50+Living JULY 2020

50+Living of Western NC

Tea For Two

Make a Splash!

Bandanas, Blueberries, & Bouquets

50pluslivingWNC.com

July 2020

Congratulations to Angie and DJ Lamoree of Weaverville, NC Their shop 5 LITTLE MONKEYS QUILT & SEW has been chosen as one of the top 10 shops in America!

5 Little Monkeys Quilt & Sew is featured in the Spring/ Summer issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine, published

by Better Homes & Garden

Unleash Your Backyard Gourmet!

No other outdoor cooker can match the quality and versatility of a Big Green Egg. Grilling Roasting, Baking or Smoking - is truly is The Ultimate Cooking experience!ÂŽ

Visit fivemonkeysquilts.com to see and order beautiful fabrics, supplies, and sewing machines. Watch Angie live on Facebook daily for inspiration.

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2 | 50+ Living | July 2020

Bloom

F

lowers have meaning and can “speak” for us when words are hard to find. The flowers of July are larkspur and water lily.

Both varieties are dramatic and are considered to offer positivity, grace, and dignity.

The larkspur’s message is to enjoy every moment of every day; to celebrate life! Ancient beliefs were that larkspur could protect from witches’ spells and evil spirits. The colors of larkspur have different meanings: blue is trust and support, purple is charm and spirituality, pink is gentleness and fickleness, and white is innocence and puity. This deer resistant flower likes full sun and will bloom April through September.

The water lily symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and majesty. It is considered to be a religious symbol in many parts of the world, and with that carries different meanings. Red lilies symbolize love and passion, purple is for mystic power, white is mental purity, blue is knowledge, and pink represents the highest deity. The blossoms can be used in lakes and ponds to deter the growth of algae and to offer a respite of shade to fish and frogs. The pretty flowers that float atop the water only bloom for four days from May to September.

Quality Patient-Centered Dental Care Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with Dr. Zachary S. Holcombe, and his team.

Being “patient-centered” means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern.

s n e h p Ste DRAPERIES UPHOLSTERING CO.

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Our team offers a wide variety of services and procedures to accomodate all your dental wants and needs.

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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.

• DENTAL IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS • PERIODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY

New Smiles are Always Welcome!

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Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D. GENERAL DENTISTRY

www.DentalAsheville.com July 2020 | 50+ Living | 3

A Note From the Editor

The first weekend after the restrictions were lifted, I felt a little misty when I drove by the tennis courts. They were full with happy, active people enjoying the sunshine, getting exercise, and laughing with friends. I never imagined anything as simple as this ordinary sight could give me such joy. Watching America open back up is like watching a flower that has been trampled in the mud rise up and bloom. Now, I’m waiting for the other buds on the branch—restaurants, churches, and schools—to blossom.

There are many of us whose vacation plans have been canceled this summer, so we are looking for alternative activities. Fortunately for us living here in Western North Carolina, there are plenty of nearby and enjoyable places to go. Among these choices are waterfalls. These majestic miracles are not only pleasing to look at, they are also healing to our body and soul. The magic happens as moving water creates negative ions. We inhale these molecules when we visit a waterfall or the beach, or even when we stand in the rain. When they enter our bloodstream, the biochemical reaction helps to relieve stress and depression, and it increases our optimism and mental energy. Studies also show that negative ions protect us against illness by boosting our immunity to viruses.

With all the positive aspects of negative ions, why wouldn’t we all turn off our computers and go outside? Let’s explore our world, enjoy the sunshine, get a little exercise, and inhale these magical molecules.

Let’s not forget to live while we are trying to stay alive.

JeanAnn Taylor

50+Living of Western NC

50pluslivingWNC.com

3 5 7

8

Bloom Summer Soirées What is Independence Day? Financial Peace In Uncertain Times

CONTENTS 11 Sandy's Food for Thought Cooking on the Wild Side

12 Taylor'd with Style A Stylish Summer

14 Bring on the Blueberries 15 Alopecia Awareness "Where flowers bloom, so does hope"

Lady Bird Johnson

4 | 50+ Living | July 2020

Summer SoirĂŠes

By Gigi Steel

S

ummer is a time of outdoor fun and frolic. The warmer temperatures and long evenings make for the perfect setting to visit with friends and watch fireflies while enjoying a cool beverage. Creating a relaxing, casual, yet elegant ambiance to enjoy is simple with these creative ideas.

Bandana table settings. Bandanas can be purchased for just a few dollars, but they add a lot of flair to a whimsical and fun atmosphere. Buy several to stitch together to make a tablecloth.

Use single bandanas for napkins. You can mix and match with various colors and patterns or stick with a color scheme of red, white, and blue for Independence Day; pink and blue for a gender reveal party; or the colors of your favorite sports team. The easy part of using bandanas is that the hems are already sewn . . . so no raw edges to worry about hemming.

Beach themes are very popular during the summer even when the beach is hundreds of

miles away. You can bring the beach vibe to your mountain home by purchasing a bag of sand and spreading it around on the center of the table.

Place shells and other natural sea elements in the sand. Small votives or tea lights can be placed in large shells. Ask your guests to bring a beach towel to place in their chair. A few pink flamingo and mermaid figurines are a must for a beachy theme.

This is definitely an outdoor party unless you want to clean sand off of your floors for the upcoming weeks!

Vintage themes such as an old-fashioned garden tea party is a lovely way to spend an afternoon with your friends. Place a floral tablecloth on your table and sprinkle flower petals around the center. A hydrangea and peony bouquet will look lovely centered into the petals. Vintage tea cups and saucers are both functional and add to the elegant atmosphere. Place crystal plates filled with strawberries, tea sandwiches and petit fours on top of crocheted doilies. To add an element of delight, ask your guests to wear fancy hats.

July 2020 | 50+ Living | 5

50+Living of Western NC

PUBLISHER Tammy Sheppard tsheppard@rewnc.com EDITOR JeanAnn Taylor WEB DESIGN Alphie Hyorth FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Mike Demos 828.273.0098 mikedemos@aol.com Trish Luzzi 828.423.0248 wnccreations@gmail.com Sophia Wilson 804.439.0384 swilson.avlmedia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

HARMONY

Jennifer Adams Sandy McCall Gigi Steel JeanAnn Taylor P.O. Box 18416 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.230.7537 50pluslivingWNC.com

Become part of our family at Harmony and enjoy time well spent with your loved ones in your new home.

The Harmony Lifestyle is waiting for you!

Call 828.575.0627 or visit www.HarmonyAtReynoldsMountain.com INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | SECURED ASSISTED LIVING 41 Cobblers Way | Asheville

6 | 50+ Living | July 2020

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 publication.

Ee

What is Independence Day?

by JeanAnn Taylor

I

ndependence Day is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states.

There were several key factors that led the Patriots of the thirteen original colonies to fight for freedom. The colonists were heavily taxed by Britain to pay for previous wars and imported goods. These taxes were imposed on them by Parliament—not by colonial governments. The needs and ideas of the colonists were unheard and unrepresented.

Colonists were required to worship by the standards set in Britain—not by their own beliefs. To further control and contain the colonists, they were not allowed to move west of the Appalachian Mountains. To impose this unfavored law, British soldiers were stationed in America; colonists were forced to allow them to eat and sleep in their homes. Primarily, because colonists wanted to govern themselves, make their own choices, and live their own lives—they fought for their freedom.

As frustrations of British control grew, violence ensued. The British responded with the “Intolerable Acts” proclamation. This punishment led the colonists to form militias, which led to the eight-year long Revolutionary War. The result was American independence.

To celebrate our freedom, to honor those who fought for our freedom, and to pay respect to the 25,000 who died for our freedom, we have for the last 244 years enjoyed picnics and parades; we’ve attended baseball games and outdoor concerts; we’ve eaten hotdogs and ice cream; and we’ve stayed up late to watch fireworks. This year will be different. Already, as I write this piece in May, Independence Day celebrations have been canceled. While everything about our lives has changed, it’s important to remember why we celebrate.

We celebrate our freedom because without freedom, we have nothing.

This July 4, it’s more important than ever to hang a flag on our front porch; wear red, white, and blue clothing; sing our National Anthem; and ponder on the reasons why we are so fortunate to live in America—lest we forget that freedom isn’t free.

July 2020 | 50+ Living | 7

FINANCIAL PEACE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

by Jennifer Adams

N

o doubt, all our lives have changed in some way in the past six months.

Finding peace in our lives has been harder than usual. Finding peace in our financial lives is even more difficult for many Americans that lost their jobs or found themselves in financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consider the ideas below to regain a sense of security.

Reassess Your Financial Picture and Get Lean. Take some time to look over your budget. Where can you cut expenses? If you are like me, you’ve already noticed you are not spending as much as you were prior to the pandemic. The fuel category in my budget has been cut in half with lower gas prices and much less commuting to work. Vacations have been put on hold, so that category is as low as it has ever been with no place to go for several months. The dining out category has improved each month as we have eaten at home more.

Now is the time to be as lean as possible with your discretionary spending.

When analyzing where you are financially, keep in mind that judgement is a negative reinforcer. Now is not the time to berate yourself for not having an emergency fund, but instead embrace it as a future goal and plan how you can get there.

Sit on Cash. If you do have an emergency fund, hold onto it for now. It’s important to 8 | 50+ Living | July 2020

have that cushion in case an emergency, such as a job loss or pay cut, pops up for your family.

Manage Debt. If you have to take on debt during the pandemic, make it count. If your washer stops working and can’t be repaired, it has to be replaced. If you just need new clothes to make yourself feel better, reframe your thoughts to find a solution for feeling better without spending money. Delay large purchases, vacations, or any items that are not absolutely necessary until the world is a bit more settled.

Stay Steady in Your Investing. Keep the long-term perspective if you are an investor.

Continue with your retirement plan and IRA contributions. Market volatility often makes investors nervous and they consider jumping ship. When stocks are selling at a low, history shows it’s not the time to be making investment changes to that side of your portfolio. Feel free to call your financial planner and take advantage of virtual “hand holding.” That’s part of our job.

Things are Looking Up, But We Are Not Out of The Woods Yet. February and March rattled all of us with the arrival of COVID-19, our economy being shut down for the first time in most of our lives, and the volatility of the global stock markets.

April and May allowed for more education on COVID-19 and the global markets rebounded much more than expected. As of the date of this

article, unemployment claims have started to decline from the all-time high reached in May. Businesses are slowly reopening and bringing their employees back. However, it will take time for us to get back to full capacity. Workers in businesses that do not reopen will need to retrain for other jobs. Another resurgence of COVID-19 and a lack of a viable vaccine could stall our lives again before the end of the year.

Be as financially prepared for that possibility as you can.

The Silver Lining. It’s not all doom and gloom, because we have seen many silver linings to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some I’ve seen include the courage of a friend that fights the virus during the day in the ICU, taking care of patients with the utmost care, and then going home to nurture her two children. And another friend that is bonding with her children, spending warm afternoons outside enjoying the sunshine and having conversations that have never been had. Or there is the amazing group of local women that have sewn over 500 masks for nonprofits and frontline workers, while being creative to find ways to make them as comfortable as possible. Don’t forget to count your blessings.

If you are feeling uncertain about your financial or retirement picture, reach out to us for a second opinion. We would be happy to provide feedback on your financial situation.

Invest in the Bigger Picture.

With Sustainable, Responsible Investing, we can help you develop a portfolio that balances the issues you care about most with the financial goals you want to meet. Because in the end, we’re all invested together.

Get started with a free consultation at sfginfo@raymondjames.com

What other questions do you have about retirement? Jennifer Adams, CFP®, CDFA™ is a financial planner with Starks Financial Group in Asheville. She specializes in retirement planning and divorce planning for women. Find her at starksfinancial.com.

P L A N N I N G W I T H H E A R T. I N V E S T I N G W I T H P U R P O S E .

(440 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 // 828-285-8777). Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/deal, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. This article expresses the opinions of Jennifer L. Adams and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and CFP® in the U.S.

starksfinancial.com 828.285.8777 | 877.285.RJFS (7537) 440 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy selected. Sustainable/ Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) considers qualitative environmental, social and corporate governance, also known as ESG criteria, which may be subjective in nature. There are additional risks associated with Sustainable/Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), including limited diversification and the potential for increased volatility. There is no guarantee that SRI products or strategies will produce returns similar to traditional investments. Because SRI criteria exclude certain securities/products for non-financial reasons, investors may forego some market opportunities available to those who do not use these criteria.

Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.

July 2020 | 50+ Living | 9

North Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys Offices in Asheville & Hendersonville 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

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Broker/Owner

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10 | 50+ Living | July 2020

Sandy’s Food for Thought Cooking on the Wild Side

By Sandy McCall

“This easy-to-make Wild Cultured Salsa beats anything you can buy in the store. It’s fresh,

simple, and you get to decide how much heat you want. Of course it’s fermented, which means it brings all the health benefits that fermented/cultured foods have to offer. I have personally made and used this salsa for many years. I hope you will try it!”

Fermented vs. Cultured -- “In the world of food, "cultured" essentially means fermented—the chemical process of breaking a complicated substance down into simpler parts, usually with the help of bacteria, yeasts, or fungi . . . Fermented foods are far more common than we realize; for example, yogurt is the most commonly eaten fermented food in the U.S. Because certain methods of fermenting foods with certain types of bacteria result in the production of lactic acid, you might sometimes hear the term "lacto-fermentation" used to describe one particular type of food culturing.” http:// whfoods.org/

Wi ld C ult u r e d S a lsa I ngre die nts 2 pounds tomatoes of choice (sometimes I use black tomatoes) 2 tablespoons tomato paste (best from tube) 5 scallions or 1 small onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/8-1/4 cup fresh cilantro to taste 1/2 lemon, juice only 1/2 lime, juice only 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 medium poblano pepper, seeded 1 medium jalapeño, seeded 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded 1 medium banana pepper, seeded 1 Tablespoon Celtic sea salt 1/2 cup whey OR contents of 1 vegetarian 100 billion probiotic capsule* Fresh, organic vegetables are best Optional: Pinche of chipotle or cayenne powder *Using salt and whey (liquid from good organic yogurt) is a typical process for lacto-ferment ation. Instead, I sometimes use the powder from a probiotic capsule

I ns tr uc tio n s Pla ce all vegetables, peppers, cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice, spices, yogurt whey OR the contents of probiotic capsule (not the capsule itself) into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until you reach your desired salsa texture.

Taste for heat and salt. If you desire more spice, add pinches of ground chipotle or cayenne powders until you have the desired level of heat.

Put salsa into glass canning jars and tighten lids. Leave jars on counter in a warm place for 2-4 days.

You can test it periodically for your desired level of tanginess. Just be careful to use a clean utensil.

When the salsa flavor suits you, transfer the jars to the refrigerator. This salsa will keep for months in the refrigerator. I bet you will eat it sooner than that. Enjoy!

Sandy McCall is the Broker/Owner of Southern Life Realty. Email: SandysFoodForThought@gmail.com July 2020 | 50+ Living | 11

Taylor’d with Style

A Stylish Summer

By JeanAnn Taylor

O

ur spring here in Western North Carolina was exceptionally chilly, but now that we’re in the middle of summer, it’s hot! That means, if you haven’t already been shopping, it’s swimsuit shopping time. There are many of us who avoid this arduous task because 1) it’s awful, and 2) we don’t know which style is most flattering for our bodies, and 3) it’s awful. The very thought of going to a store, taking off all our clothes, squeezing into a skimpy garment, and standing in front of a full length mirror is enough to make us want to bring back Victorian bloomers, stockings, skirts and sleeves!

To make this chore bearable, it’s important to remember the overall goal, which is probably not to wear the latest trend, but to find a suit that fits well and best flatters your figure and skin tone.

To begin this journey, think about what you want. Which colors do you look best wearing? Bright jewel tones, soft pastels, muted or clear hues? The correct color will brighten your eyes and compliment your complexion. The wrong color will give you

12 | 50+ Living | July 2020

a sullen appearance. Choose a color that isn’t too close to your skin tone, or you may look as if you aren’t wearing a suit at all. Also remember that white and other pale colors can become transparent when wet. Prints are fun and can distract from problem areas. Small or large florals, geometrics, stripes, and polkadots are all attractive in swimwear. Balance is the key to happiness in many areas of our lives, and it is also the key to finding the most flattering swimsuit. If your bottom half is heavier than your top, you can balance your look by emphasizing your top line. A bright color at the top will attract attention away from hips, and also flatter your face. This principle applies to all body parts.

The shape and design of the suit can flatter or fail. The trick is to know which design features work for you . . . and which don’t.

The goal is to draw the eye to the most favorable areas of your body and distract from the least. Ruffles, flounces, and other frills add volume. Consider your body and decide if this is what you want . . . and where. A halter-top is flattering for full-busted women.

This style gives support, while the side fabric

offers coverage. Ruching is a woman’s best kept fashion secret. This gathering-technique visually creates a slimming silhouette.

Diagonal lines and belted suits can define your waist and be very slimming. Extremely low-cut tops and high-cut bottoms should be chosen carefully. Remember, the eye will always go to where fabric meets skin. If you don’t want to emphasize a specific part of your body, take care that you don’t make it a focal point. Some suits have very low backs while others have high backs. Consider if you want to show off your trapezius, or not.

Straps are optional in many styles; they can be removed or attached depending on your mood or activity. Floaty overlays, attached swim skirts, and swim dresses are attractive and feminine. These design features cover, conceal, and camouflage in modestly sexy ways.

Fit is the overall most important factor to consider when purchasing and wearing a swimsuit. It should be snug enough to stay where you want it, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable or causes skin to bulge.

A baggy, saggy, or gaping suit will not only look unsightly, it can expose body parts you want to conceal. Some fabrics will expand when they are wet. Keep this in mind when purchasing as well.

Your everyday wardrobe is a good indicator of styles you enjoy and feel most confident wearing. For example, if you tend to dress conservatively, you will most likely feel more at ease in a modest bathing suit. If you are accustomed to wearing an underwire bra, buy a suit with this feature. Many suits now come with built-in shapewear. If this makes you feel more comfortable, choose a suit with this in mind. If you prefer solid colors, settle on a solid color suit rather than taking yourself out of your comfort zone with a wild zebra print.

body offering a better fit. Lined suits will hold their shape and offer the most protection from becoming see-through when wet. To know how a suit is going to look and react to your body, you must try it on and move about. Sit down, wiggle, bend over, and move your arms as if you were swimming. This is the only way to know how the suit will move when you do. Wear undergarments that don’t sag when trying on swimwear. It’s impossible to get an accurate assessment of how you look when your undies are hanging below the bottom of the suit. Bring a pair of sandals to slip on. It’s also hard to visualize walking along the beach if you are wearing a pair of hiking boots.

While you are shopping in this department, try on a coverup or two. These flowy fashions are usually so pretty I can’t resist them. I don’t often get the opportunity to wear sheer, lacy, or crochet gowns, so I’ll take advantage when I can. Sarongs are another option. They can be worn in many creative ways; crossed over the chest and tied behind the neck, wrapped around your waist, or wrapped around your back and tied in front. Cover Ups and sarongs can be in a complementary or contrasting color to your swimsuit. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and cute sandals will complete your easy-breezy summer fashion.

Lastly, put on a bright shade of lipstick.

Lipstick will brighten your face and give you a boost of confidence. Remember, nobody is perfect. Find the best swimsuit for you and enjoy the sunshine!

When purchasing a swimsuit, quality is important. Check the fabric label for a high content of lycra; this fiber will mold to your July 2020 | 50+ Living | 13

WNC Bridge

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DOWNSIZING? MOVING? RELOCATING? HANDLING AN ESTATE? Whatever the circumstances, home transitions can be stressful. Our experienced team is here for you.

Bring on the Blueberries!

C

elebrate National Blueberry Month and enjoy the health benefits! Blueberries are considered to be the healthiest of any other fruit. Their pretty blue hue comes from a high anthocyanin content. Packed with powerful antioxidants, lots of vitamin C and fiber, these little berries are also low in calories. Blueberries can improve heart health, aid in digestion, are anti-inflammatory, and they taste great. As North America is the leading producer, you can find blueberries at farmer’s markets, u-pick farms, and grocery stores. This is a great time to try a new recipe, or just pop a few in your pancake batter, muffin mix, cereal, or smoothie. Check out SOFIA to find more information about this sweet berry and two great recipes.

We have helped thousands of area clients pack, move, and liquidate furnishings, household items, artwork—even cars.

Whether you’re moving, settling an estate, or just want to streamline your life, we can make the process easier.

Proceeds from estate sales are divided equally between the seller and WNC Bridge Foundation Estate Sales and Services. There are no additional fees for our services.

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ACCEPTING DONATIONS of gently-used household items and furniture. For pick-up of large items call 828-575-2509.

14 | 50+ Living | July 2020

Alopecia Awareness

J

uly is Women with Alopecia Month.

This hereditary condition, which affects nearly 30 million American women each year, is the cause of thinning hair, and sometimes complete baldness.

Although it is a common affliction, with almost every woman eventually developing some level of female pattern hair loss, it is often a difficult subject to accept and talk about. Women with this disorder can be comforted by understanding the causes and potential treatment.

Normal hair loss means that a person sheds 50 - 100 strands of hair each day.

You may begin to suspect that your hair is thinning if you see an unusually large amount of hair on your pillow when you awake in the morning; you may notice more hair left in the bristles after combing or brushing your hair; you may see a swirl of hair in the drain after you shower; you may notice that a part is becoming wider; you may also find a trail of strands in places where you have been sitting or working. Usually when a hair falls out, a samesized new hair grows back in its place. With female pattern hair loss, shrinking follicles cause the new growth to be thinner and thinner—until it stops growing altogether.

While men characteristically have hair loss at the forehead or crown of their head, women will usually have thinning beginning at the top third to one half of the scalp. It typically occurs in the late 50s or 60s, but can happen anytime in a woman’s life, including the childhood or teenage years. There are several types of alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia involves thinning on all areas of the scalp; telogen effluvium hair loss can be the result of thyroid disorders, traumatic

injuries, extremely stressful situations, and pregnancy; alopecia areata totalis is complete hair loss including eyebrows and eyelashes. A physician can diagnose and offer appropriate treatment.

A support group can help to address emotional challenges, and a wig expert can show how to wear the many fashionable wigs available now.

Alopecia in women can severely affect their emotional well-being and quality of life. This condition is confusing and hard to accept. Women typically have lower self-esteem and higher rates of depression when faced with losing their hair because it is less socially acceptable for them than it is for men. Fortunately, hair loss is not life-threatening nor physically limiting. There are many ways to find acceptance when faced with this condition—beginning with awareness. Knowing what is happening to you and learning which steps to take to adjust to a new way of life is comforting.

Awareness of alopecia is an important step to reducing the stigma and allowing those living with the condition to be better understood.

July 2020 | 50+ Living | 15

Change Your View Not Your Lifestyle Ardenwoods Retirement Community offers an incredible variety of on-site amenities and activities including:

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16 | 50+ Living | July 2020

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