50+ Lifestyles November 2019 Metro Edition

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Asa Homan Playing 40 Flushing House Challengers he residents of Flushing House, an Independent living community located in the heart of Queens, were treated to a special chess exhibition led by Asa Hoffmann. Mr. Hoffman is a FIDE Master in chess, as well as a chess teacher and author. He was portrayed in the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer by actor Austin Pendleton. Mr. Hoffman took on over 40 challengers from Flushing House in a thrilling exhibition of skill and endurance. Chess provides the aging population with a hobby that offers socialization. An increase in socialization later in life decreases the risk of depression and strengthens the overall emotional health of an individual. Chess also stimulates the brain, strengthening the mental capacity of its players which helps with information retention. Many of the participating residents have played chess in their lifetime but few played regularly. The exhibition has sparked a new wave of interest into the activity and simultaneous chess matches are now common place in the Activity Room of Flushing House. The addition of chess into a daily or weekly routine helps improve the plasticity of aging brains. Just like our muscles, the brain weakens if it is not regularly used and challenged. Playing games like chess actively engages the brain and has been shown to strengthen logical reasoning and problem solving amongst the aging population. As the exhibition went on, Asa Hoffman faced many formidable opponents but one proved to be tougher than the rest. Flushing House resident, Leonard Dzen, confidentially sat down for his turn eventually defeating the chess legend at his own game. The excited crowd erupted as Leonard made his winning move. It was an encouraging moment for the whole community who is still buzzing about the victory weeks later. The Flushing House Chess exhibition was created by residents of Flushing House as a way to introduce the game to new players and form relationships among current players. The community of over 300 residents has a full daily activity schedule that keeps residents active and on the go. For more photos of Flushing House events, follow them on Instagram and Facebook!

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50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com


Calendar December 3 Firefighter Walking Tour of NYC. Take a walking tour of complex buildings, historic fire scenes and museums in New York City starting at the FDNY Fire Zone with a review of department procedures and ending with a visit to the WTC Museum; all guided by two chiefs with decades of experience and building construction and behavior knowledge; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The tour includes a familiarization walkthrough of two High Rise Fireproof (HRFP) Buildings, two museums, and three important fire scenes – with plenty of great conversation in between. Price is $125 (Includes admission to both museums. Does not include food or transportation. FDNY Fire Zone, 34 West 51st Street, New York.

Events (Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)

December 3 November 18 Drop-In Computer Help. Is your computer stumping you? Do you want to learn how to do something specific on the computer? We're here to help! Bring us your computer questions and queries and we'll provide basic instruction. This is a drop-in class for beginner to intermediate computer users. Library card is required. First-come, first-served; noon to 1 p,m, at the Poppenhusen-Queens Library, 121-23 14 Avenue, College Point; 718-359-1102. November 19 Central Park: Original Designs for New York’s Greatest Treasure. The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street (between 5th AND 6th Avenues), NYC. With Cynthia S. Brenwall, Conservator and Art Historian, New York City Municipal Archives. Drawing on the unparalleled collection of original designs for Central Park in the New York City Municipal Archives, Cynthia Brenwall will tell the story of the creation of New York’s great public park, from its conception to its completion. Her talk will be based on her recently published book, The Central Park: Original Designs for New York’s Greatest Treasure. Reception and Book-Signing to follow; 6:30 to 8 p.m. November 21 What Do We Owe Each Other? In celebration of the 125th anniversary of The New York Public Library’s inauguration, works from the Reserve Film and Video Collection will accompany sociologist and author Eric Klinenberg in an exploration of the Library’s legacy in fostering a more literate, critically thinking, civic-minded society. At the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The Bruno Walter Auditorium, 111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York; 6 to 7:30 p.m. November 24 Japanese Samurai Tea Ceremony The Ritual of Kuchikiri. At Globus Washitsu, 889 Broadway, New York; 1 to 2:30 p.m. The tradition of Japanese tea ceremony was created and has been continued since 800 years ago. It was samurai warriors that developed the tea ceremony as their essential practice to relax their mentality from battles. All welcome. Admission is: $45. November 27 Cherry Grove Stories: Fire Island’s best kept secrets. A film by Michael Fisher. Documentary film by Michael Fisher recounts the unique character of Cherry Grove, a community on Fire Island. Cherry Grove became a safe haven for gays during a time when two men holding hands in public was illegal. Fisher’s interviews with residents expose hidden stories and unknown facts that need to be told. At the Eagle NYC, 554 West 28th Street, New York; 6 to 9 p.m. Free.

Hey guys, love to sing? The Long Island Harmonizers barbershop chorus is looking for new singers. Join us on Dec. 3rd at 7:30p to listen to a rehearsal or audition. No musical experience necessary, only your desire to sing and have fun. Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset. Call 516.680.8036 for more information. December 5 Moving for Life. Incorporates gentle warm-ups light aerobics and targeted strengthening in a way that is fun and enjoyable for all! Workouts can be done seated or standing. You are encouraged to do what is comfortable and modify based on your energy, range of motion, or fitness level. We start where you are, so don’t worry if you haven’t been moving in a while. This program is first-come, first- served and for adults 18 and older; 6 to 7 p.m. at the Queens Library-Glen Oaks, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks; 718-831-8636. December 7-8 Oddities Flea Market. General Admission $10. The Oddities Flea Market is now offering pre-sale general admission tickets to our Brooklyn event at Villain LLC, 307 Kent Avenue , Brooklyn; 12 to 7 p.m. Feast your eyes on medical history ephemera, anatomical curiosities, natural history items, osteological specimens, taxidermy, obscure home decor, jewelry, one of a kind dark art, and more. This absolutely awe-inspiring market of the most incredible, unique oddities is taking up residence at Villain in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Inside, you'll find three floors of unusual vendors from across the country. December 7 Handel’ s Messiah, Part I and Selections from Parts II and III. By the Brooklyn Contemporary Chorus. At the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street (at Lafayette Ave.), Brooklyn; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Suggested donation $25. December 9 SNAP Support Group. SNAP provides several support groups for individuals providing care to family members and or friends. Support groups are a great way to bring people together who are facing similar life circumstances! Facilitator: Marcia A. Friedlander. 2 to 3 p.m. at the Queens Library-Howard Beach, 92-06 156 Avenue, Howard Beach, 718-641-7086. December 19 Wellness Club. Join Felicia to discuss topics in wellness, such as meditation, healthy eating, self-care, and more. Call the branch for the specific topic for the month. Queens Library-Kew Gardens, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing; 718-261-6654; 4 to 5 p.m. 50+

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Diabetes Management and Living Healthy

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ovember is diabetes awareness month. It’s important to know how to help manage diabetes for yourself or for a loved one who may have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes management includes lifestyle changes, daily routines and devices to monitor blood glucose levels. Keeping blood glucose levels in range helps to improve the health of someone with diabetes and prevents long-term complications or short-term risks that come with blood sugars out of range. Here are a few tips to help learn about the basics of diabetes care so you can ensure you are taking the necessary steps to stay healthy and live your best life.

• Stick to a daily routine. Take your medication at the same time each day. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots or swelling. Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. • Stay active. Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Reap the benefits of activities like walking, bicycling, dancing or swimming.

• Check glucose levels daily. You can test your blood sugar at home with a portable electronic device (glucose meter) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Your doctor will advise you how often you should check your blood sugar level. •Stay stress free. Stress can raise your blood sugar. Lower your stress by deep breathing, yoga or meditation. • Get your rest. Lack of sleep can cause blood sugars to rise. You can manage your diabetes and live a long and healthy life by taking care of yourself each day. AgeWell New York cares about keeping our members healthy. Learn more about our Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans. 718-696-0207 or visit agewellnewyork.com.

• Get regular check –ups. At each visit, be sure you have your blood pressure, feet and weight checked. Review your self-care plan and make any changes if necessary. • Eat healthy. Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team. Choose foods low in calories, sugar, and salt. Drink water instead of juice and soda.

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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The Medicare Donut Hole Is Closing: What Does That Mean? By Erica Clout; Director of Medicare Customer Care Services Senior HealthCare Benefits Group hen you hear the term “Donut Hole” (Coverage Gap) you might think powdered or glazed, chocolate or cinnamon. But when it comes to Medicare, it’s not much of a treat. The Medicare Donut Hole is a cute name for a serious gap in the Medicare Part D Prescription program. The Coverage Gap opens after initial plan coverage limits have been reached and before catastrophic coverage kicks in. While in the gap, members with high-prescription drug costs may have to pay a significantly larger share of the cost for their medicine. As one of the largest networks of independent Medicare agents in New York focused on educating seniors about their Medicare options, the most frequent question we have been asked at Senior Healthcare Benefits Group has been: Is the Medicare Donut Hole/Coverage Gap going away? The answer is NO! The Donut Hole/Coverage Gap is said to have been closed for brand-name medications in 2019 and will be closed for generic medications in 2020, but what that means is different than how it sounds. Here is what’s happening: Once you’ve satisfied the deductible, you can begin nibbling away at the Part D donut, at which point you will have a copayment and or coinsurance for the cost of your prescriptions. This phase is called the “Initial Coverage Phase”. The next phase is your “Donut Hole” (Coverage Gap). In 2018, those in the donut hole paid 35 percent of the cost for brand-name drugs and 44 percent for generics. In 2019, beneficiaries paid 25 percent of the cost for brand-name medications and 37 percent for generics. Going forward in 2020, when you enter the coverage gap, the total drug costs that you and your plan have paid have reach $4,020. During this time you pay will pay 25 percent of the cost for any generic medications and 25 percent of the cost for brand name medications. You will exit the Donut Hole/Coverage Gap when your total out of pocket costs (except for premiums) have reached $6,350 and you then move into the catastrophic coverage phase. Even with these changes, some beneficiaries will experience sticker shock. That’s because their drug plans charge a copayment or coinsurance in Initial Coverage, instead of 25 percent. Here's an example: In the Initial Coverage payment stage, a member’s insulin could have a $40 copayment. Once they land in the donut hole, they will be responsible for 25 percent of the drug cost. If the full cost of the insulin is $600, they will then pay $150.00! You may be saying to yourself I don’t spend anywhere near those amounts on medications, so I won’t have a problem. Don’t be fooled by

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what your out-of-pocket expenses are. Medicare calculates the coverage gap and your share of payments for medications while you are in the coverage gap based on the retail cost of the medications not what you pay the pharmacy while you are not in the Donut Hole/Coverage Gap). Ouch! At the Senior Healthcare Benefits Group, we work with all the leading insurance companies in New York. We specialize in insurance throughout the New York State area, including Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Manhattan, Kings, Bronx and Richmond Counties. For more information on you can contact us at www.seniorhealthcarenow.com, e-mail us at eclout@shbginsurance.com or give us a call at 631-270-7390 and we will be happy to answer your individual questions and help you select the right coverage to prevent you from paying too much or not having enough coverage. We can even personalize an in-home visit and review your doctors and prescription coverage to fit your individual needs. 50+

Janis Ian: Still our Favorite ‘Society’s Child’ Folk singer/songwriter has been writing, performing for more than five decades By Mary Malloy

Best known for her provocative, Grammy Hall of Fame song “Society’s Child,” about an interracial, teenage romance (and the title of her autobiography), and her revealing, Grammy winning “At Seventeen” Ian, now 68, is still active, still outspoken, and still breaking barriers — but she’s pacing herself. Now in her fifth decade of writing songs and performing, Ian received her most recent Grammy nomination in 2016 for the self-produced “Patience & Sarah,” an audio book she produced and co-narrated with the actress Jean

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50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

Smart. (This makes a total of 10 nominations in eight different categories — a record for a solo artist whose first nomination came at the age of 16 for her debut album, “Janis Ian”). Ian wrote “Society’s Child” at the age of 14, a song about a relationship between a white girl dating a black boy, causing an uproar in the turbulent mid-60s. An Atlanta radio station that put it in rotation was burned to the ground. “I never thought of it as a song about an interracial love affair gone bad. I just thought of it as a good song,” Ian wrote in her book’s prologue. 50+


Radio City, Here She Comes! Ronkonkoma Resident to Sing at Christmas Spectacular By Mary Malloy

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onkonkoma resident Lee Ann Brill, 63, will be a lot closer to her lifelong dream when she opens for the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall on December 6. “I was presented with this opportunity shortly after my husband Kenny passed away,” said Brill about her husband of 42 years who died unexpectedly earlier this year. “Apparently, [Ms. New York Senior America State Director] Marlene Schuss was working on this for some time without me knowing.” (Brill was Ms. New York Senior America 2017 and Third Runner up in the national Ms. Senior America pageant, held in Atlantic City.) I was then contacted by the person at Radio City who asked me to send a video of myself performing. Within a week, I received an email informing me that my video was accepted, and that I would be sent a list of dates from which to select. It was an informal audition that only required a video for approval.”

“Believe in yourself and your dreams – they do come true!” – Lee Ann Brill Brill said that this appearance is a “full circle moment” for her. “Many years ago, when I was in my 20s, I auditioned to be part of the chorus ensemble for the Christmas Spectacular. This was an open casting call that was city-blocks long. I was told that thousands of hopefuls were standing in that line. Casting people were eliminating people right off the line. If you didn't fit what they were looking for, you were asked to leave. I was fortunate enough to get through that process and still waited hours on the line to audition. “When I stood before the casting directors, I was asked to sing eight bars of music - not much - so I sang a portion of ‘Ring them Bells.’ They then asked me to sing another song for them, something different. I sang ‘Don't Cry for me Argentina.’ They said I was their first Evita, and asked me to come back the next day for the dance portion. “The next day I went to the backstage door, where my name was on a list, and proceeded to one of the rehearsal rooms. There were still a few hundred hopefuls in that room. Needless to say, my background in musical theater afforded me the basic dance steps (I am classified as a singer who can dance, not a dancer who can sing.) I made it through several cuts, but eventually I didn’t make the chorus. All in all, it was an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget.” So here she is, some 40-plus years later, with no line to stand on, back to where it began, with five minutes to sing on that magnificent stage alone — and doing it acapella. Her song choices will consist of three ballads that will Segway into each other, with one final portion of another song, something different and unexpected for her ending.

Lee Ann Brill’s lifelong dream of starring on Broadway is getting closer to reality with her upcoming performance at Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular. Photo by Maryann Lopinto/Creative design by Marleen Schuss “We never know what lies ahead,” said Brill, “And I’m open to following whatever path God places me on. I’m on a different path, one I didn’t anticipate at this stage of my life. Music and performing were always a constant in my life and one of my greatest loves. When I was in the Ms. New York Senior America pageant, my philosophy was ‘To Forge Forward, Believe in Yourself, Believe in your Dreams.’ Life has not been gentle this year. Losing my husband was devastating and unexpected. However, I know my biggest fan, my husband Kenny, will be smiling down and cheering me on! “This is a dream come true for me. Believe in yourself and your dreams – they do come true! Perhaps this is the first part of my second act — and next stop, Broadway!” 50+

To see Lee Ann Brill, and the wonderful Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, visit www.tickets.com, and choose Radio City Christmas Spectacular for Friday, December 6, 2019, for the 1:30 p.m. matinee.

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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New National Child Care Survey Reveals the Joys and Challenges Facing Grandparents Today

CARES ero To Three (zerotothree.org) today released the Grand Plan, a national survey highlighting the joys and challenges faced by grandparents who are caregivers for their grandchildren. Parents searching for childcare today are frequently turning to one of their most valued resources – their own parents. Onein-four children under the age of five are cared for by grandparents while their parents work or go to school, roughly the same number enrolled in formal child care programs. Grandparents fill a major gap in child care in this country, care that is otherwise unavailable or unaffordable to many. The research found that over 90 percent of survey respondents love being a grandparent and love caring for their grandchildren. The primary reason grandparents take on the role was a need to “help their adult children” (71 percent), along with a desire to develop closer relationships with their grandchildren (65 percent) and out of a sense of family duty (54 percent). While many grandparents are more than willing to help with child care, they often report feeling stressed when managing children’s challenging behavior and navigating the “co-parenting” relationship with their adult children “Grandparents are filling a child care gap in a unique way that brings them closer to their grandchildren, as well as their adult children,” stated Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE. “And while there

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might be challenges, nearly every grandparent we talked to told us how much they love playing

such an important part in their grandchildren’s lives. While the research on parenting changes over time, one thing that has stayed true is that we have much to learn from those who came before us, and they have so much to offer our chil-

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

dren today.” Other findings revealed from grandparents: • 81 percent are confident in their ability to care for their grandchildren and are happy with the quality of care they provide. • 70 percent believe they have more patience and 67 percent have a clearer sense of what’s important from when they raised their own children. • 74 percent agree that it’s scarier raising children today because there’s more danger and violence in the world. • 89 percent satisfied with their current caregiving arrangement, but there are difficulties. Almost half (48 percent) feel some level of disagreement or tension between generations, like handling tantrums, navigating mealtime, and managing screen time. • 2 out of 5 find caring for a young child is tiring, and one-out-of-five say it’s stressful. • In multi-generational households, grandparents reported experiencing more stress (26 vs. 19 percent) and a more complicated relationship with their adult children (57 vs. 45 percent). • For eight-out-of-10 families, grandparents did not receive any monetary compensation for their time spent caring for grandchildren. They instead reported benefits like spending time with grandchildren, shaping their early experiences, and ensuring their grandkids get the best care. Key findings from The Grand Plan can be found at zerotothree.org/grandparentsurvey. 50+


Recession or Not – That Is the Question By Michael Hartzman, CFP

his summer, economists and financial journalists were busy dissecting economic data looking for either evidence the economy is weakening and heading for a slow down ... or not. For some, the most basic question might be what is a recession and what does it mean to me? First, recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle. It is never a question of will we have a recession but when. Here is the definition of a recession as per businessDictionary.com: “A period of general economic decline defined usually as a contraction of in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for six months (two consecutive quarters) or longer marked by high unemployment, stagnant wages and a fall in retail sales. Although recessions are considered a normal part of a capitalist economy, there is no unanimity of economists on its causes.” What actually causes a recession? Many will say the recession of 2008 was caused by the housing bubble and banking crisis that followed. This then cascaded into the economy slowing down and eventually faltering. If this recession happens, it is being attributed to the trade war with China and the subsequent tariffs both countries place on each other’s goods. Those tariffs will increase the price of items imported to the US, will cause price increases applied to business buying them and then, more often than not, are passed along to the consumer. The low employment rate, steady wages and healthy 401K balances have given the U. S. consumer the confidence to spend money and this has been credited with keeping the economy on track. However, the fear is that a prolonged tariff and the higher consumer prices that come with it will spook the consumer and cause the economy to slow. One final point about a recession important to keep in mind is that by definition it is two negative quarters of GDP in a row — i.e., we do not know the economy is in recession until

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six months after it starts. As 2020 approaches it is important to note that any sitting President will have a difficult time getting re-elected in the middle of a downward economic cycle. Because this current economic unease is caused by a trade war with China, an argument can be made that a deal put in place with the Chinese and a relaxing of tariffs will ease pressure on the economy and keep us on the slow and steady track we have been on. The US economy is currently in the longest economic expansion in history. It has not been the strongest expansion with growth around two percent, but the longest. While a downturn may not occur immediately it is inevitable. When it does occur and the stock market and bond market react to the downturn, make sure you and your portfolio are prepared, well allocated and able to ride out the storm or seek shelter in safer, less volatile investments to protect your principal. Those taking monthly income from their investments must be extra careful in an economic downturn because the quickest way to destroy a financial plan is to continue to withdraw money in a declining market without taking any defensive measures such as slowing down your withdrawal rate or reallocating your portfolio to safer investments. 50+

Michael Hartzman, President, CFP, is a Certified Financial Planner, Michael specializing in tax-planning, asset allocation, risk management, retirement/estate planning and long-term insurance planning. 516-349-5555; www.BristolFinancial.com. Securities offered through Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss he holiday season is here and, while it is marked by joyous gatherings of friends and family, for those with hearing loss, the holidays can be overwhelming. Difficulty following and understanding conversations can be extremely frustrating and stressful for both the person with hearing loss and their family. Don’t let hearing loss stop you from enjoying the celebrations. Follow these tips to spend the holidays in good spirits: Position yourself in a good spot: Sit with your back towards a wall to block background noise. At seated meals, try to sit near the middle of the table. You’ll have a better chance of hearing the conversation. If the party is in multiple rooms, head to the quieter room. You can invite some friends to join you. Avoid background noise when possible: Keep background music to a minimum. If you are a guest in someone’s home, don’t be shy. Ask the host to lower the volume. Converse with those next to you: Don’t try to participate in conversations across large distances. If you would like to talk with someone, move closer to him, or ask that you continue the conversation in a quieter location. Have reasonable expectations: You probably won’t hear everything that everyone says, but that is OK. Enjoy talking to the people near you, then seek out others to talk with during other parts of the party. Take a break: Step away for few minutes to give your ears and brain a rest. Head to the restroom, find a quiet spot in another room or go outside for a few minutes. Don’t fake it: It’s tempting to just nod along and pretend you hear

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what others are saying. This can be dangerous should someone ask you a question. Be honest with others if you’re having trouble hearing. It will make your interactions more memorable. Address your hearing loss before the holidays: This is the perfect time to contact your local hearing professional to schedule a hearing assessment. They will be able to recommend the best hearing solution for you, your lifestyle and your budget. Visit hearinglife.com to find a hearing care professional near you call now (888) 960-6922 and or tips on how to handle the holidays when you have hearing loss go to this web link: https://bit.ly/2JS46Ik

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

Tips for Enjoying the Holidays With Hearing Loss


Pickleball is a Gift

Basic Rules Overview •Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles; doubles is most common •The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles

By Bruce Cuddy; Certified Pickleball Professional (PPR)

ometimes, when we realize how wonderful it is that we found the game of pickleball, we have to stop and count our blessings and understand that in many ways pickleball really is a gift. For many who have reached ‘the age,’ or who are fast approaching it, pickleball has been revitalization. Lost was the hope of ever playing anything remotely in the form of a sport again Yet, there we are returning serves, hitting dink (a word that wasn’t even in our vocabulary) shots and congratulating friends at the net with a renewed enthusiasm for competing. Sometimes people play in small groups. There are times though; these groups will number in the hundreds. Whether big or small, new friends are found. Count how many dear friends you have acquired since you started playing pickleball. Amazing isn’t it? Equally important, pickleball breeds social opportunities. It’s from these opportunities that we can look forward to each day with guarded optimism that we won’t let our partner down, or that we’ll play better than last time, and perhaps, meet a new friend. Certainly, there are some aches and pains. It’s part of being active regardless of what we do at any age. On the flip side, however, just how much fun is it that grandparents can teach their grandchildren a sport that maybe their own children don’t know much about? It’s the gift that pickleball gives to us every time we step onto the court. It keeps us going strong. We all know the look we get when someone asks, “What’s pickleball?” From now on we shouldn’t be embarrassed to tell them proudly that “Pickleball is a Gift.” It’s a gift that brings so much joy to our lives and it can do the same for them if they only give it a try.

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The Serve •The serve must be made underhand. •Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist (navel level). •The serve is initiated with at least one foot behind the baseline; neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck. •The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. •Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let (the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court; let serves are replayed).

Scoring Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are normally played to 11 points, win by 2. Tournament games may be to 15 or 21, win by 2. When the serving team’s score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) the player who was the first server in the game for that team will be in the right/even court when serving or receiving; when odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) that player will be in the left/odd court when serving or receiving.

For more information go to www.usapa.org/rules-summary/

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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Q: 1975 when I wrestled in the semi-finals of my senior year of High School. I was one match away from being in the state finals, and I was winning the match when the other guy caught me in a pancake — andI lost. I wish I could go back and win that match! — Howie Appel, Halftime Howie Webcast Host

Readers Spotlight By Mary Malloy

“If you could relive one day of your life, which day would you chose?”

May 30, 1999! My five children and baby grandson cheering me on as I received my CNR degree that was supposedly impossible due to my hearing loss — but I fooled them! I went on to pursue my dream as a teacher at 59-years old. — Marie Quigley, Teacher’s Assistant

The day I proposed to my husband on the cliffs of Mykonos in Greece. He died two years ago, and that memory lives on in my heart. To get to experience the moment time stood still one more time would be worth everything. — John Bartlett, Director of Philanthropy and Awareness Dogs Deserve Better

1993, the day my husband surprised me with tickets to see Barbra Streisand in Las Vegas. She hadn't toured since 1967 due to stage fright, and I never thought I'd get to see her in person. That moment she walked on stage for the first time in 26 years, was just magical. — Sue Grieco, Photographer

I would like to relive any Thanksgiving or Christmas from the late 1960s or early 1970s. I’d like to have one more big family gathering with my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all alive, young and healthy. — Michael Sherwood, Educator

I would go back and change the day when I gave up pursuing my singing career. My father said it would be too hard of a life for me, but I would love to have taken singing lessons to see what I could have accomplished as a vocalist. — Kay Hill, Former Advertising/HR Specialist, The New York Times

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BRISTOL FINANCIAL SERVICES 500 North Broadway, Suite 238, Jericho, NY 11753

Phone 516-349-5555 visit our website at www.Bristol-Financial.com

Securities offered through Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC 14

550+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com


Why Is Assisted Living Important? By Sam Orzel, Executive Director, Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills

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good goal for a person in their sunset years should be to maintain your health, your social life, your pride and your sense of independence. One of the most convenient and reliable ways to do that is to move into an assisted living facility. A modern day assisted living facility isn’t anything like an old fashioned nursing home. Contemporary facilities like Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills offer a smorgasbord of amenities and safety features that aren’t possible when you live at home. By moving into an assisted living facility, seniors are able to retain their pride and sense of independence. They are encourage to do things on their own (cleaning, dressing, scheduling doctor appointments), but they have a supportive system ready to go if necessary. SAFETY Living alone when you are older isn’t just lonely, it can also be unsafe. If you fall down and can’t get up, have a stroke, what if you can no longer drive or have other transportation options. Assisted living has you covered with 24hour emergency call response, convenient

transportation services and best of all companionship. HEALTH Moving to an assisted living facility will also help one to focus on their health and maintain your body and spirit. In addition to transportation services to see doctors you will have health resources at your finger tips, providing you with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet to strengthen your body.

your goals and complements your lifestyle. And if you are looking for an assisted living facility in the Metro New York area be sure to check out Castle Senior Living of Forest Hills. To schedule a tour or just ask a question call 718-760-4600 www.castleseniorlivingny.com

COMMUNITY Our goal at Castle Senior Living is to provide every resident with a combination of exceptional accommodations, a high-quality lifestyle and premium care. We believe that central to senior happiness is a sense of community. We offer a full program of stimulating scheduled events, entertaining activities, and gathering rooms to provide opportunities to socialize and make new friends There are a number of reasons why you should consider moving into an assisted living facility. Be sure to find a facility that supports

It’s That Time Again Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

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he annual Medicare Open Enrollment period will run from October 15, 2019, to December 7, 2019 for the 2020 coverage period. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another during the enrollment period. Before deciding, determine what plan coverage suits your situation best. Investigate any plan you may decide to change to. Location of covered doctors, pharmacies, etc., have to be considered … make sure they are offered in the plan you may choose. Seek out seminars — many plans offer them to explain plan details. They may also offer this service from their customer care teams. Consider your personal health and budget to ensure you get the best plan for your money. What’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period? Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year — things such as cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. How Do People Know if They Need to Change Plans? People in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, they should make sure their plans will still meet their needs for the fol-

lowing year. If they’re satisfied that their current plans will meet their needs for next year and it’s still being offered, they don’t need to do anything. Where Can People Find Medicare Plan Information or Compare Plans? 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov and www.cms.gov. Private plan information may be found at www.agewellnewyork.com or www.emblemhealth.com. To compare plans please go to the medicare website: https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx. 50+

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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Spending Time with Pets Provides Benefits for Older Adults ew research from Home Instead Senior Care (HomeInstead.com) finds interacting with animals reduces feelings of depression and isolation among seniors. Social isolation is becoming an increasingly common issue, with 1 in 5 Americans reporting they feel lonely. And 43 percent of seniors say they experience loneliness regularly. A new survey of adults age 65 and older by Home Instead, Inc. found regular interaction with animals can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. While there are many benefits to owning or interacting with a pet later in life, Home Instead found that unconditional love is the number one perk of pet ownership, followed closely by company and comfort. Nearly half of pet owners also cited stress relief, sense of purpose and exercise as leading advantages. “Pets play a meaningful role at any age, but can be especially beneficial for older adults by providing constant friendship, easing anxiety and encouraging daily exercise and engagement,” said Lakelyn Hogan, Home Instead Senior Care gerontologist and caregiver advocate. “While owning a pet full time isn’t an option for everyone, there are many other ways to interact with animals without taking on the additional responsibilities and commitment.” In fact, survey results indicate that older

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adults are able to gain the same positive feelings when spending time with animals in other capacities such as visiting with pets owned by family, friends or neighbors. Several businesses allow visitors to interact with pets including community animal shelters and local parks.

According to Steve Feldman, executive director of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a nonprofit research and education organization, spending time with pets in one capacity or another also can have surprisingly positive impacts on overall physical health. “There’s a strong connection between heart health and pet ownership or interaction,” he said. “Pet owners are more likely to get recommended levels of exercise, have lower blood pressure and experience reduced levels of stress. Pets have even been shown to aid in recovery after a

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com

heart attack.” “Research also shows animal interaction can help perceptions of pain and discomfort, and improve motivation for treatment protocols,” added Elisabeth Van Every, communications and outreach coordinator for Pet Partners, a nonprofit North American therapy animal organization. “Even interactions as short as a half hour a week can make a difference." In addition to providing positive health benefits, pets can also provide constant companionship for older adults who would prefer to age in place. In fact, 82 percent of senior animal owners surveyed said they would not consider moving to a senior living community without their pet. To help older adults determine what type of pet interaction is right for them, the Home Instead Senior Care network is offering free resources and tips to help seniors incorporate animals into their lives. For more, visit PetsandSeniors.com OR PetsandSeniors.ca, or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office. 50+ Founded in 1994 the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Visit HomeInstead.com. and connect on Facebook and Twitter.


Big Apple Honor Flight

ig Apple Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fly veterans from NYC to DC to honor them for all their sacrifices. We transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. They are the local chapter of the National Honor Flight Network (which consists of over 130 independent nonprofit “hubs” across America). Big Apple Honor Flight had its Inaugural Flight

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out of JFK International Airport on April 29, 2017. BAHF serves all five boroughs of New York City flying veterans from Kings, Queens, New York, Richmond, and Bronx counties. Big Apple Honor Flight, 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY. For more information call 929-251-5120; or visit www.bigapplehonorflight.com. E-mail them at: info@bigapplehonorflight.com. (Cover and above photos by Marc Farb of Honor Flight Long Island) 50+

King Leer

there would ever be a second edition, Hefner had purposely left off a publication date on the cover. All copies — offered at 50 cents each — sold out quickly, though, and Playboy became a winner. By 1957, Hefner was raking in $4 million annually. Playboy became the guidebook for the unattached young male urbane sophisticate. The magazine featured literate articles, in-depth interviews, and a centerfold of a busty, unclothed young woman. Hefner took unabashed delight in viewing his periodical as an emblem of the rapidly growing sexual revolution and an escape from long-standing American puritanism and social intolerance. Along the way, the now-divorced Hefner built a global empire that came to be worth $200 million. Hefner never lost interest in beautiful young women. In 1989, he surrendered his bachelorhood once more and married Kimberley Conrad, the 1989 Playmate of the Year who was 38 years his junior. The couple divorced in 2010. On New Year’s Eve of 2012, Hefner, age 86, married again, this time to 26-year-old beauty Crystal Harris. Always obsessed with celebrityhood, Hefner paid $75,000 for a mausoleum drawer adjacent to Marilyn Monroe’s in Los Angeles’s Westwood Memorial Park. In 2009, he told the Los Angeles Times, “Spending eternity next to Marilyn is an opportunity too sweet to pass up.” The drawer was put to its intended use after Hefner drew his final breath on September 27, 2017. He was 91 years old. 50+

By Randall C. Hill

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e has been variously described as vulgar, adolescent and exploitative. But, like him or not, Hugh Marston Hefner and his Playboy magazine was responsible for many a tectonic social shift in 1950s America. Hefner was born in 1926, the older of two sons of straight-laced Methodists. As a boy, Hefner wrote horror stories and drew cartoons but applied little of his 152 IQ to academic pursuits. He graduated from Chicago’s Steinmetz High School in 1944. After spending two years in the US Army, Hefner earned a psychology degree at the University of Illinois, where he created a campus humor magazine called Shaft. Chaste until age 22, he married high-school classmate Millie Williams and began what he later labeled “a deadening slog into 1950s adulthood.” He went to work for a pair of magazines, Esquire and Children’s Activities. In the meantime, he was busy planning his own magazine, a man’s “lifestyle” periodical to be called Stag Party. However, a Stag publication already existed, so after considering Top Hat, Gentleman and Bachelor, Hefner switched the name to Playboy. To get started, he borrowed $8,000 (about $60,000 in today’s money), including $1,000 from his mother. Hefner also paid $500 for an unpublished 1949 nude calendar photo of Marilyn Monroe (for which she earned $50). He assembled the first Playboy on his kitchen table. The debut issue — featuring a clothed Monroe on the cover (and unclothed inside) — hit newsstands in December 1953 with a run of 53,000 copies. Unsure that

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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Age of Elegance Marleen Schuss

Joan Allen

…And Ms. SENIOR AMERICA 2019 is ?????? orry, we will not know that until next month! As we went to press, Queens from 50 states were at the National Pageant in Atlantic City, October 20 - 24th getting ready to compete for the title of Ms Senior America. Our own reigning Queen of 2019, Nancy Witter, will be one of the candidates competing for the crown. Three cheers for our Queen Nancy Witter representing the state of New York. YOU GO GIRL! Stay tuned! October was a standout month for New York Senior America. We attended two Golden Gathering Health Fairs, one in Freeport and the other in Amityville. They were hosted by Senator John Brooks. There was a wealth of information and health services. We encourage seniors to practice good health through education. For many, many years NYSA has entertained at the Northport Veterans Hospital. On October 13 we had the honor of performing one of our outstanding variety shows. It is indeed an honor to entertain for the veterans. They reward us with their smiles and applause

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New York Senior America’s Program H.A.V.E. HEART- HONOR A VETERAN EVERY DAY! was developed by Ms. New York Senior America with the goal of helping, honoring and celebrating veterans by providing various services according to the needs and wishes of the veterans selected. Our organization is supported by sponsorship and fundraising and businesses. For further information, contact Jane Rubinstein, via e-mail: jrargar@aol.com November 11 is the day our grateful nation honors veterans. Originally, it was called Armistice Day and was commemorated every year on November 11, to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany. It took effect at 11 o’clock in the morning — the “eleventh hour of the eleventh month.” Our Halloween Costume party always a huge success as well as our Holiday Gala on December 6 … not to be missed! There is so much to gain when you become part of NY Senior America. It’s not just a Pageant or entertaining, it’s so much more. It’s an exciting and rewarding life-style. Now is the time to get in touch with Marleen Schuss, NY State Administrator at 516-761-7503 or via e-mail: marleenschuss@aol.com. Fill in the coupon below to become a contestant in the 2020 NY Senior America pageant. Remember…. “Even the smallest light chases away the dark!” 50+ Until next time, Joan and Marleen 18

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

COUPON

Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2020 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. Name Address Telephone E-mail Address

Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 318 East Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 More info, Phone: 516-678-3242 • 516-761-7503


What the New York Health Act (single-payer) Would Mean for You

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e hear talk of “Medicare for All” and “Single-Payer” at the national level, but most people aren’t aware that legislation, which has been proposed here in NYS, would eliminate all private health insurance providers and change health care as we know it. If enacted, it would impact all residents, including retirees from state and local governments, who are currently accessing earned benefits, including health care. The proposed NY Health Act would establish a singlepayer system affecting the benefits of all New Yorkers. The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), which is the only organization whose sole purpose is to look out for the interests of NY public retirees, brought up a number of issues with this proposed legislation at a Senate Health Committee Hearing in May. These concerns, which must be addressed, include: Medicare. Upon turning 65, all retirees are required to enroll in Medicare. The proposed Health Act in New York State includes a request for a waiver from the federal government to ensure reimbursements continue, but if this waiver is not granted, we are left with a number of unanswered questions. How would premiums be paid? Would retirees still be enrolled in Medicare? Would deductions from Social Security checks end? Additionally, the State Commissioner of Health could expand the existing low-income premium waiver, allowing all eligible enrollees to receive Medicare and not pay premiums. However, this benefit is not guaranteed. Travel. If you leave NYS to travel and you’re in need of medical attention, you will no longer have a valid Medicare card. The proposed Health Act eliminates all private health insurers and does not address whether the NY Health Program will be accepted in other states. There is

no guarantee you will be covered in another state, no matter how serious the situation. RPEA is the only organization whose sole purpose is to look out for the interests of NY public retirees. In addition to advocacy and information, members enjoy other benefits including dedicated staff answering questions about retirement issues, and for only $30 per year. For more information on RPEA or to join visit: rpea.org or call 518-869-2542.

50+ LifeStyles November 2019 Metro Edition • www.50PlusNY.com

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