50+Living of Western NC
Biltmore: Large-scale Exhibition of Costumes from Oscar-winning Film “Titanic” Retirement Readiness: Hitting the Sweet Spot 10 Smart Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp
And more www.50pluslivingWNC.com
February 2018
Make Our Community Your Retirement Choice Appalachian/Brian Estates Rental Retirement Community Serving the Mountain Community of Boone in Northwest North Carolina
Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains Appalachian Brian Estates is a carefree, private, affordable rental retirement community. Our spacious private apartment homes allow seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. You will find yourself minutes from cultural, educational and recreational opportunities, healthcare and shopping. Offering both annual and shortterm leases, you will enjoy being a part of an exceptional community surrounded by a devoted, dependable staff and caring neighbors. Activities are scheduled, which include a variety of programs, taking advantage of our cozy lounges, bridge room, clubroom, and library with Internet access, media room with large screen TV and multi-purpose activity room. Visit the beauty salon, sundry store, and front desk service. While the entire environment promotes independent living, we are fortunate to have a fully licensed home care agency located within our building providing scheduled in-home aide services when requested.
Our residents enjoy amenities including: • 24 hour staffing • Emergency call system • Scheduled transportation • Cable TV is provided at no additional cost • Nutritious meals served by our attentive wait staff in our beautiful dining room • Housekeeping, linen and full maintenance services
163 Shadowline Drive | Boone, NC 28607 | 828-264-1006 | Toll Free: 800-333-3432
www.appalachianbrianestates.com
FIND YOUR WAY TO FLAVOR!® Herbs & Spices • Spice Blends • Exotic Teas Gourmet Sea Salts • Sugars • Gifts THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE® OF ASHEVILLE 46 Haywood Street, #101 | Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 505-7348 spiceandtea.com/tste-asheville
February 2018 | 50 + Living
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50+Living of Western NC
CONTENTS 5
8
Retirement Readiness: Preparation Sweet Spot Large Exhibition of Costumes from Titanic Film at Biltmore Estate
11 Responsible Things Pet Owners Should Do
12 Buying Hearing Aids: 6 Things to Know
14 10 Ways to Keep Your
25 Creative Ways to Use
16 Wine Tasting for
26 A Root Canal Can
19 February Activities to
28 Ways to Keep your
21 Make a Lasting
30 Advertisers Index
Memory Sharp
Enjoy in WNC
Difference
22 Stress Busting Foods
Page 4
Beginners
to Lift Your Mood
Up Bananas
Save Your Tooth
Garbage Disposal Fresh
www.50pluslivingWNC.com 50 + Living | February 2018
Retirement Readiness: Hitting the Retirement Preparation Sweet Spot
(BPT) - A recent study by the Center for Retirement Research (CRR) at Boston College suggests an alarming state of awareness about retirement readiness: Of surveyed households, 33 percent realize they are not well prepared, 19 percent are not well prepared but don’t know it, and 24 percent are well prepared but don’t know it. For the Americans at risk of not being able to maintain an adequate retirement lifestyle, it’s critical to take action. For the households that are well prepared and don’t know it, they risk sacrificing a comfortable retirement. Understanding the behaviors associated with good retirement planning, in turn, can help you get a better sense of where you stand. Consider the following behaviors, which are more likely to be modeled by those who are well prepared for retirement.
Asset accumulation A high-level approach to ensuring adequate retirement assets is to save a minimum of 10 percent of your gross income each year. You may need to save even more depending on your asset accumulation goals and how many years you have left to save before retirement. February 2018 | 50 + Living
If you would rather have a dollar goal, multiply your annual income goal by 25 to arrive at the amount you should try to save. For example, if after considering Social Security and any pension payment, you want $30,000 more of annual income in retirement, you will need to save $750,000. Lower goals mean you need to withdraw at a faster rate and increase the risk you will deplete your assets too soon.
Budgeting Not all budgets need to detail specific spending items. Rather, you can consider yourself working within a budget if you know that each year you are saving and not creating new debt (and paying off legacy debt for your education or home). If you want to squeeze out more savings, a line-by-line review of spending may well be fruitful.
Personal debt Many of us are saddled with personal debt from college and graduate school. This debt has become so burdensome that the customary progression to home ownership has been continued on page 7 Page 5
Quality Patient-Centered Dental Care Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with Dr. Glenn B. Miller, Dr. Zachary S. Holcombe, and their team. Being “patient-centered” means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern. Our team offers a wide variety of services and procedures to accomodate all your dental wants and needs. • DIAGNOSTIC & PREVENTATIVE • COSMETIC DENTISTRY • DENTAL IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS • PERIODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY
New Smiles are Always Welcome!
of Western NC
PUBLISHER / OWNER Al Sheppard ART DIRECTOR Glenn B. Miller, D.D.S.
Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D.
Dr. Holcombe is a native of Greenville, NC who attended North Carolina State University for undergraduate studies before earning his DMD from East Carolina University. He is married to his wife Amy and they have one child. When not practicing dentistry he enjoys spending time out doors with his friends and family.
ParkSouth office complex, Suite B-2, 1944 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 684-3839
50+Living
Glenn B. Miller, D.D.S. Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D. GENERAL DENTISTRY
www.DentalAsheville.com
We have a new name!
50+Living of Western NC
“Formerly Senior Life of WNC magazine is now a lifestyle publication for people 50 and over”
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FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Mike Demos 828.273.0098 Dave Soltis 828.606.3966 Tammy Sheppard 828.230.7537 High Five Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 8683 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.279.5962 All advertising published in 50+Living of Western North Carolina is believed to be truthful and accurate. However High Five Enterprises, Inc. assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in 50+Living of Western North Carolina. Any reference made to High Five Enterprises, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the information on properties advertised in 50+Living of Western North Carolina. The content of all ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in this publication are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of High Five Enterprises, Inc. High Five Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication.
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50 + Living | February 2018
Retirement Readiness continued from page 5
Health care Health care is the single greatest cost in retirement, and various studies estimate the cost to be $250,000 or more for a healthy 65-year-old couple. The cost of health care will be even greater to the extent one retires before age 65 and Medicare eligibility. Moreover, health care costs can vary and may come sooner than expected. The best plan, then, is to work until at least age 65 and understand that health care is a unique challenge in retirement. To the extent possible, utilize Health Savings Accounts and bank any unused amounts annually to build up a tax-free health care fund for retirement.
Income planning
delayed for many. The debt has also had a domino effect on the ability to save for retirement. Paying down personal debt should be job one. Other personal debt, such as for a car purchase, should be avoided, minimized or paid down as quickly as possible. Credit card debt, which carries high interest rates, should be avoided entirely. Remember, each dollar of debt limits your ability to save for the future.
Mortgage debt It used to be commonly accepted that you pay off your mortgage before retirement, but more and more retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt. The old rule remains the best approach, since any indebtedness in retirement will limit your ability to react and adjust to poor investment return on your assets.
Social Security With traditional pension plans less commonly offered by employers, Social Security has become an even more important source of guaranteed lifetime retirement income. By waiting to age 70, you can increase the benefit payment significantly, which is also the base for annual Social Security cost-of-living increases for the rest of your life. That increased Social Security benefit may also increase the benefit that a surviving spouse will receive after you die. Unless you have a health care issue that could reduce your life expectancy and no spouse who might need a spousal benefit based on your earnings record, claiming Social Security early is the greatest retirement planning mistake made. February 2018 | 50 + Living
No later than 10 years before your planned retirement, you should be translating your retirement assets into an annual or monthly retirement income stream. Start with your Social Security and any pension plan payments as your income base, and then consider how much income your other assets can safely generate. Depending on this analysis, you may want to consider purchasing an annuity to make more of your retirement income guaranteed and avoid the twin risks of poor investment return and living longer than expected. Consider also that many of your retirement assets have an embedded tax liability. You will need to look through your retirement assets to determine after-tax income, since your food, rent and cable bills are paid with after-tax money. Only by seeing your after-tax income can you decide if you have enough to live on.
Annual financial wellness check-ups During your early working years, you are likely to be focused on debt reduction and asset accumulation. As you get closer to retirement, you will need to focus on the strategies associated with Social Security, health care and income generation. At all times you should annually revisit your goals and make adjustments, as needed, to how much and where you are saving, how much you are spending, how aggressively you are investing, and when your target retirement date is. Modeling such behaviors will make it more likely you will be well prepared for retirement. By doing so you will also make it more likely that you are properly assessing the state of your retirement readiness and not over- or underestimating your financial health. Ee
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Opening in February 2018 at Biltmore: First large-scale exhibition of costumes from Oscar-winning film “Titanic” ASHEVILLE, N.C. (January 2018)
Quickly on the heels of the 20th anniversary of 1997’s blockbuster hit “Titanic,” Biltmore will launch a new exhibition, Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie. The exhibition offers dazzling attire worn by actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and many others from the film’s large cast. Staged throughout Biltmore House, the exhibition opens Feb. 9 and runs through May 13, 2018. With these costumes, guests will have perfect examples of the luxurious wardrobes favored by transatlantic travelers like George and Edith Vanderbilt in the early 1900s.
Award-winning designs in America’s Largest Home This is the first large-scale exhibition of fashions from Titanic, which won a record 11 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Costume Design. Showcasing the work of Oscar-winning designer Deborah L. Scott, the garments evoke the lifestyle of the era when voyages on the great ocean liners of the early 20th century offered high society and luxury on ships known as “floating palaces.” First class passengers took every opportunity to see and be seen in the finest fashions of the time. And, just like Jack and Rose, the fictional couple at the heart of Titanic, the days at sea fostered friendships and romances, including Vanderbilt’s courtship of Edith Stuyvesant Dresser. “We are all fascinated with Titanic, and this moment in history,” said Leslie Klingner, Biltmore’s curator of interpretation. “It’s intriguing to think about what was happening in the daily lives of the Vanderbilts, and how closely that connected to what the filmmakers showed onscreen.” For example, the formal dinner scene in Photo Credit: Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in “Titanic.” ©1997 Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Page 8
50 + Living | February 2018
which Jack joins the first class passengers takes place in the ship’s dining room. Costumes from that scene are set in the Banquet Hall where the Vanderbilts and their house guests dined in full evening dress for their evening meals. Klingner notes that many of the gowns displayed in the Second Floor Living Hall were worn by an actor portraying a real person who actually sailed on Titanic. They included the Astors and the Guggenheims – couples the Vanderbilts would have known or were familiar with. The costumes are luxurious and highly detailed, featuring accessories such as fans, elaborate jewelry and long gloves.
Learn more about the Vanderbilts Guests will be able to learn even more about the family who called Biltmore home by visiting the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village. The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition is located here, and gives guests deeper insight into the family’s time at home and on their extensive travels throughout Europe and the Far East. Complementing Glamour on Board, the Legacy exhibition delves into the Vanderbilt family’s daily lives and their unique personalities. Guests will get a close-up look at many of the exotic and rare treasures they collected throughout their lives. Opens March 15.
Glamour on Board around the estate Stay overnight
“Guests at Biltmore would have dressed in a very similar manner. I can imagine them assembled in the Living Hall, taking a moment to visit with fellow guests or admire the paintings before going down to dine in the Banquet Hall,” Klingner said.
New guided tour debuts during Glamour on Board The exhibition is part of the self-guided tour through Biltmore House and is included in estate admission. Guests interested in a more in-depth experience may wish to take the Glamour on Board Guided Tour, created and designed by Biltmore’s museum services team especially for this exhibition. Hosts conducting the tour will provide colorful details about the costume design process, with insights into the elegance of the era’s fashions, culture of the times, connections with the Vanderbilts, and making of the film. This guided tour requires a separate ticket.
February 2018 | 50 + Living
a private hilltop setting.
When Glamour on Board opens in February, The Inn on Biltmore Estate will offer a special Valentine’s Package during the month that includes a special room delivery of Biltmore red wine, chocolates, and a dozen red roses upon arrival. The Inn is perfect for those seeking a retreat with personalized service, and four-star accommodations in
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate is for guests looking for a casual overnight stay. It is located in the heart of Antler Hill Village just steps away from shopping, dining, Biltmore’s Winery, and live music in the Village. Both The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate (Feb. 9 through 17) and Bistro (Feb. 14) will offer special Valentine’s dining options. Reservations required. Page 9
Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie Tea at The Inn Live orchestral music, period décor, and actors in period attire create an immersive atmosphere as guests dine on a selection of teas and artfully prepared light bites inspired by the tea menu served on Titanic. Taking place in the Vanderbilt Room at The Inn, the tea will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 14. Call 866-336-1245 to reserve.
Orchid Talks in the Conservatory Biltmore’s large collection of orchids in the Conservatory is the subject of Biltmore’s free Orchid Talks. Biltmore’s on-site orchid experts offer the history of orchids on the estate, and how they are grown and cared for. Jan. 22 through March 16. For tickets, reservations, and more information, visit Biltmore.com/visit.
About Biltmore Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; The Inn on Biltmore Estate; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE. Photo Credit: The Biltmore Company Page 10
50 + Living | February 2018
may want to consider optional vaccines such as Lyme disease and feline leukemia if your pet has certain risk factors.
Seven Things All Responsible Pet Owners Should Do Just like people, true wellness in pets means more than the absence of disease. It includes numerous physical, social, and emotional factors. As a pet owner, you can do the following things to provide your dog or cat with a long, healthy life in a stimulating and loving environment: 1. Your pet needs protection from parasites all year long, even if you live in a cold climate. Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other pests can make life miserable for your dog or cat and can even be fatal in severe cases. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a collar, pill, spray, shampoo, or a combination of these products would be the best form of parasite control.
4. Spay or neuter your pet as soon as possible if you’re not planning to breed. Your veterinarian may be able to complete this simple surgery as early as five months of age. Not only does this prevent dozens of unwanted animals from being born, it protects your pet from certain types of cancer and reduces aggressive behavior associated with mating. 5. Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s well-being. Consistent brushing and regular oral care exams prevent gum disease, oral tumors, tooth loss, and other serious issues. Pets who lose teeth may not be able to chew their food adequately to get the nutrition they need. 6. Make sure you know where all your pet’s supplies are in case of emergency. Better yet, prepare an emergency kit ahead of time and practice evacuating the house with your pet. It should contain food, water, and medication to ensure her survival as well as toys and comfort items. 7. With over half of American dogs and cats overweight or obese, make sure that you feed your pet measured amounts of nutritious food and offer treats sparingly. Additionally, dogs need to walk daily and both dogs and cats need regular play time with you to remain active and content. Your pet is part of your family and will thrive under your loving care. Be sure to partner with a local veterinarian to ensure a lifetime of wellness. Ee
2. Bring your pet in for a preventive care check-up once a year even if she seems perfectly fine. Senior pets and those under a year old should visit the veterinarian more often. Your veterinarian will ask questions about your pet’s parasite control, eating and sleeping habits, behavior, and other general issues. This appointment is essential because it allows your veterinarian to diagnose, monitor, and treat potential health issues that might otherwise go undetected. 3. Commit to getting your pet his required vaccines on schedule. This prevents him from picking up contagious illnesses that could potentially be life-threatening. You February 2018 | 50 + Living
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When Buying Hearing Aids: 6 Essential Things to know (BPT) - Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t?
Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception. In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) — which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss — adding to the confusion. To help consumers cut through the clutter, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has pulled together six essential facts for people with hearing loss who are considering the purchase of hearing aids. BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these six points in mind: Page 12
1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. Hearing loss also is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show. 2) Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader glasses at the grocery store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids — which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing loss — must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy. 3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. The beauty of authentic hearing aids is that they’re tailored — through personalized 50 + Living | February 2018
fitting, programming and follow-up adjustments — to correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate across the entire frequency spectrum. Follow-up hearing aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and process sounds they had been missing, further increase user satisfaction. 4) Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are not hearing aids and are not cleared by the FDA to treat hearing loss. Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume — sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels — regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage. 5) Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net for proper diagnosis and treatment. Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Hearing care professionals — audiologists, hearing aid specialists and ENTs (Ear, Nose and Throat doctors or doctors of otology and otolaryngology) — are best suited to help consumers with hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and amplification, and they are state-licensed. Many work in practices with ENT doctors. They have the most appropriate and accurate equipment to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a hearing health care professional also means the consumer gets maximum benefit from their hearing aids. 6) Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S. without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional. The way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the February 2018 | 50 + Living
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not change. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek professional hearing health care advice from the start. BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family members and friends, BHI research shows. Ee For information on types of hearing loss, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/news/heres-what-you-needknow-about-different-types-hearing-loss.
1-833-HEARGUY www.TheHearingGuy.net
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10 Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp by beconrad
No matter what your age, you rely on your memory in countless ways every single day. At work, you rely on your memory to do your job more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes. At home, you rely on your memory as you prepare your favorite recipes and have fun with your family. When you have fun, you rely on your memories as you pursue your favorite hobbies and relax with your loved ones.
1. Learn a new word every day. Building your vocabulary is good for your mind and memory, so grab a dictionary and learn a new term every day.
Over time, you may notice that your memory has begun to slip and the things you once remembered easily are a bit harder to grasp. Some degree of age-related memory loss is perfectly normal, but that does not mean you have to take it lying down. There are a few simple things you can do every day to keep your memory sharp and maintain your focus as you age. Here are 10 timely tips to get you started.
4. Do crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles combine language and pattern recognition, two things that have been shown to improve memory over time.
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2. Solve puzzles. Physical puzzles are great for maintaining and improving memory, with pieces to remember and patterns to discern. 3. Read a book. Reading nourishes your mind the same way food nourishes your body, so head to the bookstore or your local library.
5. Eat a healthy diet. The food you put in your body can have a profound impact on your mind, 50 + Living | February 2018
can also reduce stress and help you be more effective at home and at work. 9. Take up a new hobby. Learning something new is always a great idea, and it can be good for your memory and your mind. Whether the hobby is mental or physical, the new activity can have a big impact on your brain power. 10. Track your progress with memory games and exercises. If you want to see how you are doing, try using memory games and exercises to challenge your including your memory. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy seafood can be good for your mind and your memory. 6. Fill your life with music. Whether you learn to play an instrument or just enjoy your favorite tunes, you will be challenging your mind and building patterns in your head. Music can be great for your memory, so slip on the headphones and get lost in your favorite tunes. 7. Learn a foreign language. Language learning is a great way to challenge your brain and build your memory. Whether you use the traditional memorization method or a more modern method, learning a language is great for your mind. 8. Learn to meditate. Meditation focuses the mind, and that can be great for your memory. The relaxation methods you learn through meditation February 2018 | 50 + Living
mind and track your progress. There is nothing you can to do stop getting older, but there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the impact of aging on your mind and memory. The 10 tips listed above can help you maintain your good memory as you age, so you can enjoy yourself more and worry less. Ee Page 15
Wine Tasting For Beginners Have you ever glanced at a wine menu and felt overwhelmed by the vast selection of wines? Wine tasting can seem like a pretentious and complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. Below is a step-by-step guide to tasting so you can understand and appreciate your wine.
1. Admire Wine should be admired from start to finish, and it starts with appreciating its color, viscosity, and transparency. Unlike other beverages, it’s one of the few drinks that comes in a wide range of colors, from the lightest gold to the richest plum. Its color alone can indicate which type of wine you’re drinking. • Hold the glass up to the light. Is it clear and bubbly? Does it emit a soft glow? Is it thick and opaque? • The Marangoni Effect. Gently swirl the wine in your glass. This not only aerates the wine, but it also gives you a view of droplets descending the glass. This is known as the “Marangoni Effect.” The thickness of the droplets and the speed of which they fall down the glass indicates its viscosity and alcohol content. High-alcohol wines produce thicker tears that fall slowly, while lighter wines have thin, transparent droplets that descend quickly. Page 16
2. Smell Tip the glass toward your face slightly and lower your nose into the glass. Take a sniff and experience the various aromas of the wine. If you have a poor sense of smell or you’re more of a visual thinker, close your eyes. Closing your eyes eliminates other sensory distractions and allows you to visualize the smells you’re experiencing. The aromas, known as the bouquet, may bring up images of fruits, earth, honey, and other complex flavors. If your nose isn’t yet trained, try to identify three to five aromas to start.
3. Taste This is what you’ve been waiting for. The tongue is a sensitive organ and each part detects different tastes. Sip a small amount of wine and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds. Let it swirl around each section of your tongue to experience the full array of flavors in the wine. Identify these tastes on each part of your tongue:
• Tip of your tongue: sweetness • Upper edges of the tongue: acidity • Back of the tongue: bitterness 50 + Living | February 2018
• Back of the mouth: burning sensation of alcohol • Inside the cheeks: dry tannins Your tongue also senses texture. The viscosity and alcohol content of your wine will determine how it feels. Higher alcohol content wines have a thicker texture, and tannins feel dry. Identify tastes over the length of time it sits in your mouth as well as the aftertaste.
4. Take Notes
Debbie Leon
Realtor® Owner / Broker
Write down all that you observed, including sight, smell, taste, and texture. Take notes on anything you liked or disliked about the wine, whether it was too bitter, too sweet, or just right. A balanced wine doesn’t have any outstanding features that overwhelm the palate and has a smooth finish. Use these notes to help you understand your preferences as you develop your sense of taste in the future. Wine tasting is all about having fun. Go to a tasting room with friends or visit a winery to learn all there is to know about the taste, production, and history of wine. Keep tasting, and you’ll be a wine aficionado in no time. Ee
828-273-4887
Specializing in the 50+ homebuyer. If you are considering a career in real estate contact Debbie Leon at 828-273-4887 336 Rockwood Road #106 | Arden, NC 28704
828-575-2337 Toll-Free: 888-895-0297 Start your home search here www.SearchAshevilleRealEstate.com
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Visit Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk, NC is open in February from 8am - 6pm Page 18
50 + Living | February 2018
Cup first round - in the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is bringing some exciting tennis matches to Asheville! Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 AM Friday, November 17. Two-day ticket packages for both Saturday and Sunday are $50 to $250 ($25 to $125 per day). Single-day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are $30 to $135 per day. Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by calling 888-334-USTA (8782
Mardi Gras Parade February 11, 2018
February Activities Events happening this month in the WNC area to enjoy! Titanic Movie Costumes at Biltmore February 09, 2018 to May 18, 2018 See the fabulous costume exhibition inside Biltmore House, “Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie” with 45 costumes and stories about the Vanderbilt travels and connection to the Titanic. The exhibition represents the extensive wardrobes preferred by transatlantic travelers like George and Edith Vanderbilt in the early 1900s. Learn about the Vanderbilts’ extensive travels while viewing these award-winning costumes. The 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” movie starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, winning a record 11 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Costume Design. For more info visit: www.biltmore.com
2018 Women’s Tennis Fed Cup: U.S. vrs Netherlands February 10, 2018 to February 11, 2018 Watch the newly crowned Fed Cup Champion Team USA defend its title with Team Netherlands for the 2018 Fed February 2018 | 50 + Living
Everyone is invited to participate in, or simply spectate this family-friendly spectacle. This fun parade in downtown Asheville is led by this year’s King and Queen, with dancers, roller skaters, drummers and krewes of colorful characters. 3 PM. New route this year! Due to the big tennis tournament at the US Cellular Center, the parade is moving a few blocks away to snake through the South Slope brewery district.
Arts & Crafts Conference February 16, 2018 to February 18, 2018 Perfect for the passionate collector or those just interested in the Arts and Crafts period. For the past 25+ years, Arts and Crafts enthusiasts, including new collectors, veterans, curators, craftspersons, authors, builders, architects, designers, editors, and bungalow owners, have traveled to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville for the annual Arts & Crafts Conference and Antiques Show in February. The three-day conference is usually a sellout, with 1,500 attendees and more than 2,000 tickets sold for the antiques and contemporary crafts show. There are three choices for tickets. For those who want the complete Arts and Crafts experience, including a room at the Grove Park Inn and entry to all of the seminars, tours and discussion groups, the Grove Park Inn (800-438-5800) has an Arts & Crafts Weekend Package. For more info: www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park Activities continued on page 20 Page 19
• Valentine’s Romance Activities • Anniversary Package, 1898 Waverly Inn Celebrate any special occasion at this historic B&B in Hendersonville with a couples massage at their spa, wine tasting at St. Paul Vineyards and gift certificate for a romantic dinner. Rate: From $209/night For more: www.waverlyinn.com
Get Your Hands Dirty, The Village Potters Be a potter for an afternoon with a private lesson in the River Arts District (near downtown and Biltmore). What a great way to celebrate a special occasion, and you’ll create beautiful pieces of pottery during your two-hour session that you’ll enjoy for many years. Rate: $150/couple. www.thevillagepotters.com
At Arbor Terrace of Asheville, we’ve done away with all of the traditonal stereotypes of senior living. We offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with numerous amenities and luxury services to fit your every need. Our community focuses on providing seniors a comforable and inspiring lifestyle. Every Arbor Terrace resident receives unique and personalized care and attention tailored to where they are and what they need most. Call or visit us online to set up a tour today!
Couples Mind/Body Spa Package, Still Point Wellness This four-hour spa escape for two includes a 90-minute Salt Water Float and a 75-minute Esalen Massage back to back. While you are receiving a massage, your partner is floating; then you switch. Downtown Asheville. Rate: $400/couple. www.stillpointwell.com
Romance Package, Haywood Park Hotel Book a romantic getaway in the heart of downtown Asheville at this boutique hotel. Oversized suites, luxurious baths, red roses, handmade chocolates, early check-in and late check-out. Rate: From $730 for 2 nights/2 people www.haywoodpark.com
Valentine’s Package, Esmeralda Inn Head to Chimney Rock for a very romantic getaway with a candlelit dinner for two, dozen roses, chocolate covered strawberries, bottle of wine and breakfast. Available Feb 9-17. Rate: $250 www.theesmeralda.com
Just a few activities for Sweethearts Page 20
50 + Living | February 2018
MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE FAMILY FEATURES
Whether you’re considering ways to give to deserving causes or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one for a special occasion, remember that not every gift is a tangible item. In fact, some of the best gifts are those you can’t touch at all, but those that make the world a better place. Socially motivated gifts, of your own accord or on behalf of someone else, are much more than a one-time present. They have the potential to make a significant impact on lives or to further the work of a cause-based organization. Consider these giving options to make a lasting impact: Retirement plans: Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income, and possibly estate taxes, for loved ones. A tax-exempt organization may be eligible to receive the full amount, bypassing income taxes. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA can be worth the full $100,000. Life insurance plans: A gift of life insurance is an affordable way to make a significant gift while also enjoying tax savings during your lifetime. Benefits include the ability to give a significant gift at a fraction of the value; tax savings that can be immediately realized; a reduction in the final taxes of your estate and the ability to pass gifts outside of your estate. Gifts of real estate: You may decide that the greatest gift you can make is to leave your home or other property to a charitable organization. This kind of gift is ideal for someone who intends to continue living in his or her home or property through their lifetime, but still make a charitable gift. You can leave this generous gift by signing an agreement with an organization about maintaining the property so you can use it throughout your lifetime. You may even receive a tax deduction for your gift. Gifts of stock: Stocks, bonds and mutual funds that have appreciated in value are among the best ways to gift a nonprofit organization. You may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock (up to a maximum of 30 percent of your adjusted gross income) and avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the stock. February 2018 | 50 + Living
Gifts of cash: This type of gift is simple and eligible for an immediate charitable tax credit. Although many organizations allow you to specify how you would like the funds to be used, an unrestricted monetary donation allows the organization to allocate your contribution into the project or area that needs funds most. If you designate a gift on someone’s behalf, be sure to share a card or a note with the honoree letting them know about the contribution. Particularly if it’s a cause close to the heart, it’s sure to be just as gratefully received, if not more so, as any trinket you might buy. Ee Find more ideas for gifts that make a lasting difference at eLivingToday.com.
North Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys Offices in Asheville, Hendersonville & Brevard Some important goals of any estate plan are to protect assets and minimize tax liability. It is critical to provide the latest estate planning tools to achieve these objectives. We were one of first law firms in western North Carolina to use family limited partnerships (FLPs), limited liability companies (LLCs), and revocable living trusts to protect people’s estate plan. Other ways to protect assets and avoid unnecessary tax liability include: Business succession planning | Medicaid planning for nursing home care |IRA planning Charitable planning |Estate tax and gift tax planning |Asset protection
4000+ TRUSTED CLIENTS | Millions of Dollars IN ASSETS SECURED 8 QUALIFIED ATTORNEYS | www. strausslaw.com Asheville Office 77 Central Avenue, Suite F Asheville, NC, 28801 Phone: 828-258-0994 Fax: 828-252-4921
Hendersonville Office 104 N. Washington Street Hendersonville, NC, 28739 Phone: 828-696-1811 Fax: 828-696-1816
Brevard Office 191 W. Main Street, Suite A Brevard, NC, 28712 Phone: 828-233-5151 Fax: 828-884-8634 Page 21
20 Stress Busting Foods to Lift Your Mood Everyone gets anxious now and then, but did you know that what you eat can actually make a difference in your mood?
These 20 foods can calm your stress and help you get through the day. Yogurt
Kale
There is a link between what goes on in your gut and your mental health. One study showed that probiotics actually decreased anxiety in mice. Yogurt is full of living probiotics that can bring your gut back into balance.
Carotenoids are pigments found in many of the plants we eat, and they are also great for regulating emotional health. Kale has plenty of carotenoids to kick-start your happiness.
Cashews
Cinnamon
If you’re feeling down, reach for a handful of cashews. These little nuts contain plenty of zinc which is helpful in fighting depression.
This delicious spice is actually a superfood that can do amazing things for your body. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar and even control your appetite. It also contains antioxidants that can benefit your mental health.
Avocados
Whole Grain Carbs
A deficiency in folic acid can send your mood plummeting. Eat folate-rich avocados for a healthy balance.
The reason carbohydrates are considered comfort foods is that they can boost your serotonin level. Eating some carbs can be
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a great mood booster, but stick to whole grains. Simple carbs like sugar will just send your body on a roller coaster that ends in a crash.
Berries Berries are an excellent choice for a healthy snack, and they can help keep your stress level under control. Berries contain a lot of vitamin C, which helps remove cortisol from your body. This is a hormone that can stress you out if it’s not in balance.
Herbal Tea Just the act of sipping a hot cup of tea can help your body relax and unwind. Choose an herbal tea with an ingredient like chamomile, known for its soothing qualities.
Pistachios Eating delicious pistachios can lower your blood pressure and your heart rate, helping you calm down.
Milk Drink milk for its vitamin D. It’s been shown to be helpful in treating and preventing panic disorders.
Ginseng Soup Ginseng is efficient at regulating hormones, which definitely helps with keeping your
February 2018 | 50 + Living
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mental health under control. It also helps relax the nervous system and can even protect your body from ulcers caused by stress. Add some ginseng to your hot soup for a relaxing meal.
Oatmeal Eat a bowl of whole grain oatmeal every morning to take advantage of the serotonin boost it brings. Serotonin helps your nerves communicate, and a lack of it can cause depression and anxiety disorders. Low levels of serotonin can also make you hungry.
Raw Vegetables Raw veggies and even crunchy fruits help relieve stress in a very physical way. Munching on these foods encourages your jaw to relax, sending a signal to the rest of your body that it’s okay to calm down.
Sunflower Seeds Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack that can fight depression. That’s because sunflower seeds contain magnesium, something many people with depression are lacking.
Red Peppers Red peppers contain huge amounts of vitamin C, which helps to regulate the stress hormone cortisol. One study found that people who took vitamin C before a stressful activity were calmer than those who didn’t.
Bananas Eat bananas for potassium, a very important mineral to the human body. Potassium can lower blood pressure and the risk of stroke. It is also known to fight anxiety disorders. Page 24
Turkey High-stress situations can suck the tryptophan right out of your body, and this chemical is necessary for creating serotonin. You’ve heard that turkey makes you tired. It also allows your body to create serotonin and overcome depression.
Chili Peppers Capsaicin is the stuff that puts the heat in chili peppers, and it can also relieve stress. It’s also effective for appetite control and pain relief. The bright red color itself even encourages happiness.
Chocolate There’s a reason chocolate makes you feel better. The antioxidants in chocolate increase endorphin production in your brain while combating stress hormones. The darker the chocolate, the better it will make your feel.
Red Wine Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it relaxes your body. Red wine brings the calming benefits of alcohol and adds a high number of flavonoids that can lower stress. It also contains a chemical called resveratrol that activates stress fighting responses in your brain. It may also help you live longer and protect against cancer. We all know that good nutrition is important to physical health, but it can have a huge impact on mental health as well. If you suffer from stress, try some of these calming foods. Your body’s response might put you in a glorious state of relaxation. Ee 50 + Living | February 2018
Five Quick and Creative Ways to Use Up Bananas If you’ve ever watched the bananas in your fruit bowl overripen by the day, promising yourself you’ll make banana bread, until you finally give in and toss them in the compost, then this is the post for you. Read on for five quick, delicious and (mostly) healthy ways to use up your bananas. The best part? None of them resemble banana bread!
1. Chop into oatmeal
powder, ¼ cup of honey, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Process to a lump-free, creamy consistency. Spoon the mixture into a container and leave it to chill for an hour in the fridge. Garnish with shaved chocolate. Serves 4. Who knew old bananas could inspire something so fancy?
4. Blend into a smoothie
Soft bananas make the perfect natural sweetener for a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Immediately after adding the oats to the boiling water, throw in thinly sliced banana - it’s as easy as that. Beware that bananas hold their heat, so allow the mixture to cool for at least five minutes after cooking.
Banana adds delightful sweetness and texture to any smoothie. Blend the following for a single serving of a slightly naughty but oh-so-nice chocolate-banana smoothie: 1 banana (frozen or fresh), 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, ⅓ cup of water and a small handful of chocolate chips. As good for breakfast as it is for dessert!
2. Puree and freeze for banana “ice cream”
5. Stuff with chocolate and bake
Chop and freeze chunks of banana ready for the next time an ice cream craving hits. Then whizz the frozen chunks in the food processor, add a swirl of peanut butter or a sprinkling of chopped nuts, et voila! You have yourself deliciously smooth soft-serve packed with nutrients.
3. Whip into a healthy instant pudding
For a mouthwateringly gooey dessert, slit an unpeeled banana down the middle, slide small chocolate candies inside, wrap in foil, pressing the edges to make a parcel, and bake for 25 minutes at 200C. Serve the piping hot banana with a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream. This quick dessert is ideal for topping off summer barbecues, too - simply cook the foil package on the barbecue embers for around 15 minutes.
This no-bake dessert provides a flourishing finish for any dinner party. Pulse 8 dates and 2 ripe avocados in a food processor. Then add 4 bananas, 1 cup of yogurt, ⅔ cup of cocoa
So now there’s no excuse! Do your fruit bowl a favor - rescue those languishing bananas and whip up a bowl or cup of nutritious deliciousness. Ee
February 2018 | 50 + Living
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A Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth
When a dental patient needs a root canal, it is usually because he or she has severe swelling and pain due to endodontic disease. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the dental disease include: • Pain when chewing • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and liquids • Tooth pain that has radiated to the face and ears • Swelling in the gums around the tooth
ATTENTION TO DETAIL, attention to you DRTIMGILLESPIE.COM | 828.252.9351 | TIMOTHY E. GILLESPIE, DMD, PA | 36 ORANGE ST, 28801 Page 26
• Constant tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications • Pain that gets worse when you lie down or when you sit up 50 + Living | February 2018
Consequences of Untreated Endodontic Disease Every one of your teeth contains pulp that normally helps to keep them alive and healthy. When that pulp becomes diseased, it causes an infection that can spread beyond the origination point. Swelling near the tooth is the first sign that infection has occurred. If your body’s natural defenses don’t fight off the infection, it can spread to nearby tissues such as those in your neck or jaw. Infection that spreads this far past its origination point may lead to a serious medical emergency.
A Root Canal to Save the Tooth Your dentist will try to save your tooth when possible because your mouth just functions better with its natural February 2018 | 50 + Living
teeth. The purpose of the root canal is to remove the diseased tissue and then clean and seal the area to prevent further infection. It is only when a root canal fails that we consider removing your tooth. At the completion of your root canal, we may cap it with a crown to ensure that it continues to function appropriately.
Never Ignore Chronic Tooth Pain While anyone can get an occasional toothache, longterm tooth pain is not normal. It is important to have it evaluated as soon as possible to determine whether endodontic disease is present. If so, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s recommendations to prevent even more problems in the future. Ee Page 27
6 Easy Options for Keeping Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh Nothing makes a clean house seem dirty faster than funky smells. It doesn’t matter how much your countertops sparkle if a guest walks in and smells leftovers lingering from three nights ago. If your kitchen is by all appearances clean, yet there seems to be some hidden smell wafting about, there’s a good chance your garbage disposal is the culprit. So what do you do when your garbage disposal smells less than fresh? 1. Prevention is the First Step Although the name implies that you can throw anything you want down the drain, you want to be cautious with the choices you make. Some foods will have a long lasting smell that is harder to get rid of. While others may wreak havoc on the mechanical parts of your disposal, making it more likely to hold on to bits of unwanted gunk or to clog up the drain. Never put anything stringy down the drain. This includes celery, corn husks, and asparagus. The fibers can tangle within the blades and cause serious issues. You also want to avoid common drain cloggers such as potato peels, coffee, and grease. As for your Indian dinner leftovers or that delicious Cajun fish, only put them down the drain if you want to smell them next week. 2. Soap and Water Bacteria and mold can make your garbage disposal stink fast. That’s why it’s important to keep all parts of the disposal clean. Run your disposal for a few seconds longer than you think you need to to make sure everything gets cleared out. Also, make sure to run the water as you run the disposal as it will help loosen anything that wants to hang around. The outside pieces of your garbage disposal are prime real estate for mold to take root. Take a toothbrush and some soap and water and scrub the visible pieces. On many garbage disposals, you can remove the plastic splash guard and scrub both sides. 3. Ice and Salt Sometimes there’s sludge inside that just won’t go away. A good abrasive can help pull down some of the lingering gunk. Kosher salt is a great scrubbing agent. Fill a cup full of ice and pour it down the drain. After all the ice is in, switch on the garbage disposal and pour half a cup of salt down it as it runs. 4. Lemons Lemons and other citrus fruits like oranges and limes are great deodorizers. First, cut up the fruit and throw it down the drain. Then, run the disposal until there is no fruit remaining. The coarse peel will help clean the blades, while the oils in the peel will freshen the disposal and leave the house smelling like sweet fruit. Page 28
50 + Living | February 2018
5. Baking Soda and Vinegar For the really tough smells, vinegar and baking soda may be your best bet. Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer and vinegar is great for removing dirt and germs. Pour one half cup baking soda down the drain, followed by one half cup vinegar. Allow this to sit a half hour and then rinse. You should only use this method occasionally as the vinegar is harsh on the rubber parts of your garbage disposal. 6. Commercial Products If the natural choices aren’t effective, there are many commercial disposal cleaners available. Choose the one that best suits your needs and follow the directions on the package. Your garbage disposal doesn’t have to smell like a garbage dump. Make sure you don’t use your disposal as an actual garbage and give it a good cleaning every couple of weeks. With proper care and cleaning, your garbage disposal will stay fresh and clean. Ee
Bookends Used Book Store at Pack Library offers gently used books of all genres, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls for sale at amazingly low prices. Proceeds benefit the Buncombe County libraries. Bookends is sponsored by the Friends of Pack Library. Friends volunteers donate many hours of their time to collect, sort, price, and stock items for the store.
Bookends is open when Pack Library is open. Nonprofit Organization in Asheville, North Carolina February 2018 | 50 + Living
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50+Living of Western NC
Advertisers Index | February 2018 Appalachian/Brian Estates Retirement Community......2 Appalachian Realty Associates.............................................23 Arbor Terrace of Asheville...................................................20 Bookends Used Book Store..................................................29 Bullman Heating.........................................................................30 Gillespie Dental Associates...................................................26 Glenn B. Miller, DDS, Zachary S. Holcombe, DMD.....6 Life Pulse AVL.............................................................................17 Mars Hill Retirement................................................................32 Whether you are building a new home or upgrading to a more efficient heating and cooling system. We can offer a system to best suit your needs, not to mention at a great price. The Bullman way.. Is the better way.
Strauss Attorneys, PLLC.........................................................21
We are a family owned business and take pride in family values and honesty.
The Hearing Guy.......................................................................13
“Comfort doesn’t have to be complicated...”
Phillip C. Price Law Firm, PLLC...........................................23
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Asheville.............................3 United Real Estate.....................................................................17
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50 + Living | February 2018
50+Living of Western NC
A publication for the 50+ lifestyle For advertising opportunities please contact us at: 828.279.5962
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Restore. Renew. Revitalize. Discover a Better Quality of Life. Become part of a group that thrives in a university setting and appreciates the healing atmosphere of a mountain community. Since our community is located adjacent to Mars Hill University, you can enjoy easy access to lectures, sporting events, and a host of cultural activities.
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