community Center, 245 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas. $7. (909) 394-6290.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 WEST SIDE STORY Enjoy this enduring classic famous for songs like “Somewhere,” Tonight” and “Maria.” Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $52-plus. Through July 26. (619) 437-6000. lambsplayers.org. COUNTRY LIVE! Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. $15. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org. SUNDAY, JUNE 21 TWELFTH NIGHT Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as a boy and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy on every side. The Old Globe, Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (outdoors), 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29-plus. Through July 26. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org. CHAMPAGNE JAZZ Featuring Spyro Gyra, also Acoustic Alchemy. Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California
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CALeNDAR Rd., Temecula. $65. (951) 699-0099. thorntonwine.com/champagne-jazz-series. MONDAY, JUNE 22 HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN Called the greatest songwriter who has ever lived by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin is known for innumerable American classics such as “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Anything You Can Do” and “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.” Laguna Playhouse, Moulton Theatre Main Stage, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. Through June 30. Prices vary. (949) 4972787. lagunaplayhouse.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 25 JAZZ AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. $15. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL Experience the creative wonders of nearly 200 Laguna Beach artists in an enchanting outdoor canyon paradise adorned with waterfalls, eucalyptus trees and the best hand crafted art in California. Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Through Aug. 30. $8-plus. (949) 4943030. sawdustartfestival.org.
July/August 2015 San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire SATURDAY, JUNE 27 COMEDY AT THE MERC PseudoRandomNoise offers their unique style of audience-participatory improvised comedy where you play too by helping to write, direct and even star onstage with some of the region’s most talented comedic actors. Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. $12. (866) 6538696. temeculatheater.org. SUNDAY, JUNE 28 SMASH MOUTH Also Toad the Wet Sprocket and Tonic. Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego. $53. (800) 745-3000. humphreysconcerts.com. LIVE JAZZ ON THE PATIO Jimmy and Enrique. Bernardo Winery, Tasting Room Patio, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego. Free. bernardowinery.com. CHAMPAGNE JAZZ Featuring America. Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Rd., Temecula. $85. (951) 699-0099. thorntonwine.com/champagnejazz-series. CLASSICS AT THE MERC Mark Valenti, piano. Chamber performances by the region’s best professional musicians. Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Sundays. $12. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30 MARSHALL TUCKER BAND Classic rock performers appear at the San Diego County Fair. This year’s theme, “A Fair to Remember,” commemorates the centennial anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park, and the great traditions and inventions arising from fairs. Del Mar Fairgrounds, Paddock Stage, I-5 at Via de la Valle, Del Mar. $8-$15. (858) 7551161. sdfair.com/fair.
behind Convention Center, San Diego. Also July 4, 5. Prices vary. (619) 235-0804. sandiegosymphony.com.
JULY
KANSAS Classic rock performers appear at the San Diego County Fair. This year’s theme, “A Fair to Remember,” commemorates the centennial anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park, and the great traditions and inventions arising from fairs. Del Mar Fairgrounds, Grandstand, I-5 at Via de la Valle, Del Mar. $8-$15. (858) 755-1161. sdfair. com/fair.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
SUNDAY, JULY 5 LIVE JAZZ ON THE PATIO Whitney Shay. Bernardo Winery, Tasting Room Patio, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego. Free. bernardowinery.com. THURSDAY, JULY 9 BOZ SCAGGS Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego. $65. (800) 745-3000. humphreysconcerts.com. BEACHSIDE BAR Happy hour mocktail social. San Dimas Community Center, 245 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas. $8. (909) 394-6290. SATURDAY, JULY 11
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
MARCIA HAFIF: FROM THE INVENTORY
Although deeply rooted in California and influenced by artists like John McLaughlin and Robert Irwin, Hafif’s work has garnered more attention in Europe than in her home country. Well-versed in a variety of media over her 50-year-career including photography, film, performance, writing and installations, this exhibition showcases her austere monochrome works created since 1999. Although she also maintains a studio in New York, most of the works in this exhibition were created at her studio in Laguna Beach. Now in her mid-80s, Hafif continues to produce work. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. Through Sept. 27. Closed Wednesdays. $5-$7. (949) 494-8971. lagunaartmuseum.org.
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KISS ME, KATE One of the greatest romantic musical comedies of all time. Cole Porter’s witty and high-spirited songs transport you into the wings as a touring company gets ready to open a musical version of “The Taming of the Shrew,” starring a divorced couple whose offstage battles threaten to bring down the curtain. This beloved classic features show-stopping dance numbers, Shakespeare-quoting mobsters, and a knockout score including “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “So In Love” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” The Old Globe, Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (outdoors), 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29-plus. Through Aug. 2. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org. FRIDAY, JULY 3 STAR-SPANGLED POPS San Diego Symphony Summer Pops Concert. Embarcadero Marina Park,
TARZAN: THE STAGE MUSICAL This age-old moving story of a fearless young boy raised among wild apes who grows up to become an openhearted, accomplished, intelligent young man. Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton. Through July 26. Ticket prices vary. (714) 589-2770. 3dtshows.com. CELEBRITY READINGS: In conjunction with its “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss” exhibition in Balboa Park, local celebrities read from their favorite Dr. Seuss books. San Diego History Center, Casa De Balboa, Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, San Diego. $6-$8. (619) 232- 6203. sandiegohistory.org. CHAMPAGNE JAZZ Featuring Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Kenny Lattimore. Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Rd., Temecula. $85. Also July 12. (951) 699-0099. thorntonwine.com/ champagne-jazz-series.
CALENDAR
July/August 2015 San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire SLEEPING BEAUTY In this colorful retelling of the classic tale by Charles Perrault, unpredictable mischief erupts when a spunky princess and a stable boy mix with evil fairies, phobias and sleep deprivation. LifeHouse Theater, 1135 N. Church St., Redlands. Weekends through Aug. 9. $14-$18. (909) 335-3037 ext. 21. lifehousetheater.com.
national identity. Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado, San Diego. Through Aug. 16. $7-$10. (619) 239-0003. mingei.org.
SUNDAY, JULY 12 COMPOSTING WORKSHOP Learn how to use your yard clippings as a resource, naturally achieve a beautiful, health yard and garden and reduce your use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Living Coast Discovery Center, 100, Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista. Shuttle to entrance from parking lot. $9-$14. Sundays. (619) 409-5900. thelivingcoast.org.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
EXHIBITIONS SATURDAY, JUNE 27 MY GENERATION: YOUNG CHINESE ARTISTS This exhibition is an extended look at the new generation of artists emerging in mainland China since 2000, the year that China opened wide its doors to international artists and that Chinese artists began to command attention in the global arena. All artists represented in this exhibit were born after 1976—the end of the Cultural Revolution. Almost all of them are products of the One Child Policy and have grown up in a country with a high-powered market economy. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach. Wed.-Sun. through Oct. 11. $10. (949) 75911122. ocma.net.
SELF-TAUGHT GENIUS Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum. This exhibition features more than 100 iconic pieces of folk art and outsider art in a variety of forms, including textiles and needlework, ceramics, sculptural and carved figures, drawings, paintings and furniture, dating from the 18th century to the present. This new exhibition reveals the challenges and triumphs of America as it emerged and enhances an understanding of our evolving
ADAMS, CURTIS AND WESTON Photographers of the American West. This exhibition documents the changing landscape of the west and the art of photography through time as well as through the lenses of three of the most celebrated 20th century American photographers: Ansel Adams, Edward S. Curtis and Edward Weston. The photos range in date from 1905 to 1967 and depict a variety of subjects, including landscapes and portraits. Bowers Museum, Mary Muth Wing 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Through Nov. 29. $12. (714) 567-3679. bowers.org. EYE ON DESIGN Andrea Zittel’s Aggregated Stacks. This exhibition combines commissioned original works by internationally known high desert artist and Joshua Tree resident Andrea Zittel, along with objects from the museum’s permanent collection. The stacks serve both as wall-mounted reliefs, and as freestanding sculptures, creating complex compositions of integrated boxes that deconstruct the modernist grid by being simultaneously random in their arrangements, yet ordered by their inherent geometry. Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs. Through July 12. $11-$13. 760322-4800. psmuseum.org.
Enjoy tableaux vivants (living pictures), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art using real people posed to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. Is there anything more personal, more elusive than what it is to be happy? Go on a sentimental journey through depictions of pastimes and activities that gave people joy long before the instant gratification of the computer age. Discover artists who found their own answers to the age-old question: “What makes life worth living?” A live narrator serves as a guide through the story of each living picture accompanied by the music of a professional orchestra. The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Through Aug. 31. $25-plus. (800) 487-3378. (949) 497-6852. foapom.com.
“Cheers to 20 Years!”
WHERE ENDS MEET A Retrospective of Works by Nancy Ravenhall Johnson. This exhibition is about ingenuity and artistic inspiration. It reveals a journey that threads through a graphic designer’s career. Johnson’s works represent many hours of research vested in technical learning, developing graphics and timelines and overseeing their production. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Through June 30. $12. (714) 567-3679. bowers.org.
Get the Word Out. E-mail your announcements to Claire Fadden, cfadden@lifeafter50.com. Include a brief description, location, date, time, cost, phone and website. Submission does not guarantee publication. Deadline for the July/August calendar is June 1.
GET YOUR TICKETS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! $50 in advance online or call: 805-466-2044 June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 33
Don’t Miss our Annual Travel and Outdoor Issue We’re so excited to once again bring You our annual 50 things to do in Southern California Guide to Summer Travel & Outdoor Fun Call to advertise at 310-822-1629 x 121 or email us at advertise@lifeafter50.com Reach 100,000 Readers in Southern California July 6
www . l i f e a ft e r 5 0 . co m 34 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
Rick Steves’ Travels By Rick Steves
S
tretched out over two chairs atop the passenger deck of a ferry as it shuttles across Lake Como, I look south into the haze of Italy. I’m savoring the best of my favorite country with none of the chaos and intensity that are generally part of the Italian experience. Turning the other way, facing a crisp Alpine breeze, I marvel at the snow-capped Alps. Rather than the office buildings, banks and public clocks (which inundate nearby Swiss lake resorts, such as Lugano), the lanes that tumble down into this lake come with lazy cafes and hole-in-the-wall alimentari brimming with juicy red produce and crunchy greens. In Italy’s romantic Lakes District, wistful 19th century villas are seductively overgrown with old vines that seem to ache with stories to tell. Stunted palm trees seem held against their will in this northern location. Vistas are madeto-order for poets. In fact, it was the early nature lovers who wrote and painted here that put this region on the map in the 1800s. The handful of lakes in this region tempt visitors from all over the world. The millioneuro question is: Which lake to see? Tiny Orta has an offbeat, less-developed charm. Maggiore has garden islands, and Stresa offers a popular resort town. Garda is a hit with German windsurfers. But for the best mix of scenery, offbeat charm and aristocratic old-world romance, my choice is Lake Como. Just an hour north of Milan by convenient train, sleepy Lake Como is a good place to take a break from the obligatory turnstile culture of
1 LIFEAFTER50.COM NOvEMbER 2014
central Italy. It seems half the travelers you’ll meet have tossed their itineraries into the lake and are actually relaxing. Today the lake’s only serious industry is tourism. Thousands of lakeside residents travel daily to nearby Lugano, in Switzerland, to find work. The area’s isolation and flat economy have left it pretty much the way those 19th century romantics described and painted it. Bellagio is the lake’s leading resort. The selfproclaimed “Pearl of the Lake,” it is a combination of prim tidiness and yesteryear elegance. Arcades facing the lake are lined with shops. The heavy curtains, which hang between the arches keep the visitors cool. And, while the fancy ties and jewelry sell best at lake level, the locals shop up the hill. Lake Como is famous among Italians for its geographic shape — like a stick figure of a man with two legs striding out. Bellagio is located where the two legs come together (and the subject of funny and crude local rhymes you will undoubtedly hear at some point during a visit). For a delightful view, wander from the town right on out to the crotch. At Punta Spartivento – literally “the point that divides the wind” – where you’ll find just the right place for a picnic. The town of Varenna (a 10-minute hop on the ferry from Bellagio) is your best bet for a Lake Como home base. Varenna packs its 800 residents into a compact townscape where individual homes are defined only by their pastel colors.
Narrow stepped lanes climb almost invisibly from the harbor to the tiny road that parallels the lake along the top of town. With Varenna’s dwellings crowding the lake, the delightful passerella (boardwalk) arcs past private villas guarded by wrought iron and wisteria from the ferry dock to the tiny harbor. Two centuries ago, the harbor was busy with coopers expertly fitting their chestnut and oak into barrels, stoneworkers carving and shipping Varenna’s prized black marble, and characteristic wooden boats catching the lakes unique missoltino sardines – still proudly served by local chefs. Today, the harbor’s commerce is little more than the rental of paddle boats and a gelateria run by a guy named Eros. Other than watching the visitors wash ashore with the landing of each ferry, there’s wonderfully little to do in Varenna. At night, Varenna whispers luna di miele – honeymoon. A good place to enjoy that romance is on its passerella. Strolling this lane, passing under wisteria-draped villas and caryatids, lovers press silently against each other making you understand why the most important thing to bring to Varenna is the right travel partner.
Rick St eveS’ t Ravel
The romantic allure of Lake Como
Rick Steve writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and radio. You can e-mail him at rick@ricksteves. com and visit his website at www.ricksteves.com.
June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 35
T Ravel MaRkeT p lace | Guide
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Plan your trip at VisitTehachapi.com 1 LIFEAFTER50.COM FEbRuARy 2015 36 LIFEAFTER50.COM June 2015
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June 2015 LIFEAFTER50.COM 37
And Finally... The Bookworm’s Best A Life After 50 book review
by Terri “The Bookworm” Schlichenmeyer
Body Of Truth By Harriet Brown
Y
our summer clothes don’t fit this year. You’ll admit that you weren’t paying attention: too many holiday cookies, too little New Year’s resolving. The pounds just crept up and now you need to lose them before they multiply again. It’s for your health and well-being, right? Or maybe not. In the new book “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown, you’ll see that everything you thought you knew about weight might be a big fat lie. Some 25 years ago, on what she calls “a sticky summer evening,” Brown sat in a therapist’s chair, sobbing about her weight. Once, she’d been thin, but three pregnancies and a whole lot of living later, that was no longer the case; and she couldn’t take off the pounds. She was absolutely stunned when the therapist asked if she could learn to be okay with the body she had. She couldn’t even consider the possibility that having a few extra pounds wasn’t such a bad thing. Even the language we use for weight has changed in the past few years: what was once “chubby” or “husky” is now “obese” or “overweight,” words that carry a meaner stigma. As a society, we’ve gained weight, but our eating habits and our sedentary lives are not solely to blame. There are, says Brown, several reasons for weight gain, one of which is that dieting is generally detrimental. Statistically speaking, only five-percent of dieters keep the weight off, long-term; the other 95-percent of caloriecounters usually gain back any weight lost, and then some. We understand that yo-yo dieting is unhealthy, but we may not know that some researchers believe there’s no increased risk of death due to extra weight. Even so, says Brown, physicians sometimes admit to having “weight bias,” and treat (or don’t treat) patients accordingly. But our obsession with weight goes much deeper. Negative social pressure can affect our mental health, which suffers when we loathe our bodies. What’s worse is that our emphasis on weight adversely affects future generations: some pediatricians recommend that infants be put on diets and one study found three-year-old children who were unhappy with their bodies. Says Brown, “Something is definitely wrong with this picture.” This book offers some great food for thought. No pun intended, but that’s what you’ll find in “Body of Truth.” You’ll also find a good amount of controversy. For readers who struggle with their weight, there’s a certain feeling of freedom that comes with Brown’s urging for acceptance. It’s hard not to see that our attitudes about being overweight have gone overboard, and it’s equally hard to argue with the experts and research she cites. Definitely, this could cause weight-watching readers’ heads to spin – but Brown is quick to reassure the flummoxed: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach…” when it comes to weight or the loss thereof. Overall, I really enjoyed this book – in part, because it provides more balance in a world where new diets come out seemingly every day. If you’ve grown weary of that, then read “Body of Truth.” You have nothing to lose. “Body of Truth” by Harriet Brown, 2015, DaCapo LifeLong, $25.99 The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer who lives on a hill with two dogs and more than 12,000 books. You can contact Terri at bookwormsez@yahoo.com and read more of her book reviews at www.lifeafter50.com. Just click on “Entertainment” and then “Book Reviews.”
A Look Back
Just A Thought Before We Go
F
ifty years ago this month, NASA launched Gemini IV, the 10th American manned spaceflight and the second in the agency’s Project Gemini program. Gemini IV saw astronauts James McDivitt and Edward H. White, II circle the Earth 66 times in four days. They did so in a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation-designed-and-built capsule that was a scaled-up version of the bell-shaped, blunt-ended spacecraft used in the Mercury program, which proved an astronaut could fly in orbit. What NASA had to determine with this mission was if a human could endure the weightlessness of an orbital freefall long enough to survive a journey to the moon and back. The highlight of the mission was the first spacewalk by an American, during which White floated outside the capsule for about 20 minutes. The flight was also the first to perform scientific experiments in space, including the use of a sextant to investigate the use of celestial navigation for lunar flight for the following Apollo program. Two years after the mission, on September 9, 1967, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Gemini IV as a part of their “Accomplishments in Space” commemorative issue.
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“Dads are ordinary men turned, by love, into heroes, adventurers, storytellers and the singers of songs.” – Pam Brown
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