Northwest Prime Time January-February 2020

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How to Die Young at a Very Old Age ...pages 10-11

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SERVING THE PUGET SOUND REGION SINCE 1986

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Successful Aging with Daniel Levitin ...by Keri Pollock

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euroscientist. Musician. Author. With a career that began in the music industry working with top talent, then neuroscience making fascinating discoveries about how musicians’ brains work and as the author of numerous bestselling books, Daniel Levitin’s work has regularly brought him to the Seattle area.

Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Dr. Levitin will be returning to kd lang.

Seattle on a book tour this month.

He is also the author of four His newest book, Successful Aging: A consecutive #1 bestselling books. You Neuroscientist Explores the Power and may be familiar with Levitin through Potential of our Lives, will be available his first book, This is Your Brain on Music January 7, and Dr. Levitin will be at (2006), which spent over a year on Seattle’s Central Library the following The New York Times bestseller list, has week (details below) to talk about his been translated into 18 languages and discoveries—discoveries that translate was the basis for two award-winning into relevant, useful and actionable documentaries. The book’s popularity knowledge for the rest of us. demonstrates what all subsequent books How did a boy who began

by Levitin have accomplished: they help experimenting with recorded music to make complex scientific discoveries at age four and who grew up to work understandable and accessible to for years as a session musician and laypeople, like myself. record producer come to write a highly For Successful Aging, Levitin shares anticipated book about the aging that he has reviewed around 4,000 process? papers from peer-reviewed scientific It was a long and winding road. literature. The bibliography is deep and Levitin continued his recording filled with additional paths of discovery experiments throughout his school if you chose to explore them further. years. He planned to go straight from high school into a recording career until To his credit, he has synthesized and Bestselling author Daniel Levitin will return to Seattle on January 16 to discuss his latest organized the material thoughtfully he was advised by a respected sound book, “Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of our Lives” to help us find engineer to first enroll in college. He went to M.I.T. until his stereo system caught fire in a dorm They look old, but they feel like the room while listening to Abbey same people they were fifty years ago, Road at 110 dB. His next stop and that amazes me.” was Stanford University to On the work front, Levitin’s father, a study music and psychology. successful business leader throughout his Another roadblock in his career, was encouraged to retire at 62 to academic career came just make way for someone younger. Feeling before his senior year when he pushed out, his self-worth in question, he learned that he could not major began to experience physical ailments, in saxophone. He left school for a shrinking social circle and depression. the music industry.

This was in 1995. At that time, a Levitin worked for ten years slow shift in societal and employment as a session musician, sound thinking began to emerge and recognize engineer and record producer Levitin’s parents, who are now in the value of older adults. for countless rock groups until their mid-eighties and as active as ever, were two of the inspirations for his To his father’s credit, he began he finally returned to college book, “Successful Aging.” Here is Levitin with his mother and father, Sonia and Lloyd Levitin networking, which led to an opportunity at Stanford, earning a B.A. in at USC Marshall School of Business encouragement, clarity and answers Cognitive Psychology while lecturing neuroscientist, this made me curious to where he is now teaching a full load around how best to make the most of on audio recording in the music find out why.” of four courses per semester. His skills growing older—which is inevitable and department. He went on to receive a It is probably fair to assume that as a businessperson bring real world something that we all experience, from PhD in Psychology from the University we all have had older adults in our lives the day we are born. of Oregon while researching absolute who have served as guides on how to age experience and knowledge into the When asked about what inspired pitch (the rare ability of a person to successfully. Levitin has many examples, classroom, something that a younger professor can’t. And guess what? Once identify or re-create a given musical note him to write about aging, a departure including his own parents. As Levitin without the benefit of a reference tone). from his other books, Levitin reflected reflects “[A]s I’ve grown older myself and he found meaningful work, the physical ailments and depression dramatically that “as a college professor, I am around Throughout his professional life, have spent more time with people who lessened. Mr. Levitin just signed a fourpeople of all ages, from 17 to 101 – yes, Levitin has written extensively for are in the last quarter of their lives, I’ve my colleague Dr. Brenda Milner at the scientific journals, as well as trade seen a different side of aging. My parents year renewal to teach until he is 89.

Levitin’s mother has a similar story Montreal Neurological Institute just journals such as Grammy, Billboard are now in their mid-eighties and are as turned 101. I noticed that some people and others, along with interviewing engaged in life as they have ever been… of evolution, change and growth. A tend to age better than others and as a numerous artists including Stevie continued on page 18

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January/February 2020

Milestones

LIVING Celebration of Life his amazing recovery was on July 14, 2019.

He even returned to the PSSBL all-star In 2013, as we left the second funeral in just a few team, the Washington Titans, who placed months, my husband of nearly 40 years stated, “I want 2nd in the 65+ division at the Roy Hobbs World Series in November 2019. The stats you to play wiffleball at my funeral. It’s great to see friends but I don’t like that someone has to die before say it all: Of the eight pitchers on the 65+ team, Dave had the most innings pitched we get together. I want my funeral to be fun.”

I told him to plan his own wiffleball funeral and if (17.5), the lowest ERA (earned run average) at 2.5, and he hit .421. Not bad for a guy I’m around I’ll call it a Celebration of Life.

Subsequently, in 2014 our family hosted our 40th who nearly died just eight months prior to the tournament.

Anniversary Party, which inadvertently became a Helena and Dave Reynolds helped the Washington Titans earn But before all that, when Dave nearly “LIVING” Celebration of Life. Our daughter created silver medals in the 2019 Roy Hobbs World Series, Vintage died, I began preparing for a Celebration a 40-foot photo display, our son produced a 40-year Division in Fort Myers, Florida on November 23, 2019. of Life by sending out hundreds of 2018 highlight DVD, and we told nearly 200 family Traditionally, a Celebration of Life is planned by Christmas Cards, trying to update my members and friends thanks for all their support. We family and friends during a stressful time of grief when contact list in case I needed it sooner or later. also heard stories of how our lives had affected many expensive decisions have to be made under duress.

In our guests...and we To start a new tradition, here are suggestions for case, it was played wiffleball. creating your own LIVING Celebration of Life™: sooner. We 1. Choose a milestone event and find a venue. were excited Another LIVING 2. Identify a date the venue is available and plan to share that Celebration of Life your party.

Dave had In June 2018, 3. Choose pictures, music and stories. miraculously my husband, Dave 4. Create a life highlight slide show or video. recovered and Reynolds, was 5. Find family members and friends who will was living life inducted into the help with details, including an Open Microphone to the fullest.

Puget Sound Senior session.

Because I Baseball League 6. List all you want to attend and send out had originally Hall of Fame at invitations. planned to the age of 67. He 7. Collect RSVPs and party away! retire on carried 235 pounds Dave Reynolds spent December 25, 2018 at Virginia Mason Medical Center; his family delayed celebrating Christmas to January 26, 2019.Soon after this photo, October 1, on his 6’4” frame.

Dave began an amazing recovery and was pitching four months later.

You are invited...

2019 after From October In 1990 I created a 40th Anniversary life story my September 28 birthday, I used both events to 2018 to March 2019, Dave nearly died from walledpresentation of my parents’ WWII pen pal romance commemorate our LIVING Celebration of Life. My off pancreatic necrosis, peritonitis and sepsis due to involving 17 years age difference and 7000 miles family hosted my “Route 66” themed birthday party gallstones from his sludge-filled gallbladder. Doctors between them. When my father died in 1997, the on September 28, 2019. suggested removal once he recovered from constant highlight video was already created for his Celebration Why have a Celebration of Life?

To celebrate dizziness, extreme fatigue, anemia, malnutrition, of Life. For years, I’ve been presenting free workshops one’s life after they are gone. dehydration and a 60-pound weight loss. called “Leave a Legacy of Love...Steps to Begin Why have a LIVING Celebration of Life?

Miraculously, on March 13, 2019, he awoke Creating Your Own Legacy Project.” This project 1. To celebrate one’s life while YOU can enjoy symptom-free and began working out to rebuild his can be the first step to creating your own LIVING seeing, hearing and celebrating with YOUR family, atrophied muscles. When the gallbladder surgeon Celebration of Life. Everyone is invited to my next friends and other loved ones. took images, she said it was now perfect and surgery session: 2.

So YOU can choose stories, music, photos was cancelled.

Thursday, February 13, 2020, and adventures to share as well as create YOUR own Dave began walking and doing sprints every 10am to 11:30am guest list. other day. He gradually gained weight as his Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith 3. So YOU can tell everyone how much YOU muscles redeveloped. He was able to return to Street, Kent, WA 98030 appreciate the impact they have had on YOUR life. work April 8, 2019.

To register for this free workshop, call 2534. So YOU can enjoy hearing what others He also returned to pitching. His first Puget 856-5164 v might want to share with YOU. Sound Senior Baseball League (PSSBL) game after ...by Helena Reynolds

Happy New Year From All of Us @ the Activity Center

Call (206) 878-1642

Sunday March 1, 1pm

“Joyous and triumphant! Wonderful! A really magical experience.”

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Limited Tickets

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Classes

Computer Lab & Cell Phone Classes Yoga Tai Chi

Museum Trips Puppet Museum

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Day Trips

Enhanced Fitnesss KEXP Radio Station Lawless Forge, Seattle

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Seattle Chocolate Factory

Mediterranean Breeze, Kent Call (206) 878-1642

New Year’s has a different

meaning to everyone,

and that meaning can change from year to year depending on what fate has brought your way. For some, it has been a year of prosperity … for others, it has been a year of loss.

Fortunately, time has a way of healing and letting us go forward—to celebrate again. Whatever the year has brought your way, we want you to know our thoughts are with you.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery & Crematory 425-255-0323 | mtolivet.co

January/February 2020

INDEX ARTFUL AGING

Engaging with Aging....................... 6 Looking for Love Online..................12 Pat D’Amico...................................13 Library Corner................................13 Writing & Poetry Corners................16

COMMUNITY

Successful Aging with Daniel Levitin... 1 Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day............... 3 Where in the Northwest?.................. 3

HEALTH MATTERS

Medical Minutes............................... 8 Senior Fitness Tip.............................. 8 Jennifer Volland – Heart Attack Survivor................... 9 How to Die Young at a Very Old Age ...........................10 Enlightened Aging..........................10 Healthcare Trends for Healthy Aging..11

HUMOR & PUZZLES

Crossing Lines................................13 The Funny Side of Life.....................14 Rose and Dawn.............................14 Puzzles and Comics.......................15

LIFE PERSPECTIVES

LIVING Celebration of Life................ 2 A View from the Chair...................... 4 Call Me ~ Surprised......................... 4 Scenes from Childhood..................16 Walking the Dog............................19

OUT & ABOUT

Dinosaurs Dating............................12 LET’S GO! Calendar......................17

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Win $25 Where in the Northwest?

Can you identify the location of this photo?

Dear readers, Where in the Northwest is a new feature that will appear in every issue of Northwest Prime Time. Photos are taken from or adjacent to Washington State highways in our readership area: King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Mail your answer to Northwest Prime Time, PO Box 13647, Seattle WA 98198 or email editor@ northwestprimetime.com. Answers should include the nearest crossroads featured in the photo, or enough of a description of the location so that it is clear you know the spot.

The winner will be drawn at random from the correct answers submitted by the deadline. If no correct answer is received, the $25 prize will transfer to the following contest, which will then be worth $50.

Submissions for the current contest must be postmarked by February 5, or received via email by the same date: editor@northwestprimetime.com.

DEAR READERS

Beginning January 2020, Northwest Prime Time will publish six time per year instead of ten. See you in March!

Volunteer Spotlight

Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day Join the Alzheimer’s Association on Tuesday, February 18 from 10am to 3:15 in Olympia.

Participants in Advocacy Day will receive training and lunch before their teams meet with State Senators and Representatives in the afternoon to share their stories. This effort is made to fund better care and support for Washington’s Alzheimer’s State Plan.

Transportation from King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties available. Learn more and register at www. alzwa.org/advocacyday or call Dr. Peter Newbould at 206-529-3867.

First house built between Park Junction and Woodland Park, 1899 (probably at 45th and Woodland Park).

Photographer: Mrs. George E. Conn Courtesy of the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, submitted by Nicolette Bromberg, Special Collections Visual Materials Curator

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Call Me ~ Surprised

Life Perspectives

A View from the Chair ...by Pat Nelson

Pat Nelson has navigated her busy life in a wheelchair for eight years, living with primary progressive MS. Confident from years as a teacher, therapist and musician, she thought little about how the ambulatory world viewed her. Then a new friend asked, “Psst. Well...um...how do you go to the bathroom?” Adding writer to her list of accomplishments, Pat has started answering some of those unasked questions about the realities of life in a wheelchair.

I didn’t realize how valuable the space above my head was until I lost it and began life in the land of belt buckles and belly buttons.

From my perch in a wheelchair, I can’t look a person eye-to-eye in a conversation unless they are seated. I can’t reach the back or the top of shelves in my kitchen cupboards. I can’t see what I’m

January/February 2020

...by Janet Hall Rich

When I went to work for General stirring on the stove. The back Telephone in Everett in of the freezer is unknown to me.

1967, I was 23, married, I have to ask for help reaching and the proud mother when I shop. Crossing streets is a of a toddler. Who would test of sheer survival because I’m have guessed I would too short for drivers to see. But, be the inspiration the QUEEN of all my mobility for a telephone problems has got to be public advertisement? restrooms.

In the 1960s, most Young Janet not only worked for General Telephone in 1967, she recruited to pose for one of their ads. Here she is as a natural Restrooms, HA!! There was telephones were shiny was blonde and in a dark wig. Ad copy read: “Janet can change the nothing restful about discovering black desk models with removable insert on her telephone to match her décor, her mood, that the handicapped emblem on her wardrobe or even her hair color.” a rotary dial, until the that particular door was simply a introduction of the lure. It was a dingy little place long Princess Phone. In the late 60s, a popular from Marketing. I’ll stop back when overdue for paint and there was model was the wall-mounted telephone you aren’t so busy.” Bradley flashed a little space for a wheelchair to turn with an extra-long coiled cord. mischievous smile and left just as my around. It took fancy maneuvering supervisor walked in. Victoria handed One day as I was focused on the to get my 400-pound power chair me the day’s schedule and chuckled. task of running the IBM 1402, a highinto the narrow space next to the “I see you had the honor of meeting speed card reader, I looked up to see a john, sort of bizarre parallel parking. gentleman in a dark blue suit and flashy Mr. Preston. He has a reputation for After much squirming, I wedged checking out every new female.” red tie enter the computer room. The myself into place.

Several weeks passed before scent of Aqua Velva announced his It was then I realized there were arrival.

Bradley returned, thrilled to see a new no grab bars! When the time came employee. In fact, on that day I was “Hello beautiful, I don’t think to make preparations for “lift off,” we’ve met. Who are you and wherever wearing a dark brunette wig over my the sink looked the best substitute. short blonde hair. did you come from?”

It sat on a pedestal at my elbow.

“Hello beautiful, don’t think we’ve I peered at him suspiciously as the I grabbed it with my right hand met. Who are you and wherever did noisy card reader zipped through 800 and pushed on the opposite wall punched cards per minute, sorting them you come from?” with my left. The sink had a severe into hoppers.

“Mr. Preston, don’t you remember wobble, undoubtedly from many “I’m Janet. Is there something I can me. I’m Janet, same girl, different color before me having used it for the hair.” help you with?”

“No way, you’ve got to be “Welcome. I’m Bradley Preston continued on page 13 kidding!” Speechless, Bradley left; probably embarrassed about using the same line on the same girl. To my surprise, he returned the next day.

“Janet, you gave me a great idea.

Seeing you as a blonde and then as a brunette was just the inspiration I needed. I’m working on a marketing campaign for GTE’s new phone and would like you to pose for the advertisement.”

I didn’t know how to respond. Far from a model, I was quite shy and figured he had to be joking. He had already talked to my supervisor, Victoria, who thought it was a great idea and agreed to accompany me on the adventure.

The following week, Bradley picked us up in a metallic blue Camaro. Our first stop was at Everett’s Lemon Tree where Mr. Preston selected two dresses, one white, one black. He then drove us to the Van Winkle Furniture Store.

Victoria and I made ourselves comfortable on a leather settee as Bradley wandered throughout the store.

Victoria chuckled, “That man’s search for perfection drives me nuts, but what a great experience for you. I will insist that Bradley give you a copy of the advertisement, otherwise you will never see it. Once he wraps this project up, you’ll never see him again.”

Bradley had me pose in a fabric wing back chair, wearing a white dress with my blonde hair. Next, I sat in a dark velvet swivel chair wearing an elegant black dress and my dark wig.

Bradley snapped numerous photos until he was satisfied. I was nervous and unsure how to pose, but Victoria’s continued on page 13

January/February 2020

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Healthy Aging

Engaging with Aging ...by Paige Bartlett, Public Information Specialist, UW School of Nursing de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging

Engaging with Aging is a blog written by Doris Carnevali, 97-yearold retired faculty at the University of Washington, where she documents her own aging experience and how she adapts to the changes that come with aging. Recently, a group of UW School of Nursing faculty and collaborators wrote a series of articles for the December issue of the Journal of Gerontological Nursing exploring different ways that the

concept of ‘Engaging with Aging’ from Carnevali’s blog can be used, studied and applied.

“Older adults live with the constant reality of having to manage their daily living with the emergence and progression of normal age-related changes,” wrote Carnevali in the first article. “Engaging with Aging, [is] a perspective and set of processes older adults can use to approach daily living

January/February 2020

turning can focus on in a reasoned, keeping their nose and purposeful toes facing the same manner.” way, and repeating The the mantra “nose and first article toes,” said Carnevali. characterized A walker could help ‘Engaging with activities like with Aging’ picking something as a concept. up off the ground.

In essence, Someone who gets it’s about disoriented in the dark identifying might strategically changes from place lamps or aging and how nightlights. The most those changes Doris Carnevali, 97-year-old retired UW faculty important part of impact daily life, Engaging with Aging (EWA) is that it’s and then strategizing the best ways to centered on what the older adult wants adapt to those new challenges using the and what strategies are the most satisfying tools you have. For example, someone who has trouble staying balanced when

continued on page 15

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January/February 2020

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A walk-in, get-well place for everyone every day Get fast care for minor medical needs at CareClinic by Kaiser Permanente at Bartell Drugs. Walk in and our trained, caring staff can see you quickly.

1 Not a Kaiser Permanente member? Not a problem.

Everyone is welcome.

CareClinic locations in Puget Sound (CMYK) Walk in • Open every day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.2 • No appointment required Get treatment • Care for minor illness or injuries • Minor procedures such as earwax, wart, and suture removal • General tests for glucose, urinalysis, strep, and more • Flu shots and other vaccines Pay easily • Most insurance accepted — or self-pay for $89 per visit without insurance3 • Vaccines and lab tests priced separately Walk in today or call 1-800-722-3009. Visit careclinic.org for the full list of services, an interactive map with addresses, wait times, and online check-in ahead of time.

CareClinic is for everyone ages 2 and up.

2 All CareClinic locations are open every day, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3 Check with your health plan to verify coverage.

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©2019 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington

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Health Matters

Medical Minutes ...by John Schieszer

Avoiding Sleep Medications with Simple Exercises If you are having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to try a yoga class.

Yoga and physical John Schieszer therapy (PT) are effective approaches to treating co-occurring sleep disturbance and back pain while reducing the need for medication, according to a new study by researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC). Writing in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, they report significant improvements in sleep quality lasting 52 weeks after 12 weeks of yoga classes or 1-on-1 PT. The researchers also found that participants with early improvements in pain after six weeks of treatment were three-and-a-half-times more likely to have improvements in sleep after the full 12-week treatment.

Sleep disturbance and insomnia are common among people with chronic low back pain (LBP). Previous research showed that 59% of people with chronic LBP experience poor sleep quality and 53% are diagnosed with insomnia. Medications for both sleep and back pain can have serious side effects. “Identifying holistic ways to treat these conditions could help decrease the reliance on these medications, as well as keep patients safer and more comfortable,” said lead study investigator Eric Roseen.

The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 320 adults with chronic LBP. At the beginning of the study, more than 90% of participants with chronic LBP were found to suffer from poor sleep.

Participants were assigned one of three different therapies: physical therapy, weekly yoga or reading educational materials. Previous research discovered that yoga and PT are similarly effective for lowering pain and improving physical function, reducing the need for pain medication. In this study, results for sleep improvements were compared over a 12week intervention period and after one year of follow-up.

Wearable Sensors May Detect Kidney Problems Scientists at Caltech have come up with wearable sensors that can detect kidney problems. In a paper published in Nature Biotechnology, the researchers describe a mass-producible wearable sensor that can monitor levels of metabolites and nutrients in a person’s blood by analyzing their sweat.

Researchers report their current sensor is more sensitive than other devices and can detect sweat compounds of much lower concentrations, in addition to being easier to manufacture.

The development of these sensors would allow for continuously monitoring individuals with illnesses such as

cardiovascular disease, diabetes or kidney disease. All of these conditions result in abnormal levels of nutrients or metabolites in the bloodstream.

Patients would benefit from having their physician better informed of their condition, while also avoiding invasive and painful encounters with hypodermic needles. “Such wearable sweat sensors have the potential to rapidly, continuously and noninvasively capture changes in health at molecular levels,” said lead study investigator Wei Gao. “They could enable personalized monitoring, early diagnosis and timely intervention.”

The research team opted to have their sensor measure respiratory rate, heart rate and levels of uric acid and tyrosine. Tyrosine was chosen because it can be an indicator of metabolic disorders, liver disease, eating disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. Uric acid was chosen because it is associated with gout, a painful joint condition that is on the rise globally. Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid in the body begin crystallizing in the joints, particularly those of the feet, causing irritation and inflammation.

Artificial Intelligence May Be Helpful for Determining if Immunotherapy is Appropriate Currently, only about 20% of all patients with advanced cancer

M

will actually benefit from costly immunotherapy. However, a new study suggests that by simply analyzing previously unseen changes in patterns in CT scans may help identify those 20%. Scientists from the Case Western Reserve University, who previously pioneered the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict whether chemotherapy will be successful, are now reporting they that they can determine which patients with advanced lung cancer will benefit from immunotherapy using AI. “Even though immunotherapy has changed the entire ecosystem of cancer, it also remains extremely expensive, about $200,000 per patient per year,” said study investigator Anant Madabhushi. “That’s part of the financial toxicity that comes along with cancer and results in about 42% of all new diagnosed cancer patients losing their life savings within a year of diagnosis.”

The researchers used CT scans from 50 patients to train the computer and create a mathematical algorithm to identify the changes in lesions. They were able show that the patterns on the CT scans that were most associated with a positive response to treatment and with overall patient survival were also later found to be closely associated with the arrangement of immune cells on the original diagnostic biopsies of those patients. ❖ John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com.

January/February 2020

Senior Fitness Tip

Chair Exercises for Seniors ...by Mark Bryant, Functional Aging Exercise Specialist

If you have difficulty standing up or keeping your balance, here are some exercises you can do while sitting in a chair.

Aerobics: Mark Bryant Sitting up tall, start by marching in place and at the same time move your arms back and forth. After marching for a while, change from a march to a heel tap to the front, alternating legs, and change arm position— instead of going back and forth, reach out to the front or up overhead, alternating arms. Mix the movement of your arms and legs anyway you want to, just make sure it’s safe for you to do without any pain. DO NOT USE ANKLE OR WRIST WEIGHTS WHILE DOING AEROBICS! Strength training: Time for weights. Depending on your fitness level, you can use anywhere from one-to five-pound weights.

Exercises for the upper body include arm curls, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, front and side raises, one arm rows for the back (If

Seven years without a cold?

ore and more people are saying tried it. Nearly 100% of feedback said the sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had they just don’t get colds anymore. copper stops colds if used within 3 hours a 2-day sinus headache. When her They are using a new device made of after the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am pure copper, which scientists say kills cold they still get the cold it is milder than usual shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no and they feel better. and flu viruses. more headache, no more congestion.”

Doug Cornell invented the Some users say copper stops device in 2012. “I haven’t had a nighttime stuffiness if used just single cold since then,” he says. before bed. One man said, “Best People were skeptical but EPA sleep I’ve had in years.” and university studies demonstrate Copper can also stop flu if used repeatedly that viruses and bacteria early and for several days. Lab die almost instantly when touched technicians placed 25 million live by copper. flu viruses on a CopperZap. No That’s why ancient Greeks and viruses were found alive soon after.

Egyptians used copper to purify Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the New research: Copper stops colds if used early. water and heal wounds. They didn’t teams confirming the discovery.

Users wrote things like, “It stopped my He placed millions of disease germs on know about viruses and bacteria, but now cold right away,” and “Is it supposed to copper. “They started to die literally as we do.

Scientists say the high conductance work that fast?” soon as they touched the surface,” he said.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote of copper disrupts the electrical balance People have used it on cold sores in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more and say it can completely prevent ugly colds for me!” seconds. outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on Pat McAllister, age 70, received one wounds or lesions to combat infections.

So some hospitals tried copper touch Copper even kills deadly germs that surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This for Christmas and called it “one of the cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses best presents ever. This little jewel really have become resistant to antibiotics. If you works.” Now thousands of users have are near sick people, a moment of handling by over half, and saved lives.

Colds start after cold viruses get in simply stopped getting colds. it may keep serious infection away.

People often use CopperZap your nose, so the vast body of research The EPA says copper still works gave Cornell an idea. When he next felt a preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of cold about to start, he fashioned a smooth used to get colds after crowded flights. different disease germs so it can prevent copper probe and rubbed it gently in his Though skeptical, she tried it several times serious or even fatal illness. a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen nose for 60 seconds.

CopperZap is made in America of pure “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold flights and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. copper. It has a 90-day full money back Businesswoman Rosaleen says when guarantee. It is $69.95. never got going.” It worked every time.

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January/February 2020 you are unfamiliar with this exercise, consider asking a senior fitness expert for guidance).

Exercises for the lower body: With ankle weights, from a seated position, keep both feet flat down on the floor and slide one foot back under the chair until you feel the back of your thighs tighten up. Bring your foot back to the front next to the other foot and start again.

Repeat each leg ten times. This is known as a seated leg curl. Both feet together, slowly lift up and down on your toes working the calf muscles. Glute squeezes: While sitting in the chair squeeze your glutes for ten seconds and then release. Repeat ten times.

Stretching: After you finish exercising each muscle group, it’s time to stretch all the muscles you worked.

Consider joining an exercise class to learn how to perform stretches properly.

Cool down: The best part: Just sit tall, breathe in and out nice and easy.

Relax while doing this.

Good job. ❖

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 9

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART-HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Jennifer Volland – Heart Attack Survivor Jennifer Volland woke up one morning feeling a little “off.”

She did not have a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure; it never crossed her mind that at age 50 she might be having a heart attack. She wasn’t really experiencing much pain, except in her upper arms, and a little dizziness, so the flu and other maladies came to mind. “When I had the heart attack, it didn’t hurt. It felt like everything was going haywire.”

Jennifer made the lifesaving decision to wake up her Jennifer Volland husband and ask him to take her to the hospital where she later underwent double coronary bypass surgery.

During her recovery, Jennifer says that her emotional state took her completely by surprise. “At the hospital you’re being watched constantly. I came home and at night the house would be quiet, and I would feel the slightest heart flutter and it would throw me into a panic.”

Jennifer went to the American Heart Association’s website and found the Online Support Network where she asked other heart attack survivors if her feelings were normal.

Their responses reassured her and made her feel that she wasn’t alone.

Still, in her first year of recovery, Jennifer went to the emergency room three times just of out fear.

“It hit me hard,” she recalls. “I was a stranger to depression. It took me about six months to get over that—a lot longer than it took for my chest to heal.” Jennifer’s primary care doctor prescribed an antidepressant and the depression and panic episodes got better with time.

Today Jennifer is part of the local Mended Hearts support group and visits other heart attack survivors. “You are not alone. That’s what I tell them when I am at the hospital. Welcome to the club you never wanted to join, but you are not alone. I think that’s my big one.”

For information about Mended Hearts and other support groups, contact the local office of the American Heart Association at 206-336-7200.

Cold Weather Heart Facts: Studies show that the risk of heart attacks rises during the winter cold season, peaking early in the year. Cold temperatures make arteries constrict, decreasing blood flow and delivery of oxygen. And cold can increase the formation of blood clots. Winter is flu season; the risk of heart attacks can increase for those with coronary heart disease shortly after getting the flu. The holiday season can add stress, adding to the risk. Cold weather and a lack of sunshine during the winter months may mean people are less motivated to get out and exercise; it can also contribute to depression, which can have a correlation to cardiac disease. Air pollution from fireplaces and woodburning stoves adds to the risks. If you have underlying heart disease or are not in good physical shape, avoid shoveling show—for those at risk, there seems to be a link between shoveling snow and heart attacks (which is quite a strenuous activity).

Finally, doctors recommend commonsense measures such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and avoiding smoking. But also, in the cold weather— especially if you have known coronary artery disease—stay warm and bundle up. ❖

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January/February 2020

How to Die Young at a Very Old Age Enlightened

& Other Longevity Updates

Aging

Dr. Nir Barzilai has become wellknown for his presentations on “How to Die Young at a Very Old Age.” He is the founding director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Barzilai’s research targets aging itself rather than the diseases that are associated with growing old.

He believes that slowing down the aging process will substantially delay onset of diseases associated with old age. This approach may allow an increase in the length of life AND the quality of life – staying more youthful as you grow old.

According to Dr. Barzilai, current pharmaceuticals already approved by the FDA (and which in low doses have few side effects) offer tools targeting multiple pathways of aging.

Three such drugs studied to delay the effects of aging include metformin, Acarbose—both used for treatment of type 2 diabetes— and rapamycin, used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is believed that these drugs may reduce age-related conditions such as inflammation and oxidation, and influence factors that underlie multiple age-related conditions. New research published last month by the Texas Biomedical Research Institute showed that a combination of metformin and Acarbose showed promise in slowing the aging process. Metformin increases insulin sensitivity.

Acarbose alters how carbohydrates are digested. Together their activity mimics calorie restriction, an intervention that has shown to increase longevity in early studies.

A locally based research project is studying rapamycin. The University of Washington’s Dog

...by Ray Marik

Aging Project is working to understand and increase the healthy lifespan of dogs. So far, the results are encouraging; the implications offer a tantalizing glimpse into increasing longevity in humans.

The Dog Aging Project is headed by Drs. Daniel Promislow and Matt Kaeberlein. They believe it is reasonable to someday expect a potential increase in the healthy lifespan by 30 percent or more and that adding these extra years are within reach today. At least in dogs. But they believe the results will translate into longevity guidelines for humans.

Lifespan is affected by hundreds of genes and environmental factors. The Dog Aging Project studies these interactions and looks at the underlying mechanisms of aging. Importantly, the project also looks at how to intervene and manipulate the mechanisms of aging to slow it down by using rapamycin.

Studies are raising optimism that these and other drugs may reduce cancer, heart disease improve cognition other age-related conditions.

While you may not be able to pick up a longevity pill at your local drugstore anytime soon, within 10 years it is possible that answers from current research will begin to reveal themselves.

In the meantime, follow the formula that offers a longevity prescription with proven results: a healthy diet, keeping fit, social engagement and maintaining activities that bring meaning into your life. Promislow says: “If someone discovered a pill that could make people live on average five years longer, that person would become very rich. But in this country, if everyone had an optimum diet, exercise regime and social network…in that sense we already have a ‘pill,’ but it takes some effort to take it!” ❖

“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” Dr. Eric Larson quotes Eubie Blake in his book, Enlightened Aging.

I joined Dr. Larson’s study, ACT – Adult Changes in Thought – about fifteen years ago and have dutifully Ray Marik reported in every two years to take a battery of tests to find out how aging has affected my memory.

I arrive at the Kaiser Research Institute in the Metropolitan Park East Tower in downtown Seattle wearing tennis shoes, pants and a short-sleeved shirt.

In one of the tests, I draw a clock face with the hands indicating 4pm. The more distorted the drawing, the more likely I have dementia. I fill in the numbers, but for some reason just draw a minute hand, not the hour hand—probably failed this one. Oh well, I’ve had two open heart surgeries, two heart stent implants, stroke and cancer. Not to worry. On my best days I’m probably only functioning with half a brain anyway.

I’m able to easily identify the difference between three animals, but the next task is challenging. In one minute, identify all the fruits you can as if you were in a store. Okay, oranges, apples, uh prunes, uh. I realize that in the last twenty years I’ve never made anything much more than sandwiches, fried an egg or “cooked” pancakes. For years, I believed that fruits and salads were for birds and rabbits! As a result, I never spent much time inside stores. Probably another failure here.

The tests go on with walking, remembering objects, drawing, counting backward, describing differences, similarities and so forth for about an hour and a half.

Test results may be possible indicators of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. One of the most astonishing questions for me in Dr. Larson’s book is why autopsies on some brains show clear evidence of Alzheimer’s disease, but these people die with no mental limitations from the disease. They should have had all kinds of memory problems, but they didn’t. How is that possible? It is a mystery yet to be solved.

I leave with an ActivePAL unit taped to my thigh under a clear plastic Tegaderm bandage. I will wear this for seven days to measures physical activity. In addition, I fill out a daily log for that week recording what time I go to bed, what time I rise and then will mail continued on page 13

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January/February 2020

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Healthcare Trends for Healthy Aging Telemedicine allows for longdistance healthrelated services, such as a doctor’s appointment or consultation with specialists from afar.

Think of it like a high-tech doctor’s house call. With the rise in telehealth and virtual visits, patients no longer need to leave the house when they need to call the doctor. Instead, they log onto their phones and video chat with the doctor. When rural settings, lack of transport, a lack of mobility, decreased funding or a lack of staff restrict access to care, telemedicine may bridge the gap. Once seniors become familiar with the technology, video conferencing or telephone calls including real-time video can make the appointment much more personal than you might expect.

Wearables are a big trend in the healthcare industry. Wearables for seniors are designed to keep them safe, provide more independence and monitor health conditions. Most readers are aware of fall alerts— ensuring that help is available at the push of a button whether in the shower or at the park. New generations of wearables that track your fitness can also track vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep patterns. New wearable technology goes a step further to offer proactive care when needed, instead of just reacting to health concerns as they arise. Some wearables, for example, can detect new patterns in trips to the bathroom, which may be an early indicator of a urinary tract infection.

Analytics from wearable technology can include GPS technology for those at risk of wandering. They can provide notifications to help with medication and appointment reminders, or to nudge a senior who has been sitting around longer than usual to become more active. The next generation of wearables will analyze your sweat— skin sensors can tell a lot about a person’s health, including continuous monitoring for cardiovascular disease, diabetes or kidney disease. This means

a doctor can keep informed about a patient’s health and the patient can avoid encounters with hypodermic needles.

Voice activated Smart Home Technology like Amazon Echo (“Alexa, turn on the lamp” or “Alexa, turn up the heat” or “Alexa, call my daughter”) are becoming more popular with seniors, and studies are underway to analyze how having “smart speakers” may help seniors feel more connected and independent. Voice activated devices will be able to control more and more of our around-the-house tasks as time goes on and may increase the safety of aging in place.

Robotics in health care is on the rise, from robot pets to help those with dementia relax, to studies looking at the future of robot caregivers. While robot caregivers won’t replace human caregivers, the new technology could greatly lighten the heavy load that caregivers face. Robotics are also becoming more important in hospitals for surgery, diagnosis and even rehabilitation, such as use in prosthetics.

“Connection” Technology to keep seniors in touch with loved ones or to increase their social circle is on the rise. Special high tech “note pads” designed just for seniors allow them to easily connect with loved-ones, view family photos, have “video chats” with their friends and family, browse the internet, listen to their favorite music and more – all with ease of use and safety from scams in mind. “Virtual Senior Centers” may become a trend in the future, allowing seniors to easily make connections with other seniors.

Now Accepting Waitlist Applications

How to Get More Greens into Your Life Nutrition coach Jeff Taraday offers seven tips for adding leafy green vegetables to your diet. Leafy greens are rich in fiber, protein and micronutrients. Some leafy greens, like kale, watercress, collards, arugula and bok choy, are also cruciferous vegetables—powerful cancer fighters.

1. Blending and Juicing: blend your greens in a smoothie 2. Add greens— chopped spinach, kale or collards—to an egg or tofu scramble towards the end of the cooking process.

3. Add chopped greens to your stew, chili and soup.

4. Blend spinach into fresh pesto, tomato-based or any savory sauce.

5. Add greens into boiling pasta water three minutes before the noodles are done 6. Try collard green leaves in place of a buritto wrap. Trim the hard stems off the bottoms and blanch in boiling water for one minute, then pat dry.

7. Add chopped spinach or other greens to your burger mix (whether your burger is made of beans, beef or turkey). ❖

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Is Interval Training the Fountain of Youth?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise technique done by alternating short bursts of aerobic effort with periods of slow-paced exercise. Mayo Clinic researchers say this type of exercise is not just for the young and healthy. In fact, they found that HIIT has even bigger benefits for older adults.

During a HIIT workout, you alternate between exerting high and low levels of effort. Mayo Clinic researchers studied the effects of HIIT on people over age 65. They discovered that some age-related deterioration of muscle cells was reversed.

“HIIT seemed to change a cell’s DNA in a way that boosted the muscle’s ability to produce energy.

It also triggered the growth of new muscle, helping counteract inevitable muscle loss that comes with aging. These changes were more dramatic in the over65 exercisers compared with a group of people under age 30 who did the same workouts. It’s never too late to start and see big gains,” state the researchers.

Interval training doesn’t require special training or equipment. One study looked at walkers who added higher-intensity intervals to their walking program by alternating between three minutes of fast walking and three minutes of slow walking for 30 minutes or more four times a week.

Others who walked twice as long but at a moderate, consistent pace made minimal gains in fitness. Another study

looked at fast and slow pedaling on an exercise bike (20 and 40 seconds, respectively). Other good news: after nearly two years participants in the walking study kept up with interval walking workouts... “An impressive stick-with-it rate for any workout program.” Participants said the program made working out more fun.

Many experts recommend just one or two interval workouts per week, combined with light or moderate exercise in between because your body needs rest between hard workouts.

“There are plenty of benefits to taking a leisurely walk with a friend, too. It’s about balance.”

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Dating after 50

Looking for Love Online

5 Important Tips and Tricks

January/February 2020

Dinosaurs Dating

aka Dating for Dummies Over 50 ...by Tim Meagher

...by Mary Boylan

The new year sometimes brings hope for new connections. If your new year’s resolution is to take the plunge into online Mary Boylan dating, here are some words of wisdom from a veteran online dater.

It’s an understatement to say that online dating can be challenging, especially for those over the age of 50.

I know firsthand, having spent more than a dozen years in and out of the internet dating trenches beginning in my early 50s. Divorced after 22 years of marriage, I initially found the process to be intimidating and daunting. But in time, I learned it could be rewarding and well worth the effort. So, whether you’re serious about finding true love or just looking for a nice person to go out with, I offer my top five tips and tricks to help you successfully navigate the unpredictable waters of online dating.

1. Know your dealbreakers and stick to them. Don’t underestimate the importance of dealbreakers. Give serious thought about what kind of relationship you want, the type of person you’re looking for, and what behaviors or viewpoints are unacceptable. Once you know your dealbreakers, don’t ignore them. Too many times I cut some slack and let things pass, thinking it might work out. I wasted a lot of time ignoring the red flags that popped when my deal breakers were staring me in the face.

2. Vet the candidates. When you start online dating, be prepared to spend some time weeding out the fakers, posers and scammers. I hate to say this, but it’s true. As online dating increased in popularity over the years, so did the number of sketchy characters that began to populate the dating pool. In the old days, you’d come across some losers and hound dogs here and there, but today, what you find online can sometimes be offensive and even scary. Be careful and don’t rule out running a background check, if need be. If you have doubts, check it out or step away.

Trust your instincts.

3. Work the system. Online dating sites make it easy for people to get to know one another. Take advantage of it. You can flirt, like, wink, show interest, “favorite� and give thumbs up to a photo. You can text or talk anonymously. You can email and find out if someone reads your message, or you can peruse profiles without anyone knowing.

No matter what your preference, the important thing is to get out there and work it, baby. Be proactive, but don’t be annoying. Too many times

I’ve been blasted by those who think it’s cute to tag every photo with a flirt or wink. I never appreciated the flirt harassers and didn’t hesitate to use another nifty feature found on dating sites, the “block� button. Don’t think twice about blocking those who are aggressive or hateful.

4. Safety First. I highly recommend exchanging some emails, then having a phone call or two before going on a date. If you communicate through a dating site, your personal email address won’t be revealed. Stick to communicating through the site for a bit, being mindful of not revealing personal information such as your last name or workplace. If you want to have a conversation, some sites also let you talk on the phone anonymously until you feel comfortable sharing more. I’ve learned how valuable the email and phone stage can be. Red flags popped up. Deal breakers were revealed and, although disappointing, I found myself grateful to have avoided going on a date that surely would have ended badly. On the flip side, don’t drag out communication too long. If someone hesitates to meet, it might be a set up for catfishing when someone uses a fake identity to take advantage of another. If someone refuses to meet, move on.

If you are lucky enough to make it to a date, don’t stop being careful. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going, who you’re meeting and the phone number for the person you’re meeting. Always meet first in a public place by driving yourself or being dropped off. Taking a few simple steps to stay safe pays off with the peace of mind that comes with it.

5. Be a dating badass. I realize I sound harsh and rigid with my tough advice, but I know from experience. I spent more hours than I care to admit giving men the benefit of the doubt, ignoring their bad behavior, hoping for the best, all to no avail. For my peace of mind, I learned to stick to my guns, quickly dismissing those who didn’t rise above the rest. I wouldn’t hesitate to give a guy the boot the second I realized the chemistry wasn’t there, or we didn’t have enough in common, or he was rude or didn’t call when he said he would. I know it sounds like small stuff, but it’s not.

Manners are important. And the small stuff happens all the time. That’s why you have to be ruthless and keep your standards high. By being a dating badass, I found the good guys stood out pretty quickly, especially one named Vince. After dating a year, we moved in together and I am happy to report it seems to be a perfect match. v For any questions or comments about online dating, please feel free to reach out to Mary at maryboylan056@gmail.com. She’d love to hear from you!

Dinosaurs Dating group at the theater, one of their many outings since the group formed

Meetup is a service used to organize online groups that host in-person events for people with similar interests. Our particular Meetup started meeting this September and interest was immediate.

Our group description reads: “Remember when dating was something you did after encountering a stranger in a dimly lit nightclub dancing ‘til 2 in the morning while secretly hoping for a peck on the cheek – or, at the very least, a landline number? Do these digital decades got you feeling dinosaurish? Well, you’re not alone.

We’re a group of age-50-and-over folks who get together periodically to – among other things – discuss the ins and outs of 21st century romance. Join us for laughs and libations as we address the lunacy of it all.�

While one person started it, I inherited it as the primary organizer. We had our first three events in late September. The very first, “The Not Creepy Way for People Who Are Single to Meet and Fall in Love,� has been our most successful with over 20 people attending.

We’ve had nine events so far, with as many as 10 people or as few as four. What’s amazing is that it’s grown to almost 350 people across South Puget Sound, with more women than men so far, with members in Pierce County and the

majority in King County.

We’ve been to plays, a jazz night, dinner at Pike Place Market, gardens and museums, but the possibilities are only limited by the imagination and involvement of our members. Many of our members are retired. The fact that we’ve grown so big so fast shows that people are looking for connection and for relationships. It isn’t always easy.

I’ve met some wonderful and interesting people at our gatherings.

We have a lot to offer one another.

The biggest challenge is that we’ve only got a couple people offering to organize events so far. The more people that step up and offer to think of and host events, the more successful Dinosaurs Dating will be. Organizing just means coming up with the idea, posting it and greeting people when they arrive.

I like to try to combine a meal with the event as an opportunity for folks to get to know one another a bit. We are interested in events that don’t cost a lot.

So far, I’ve paid the subscription fee for six months and haven’t charged anyone to be a member.

Charging dues would provide an income that would allow us to organize more events, though it might reduce the number of people who join.

Interested? Check us out at: www.meetup.com/Dating-forDummies. v

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January/February 2020

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Crossing Lines

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental ...by Pat D'Amico

My friends and I knew that we would pay dearly for what we were about to do. Lines had been drawn in our neighborhood. I chose to ignore them until I realized that my personal line had been crossed.

I decided to do something about it. I contacted the other three women for whom this has been a problem and set up a meeting. The distribution of drugs was involved so my messages were cryptic.

I grabbed my iPhone and sent a text message to Beautiful Barbara Jo. I knew she would be showing the Jenkins house to a client. I also knew she would excuse herself to answer because she has a habit of stopping at every mirror to check out the impact of her wool gabardine suit, with just a snippet of a satin camisole peeking out. My message read, “Enough of this! We must unite and overcome.”

I received a reply immediately, “My house, 7:30, Thursday night.

Bring your checkbook.”

I then turned my attention to Cynthia. We call her Cyn, which is a misnomer because Cyn has never sinned in her life. She’s usually in a state of flummox. She’s aware of the gravity of the situation because of her five rather unruly children. Cyn agreed to attend the meeting.

Alexa was next on my list. She’s a lawyer. She caught her cheating husband “entertaining” when she came home early from a business trip. She retaliated and left him with nothing but his sweetie pie.

She wears her phone in a holster on her hip. She’s formidable and I wouldn’t want to mess with her.

“Alexa,” I tippy-tappy-typed.

Library Corner

Innovations

“We’re fighting back. Get hold of ‘The Man’ and meet us at Barbara Jo’s, Thursday night at 7:30.”

“It’s about time,” Alexa tippy-tappy-typed back.

As for myself, I am not beautiful or formidable.

I consider my countenance to be acceptable, though sorely in need of improvement. I am, however, somewhat of a poet and often chronicle events such as this in verse.

At 7:30, we gathered in Barbara Jo’s den. There was a crackling fire in the fireplace and five comfortable stools had been arranged around the bar. We were offered libations and appetizers. The party atmosphere belied our mission.

“The Man” stood apart at one end of the bar. He accepted neither food nor drink.

When our business was finished, we each wrote a large check made out to Dr. Will B. Yung, Dermatologist. It seemed appropriate at that moment to recite and distribute copies of my poem. It read:

How is it possible 2020 is upon us? That seems like science fiction to me – so far out in the future it’s impossible, and yet here we are!

Wendy Pender Who could have foretold the internet, cell phones, Bluetooth technology, Facebook and Uber? Each of these is a miracle in and of itself and allows us do things only the Jetsons could! In the midst of the challenges that aging and caregiving present, I find it helpful to turn my thoughts to the innovations and positive changes that are occurring in society.

For example, Hans Rosling’s book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World and Why Things are Better than You Think (voted one of KCLS’ best books of 2018) shows us how the world is improving by significant measures in spite of how we “know” things are getting worse. Rosling presents the data and trends on societal issues such as female education, poverty levels and crime rates, demonstrating in facts and figures how this truly is the best time

THE BOTOX PARTY

Call Me ~ Surprised

The ladies lined up at the bar for their shots.

The hostess provided some tasty what nots.

They tippled and toasted on wine, scotch and gin While the doctor injected, from forehead to chin, A poison concoction—diluted, of course; Then they each wrote a check that would choke a small horse.

And when they went home there was nary a line To betray that they’d lived beyond age twenty nine.

Pat D’Amico high school. She read Pat D’Amico has two newspapers a day written, illustrated and and always liked the published three poetry column writers. When booklets. She was born she found something in Bellingham and lived funny or ironic, she often there until she graduated would send a poem to from Western Washington the columnist. From University in 1956. She 1986 until 2001 when moved to Seattle and they quit publishing taught third grade at poems, The Wall Street Webster School in Ballard Pat D’Amico in “The Chair” Journal bought a total for seven years until she of 214 poems. “Ideas retired to raise her two for columns are everywhere. Human children. Pat has been in the same nature never lets me down. I usually house for 54 years in Kirkland. She stick to poems, but every once in a is currently trying to downsize and while a little story begs to be told.” found that it is fun to haul things out of cupboards and drawers and sell Ode to my chair them on eBay, which has become I have a favorite chair that I like to plop in. her most recent hobby. “I’m never Friends will find me there if they chance to stop in. bored or lonely because there’s I move around a lot, but it is evident that always something to do.” She started My favorite chair is truly my natural habitat. writing verses when her kids were in

…by Wendy Pender

...continued from page 4

friendly banter helped me to relax and enjoy the experience.

The advertisement, published in August 1967, featured two photos side by side; one of me as a smiling blonde and the other a somber brunette. The ad read: Janet can change the removable insert on her telephone to match her décor, her mood, her wardrobe or even her hair color. As for the contrasting phone panels, only Janet’s installer knows for sure.

One thing I knew for sure is that no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Life is filled with unexpected surprises and I was grateful Bradley had checked out both Janet’s – blonde and brunette. ❖ Enlightened Aging ...continued from page 10

everything back to the institute.

As I am leaving, Jennifer, a research member, cheerfully exclaims, “See you in two years!” She chuckles as I point my finger skyward and reply, “God willing!” ❖ Since 1986, the longitudinal ACT Study has followed over 5,000 aging participants from the community from age 65 and older, collecting information on health and cognitive function every two years. ACT uses this extensive data resource to identify the environmental, such as air pollution and brain injury, and genetic factors that increase the risk of brain disease and find ways to help communities delay or avoid dementia. It is a joint project between the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute.

to be alive. Bill Gates said, “The world would be better if literally millions of people read this book.” Who doesn’t need some positive news?

Transportation often tops the list of concerns as we age. If you are interested in a broad view of the innovations occurring in this troublesome arena, look at authors John Rossant and Stephen Baker’s book Hop, Skip, Go. They provide a far-ranging examination of this issue and the innovations springing up around the world to address it. From Dubai to China, engineers are developing encouraging solutions for many types of transportation woes.

If you’d like something on the lighter side, how about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy: 101 Stories About Creating your Best Life (or, for that matter, Chicken Soup creator Jack Canfield’s inspiring books on success. Did you know over 130 publishers turned down the Chicken Soup books? Now that’s persistence!). These gentle stories provide a guide for looking on the brighter side of life.

Optimism is a cultivated trait, one that serves us well as we age. When you look for the positive, it is bound to become more visible to you.

Need more suggestions? Stop in or call your local library. We’re here for you! v Wendy Pender, Older Adults Program Coordinator, King County Library System, wgpender@kcls.org, 425-369-3285

A View from the Chair ...continued from page 4

same purpose. Soon it was wobbling wildly and I began to slip. I grabbed the towel rack but it ripped off the wall, leaving me to plummet into a crash landing back on the toilet.

Recovery took a few minutes of heavy breathing. Then I heard the voice of the trampoline teacher I’d had in my youth. “Wherever your head goes, your body will follow.

Nod your head forward at the top of a high jump and tuck for a forward roll” Well, I didn’t get off the toilet with an elegant forward roll, but I did throw my head forward as I grabbed the sink with my right hand and ripped the toilet paper holder off the wall with my left.

Without losing momentum, I launched forward. This time I got my feet under me and straightened my screaming, arthritic knees.

Hallelujah, I was standing!

Plaster grit crunched under my shoes as I maneuvered back into my chair. The toilet paper had bounced to the ground and unwound itself, leaving its crisscrossed pattern all over the floor. At least it wasn’t me sprawled out on the floor needing rescue.

As I passed the reception desk I smiled at the hostess, “I think you could use some grab bars in the bathroom.” I said. She just smiled at me with vacant eyes, probably having no idea what a grab bar was. ❖

14

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

The Funny Side of Life

A Fable …by Sy Rosen

If you’ll indulge me, I came up with a little fable that I’d like to share with you.

I know, most of my humor comes from reality, but Sy Rosen when you’re getting older it’s good to try new things—except if it’s kale. Anyway, here it goes: Every day a very old man sat on the same park bench. He was so old that people didn’t think of him as old—they thought of him as a landmark.

As the sun beat down on his now bald head, he thought of his younger days and his beautiful wife who passed away and his children who now lived far away. The word “away” had become part of his life.

Suddenly, a man dressed completely in black sat next to him.

“Do you know who I am?” the man asked.

“Well you’re dressed in black, are you Johnny Cash?”

“He’d dead.”

“I know. It was a joke,” the old man replied.

“I remember when I took Johnny.

He was singing, I Walk the Line.”

“Excuse me?” the old man said, not quite comprehending.

“I’m Death.”

“Oh. I think I’ll move to another bench.”

“It’s your time, my friend.”

“But there’s a lot of things I still have to do. I…I…haven’t tried a meatless hamburger or seen Hamilton.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Death replied, “it’s been kind of a boring day, only 200,000 recalls. How about if we play a little game.”

“A game? Sure, let’s play hide and seek. You hide and I’ll never find you.”

Death chuckled, a very scary chuckle, and then went on. “No, here is what I propose. While you sit on this bench, you can change places with any one of the next 10 people who pass you by.”

“Okay, but what happens to the person I change places with?”

“Have it all, all in one day.”

Death shrugged and said ominously, “They will die.”

The old man didn’t like it, but he didn’t want to die and so he agreed. The first person to pass was a middle-aged man, angrily talking on his cellphone.

“How about him?” Death asked.

“I don’t think it’s a good trade,” the old man replied. “He looks like he’s going to have a heart attack at any moment.”

Death then took out a little book, thumbed through it and said, “You’re right.”

The next to pass was a woman in her thirties.

“How about her?” Death asked.

“I don’t know, I like women, but I don’t want to be one. It would be too much of a change.”

The old man found a problem with everyone who passed by… too short…. too tall…too medium. And Death was becoming impatient. “Okay,” said Death, “hurry up, this next person is number 9.”

A little boy then passed licking an ice cream cone.

“He’s perfect,” said Death. “You’ll have your whole life ahead of you.”

“I…I can’t do it. I can’t make anyone die so I can live.”

“I knew this would happen,” Death said. “Let’s go, it’s time.”

And as Death sang I Walk the Line, he reached out his arm and crossed in front of the old man to take him away.

“Wait a second,” said the old man, “I choose you.”

“You can’t do that.”

“You crossed in front of me and you said I could choose anyone.”

“But, but, I haven’t seen Hamilton yet,” Death whined.

“You can’t go back on your word.”

Death sighed and said, “I was getting bored with this job anyway.”

And from then on the old man became Death. He didn’t wear black but changed into a loud plaid shirt and white pants. And most important, he didn’t recall anyone. Nobody died and everyone lived happily ever after (except for the overpopulation and food shortages). ❖

January/February 2020

The ongoing life-affirming adventures of Rose and Dawn

Mystery of the Noisy Neighbors Part III …by Diana Couture

Rose and Dawn caught their breath as they entered Rose’s condo. They had run down the sidewalk connecting Rose’s home to those grumpy Kelly sisters next door. They just missed a stream of unpleasantries coming from the older of the two.

“Hmmm,” Dawn opined. “I guess the civilized way of handling a mutual problem won’t suffice in this case. In the little time I spent with those two and seeing the look on your face, I know that these women will not be dealt with politely. What shall you do, Rose?

“Oh, if they want a fight, I’ll give them a fight, all right,” Rose shouted, hoping the neighbor-harpies would hear her loud, threatening tone through their common wall. Dawn helped her shaking friend sit down at the table and put the kettle on the stove. “Let’s have a cuppa and see if we can sort through this aborted mission and come up with a new strategy.

The girls sat quietly while the hot tea took effect, helping to calm their nerves. Rose stopped shaking and stared at the wall connecting the two condos.

There didn’t seem to be any untoward noises coming from their unit at this time. “Maybe they have thought about our discussion and decided to do the polite thing and control their noisiness.”

Rose started to unwind slowly and even began relaxing her clenched fists.

Just then came crashing glass followed by screaming and carping. The words were indiscernible, but the decibel level left no doubt that there were angry words being exchanged.

Rose and Dawn both jumped. Rose sighed and looked at Dawn helplessly.

“What to do, Dawnie?” Dawn got up from her chair and started pacing the kitchen. The island in the middle made it easy to do a circuit while pacing. She thought as she walked, and finally looked at Rose who had her head in her hands while

sitting at the dinette.

“Okay, Rose. It’s time to bring in the professionals,” Dawn bravely put forth. Rose grimaced. “I don’t want to rub these dames out, Dawnie.”

Dawn laughed hard. “Geeze Rose. You are so far away from what I was thinking.

Sometimes I wonder where those violent ideas of yours come from. Maybe I don’t know you as well as I think I do.

Was your family involved in the mafia or something?”

Even Rose had to laugh at that.

“Well, who are these professionals you want to bring in?” Rose cried. “The Homeowners Association of course,” Dawn proudly announced. “They deal with these issues all the time and know how to do it without making enemies out of neighbors.”

“Well, it couldn’t hurt to try. I’ll call them tomorrow. Thanks for your help tonight, Dawnie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” The girls said good night and Rose promised to call in the morning and let Dawn know what the Homeowners Association had to say.

Rose placed a call to Julie, the president of the HOA, the next morning. Julie was well aware of the Kelly girls and their disruptive behavior.

She and the vice president had knocked on their door recently due to some other complaints and were promptly advised to ‘get a warrant’ if they wanted to talk.

Since access was denied and discussions were impossible, Julie said the HOA sent a letter to the sisters, who co-owned the condo, telling them that any further complaints would result in HOA fines and police reports.

“Oh dear,” Rose offered. “I had no idea the situation was this dire. I really don’t want to report them to the police.

I just want some peace and quiet and a return of the neighborly respect that I offer.” “I know, Rose,” Julie was thinking out loud. “Maybe we can put our heads together and think of a creative way to trick these ladies into obeying the noise rules of the HOA. Maybe just a little performance that might get their attention.”

“I’m not following you, Julie,” Rose commented. “Well, if they want a warrant, let’s get one. Not a real one, of course, but even a fake one might get their attention,” Julie suggested. “I like it.”

“Can we get a fake policeman to deliver it?” Rose smiled evilly. v To Be Continued…

January/February 2020

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 15

What’s Love Got To Do With It? ...by Len Elliott

Across 1. Watchful period 6. Sgt.’s underlings 10. Ship’s backbone 14. Senseless 15. Greek god of war 16. Humorist Bombeck 17. LOVE 20. Popular cookie 21. “____ Misbehavin’” 22. Active people 23. Mirthful (anagram of 27-Down) 25. Kind of overalls 26. LOVE 31. Legal thriller writer Scott 32. Pooh’s pal 33. ____ soup (thick fog) 35. Very angry: 3 wds.

38. Guideline 41. “Give me ____!” (Hoosier cheerleader’s cry): 2 wds.

42. Word of distaste 44. Hebrew holy book 45. LOVE 50. “____ a girl!”

51. In the ____ of (among) 52. Muse of poetry 55. Work the soil 56. Sinusitis doctors: abbr.

60. LOVE 63. Kind of dancer: hyph.

Engaging with Aging ...continued from page 6

to them based on their needs and values.

Yan Su, a UW PhD in Nursing Science student, wrote the second article, analyzing the blog’s posts. She highlighted key themes, including changes due to aging, positive and negative feelings about those changes, strategies to adapt to those changes and how aspects of aging continue to change over time.

UW School of Nursing Dean, Azita Emami, wrote about the role of deans and other nursing leaders’ to impact healthcare, the nursing profession and research.

She called on nursing leaders to test new ideas like Engaging with Aging, and

64. Visibly astounded 65. Playful river creature 66. Actor Epps 67. Lunar “sea” 68. End ____ (consumers) Down 1. Wine, to Pliny 2. “Are you ___ out?”: 2 wds.

3. Garden access 4. Recoil ____ (act very scared): 2 wds.

5. Luau neckwear 6. Enclosing birds 7. Office machine that sometimes jams 8. Fasting period that passes slowly, it seems 9. Concorde, e.g.: abbr.

10. Jedi master Obi-Wan ____ 11. Sea eagle 12. Mideast potentate 13. Laddie’s lady 18. Bread in Mumbai 19. Mark up a manuscript 24. State north of Missouri 25. Rude one 26. Certain Muslim 27. Choo-choo, to children 28. Floor cleaner 29. Puccini’s forte 30. Kathmandu’s country 31. Aunt, in Acapulco

34. Part of NCAA: abbr.

36. Teeth holders 37. Self-admiration 39. Pilots’ guesses: abbr.

40. Competitions 43. It keeps cigars moist 46. A meal ____ a king: 2 wds.

47. Perched on 48. Cattle chow 49. 455, to Flavius

52. Toaster waffle brand 53. Space 54. Pond organism 55. Frat party outfit 57. “Nick at ____” (TV offering) 58. Stadium level 59. Knights, by title 61. Dodge truck 62. Proof of debt: abbr.

to promote a focus on healthy aging— not just on diseases associated with aging. She also cited the importance of advocating for initiatives like Reframing Aging, which aims to combat ageism and change the public’s perspective on ageism.

Yong Choi and his collaborators wrote about how “smart home” technologies can provide individuals with more tools to adapt to aging. For example, automated pill dispensers can help people remember to take their meds, smart speakers can help when

dexterity problems make it hard to interact with touch-based technology or help individuals shop online if they have trouble going to the store. Devices and apps that track things like sleep can help older adults understand different aspects of their health.

In the final article, Andrew Teng and co-authors described a small study, where eight older adults participated in a private Facebook group for ten weeks.

They discussed various health problems, encouraged by weekly prompts. While a larger study is needed to make the

results generalizable, they found that this approach seemed to be an effective way for the participants to connect with each other and share strategies and support for health problems and management of chronic conditions.

Anyone interested in learning more can find the editorials online at healio.com/nursing/journals/jgn and the Engaging with Aging blog at engagingwithagingblog.wordpress. com. To contact the University of Washington’s de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging, call 206-616-4276. ❖

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Scenes from Childhood

The Flintlock ...by Dana Miller

He was as awed as us kids. “This I come from a family were is a collector’s piece.” hunting for food was as much “A Kentucky flintlock, not a part of childhood tasks as harvesting wild berries, scrubbing loaded,” Great Grandma, born in Arkansas back in 1882, declared canning jars and bringing in as we waited firewood. for the sheriff’s When deputy to come my brother take it. turned five, “If we Grandpa can’t find the gave him owners, you a single can have it,” shot .22. the deputy told Dad’s 30.30 us. belonged “Oh, propped in thank you,” the corner I breathed, by the front startled into door. My speaking out of brother’s turn. rifle was My brother propped by and I rode in the door just the deputy’s inside my car, directing bedroom.

This photo shows Dana Miller’s mother, father, him to where We we had found were seven Dana at age 5 and his little brother (age 4). the rifle. The and eight deputy commanded us not to when my brother spotted a gun touch anything we found, just on the slope above our heads call him over. We searched the about a quarter mile from our roadsides until we found six more apple orchard. I climbed the flintlocks. I was pleased when embankment to fetch it. This the thief was arrested. A wicked octagonal barreled rifle was soul, he had to be, to throw these heavy, half again my dad’s 30.30 treasures from a moving vehicle in mass. It had no safety and I to be soiled and left in the rain. couldn’t tell if it was loaded so Everyone else on that gravel I assumed it was and treated it road was old enough to drive and accordingly. It was longer than didn’t see the rifle when walking I was tall, with craftsmanship by. Without my brother spotting to drool over. I couldn’t carry it underarm and, pointing down, it it, all seven firearms would still be there rusting now. was too big for that. I wondered I’ve never fired a black how even Grandpa, the largest powder gun, never collected adult in our family, could fire it as it balanced so far forward that valuable things. But I covet that Kentucky flintlock to this a long-limbed adult would be day and still feel a bit miffed at needed to aim steady. the owner who didn’t bother My brother carried our thanking my brother for his part treasure while I carried our in returning it. ❖ school things. After a mile, we switched loads, so when grandpa Dana Miller was born in Port Angeles saw us walking up his driveway and grew up on the Olympic Peninsula the rifle was over my shoulder.

Bellevue ChamBer Chorus Our 2019-2020 Concert Season Continues!

January/February 2020

Short Story Writing, Early Authors, Herstory, Neighborhoods, Guilty Pleasures, Literary Methods, Character Development, The Plot Thickens, Processing Loss with Writing, The Joy Diet, Joyous Ruminations, Writing Winning Letters & E-mails, Becoming an …by Ariele M. Huff Editor, Technical Writing & Editing, The Writers Journey, Write to Grow, Monster Club (for kids & adults), Tech Writing and Happy New Year, Readers. For twenty years, Writers Journey.

So, my offer is that readers who connect I’ve loved having your with me in January or February 2020 may ear with this column. have a free online class, working with me for As we start 2020, my ten sessions. The options I’ve chosen for you opportunity to do that to select from are Write About Your Life, has moved from ten to The Fiction Series or Joyous Ruminations. six per year—a change Ariele M. Huff in Northwest Prime Time’s Here are their class descriptions.

Write About Your Life: Magazine annual issues. editors and book publishers agree: the To make the most of our time together, hottest trend these days is the telling of I’ve decided to offer a gift to any of you who personal experiences. Learn how to access take me up on it during January or February. and format your memories and experiences For about 25 years, I’ve included online for the purpose of creating articles, books classes in my schedule. This has been a and souvenir memoirs for cash, friends and/ great way to stay in touch with students or family. Instructor has helped hundreds of who couldn’t make it to on-site classes students and clients complete life stories of all due to illnesses, disabilities, job or family kinds. responsibilities, or unexpected hectic times.

Fiction Series: Explore the five elements It also allowed shy people or those who wanted to share stories only with me to have of fiction and nonfiction (plot, character, theme, dialogue and setting). Unique a writing class. exercises and crucial information benefit all Over the years I have created over forty levels of writers. Instructor: 45 years with sales different online classes (most running ten in fiction and nonfiction, and as a substantive sessions each). Here’s the list: eBooks Start editor for numerous successful books. to Finish, Write About Your Life, Freelance Joyous Ruminations: If your life is low Writing, Writing for Children, Character on joy, this is the class for you! The practice Development, Commas to Comments: of replacing one kind of thinking for another Edit Your Own Writing, Creating a Selling Novel, Selling Your Nonfiction Book, Script helps put more pizzazz into your existence and into your writing, art or other creative forms.

Writing, Travel Writing, Fiction Series, Concepts are based on Martin Seligman’s Feature Writing, Write to Inspire, Humor Writing, The Art of Storytelling, Self Portrait work in Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness as well as several other resources.

Books, Basics for Writers II, Writing with Join me for some life-altering writing. ❖ Style, Good Things, Build a Book, Life Map, Portrait Books, Storywheel Writing, Connect with me at ariele@comcast.net.

Exploring Poetry, Write from the Heart,

Writing Corner

A Gift

Winter Haiku:

Poetry Corner

16

sleigh rides, ice skating, kissing under mistletoe stringing popcorn chains.

Haiku too:

blustery winds blow stripping leaves from shiv’ring trees baring gnarly limbs --Frieda Risvold

roasting marshmallows sharing hugs with everyone Valentine Haiku Love on a pink heart sipping hot toddies.

Lace and glue folded paper Who will receive it? visiting old folks listening to their stories Handmade red mailbox making memories.

Simply sitting on small desk --Frieda Risvold Ready to receive --John Eckert “Winter Traditions” Fall brings traditions Poems may be edited, excerpted from, or used in Sharing But Santa does steal the show Stories online at www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com. Send Let’s kidnap Santa… poetry to ariele@comcast.net or mail to: Poetry Corner, --Laurie Needham PO Box 13647, Seattle WA 98198 EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BLACK BOX THEATRE PRESENTS: TRIBE HAS SPOKEN COMEDY COMPETITION!

Featuring new Artistic Director, Ben Luedcke

Finding Home: The Sense of Belonging

 Saturday, March 7, 2020, 7:30 pm  Sunday, March 8, 2020, 3:00 pm  Covenant Presbyterian Church, Issaquah  First United Methodist Church, Bellevue From Paul Simon to Brahms, this program examines frailty, fear, and isolation to expose a uniquely human sense of companionship and belonging.

Move over Summer Games: It’s an

International Poetry Extravaganza!  Saturday, May 16, 2020, 7:30 pm  Sunday, May 17, 2020, 3:00 pm  First Congregational Church, Bellevue  First United Methodist Church, Bellevue Seven of history’s greatest wordsmiths from across the entire globe represent their native lands in word and song!

Special Senior Prices available. For more information, call the Chorus office at 425.522.3436, or visit www.bellevuechamberchorus.org.

Use code JANNWPT for an additional discount online or present this ad at the door!

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January/February 2020

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 17

LET’S GO! Senior Events

Parkinson’s Support Group First Monday of every month at 2:30pm, Parkinson’s Disease Support Group at Quail Park Memory Care of West Seattle. Call Cynthia or Michael at 206-455-8842. 4515 41st Ave SW, West Seattle. QPMCWestSeattle.com Teepa Snow Jan 7, 9am-4pm, renowned dementia care specialist leads a workshop on Best Practices of Dementia Care, Emerald City Senior Living, $70 ($80 with lunch), light refreshments provided, 9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, RSVP by Jan 3 206-729-1200.

Guided Cannabis Shopping for Seniors Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 11 10am, Curious about cannabis, marijuana and CBD? Join the team for free Wednesday events, 9am-10am coffee & conversation followed by in-store shopping at the Fremont store in Seattle, must RSVP (206-9468157 or Service@SeattleHashtag.com). 3534 Stone Way N Seattle, seattlehashtag.com/seniors Wisdom Cafes Free discussions for seniors: Jan 14, 2-3:30pm “Holding on and Letting Go” Richmond Beach Library 206-546-3522.

Successful Aging Jan 16, 7-8:15pm, Daniel Levitin will be speaking from his new book, Seattle’s Central Library 1000 4th Ave, free – limited seating, 206-386-4646.

Crone of Puget Sound Jan 18, 1pm “Getting to Know You Tea” event to get to know each other, Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, 8003 35th Ave NE, Seattle, free, guests welcome, for info call Sonja 425-420-5261.

Aging Well Learning Community Jan 18, 10:30am, all welcome, Snoqualmie Library, 425-888-1223.

Disabilities Legislative Reception Jan 22, 5:30-7:30pm people with disabilities and the organizations that represent them can meet with legislators to discuss critical issues, Columbia Room in the Legislative Building on State Capitol in Olympia, contact Emily for details Emily.

Rogers@ddc.wa.gov Senior & Disabled Property Tax Relief Jan 24, 2-3pm seniors & disabled are eligible for property tax exemptions, King County Tax Assessor will explain the new eligibility requirements (limit $58,423 earned income for 2019) Shoreline Library 206-362-7550.

Arts for People with Memory Loss Jan 29-Mar 4, Ukulele Time, strum ukes, beat a drum, share stories, no experience needed; Edmonds Center for the Arts, to learn about this and other events, contact Katie at 425-275-9485, www.ec4arts.org CPR/Stroke Workshop Jan 24, 11am-noon, hands-only CPR & how to ID stroke symptoms, come dressed to move, free but RSVP Richmond Beach Library 206-546-3522.

Social Security Demystified Jan 25, 1pm, learn to optimize your benefits, Renton Highlands Library, 425-277-1831.

Legacy Project Feb 13, 10-11:30am, free workshop on how to create your own legacy project, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St, Kent, to register to free workshop call 253-856-5164.

Dockside Cannabis Call for free Cannabis 101 workshops at your senior center or community, or group tours of stores, 1-844-dock-420, www. docksidecannabis.com.

A Calendar of Places to Go, Do or See…

See our full calendar at northwestprimetime.com/calendar

Des Moines Senior Center Mar 1, 1pm, “Frozen” tickets on sale now! Also, classes (Computer & Cell Phone classes yoga, tai chi, enhanced fitness, AARP, “Active Shooters” class), day trips (upcoming trips include Seattle Chocolate Factory, Lawless Forge in Seattle), museums (Puppet Museum, Tacoma Art) Out to lunch at Bair Bistro in Steilacoom, Water’s Table in Lake, Mediterranean Breeze in Kent, 206-8781642. www.desmoineswa.gov/seniors.

Health Education

Dementia Education Programs Jan 9 “Know the 10 Warning Signs” Bellevue YMCA; Jan 10 at1pm “Understand Dementia Lynnwood Senior Center; Jan 11, 10am “Conversations about dementia” 24437 Russell Rd Kent, #110; Jan 14, 11am “Understanding dementia” Coal Creek YMCA; Jan 27, 1pm “Dementia conversations; Jan 30 at 1pm “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body” Monroe Comm Ctr; rsvp’s for these free events presented by the Alz Assn requested not required 1-800-2723900.

Dementia Family Caregiver Conference Feb 22, 9:30am-2:45pm FREE conference is designed to provide tools and encouragement free to any unpaid dementia caregiver, resource tables open at 9am, Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave, Everett, free but RSVP required 206-363-5500.

Community Events

Prime Time Poetry Contest Jan 2-31, if you are age 55+ enter a poetry contest (no longer than 14 lines) sponsored by Friends of Graham Library, 1st prize $25, for more info call 253-548-3322, or enter via email: grahamlibrary@piercecountylibrary.org Save $ & Live Sustainably Jan 4, 2-3:30pm, learn how to move toward a zero-waste lifestyle, Lake Forest Park Library 206362-8860; Jan 16 at 6pm learn about the latest on recycling Shoreline Library 206-362-7550.

Collectables & Antiques Jan 9, 2-3pm bring something to show and tell, hear what others are collecting Richmond Beach Library 206-546-3522.

Learn about Bees from a Gardner Jan 18, 2-3pm Shoreline Library 206-362-7550.

Historic Weather in our State Jan 23 7-8pm historian explores our region’s most infamous storms, includes archival photos & TV/ radio clips, Shoreline Library 206-362-7550.

Drop-In Genealogy Help Jan 25, 2-3pm, get your questions answered Shoreline Library 206-362-7550.

KCLS Speaker Series Feb 12 at 3:30pm KUOW reporter Anna BoikoWeyrauch discusses about creating a podcast at the Woodmont Library 253-839-0121; Feb 13 at 7pm KUOW reporter Patricia Murphy talks about young people’s perception of guns & violence and the county’s plans to address these issues Bothell Library 425-486-7811.

Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day Feb 18, 10am-3:15pm, training and lunch then meet in teams with state senators and reps to share stories to fund Alz ,transportation form King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties available, www.alzwa.org/advocacyday or call Dr. Peter Newbould, at 206-529-3867.

Washington State Patriotic Day Feb 22, 2pm, “Massing of the Colors” Corps Band, flag units, free, Stadium High School Gymnasium, 111 North “E” Street, Tacoma, www.washingtonstatepatrioticday.org Glass Show & Sale Feb 29, 9am-4:30pm glass, jewelry, collectibles, pottery china, ID & Repair, $3, free parking, Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave N, Kent, 253-852-5250.

Radio Enthusiasts March 2, 2pm “Entertaining the Troops in War Time: The Early History of Armed Forces Radio” St. John United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, www.repsonline.org

Theater & Musicals & Dance Black Box Theatre Tribe Has Spoken Comedy Competition. Tickets on sale now! Black Box Theatre at Edmonds Community College, 425-640-1448. www. blackboxedcc.org.

5th Avenue Theatre Thru Jan 4, world premiere of the “Mrs. Doubtfire” musical, 206-625-1900, 5thavenue.org

Contact me by email: homes@loriwright.net or phone: (206)799-0318

—Wall Street Journal

JAN 16 – FEB 23 Issaquah (425) 392-2202

FEB 28 – MAR 22 Everett (425) 257-8600

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ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO SHE LOVES ME. To enter, cut along the dotted line and mail your completed entry form to: Village Theatre ATTN: Marketing 303 Front Street North Issaquah, WA 98027

Lori Wright

Music of Remembrance Jan 27, 5:30pm, 75th Anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz, guests NW Boychoir, Seattle Girls’ Choir & UW Chamber Orchestra, Benaroya Hall; March 1 “Violins of Hope” concert using string instruments that belonged to Jews who played them before and during the Holocaust; 206-3657770, www.musicofremembrance.org Seattle Opera Feb 22-Mar 7, “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird: operatic tale of a jazz legend” 206-389-7676. www.seattleopera.org Bellevue Chamber Chorus Mar 7, 7:30pm Covenant Presbyterian Church, Issaquah & Mar 8, 3pm, First United Methodist Church, Bellevue, Finding Home: The Sense of Belonging (from Paul Simon to Brahms); May 16, 7:30pm, First Congregational Church, Bellevue & May 17, 3pm, First United Methodist Church, Bellevue, International Poetry Extravaganza (history’s greatest wordsmiths in word and song) Special Senior prices available. 425-522-3436. www.bellevuechamberchorus.org.

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Paramount Theatre Thru Jan 5 “The Donna Summers Musical” 1-800982-2782 Village Theatre Jan 16-Mar 22 see the musical comedy hit that inspired the movie You’ve Got Mail “She Loves Me” an endearing touch of old-world elegance “the most romantic of all Broadway musicals”, Issaquah Jan 16-Feb 23 – ph: 425-392-2202; Everett Feb 28-Mar 22 – ph: 425-257-8600.

Enter to win tickets (entries must be received by Jan 28 – see ad this page) VillageTheatre.org.

Edmonds Driftwood Players Jan 16-19, “[MISS] the story of Dr. Kelsey’s battle to prevent thalidomide from being approved for use in the US, Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds, 425-774-9600, www. edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org Northshore Performing Arts Center Jan 25, 7:30pm one-woman musical about the iconic Josephine Baker; Feb 22 at 7:30pm Halau o Keikiali’I show on Hawaiian cultural traditions, 18125 92nd Ave NE in Bothell, 425-298-3449.

entries must be received by jan 28, 2020. name________________________________________ phone_______________________________________ email____________________________________________

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18

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Successful Aging with Daniel Levitin ...continued from page 1

writer with over 40 published novels to her credit, she found that publishers were no longer interested in her work after she turned 75. As a result, she pursued playwriting. Writing plays required her to develop new skills and explore a new profession. As a playwright, she had to learn how to write a script, format it on her computer, find a director and performance space for her play, and audition actors, along with the myriad of other requirements for producing a play. Her first play, when she was 78, was staged in a well-known Los Angeles theater.

Outside of work, Levitin’s parents are socially active, love hiking and nature, engage in spiritual pursuits, and “[w]here certain faculties have slowed, they find that extraordinary compensatory mechanisms have kicked in—positive changes in mood and outlook, punctuated by the exceptional benefits of experience.”

While Levitin doesn’t minimize the changes and losses that occur as we age, he does make a compelling, evidencebased argument that older age is its own developmental stage—like infancy and adolescence—that brings with it unique advantages and demands. He encourages us to plan thoughtfully for old age as the average life expectancy continues to increase.

Surprising discoveries were made along the way while researching the book. “The myth of failing memory is one,” says Levitin, a myth he covers thoughtfully throughout the book. “I’m not saying that older adults don’t have ‘senior moments’ or that we don’t forget; I’m just saying it’s not nearly as bad as we think it is. I have 20-year-olds in my classes who are losing their cell phones, keys, forgetting passwords, showing up on the wrong day for an exam—real memory problems. The difference is the story we tell ourselves. At 20, we say ‘I guess I’m not getting enough sleep’ or ‘I have too much on my plate.’ At 70 we say, ‘OMG, this must be Alzheimer’s.’

Same behaviors (minus the classroom exams), different explanations.”

Another unexpected discovery was the sheer number of inspiring people in their 80s and 90s and beyond who are making great contributions: former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz Walking the Dog ...continued from page 19

process. Making sure we had a litter bag handy was an ongoing part of our training. We were also shown that if it was cold or raining, walks did not need to be all that long. If someone was walking a female dog, Sparky would tug eagerly at the leash to show off. If the dog we were passing was male, barking and posturing were needed, especially if the passing dog was also on a leash. If someone was walking behind us, he alerted us with glances over his shoulder. If they were gaining on us, he would walk faster, dragging us along.

January/February 2020

Dr. Daniel (age 98); actress, 4. Embrace 10. Keep your cognitive abilities Levitin’s latest dancer and singer a moderated strong by engaging in experiences that book explores Rita Moreno (age lifestyle with create unique experiences, like traveling, aging, 88); Federal Judge healthy practices. spending time with grandchildren and including tips on how to Jack Weinstein 5. Keep immersion in new activities. rejuvenate (age 97); runner your social circle What are your plans for optimizing your Julia “Hurricane” exciting and your “last quarter” of life? What brain. He Hawkins (age 103). demonstrates new. Turns out changes do you intend to make to age that we can Life expectancy the adage is true: successfully? Join me in embracing learn much continues to increase. from those “Make new this period of life as an opportunity to In the United States, who age friends but keep learn new things, make new friends, get the average lifespan joyously, and the old, one is outside, engage in physical activity, make he urges our culture to take advantage of older is 78.6 years: 81.1 silver and the that doctor’s appointment—to celebrate people’s wisdom and experience. for women and 76.1 other is gold.” your age, experience and the wisdom for men. According to the U.S. Census 6. Spend time with people younger that comes with it. v Bureau, “the age group 85 and older is than you. now the fastest growing segment of the 7. See your doctor regularly, but not Keri Pollock is director of marketing & U.S. population. The growth of the U.S. obsessively. communications for Aging Wisdom, a care population age 65 and older exceeds 8. Don’t think of yourself as old. management practice based in Seattle. She that of the total population and the 9. Appreciate your cognitive serves on the Frye Art Museum’s Creative population under age 65. Lower birth strengths, including pattern recognition, Aging Advisory Committee, a co-sponsor of rates and increased longevity have led to crystallized intelligence, wisdom and Dr. Levitin’s talk at Seattle Central Library, this rapid growth, not just in the United accumulated knowledge. keri@agingwisdom.com States but across the world.

More Information Recognizing that most of us are going to live well into our 70s, possibly Daniel Levitin will be speaking on Successful Aging at Seattle’s 80s, 90s and beyond, making the most Central Library (1000 4th Avenue) on January 16 from 7:00 to 8:15pm. of those years makes sense. A consistent The event is free, and registration is not required. However, space is limited thread of thought and encouragement so please come early to make sure you get a seat. For more information on throughout Successful Aging is for this event, visit the Event Calendar at www.spl.org or call 206-386-4636. everyone to change the conversation Dr. Levitin enjoys his time in Seattle and coming here is always at the top of his list for book tours. Among some of his favorite places to visit are Pike about aging, to approach and plan for Place Market, the University of Washington, Elliott Bay Book Company, this as a new period for development in the Seattle Symphony, Washington Park Arboretum and Seattle Japanese our lives.

Garden, adding “I try to fit this in every visit. And the Woodland Park Zoo, “We often look at old age as a time where a friend of my wife’s is a zookeeper to the great apes and where we of limitations, infirmities and sadness. Of sometimes get to feed them.” course, it’s true that as we get older there are a number of things we don’t do as vacation rentals well as when we were younger. But that classifieds... doesn’t necessarily mean that all older MAUI CONDO adults are sad, or depressed…Happiness estate planning 1Bedroom/1Bath, Sleeps 4. Discount for extended stays. Rental by Owner. Phone: tends to decrease beginning in the late 253-839-6705 email: rijvrj827@MSN. LAST WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, thirties and then begins to increase com. Get a full description, pictures, rates AND LIVING WILL. $375/person or sharply after age 54.” $575/couple for complete services. and availability from our web site: www.

Insights into why some of us age Mar tin Sjolie, Attorney at Law AlohaDreamsCondo.com better than others can be gleaned from (Northgate office), (206)-841-1373.

Successful Aging, insights that can be directly implemented into our own lives Crossword Answers to help create a path for creativity, better Solution for the puzzle on page 15 I Make health and a renewed sense of purpose.

With that in mind, let’s embrace Real Estate Dr. Levitin’s Top Ten Tips for Easy for You! Rejuvenating Your Brain (and aging successfully) to make the most of our Roger Morris longevity: YOUR Senior Real Estate Specialist 1. Don’t retire, or if you do, take Call me at 206-595-7700 up volunteering or hobbies. Don’t stop rogermorris@windermere.com being engaged in meaningful work. www.ontheroadwithroger.com 2. Look forward, don’t just look back – reminiscing doesn’t protect health.

3. Exercise. Get your heart rate going, preferably in nature.

Invariably, when we return after a distant hike, about a mile from our house distinct whining would tell us that we needed to hurry. Sparky was done with all that walk business today and he had important things to do at home.

It has been several months of intensive training thus far, and I think Sparky feels that we are coming along nicely with his lessons. Sparky knows we still have much to learn, but he is ready and willing to teach us.

I suspect that he has decided to keep us. ❖

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January/February 2020

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 19

The Great Outdoors

Walking the Dog …by Roger Urbaniak

A few months ago, our life changed when we visited King County Humane Society and came home with a 25-pound mixed breed dog we named Sparky. Getting used to having a pet again meant training. We would train Sparky to behave; but really, Sparky would train us.

Right off the bat Sparky knew that we had much to learn. He barked until we knew the mail had

arrived. He was also convinced that it was important for us to know when the garbage was being picked up or someone was at the door—more barks. We learned that even the neighbor driving their car down the driveway was critical information. Sparky told us when it was time to be let outside by head shaking. Whining plus jumping on our lap was a signal to check the food and water dishes. Sparky used lots of signals.

Right away we were shown that

squirrels needed to be taught to climb trees and Sparky helped train them to do so. The occasional deer or rabbits that visit our ravine were instructed to use other garden areas that Linda Urbaniak with Sparky, the leader of the pack were not under Sparky’s careful watch. All crows Sparky felt we had the most to needed to be chased; occasionally a learn during our frequent walks, startled crow would leave behind a like which bushes and garbage cans tasty morsel. Rodents soon learned needed to have the dust washed that there were easier places to find from them as he left his scent in the a meal without having their life continued on page 18 threatened in the process.

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