50+Living September 2022

Page 10

50pluslivingWNC.com September 2022 of Western NC 50+Living Honey Bee Sweet Local Music Makers Quilting is A Work of Heart Rise and Shine

Your Local Family-Owned Sleep Center GoToAfordableBedding.com | 828-254-5555 | 996 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC | T-F 10-6, Sat 10-5 Luxury Mattresses, Futons, Adjustable Beds & more. For less. Getting Asheville a great night’s sleep for 21 years 10% Of With Ad*  *See store for details Asheville’s Favorite Mattress Center!! We’ve dedicated ourselves to bring you a wide selection from the highest quality manufacturers at afordable prices. Our 4 Month Comfort GuaranteeYour Assurance of a great night’s sleep USA Made in North CarolinaAll mattress materials are toxin-free 12 Months Interest Free, 0 Down Financing & 6 Month Layaway options 5 Quilts and Where to Find Tem 10 What Medical Tests are Used to Diagnose Dementia 12 Local Music Makers 14 Morning Habits to Set You Up for a Great Day 16 Te Honey Bee Swarm: Amazing Pollinator Population Growth 18 Living with Purpose At Every Age 19 Baked Eggplant Crispy Garlic Local Figs 20 Ways to Have Better Conversations 22 Ten Reasons to Consume Plenty of Yummy Avocados CONTENTS 50pluslivingWNC.com 2 50+ Living | September 2022

September 2022 | 50+ Living 3 Arden 4 Long Shoals Rd. 828-333-4366 Woodfn 50 N. Merrimon Ave. 828-210-9544 Fletcher 3445 Hendersonville Rd. 828-376-3711

4 50+ Living | September 2022 Jan Larson 641-751-9061 jan.swinton77@gmail.com 2148 S 32nd St., Fairfeld, IA 52556 USA ThimblesForYou.com Thimbles For You Visit us at the Asheville Quilt Show Sept Octthru30th2,2022 and Chatelaines, too . . . ChatelainesilversterlingqualityheirloomHandcrafted, I am a Silversmith, I make and sell sterling silver thimbles and sewing tools. Each piece is unique, handmade with care in the cornfelds of Iowa.

In the US, Quilting has grown to a $4.2 billion industry with an estimated 9-11 million quilters. People who make them can’t make just one, so where do all those quilts go?

Quilters who have interest and/ or training in art and design make landscapes and portraits using much more varied substances than traditional cotton and wool. Tey may incorporate silk, beads, wood, feathers, shells, plants, paint and even leather. All sizes have been commissioned to be hung in public buildings such as churches, lobbies of hotels, galleries, corporate ofces, airports and malls. Tey have become collectible and hang in museums dedicated to fber arts or museums that preserve our nation’s history and culture such as the Smithsonian. Tey are in the hands of private and corporate collectors who recognize their value.

Quilters also enter the world of competition at local, national and international shows for recognition and cash prizes. Tese shows are open to the public and can draw thousands of visitors.

Want to see more Quilts? Watch for local Quilt shows put on by local Guilds coming to you!

September 2022 | 50+ Living 5

We may frst remember the quilts on the bed at a family member’s home. Tey can be passed down through the generations if they are carefully preserved. In the 1860’s, they were made into bedrolls to send their husbands and sons of to war. Sadly many of these quilts and their owners did not make it home, so more were made.

Quilts are found in television and movie scenes to depict comfort and hominess. Several years ago there was a movie called “How to Make an American Quilt.”

Quilters are generous in giving them to friends and family members for special occasions: to a young couple on their way to setting up housekeeping, for the birth of a new baby, a granddaughter who wants a pink unicorn bedspread, a grandson going of to college. Quilters are generous to local charities such as hospitals, children in need, shelters, Veterans groups and to victims of natural Adisasters.quilter can’t resist new fabric, or the desire to try a new design or technique. Scraps of fabric are lef over that can go into another quilt and on it goes. Just within the home, quilts have traveled from the bed, to the back of chairs, made into matching pillows, topped the table or hung on the wall

Quilting has exploded through the internet with sites such as YouTube and many online shops, and quilt instructors utilizing Zoom technology. Many writers have incorporated quilting into their story lines that relate to relationships, struggle, history or even murder. Even travel showcases quilts. Quilters may combine their love of travel with their love of quilting. Did you know there is a “Quilt Town” in Hamilton Missouri? Tis is thanks to an industrious family looking for a place to live and work who expanded their family business throughout the town. How about a Quilting Cruise? Land tours also highlight trips through traditional quilting communities. We can follow a self guided tour of Quilt Barn Blocks in the Midwest and many of our local WNC communities.

Quilts and Where to Find Them

6 50+ Living | September 2022 50+Living of Western NC PUBLISHER Tammy tsheppard.avlmedia@gmail.comSheppard GRAPHIC ARTIST Joan Hutt WEB DESIGN Alphie Hyorth CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Peggy Ratusz Laurie Richardone ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Mike brisdon00@gmail.commikedemos@aol.com828.273.0098DemosBridgetHepler828.551.9893 AVL Media Inc. P.O. Box 18416 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.230.7537 All advertising published in 50+Living of Western NC is believed to be truthful and accurate. However AVL Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in 50+Living of Western NC. Any reference made to AVL Media, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the information on properties advertised in 50+Living of Western NC. 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 AVL Media, Inc. AVL Media, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this 50pluslivingWNC.compublication h

September 2022 | 50+ Living 7

8 50+ Living | September 2022

September 2022 | 50+ Living 9 Whatever the circumstances, home transitions can be stressful. Our experienced team is here for you. We have helped thousands of area clients pack, move, and liquidate furnishings, household items, jewelry, and artwork. Whether you’re moving, settling an estate, or just want to streamline your life, we can make the process easier. 75 FAIRVIEW ROAD Asheville, NC 28803828-575-2509option2 CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION Estate Sales SERVICES WNC Bridge FOUNDATION A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH WNCbridge.org Thrift Store ACCEPTING DONATIONS of gently-used household items and furniture. For pick-up of large items call 828-575-2509. ASHEVILLE 75 FAIRVIEW ROAD In Biltmore Village 828-274-8206HOURS Mon–Sat, 10-4:30 Donations Mon–Fri, 10–4 WEAVERVILLE 285 NORTH MAIN STREET I-26 Exit 18 @ Monticello Rd HOURS Tues–Sat,Donations10–4:3010–4 A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH WNC Bridge FOUNDATION AUG 11–13 25–27 SEPT 8–10 22–24 Each sale is different, offering something for every taste and budget! To sign up for upcoming sale notifcations go to WNCbridge.org and click on SHOP 2022-AUG HANDLINGDOWNSIZING?MOVING?RELOCATING?ANESTATE? THURSDAY–SATURDAY | 10am–4:30pm SHOP OUR UPCOMING ESTATE SALES! OCT 6–8 20–22

During a mental status examination, the subject will likely be asked questions about the day, date, time of day, and current events. Other questions might be used to assess their vocabulary and use of words, their ability to perform simple math calculations, and their ability to concentrate and remember lists of words or other information.

Medical tests

A full examination ofen begins with the doctor or primary care provider taking a full medical history and a physical examination. At this point, a neurological examination may also be performed to test a person’s balance, strength and coordination, and refexes.

Laboratory tests, such as blood work, can be very helpful in an initial screening for dementia. Such blood tests can be used to detect health issues such as anemia (in which red blood cell counts are lower), thyroid problems (which can be one of the more reversible causes of dementia), liver and kidney problems, and vitamin defciencies.

Dementia is not a disease but is considered a grouping of similar symptoms caused by other conditions and diseases that can impair individuals’ functioning. According to the National Institute on Aging, such dementia symptoms include memory loss and confusion, difculty reading and writing, getting lost in familiar surroundings, repeating questions, taking longer to complete daily tasks, acting impulsively, changes in personality, and difculties with balance and other movements.

10 50+ Living | September 2022

BUT HOW IS DEMENTIA DIAGNOSED?

What Medical Tests are Used to Diagnose Dementia?

Many underlying diseases and conditions can contribute to dementia. Some of the most frequent medical tests that are used to diagnose dementia are as follows:

T he U.S. population is aging. By 2040, about one in fve people in America will be age 65 or older. As we age, it will become increasingly important to understand the challenges of diagnosing and caring for people with age-related dementia.

A full examination

A medical professional’s thorough examination of the person is the best place to start. Tis will be the subject’s starting point to list their symptoms, learn if any specifc conditions are causing the changes in functioning, and assess the person’s overall physical and mental health.

Blood tests might also be used to check for diseases such as HIV, syphilis, and Lyme.

In some cases, medical practitioners might use a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, to test the spinal fuid for infections in the central nervous system. Spinal fuid can also be tested for proteins that might indicate a person is sufering from Alzheimer’s disease. Tis procedure is a bit more complicated than a blood draw and will include a shot of anesthetic into the patient’s back before a needle is injected to retrieve a spinal fuid

September 2022 | 50+ Living 11

Genetic testing Genetics tests, the results of which are typically discussed with genetic counselors, might also be an important way to understand a patient’s physiology and dementia risks. New discoveries are constantly being made about which genes afect patients’ risks and outcomes with such diseases as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Genetic testing can ofen be performed afer obtaining a blood sample or by swabbing tissue from inside a person’s cheek. Psychosocial evaluations Individuals being tested for dementia and other agerelated diseases might also wish to undergo an evaluation that will help them understand their treatment and care options. A psychosocial evaluation, in which medical professionals and caregivers collaborate to understand a person’s current level of functioning and brainstorm ideas for a person’s future care, can be very useful. Such a test, which ofen consists of questionnaires or medical checklists and a personal consultation or discussion with a health professional, can also help caregivers understand the extent of care that is necessary so they can begin to plan for their loved one’s future needs.

Othersample.medical tests performed in order to understand a patient’s level of dementia might also include an EEG (an electroencephalogram) that shows the electrical activity in a patient’s brain, or an MRI or CT scan to help identify changes in the brain or to see evidence of any strokes that might have occurred, or to look for possible tumors.

A number of tests and diagnostic tools can help patients and their loved ones better understand the nature of their dementia. Such tests can also be extremely helpful when deciding upon care and treatment plans for those individuals who need help in their daily functioning.

Tough the frst time we met in 2007 is a little fuzzy, the frst time we played together is a bit clearer. We’d met just a few weeks prior and he came to my house two hours beforehand to rehearse.

12 50+ Living | September 2022

Local Music Makers

I had a thin spiral notebook containing about 20 song charts in my keys that I knew well. A few were jazz standards because at that time, many friends were encouraging me to learn Great American Songbook tunes. By that time, JP was years deep in a self-study curriculum of jazz composers and instrumentalists.Spotlight on singer-musician and songwriter Jonathan Pearlman, aka “JP.”

We tackled the 20 songs in the living room, working out intros, outros, solos and a few harmonies. Aferwards we loaded up the car and drove to downtown Hendersonville for our stint at Te Cypress Cellar. Both nervous for fear of disappointing the other, it took us a full set to begin to cop each other’s vibe and style and relax into the newness; the birth (as it were) of our musical relationship. Our frst set break found us toasting at the bar; me with a shot of Jack Daniels and Jonathan with whatever lager they had on tap. Safe to say that we’ve been toasting and singing and copping each other’s vibe and style ever since.

H ow can I pay tribute to a person who has been a friend and my champion for 15 plus years? Here’s my attempt to do so, in hopes that by the time I get to the end, I’ll have given justice to my comrade, Jonathan Pearlman, aka “JP.”

JP started out in this town long before I arrived here in 2002. Under his pseudonym, Alien Music Club, he’s recorded hours of original music and produced countless amazing shows, selling out one afer the other afer the other. He’s handily and successfully carved out his place photo by Elliot Schwartz photo by Frank Zippere

By Peggy Ratusz

Assembling a well-appointed backing band to support his arrangements, it’s a 75 minute set of the songpoems Cohen was so beloved and admired for writing. Pearlman’s voice has never sounded this lush and captivating. His embodiment of the material feels like we’re watching artists paint in real time; only he’s using the instruments to capture textures and color, instead of brushes. He orchestrates the players, Ryan Kijanka, Franklin Keel, Micah Tomas & Scott Sharpe, by leaving room for them to take turns in the spotlight throughout.

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her peggymarie43@gmail.comat

Absorbing the voices and prowess of these geniuses translates into brilliant guitar styles he diligently hones, sharpens and refnes. Tis discipline enables him to connect to his listeners in a unique and personal manner. Sof spoken and shy of stage he speaks to us from the heart on stage, and he does so efortlessly and fuently with any number of his favorite guitars.

Tis selfess approach serves his purpose and methods fttingly. It is by far one of the most emotional concert performances I have ever been to. His musical infuences span from Te Beatles to Mahavishnu Orchestra with guitar heroes like George Harrison, Jef Beck, John Scofeld, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Pat Martino. In the early 2000’s he began to study and transcribe jazz standards by Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Telonious Monk, Chuck Mingus, John Coltrane and others. It’s interesting to note that his early heroes were Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin and his frst experiences on stage were when he was just ffeen and in a Country music band who opened for singers like Charlie Pride, Bill Anderson and Ferlin Husky.

When JP works on anything, he commits hook line and sinker. An avid boatman, he captain’s rehearsals and live performances with a commanding but loose grip on the wheel, taking those of us lucky enough to share a stage with him to exotic, melodic destinations.

photo of JP at Bele Chere by the late Frank Zipperer

within the continuously burgeoning local music scene.

I have had the privilege to be part of a few of his productions: Te Bridge- Paul Simon meets the Beatles with Eric Congdon and Paul McIntyre, Te British Are Coming with his wife and my bestie, Aileen “Big Al” Pearlman, Bruce Lang and Micha Tomas, and our oldschool funk and soul project, Bad Girls & Te Aliens of Soul with Taylor Pierson, James Kylen and my other “bestie” Paula Hanke.

It’s important to point out that while hosts of the various jams around town these days include devoted and passionate mentors and musicians, let there be no mistake about it; it was Jonathan Pearlman who was one of the frst to initiate the platform that those fne young bohemian emcees and organizers mimic for their jams. His tireless eforts each and every week (for more than ten years) was intended to bring musicians and fans together in downtown Asheville. It was an inclusive place for novices to professional instrumentalists and vocalists to come and be heard, and it opened doors and provided opportunity for players and fans to schmooze, support one another, jam with each other; a place to meet future band mates and collaborators. Te reputations he’s helped set-forth on the right footing, the young people and students he’s hired on their frst gig, the infuence he’s clearly had on and the role model he’s clearly been to his son, the work ethic he’s shown, inspires all of us to practice and get out there. Tese aren’t little things. Tey are not and should not be forgotten. He’s a working and seasoned musician that younger players continue to seek out and look up to.

I am incredibly blessed and grateful that during the 10+ years he hosted the Barleys AMC jazz jam before Covid curtailed its continuation; through it all and even now, we perform side by side at many area venues.

Leonard Cohen, Te Deep Cuts, is his latest project.

September 2022 | 50+ Living 13

14 50+ Living | September 2022

What you do in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, so it’s important to start of on the right foot if you want your day to be productive and fulflling. Check out these morning habits to set you up for a great day, no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going.

Morning Habits to Set You Up for a Great Day

Wake up early Whether it’s 5 am or 7 am, getting up early gives your body and mind time to wake up before starting your day. Te earlier you get out of bed, the more hours in your schedule that are open and clear. Try setting your alarm an hour earlier than usual, then use that time to practice mindfulness or meditate--not only will these activities calm and center you, but they can help increase productivity as well. You’ll feel less stressed throughout the day if you manage stress better in other areas of your life, such as by writing down whatever is bothering you before bedtime so it doesn’t nag at you while awake. To help you get up earlier, start to make changes to your bedtime routine. Consider removing all electronics from your bedroom, including televisions, computers, phones,

Let’s start by noting that there is no best time to exercise, as long as it fts into your schedule. However, it is known that regular exercisers tend to be healthier and happier than their sedentary counterparts. If you’re not yet an avid exerciser or if you can only squeeze in time for workouts on your non-work days, starting with a morning session may give you something positive (and productive) during your weekdays.

Getting outside in the morning is a great way to reset your mindset afer a long night and de-stress before work. Te smell of fresh air and sunlight can help boost your mood and make it easier to power through your emails with a positive attitude. Plus, taking time every day to focus on something other than work will leave you feeling refreshed when evening rolls around. If you’re having trouble getting out of bed early enough in order to get some sun, try setting an alarm--try a Sunrise Alarm Clock that slowly increases brightness over time so that it doesn’t feel jarring when your eyes are closed (plus, it plays relaxing sounds as well).

Meditate

Have a morning workout

September 2022 | 50+ Living 15 and tablets. Tey emit blue light that tricks our brains into thinking it’s daytime when we should be winding down for sleep. Instead, fnd something to do with yourself before hitting the hay (such as reading) that gets you focused on something else. Eat breakfast Skip breakfast, and you’re likely going to feel tired and hungry during your morning commute. Tis can lead to consuming more calories than usual; when your blood sugar drops and hunger kicks in, it’s easy to grab an unhealthy snack--and most of us tend to choose highcalorie, high-fat options like doughnuts or mufns. Choosing healthy items from a range of food groups-especially whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables--will keep you full until lunchtime. And if you pack your own lunch before heading out in the morning, that’s even better! Drink water Water is essential for your body’s overall health, as it fushes out toxins, transports nutrients, and aids in digestion. Not drinking enough water can cause headaches and make you feel tired--two things that will certainly detract from your productivity. By starting your day with two glasses of water (and staying hydrated throughout), you’ll give yourself all the benefts of proper hydration and wake yourself up at the same time. Water also helps balance your blood sugar levels, so drinking some frst thing in the morning can help prevent those afernoon crashes that make it hard to get anything done.

Get some fresh air

Starting your day with meditation is benefcial in many ways. First, it forces you to take time out of your hectic schedule and fnd focus. Next, it helps get rid of stress before it has a chance to build. Tis can be especially important if you struggle with anxiety or depression-meditation may also help combat those symptoms. And fnally, meditation helps put things into perspective and remind us that we are not in control of everything that happens around us every moment of every day. On top of all that, meditating gets your soul energized for what’s ahead; they give your mind peace and strength for whatever comes next throughout your day. Set intentions and plan the day ahead Te most productive people take time each morning to plan their days. Tis allows them to organize, prioritize and accomplish everything on their to-do lists without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Te best way to start is by asking yourself, “What is one thing I want to accomplish today?” and write it down. Next, fgure out why it’s important. What will accomplishing that goal do for your life? What will not accomplishing it mean? Write down all of these things so they are crystal clear in your mind as you get ready in the morning. Ten ask yourself, Which three other goals would make my ‘top priority’ goal even better? Prioritize these secondary goals and write them down as well, next on your list of what needs to be done for today.

Tere are so many diferent ways to start your day, and what works for some may not work as well for others. Try some of these tips out, test them in your daily routine, and watch how your days improve.

THE HONEY BEE SWARM:

f you’re a gardener, honey bees entering and exit ing a nearby hollow tree are a welcome sight. If it weren’t for honey bees pollinating the world’s food crops, two-thirds of what we eat would not exist. But what should you do if you come across a swarm of thousands of bees clinging to a tree in your yard? Are they making a new hive there? Are they dangerous? Why are they swarming and how long will it last? Actually, these bees are just resting and awaiting the completion of an amaz ing process that will end with a democratic vote. Once that is done, they’ll move to a new home. Why do bees swarm?

The queen’s duties and preparation Te hive’s current queen will accompany the swarm and be the queen of the new hive. Tis means that, before the swarm can occur, the queen must produce a successor that will take her place at the existing hive. She begins laying eggs known as queen or swarm cells from which a new queen will emerge. Once a new successor queen hatches, the other queen cells are destroyed to ensure that there is but one new queen lef for the existing colony.

Amazing Pollinator Population Growth

16 50+ Living | September 2022

It’s about living space and population growth. When a healthy hive occupies a limited area like a hollow tree limb, the hive will eventually outgrow the available space. Te bee population and honeycomb they produce will make it necessary for a signifcant segment of the colony to fnd a new home. Tis is a necessary component of bee population growth which is critically important given their role as the primary pollinators of the world’s food supply. Te swarm, or home search, will occur in springtime when an abundant food supply like blooming fowers becomes available. Quite a bit of prep work is, however, necessary before the move to a new home can be made.

Having been relatively sedentary while living in her current home, the elder queen is a bit out of shape. Afer she has done her duty of laying the special queen eggs, she is put on a diet to get back into fying condition. She needs to be prepared to make a trip of what could be several miles once the swarm occurs and a new home site is selected.

I

Te queen will select a temporary hangout, usually with in a few yards of the old hive, where she and the majority of the swarm will await news from scouts sent out to fnd the perfect place for their new home.

Sometimes it takes longer than expected to fnd a new home for the swarm. Honey bees prefer to build their homes inside of enclosed areas like hollow trees or the inside of a building’s walls. If, however, the search doesn’t produce a new home site within a reasonable amount of time, the swarming bees may begin to build an open-air Ifhive.you observe a swarm of bees beginning construction of an open-air hive that is too near your home or locat ed where people congregate, consider contacting a bee removal service. Tese services will relocate the bees to box hives where they, and the human population, will be safer. Swarming bees are not aggressive

It is important to note that resting swarms of honey bees typically will not attack even if approached. Tey have no homes, eggs, or honey to protect when they are waiting to fy to their new hive location. Even so, approaching them is not recommended. If you fnd yourself in close proximity to a resting swarm, just move away slowly and refrain from making any quick motions that could provoke them and you should be fne. Simply leave them alone, give them their space, and wait the short time it typically takes before they fy away.

The swarm begins All of the preparations have been made for the honey bee colony to split and for thousands of bees, accompanied by their queen, to begin the search for a new place to live.

For a number of reasons including your personal safety, never try to spray a swarm with an insecticide or cause them to leave by somehow disturbing their resting spot.

Final thoughts...

Te honey bees actually have what amounts to a voting system. All scouts and other members of the selection committee must agree unanimously on the new home site before the swarm will move there and start their new hive. How long does a swarm last? Te entire process of leaving their old hive and moving into a new home may take only a few hours or could take a day or more. If you’re keeping watch on a resting swarm, you’ll defnitely know when the selection com mittee has agreed on a new hive site. Tere will be a mass departure of a cloud of honey bees. Tey don’t leave gradually. Tey know when it’s time to go. You may see a few that have been lef behind and will hang around the resting site for some time, but they, too, will eventually be gone. What if no new home is found?

bees consisting of about three quar ters of the existing hive’s worker bee population, a few dozen male drones, and the queen leave their old home.

September 2022 | 50+ Living 17

Te elder queen has been on her fying diet for about a week and is ready to make the trip. It’s time for the swarm to Tousandsbegin.ofhoney

Te queen and her swarm will usually select a tree limb or some similar place to congregate and wait. It’s an incredible site - thousands of bees clinging to one anoth er in a single mass with their queen hidden somewhere inside. The incredible democratic site selection process Tis is, without doubt, the most amazing part of the swarm’s story. Scout bees are sent out to fnd a new home. Tis can take a few hours or a few days. Scouts check new sites and report back to other members of the colony that are part of a site selection committee. Tose members will then check and evaluate the sites found by the scouts.

Honey bees are both critical to our food supply produc tion and fascinating to observe. Te system they use to grow their population and democratically select new hive locations is amazing. Honey bees need human support to continue provid ing the indispensable services required to maintain our food supply. Te good news is that the support consists primarily of merely leaving them alone and using only bee-friendly pesticides. Powdery pesticides cling to bees while they’re out doing their jobs as pollinators. Tey then inadvertently deliver these toxins to their hives where they can devastate the colony. If you need to apply pesticides, you’ll be doing bees and other pollinators a service by using liquid or granular varieties or switching to organic methods of pest control.

• Ask yourself the question, what do I value most in life?

https://www.laurierichardone.com/recipes~

Having surpassed the bence mark of ffy myself, and afer a thirty year career in the beauty industry, I did reinvent myself. In many ways it unfolded organically, without much efort. It is exhilarating to have found a new road to continue to be of service, ofer my skills & talents, and at the same time have fun doing it.

• Tink about what has you feel inspired ?

All shows on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts. We talk to farmers, wellness experts,and artisans where you can learn how to cook & live within the wisdom of the seasons.

Having a sense of purpose has been shown in research to be a critical component to our well-being. It impacts our health and helps us live longer and happier lives.

To your good health

Living

18 50+ Living | September 2022

Te good news is a shif can occur as we mature, and we start feeling a tug to fnd meaning and the desire to live a life of purpose becomes stronger. It can be something wonderful, even magical, to look forward to. What is that for you?

Food For Tought?

If you are a curious cook or person, join me on my Podcast ~ A taste for All Seasons ~ Listen to the latest episode, Reacting Vs Responding. Get tips in the kitchen. New Seasonal Recipes

Why is it important to have a purpose as we age?

For those that are thinking, I already had a career, I get it: However, having an understanding that life afer ffy, sixty, and well into our seventies, can be invigorating, and actually be the beginning of an exciting new path.

Tere is an undeniable link to having a purpose and aging gracefully.

For those that are familiar with Louise Hay, she started her publishing company Hay House at age 60. It is a successful company that ofers inspirational and transformational books and products. It carries with it her legacy in transforming the lives of others. Myself included. We can reinvent ourselves and start new ventures and pursue new opportunities at any age.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certifed health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com with Purpose At Every Age by Laurie Richardone

Tis is what excites me, speaks to my heart, and brings in Mostjoy. of us spend our twenties and thirties, sometimes even into our forties, where we are trying to fgure out who we are and what we want. We ofen search for that through our relationships with other people, and how they view us. Also, how we want to be viewed by them. We compare ourselves to others as a way to determine how well we are doing at life.

One of the many benefts of fnding a new path later in life is we are more relaxed about living and we can go with the fow more easily. In addition to not getting dragged down by challenging circumstances. It ofers better coping skills and can give us a well-developed social support system to turn to when life’s difculties arise. Which they do. It’s a time when you have embraced who you are the most. Ideally, we have stopped struggling with approval, comparing ourselves to others, and embrace the possibility of living the life which we came to this earth to live: that I believe we are destined to live. We all have talents, skills, and gifs that would beneft the world, at the same time give us purpose, and joy.

• Write down your interests, your passions and give one or two a try.

• Perhaps start donating your talents to something that has value to you, and that you want to support. It could be the start of something beautiful. When I did this exercise and looked at my core values in life , it was clear that I was on the right path. Tere was clarity in my “Empoweringpurpose.peopleto achieve optimal health and vitality, through food and mindfulness”

SERVES

Crispy Garlic Local Figs

When eggplant is in season it can surprise you with its velvety texture and distinctive favor. Spend a few minutes salting it , then a good rinse, before baking and you will have a delicious dish.

1 large purple eggplant, sliced 1/4 -1/2 “ thick 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin 8 mission fgs , or other, quartered 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Te vitamin & mineral content of eggplants is quite extensive. Tey’re a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and fber.

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Generously salt. Let sit for 30 minutes, or more if you have the time. This removes the bitterness. Rinse under cold water, and pat dry on paper towels.

September 2022 | 50+ Living 19

SEASON/ LATE SUMMER Prep time: 1/2 hour, inactive Bake time: 20-30 min

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certifed health coach.

This is an important step in creating mouth watering eggplant. Lay eggplant out in a single layer on a baking dish.

4 ~ APPETIZER

1 lemon juiced & zest, organic 2 tbsp. pine nuts, toasted pinch of fresh ground black pepper

Baked Eggplant

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com Preheat the oven to 400. Lay eggplant on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Lay sliced garlic on top of eggplant. Bake for about 30 minutes. Turn over half way through cooking. If you need a bit more olive oil, use your Platejudgment.eggplant and drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and zest. Lay fgs around and on top, along with pine nuts and chopped parsley. May be drizzled with a bit more olive oil.

Don’t pontifcate It might seem like a good idea to show of your knowledge of the topic, but if you’re doing so at the expense of the other person, it won’t go over well. If they don’t know what you’re talking about, they might feel stupid. So don’t lecture them. Instead, ask questions that encourage them to participate in the conversation and help them learn more. Don’t use a conversation as a chance to be a know-it-all. Use open-ended questions

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and felt like it wasn’t going well? You say one thing, and they respond in a way that doesn’t ft the situation. Have you ever been in a conversation where you wish you had said one thing instead of what you actually said? Tis can be frustrating because conversations don’t always go as smoothly as you’d like them to. But the good news is, there are ways to improve your conversations. Let’s look at some ways to have a more productive conversation.

20 50+ Living | September 2022

To avoid a conversation that feels like an interrogation or interview, use open-ended questions instead of closed ones, where they can answer with a simple yes or no.

Don’t multitask One of the biggest ways to have a better conversation is to focus on it. When you talk to someone, make them the focus. Resist the urge to check your phone or look around the room while they’re speaking; instead, put all your concentration into listening. It’s easier said than done! But if you try not to distract yourself during a conversation, it will help the fow and purpose of the conversation in several ways. First and foremost, it will make the other person feel you value them, which means they’ll be more likely to want more conversations with you in the future. Secondly, multitasking doesn’t work. Studies show that when people do two things simultaneously (like checking email while someone’s talking), the brain has difculty processing both streams of information, and thus ends up paying less attention.

Te former encourages others to share their opinions, Ways to Have Better Conversations

When you start working on your conversational skills, it may take some time to get the hang of it. Don’t worry! You’re not alone in feeling awkward or stilted in conversation at frst. It’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and you’ll get better as you practice more and more. Soon, you’ll be enjoying conversations more and getting more out of them.

Tis can save both parties frustration and disappointment later, when it turns out there were only 10 apples lef afer Don’tall. get frustrated when people ask questions for which there are no easy answers--people are curious! Instead of trying to come up with answers on the spot (which is impossible), try answering their questions with another question: “What are your thoughts?” Or even better: “Let’s look it up!” Don’t equate your experience with theirs You are not the only person who has experienced a similar situation. When someone shares their stories with you, don’t try to relate by saying, “I know how you feel” or “Tat happened to me too.” You may think these statements will let them know that they aren’t alone in what they’re experiencing. But it minimizes their experiences and makes them feel as if their feelings aren’t valid because yours are similar. Instead of trying to relate, ask questions and listen carefully when they answer your questions. Ask openended questions so they can elaborate on their answers (e.g., “How did it make you feel?” instead of “Were you scared?”).

Go with the fow Te next time you’re in a conversation, go with the fow and accept what happens as it happens. It means letting go of control and going along with whatever comes up. Don’t try to talk about topics that aren’t interesting to your partner. Instead of trying to steer the conversation, go with what he or she wants to talk about -- and then ask more questions about it.

Stay out of the weeds

while the latter only requires them to give information.

To this end: avoid industry jargon, acronyms, slang (unless it’s your own), and technical terms unless they’re necessary for understanding what you’re saying. Be as clear as possible -- and especially if there are people listening who may not understand the terminology or know much about an area. Listen Listening is a skill you can develop and improve upon.

It’s not just a matter of hearing what someone says -- you should listen so you understand, not just so you can Whenrespond.you’re in a conversation with someone, many things are going on in your brain besides listening. Most people have learned to tune out background noise (like trafc or an air conditioner), but it takes efort to stay focused on the person speaking, rather than thinking about yourself or planning what to say next. When you listen, your brain processes two diferent kinds of information: the words the other person says and their tone of voice (tone includes facial expression and body language). Te brain uses both types of information to make sense of what they’re saying. But if one type is missing or unclear, it can lead you astray. For example, if someone says, “I love dogs,” but doesn’t show emotion in their voice when they talk about them... well... maybe they don’t love dogs afer all.

For example: “How do you feel about yesterday’s news?” rather than “Did you read the paper yesterday?”

If you don’t know, say you don’t know If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. It’s okay to tell someone you don’t know something, rather than making up an answer or getting defensive and angry. It doesn’t make you look stupid. Tey’ll appreciate your honesty. If someone asks how many apples are lef in the bowl on the table, just say, “I haven’t counted them yet.”

It’s easy to get bogged down in the weeds when you’re talking about something complicated or technical. Te best conversations are those where you can stay on topic, speak clearly, and not get too bogged down in details.

The Bottom Line

September 2022 | 50+ Living 21

Remember that asking open-ended questions doesn’t mean you needn’t listen carefully or pay attention. It just means you can learn more about your conversational partner by asking these kinds of queries, than if all your inquiries can be answered with yes or no.

Do you like the taste of avocados? Although they are not sweet, avocados are a type of berry. If you happen to like the taste of avocados, you should make sure you eat them regularly because they are a very healthful type of food. Here are reasons why you should consume avocados ofen:

Ten Reasons to Consume Plenty of YUMMY AVOCADOS

Weight Management Because avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, consuming them will make you feel sated and full for quite a while. When you feel fuller for longer, you consume less food. When you do not ingest as many calories, it is much easier to maintain a healthy weight and avoid becoming obese and sufering from obesityrelated diseases.

An Excellent Source of Vitamins and Minerals Avocados contain vitamin C, vitamin E, assorted B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, folate, and magnesium. You could argue that avocados are multivitamins in fruit form. Eating a portion of avocado each day will improve your diet signifcantly. Rich In Fiber Avocados have a lot of fber in them. Eating adequate amounts of fber aids digestion and keeps your bowels regular. Having regular bowels signifcantly reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer. It will also stop you from getting constipation and keep your digestive tract healthy.

22 50+ Living | September 2022

Eye Health Because avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, eating them aids in the digestion of fat-soluble

Heart Health Avocados contain lots of monounsaturated fats. Ingesting monounsaturated fats will increase your levels of healthy HDL cholesterol. It will also lower your levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol collects around the walls of your blood vessels afer a while. Te collection of cholesterol around blood vessel walls can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Blood Pressure Avocados contain lots of potassium but very little sodium. Tey are rich in oleic acid, too. Eating lots of avocados can, therefore, lower your blood pressure. If you sufer from hypertension, make sure you eat at least half an avocado each day. Eating a whole avocado each day will not harm your health if you remember that each one contains around 322 calories.

Getting Healthy the Delicious Way

September 2022 | 50+ Living 23

antioxidants. Beta-carotene is essential to good eye health. Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Additionally, avocados have the phytochemicals zeaxanthin and lutein in them. Eye tissue also contains zeaxanthin and lutein, so eating avocados helps your eyes get the phytochemicals they need for optimal health.

Better Bone Health Avocados have loads of vitamin K in them. You will get around 36% of the recommended daily vitamin K from eating just one avocado. Vitamin K helps your body to absorb calcium. Because they contain lots of vitamin K, eating plenty of avocados will help prevent osteoporosis.

Avocados have antimicrobial properties. Including avocados in your diet will help to protect you from certain nasty bacterial infections. Tese include staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus agalactiae.

Furthermore, phytochemicals called carotenoids in avocados could help to stop existing cancers from progressing further. More research is needed to understand the correlation between avocados and cancer.

Cancer Prevention Although the exact processes are unknown, the folate in avocados may help prevent cancer of the cervix, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer.

Avocados are delicious. You can include them in many recipes. For instance, avocados are great in a salad, with nachos, or as an accompaniment to eggs on toast. If you like avocados, incorporate them into your diet and enjoy the associated health benefts. If you need inspiration, check the internet for avocado recipes and start eating your way to better health today.

Fighting Depression Te amino acid homocysteine can impair cognitive function and cause depression if large amounts of it build up in your bloodstream. Avocados contain folate. Folate prevents the buildup of homocysteine in the bloodstream. If you want to avoid or fght feelings of depression, make sure your diet contains avocados.

Fewer Bacterial Infections

One Stop Shop For All Your Vaccination &Medication Needs.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.