Boomers Gen 50+ - Spring 2015

Best Travel Deals For 2015

Generation 50+

Is It Time To Sell Your Home?

Retirement Planning: Understanding the Milestones Page 4

2

GenEration 50+

Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

T

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he quality of our sleep plays Tips for getting a big role in our physical and mental health. Sleep is the body’s a good night’s opportunity for repair and grow sleep: tissues, restore energy, release hormones, • Follow a regular sleep clear waste from tissues, consolidate new memories and organize long-term schedule. At bedtime, ensure memories. a quiet, dark and comfortable Insufficient sleep has more serious sleeping environment. repercussions than feeling tired and being • Avoid stimulating activities, take unproductive. Studies have shown that a hot Epsom salt bath, practice sleep deficit is associated with increased risk meditation or deep breathing, for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression and anxiety disorders, and write down what is on your decreased immune function and slowed mind (letting it go for the night). reaction time.

• Avoid caffeine and nicotine, There are many reasons for a bad night’s avoid alcoholic drinks before sleep. Common causes are: bed, have an early dinner and Stress: Worries about relationships, if you have problems waking health, finances, work or school can keep your mind active at night, making it up in the middle of the night, difficult to sleep. try eating a small protein snack Stimulants: Coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, before bed (piece of celery or nicotine and certain medications (including apple with peanut butter). some pain medications) taken in the late • Exercise regularly, but not too afternoon can prevent you from relaxing vigorously near bedtime. and falling asleep. Loud noise, light, watching electronic screens or engaging in • Seek professional help if you active discussions are also stimulating. continue having problems Diet: If you eat too much at night, lying falling asleep. down with a full stomach is physically uncomfortable and triggers heartburn which makes it difficult to sleep. On the other hand, eating your last meal too early in the evening may wake up some people in the middle of the night due to a significant drop in blood glucose levels, triggering over-release of glucose.

Alcohol: Although it’s a sedative, it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes you to awaken in the middle of the night.

Medical conditions: Anxiety, depression and health issues causing pain, urinary frequency or breathing difficulties are other causes that can prevent a good night’s sleep.

By Mohga Elabbadi, PhD, ND, a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health.

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3

GenEration 50+

ENTERTAINING

I

Easy Tips for Quick, Delicious Entertaining

f you’re playing host, skip the complicated recipes that take hours of prep time and serve your guests easy, Mediterranean-inspired foods instead.

Whether you’re throwing a lavish party or a casual get together, the simplest foods are often the best crowd pleasers.

Packed with bold flavors, olives are an essential part of the healthful Mediterranean diet. They also are the ideal starting point for party food. With pitted, seasoned, stuffed and jarred olives, you have the makings of a festive, ready-toserve party plate. Here are six great ways to incorporate these good choice snacks into beautiful, no-fuss party fare: • To make a colorful antipasto platter, pair a variety of olives -- such as Greece’s famous deep purple Kalamata or giant green Spanish olives stuffed with garlic -- with sliced salami and other cured meats, and two or three different kinds of cheeses. Add a jar of breadsticks for height or a pretty bowl filled with your favorite crackers.

• Blend a jar of herb infused olives in a food processor for an easy tapenade. Serve alongside fresh bread, crispy pita or toasted baguette. A new line of California-Grown Specialties olives from the Pearls and Early California brands can help you get creative: Try zesty flavors like Garlic, Lemon & Thyme, Herbs & Sweet Pepper or Spicy Escabeche to shake things up. Expert tip: The herbed, tangy brine from the olive jar can be used as a dipping sauce for bread.

• Make fun-to-eat pinwheel sandwiches using soft, thin, flatbread lavash or tortillas.

First, spread cream cheese or an herbed soft cheese on the bread. Then add sliced olives, baby greens, shaved onion and sliced red peppers. Roll, refrigerate until ready to serve, then slice. Pre-sliced olives and prewashed greens help make prep a breeze.

• Skewer whole, pitted olives, cubes of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. If you make the skewers ahead of time, wrap them tightly in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, just drizzle the skewers with olive oil, put on a platter with some fresh herb

sprigs and serve with fresh bread.

• For the ultimate martini, garnish vodka or gin with Pearls Martini with Vermouth Greek Queen olives, which are rich and buttery. For dirty martinis, use the vermouth-infused brine for extra flavor.

• Olives are delicious and satisfying all on their own. Pick a couple of olives with big, bold flavors, such as Pearls Pitted Medley and serve in a colorful serving bowl.

Serving pitted olives means your guests won’t have to worry about disposing the pits.

For more great entertaining ideas, visit

(c) Sam Burbank

www.olives.com.

Preparing for your next party needn’t take all day. A bit of Mediterranean style is all that’s required for elegant and easy-toprepare snacks and appetizers. Look for these, and other olives at Super Target, Walmart and grocery stores nationwide.

(StatePoint)

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4

GenEration 50+

Age matters: 62

70

50

Illustration by Mitch Barchi

A

Know your key retirement dates

ge matters. Especially when it comes to retirement. And it only becomes more important as we get older. Particularly in the Seattle area, where the rising costs of living and home prices can have a significant impact on retirement planning.

Whether you are 50 or 90, the following considerations and strategies by age can be critical to retirement planning. A thorough understanding of all milestones may benefit you throughout your retirement years, which could be as much as one-third of your life.

Age 59½

Age 50

This is the age when you first qualify to collect Social Security retirement benefits.

Keep in mind that if you choose to collect your benefit beginning on your 62nd birthday, your monthly benefit will be 25 percent lower than what you are eligible to collect at your “full retirement age” of 66 or 67. A key consideration is whether, based on family history and personal health, you anticipate a long life expectancy. If so, you may be better off delaying taking Social Security. Also keep in mind that if you plan to keep working, one dollar of Social Security benefits are withheld for every $2

At age 50, maximum contributions to retirement accounts can increase. These increased savings are commonly called “catch-up” contributions. In 2015, those age 50 and older may qualify (depending on income levels) to: Contribute $6,500 to an IRA (rather than the standard $5,500 annual limit); and Contribute an additional $6,000 to a workplace savings plan (401(k) or 403(b)) above the standard limit.

At this age, you are first allowed to access dollars from either a workplace retirement plan (if you have separated from service with that employer) or a Traditional IRA without penalty. However, any distributions of pre-tax contributions and earnings may be subject to income taxes. Given the increasing likelihood of a long life expectancy, you may want to consider delaying taking distributions from your tax-advantaged retirement plans as long as possible.

Age 62

of earnings above $15,720 (in 2015) up to the year you reach your full retirement age.

Age 65

You become eligible for Medicare at this age. If you are already collecting Social Security retirement benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, which provides basic hospital benefits. If you aren’t yet a Social Security recipient, you have a seven-month window around the month of your 65th birthday (three months prior and three months after) to enroll. It is also the time to make decisions about enrolling in Medicare Part B (doctor’s services), Part D (prescription drug plan) and a Medicare supplement plan (to cover out-of-pocket costs). As an alternative to traditional Medicare, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan instead.

Age 66 to 67

If you were born in 1954 or earlier, you become eligible for “full” Social Security retirement benefits in the month of your 66th birthday. Full retirement age for those born in 1960 and later is 67. For those born between 1955 and 1959, full retirement age increases incrementally from

age 66 to 67 (visit www.ssa.gov for details).

Once you reach full retirement age, you also have the ability to continue working and earn extra income without having Social Security benefits reduced. You still have the option of delaying Social Security and receiving a higher payout up to your 70th birthday.

Age 70

If you haven’t started collecting Social Security benefits by this age, you may want to consider doing so. There is no additional advantage to delaying past your 70th birthday. Benefits received at age 70 can be 32 percent higher than those received at full retirement age.

Age 70½

You must begin taking required minimum distributions from workplace retirement plans (unless you still work for that employer) and Traditional IRAs

by April 1 of the year after you turn age 70½. The required distribution amount is determined using tables provided by the IRS and must be calculated each year. ➧ RETIREMENT, Page 5

5

GenEration 50+

Know your milestones

TRAVEL

How to Get the Best Travel Deals in 2015 Looking to get more out of your vacation dollar? Before booking, take a cue from the experts.

Each year, Travelzoo predicts where American travelers are likely to find the best bang for their buck. Last year, they correctly forecast how European river cruises would offer tremendous value in 2014. This year they are highlighting five new destinations, including Texas Hill Country.

“Our 2015 prediction offers an eclectic mix of destinations, but all have a common theme: increased infrastructure and competition, which means deals, deals, deals for the American traveler,” says Gabe Saglie, senior editor for Travelzoo.

From Asia’s tantalizing cities to the vibrant colors of Rio de Janeiro, here is where Travelzoo says Americans can score a terrific deal in the coming year:

properties from JW Marriott, Kimpton and Westin.

Brazil

Brazil had a great year in 2014 when hosting the World Cup, and the country has more to look forward to when it hosts the 2016 Olympics. All that investment in infrastructure will put pressure on domestic travel companies to entice international travelers to the region. Expect to see some great discounts on hotels -- including 400 new properties that will be operational before the Olympics. Travelers from Florida can also take advantage of the increased competition generated from new airline routes to Brazil.

➧ RETIREMENT, from Page 4

Throughout retirement

Continue to review your investments, savings, insurance and assets each year to determine if changes or updates are needed to your plans. Make sure you work with your own legal advisor to have a will, trusts and other pertinent estate planning documents in place and review them annually. Review the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts to make sure they are up-to-date. Also be prepared for any end-of-life decisions that may need to be made, including having medical directives available to those who will be responsible for you. Using a retirement planning process such as RealSteps Retirement - www.usbank.com/ retirement - can help guide you through all the critical decisions.

Investments and insurance products are: U.S. Bank, U.S. Bancorp Investments Inc., and their representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Individuals should consult their

tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation.

For U.S. Bank:

U.S. Bank is not responsible for and does not guarantee the products, services or performance of U.S. Bancorp Investments.

For U.S. Bancorp Investments: Investment products and services are available through U.S. Bancorp Investments, the marketing name for U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC, an investment adviser and a brokerage subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp and affiliate of U.S. Bank.

Insurance products are available through various affiliated non-bank insurance agencies, which are U.S. Bancorp subsidiaries. Products may not be available in all states. CA Insurance License# OE24641.

By Dorothy Mitchel, West Metro Division Manager for U.S. Bancorp Investments; and Mary Justice, market Leader for The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank in Seattle

Cruising Asia

China might not seem like an obvious choice for cruising, but Shanghai has poured serious money into cruising infrastructure; including the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, which can handle the world’s largest ships. As a result, cruise lines are adding new ships and itineraries Texas Hill Country The downtown landscapes of Austin and throughout Asia, including China, San Antonio are transforming at light-speed Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and as visitors, businesses and new residents Thailand. Royal Caribbean International continue to flock to the two cities. To meet this demand, nearly a half-dozen new ➧ TRAVEL, Page 8 hotels are set to open in 2015, including

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6

GenEration 50+

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There are many reasons to choose an adjustable bed frame

o often I hear - I’m not ready for a ‘hospital bed’! The new adjustable bases are not to be confused with a hospital bed – they can be a beautiful piece of furniture and are far removed from hospital beds and the adjustable bases of prior years.

Hospital beds are built for the ease of the care giver, not the person who is in the bed; while an adjustable bed is built for the complete comfort of the user. A hospital bed has a hard vinyl mattress, while an adjustable base gives you numerous options to choose a more comfortable mattress.

You may ask; why should I get an adjustable bed? I don’t have any medical issues; I’m not that old yet! Although there are many medical reasons to why we choose to go “adjustable” one of the most popular reasons is for the pure comfort! There are many reasons an adjustable bed can be the best choice for you; not just for medical issues, but to make you more comfortable while in bed or while sleeping.

Reading is one of my favorite uses for an adjustable bed. I like to read prior to falling asleep, and no matter how many pillows I tried, I still wasn’t as comfortable as when I was in an adjustable base. Many of these bases allow you to turn your mattress into an easy chair. You can raise your head and slightly raise your legs to read your favorite book or magazine, watch your favorite TV show or movie, and to work on your laptop/iPad in complete comfort. You can also purchase bases that have the ability to tilt your head and give you lumbar support.

There are many medical reasons to purchase an adjustable bed. Sleep comfort is one of the main reasons, as people were never meant to sleep flat on their backs. Lying flat does not support the natural curvature of your body. It makes your diaphragm work harder so you can’t breathe as well as you should, especially if you are carrying a few extra pounds.

Sleeping with both your upper body and your legs slightly tilted up, puts you into what we like to call the ‘Zero Gravity’ position. This relieves the pressure on your back and tilts your pelvis into the correct position so you can sleep without back pain. It also takes the pressure off of your diaphragm so you can breathe easier. This can help you with sleep apnea so you can stop snoring.

There are many other health reasons to choose an adjustable bed. Elevating your upper body will reduce acid reflux (GRD), or can help you breathe if you have asthma or COPD. If you have swelling of the legs or ankles, just raise your feet higher than your 2:48 PMheart, and it will greatly reduce swelling. Many adjustable beds have a massage option (for those of you who are my age, remember ‘magic fingers’?). This is excellent for white noise to help you fall asleep. It also helps with restless leg syndrome and can help break up mucus when you have a chest cold.

Consider an adjustable base as an investment in your health and wellbeing. It will improve your overall sleep and allow your body to heal itself. Its sleek furniture style cannot be compared to a clunky hospital bed. Now that the knowledge of optimizing how you sleep is out there, how could you refuse to take advantage of sleeping like a king or queen?

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7

GenEration 50+

MONEY

Tips to Protect Your Identity and Wallet

W

ith so many new methods for cyber theft, taking extra steps to protect your bank accounts and money just

makes sense.

Luckily, consumers and businesses are learning new methods to defend against this growing problem. Here are a few ways you can conduct your online shopping and banking business more securely: • Create unique pin numbers for your debit cards, as well as complex usernames and passwords for accounts with your banks and online retailers. Never share this information with anyone, and be sure to log out of your accounts when your transactions are completed. Conduct personal business on your home computer or personal device as opposed to public WiFi, and always use a secure Internet connection.

• Manage privacy settings on your

mobile devices and apps. Review the privacy disclosures for retailers or websites to ensure you are comfortable with how they will use your personal information. Set your mobile devices and PCs to lock when they are not being used, to help prevent someone from getting access to your personal data.

• Before responding to any request for personal, financial or account information, make sure you know who is asking and why they need it. Be extra careful if a request is made with an urgent or threatening tone, or an offer that sounds too good to be true.

Criminals use these tricks to get personal information to access your accounts or commit identity theft.

• Monitor accounts and spending activity frequently. Take advantage of banking features, such as alerts that trigger when you have a low balance or unusual spending activity.

(c) Myst - Fotolia.com

“Most banks provide mobile banking apps that allow you to keep tabs on your account activity on-the-go,” says Diane Morais, Ally Bank deposits and line of business integration executive. “In addition to their convenience, mobile apps are an excellent resource to spot unusual transactions in a timely manner.”

• Before providing your debit or credit information while shopping online, ensure your computer protection software and

operating system are up to date. Some banks offer customers free or discounted anti-virus protection. For example, Ally Bank, Member FDIC, provides its customers Webroot SecureAnywhere anti-virus software to protect their devices, including PCs, tablets and smartphones, for free. Most people understand the importance of protecting their computers, ➧ SECURITY, Page 10

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8

GenEration 50+

NEXT STEP TRANSITIONS

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A

Manage your move with a Move Manager

professional move management company can make your move easier and less stressful by offering comprehensive senior relocation and move management services. These companies can build a customized Move Plan that fits the unique needs of each client. The goal is to assist you and your families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocating, whether you are moving into assisted living, retirement community, or some other residence.

A Move Manager Can Assist With:

• Downsizing and helping you decide what to take with you to your new home and what to do with rest.

• Physically assist with the sorting and packing process.

• Coordination and oversight of all necessary service providers from moving companies, donation, consignment and disposal services.

• Unpacking and full settle in services to make it feel like your home the minute you enter.

• Arrange for final liquidation and clean out of your home so you can get it on the market fast.

A professional move management company is a great resource for individuals and families throughout the entire moving process.

Christy Urdal is the owner of NextStep Transitions. For eight years Christy Urdal been providing Senior Relocation and Move Management Services to Seattle residents.

For more information you can call Christy at 206-276-7271, email Christy@ nextsteptransitions.com, or visit her website www.NextStepTransitions.com.

Five new destinations ➧ TRAVEL, from Page 5 is even moving its newest ship, “Quantum of the Seas,” to Shanghai. As cruise lines compete to fill their cabins, expect to see more deals.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has long appealed to American travelers: no U.S. passports are required to visit, English is spoken and the U.S. dollar is accepted. Thanks to new routes and increased services from airports around the U.S. in recent months (from JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines), flights to Puerto Rico are now among the cheapest in the Caribbean. Travelzoo anticipates this trend will continue in 2015.

Dubai

Despite a huge hotel expansion to support the upcoming World Expo in 2020, Dubai experienced its lowest occupancy rate in 18 years this past summer. Lots of space to fill equates to discounted hotel rooms. Add to this the fact that Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport is gearing up for a $32 billion expansion over the next decade, and it could mean 2015 is the right time to get ahead of the crowds.

For more information and deals to Travelzoo’s 2015 Wow Deal Destinations visit www.Travelzoo.com/Destinations/ wow2015.

If the experts have it right again this year, Americans will be able to save a small fortune on travel to once-in-a-lifetime destinations in 2015.

(StatePoint)

9

GenEration 50+

HEALTH

Tips to Manage Pain from Arthritis Naturally

O

ne in five adults in the United States now reports having doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For those living with the chronic pain of this disease, learning how to manage arthritis is crucial to the health and happiness of millions of Americans.

With that in mind, here are several natural ways to reduce complications and pain associated with arthritis: • Those who are overweight or obese are diagnosed with an arthritis symptom more often than those with a lower body mass index, according to CDC statistics.

Take a load off your joints by maintaining a healthy weight. Weight loss has also been linked to less pain from arthritis, especially in the knees, which bear the brunt of excess pounds.

• Evidence indicates that both endurance and resistance exercise can provide significant benefits to those with osteoarthritis, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, arthritis patients should typically avoid placing too much pressure on joints. Low-impact exercises such as biking, swimming and walking are recommended treatments for arthritis.

A doctor or physical therapist is a good resource for helping you make a fitness game plan.

• No matter what precautions you take, pain from your condition is sometimes inevitable. And when it’s severe, it can be

debilitating.

Some arthritis medications mask pain, which may make it harder to gauge the status of your condition. A homeopathic medicine, however, works naturally with your body to ease suffering from arthritis pain.

“Joint pains are common in my practice so I often recommend Arnicare Arthritis Tablets,” says Dr. Albert Levy of Manhattan Family Practice in New York City (Manhattan familypractice.com). “I feel confident in recommending it because it won’t interfere with other medications and homeopathic medicines, such as this, are one of the safest classes of drugs.”

Arnicare Arthritis Tablets are quickdissolving homeopathic tablets that relieve minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, specifically from stiff or swollen joints and flare-ups caused by changes in weather. They can be a good option for those with multiple conditions. More information can be found at www.Arnicare. com.

• Stiff joints can be painful. Stretch regularly to prevent stiffness. Full range of motion exercises can help you stay limber and maintain function.

Arthritis actually refers to more than 100 different kinds of musculoskeletal disorders that affect people of all ages. If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from arthritis, take natural steps to prevent and manage the pain associated with your condition.

(StatePoint)

Protection at your fingertips ➧ SECURITY, from Page 7 but it’s important to protect your smartphones too.

Look for “https” in the web address field of your browser to ensure a website is secure. Check that the site is verified by TRUSTe or a similar data security service.

• Check your credit reports periodically.

Getting a free credit report is easy.

Consider putting a fraud alert on your credit report before any new accounts can

be opened.

More tips to protect both your identity and wallet can be found at www.Ally.com/ security/.

Don’t let cyber criminals get the best of you. In an increasingly digital world, follow these simple steps to increase security while taking advantage of the convenience of conducting your personal business online.

(StatePoint)

Arthritis can be painful, but there are many natural ways to manage symptoms. (c) Nebari - Fotolia.com

S

Is it time to sell your home?

elling a home as a senior is different. Maybe you bought and sold several homes in your lifetime. Perhaps you’ve lived in the same home for 40 years or more. Either way, selling your home as a senior can be much more complicated due to a number of possible unique issues and decisions, and sometimes the number of people involved. Seniors usually make the decision to sell, however it’s not unusual for their adult children to help them through the process.

There are emotional, financial and logistical concerns that may not have entered into moving decisions at younger ages. Moving is always stressful. To a senior it can be overwhelming. What to do with a lifetime of “stuff”, memorabilia and family heirlooms? Where to move and what will fit in a smaller home? What are the tax and financial implications of selling a home?

Fortunately there are qualified resources to help every step of the way. Use the resources of specialists available in your area for advice on: • ways to use your home’s equity to remain in your home or purchase a new home • a tax specialist or financial planner to protect your asserts • contractors, handymen, and clutter control specialists to prepare your home for sale • attorneys for estate planning and durable power of attorney • senior moving specialists, estate sale planners and storage facilities • specially trained seniors real estate agents with a network of related service professionals Get help where you need it. Simplifying your life should leave you overjoyed, not overwhelmed.

Amy Greenberg, Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

10

GenEration 50+

HEALTH

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S

Take Small Steps w to Better Health

taying healthy doesn’t have to mean overhauling your lifestyle.

Sometimes small changes can have big impacts. Take it from celebrity fitness trainer, Latreal “La” Mitchell, “Everyone can reach their health and fitness goals. It’s all about setting attainable goals and staying motivated to see results.”

To look, feel and live better, Mitchell is offering tips for small lifestyle changes you can make that can inspire you to make more in the future:

Get Moving

If exercise is not a part of your life now, don’t worry. “In a short time, you can be doing quality exercises,” says Mitchell.

“The key is to start small.”

Try short sets of push-ups, planks, squats, and lunges and work your way up.

Ten minutes can make a real difference.

Remember, little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator will keep you feeling great all day.

Just be sure to make exercise nonnegotiable. Life is busy and it’s easy to find any number of reasons to skip a workout.

Make yourself a fitness schedule and stick to it -- and then don’t let anyone or anything stop you from staying on track.

Eat Right

The small goal of adding more fiber to your diet can lead you to better nutrition choices. Aim to get 25 to 38 grams of fiber every day. In addition to upping your fruit and vegetable intake and swapping out

processed white bread and pasta for the whole wheat variety, fiber supplements can help you meet your fiber goals. But choose wisely, as some options have additional benefits beyond supporting digestive health.

For example, Meta offers products made with psyllium fiber which has multihealth benefits. Try adding Metamucil powder to a morning smoothie. Also try new MetaBiotic probiotic supplement.

For many people, snacking can be a downfall, especially during a busy workday. Try substituting your usual temptations with healthier options. For example, almonds and light popcorn are a good substitute for chips, and are more satisfying. If you have a sweet tooth, ditch the afternoon pastry that’s high in calories but won’t actually help you feel full.

Instead, look for a delicious, easy-to-pack snack like a Meta Health Bar that helps satisfy hunger as a healthful snack.

Lastly, stay hydrated. Skip sugary sodas and sports drinks and opt for water throughout the day. If you need a boost of flavor, add a lemon wedge, cucumber slice or some fresh herbs. Water helps you feel full and process fiber, while helping to keep you hydrated.

More tips can be found at www. metawellness.com.

Bad habits are hard to break. But by making small changes one at a time, you can overcome your hurdles for a healthier lifestyle.

(StatePoint)

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GenEration 50+

FAMILY RESOURCE HOME CARE

Dear Sheila: A Time to Grieve and emotionally Dear Sheila exhausted. In addition Last year, after to the loss of your being sick for 3 years, mom, the loss of mom died. Dad left his job may have his job to care for her completely upended and now that she’s his routine. Instead of gone, the life has gone pushing him to leave right out of him. He his house and join doesn’t want to do any family activities, it may of the things he used to be better to go to him enjoy. When we invite so he has the comfort him out for dinner or of his family in his a movie, he says he’s home. Over time the not ready yet. Plus he Sheila McKannay loss of your mom will won’t change anything in the house; mom’s clothes are still hanging become easier to bear and your dad will be ready for other activities. Now is the in the closet! Dad is only 75 and we think time to support him as he grieves his he needs to move on and rejoin the living. own way.

What can we do to help?

Worried Son Dear Worried, The first year after losing a loved one is terribly difficult and the best way to get through it is by not expecting too much from your father. It’s important to respect your dad’s feelings as everyone grieves differently. The loss of your mom is still fresh and he’s probably physically

Sheila McKannay, MA, CMC, is Vice President of Client Care for Family Resource Home Care, greater Seattle’s largest provider of private caregiving services for seniors. For more Dear Sheila letters or other helpful articles, visit our website: www.familyresourcehomecare. com/blog

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DELIVERANCE HANDEL’S ISRAEL IN EGYPT SATURDAY APRIL 18 7:30 PM

Written for double chorus, this grand oratorio tells a story of miraculous occurrences and the triumphant release of the People of Israel from bondage. Experience the full forces of our 45-voice chorus joined by guest soloists, led by Roupen Shakarian, whose conducting credits include Seattle Symphony, Victoria Symphony and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

1954 IN AMERICA COPLAND, BERNSTEIN AND MORE SUNDAY MAY 17 3:00 PM

A musical snapshot of cinema, radio, opera and theatre in 1954 and the world premiere of Breathe, a work for chorus and orchestra, featuring lyrics drawn from the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Paul Dunbar’s poem “Sympathy.” Composed by Portland-based Stacey Philipps during the months following protests in response to the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, Breathe “raises the continuing question of how this country, founded on the principles of equality, continues to struggle with questions of social justice.”

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12

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GenEration 50+

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

In all of Seattle, there is no community quite like Green Lake and The Hearthstone is

the retirement destination!

the

Hearthstone Retirement Living at Green Lake

6720 E Green Lake Way N Seattle, WA 98103

206-517-2213 www.hearthstone.org