FREE
Copy February 2017 Long Island Edition • Vol. 42 #4
For Your Health
pages 2 & 14
Ms. New York Senior America Contestants ....................................page 6
Around the Towns
....................................page 7
Veterans News .....page 8 Know a Super Senior? ....................................page 9
Bellport C of C Installed for 2017
....................................page 12
Can Love and Opposite Politics Coexist? ....................................page 13 Senior Resources
....................................page 14
Coming in March Legal, Financial, Pre-Planning, Funerals
Tax Abatement Boondoggle, Shame on Them!
I
n an election year dominated by divisiveness, vitriol, obfuscation and finger pointing and the winning side campaigning on a “Make America Great Again” theme, the politicians in Nassau County seem to have missed the proverbial boat about greatness in more ways than one. They have, however, resorted to an awful lot of finger-pointing these days, and seem to have come up with a totally different campaign, as well ... one reminiscent of something your little brother used to use to get you in trouble: The “He did it!” campaign. Somebody dropped the ball in Nassau County and let a property tax abatement, which over 30,000 seniors relied upon, expire. Who did it? He did it, that’s who! (Continued on page 11)
Long Island Resource Guide Coming in May See page 6
Advertiser’s Call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 221
A Life Half Full: Aging With Optimism
A
s Americans age, one element seems to be key for their mental and physical health: optimism. That's the finding suggested by a new Humana survey, which asked Americans age 60 and over how they perceive the importance of various wellness traits. Although the survey uncovered many perspectives, the findings about optimism suggest a possible link between a "glass half full" mentality and mental and physical health: Older Americans who rated themselves as very optimistic about aging tended to be the most active physically, socially and in their communities. They also reported a much lower number of physically unhealthy days per month on average: 2.84 for the most optimistic, compared to 12.55 physically unhealthy days for the least optimistic The most optimistic also felt on average 12 years younger than their actual age (those who are least optimistic felt on average seven years older than their actual age). The survey also asked respondents to rate how they feel about the depiction of people age 60 and over in pop culture: in film, television, commercials and so on. Overwhelmingly, the respondents perceived these media portrayals of their own demographic as inaccurate, rating the accuracy level as, on average, five or less on a 10-point scale. Those aging Americans who do feel that media accurately portrays them think about aging more than the average and have a higher level of fear about aging than their peers. Humana also recently partnered with The University of Southern California (USC) to take a first-ever look into society's views of aging in America through the lens of film. The USC study reveals that characters aged 60 and over are under-represented in film, and that those characters who do appear face demeaning or ageist references. Key findings from the study include: Just 11 percent of characters evaluated were aged 60 and over; U.S. Census data shows that 18.5 percent of the population is aged 60 and over. Out of 57 films that featured a leading or supporting senior character, 30 featured ageist comments -- that's more than half of the films. Quotes included characters being called “a relic,” “a frail old woman” and “a senile old man.” Only 29.1 percent of on-screen characters engaged with technology, whereas 84 percent of aging Americans report that they use the internet weekly. Taken together, these findings feed into growing evidence that suggest that ageism is a social determinant of health and may negatively impact health outcomes for aging Americans. Societal views and negative media portrayals can cause aging Americans to feel invisible. These negative perceptions may dampen optimistic outlooks and impact physical and emotional health. Humana wants to help aging Americans def y stereotypes, age with optimism and take steps to achieve their best health. Learn more about Humana's commitment to healthy aging, at StartWithHealthy.Humana.com. - NewsUSA 50+
What to Do, Where to Go, What to See, on Long Island and the Surrounding Area
3
Meet David Okrent former IRS Agent, CPA Attorney
Elder Law, Estate Planning & Special Needs
February EVENTS
FREE BREAKFAST SEMINARS Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 9-10:30 a.m. On Parade Diner, Woodburt Fresh Breakfast served Tuesday Feb. 28, 2017 6 p.m. The Atria, Bayshore Hot dinner served
See ad on page 11
Reservations Required:
631.427.4600
(Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)
February 4 Long Beach Art League. Chinese auction with proceeds going to the Betty Barto scholarship fund at Long Beach HS; 2p.m. At the Long Beach Library, 111 West Park Ave., in Long Beach. Info at wwwlongbeachartleague.com.
February 13 Loving Hands Knit and Crochet for Charity. At the Merrick Golf Club, 2550 Clubhouse Rd., Merrick; 1 to 3 p.m. Speaker, refreshments, raffle. Yarn, needle and book donations accepted. RSVP: Lillianne at 516-246-9552.
February 4 Community Heart Health Day. At the Boys and Girls CLub of Bellport, 471 Atlantic Avenue, Bellport, NY. From 1 to 4 p.m. Family fun for all ages sponsored by Brookhaven Hospital.
February 15 AHA Go Red Dinner. At the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information about sponsorship opportunities, ticket or table reservations, or other questions, call the American Heart Association at 516-962-0801 or longislandgoredluncheon.heart.org.
February 4 Open Mic. At the South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation (228 S. Ocean Ave. Freeport); 7 p.m. All styles of music and spoken word including poetry, comedy and storytelling. E-mail Marilyn Pignataro at madwman@yahoo.com to RSVP and if musical back up is needed.
February 18 Senior Dance. To the music of the Savoy Swing Band from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Sylvester’s Church, 680 Ohio Avenue, Medford. Admission: $15, beverages and snacks included. Info: 631-567-1790. 50+
February 6-7 Auditions. The Drowsy Chaperone at 7p.m. Prepare 16 bars of music and be prepared to dance. All roles are open. At the Star Playhouse, 74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack. Info: LHALL@syjcc.org, or www.starplayhouse.com. February 9 Senior Group Meeting SAGE. Lecture: A Journey to Amsterdam: My friendship with Otto Frank with Ms. Barbara Goldstein of Partners in Caring Sid Jacobsen JCC; 10:30 a,m, to noon. Woodbury Jewish Center, 200 South Woods Rd., Woodbury. Fee: $5. Info: 516-496-9100 x352; www.thewjc.org. February 9 Black History Month. The Office of Multicultural Student Life celebrates with founder of the Free Hugs Project, Ken E. Nwadike, Jr.; 1 to 2 p.m. St. Joseph’s College, O’Connor Hall, Patchogue. Info: 631-687-2663.
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
4
EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION Email us your Name, City, Zip Code and Email address and we will sign you up for a free monthly email subscription to 50+ Lifestyles. Email us at: Subscriptions@50plusNY.com
www.50plusNY.com PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Frank C. Trotta ext. 100 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tim Edwards ext. 111 VICE PRESIDENT SALES & PRODUCTION Marie S. Trotta ext. 113 EDITOR Gary P. Joyce ext. 250 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Evelyn Aloisio ext. 221 ART DIRECTOR Gregory A Jones ext. 232 EDITORIAL OFFICE: 146 South Country Road, Suite 4 Bellport, NY 11713 Tel (631) 286-0058 · Fax (631) 286-6866
WRITERS WANTED
To cover local stories. Previous writing experience a plus. Use of camera a plus. Send two writing samples and a CV or resume to frank@50plusny.com.
We’re Listening! We want to hear from our readers. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Tell us! Do you have a story to share? Send it our way. We want to devote space to what matters most: YOU! Send your submissions to Publisher Frank C. Trotta, 50+ Lifestyles, 146 South Country Rd. Suite 7, Bellport, NY 11713 or email frank@50plusNY.com.
Advertising Rate Card By Request COPY DEADLINE 15th of previous month ©50+ Lifestyles™
Hidin’ Harry Winners! Congratulations to our Hidin’ Harry winners from the January issue, Nancy Gavin of Yaphank and Alan Newman of North Bellmore. You’ll both be receiving a pair of theater tickets in the mail. And Hidin’ Harry was on page 15 in our January issue. So … Find Hidin’ Harry somewhere in the pages of 50+ LifeStyles and send us your answer — including your name and address — by post to Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713or by e-mail to: editor@50plusny.com.
Winner of 10 National Awards
LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 15
50+ LIFESTYLES AVAILABLE AT MOST LifeStyles Puzzle Solution from page 15
and most Libraries in Nassau/Suffolk.
Find Hidin’ Harry! Harry is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and tell us where he is and you can win a pair of theater tickets. We’ll pick two winners out of every issue. Find Hidin’ Harry and send your answer to: Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 or e-mail Editor@50plusny.com.
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
Age of Elegance By Ethel Bennett
Ms. New York Senior America Contestants
Barbara Antes (Briarcliff)
Linda Bernet (Port Jefferson)
Lee Ann Brill (Ronkonkoma)
Jeanie Knigin (NYC)
Grace Macnow (NYC)
Jeanne Marino (Massapequa)
Eileen Moskowitz (Syosset)
Rita Plush (Bayside)
Rose Scalia (Jamaica Estates)
N
ow that the winter is waning our thoughts turn to the spring and our Ms. New York Senior America 2017 Pageant. This year, our competition will take place on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at SUNY College at Old Westbury in Westbury, New York. We already have 11 contestants and they come from many areas of New York State, bringing with them a variety of talent. They are all very special women, and anyone of them have the qualities of a ‘Queen’ and for that reason this promises to be a show you won’t want to miss. For your reserved tickets call Dolores Meglio at 631-249-0258. Looking forward to seeing you at the pageant. Until next month: Ethel COUPON Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2017 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. Name Address Telephone E-mail Address Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 80 Banks Avenue - Apt. 2113, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Or e-mail: marleenschuss@aol.com Phone: 516-678-3242
Poets Corner From our readers...
The Heart of the Family
Elaine Whitehouse (Sayville)
ATTN ADVERTISERS COMING IN MAY 2017!
The Long Island
(In memory of Helen Fischetti) By Susan Marie Davniero Here we are on the way, to visit Mom on Valentine’s Day, Mom greets us at the door, “Come on in, Susan and Laura”, Bringing our husbands, too, we’re here ‘cause we love you, Giving you a heart shape cake, pink buttercream lightly baked, The Valentine balloons floats above, to lighten Mom’s missing love, Beloved Dad who passed away, Mom’s widowed on Valentine’s Day. 50+
Anniversary Dance - The Wonder of You By Susan Marie Davniero Suddenly the music turns on, playing our wedding song, A moment in time adrift, falling into rhythmic fit, Undying love is the melody, for my husband and me, Singing with the band, he says, take my hand Music and heart beats blend, We’re dancing to the end, the harmony tunes scores, Leaving the dance floor, hand in hand together, The music plays on forever. 50+ (Send your poems to Frank@50plusny.com)
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
Maxine Wolberg (Huntington)
Reserve Your Space NOW!
A comprehensive “How To” guide for Seniors and Caregivers
A Publication of
The comprehensive guide for Seniors and Caregivers
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR: Health & Hospitals • Home Care Services Elder Law Insurance • Financial Planning • Care Management Dental & Eye Care • Hearing & Audiology • Pre-Planning Medical Supplies & Equipment • Hospice Laboratory Services • AssistedLiiving • Nursing Homes Wound Care/Rehabilitation • Specialized Medical Care
Advertisers contact: Evelyn Aloisio (631) 286-0058 Ext.221
Around The Towns...
Send your news items to Frank@50plusny.com
Legislator Browning and Rebuilding Together Long Island teamed up to repair a home for a vulnerable resident. (Right to left): Chief of Staff Josh Slaughter, Legislator Kate Browning, Rich Galian from Allied Building, Gina Farese and Gary Marzano from Marcor Construction, Barbara Nilsen from Rebuilding Together LI, Donald Toth from Allied Building, Dan Scanlon from ABC Building Supply and Eric Hofmeister.
In December, Congressman Lee Zeldin met with Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York, in his Manhattan office. Since March of 2016, Ambassador Dayan has served as the representative of the State of Israel in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware.
John E. Brooks was sworn in as Senator for New York’s 8th Senate District following a grueling, hard fought election won by hand-counted votes. Brooks took the oath of office surrounded by his new Senate colleagues. Senator Brooks represents the South Shore of Eastern Nassau and Western Suffolk counties, including Freeport, Merrick, Roosevelt, Bellmore, Wantagh, Jones Beach Island, Seaford, East Massapequa, Massapequa, Amityville, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch and Lindenhurst.
N assau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency honored Joseph Filipiak, a World War II Veteran of the U.S. Navy, with a citation in December 2016. After serving his nation, Joseph married and settled down in North Merrick, where he raised his family and lived in his home for more than 60 years. He currently resides at Sunrise Assisted Living in East Meadow. “On behalf of the residents of Nassau County, I want to thank Joseph Filipiak and all of the veterans who served our country in times of war and peace and our servicemen and women who are now defending freedom around the world,” said County Executive Mangano. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all of our veterans and their families who shouldered those same burdens, days or decades ago, and thank them for the America we cherish today.” 50+
Supervisor Ed Romaine has announced that the first fully electric car has been added to the Town’s vehicle fleet. The new 2016 Ford Focus Electric has an 80-mile range and is able to recharge to 80 percent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. The purchase of the car is part of Supervisor Romaine’s “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Initiative.”
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
8
Veterans
Veterans Law Clinic in Hempstead
T
he Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy (Institute) will launch its own Veterans Law Clinic (VLC), an innovative program designed to assist local veterans in obtaining the disability (and thus health care) benefits to which they are entitled. The VLC, a novel addition to Hofstra Law School’s already thriving clinical program offerings, will give students the opportunity to partner with expert attorneys to complete critical intake forms, perform research required for appealing denied claims, and submit appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals or before the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. In addition, students will participate in a pre-clinic “Boot Camp” designed to expose them to nuanced military culture and to dispel myths and misconceptions about veterans returning from active duty – all in an effort to help students form deeper bonds with their veteran clients. The VLC began scheduling appointments in early January 2017. To assure veterans participating in the VLC receive ancillary services when and where they need them, the Institute will launch a series of strategic alliances with the University’s Program
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
News
in Public Health, the Zarb School of Business, the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, and the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center. Beyond leveraging University resources to support clinic veterans in need, the Institute has been selected for participation in the Starbucks’ Military Mondays program. This partnership, the first of its kind in New York, provides the Institute with secure, client-confidential space in the Starbucks near Hofstra’s campus as well as resources each month for meetings between legal counsel, law students and veterans seeking military benefits.
Sons of AMVETS Post 48 Toy Drive
I
n December, Sons of AMVETS Post 48 members (Ronkonkoma) transported toys to the Navy Operational Support Center for the children of Navy Military Personnel located in Farmingdale. The Post 48 Sons held a raffle to help support this toy drive. Once the funding was in place they shopped for the toys and gathered together on December 14 to wrap the gifts. This donation was initiated because the AMVETS
Post 48 Sons wanted to thank these Navy veterans for the service that they are providing to our country.
(Left to right): Patrick Mitchell Commander NYS Sons of AMVETS; PO2 Jusino; Chief Ahern; Rich Bazzanella Commander AMVETS Post 48; Pete Polsunas AMVETS Post 48; Howard O’Keefe a World War 2 Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater and Commander O’Keefe’s Father; Brian O’Keefe Commander Sons of AMVETS Post 48; Tony Mazzola Toy Drive Chairperson Sons of AMVETS Post 48; Chris Lenard Sons of AMVETS Post 48; PO2 Ross and PO2 Roger 50+
9
Know a Super Senior? Nominate Them for Senior Citizen of the Year Award
T
he Suffolk County Senior Citizen Advisory Board is pleased to announce that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. This award recognizes a senior citizen who has significantly contributed to other seniors in a meaningful and important way, either as an advocate, role model, leader, or volunteer. This impact can be felt either countywide, or in one of the local communities. Nominations should be made on the form available at suffolkcountyny.gov/aging/Home.aspx and must include the nominee’s name, address, and phone number, along with why you are nominating this person for this award. Candidates must be 60 years of age or older and a resident of Suffolk County. Nominations should be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to: Senior Award, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, PO Box 6100, Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099; Fax: 631853-8225; e-mail: agingoffice@suffolkcountyny.gov. The deadline in February 22, 2017. Nassau County residents may send their nominations to Awards Committee, Nassau County Dept. of Human Services, Office of the Aging, 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Suite#260, Uniondale, NY 11553-3691. For an application contact Michele Greenblatt at 516-227-8919 or e-mail: Michele.Greenblatt@hhsnassaucountyny.us. The deadline for Nassau County nominations is February 14, 2017. The Suffolk award will be presented at the Senior Celebration Luncheon cheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. For more information, please call 631-853-8200. 50+
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
11 Cover Story... Tax Abatement Boondoggle, Shame on Them! The median property tax rate in Nassau County is $9667. Business Insider magazine ranked Nassau (and Suffolk) number 1 in the “most expensive places to live” category, noting, “[Nassau and Suffolk Counties] aren’t the highest in the country in terms of housing, taxes, or healthcare, but they’re up there in each category, and that’s enough to make the area the most expensive place to live in America …known for high property taxes and pricey real estate, especially in Nassau County.” And who let the tax abatement in Nassau County disappear without notice? He did it! In a WalletHub.com poll of the top 10 best and worst states to live in, New York didn’t place in either category. It missed the top 10 worst by one position (although we did rank fifth highest in life expectancy, so I guess that’s something!). But I digress. The Nassau abatement was set by state and county laws back in 2002 (when the Nassau County legislature approved a nearly-20 percent property tax increase). The legislation establishing the rebate was to have expired in 2015. Residents 65 and older with annual household incomes of less than $86,000 received the abatement, worth about 5.5 percent of their Nassau general property tax bills. Nassau officials have said the state must authorize the abatement before the county can enact it, but state officials say that county officials have to
request the abatement first. Who did what? He did it! One of the sore points for Nassau seniors was that no one bothered to inform them the abatement was ending. I wonder why? Did they think no one would notice? Or did they hope no one would notice? Newsday reporter Joye Brown wrote, “[After the story — by Newsday’s Paul LaRocco —broke on January 15] everyone was singing a far different tune. That’s when Nassau County legislators — all of whom are up for re-election in November — voted to approve a home rule message to reinstate the tax break. A measure to do the same also passed the State Senate in Albany.” “It’s hard to believe that,” wrote Brown, “despite assertions by some elected officials to the contrary — no one in state or local government noticed that the abatement was to expire after completion of the 2015 tax role last year. But it did. And seniors, a strong, reliable — and vocal — voting bloc in Nassau, made quick work of complaining to elected officials after noting that abatement line had disappeared from tax bills.” Indeed. Well, no matter who the “he” is … Nassau County seniors showed that even better late than And it also showed that the seniors of Nassau County, certainly, are not to be trifled with. 50+ — Gary P. Joyce; Ed.
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
12
Bellport C of C Installed for 2017
T
he Bellport Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual installation dinner at the Bellport Country Club in Bellport Village. Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) attended and swore in the new board of directors, which include Chris Hane who will continue to serve as the President of the Chamber of Commerce in 2017. The Bellport Chamber of Commerce had a very successful 2016 season and saw its membership grow in numbers. The chamber hosts
numerous events throughout the year including the Bellport Day Festival. The chamber receives a grant from Legislator Browning to help offset the costs of running Bellport Day and the legislator announced an increase in grant funding for 2017’s event. “The Bellport Chamber’s work is integral to the growth of downtown Bellport,” said Legislator Browning. “As the chamber grows so will the success of its members, and it is great to see more members joining each year. I am happy to be
able to provide financial support for Bellport Day, which highlights the many small businesses we have in Bellport and attracts residents from all over Long Island to the area. Please shop local and support our hardworking small business owners.” (LtoR): The newly installed Bellport Chamber Board of Directors Terry Tuthill, Ron Trotta, Lynn Burnett, Paul Quinn, Chris Hane, Legislator Kate Browning, Gabrielle Corsetti, Merri Avino, John Hannon, Dave Schultzer, LuAnn Thompson and Christa Ruth. 50+
CLASSIFIED ADS PERSONALS SWF seeking a male or female (5570) for friendship. I enjoy dining out, movies. No smokers please. Call 516-658-1918.
Private Home Care for your loved ones. Highly experienced. Total professional care 24/7. Glen Cove region. 631-582-3409.
Gentleman, Senior, Healthy, Happy, Friendly, Open-Minded, Seeking Loving Lady for Friendship. Call: 347210-3953.
CLEAN HOMES BY STACEY Weekly, bi-weekly-monthly, one time only, Reasonable rates. E. Moriches, C. Moriches, Shirley, Yaphank and Bellport. 631-902-3787.
S.W.F. 73, pretty, 5ft 5, seeks white sincere, honest non smoker = Togetherness, rides, movies, concerts, quiet places, etc. ph: 631-671-5222.
SENIOR SITTER. If it’s not safe for mom or dad to be home alone I can “sit” for them. Excellent references. $15.00/hour. Call 516-473-3011.
Male, 78 yrs, looking for friendship and more with a female 65-85 yrs old. Please call Joe at 516-458-7333. FOR RENT ADULT COMMUNITY. Condo for rent. Beautiful. Furnished, 1.5 BR, 1.5 BA, LR, DR, Fla. RM, Pools, Miniature Golf, near Beach & Shopping. Avail Immed. West Palm, Florida. Call 631-878-5316. Classifieds must be submitted by the 15th.
CLASSIFIED FORM
PROF. SERVICES
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES $60 Businesses • $35 Individuals (Non-business related) 15 words - $1 each additional word All ads must be pre-paid. Rates are per month. For more information call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 220. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER
Name: Address: Section: ❑ Real Estate ❑ For Rent ❑ Wanted
City:
SALES REP WANTED for W. Nassau & Queens Experienced or retired salesperson preferred. E-mail your resume to frank@50plusny.com. Place your
State:
❑ For Sale ❑ Prof. Serv ❑ Other
Zip:
Edition: ❑ Queens/NYC only ❑ LI only
Phone:
❑ All Editions (double above rates)
Word Count:
Number of Months you Wish to Run Ad
Payment: $ ❑ Check ❑ Visa
❑ MasterCard
❑ American Express
Account #:
Exp. Date:
Name on Credit Card:
VCode:
Mail with check or money order to:
Personal Ad today! Email Barbara@50plusny.com
50+ LifeStyles Attn: Classified Department, Barbara Connolly 146 South Country Road • Bellport, NY 11713 Or, fax with charge card # to (631) 286-6866 Or, E-Mail with charge card # to Barbara@50plusny.com -NO PHONE ORDERS TAKEN-
13
Can Love and Opposite Politics Coexist? By Jacqui
M
y friend Catherine is in love again. “He is perfect’ she muses. “We practically agree on everything. He likes hiking, loves ethnic food, movies, just about everything I like, except his politics. Actually, we are considering moving in together. “ ”Really?” I ask. “Can a lifelong liberal like you and a conservative make good bedfellows?” “I don’t know,” she replies. “What I do know is that sex is great, and so far we haven’t had any political discussions in the bedroom or out. However, he is a true conservative, and you know what I think of them! I don’t understand these people!” Adamant statements expressed in such an absolute and fierce manner are often red flags. Catherine has been married twice before. She’s never been shy presenting her viewpoint. Possibly her rigid belief system may have caused her breakups. It is well known that politics is the one subject that triggers unusually fierce disagreements when partners are on opposite sides. Totally reasonable and mostly caring, they suddenly act like warriors from different armies defending their party line. Is there a way that politically opposed couples can avoid skirmishes from becoming major political battles? The answer goes way beyond politics. It is a core issue in every relationship; finding common ground. Politics like other sensitive relationship subjects such as money or religion may challenge or derail a harmonious life together if not discussed and resolved in an open and mature discussion. At this juncture the question partners have to ask; how important is the political subject that pushes each to the brink? Is it really a stay or leave matter? Are the issues that divide them more important than seeking to rescue the relationship?
Can they own up to recognizing their part in sabotaging the relationship, and find a way to move forward? For Catherine, can she explain her political preference in a civil way that Kent can understand and consider? Can Kent participate in an authentic, caring discussion rather than withdrawing into his man cave where he feels safe? If they reach a state of crisis, can they recognize what ails the relationship is a lack of understanding of each other’s fundamental positions regarding politics or other important issues? Are they willing to hear each other’s grievances and needs rather than rebutting? The revelations each partner is willing to share at this point may create a feeling of intimacy and sympathy. Loving someone with opposite political or other views doesn’t mean there is no happy ending. It comes down to working out a solution that both can live with. Agreeing to avoid certain incendiary subjects such as politics, works quite well for many and may be the right solution. 50+
50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
14
Top Tips To Live A Healthier, More Active Lifestyle Well Into Your Later Years
H
ere are a few simple tips to incorporate into your daily routine to ensure healthy aging: 1. Tailor your diet to include lots of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats such as omega-3s, and limiting your intake of processed foods and added sugar. 2. Exercise three to four times a week, including a mix of moderate-intensity activity like brisk walking or water aerobics, along with vigorous-intensity activities such as playing tennis or hiking. Adding strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups is important to consider as well. 3. Work with your health care provider to introduce a foundational supplement regimen into your daily routine. Nutritional supplements contribute to adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, resveratrol and other phytonutrients to keep your cells healthy. In addition to multivitamins, other top supplements that are considered beneficial for healthy aging include: • Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil that
help to balance inflammation and support joints, as well as cardiac and cognitive function • A multistrain probiotic to support healthy gut bacteria, leading to improved digestion and strengthened immunity • Co-enzyme Q10, an antioxidant beneficial for cellular repair and increased energy. Healthy aging is not just exclusive for the older generations. Now, people across all generations are making long-term lifestyle changes to feel good from the inside out. Different age groups, however, have different needs. The 50s: Today’s 50s are not slowing down. They’re all about vibrancy and continued growth. However, as the natural effects of aging begin to take their course, hormone levels often diminish, so it’s important to regulate levels of sex, thyroid and adrenal hormones to feel and function your best. Also, supporting musculoskeletal system health can help enhance mobility and joint function. The 60s and 70s: People in their 60s and 70s know that aging is about getting the most life out of their years. During these decades, nutri-
tional supplements can support healthy vision, cognition, and digestive health. Expert Advice “Aging is a beautiful, healthy process,” explains Registered Dietitian and Director of Product Development and Education at Douglas Laboratories, Kristi Belohlavek. “With the right nutrition regimen, people can look and feel their best, no matter how many candles they’re adding to their birthday cake. With a balanced diet, exercise and proper supplementation, busy bees can stay mobile and active later in life, despite changes in muscle function and decreases in bone density.” Many of the top-quality supplements that can protect your health come from Douglas Laboratories, a nutritional supplement company dedicated to helping people lead healthier, active lifestyles into their later years. Learn More: It’s recommended to consult with your health care practitioner before introducing any changes to your current nutritional supplement routine. For info, visit www.douglaslabs. com/healthyaging. — NAPSI 50+
Resources for Seniors The Nassau and Suffolk County Offices for the Aging are officially designated as Area Agencies on Aging . They are charged with developing and implementing policies and programs for Nassau and
Suffolk Seniors, 60 years and older. They serve as a funding agency for community-based programs in the areas of health, counseling, employment, legal services, home care, transportation, nutrition, etc.
SUFFOLK
Suffolk County Office for the Aging H. Lee Dennison Building-3rd Floor, P.O. Box 6100, Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099 631-853-8200 • www.suffolkcountyny.gov Riverhead County Center Office County Road 51, Riverhead, New York 11901-3397 • 631-852-1420
NASSAU
County Of Nassau Office for the Aging 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. Uniondale, NY 11553-3691 516-227-8900 • www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/seniors
FUEL ASSISTANCE (HEAP) HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
HEAP provides an annual benefit to income eligible homeowners/renters to help pay fuel or utility costs. Open to persons 60+, the disabled or SSI recipients of all ages. NASSAU 516-227-7386 • SUFFOLK 631-853-8326
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE
EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is available to NYS residents age 65+, who meet income guidelines and may save you money on your prescription needs. The program is state funded. For information call: EPIC, 1-800-332-3742. 50+ LifeStyles February 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
CROSSWORDS
(Solution on page 4) Across 1. Mutt 4. It often big 7. I Spy actor’s nickname 10. Gaelic language 11. You can pitch it 12. Juan’s hooray 14. Pekoe and green 15. It’s a taxing month (abbr) 16. Hangs with Stitch 17. Pretty heavy or big 19. Teaches 21. Flightless bird 23. A continent (abbr) 24. Matryoshkas are this 28. Abrade 31. Locally it’s red-tailed 32. A Sinatra wife
33. Defunct news agency 34. Seldom asked of a lady 35. Both the GOP and Democrats field them 37. Possesses 38. A buoy or a sister 39. Spotted lucky flyer 43. South African region 47. It goes with born 48. Oft confused with Nobel’s invention 50. Ogle agog 51. Delphic sister? 52. USO’s Martha 53. You should have this strategy 54. Relaxed Belgian town? 55. Dined 56. Coastal inlet
Down 1. Canadian Indian 2. Many planes have this on them (abbr) 3. Once you’ve played with 24 Across you do this 4. Many planes had this on them (abbr) 5. Sorry ‘bout that 6. Ceramic material 7. License eye stat 8. A mixture 9. Goes with buy 10. Ordinal suffix 13. Help initially 18. You can do ‘it up’ 20. A type of 7 Down 22. Sanskrit sex book 24. --- Na Na
25. Can be a type of sale 26. You’re in this when you 50 Across 27. Storage area 28. Rodent 29. Utilize 30. An anthropologist has one (abbr) 33. A small bird 35. See 44 Down 36. Demand payment 39. Weight abbreviation 40. God of war 41. The Challenger ____ 42. Annoying insect 44. See 35 down 45. Capital of Samoa 46. Allow 49. A shirt or a shape
Solution on page 4