Capital District Senior Spotlight April 2017

C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t COMPLIMENTARY

Senior A Spotlight News publication in cooperation with Senior Services of Albany

Spotlight

THE RESOURCE FOR SENIORS

APRIL 2017

NO. 4

Tai Chi Understanding vitamins Being a grandparent

cdseniorspotlight.com APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 1

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Editor’s desk

Everybody was kung-fu fighting That pop culture sensation of the ‘70s has matured into something healthier

R

emember back in the ‘70s when everybody was kung fu fighting? So much so, Carl Douglas produced a hit song back in 1974. Gone were the days of good old fashioned fist fights like Adam Cartwright would get into in “Ponderosa.” It seemed every television series had someone who was an expert martial artist.

Even Gil Gerard threw a few karate chops in the short lived “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” television series. The popularity of Bruce Lee and David Carradine had an impact on pop culture that carried over with Chuck Norris into the ‘80s before it ultimately waned. I think I witnessed Cheers’ Sam Malone attempt an ill-advised karate kick in the mid-80s, perhaps NBC’s unceremonious send off to television’s gratuitous display of the martial arts. If you don’t remember, feel thankful.

Nonetheless, what has carried over from those days is the popularity of tai chi.

Tai chi is that martial art people seldom consider as a direct cousin to the more violent displays of karate, taekwondo and judo. Likely, it’s because you often see it practice in your local park by a handful of slowly, peacefully moving individuals. (But, imagine speeding up those movements through the eyes of a virtual VCR, and the combative moves become more apparent.)

This month we spoke with Mark Tolstrup, an instructor at the Tai Chi Center in Saratoga Springs. He confirmed with us the health benefits to practicing this aged-art. Yes, it started out as a means of self-defense. But, most recently, people have witnessed its impact on both physical and mental health. It is now to the point where it is common to find tai chi classes taught at your local assisted living and senior services centers.

The low-impact nature of the exercise is friendly to your joints, and it’s set to a slow pace. So long as you’re balanced, moving and relaxed, you are fighting against muscle atrophy, getting your blood flowing, and staving off the negativity of stress in your life. In all respects, that’s the type of self-defense in which everybody could participate.

DJ? Carl Douglas, please!

Sincerely, Michael Hallisey, Managing Editor Spotlight Newspapers

April 2017 Features The yin and yang of tai chi

14-15

Columnists Social Security Corner

4

Medical Corner

7

Retiring Retirement

10

Ask Your Daughter

12

Veteran Next Door

18

Senior Services Colonie Senior Service Centers

5

Bethlehem Public Library

9

Saratoga Senior Center

11

Niskayuna Senior Center

13

Senior Services of Albany

19

Albany JCC

20

Troy Area Senior Service Center

21

Voorheesville Public Library

22

publisher - John

McIntyre editor - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Senior Spotlight is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request.

Capital District Senior Spotlight reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2011 by Capital District Senior Spotlight.

No portion of Capital District Senior Spotlight may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 3

Social Security Corner

Social Security and representative payees

A

ccording to the Census Bureau, there are nearly 57 million people living with disabilities in the United States. Thirty percent of American adults help provide care for a sick or disabled family member. Caregivers provide physical and emotional support for the people in their care.

It’s a demanding job with its stresses and rewards, but it can also be a labor of love.

Social Security is committed to you throughout life’s journey, helping secure today and tomorrow for every American. This is especially true for people who need help managing their benefits. We

Elizabeth Pivonka

managing their own funds. But when friends or family are not able to serve as representative payees, Social Security looks for qualified individuals or organizations to represent the beneficiary. You can learn more about our representative payee program at www.socialsecurity. gov/payee.

It’s our hope that these videos will not only educate individuals about the roles and responsibilities of being a representative payee, but also provide further insight, broaden community awareness, work closely with caregivers Security or Supplemental through our representative Security Income (SSI) benefits and provide key resources to payee program. A representafor anyone who cannot manage deal with the growing incidents of elder abuse, neglect, tive payee is someone who their benefits. This can be a receives and oversees the Social child or an adult incapable of and financial exploitation.

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Senior calendars Colonie Senior Services 6 Winners Circle, Colonie Colonie Senior Service Centers, 459-2857 Senior Resources Department, 459-5051

Special lunch

Special dinner

Come join us for a special lunch, provided by Mazzone Hospitality’s PRIME Life, on Monday, April 3 at the Beltrone Living Center at 12pm.

We will be serving Sliced Ham with entertainment by Arnold Siem.*

Come and join us for a Special Dinner, provided by Mazzone Hospitality’s PRIME Life, on Monday, April 10 at the Beltrone Living Center at 5 p.m. We will be serving meatloaf and gravy with entertainment by Bob Triffiletti.*

Healthy Bones for Life Training

Home fair

The Home Maintenance Fair will be held at the BelOn Tuesday, April 11, the Health and Wellness program trone Living Center from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, will host a Healthy Bones for April 27. This free event gives Life Training for any past or senior homeowners an opnew instructors who wish to teach the program! Lunch will portunity to get answers and tips from area experts on home be provided for all attendees prior to the training, which will repairs, how to organize, landrun from noon to 3pm. Please scaping, maintaining a home and much more! For more RSVP to Sue Napierski, 459information, call 459-7152.

2857, ext. 308 or snapierski@ colonieseniors.org by Friday, April 7.

The Umbrella of Colonie Tool Box, a volunteer handyman based tool resale shop, is looking for more volunteers!

Save on your auto insurThe proceeds from the store go ance and mark your calendar directly back to the Umbrella for Tuesday, April 18. The of Colonie home-maintenance Driver Fitness Center offers a program and its members. The Defensive Driving Class from Tool Box is actively seeking 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $25. The volunteers to help sort, clean, class is open to drivers of any price, and sell the tools and age. For more information and hardware that we have pouring to RSVP call 459-2857, ext. onto our shelves. The Tool Box 303. is open Thursday- Saturday from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. For more information contact the Tool The Healthy Aging proBox, at 608-4758 or email gram will provide a Wellness Luncheon on Tuesday, April 18 toolbox@colonieseniors.org *** beginning at noon at the Rudy Call 459-2857 ext. 303 to A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center. A presentation by Re- RSVP for any of the above *Senior Dining, an Albany nee Birnbaum, Senior Housing County Congregate Meal ProAdvisor, from Choice Connections will present on Senior gram, is funded in part by the Lifestyle Choices to attendees Albany County Dept. for Aging, along with a healthy lunch that the NYS Office for Aging, US is TBD. For more information Administration on Aging, the Town of Colonie & participant or to register for this lunch contributions. please call 459-2857 ext. 303.

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APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 5

6 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

Medical Corner

Understanding Your Eye Vitamins By

DR. PAMELA KAW

F

ear of blindness leads many of us to hunt for preventative solutions. Pharmacy shelves are loaded with bottles of vitamins, many with hefty price tags. Navigating the shelves to look for a product that is right for you can be daunting.

Blindness is most commonly caused by macular degeneration and cataracts. Small studies in the past had shown that zinc supplements can prevent macular degeneration. In addition to zinc, scientists also wanted to study the role of anti-oxidants (Vitamins C, E and Beta carotenes) in eye diseases.

The National Eye Institute conducted a large study on thousands of patients and published its results in 2001. This study was called Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

Based on the results of this study it recommended using AREDS formula—a combination of zinc and antioxidants (Vitamins E, C and beta-carotene) to prevent blindness. The doses used in AREDS were as as follows: but was not more beneficial than original AREDS 5. The ingredients in AREDs can cause side effects: Beta-carotene (yellow skin) Vitamin C (kidney stones) Vitamin E (muscle weakness, thyroid disease, bleeding disorder, prostate cancer) Zinc (Anemia) Patients prone for any side effects can take zinc alone or antioxidants alone and still have some beneficial effects, though not as much as the combination.

Weighing the benefits versus risks of taking AREDS, AREDS 2, Zinc or antioxidants can be complicated. Here are some take home points : 1. AREDS formula has been shown to slow progression of moderate to severe macular degeneration.

2. AREDS 2 formula is safer than original AREDS formula in people who smoke and/or who cannot take greens in their food.

3. AREDS formula DOES NOT replace daily multivitamins.

4. People with mild macular degeneration should consult with their primary care doctors if they are contemplating taking AREDS (in this subgroup the side effects of high doses of beta-carotenes, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and zinc may outweigh the benefits). ▲ ▲ ▲

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

as zinc oxide 2 mg copper 500 milligrams of vitamin C 400 international units of vitamin E 15 mg beta-carotene 80 mg zinc as cupric oxide

▲

Some clarifications about the ingredients: a) Cupric oxide lessens the incidence of zinc induced anemia b) Beta-carotene is an inactive form of Vitamin A that gets converted to active form in the gut.

Later, scientists found that beta-carotene present in AREDS formula increased the risk of lung cancer in smokers. So they came up with AREDS 2, in which they replaced beta-carotene with similar compounds- lutein and zeaxanthines, and also added omega-3 fatty acids.

They wanted to see if: 1. AREDS 2 decreased the risk of lung cancer in smokers 2. AREDS 2 was more effective than AREDS Important results of these two studies were as follows: 1. AREDS formula helped people with only moderate to severe macular degeneration and had no effect in people with mild macular degeneration.

2. AREDS formula had NO effect on progression of cataracts.

3. AREDS suggested an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.

4. AREDS 2 did decrease the risk of lung cancer in smokers,

Pamela Kaw MD is in private practice in Troy. For any questions or clarifications regarding this article you may email her at pamkaw@gmail.com.

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 7

21st Annual

Third Age Achievement Awards Senior Services of Albany, in conjunction with CDPHP, are pleased to announce our 2017 Award Recipients: Law: Michael Whiteman, Esq. Business: Michael C. Hoffman LeGrande Serras Tom Tyrrell

T

Community Development: Barbara J. McDonald

Government: Senator Jim Tedisco

Health & Human Services: Vincent W . Colonno; Benna Eldridge; Reverend Kenneth J. Doyle; Virginia Golden

Friday, May 19th • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Albany

he Third Age Achievement Awards recognize the contributions that area residents and professionals make in our communities during the “Third Age” of their lives.

The awards recognize achievements after the age of 60 and aim to dispel the myth that getting older means slowing down. As Isabel Allende said, “You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your own legend.” The Third Age Achievement Awards are not “lifetime achievement” awards, but rather, they honor the contributions being made by the nominees in the Capital Region since reaching the age of 60.

All nominees exemplify what it means to live well and age well.

Our Sponsors

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Senior calendars Bethlehem Public Library 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar 439-9314 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org

Gaslight Theater Presents: ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)’ Enjoy the Bard’s complete works – humorously abbreviated – in one sitting, 2 p.m.

Friday, April 7 Coffee and Conversation: To Life! Part II Presenter Richard Feldman returns with more beloved selections from popular American musicals. Celebrate life with songs from Jerome Kern, Cy Coleman, Jerry Herman, Rodgers and Hammerstein and more, 1-3 p.m. Hourlong program is followed by a coffee hour featuring beverages and light refreshments.

1-3 p.m. Hourlong program is followed by a coffee hour featuring beverages and light refreshments.

Sunday, April 16 Observance of the Easter holiday.

Listen to and discuss this French composer influential to jazz, pop and other classical composers, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 24 DayWriters

Wednesday, April 26

Watch “The Light Between Oceans” (Walt Disney Studios, PG-13, 132 min.) about a lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia who raise a baby they rescue from a drifting rowing boat, 2 p.m.

Stop by and learn more about the candidates running for the library’s Board of Trustees, 6 p.m.

Monday, April 10

World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day

Coffee and Conversation: Theories of Laughter What makes something funny? Take a look at the history, theory and function of laughter using contemporary comedy as a backdrop,

Kingsway Manor... Life Inspired

Listening Parties: Erik Satie

Sunday Cinema

Friday, April 14

RESPITE CARE AVAILABLE

Thursday, April 20

Sunday, April 9

Discuss “The Things We Keep” by Sally Hepworth, 1:30 p.m. Copies are available at the information desk. Large-print audio and downloadable copies

& stimulate physical well-being

· Adult Day Program · Respite

Library Closed

Spend an hour writing with the final half hour for optional sharing and feedback, 1:30-3 p.m. Open to anyone interested in writing; all abilities and genres are welcome.

DayBooks

· Memory Care · 24-Hour Nurses · Medication and Clinical Services · Specialized Diets · Social programs to engage the mind

A Full Continuum of Care in the Family Tradition

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518.393.8800 • kingswaycommunity.com

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Meet the Candidates

Saturday, April 29 The library and the Asian Arts Group Tai Chi Center of Albany invite you to join people all over the world as they gather to practice tai chi and qi gong, 10 a.m. This event will take place on the Green, weather permitting. No experience is necessary, and all ages and abilities are welcome. *** For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

• • • • •

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Saturday, April 1

Kingsway Manor offers assisted living and enhanced assisted living in a safe, secure worry-free environment

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 9

Retiring Retirement

Seniors over sixty who are finishing strong

The story behind the camera

B

ill Womer is the story behind the camera.

At the prime of his teaching career in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District , Bill Womer left financial and job security to begin Christian Music Ministries.

Twenty-five hundred concerts and decades later, the seventy-one year-old Latham resident has no regrets. In a roundabout way, his careerchange eventually ushered him into the school of senior citizenry where he gets a gold star for his golden years.

“Because I was in ministry and had no retirement,” Womer said, “I always believed

in filmmaking that’s made me come alive again. I feel like I’m 50 and have the energy of a fifty-year-old. I look forward with excitement toward the future. I have a purpose to get up and I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.”

It’s no surprise that the former Ravena music teacher applies his voracious appetite God would provide for my for learning to his art, spending needs by giving me opportuni- an average of twenty hours a ties to work hard and grow.” week educating himself.

And opportunities are Now skilled in the techniknocking at his door with the cal aspects of cinematography, advent of his About Town editing, drone flying and Films. producing, Womer is adding “At sixty-eight years of age,” his innate ability to recognize said Bill Womer of Latham, and tell a story through film that can leave audiences en“I began a whole new career

Robert LaCosta couraged, delighted or with a sentimental tear on their cheek.

There is a biblical Proverb that states “a man’s gift makes room for itself.” Womer is now sought after by city leaders, non-profit boards and all those who simply want their story told.

The story maker’s story is just beginning.

To be continued…

Robert J. LaCosta’s inspiring daily blog can be found at Sonrisen.com. He is an author and songwriter and is available as a guest speaker/musician. To suggest a senior sixty or older for this column, write LaCosta at norepcom@gmail.com.

The Joys of Spring!

Adopt-A-Manatee and Help Protect Them

®

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org 10 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

Senior calendars Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs 584-1621

Dinners To Go Coming every Monday night, meals supplied by Village Pizza in Middle Grove and Villago Pizzeria & Ristorante in Ballston Lake. Call the Saratoga Senior Center at 584-1621 for more details.

This service is open to the public.

Alan Edstrom The Magician April 7, 1:30 p.m.

Come see the magnificent Alan Edstrom as he performs jaw dropping magic tricks. $2 / members, $5 / non-members To register, call the center at 584-1621.

Share Your Story April 14, 1:30 p.m.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours? Everyone will share five things their peers may not know about them. This is a great way to get to know other members and meet new people! Musical performance

by Danny McLellan. Free and open to the public

Financial Expo April 21, 1:30 p.m.

Presentations by NY Longterm Care on Who Should Own An Annuity?, Herzog Lawfirm on Aging in Place, Janney Montgomery Scott on Stepping Toward Retirement.

Free and open to the public.

Silent Wings: Birds of Prey April 28, 1:30 p.m.

Join Trish Marki from The Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY. Learn about their unique behaviors and the conservation issues that impact them; natu-

ral selection and the “human” impact on species survival. $2 / members, $5 / non-members Please sign up.

Monthly Hot Breakfast April 28, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Let our staff cook for you as you wait. Breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. A local first responder will be there for you to meet. Admission is $5. RSVP required. Open to the public.

Saratoga Farmers Market April 25, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Come enjoy our mini farmers market with several highquality local food and agricultural products direct from the farmers and producers. Free and open to the public.

Centers Health Care Presentation April 5, 9:30 a.m.

Need help taking care of a loved one? We will host an informational presentation on Medical Model Adult Daycare from the Washington Center Adult Day Care. Free and open to the public.

Painting on Glass with Nancy April 19, 2 - 3 p.m.

Bring color, light and form to your artwork in this one day workshop. Nancy Magnell will help you create a beautiful, floral, reverse painted window hanging. Glass and tools provided. $12 material fee, $20 class fee.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Isolation and Loneliness KILLS KILLS..

Volunteers Needed to SAVE LIVES.

D

o you have a skill or talent you are willing to share with your elderly neighbors? If you can give a few hours a month or even few hours a week you can make a huge difference in the lives of local seniors.

Opportunities available throughout Albany County. Here are some examples of classes volunteers can run: Yoga teachers, Tai Chi, aerobics, music, dance, writing, art, painting, book club, photography, ceramics, knitting, etc.

Classes & programs must be conducted during the day between

10:30am and 2:00pm.

If interested, please call Brenda at 465-3322 100523_4

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 11

Ask Your Daughter

The pendulum comes full swing for us ▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

You’ll WANT to Wear!

▲

E

helping a child follow a “rule” (even when he/she does not want to) is easier when they are young, can be misunderstood as being judgmental.

Commenting on a child’s eating or sleeping habits may not be appreciated as much as one would think.

Whereas you may find a small child chewing on a used dog bone covered in dog hair somewhat unappealing, not everyone is of the same mind.

Suggesting that a child’s toys might be put away at the end of the day may be misinterpreted.

Thinking out loud that a child may be cold and should wear pants and socks when playing in a home where all the ▲

excellent suggestions that helped me raise two happy and successful adults, it may be a good idea to keep these pearls of wisdom to myself. So just in case you are a new grandparent, here are a few thoughts: xactly two years ago If your 2-year-old I announced to you granddaughter is not potty the birth of my very trained and pees on the carpet on first grandchild, Elka a regular basis, bite your tongue Rain Boeckmann. If you recall, and refrain from reminding the although I had never met her, I father that he was potty-trained just knew she would be “brilliant, beautiful and take after me” and by the time he was 15 months old and that peeing on the carpet of course, I was correct. Elka is is rather gross. smart, talented, independent, Saying “a little bit of dirt beautiful, and a joy to be with. won’t kill her” as the parents Her parents… not so much. frantically search for the One of life’s lessons I am in sanitizing wipes can be seen as the process of learning is that unhelpful. although I am brimming over Casually suggesting that with proven parenting tips and

“If your baby is ‘beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, incredibly smart, an angel all the time,’ you’re the grandma.”

— Teresa Bloomingdale

Monika Boeckmann

adults are wearing sweaters and slippers, might be viewed as meddling.

Now it’s not that I did all of these things, some I just read about. Who am I kidding! There are many things her parents let her do that I never allowed my children to do, and vice versa. Yet, Elka is healthy and happy and developing as she should. I recall many years ago telling my mother that I loved her and wanted her in my life, but that I would raise my children as I saw fit. The pendulum of life has come full swing, and now I must mind my own business as my children raise their own as they see fit.

If you have any questions, please send me an email at mboeckmann@ seniorservicesofalbany.com.

HEARING AIDS THAT WORK… …A practitioner you can trust!

Dear Sam, The pressure you’re putting me under is too much.

The hEARt of Bethlehem

Sincerely,

I QUIT! Your Heart Don’t let your heart quit on you. If you are living with high blood pressure, just knowing and doing the minimum isn’t enough. Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to stroke, heart attack or death.

435-1250 (by appt.) www.heartearboutique.com

Robert J. LaCosta, BC-HIS

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cdseniorspotlight cdsenior spotlight.com .com 12 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

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WEBSITE

Senior calendars Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna Rosemarie Mullaney, 372-4969

Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon — Scrabble, cards, bridge, Wii bowling and mahjong 10:30 a.m. — Line dancing with Maryde King Noon — Lunch 1 to 2 p.m. — Bingo

Thursdays 10 a.m. to noon — Scrabble, cards, bridge, Wii bowling and mahjong 10:30 a.m. — Bocce, pickle ball Noon — Lunch 12:45 to 3:30 p.m. — Bridge 1 to 2 p.m. — Bingo

Upcoming events Tom’s Walk-in Computer Clinic — Tuesday, April 4 Downtown Schenectady trip and Birthday Party — Thursday, April 6 April Birthday Party — Tuesday, April 11 Short Story Book Group — Tuesday, April 11 Computer Class with Tom — Tuesday, April 18 Thai Thai Bistro Lunch* — Tuesday, April 18 Clifton Park Shopping Trip* — Tuesday, April 20 Art Class with Edie — Tuesday, April 25 Senior Advisory Committee Meeting — Tuesday, April 25 * additional fee

Class information Computer Classes We have an expert-led walkin clinic on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon, and an instructor-led computer class the third Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m.

These classes are free to our

Zumba Gold classes We offer a dance fitness program designed for beginners to experienced seniors.

Get fit while having fun.

members. Join our expert, Tom Krauser, to expand your comBridge puter skills in our computer lab, Bridge is played every located on the first floor of the Thursday at 12:45 p.m. at the Senior Center. Call 372-4969 Senior Center and Town Hall. to reserve your spot.

If you are interested in playing bridge or just want to be a Bus transportation substitute, call 372-4969.

We offer door-to-door bus transportation to Niskayuna Mahjong residents ages 60 and older Mahjong is played on each Tuesday and Thursday be- Tuesdays and Thursdays at the tween 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $5 Senior Center at 10 a.m. and per round trip. The bus can be 1 p.m. If you are interested used for transportation to the in learning or playing, please Senior Center for our programs call mahjong coordinator Joan and lunch, or for appointments Almas at 888-6973. and shopping within Sche4 p.m. Fitness nectady County. If you are new Th is class offers a low-impact to us, please call 372-4969 for cardio segment and exercises an appointment. Returning to increase strength, flexibility patrons can call 495-6202 to (stretching) and balance. A reschedule transportation. laxation component is included.

Hot lunches

Chef-prepared meals are served at noon for a cost of $5.

Monthly menu/activity calendars are available at the Senior Center, Niskayuna Town Hall or online at www.niskayuna.org.

We offer a vegetarian entrée on the last Thursday of each month.

Assisted Living • Meal Preparation • Laundry Services • Housekeeping • Medication Management • Transportation to Medical Appointments • Bathing & Dressing Assistance Brookdale Colonie 626 Watervliet-Shaker Road • Latham NY 12110 518.783.8695 • www.brookdale.com

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Do you, or someone you love, need some help at home?

Visiting Nurses Home Care is Here for You

MVP Chair Moves

Art club

Get connected Become a member and receive email notifications of events and trips, as well as newsletters mailed directly to your home. You can also connect on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Niskayuna SeniorCenter. Please call the center for more information.

SENIOR LIVING SOLUTIONS

9 a.m. Fitness

Join us for a drop-in painting club the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Professional artist-led art projects in various

The Senior Advisory Committee helps plan senior programs and activities, and advises the Town Board regarding senior issues. The committee meets monthly at the senior center on the last Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating, contact Lisa Weber, chair of parks and community programs, by email at lweber@niskayuna.org.

COLONIE

Our senior fitness classes include a low-impact cardio segment and chair exercises (seated and standing). Work with free weights and dowels are included. Class content is focused on maintaining or increasing strength, flexibility and balance.

Proper breathing is emphasized.

This chair-based class emphasizes strengthening, limbering and stretching exercises for upper and lower limbs. Standing options demonstrated based on ability.

Senior Advisory Committee

B ROOKDALE

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Ongoing activities

Proper breathing is emphasized.

Hand weights and mats for floor work are included.

mediums will be offered.

Personal care aides, home health aides or companions... ...we provide the professional care and support you deserve! &ʑʐʖʃʅʖ ʗʕ ʖʑʆʃʛ 518-694-9907, ext. 1506 www.vnhc.com APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 13

Benefits of tai chi are: • Full aerobic benefits • Less stress • Less pain as more endorphins are produced • Healthier immune system • Lower blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic • More muscle tone • Decrease in the buildup of calcium deposits in the joints

14 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

Feature Story

The yin and yang of tai chi Rooted in combat, this martial art is now sought for healing

By Michael Hallisey & Ronda Addy

“I

’ve been doing this for so long, that it’s always a part of everything that I do,” said Mark Tolstrup, an instructor at the Tai Chi Center in Saratoga Springs. “It’s never not a part of everything that I do.

The real benefit, day-to-day, is being alive.”

Tai chi quan, or tai ji quan as it is sometimes known, is on its way to becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world.

Tai chi is a form of qi gong that combines movement with breath. It is also a form of martial arts with movements that have applications toward self-defense.

While qi gong is used specifically for healing and general health, tai chi is a group of movements that promote health as well as provide some offensive/defensive techniques.

The popularity of this martial art has little to do with self defense, because tai chi gives one the benefits of aerobics without the dangers of joint damage. It is common to see classes taught at assisted living centers throughout the Capital District.

Tolstrup, 59, has been teaching tai chi for more than 25 years. He said most who take interest in tai chi are in it for the health benefits. “It’s low impact. It’s slow.

But, it does get them moving.”

The endorphin rush is similar to running. A 20-minute or more workout provides someone with the same benefits as running for 20 minutes but with less stress on the heart and less damage to the joints. Tai chi teaches balance, which reduces the number of falls especially among participating senior citizens. Falling is the sixth leading cause of death among senior citizens.

Balance Tolstrup said a “huge” component to Tai Chi teachings is the emphasis on bal-

ance.

“Where’s your base? Is your weight on the right foot, or is it on your left foot?” he said. “Frankly, most people have no idea.

This is something that I see in teaching.

The whole idea of balance is predicated on knowing where your base is. If you don’t have that, you’re compromised.”

Tai chi is rooted in the feet, issued through the legs, controlled through the waist and expressed through the hands.

The main energy center in the abdomen, called the t’an t’ien (pronounced don chien), is where all the moves originate.

Practitioners of tai chi work from a low center of gravity, softening the knees and using only the amount of energy needed to execute movements.

Tai chi is one of the oldest forms of martial arts, dating over 1,500 years. The tai chi of today was started by Zhang San-Feng. Zhang wanted some form of self-defense to protect himself as he traveled across China. Because he was 70 years old, he needed something that would work against stronger and faster opponents. His solution was to concentrate on four basic principles: calm against action, soft against hard, slow against fast and single against a group. According to Zhang, if fighting does not include these four principles, it is not tai chi combat.

Meditation “Tai chi is a martial art,” said Tolstrup.

“It’s a healing art, and a meditative art.

That’s the way I learned it.”

When practicing tai chi the emphasis is on posture and breathing which are important to proper body positioning.

The back is straight with the head held erect. Vision is focused straight ahead but sometimes follows the hands’ movements.

Breathing is deep and relaxed. The joints of the arms are relaxed, with the shoulders sunk and elbows slightly flexed.

“I get all kinds of people, with all kinds of background,” said Tolstrup. “Some are versed in these kind of things, some

never really gave it thought. Meditation is something you’ve heard your whole life: Relax. Take a deep breath. It’s common understanding of what it means to be in a human body. If you’re angry, you’re upset, nervous — your breathing becomes really shallow. … If you relax your breathing, it helps your mind and body to relax. If you get your mind and body to relax, it helps the breathing to relax.”

Part of tai chi is the concept of yin and yang, two opposing types of energy. Yin is calm and static, while yang is active and dynamic. Chi flows only when these two forces are in balance. The chi refers to the vital force of energy that is said to flow through the meridian channels of the body. Regular practicing of tai chi helps the body’s meridians stay open and flowing with chi.

The emphasis of flow and balance, both in mind and body, helps people circumvent the impact of stress. Tolstrup said there’s no avoiding stress, but there is a way to escape it temporarily.

“Sorry to tell you, but stress is here to stay,” he said. “You’re not going to have a stress-free life. What you are going to have is a situation in which you’re going to have to manage the stress. Whether it’s some personal thing, some business thing or some political thing, it will get you nervous and uncomfortable or unhappy. Learn to manage that and learn to navigate through that is a huge key in life.

Meditation gives you a little bit of a break from the day-to-day stress.”

Tai chi’s early roots are steeped in folklore and imagination. It is believed that an ancient Taoist priest had a dream about a rattlesnake and a crane in combat and was therefore inspired to create the first movements of tai chi.

Regardless of how tai chi started, it has grown into something that the Taoist priest and those early practitioners would never believe.

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 15

Crossword Answers on page 20 Clues Across

Clues Down

1. Au ___ 5. Tender spots 10. Clearasil target 14. “Cast Away� setting 15. Village 16. Fizzles out 17. Journey 19. Above 20. Less taxing 21. One wife at a time 23. Come together 25. Honoree’s spot 26. Have second thoughts 29. ___ de deux 32. Bore 35. Brews 36. Big end 38. “___ we having fun yet?�

39. Band booking 40. Women’s loose gowns 41. Bug 42. “The Three Faces of ___�

43. Frothy 44. 100 centavos 45. Brief brawl 47. Alkaline liquid 48. Assail 49. Song and dance, e.g.

51. “Fudge!�

53. Sensible 57. Bon mot 61. Cuckoos 62. Unorthodox or radical 64. Barfly’s binge 65. Musical show 66. Wizard 67. “Green Gables� girl 68. Swiss capital 69. Checked out

1. Snowman prop 2. ___ Minor 3. Misfortunes 4. System of rule 5. Mixes up 6. Electrical unit 7. Be itinerant 8. “Cogito ___ sum�

9. Devote, as time 10. Slowly, to a conductor 11. A city like Rome and the Vatican 12. Advertising sign 13. Catch a glimpse of 18. Back 22. “Bellefleur� author 24. A helix 26. Earnings 27. Breathing 28. Plant life 30. Anxious 31. Put (away) 33. Clear, as a disk 34. Cache 36. “A pox on you!�

37. Pewter containing 80% tin 40. Former capital of Japan 44. Pseudonym used by authors 46. Sad; sorrowful 48. Two-masted vessel 50. Eat or drink rapidly 52. Montezuma, e.g.

53. Pro ___ 54. Soon, to a bard 55. Affirm 56. ___ lamp 58. Civil War side, with “the�

59. Halftime lead, e.g.

60. Cattail, e.g.

63. Mother Teresa, for one

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Veteran Next Door

Stories from World War II, Korea and Vietnam

Beyond ‘Thank you’

W

hen veterans wear their hats or shirts with pride, they often receive the phase, “thank you for your service.” Some times it is accompanied by a handshake. Well intended, sincere and a gesture anybody would appreciate. But, is there more in the mind of a veteran than that quick gesture? The veteran may times hear the phrase but they may not have a moment to say thank you back. It may be the socially correct thing these days but somewhere beyond the phase are the thoughts, feelings and experience of these proud Americans.

When I approached a Vietnam veteran recently, and thank him for his service, I invited myself to sit with him in the diner.

His response: “Don’t thank me.

We should thank the boys who never came home. They really deserve the thank you.”

It reminded me of a veteran of D-Day June 6, 1944 who said that “only the heroes are the boys who we left on that beach.”

A veteran in public is broadcasting to the world through a hat or shirt that, “I chipped in.”

After all, behind each combat soldier in World War II was supported by 14 non-combat personnel. In Vietnam, the support dropped to 11, which did not include all the support they needed when they came home.

I truly advocate that the time is now for us patriots to recognize and honor these veterans, whether they are 25 or 95 years old. For years they did for themselves and the many more

non-veterans (patriots) need to step up to honor them. The difference today is the mothers, aunts, cousins and sisters are serving more in combat zones.

Even though the world of smart phones, computers and cell phones may bring those voices to loved ones, it is still a crazy and dangerous world no matter where one is serving.

A brief conversation with any veteran after the thank you can be very rewarding to the veteran and yourself. Just start a conversation by saying, “I care, tell me where did you serve, what did you do?” All are proud for what they did to chip in. They understand that not all veterans are noble, heroes or noteworthy.

However, the majority are the great silent Americans sitting in diners, live next door to you, cut

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their lawn and you Frank DeSorbo only say thank you.

I’ve conversed briefly with some who do not want to talk or be reminded of their service.

I have always told them I never want to resurrect or recall bad feeling so I am sorry. You’d be surprised how they respond.

Many of the veterans only want the little corner of their world to know that they are noticed, proud and they made a difference in their life. Many times they refer to their parents, grandparents and uncles who served to make this country great. Try to go beyond the ‘Thank You for your Service’ you will hear the veterans stories sometime simple, heroic or just plain ‘I did my duty.’

Senior calendars Senior Services of Albany www.seniorservicesofalbany.com • Meals on Wheels: 20 Warren St., 465-6465 • Newgate Social Adult Day Services: 760 New Scotland Ave., 449-8035 • Westview Senior Center: 680 Central Ave., 482-2120 • Caregiver Connection/Caregiver Support: 694-3511 • Transportation: 434-4219 • Community Care Services Division: Case Assistance 435-1794, HIICAP 935-2307

Beacon Pointe

Memory Care Community

11 a.m. — Wii bowling Noon — Senior Dining lunch* 1 p.m. — Whamo

Tuesday Noon — Senior Dining lunch* 12:45 p.m. — Dominoes/ games

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. — Cards/ dominoes Noon — Senior Dining lunch* 12:30 p.m. — Group discussion 3:30 p.m. — Healthy Happy Hour (appetizers, games and music) 5 p.m. — Senior Dining dinner*

Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Celebrating Black History Month 10 a.m. — Sewing class Noon — Senior Dining lunch* 12:45 p.m. — Dominoes

Friday 10 a.m. — Sewing Noon — Senior Dining lunch* 12:30 p.m. — Sewing Po-Ke-No every Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.

Weekly events at Cohoes: Monday 9:30 a.m. — In-between bridge

Tuesday 10 a.m. — Healthy Bones for Life 1 p.m. — Silver Tops Choir Practice 3:30 p.m. — 1-on-1 Tech training 5 p.m. — Community Dining Dinner*

Wednesday

A truly different living community for the memory impaired · Assisted Living Memory Care · Beautiful and secure outdoor areas

· 24-hour care · Daily social, spiritual, physical & educational programs

Call today and see why Beacon Pointe Memory Care was named 2015 Best Assisted Living by Community News Readers Choice and SeniorAdvisor.com!

Call (518) 371-2200 for more information or to set up a tour.

1 EMMA LANE, CLIFTON PARK, NY 12065

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Monday

10 a.m. — Line dancing 10:30 a.m. — Wii bowling 11 a.m. — Tone & Stretch Noon — Community Dining Lunch*

w w w. b e a c o n p o i n te m e m o r y c a r e . c o m

10 a.m. — In-between bridge club Noon — Community Dinning Dinner*

Thursday 9 a.m. — Mah-Jongg 11 a.m. — Get the Lead Out! Noon — Community Dinning* 5:30 p.m. — Dinner & Bingo

Friday 9 a.m. — Pool crew Noon — Community Dinning Lunch* Call 482-2120 for more information about these programs or to make your dining reservation. Lunch reservations must be made by 1 p.m. the previous business day. Dinner reservations must be made by 11 a.m.

Wednesday.

• Senior Dining, an Albany County Congregate Meal Program, is funded in part by the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for Aging, the U.S. Administration on Aging and participant contributions.

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Weekly events at Westview:

APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 19

Senior calendars Albany JCC, Adult Department 340 Whitehall Road, Albany 438-6651, ext. 112 Claire Sigal, Program Director

Sixty-Plus Dining

Eye on the World

Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 to 6 p.m.

Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Full-course kosher dinners for those 60 and older. Reservations taken until 9:30 a.m. the day of the meal. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Guests under 60 pay $10.

A current events discussion group led by Bette Milstein.

There is a $2.25 suggested donation per session.

Fun and Fitness to the Songs of Broadway

Do you like to sing?

Thursdays 1 to 3 p.m.

Join our Senior Chorale for rehearsals and performances every Thursday.

Mixed Media Art Club

Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.

A fun and gentle 30-minute exercise class with instructor Richard Feldman. There is a $2.25 suggested donation at the door per session.

Mondays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This class, which runs

through March 27, welcomes all amateur artists. The cost is $5 per day. Classes are held in the Massry Senior Center.

Technology Lab Tuesday, April 25 4 to 6 p.m.

Teens tutor seniors about how to use your electronic devices (tablets, cell phones, laptop computers). Reservations are required in the senior adult office; limited enrollment.

Bring your device to the help session. There is a $5 suggested donation per session.

Beyond Basic Photography Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

April 5 through May 24

$69 members, $86 non members. Registration required by March 13 or before class fills.

Intermediate Acrylic Painting: Mondays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

April 24 through June 19 Instructor Colleen Connolly leads this class. The cost is $75 for JCC members and $88 for non members. Prepaid registration is required before class fills.

Mosaic Art Tuesday, May 9 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Instructor Christine Kleinegger teaches mosaic art. $70 For photography enthusiasts who want to take professional- ($55 for JCC Member) $10 supplies fee paid to instruclooking photos using DLSRs or mirrorless cameras. Instruc- tor at the first class. Prepaid tor: Ed Fritz. Resgistration fee: registration required.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Keep your child safe.

Put Your Event on our Monthly Calendar for Older Adults Does your organization have an event of interest to older adults? If so, we want to know about it!

Always put every medicine and vitamin up and away every time you use it. Also, program your poison control center’s number in your phone: 800.222.1222.

To learn more, visit UpandAway.org

20 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Events must be submitted via email to: jonasr@spotlightnews.com Deadline is the first of the month prior to publication (ie: January 1st for the February issue, February 1st for the March issue, etc.)

Listings must include date, time, location, contact information and any fees.

Please do not exceed 90 words per item listing.

If questions, please call Rob Jonas at 439-4949.

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60,000

More than young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking.

Senior calendars Troy Area Senior Service Center 19 Third St., Troy 270-5348

Activities Tai Chi — Class offered on Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.

Arts 4 Vets — Meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. People are invited to view the veterans’ art work. Veterans may join on any Tuesday.

Crafts — Every Thursday at 9 a.m.

Line Dancing — Join the Uncle Sam Sparklers every Thursday at 1 p.m. This class is for women.

Osteo Aerobics — Class meets every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Aerobics — Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

Lunch

…without the woes of homeownership!

55 and Better Active Adult Community

All working seniors age 60 and older are invited to come to the Troy Senior Center weekdays at noon for a nutritious, well-balanced meal. The suggested donation is $3. To make a reservation, call 2705348.

Community Notes True Wilderness DELMAR — A multimedia presentation will provide a glimpse of the Adirondacks in all four seasons.

Erik Schlimmer, author and creator of the 235-mile Trans Adirondack Route, shows an audience how New York state’s crown jewel of a nature preserve appears through his own eyes, Friday, April 28, at 2 p.m.

For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Free Resources for Job Seekers DELMAR — Learn about free alternatives to office software and where to find resume templates.

Sarah McFadden, of the Cornell Cooperative Exten-

sion of Rensselaer County, presents free resources that can help your application stand out. Event takes place at the Bethlehem Public Library, Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m.

Sign up is required. For more information, call 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Which Came First?

DELMAR — You’ve heard the question, now get the answer.

Meet a rooster and a hen while learning how an egg incubator works with environmental educator George Steele, at the Bethlehem Public Library, Saturday, April 29, at 2:15 p.m.

For all ages.

For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Coming Soon: BRAND NEW Community Clubhouse!

Private driveways Attached garages Private front porches Private rear patios Pet friendly community

24 hour emergency maintenance Trash removal Snow removal Gym membership All outdoor landscaping included

Visit our Model Cottage at 38 Provoost Place in Delmar (off Van Dyke Road) Open M–F 12-4PM; Sat 12–4PM; Sun 12–4PM. No appointment necessary!

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Haircuts The hairdresser will be here Monday, April 3, at 10 a.m.

Swimming — Every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club Bowling — Every Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the Uncle Sam Atrium.

Also, there is knitting and crocheting, bingo, Bible study, reminiscing groups, card games, billiards, blood pressure screening and more. New members age 60 and older are always welcome.

Enjoy the comforts of home…

689-0162 • TheSpinneyatVanDyke.com APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 21

Senior calendars

Voorheesville Public Library 51 School Road, Voorheesville 765-2791 www.voorheesvillelibrary.org

I

f you would like to showcase special events in our monthly publication, Please send them to us by the 5th of the month preceding publication.* MO

Thursday Afternoon Movies Thursdays April 6, 13, 20 and 27 Join us every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to watch a classic movie on our giant screen.

Check our website calendar for movie titles and descriptions.

Light refreshments served.

H NT

5

Nimblefingers Craft Group

*Based on space availability

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Email to: Rob Jonas at jonasr@spotlightnews.com

Tuesdays April 4, 11, 18 and 25 Bring your projects, socialize and connect with other crafters. Share your own special talents or learn a new knitting, crocheting, embroidery or quilting skill. All crafters are welcome to join the group, which meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. every Thursday.

Program Series: Racism Mondays April 3, 17 and 24 This program series will look at racism in the U.S. as a series of legal problems. We will discuss the key rights established by court rulings as well as legislation, and examine those rights in operation. Issues will be addressed in their historical context, and the workings of the legal system will be explored. The focus will be practical realities rather than theory. The program will be led by Stephan Haimowitz

( JD, Rutgers University, 1975) who has worked on a broad range of civil rights matters.

All programs begin at 7 p.m.

Topics include: Race and the Constituion: The Slow Road to Citizenship, Callenging Private Discrimination, and Criminal Justice Controversies.

‘Into Great Silence’ Wednesday, April 12 6:00 p.m.

Join local historian and author Dennis Sullivan for a viewing of this important documentary, a work of art depicting the everyday life of the Carthusian Order of monks.

Due to the length of the film, the viewing will start promptly at 6:00, and will include a light dinner. Pizza has been donated by Smith’s Tavern.

Dessert and beverages will be provided by the Friends of the Library. 162 minutes

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon Wednesday, April 26 7:00 p.m.

Take a tour of Bhutan, ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon.’

Learn about the dramatic landscapes, rich Buddhist culture and local cuisine through the photographs and stories of local resident Jerry Andritz.

Please register by phone at (518) 765-2791, online at www.voorhessvillelibrary.org, or in person.

Visit us on the web: cdseniorspotlight.com 22 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

Long Term Residential Care For Seniors In Our Private Homes

Welcome to our home.

Please come and visit us and see what we do ×rsthand. We look forward to developing this relationship, and for you to be a part of our caring home.

– Ginny Ludder Ludder’s Country Homes are private homes with a loving and caring atmosphere, which include: • Home cooked meals • 24/7 long term care • Private rooms • Recreational activities • Experienced staff • Memory care

LUDDER’S COUNTRY HOMES

A Caring Alternative For Your Loved Ones – Serving the Capital District DAYS 674-6087 • EVES 674-5369 • GINNY’S CELL 292-8423

PeterLudder@yahoo.com

www.LuddersCountryHomes.com

NYS Certified Excellent References Fully Insured

Offering FREE Educational Programs on Aging Related Topics Caregiving ) Housing ) Legal )

Technology ) Consumer Interest ) Professional Development )

In addition, Albany Guardian Society offers community forums with national speakers on topics of interest to seniors and caregivers of seniors. Topics include aging in place, Village collaboratives, and innovative approaches to senior care management.

Visit www.albanyguardiansociety.org to learn more about Albany Guardian Society and to sign up to receive emails about our programs and forums.

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CALL FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR DAY & OVERNIGHT RESPITE CARE

14 Corporate Woods Blvd., Suite 102, Albany, NY | 518-434-2140 | www.albanyguardiansociety.org APRIL 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 23

Live well. Age well.

Our independent living communities are designed for people 55+ who want to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle without all the hassles of home ownership. From snow removal to all those troublesome maintenance chores that seem to pop up every day.

At The Meadows at Glenwyck and The Summit at Saratoga, our unique Senior Engaged Life® (SEL) program — which encourages you to remain active enjoying everything from regular speakers and outings to Pilates and cooking classes — is included in your rent.

Additional community highlights include: 8 Mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 715 to 1,225 square feet 8 Transportation services 8 24-hour maintenance service 8 Balconies/patios for all apartments 8 Full-size washers and dryers 8 24-hour emergency call and fire detection system

150 Dutch Meadows Lane Glenville, NY 12302 MeadowsAtGlenwyck.com 518-280-7340 24 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — APRIL 2017

1 Perry Road Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 SummitSaratoga.com 518-430-2136

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