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Finding joy again after a loss By Glenda C. Booth Rebecca Gregory fell in love with ballroom dancing after she became a widow. It took her four years after her husband’s death to find a passion, but she’s glad she did. “I started the next chapter,” she said, and it has been “very therapeutic.” Gregory’s advice to others who have lost a partner: “Don’t get stuck. Try things you’ve never tried before that maybe you did not have the courage to try…It’s okay to still find joy even while grieving. It does not have to be one or the other.” Every marriage ends one way or another. “Among those 75 years or older who had ever married, 58% of women and 28% of men had experienced the death of a spouse in their lifetime,” reports the U.S. Census Bureau. In fact, there were 3.7 million widowed men and 11.48 million widowed women in the country in 2022, according to the datagathering platform Statista. Widowed women outnumber widowed men because women, on average, live longer than men.

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Coping with loss Losing a spouse can take a lasting psychological and physical toll on men and women alike. “At some point, accept what happened so you can start to heal,” counsels Gregory, a resident of Howard County, Maryland. “If you don’t accept it, you’ll stay stuck. And don’t feel guilty about moving forward.” Getting used to being a single again can be a challenge — from keeping the car running, to cooking for one, to having a social life. At first, it can feel like an emotional tsunami. “Grief is a whole-body experience,” said Elena Keller, who lost her spouse. She is now executive director of Widow Care, a nonprofit based in Rockville, Maryland.

After his wife Marty passed away in 2017, Steven Ditmeyer, right, of Fairfax County, grew closer to his son, David, who lives with him. Steve’s daughter helped the pair adjust. Local widows and widowers can find solace in support groups, both in-person and virtual, as well as through social groups and family ties.

“There’s a reason why you are simply fatigued all the time. You’re also easily confused and forgetful; it’s called ‘widow’s fog.’ “Your brain is trying to comprehend something that doesn’t make sense. Your entire body is working very hard just so you can survive another day,” Keller said. Some find it hard to concentrate or read, for example. Others lose their appetite or have trouble sleeping.

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Support groups are helpful Fortunately, there are many resources for widowed people, from counselors to support groups to online meetings to religious institutions. Talking about your symptoms with others who are grieving can help. Widow Care leads free support groups on Zoom,

Sc a n to G Ke ys to H e t You r a ppi ne ss

See SINGLES, page 25

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Hidden pockets of peace in London; plus, dine in another era in D.C.’s historic restaurants, and the perks of premium economy page 20 FITNESS & HEALTH k Why are yawns contagious? k Coping with constant coughs

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Up for the challenge As editor of the Beacon, and an advocate care of other family members. You might think, “But if I’m for older adults throughout caring for my spouse/parthe area, I spend a good part ent/child, that’s because it’s of my day reading and thinkwhat I should do. Why would I ing about the short- and longwant to turn that loving care term challenges that face us into a paid job?” as individuals and confront Well, for one thing, it’s probour rapidly aging society as a ably one of the most challengwhole. ing jobs that exists! And those Sometimes these can feel who offer caregiving often like intractable problems, and don’t take the time to care when that happens, it can get enough for themselves, leaddispiriting. FROM THE ing to burnout and, all too freF o r t u n a t e l y, I g e t t o PUBLISHER recharge my enthusiasm By Stuart P. Rosenthal quently, serious illness of the caregiver. And that, of course, every December by attending the “What’s Next Longevity Innovation is not very helpful to the one being cared for. Perhaps giving caregivers some extra Summit” in Washington, D.C., where more than 200 of the country’s brightest and most money that they could use to hire respite creative entrepreneurs come to share the care or take advantage of adult day care technology and business ideas they are de- centers — services that would give them a veloping to improve the lives of older adults. break now and then — would actually reHere’s a quick overview of some of the sult in more and better care overall. Government insurance (Medicare and most interesting statistics, technologies and insights I heard there. While most of Medicaid), as well as private insurance comthese don’t qualify as news, it was good to panies, are very interested in this model behear that creative minds are using this cause keeping the insured out of long-term care institutions and staying as healthy as knowledge to generate a better future. A number of speakers (and others in the possible at home results in long-term cost audience I met and spoke with) are work- savings for them (and us taxpayers). In addition, technologies are out there ing to address the acute caregiver shortage. One of the most intriguing solutions today that utilize sensors and artificial intelthat came up again and again was the idea ligence (AI) — sometimes aided by roundof compensating family members for the the-clock human oversight — to help edu-

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The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

cate family (and professional) caregivers, answer their questions on the spot, enable health practitioners to track the condition of their loved ones and intervene when necessary, and even predict if someone is likely to fall soon or is heading for a heart attack. One hopes that the more such products we have, and the more affordable they become as competition heats up, the better off we’ll be despite the rising need for and serious dearth of professional caregivers today. For those ready to move to an older adult community, this may be pertinent. Though it may seem that construction on new senior housing is going nonstop, nationally it turns out that “availability is shrinking faster than new buildout,” according to Lisa McCracken, head of research and analytics at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care. Occupancy of senior housing units is now at record highs, she reported. Across all senior housing, she estimates an additional 100,000 units will be needed each year starting in 2024 to keep pace with the need. Some of the builders and housing communities at the event spoke about ways they are blending new technology with hands-on care to address the needs of their current residents and build new, state-of-the-art communities. Several speakers addressed the growing needs of those at the margins of society. Ryan Elza of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, a part of HHS, said that half of today’s unhoused people are older adults. And that their number is expected to triple between now and 2030 to 2.4 million. He further noted that the shelters offered to the unhoused are not designed for older adults and often can’t accommodate them. Meanwhile, Jean Accius, the CEO of Creating Healthier Communities, shared the shocking statistic that the current life expectancy of a typical resident of the affluent Washington neighborhood of Georgetown is 97, while the life expectancy of those living just a few miles away in the Anacostia neighborhood is only 65. He touched on several ways to help

close the gap, including such simple steps as meeting the people where they are by bringing mobile health services into the neighborhoods that currently lack sufficient medical care facilities. What about robots? You’ve probably read about the wide variety of robotic products on the market, including here in the Beacon. There are animatronic pets (cats that meow, turn their head, turn over for you to scratch their belly and more) that dementia patients, in particular, find deeply comforting. Other robot-like or tablet-based products engage their owners in conversation, check on them periodically during the day, remind them to take their meds or turn off the stove, etc. You and I might think such items would drive us insane, especially if we found ourselves looking forward to a nice “chat” with our robot. But long-term studies are seeing incredibly positive results with older adults. One robot called ElliQ produced improved health and a reduction in perceived isolation in more than 90% of users. The robotic pets from Joy for All were found to reduce not only their owners’ loneliness but even their pain. No doubt the explosive popularity of ChatGPT over the last few months will prove the point as more and more of us become comfortable with AI interlocutors. I’m just getting started, and I’m already out of space. But I think you get the idea. People are aware of the serious problems we face with insufficient caregivers, far too few geriatricians, rising homelessness and an “epidemic of loneliness,” to quote the Surgeon General. But others are working hard to tackle these challenges, drawing attention from governments and investors who want to reduce costs and improve lives. If you met and heard some of these (usually, but not always) young inventors and entrepreneurs talk, you would probably feel a lot better about the future. I know I do.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Mr. Rosenthal: Congratulations! The Montgomery County Commission on Aging (CoA) has selected you to receive its “Community for a Lifetime Award” for 2023 in recognition of your work as the publisher of the Beacon newspaper. The CoA was established by Montgomery County to advise the County government on the needs, interests and issues of older adult residents. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for

older adults in the county, irrespective of their abilities, income levels or backgrounds. Your exceptional efforts align perfectly with this mission, earning you this well-deserved recognition. Your commitment shines through as you tirelessly produce the Beacon each month, covering a diverse range of important topics; also, by producing the 50+ Expo each year with hundreds See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, page 29

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Health Fitness &

NOT IN MY PANTRY Don’t store peanut butter, maple syrup or mustard in the pantry; best to refrigerate ATE THE WHOLE THING Try natural remedies like mastic gum or aloe vera gel to soothe acid reflux FREE COVID TESTS, TELEHEALTH New federal Test2Treat offers Covid and flu tests and at-home appointments WINTER BLUES A light box, therapy and exercise can help fight seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Neanderthal DNA still lives on inside us By Laura Ungar and Maddie Burakoff Neanderthals live on within us. These ancient human cousins, and others called Denisovans, once lived alongside our early Homo sapiens ancestors. They mingled and had children. We now know that some of who they were never went away — it’s in our genes. And science is starting to reveal just how much that shapes us. Using the new and rapidly improving ability to piece together fragments of ancient DNA, scientists are finding that traits inherited from our ancient cousins are still with us now, affecting our fertility, our immune systems, even how our bodies handled the Covid-19 virus. “We’re now carrying [their] genetic legacies and learning about what that means for our bodies and our health,” said Mary Prendergast, a Rice University archeologist. In the past few months alone, researchers have linked Neanderthal DNA to a serious hand disease, the shape of people’s noses and various other human traits. They even inserted a gene carried by Neanderthals and Denisovans into mice to

investigate its effects on biology and found it gave them larger heads and an extra rib. Much of the human journey remains a mystery. But Dr. Hugo Zeberg of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden said new technologies, research and collaborations are helping scientists begin to answer the basic but cosmic questions: “Who are we? Where did we come from?” And the answers point to a profound reality: We have far more in common with our extinct cousins than we ever thought.

Locating the legacy Until recently, the genetic legacy from ancient humans was invisible because scientists were limited to what they could glean from the shape and size of bones. But there has been a steady stream of discoveries from ancient DNA, an area of study pioneered by Nobel Prize winner Svante Paabo, who first pieced together a Neanderthal genome. Advances in finding and interpreting ancient DNA have allowed scientists to see things like genetic changes over time to better adapt to environments or through

random chance. It’s even possible to figure out how much genetic material people from different regions carry from the ancient relatives our predecessors encountered. Research shows some African populations have almost no Neanderthal DNA, while those from European or Asian backgrounds have 1% to 2%. Denisovan DNA is barely detectable in most parts of the world, but makes up 4% to 6% of the DNA of people in Melanesia, which extends from New Guinea to the Fiji Islands. That may not sound like much, but it adds up: Even though only 100,000 Neanderthals ever lived, “half of the Neanderthal genome is still around, in small pieces scattered around modern humans,” said Zeberg, who collaborates closely with Paabo.

Good and bad elements It’s also enough to affect us in very real ways. Scientists don’t yet know the full extent, but they’re learning it can be both helpful and harmful. For example, Neanderthal DNA has been linked to autoimmune diseases like

Graves’ disease and rheumatoid arthritis. When Homo sapiens came out of Africa, they had no immunity to diseases in Europe and Asia. But Neanderthals and Denisovans already living there did. “By interbreeding with them, we got a quick fix to our immune systems, which was good news 50,000 years ago,” said Chris Stringer, a human evolution researcher at the Natural History Museum in London. On the other hand, “The result today is, for some people, that our immune systems are oversensitive, and sometimes they turn on themselves.” In 2020, research by Zeberg and Paabo found that a major genetic risk factor for severe Covid-19 is inherited from Neanderthals. “We compared it to the Neanderthal genome, and it was a perfect match,” Zeberg said. “I kind of fell off my chair.” The following year, they found a set of DNA variants along a single chromosome inherited from Neanderthals had the opposite effect: protecting people from severe Covid. The list goes on: Research has linked See NEANDERTHALS, page 5

Why noses run and a yawn is contagious By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. There are certain things our bodies do so often and so automatically that we barely notice them. Yawning, growling stomachs and runny noses are good examples. Each is a universal part of our daily human experience. But did you ever wonder why? Below are a few things we know and a few we suspect.

Why do we yawn? Perhaps you associate yawning only with being tired or bored. While we don’t know exactly why people yawn, there’s no shortage of theories. Yawning may: • stretch out our lungs and nearby tissues, preventing tiny airways in the lungs from collapsing. • distribute a chemical called surfactant, a gooey liquid that coats the tiny air pockets in the lungs and helps keep them open. • help prepare our bodies for transitions between wakefulness and rest. For example, yawning often occurs after a period of relaxation and when awakening from sleep. And it may serve as an internal sig-

nal that it’s time to sleep or time to take a break from activities (such as driving). • play a role in maintaining proper brain temperature: Our brain functions best within a narrow range of temperatures. Some experts believe yawning can help cool the brain through complex effects on nearby circulation and the sinuses. It’s also unclear why yawning is contagious. In the animal kingdom, it’s common to see contagious yawning among members of a group, perhaps as a signal for collective behavior (such as moving from activity to rest).

branes, and that leads to increased production and release of fluid and mucus. As with infection, this response may be helpful to dilute the offending trigger and rid it from the area. • Cold, dry air. The inside surface of the nose is covered with mucous membranes that warm and humidify air well before it reaches the lungs. When you inhale dry, cold air through your nose, these membranes humidify the air by secreting water and mucus. • Spicy foods. Spices like capsaicin act as an irritant to the sinuses and mucous membranes, which release fluid in response.

Why does your nose run? Sometimes it can seem like your nose is running for no reason. But there are some well-known triggers, such as: • Infection. When you have a cold, mucous membranes produce more mucus as part of your defense system: More mucus flowing out means fewer germs getting in. • Allergies. Pollen, ragweed and other triggers stimulate immune cells that produce histamine. Histamine opens up blood vessels just beneath the mucous mem-

Why does your stomach growl? That rumbling in your stomach is known medically as borborygmi — an excellent Scrabble word. We usually assume it reflects hunger. And it’s true that the experience of hunger can make itself heard in anticipation of a meal. But your stomach may also growl after a meal when the stomach and intestines propel liquids and food through the digestive tract. Stress can also trigger stomach rumbling.

What’s causing all that noise — and is it ever a problem? It may be due to gas moving around in response to muscular contractions of the intestinal walls. Occasionally, noises from the abdomen may be a sign of an intestinal infection or other trouble. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as pain or fever, check in with your doctor. But the vast majority of noises are harmless and a sign that your gut is working normally. So, some of the most common everyday human experiences are also some of the least understood. There are many other examples, of course: Why are we ticklish? What purpose do hiccups serve? What’s the deal with brain freeze? It’s likely there are very good reasons for the way our bodies work — even when we don’t know what those reasons are. Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is a senior faculty editor and Editorial Advisory Board member for Harvard Health Publishing. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Items you should never store in a pantry By Casey Barber Sometimes you don’t see the fine print “refrigerate after opening” on the jar’s label. Or you grew up with the peanut butter in the pantry and never thought anything of it. But we can be smarter about how we store things. If you keep these common ingredients refrigerated or frozen, you’ll cut down on food waste and keep these kitchen staples fresher longer. Here are more suggestions.

1. Nuts: The natural oils in nuts can turn rancid when exposed to warm temperatures, giving them an unpleasantly stale taste. And when exposed to moisture, nuts can harbor unsafe bacteria as well. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a year. This goes for tree nuts, peanuts and seeds like pine nuts, too. 2. Maple syrup: If you’re buying pure maple syrup and not one of those sugary “pancake syrup” blends, do yourself a

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favor and keep it in the fridge. The cold temperatures inhibit mold growth and keep the flavor fresh. 3. Cold-pressed oils: To prolong the shelf life of oils labeled “cold-pressed,” keep them in the refrigerator. Because of the low-heat method used to extract the oil, they may spoil at warm temperatures. Also, be mindful of garlic-infused olive oil; it can develop dangerous botulism when stored at room temperature. 4. Cured meats: Sealed cured meats may be displayed at the supermarket at room temperature, but once opened, they should go straight into the fridge. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic to keep air away from the meat, and store in the cheese drawer or another spot away from light. 5. Fish sauce: While fish sauce can technically be stored for up to six months in a cool, dark place, warm temperatures are not its friend: Gas can build up inside the bottle. Keep fish sauce capped in the refrigerator to prevent any aroma from penetrating the pantry. 6. Mustard: Whether whole grain, Dijon or your favorite variety, mustard won’t maintain its strong flavor for more than a month at room temperature after the jar’s been opened. Keeping it in the fridge will help that flavor last up to a year.

7. Peanut butter: Like whole nuts, the natural oils in peanut butter and other nut butters can go stale and rancid when left in the pantry. The cool temps of the refrigerator will not only keep these products fresh, but also help stabilize those oils so you won’t have to stir them back in as frequently. 8. Bread: Sick of bread going stale before you can finish the loaf? Keep it in the freezer! Wrap whole or pre-sliced loaves in wax paper and foil to prevent them from drying out — this goes for all types of bread, from sourdough boules to baguettes to bagels. Frozen bread thaws quickly in the refrigerator, or simply toast slices or pieces directly from the freezer. 9. Chocolate: Storing blocks or bars of chocolate in the fridge or freezer can help prolong their shelf life, but be careful. Chocolate should not be exposed to moisture, so wrap it very well and make sure it’s in an airtight container. Thaw frozen chocolate in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before using in recipes. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. © 2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Neanderthals From page 3 Neanderthal genetic variants to skin and hair color, behavioral traits, skull shape and Type 2 diabetes. One study found that people who report feeling more pain than others are likely to carry a Neanderthal pain receptor. Another found that a third of women in Europe inherited a Neanderthal receptor for the hormone progesterone, which is associated with increased fertility and fewer miscarriages. Scientists have even found evidence of “ghost populations” —— groups whose fossils have yet to be discovered — within modern humans’ genetic code.

So, why did we survive?

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with fire, made art objects, had sophisticated tools and hunting behavior, and even wore makeup and jewelry. Several theories now tie our survival to our ability to travel far and wide. “We spread all over the world, much more than these other forms did,” Zeberg said. While Neanderthals were specially adapted to cold climates, Potts said, Homo sapiens were able to disperse to all different kinds of climates after emerging in tropical Africa. “We are so adaptable, culturally adaptable, to so many places in the world,” he said. Meanwhile, Neanderthals and Denisovans faced harsh conditions in the north, like repeated ice ages and ice sheets that likely trapped them in small areas. They lived in smaller populations with a greater risk of genetic collapse. Plus, we had nimble, efficient bodies, Prendergast said. It takes a lot more calories to feed stocky Neanderthals than comparatively skinny Homo sapiens, so Neanderthals had more trouble getting by and moving around, especially when food got scarce. By around 30,000 years ago, all the other kinds of hominins on Earth had died off, leaving Homo sapiens as the last humans standing. As they delve deeper into humanity’s genetic legacy, scientists expect to find even more evidence of how much we mixed with our ancient cousins and all they left us. “Perhaps,” Zeberg said, “we should not see them as so different.” —AP

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In the past, the tale of modern humans’ survival “was always told as some success story, almost like a hero’s story,” in which Homo sapiens rose above the rest of the natural world and overcame the “insufficiencies” of their cousins, said Rick Potts, director of the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian Institution. “That simply is just not the correct story.” Neanderthals and Denisovans had already existed for thousands of years by the time Homo sapiens left Africa. Scientists used to think we won out because we had more complex behavior and superior technology. But recent research shows that Neanderthals talked, cooked

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Help for nagging cough; coping with grief By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I can’t shake this dr y cough. It’s been more than a month. Otherwise, I feel OK. Do I need to worr y, and what can I do to help relieve it? A: First, I want to know if you were ever a smoker and whether you had cold symptoms or COVID-19 before the cough began. When someone has a cough lasting longer than five to six weeks, and perhaps even sooner for smokers, I usually order a chest x-ray or CT scan to check for an underlying lung problem. It’s common to still have a cough for weeks after a viral upper respiratory infection. After the infection is long gone, inflamed tissues and hypersensitive nerves can persist in the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) or bronchi (airways). These changes can last for much longer than people realize. In addition to a nagging cough, many people also develop wheezing. In these cases, I usually prescribe an albuterol inhaler (Proventil, Ventolin, generic versions) to use as needed. Adults can take up to two puffs every four to six hours. If this does not control the cough, sometimes an inhaler that contains a corticosteroid can be added. Coughing also can be a side effect of medications, particularly ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, others)

or enalapril (Vasotec), that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. The other common causes of a persistent cough in a nonsmoker with clear lungs and a normal chest x-ray are postnasal drip, acid reflux and undiagnosed asthma. Sometimes, people don’t have typical symptoms associated with these conditions. For example, a person might not have nasal congestion yet still have postnasal drip. Acid reflux can cause a cough without heartburn. And sometimes, people with asthma don’t notice wheezing. When there are no clues to the possible cause of a chronic cough, I often first recommend a decongestant, with or without an antihistamine, to treat possible postnasal drip. If that doesn’t help, address the possibility of acid reflux. This includes not lying down for three hours after eating, eating smaller meals, and taking a proton-pump inhibitor like omeprazole (Prilosec). If these approaches don’t help, additional diagnostic tests may be needed. These could include breathing tests to detect undiagnosed asthma or checking for acid in the upper esophagus. Many over-the-counter cold products claim to reduce cough. If you try a cough suppressant, look for one that contains the ingredient dextromethorphan. While clinical study results are mixed, most studies

suggest it decreases cough compared with a placebo. Q: I tend to hold on to grief. What steps can I take to ease the pain? A: We associate grief most commonly with the passing of a family member, friend or pet. But it can also arise if someone you know suffers a permanent healthrelated setback, such as dementia, stroke or cancer diagnosis. Grief can also occur from sudden changes in health or important life events, like a recent move or the end of a relationship, or after witnessing traumatic events, such as what is happening in the Middle East conflict. No matter the source, grief can cause deep emotional and physical pain. Grief can manifest as any combination of sadness, hopelessness, depression, numbness, anger and guilt. It also can trigger problems like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Going through the grieving process is essential to healing, no matter how long it lasts. The first step is to allow yourself to grieve. Don’t keep it inside and hope it goes away. Other strategies can help you navigate through your grief. For example: Do community outreach. If your grief is related to someone’s death, reach out to their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Learning more about the per-

son from others and sharing stories helps everyone through the process. Plus, you can fill the role of listener, which is so helpful for other grieving people. Talk it out. Talking about feelings can be challenging. Yet it’s often the best way to confront grief. It can help to open up to a close friend or someone else you trust. Or you may wish to consult with a professional therapist. Explore spirituality. Spirituality can be a powerful healing tool no matter what form it takes. Thinking about the natural course of life and death can be quite transformative. Eat well. Having a well-balanced diet can help you withstand the stress of grieving. That means eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, and drinking plenty of water. Take your medications. Grief makes people more vulnerable to illness, so it’s vital that you keep taking your regular medications. Get enough sleep. Grief can make you feel exhausted, but it’s important to keep a regular sleep schedule. If you feel tired during the day, a 20-minute afternoon nap can help. Exercise daily. Stick to your regular exercise routine or any movement like walking, cycling or yoga. ©2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Center Stage Lifestyle. C O M P L I M E N TA RY E V E N T S F O R P O S I T I V E AG I N G. Rockville’s most interesting 62+ community invites you to LifeLAB events at Ring House, part of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC). After the event, join us for a tour to see how Ring House empowers lifelong learners to live their best lives at any age or stage. With the stylish comforts of a boutique hotel, Ring House residents receive proactive wellness and discreet health services in an enriching environment dedicated to the arts and positive aging. Join us at one (or all) of our LifeLAB events.

C U T T H E C L U T T E R W E B I N A R | W E D N E S DAY, F E B. 7 • 10–11 A .M. T H E F I R E O F TA N G O: A PA S S I O N AT E P E R F O R M A N C E | W E D N E S DAY, F E B. 14 • 4:30–6:30 P.M. F O R AG I N G F R E E D O M: E N D U R A N C E , E S C A P E A N D T H E U N D E R G R O U N D R A I L R OA D W E D N E S DAY, F E B. 21 • 11 A .M.–12:30 P.M.

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Acid reflux is common; so are remedies My son, Michael, a lover of spicy ously recalled as ranitidine. cuisines, once accepted a taco-eating chalPepcid AC (Famotidine): Reduces acid lenge in Orlando. After conproduction and is suitable for suming 20-something street persistent symptoms. Requires tacos complete with spicy caution for kidney problems. salsa, he felt the aftermath, Pepcid Complete: Comleading him to seek antacids. bines Famotidine with calcium But acid reflux doesn’t only carbonate and magnesium hyaffect food contestants. droxide for immediate and longIn fact, approximately 20% lasting relief. Not for chronic of Americans suffer from gasGERD without medical advice. troesophageal reflux disease Nexium (Esomeprazole): (GERD), a more severe form DEAR A proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) of acid reflux. Symptoms vary PHARMACIST reducing acid production, defrom heartburn and regurgi- By Suzy Cohen signed for long-term treatment. tation to dental erosion. A However, long-term use risks study also indicates that people with celiac magnesium deficiency and bone fractures. disease may experience more GERD. Mylanta: Mixes antacids and alginic acid When choosing an acid reducer, consid- for quick relief and stomach protection. Cauer both traditional and natural options. It’s tion for interactions with other medications. important to understand each option’s Prilosec (Omeprazole): Another PPI mechanism and suitability to your condition for treating GERD and ulcers, suitable for and to speak to a practitioner in the know. chronic conditions. Long-term use can lead Here’s a brief overview of both types of to vitamin B12 deficiency and kidney disease. treatments. Protonix (Pantoprazole): A prescription drug effective for severe acid reflux and esophageal damage. Similar precauTraditional antacids TUMS (Calcium Carbonate): Offers tions as other PPIs. quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid, Zegerid OTC (Omeprazole with Sodiideal for mild heartburn. People with kid- um Bicarbonate): Combines PPI with an ney issues should use caution. antacid for immediate and sustained relief. Zantac: Now contains famotidine, previ- Caution for those on a low-sodium diet.

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Natural alternatives Mastic gum: Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, suitable for mild symptoms. You should avoid if allergic to tree sap. Zinc carnosine: This is not the same supplement as chelated zinc, which is used to increase levels of zinc in the body. Zinc carnosine supports the gut lining and is ideal for GI problems and acid reflux. Marshmallow root: Offers protective mucilage, ideal for gentle relief. Not recommended for diabetics or those on diuretics. I have a YouTube video of me making this infusion if you want to find it. Aloe vera gel supplements: These can soothe the stomach lining and are ideal for gastrointestinal discomfort. Use juice prepared for internal use only and start

with smaller amounts to gauge tolerability. Apple cider vinegar: Balances stomach acidity, suitable for mild symptoms. Must be diluted, not for ulcers or esophagitis. The best thing to do, of course, is to avoid trigger foods like spicy tacos and citrus items. Eating smaller portions and avoiding heavy meals before exercise can also help. For a longer version of this article, see my website, suzycohen.com. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

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Health Shorts Return of free Covid tests, telemed visits Last month, the federal government expanded the Home Test to Treat program — a virtual health program that offers free Covid-19 health services including athome rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments. Home Test to Treat, which is a collaboration of the National Institutes of Health, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, launched as a pilot in select locations earlier this year.

With its expansion, the Home Test to Treat program will now offer nationwide free testing, telehealth and treatment for both Covid-19 and for influenza (flu) A and B. It is the first public health program that includes home-testing technology at such a scale for both Covid-19 and the flu. The program provides Pfizer’s Covid-19 & Flu Home Test, the first FDA-authorized test that can detect both viruses in a single test at home. For people who test positive, treatment must begin soon after the onset of symptoms. Test to Treat provides these services virtually, while individuals remain at home, to expedite the time to treatment and the convenience of accessing services virtually from home. Any adult (18 years and older) with a current positive test for Covid-19 or the flu can enroll to receive free telehealth care and, if

Montgomery County Transit: Over 80 bus routes, one purpose – serving the community Seniors (65+) Ride Free All the Time For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Additional information is available at RideOnBus.com or by subscribing to Ride On news releases and alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery and/or receiving text alerts by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

prescribed, medication delivered to their home. Adults who do not have Covid-19 or the flu may enroll and receive free tests if they are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. If recipients test positive at a future time, they can receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, treatment. For more information or to obtain help, visit test2treat.org or call 1-800-682-2829. —National Institutes of Health

Ironically, excessive fear of illness raises risk of death A large Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about their health. Hypochondriasis, now called illness anxiety disorder, is a rare condition with symptoms that go beyond average health worries. People with the disorder are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests. Some may change doctors repeatedly. Others may avoid medical care. “Many of us are mild hypochondriacs. But there are also people on the other extreme of the spectrum who live in a perpetual state of worry and suffering and rumination about having a serious illness,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert of Montefiore Medical Center in New York. People with the disorder are suffering, and “it’s important to take it seriously and to treat it,” said Alpert, who was not involved in the new study. Treatment can involve cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques,

education and sometimes antidepressant medication. The researchers found that people with the diagnosis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide. Chronic stress and its impact on the body could explain some of the difference, the authors wrote. Older research had suggested the risk of suicide might be lower for people with the condition, but “our hunch, based on clinical experience, was that this would be incorrect,” said David Mataix-Cols, of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who led the recent research. In the study, the risk of suicide death was four times higher for the people with the diagnosis. They looked at 4,100 people diagnosed with hypochondriasis and matched them with 41,000 people similar in age, sex and county of residence. They used a measurement called person years, which accounts for the number of people and how long they were tracked. Overall death rates were higher in the people with hypochondriasis, 8.5 versus 5.5 per 1,000 person years. People with the condition died younger than the others, a mean age of 70 versus 75. Their risk of death from circulatory and respiratory diseases was higher. Cancer was an exception; the risk of death was about the same. Referring an excessively anxious patient to mental health professionals takes care, said Alpert, who leads the American Psychiatric Association’s council on research. Patients can be offended, because they feel they’re being accused of imagining symptoms. “It takes a great deal of respect and sensitivity conveyed to patients that this itself is a kind of condition, that it has a name,” Alpert said. “And, fortunately, there are good treatments.” —AP

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Variety of ways to ease the winter blues Dear Savvy Senior, If you have SAD, here are several treatWhat can you tell me about seasonal ment options and remedies that can help: affective disorder? I’ve always disliked winter, but Light therapy since I retired and am The most effective treathome a lot more, the gray, ment for SAD is sitting in front cold winter months make of a specialized light therapy me feel really blue. box for 20 to 30 minutes a day —Sad Sam within the first hour of waking Dear Sam, up in the morning. Light theraIf you get depressed in the py mimics outdoor light to winter but feel better in spring cause a change in brain chemiand summer, you may indeed cals linked to mood. have seasonal affective disor- SAVVY SENIOR While you can buy a light der (SAD) — a wintertime de- By Jim Miller box without a prescription, it’s pression that affects roughly best to use it under the guid5% of Americans. ance of a healthcare provider and follow the In most cases, SAD is related to the loss manufacturer’s guidelines. Most health inof sunlight in the winter months. Reduced surance plans do not cover the cost. sunlight can upset natural sleep-wake cyThe best light therapy lamps provide cles and other circadian rhythms that can 10,000 lux of illumination, many times affect the body. It can also cause a drop in stronger than typical indoor light, and the brain chemical serotonin, which af- have a diffuser screen that filters out ultrafects mood, and can increase the levels of violet rays and projects downward toward the hormone melatonin, which can make the eyes. [For more about this, see “SADyou feel more tired and lethargic. der in the winter? Try light therapy” in the If you think you may have SAD, a trip to November Beacon.] your doctor’s office is the best way to diagSome top-rated light therapy products nose it, or you can take a SAD “self-assess- include the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus ment” test at the Center for Environmen- Bright Lamp ($145); Northern Light Techtal Therapeutics website at CET.org/as- nology Boxelite-OS ($205); and the budgetsessments. friendly Verilux HappyLight Luxe ($70), all

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(PsychologyToday.com/us/therapists/ cognitive-behavioral-cbt).

Cognitive behavioral therapy Even though SAD is considered to be a biological problem, identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns can help alleviate symptoms, too. To help you with this, choose a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and who has experience in treating SAD. To locate someone in your area, Psychology Today offers a search tool

Antidepressants Some people with SAD benefit from antidepressant treatments, too. Some proven medications to ask your doctor about are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the extended-release antidepressant bupropion. See WINTER BLUES, page 11

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Make room in your diet for tiny flaxseeds By Lori Zanteson Not so long ago, flaxseed was trending high on the health food scene. If this superfood has fallen off your radar in recent years, now’s the time to bring it back and find room for flax in your diet and your pantry. This tiny seed is mighty in nutritional value and is associated with several health benefits. “Flaxseeds provide dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens called lignans, all powerful components for good health,” according to Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, author of From Burnout to Balance. They also happen to be versatile, affordable and tasty. The Latin name for flaxseed, known as linseed in Europe, is Linum usitatissi-

mum, which means “very useful.” One of the oldest cultivated crops, flaxseed was utilized by ancient civilizations as both food and medicine to treat things like intestinal issues. The two varieties available today are brown and yellow (or golden). Both are sold as whole flaxseeds, milled flaxseed meal or flour, and flaxseed oil. Flaxseeds provide the most nutrition when they’re ground. (In the U.S., linseed oil, which is derived from flax, is an ingredient in paints and varnish and is used to treat wood. It’s not safe for human consumption.)

Nutrition A one-tablespoon serving of ground

flaxseed provides a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, copper, manganese and iron. A single serving of this tiny seed also delivers healthy fats, protein, health-promoting plant compounds, as well as two grams of dietary fiber (about 5% of the recommended daily value for men and 8% for women). Each seed contains two types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, which help promote healthy digestion. Soluble fiber slows digestion, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and help lower cholesterol. Insoluble fiber increases bulk to the stool, which may help prevent constipation and support regular bowel movements. Flaxseeds are the richest plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that research shows may have a positive impact on the heart and help prevent cardiovascular disease. It’s also one of the richest plant sources of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that is being studied for its antioxidant and anticancer potential.

Health benefits ®

Flaxseeds, due to their composition of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, protein and soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

According to a review of studies published this year in the journal Healthcare, flaxseed supplementation significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The same review cites studies that support the role of flaxseed in lowering blood pressure, another risk factor for CVD. A rich source of dietary fiber, flaxseeds have been shown to improve digestive health, including preventing constipation and promoting regularity. Even flaxseed oil, from which fiber has been removed, may play a role in constipation prevention, research shows. The soluble fiber in flaxseed may also have a beneficial effect on gut microbiota, particularly in the prevention of overweight and obesity, due to increased excretion of fecal fat, as well as weight management by reducing feelings of hunger and overall appetite. Flaxseed lignans, which have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, may play a role in the prevention and treatment of several types of cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. They have been linked with the reversal of early cancer and the inSee FLAXSEEDS, page 11

Getting Older With Eric Stewart Finally! A radio show where we explore together how to navigate the transition we are all facing. Get good advice for how to age with grace, and make the best financial and housing decisions for your future.

Tune in every Sunday morning from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on WMAL 105.9 FM or go to WMAL.com/Eric-Stewart-Show to listen anytime. I’m Eric Stewart. When you are considering aging in place or rightsizing your home to an apartment or retirement community, our Seniors Solutions Team is here to provide you with everything you need. I look forward to speaking with you! Beacon readers may call me on my personal cell phone at (301) 252-1697 For more information about the Eric Stewart Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, visit www.EricStewartGroup.com 301.424.0900

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Flaxseeds From page 10 hibition of tumor growth and disease progression.

How to enjoy flax Because flaxseed in all forms is high in omega-3 fatty acids, it can turn rancid when exposed to heat, light or air. It’s best to refrigerate or freeze the seeds or meal for best quality and longest life. Store oil in an opaque container in a cool, dry place.

Winter blues From page 9 Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to notice the full benefits of an antidepressant. In addition, you may have to try different medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.

For optimal nutrition, grind whole flaxseeds with a spice or coffee grinder before using. Or simply purchase it already milled into flax meal or flour and keep it in the refrigerator. In this way, it can be used the same way as other seeds and flours. Flaxseed is also a star ingredient in whole grain breads and crackers, cereals, energy bars and snack foods. Bannan recommends enjoying its nutty flavor by mixing a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into warm or cold cereals, adding them to baked goods — like muffins, pan-

cakes and cookies — and blending them into a smoothie or yogurt. Try flaxseed oil, which is pressed from whole flaxseeds, to make salad dressing, pesto and dips, or as a finishing oil for vegetable side dishes. (Flaxseed oil has a very low smoke point, so it’s not ideal for cooking.) While it’s a good source of omega-3s,

flaxseed oil does not have the fiber, lignans and the variety of nutrients that are in the whole seed. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2023 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ting up in the morning. Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and even tai chi can also help alleviate SAD symptoms, as can social activities. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

Lifestyle remedies Some other things you can do to help alleviate your SAD symptoms include making your environment sunnier and brighter. So, open up your blinds, sit closer to bright windows and get outside as much as you can. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help, especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of get-

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Learn how to advocate for yourself or a loved one getting medical care. This free webinar offers valuable advice to help you get more from your doctor’s visit. The session takes place on Tue., Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/SmartPatientWebinar.

You’re invited to discover how Washington, DC has become an easier city in which to age! Five years ago, Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed a Task Force of DC residents and District agency leaders to examine what could be done to make DC into an easier city in which to live, work and play. Their 2018-2023 Strategic Progress Report will be released in January.

Please join us at TWO VIRTUAL MEETINGS to learn what has been accomplished. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. Virtually attend the Age-Friendly DC Task Force meeting where members of the task force will discuss the progress that has been made in these major areas: Lifelong Health, Changing Attitudes About Growing Older, Security, and the Built Environment.

To register for the program on January 23, Go to bit.ly/DCAgeFriendlyProgress Or use this QR code: Mayor Muriel Bowser, right, her mother Joan Bowser, left, and daughter Miranda Bowser, in stroller pushed by D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, attend the 2019 Emancipation Day Parade.

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You may have been among the 1,090 residents who completed the DC Livability Survey published in the Beacon earlier this year. Or you may have participated in a listening session in your Ward or joined an event hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations. All of these were focused on gathering your opinions and reflections on how your lives have changed over the past five years. Your views — together with data acquired from DC government agencies and community organization partners — will appear in the Age-Friendly DC Strategic Progress report to be unveiled at this meeting.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. Virtually attend the final meeting of the 2018-2023 Task Force, where Mayor Bowser will release its Strategic Progress Report to the public, as well as to the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP, its U.S. representative. WHO initiated Age-Friendly actions worldwide to transform lifelong aging into a better experience for all of us.

To register for the program on January 30, Go to bit.ly/DCAgeFriendlyReport Or use this QR code:

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How to support people with depression By Erik Wing Dear Mayo Clinic: My brother has been diagnosed with depression. I want to help him, but I don’t know what to do. Can you give me ideas for how best to support him? A: When a loved one is affected by depression, it can be difficult to understand what is happening or what you can do to help. Clinical depression is an incredibly complex and individualized process. Understanding depression spans multiple levels of knowledge, from genetics and brain biology to culture and situational stress. Yet despite all the information, universal truths or simple solutions do not exist. Gaining perspective on what your brother is experiencing can be critical to the support process. Visualizing depression as a downward spiral is one way to simplify and understand clinical depression. The downward spiral may begin with the person feeling worse than usual from physical, social or psychological stressors. A worsened mood may lead to taking part in fewer meaningful day-to-day activities. Self-criticism and stress increase due to mounting responsibilities or missed opportunities. Depressive thinking may encompass guilty thoughts, pessimism and irritable behavior. As the spiral develops, a complex dy-

namic emerges. Your loved one becomes increasingly stressed while simultaneously less capable of coping with this stress. The brain’s response to this dynamic is to slow, stop and depress. A person can get stuck at the bottom of the spiral for weeks, months or years. The silver lining is that if people can spiral down, they can spiral back up. However, depression affects the motivation, energy and curiosity needed to do so. It is challenging not to be able to fix a loved one’s depression. But you can help them start to move on an upward path and support them in their journey. Here are some suggestions to offer support and understanding:

Learn the symptoms Depression signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can include: • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness • Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities • Insomnia or sleeping too much • Tiredness and lack of energy. Even small tasks take extra effort • Changes in appetite — reduced appetite and weight loss or increased crav-

ings for food and weight gain • Anxiety, agitation or restlessness • Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or taking unnecessary blame for things • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things • Frequent or recurrent mention of death, suicidal thoughts or attempts Symptoms can be severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. Clinical depression does not require profound sadness or intensely negative feelings. Rather, it can be a lack of positive emotion. People may generally feel miserable or unhappy without knowing why.

Encourage treatment People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge their symptoms. They may have difficulty seeing the point of getting treatment. This is where you can be most helpful. Consider the following: • Talk to your brother about what you’ve noticed and why you’re concerned. • Explain that depression is a complex condition — not a personal flaw or weak-

ness — and that effective treatment exists. • Suggest seeking help from a healthcare or mental health professional, such as a licensed counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist. • Express your willingness to help by setting up appointments, going to them with him, and attending family therapy sessions.

Reinforce healing with support You can assist your loved one in the healing process. Consider these ideas: • Encourage sticking with treatment. Help your brother to take prescribed medications and keep appointments. • When your brother wants to talk, listen carefully and intently. Avoid giving too much advice or too many opinions, or making judgments. Just listening can be a powerful tool. • Give positive reinforcement. Remind your brother about his positive qualities and how much he means to you and others. • Offer assistance. Certain tasks for your brother may be hard to do. Suggest specific tasks you’d be willing to take on. • Help establish a routine. Someone who’s depressed can benefit from having a routine or increased structure. Offer to make a schedule for meals, medication, See DEPRESSION, page 13

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Ways apples can help with weight loss By Novella Lui, RD, M.H.Sc. There is such a range of tips and diets promising weight-loss results, it’s easy to forget that some everyday foods can add volume to your meals and snacks without adding many calories. Apples are an excellent option for a healthy weight-loss diet. The sweet and tart fruit is budget-friendly, convenient and loaded with nutrients. Here are some reasons why registered dieticians say apples have an edge when it comes to losing weight. Low in calories: Apples help to promote weight loss because they are naturally low in calories. Depending on size, apples provide 80 to 130 calories per fruit. The natural sugars in apples can also help keep cravings for sweets at bay, according to Melissa Mitri, MS, RDN, a nutrition writer and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition. High in fiber: The main mechanism

in weight loss is reducing your calorie intake. Foods that have fiber can help you eat less because they are satiating. Apples are one of these foods that promote fullness. According to the USDA, an apple packs 4 to 5 grams of fiber, providing about 12% to 16% of your recommended daily fiber intake. Low-glycemic food: The glycemic index, a relative ranking system, measures how fast and how much certain foods’ sugars raise your blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, apples are a low-glycemic food, with a glycemic index between 34 and 38, depending on the variety, meaning they won’t cause blood sugar spikes after eating. High in fluids: Apples are so juicy because of their high water content, with water making up around 85% of their weight. Along with fiber, the moisture in apples keeps you full and hydrated, helping temper your appetite.

Depression

Be aware of suicide risk

From page 12 physical activity, sleep, outside time or time in nature and household chores. • Locate helpful local organizations. Finding mental health treatment can be burdensome. You may be able to obtain help from resources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, employee assistance programs and other communitybased groups or programs. • Make plans together. Ask your brother to join you on a walk, see a movie, or work together on a hobby or other activity. But don’t try to force him into doing something. • Be patient. For some people, symptoms can quickly improve after starting treatment. For others, it will take much longer.

People with depression are at an increased risk of suicide. If you believe your brother’s illness is severe or that he is in a potentially life-threatening emergency, you may need to contact a healthcare professional or hospital. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, use the same number and press “1.” Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Rich in antioxidants: One of the reasons you could experience weight gain could be due to increased inflammation in the body. Apples have anti-inflammatory benefits due to their antioxidant nutrients. A 2022 review in the Journal of Inflammation Research indicates that quercetin, a type of antioxidant flavonoid (plant pigment) found in apples, may have anti-inflammatory properties to ward off insulin resistance and the development of atherosclerosis. Convenient snack: Apples are a quick and convenient snack that you will need to chew and swallow, pacing you so you can fully listen to your body for fullness cues.

Just part of a healthy diet Apples have beneficial nutrients your body needs, but eating the fruit alone can’t help promote weight loss. Rather, eating a wide array of foods

that includes nutritious carbs, protein and unsaturated fats could support managing a healthy weight. • Enjoy them as a snack with protein: One classic way to eat apples is by pairing them with nut butter or cheese to make a filling snack. • Add them to your morning meal: Start with a nutritious and filling breakfast to help set the tone for the day. This way, you will be less likely to experience the symptoms of skipping meals, such as anxiety, low energy and cravings. • Include them in your mains: Who says apples are only for desserts? Apples go great with savory dishes, creating endless possibilities of flavor. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. © 2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Are you a Jobseeker who is age 50 or better? Join us at either or both of our upcoming Virtual 50+ Employment Expos via Zoom™ • Tuesday, Jan. 9 Montgomery County, MD • Thursday, Feb. 15 Northern Virginia 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom™ Registration is FREE for Everyone • Age 50+ Jobseekers and • Area Employers Register Today at:

virtualexpos.accessjca.org ALL Age 50+ Jobseekers are welcome to both Expos!

Montgomery County, MD Virtual 50+ Employment Expos

I will also consider buying collections of old books, art, toys or other collectibles. I can even help you retrieve items you wish to sell from the attic or basement.

are sponsored by the Montgomery County Government and Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) of Greater Washington. 2024: Jan. 9 | Mar. 19 | May 14 | Jun. 18

Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expos Funded by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation 2024: Feb. 15 | Apr. 18

I will bring cash to you for old comic books and sports/trading card collections.

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See virtualexpos.accessjca.org to register! Questions? Email EmploymentExpos@AccessJCA.org or call (301) 255-4209

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Free referrals Connect-A-Ride is a free referral service that provides adults over 50 and adults with disabilities information about their transportation options for medical services, errands, social activities and more. The service, funded by the County and operated by the Jewish Council for the Aging, will link you with public, private and volunteer transportation services, including escorted transportation. Their goal is to find a transportation solution that fits the caller.

A group of older adults learns how to navigate the Metro and Ride On through a free Travel Training workshop led by the Jewish Council for the Aging.

Free or Reduced Fare Transportation Options Finding the right transportation can be a challenging task for older adults in Montgomery County, especially for those without ready access to a car. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives for getting around, many of them free, and help navigating the options is also free.

to get your free SmarTrip card. For Metrobus schedules, call (202) 6377000 or 311 for Ride On.

Free rides to rec sites

Free or half-price bus/rail fares

Montgomery County also provides free transportation to many senior centers and some community centers via a combination of curb-to-curb and fixed route services. Call (240) 7774925 for a free ride to a County center.

Riders 65 and older can use a Senior SmarTrip® Card to ride free on MetroBus and Ride On buses in Montgomery County, and to ride Metrorail for half price. Bring proof of age to any County Public Library

The cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg also provide limited transportation to their senior centers. In Rockville, call (240) 3148810. In Gaithersburg, call (301) 258-6380 and press 5.

In addition, their specialists will help callers with their applications for programs like Metro Access — a shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit service for area residents whose disability prevents them from using bus or rail. Connect-A-Ride also offers free Travel Training workshops — threehour field trips that take older adults on a Metro train and Ride On bus, and show them how to load money on a fare card, read schedule signs, and locate accessibility and safety features on buses, trains and at stations. For any of these services, call Connect-A-Ride at (301) 738-3252 or email connectaride@AccessJCA. org. Translation services are available.

Free online directory Check out the Transportation Network Directory for adults 50+ and adults with disabilities. This detailed online guide lets you explore transportation options any time, including public, private and nonprofit transportation options. See www.montgomerycountymd. gov/tnd

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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DIRECTOR S MESSAGE By Charon P.W. Hines

Dear Seniors, Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023, I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable moments we shared at Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 25th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. It was truly heartwarming to witness nearly 3,000 District seniors come together to dance, laugh and enjoy a delightful meal. Seeing you commune together during the holidays was a testament to the strong bonds that make our city so special. During the celebration, Mayor Bowser reiterated her commitment to all of you, ensuring that she will continue to meet all your needs when it comes to aging comfortably in the communities you all know and love. Our Safe at Home program, which assisted over 5,500 households in making safety modifications, continues to be a cornerstone of this commitment. Excitingly, Mayor Bowser announced her new investment of an additional $1 million in the Safe at Home program for 2024. To extend the program’s reach, the income eligibility cap has been raised to 100 percent of the Area Median Income. This means even more seniors will qualify for the program, with the maximum income set at $99,600 for an individual or $113,850 for a household of two. Looking ahead to 2024, DACL anticipates completing an additional 200 projects, bringing the total to 1,150 projects for the fiscal year. Whether you need assistance indoors or outdoors, we have you covered. As we brace for colder temperatures and potential snowfall, we want to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Homeowners over the age of 60 may qualify for assistance with snow removal through Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Program. This free service connects volunteers with senior residents for snow removal after winter events. To learn more or to get on the list, please call 202-727-7925. Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your home, especially during the winter months. As the days grow shorter, consider staying active indoors by participating in winter programming at one of our six senior wellness centers, or join winter activities at your local Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) site. For more information, feel free to reach out to DACL at 202-724-5626. I want to express my gratitude for a fantastic 2023, and I am eagerly looking forward to an amazing 2024 with the DC senior community. In Service, Charon P.W. Hines DACL Director

Makes a great gift!

Thank You for Attending Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 25th Annual Holiday Celebration

D.C. Cameo Club Donates Coats and Gift Cards to Families & Children

The DC Cameo Club continued their 20-year tradition of celebrating children of the District of Columbia and their families through “Children of Promise” by hosting a Grab ‘N’ Go event giving more than 100 families warm coats, gift cards, food cards and cash. Sandra Bears, Ms. Honorary Senior America, and Daisey Savage, Ms. Senior DC 2002, co-chaired the event and expressed their appreciation for the way the Cameo Club members helped to make this a safe event for all. Both said they were very pleased with the turnout, and were proud and thankful for the teams that worked with them. The children were so very happy and satisfied with their gifts, said Ms. Bears.

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The DC Department of Public Works will collect holiday trees and greenery from January 2nd through March 2nd from DPW-serviced households, which includes single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units. Holiday trees and greenery will be collected from the front of the residence at the curb. For missed collections, residents can call 311 and make a “Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal” service request.

Ms. Senior DC Pageant 2024

Living Boldly is published by the Information Office of the DC Department of Aging and Community Living for DC senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Director

Editor

Photographer

Charon P.W. Hines

DACL External Affairs

Amanda J. Washington

500 K St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 | (202) 724-5626 | www.dacl.dc.gov

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All residents can also drop-off holiday trees and greenery at these locations: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: • 201 Bryant St. NW (Roll off box) • Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St NW) • 2700 South Capital St., SE (Roll off box)

Spreading Love Across Generations: DCPS Students Join the 8th Annual Cupid’s Kids Initiative As Valentine’s Day approaches, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) students are gearing up for the 8th Annual Cupid’s Kids Initiative. Organized by the Depar tment of Aging and Community Living (DACL), Cupid’s Kids connects the younger generation with seniors who may feel isolated, especially during holidays. This effort makes a significant impact on the lives of homebound DC seniors, bringing love and joy through handmade Valentine’s Day cards that will be distributed to homebound seniors along with their home-delivered meals. These personal letters not only brighten the seniors’ Valentine’s Day, but also remind them that they are cherished and remembered by their community.

For those interested in participating in making a difference, the process is as simple as r eaching out to your local library branch or contacting Darneesha Polee, DACL’s Special Projects Coordinator, at darneesha.polee1@dc.gov. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a community member, this is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Join the Cupid’s Kids Initiative to make this Valentine’s Day special for our homebound seniors.

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Five facts to know about assisted living By Liz Weston If you or a loved one can no longer live safely at home, assisted living may be the answer. Residents typically live in their own rooms or apartments and get housekeeping services, meals and help with personal care. But facilities can vary enormously, and people’s expectations about assisted living often clash with reality, experts say. Here are some important things to know. 1. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost Nationwide, the median cost of assisted living facilities averaged $4,500 a month in 2021, the last year data was collected by longterm care insurer Genworth. But costs range enormously depending on the area and the services provided, said Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert. [Ed. Note: For example, Genworth found the median cost in Maryland to also be $4,500, but in Virginia it was $5,250 and in Washington, D.C. it was $5,948. For full details, including median costs for home care and nursing home care, visit Genworth.com/aging-andyou/finances/cost-of-care.html.] 2. There may not be a medical professional on staff Assisted living is considered residential rather than medical care, said elder care expert Kate Granigan, president-elect of the Aging Life Care Association’s board of directors and CEO of LifeCare Advocates

in Newton, Massachusetts. Some facilities bring in doctors or other medical professionals to provide routine care, she said. But if there is a medical professional on staff, it’s often a nurse who can assess people’s needs rather than provide hands-on care. “They’re not there to change bandages and to administer medical assistance,” Granigan said. 3. You may need more care than you’ll get The key word in assisted living is “assisted,” Goyer said. While facilities can provide help around the clock, they aren’t designed for people who need constant one-on-one care. That’s the function of a nursing home. If someone requires medical care in addition to help with daily living, they would need a skilled nursing facility. Residents or their families often expect help on demand, but assisted living facilities aren’t staffed for that. “[Residents] may wait half an hour for someone to help them go to the bathroom,” Goyer said. Assisted living facilities typically offer tiers of care, with each tier increasing in price. The first tier may include medication reminders and help getting in and out of the shower, while the next tiers offer increasing levels of hands-on care, she said. Prospective residents or their families

need to ask what’s included in each tier and what exactly bumps the resident up to the next level of care, Goyer added. Another important question to ask is whether private caregivers can be brought in if the resident needs more care than the facility provides, Granigan said. Not all facilities allow outside help, which could mean the resident has to move to a nursing home if their needs increase. 4. You can get kicked out Scrutinize the admissions agreement — the legal contract that outlines the services, costs and other terms of admission — and ask questions about what can trigger an eviction. Assisted living facilities can kick people out if they have behavior problems, need more care than the facility provides, or can no longer pay the bill, said Jaclyn Flores, consumer and policy advocate for the nonprofit California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). Assisted living facilities also can raise rates with sufficient notice, and many have been doing so, Flores added. Flores recommends prospective residents have a Plan B long before their savings are exhausted. Options might include moving to a less expensive facility, or exploring public benefits such as the aid and attendance benefit available to veterans, or

Medicaid — the federal public health insurance program for people with low income and few assets. 5. There’s no one-stop shop for getting advice AARP has a checklist for evaluating assisted living facilities (see bit.ly.com/ALchecklist). Advocacy groups such as CANHR and the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (theconsumervoice.org) can provide additional information. [Ed. Note: Also contact your local long-term care ombudsman office.] If you’re looking for assisted living, you’ll likely come across online marketplaces, placement agencies and consultants who offer to help. You may get valuable information, but the guidance may not be objective or comprehensive, Goyer said. Facilities pay these sources for referrals, so you may get steered to one that pays a commission rather than the one that’s the best fit. [See “Sources for free or paid housing referrals,” in the October Beacon.] For personalized advice, consider a consultation with an aging-life-care professional, also known as a geriatric care manager, who is paid only by your fees. For a cost that often ranges from $100 to $250 an hour, the pro — who is typically a nurse or social See ASSISTED LIVING, page B-4

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Villages can help neighbors age in place By Margaret Foster A few decades ago, it was easy to live out your golden years at home. Neighbors might knock on the door with a casserole in hand, check in to see if you need anything, even give you a ride to the doctor. Nowadays, older adults might find living at home a bit lonely. That’s where a “village” can help. What exactly is a village? “Villages are a community of people who care about each other, look out for one another, who volunteer to provide all sorts of practical help that allow older adults who want to live independently to do so,” explained Doug Gaddis, executive director of Silver Spring Village, one of the largest villages in the metropolitan area. Some villages provide free or discounted rides to doctor’s appointments or grocery stores. Others send volunteers to do home repairs or help with computer issues. For a small membership fee that ranges from $10 to $70 a month, villages typically provide essential social interaction, too — from gatherings, to bus trips, to check-in phone calls. While villages are nonprofits and many are volunteer led, they do incur expenses, leading to the need for income. Most also seek tax-deductible contributions and

offer subsidized membership to low-income neighbors. “Most people who join a village are quite independent, but they need a little help,” said Morgan Gopnik, chair of the DC Villages, which encompasses the city’s 13 villages. “Sometimes that’s a ride, sometimes it’s changing a lightbulb they can’t reach, sometimes it’s a walk or a phone call or accompanying them to a doctor’s appointment so there’s someone else there to take notes.”

A nationwide movement The first village was formed in Boston 21 years ago. Longtime residents of Beacon Hill didn’t want to move out, so they pitched in to hire a concierge to find and train volunteers to help with small tasks as they aged. That grew into Beacon Hill Village, which became so successful that it spawned a nationwide movement. They even published a guide explaining how to form your own village. Today, a national organization called Village to Village Network helps support and professionalize almost 300 villages throughout the country. There are about 75 villages spread throughout the Greater Washington area.

“The D.C. region has the biggest concentration [of villages] in the world,” Gaddis said, noting that there are 27 villages just in Montgomery County, Maryland. Montgomery County has so many “largely because the county government has really seen the value of villages in enabling older adults to live rewarding, safe and engaged lives” in their neighborhoods, Gaddis said. The county has its own “villages coordinator” to help neighborhoods form and expand their villages. Sometimes villages team up with others like them to become more efficient. For example, last June, all 13 villages in Washington, D.C. created DC Villages — a collaboration to share ideas, resources and even office equipment.

DC Villages was formed “to better coordinate everything we are all doing,” explained Morgan Gopnik, chair of its collaboration council. Working as a network, the group hopes to reach out to all areas of the city, “to talk to neighbors in other parts of D.C. to see if our model could help,” Gopnik said. A similar group on a regional level has been around since 2012. Today, the Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) encompasses 79 villages throughout D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. It offers virtual and in-person educational programs to enable members to learn from each other, share ideas and develop See VILLAGES, page B-4

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Villages From page B-3 ways to work together. It also hosts online resources and a calendar enabling villages to share information about their programs with other villages. WAVE is the largest such regional village organization in the nation.

Village thrives in Ward 8 Residents of Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8 who want to stay engaged in their neighborhood know exactly where to go: Kingdom Care Senior Village. Housed in a church in Congress Heights, the nonprofit launched in March 2017 thanks to one of the church’s members, Kathy Pointer. She responded to a request for proposals from the city’s Department of Aging and Community Living, which want-

ed to support the formation of villages in the low-income areas of Wards 7 and 8. “We were already working with a group of seniors” at the church, said Pointer, executive director of Kingdom Care Senior Village. “When I looked at the concept of villages and what we were doing, there was a lot of alignment…We could just do more and reach more people” by forming our own. After winning the support of the city, in just five months Pointer and her team launched “one of only two villages that are centered in an African American community,” she said. Pointer’s group is mostly “focused on food and support services,” she said. They offer food boxes to more than 100 people each week, and check in with their 54 members often. “The whole idea of combatting loneliness and isolation — that’s what we target,

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whether it be games or trips,” Pointer said. The results are life-changing, she said. “I’ve seen good things happen…I love what I do.”

Help from the state Sometimes, villages need a little more help and money to survive. The new Maryland Secretary of Aging, Carmel Roques, has tasked the Maryland Department of Aging, which she leads, to find the best strategies to help Marylanders who want to start their own villages. “The main thing that we’re doing is to understand how to best provide support to help the villages,” Roques said. “There are administrative costs associated with running a village, so we’re looking at providing technological assistance and administrative assistance.” To that end, the department included grants for six villages in its 2024 budget. “We’ve looked at the village model as a really positive opportunity to make sure

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worker — can evaluate the aging person’s needs, recommend resources, and help find appropriate facilities, Granigan said. Finding the right place can take time, and the pro also can recommend ways to keep the current home safer while you search, she added. You can get referrals for an aging-life-care professional from the

that the local neighborhood [itself] can be engaged in offering direct services, referrals, helping to combat social isolation, really being able to be very customized to that local community,” Roques said. “Having [these services] delivered by the community themselves is probably one of the best ways to do that.” Roques is also committed to helping underserved communities start villages. “We’re looking at making sure that the resources we have are targeting those communities that tend to have less resources and services and maybe don’t have a village,” she said. For a list of all area villages and their email addresses, visit bit.ly/MetroVillagesList. For more information about the organizations mentioned above, visit wavevillages.org, dcvillages.org and silverspringvillage.org. For the village coordinator of Montgomery County, Md., contact pazit.aviv@montgomerycountymd.gov or call (240) 777-1231. Aging Life Care Association. Genworth’s “Cost of Care” survey was conducted by CareScout, a Genworth company, which contacted 67,742 providers by phone from June through November 2021 to complete 14,698 surveys of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day health facilities and home care providers. This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. All rights reserved.

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ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org This community hums with warm-hearted camaraderie and a zest for life shared by residents and staff alike. Experience all that makes assisted living at Brooke Grove extraordinary. Cozy, homelike dwellings with easy access to beautiful courtyards and walking paths. Caring staff trained in using memory support techniques, building independence and lifting self-esteem. Innovative LIFE® Enrichment Programming with meaningful activities and off-site adventures. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing care retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House 301-244-3579 14508 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.homecresthouse.org Homecrest House is a non-profit, affordable, subsidized senior adult community nestled amidst 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with its own lake, neighboring Leisure World, The three residential buildings on the B’nai B’rith Homecrest campus provide 235 apartments for Independent Living, some designed for adults with physical mobility challenges, and 42 apartments offering Enhanced Care Services. We are excited to have you come and see our elegantly renovated community buildings. You’re invited to tour this incredible transformation. For a personalized tour now, call 301-244-3579 or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org

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Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390 3140 Graceﬁeld Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com What Will You Gain When You Live at Riderwood? Freedom and peace of mind in all seasons. There’s a myth that moving to a senior living community means giving up your independence. But at Riderwood in Silver Spring, you have so much to gain and nothing to give up—except your everyday worries. Bad weather won’t disrupt your plans for the day. Benefits like a pool, fitness center, and restaurants are just steps from your door through climate-controlled walkways. No matter what the forecast holds, the full-time team is here to support you. You can feel confident in the strength of Riderwood, which is managed by Erickson Senior LivingSM, a nationally recognized leader among continuing care retirement community providers. Learn more today! Call 1-877-742-4390 or visit Riderwood.com for your FREE brochure.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Housing News By Beacon staff

Plans for new affordable apartments in Silver Spring, Md. When Falkland Chase opened in 1937 in Silver Spring, Maryland, Eleanor Roosevelt cut the ribbon at what was then the D.C. area’s largest garden-style apartment complex. Now Falkland Chase has a new owner and a new purpose. Last fall, developer Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), based in Arlington, Virginia, purchased Falkland Chase, its second property in Montgomery County, Maryland. APAH also acquired and renovated the federally subsidized community called Snowden’s Ridge in Silver Spring. The company won Montgomery Housing Alliance’s Developer of the Year award last year. APAH plans to redevelop the existing 170-unit property and add 1,250 new apartments to Falkland Chase, most of which will be for affordable housing for residents making at or below 60% of the area median income. The “large-scale, high-impact project” will begin in 2026 “so that future families can enjoy quality, stable, affordable homes,” according to a statement from Carmen Romero, president and CEO of APAH, founded in 1989. The county designated $19.5 million toward the Falkland Chase redevelopment, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement, “so families could afford to stay in their homes [and] to create brand-new, economical, low-cost housing opportunities.” The apartments are within walking distance of the Silver Spring metro and bus station. APAH does more than renovate properties; the company builds them, too. Last month APAH broke ground on an affordable mixed-use development in Tyson’s Corner called The Exchange at Spring Hill. The two, 20-story mixed-use buildings will include 516 residential units and a

publicly accessible community center. The property, Tyson’s first affordable multifamily development, is scheduled to open in four years. “Where you build matters, but who you build for matters just as much,” Romero said. For more information about Falkland Chase or The Exchange at Spring Hill, visit apah.org or call (703) 276-7444.

Assisted living community to open in Alexandria This spring, Benchmark at Alexandria, a new assisted living and memory care facility, will open in Alexandria, Virginia. The community will have 115 apartments, including 26 for memory care patients, as well as a massage room, fitness center, rooftop deck with views of the National Mall, formal dining room, and a chef who prepares meals with herbs and vegetables grown on site. “Outside our doors are walkable neighborhoods as well as conveniences like grocery shopping, a pharmacy, medical care and other dining options. “Easy access to the Metro also makes it easy to get across the Potomac to D.C.’s many activities and amenities,” said Doug Buttner, senior executive director, Benchmark at Alexandria. The community is close to a school, shops, grocery stores and the Silver Diner. “Seniors want to remain in the neighborhood they love — to be near their family, friends and the greater community as they age. “We are excited to plant roots in Alexandria and share our purpose of transforming lives through human connection,” said Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO, Benchmark Senior Living. Based in Massachusetts, Benchmark Senior Living operates 65 communities in that state and New York. This will be its first in the mid-Atlantic area. To learn more about Benchmark at Alexandria, visit benchmarkseniorliving.com, call (571) 496-9470 , or stop by the welcome center at 3462 Berkeley St., Alexandria.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing COME TO LISTEN OR PERFORM

Join the Institute of Musical Traditions for Open Spark, free open mic events with weekly featured artists. These take place every Tues. at 7112 Willow Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Donations for artists are encouraged. Sign up to perform at 6:30 p.m. (two songs or 10 minutes); the music starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit imtfolk.org or call (301) 960-3655.

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE

Ongoing Learn dances from Southeastern Europe every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. International Folk Dancers meet at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, in the Ballroom Backroom in January and February, and at the Bumper Car Pavilion during the rest of the year. The cost is $10. Register by emailing dancingplanet@erols.com.

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Chevy Chase House 202-905-0708 5420 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015 www.chevychasehouse.com Chevy Chase House provides boutique assisted living for older adults looking for personalized care without compromising lifestyle and active living. In addition to 24-hour nursing available, the community features Life Inspired, the daily activities program that promotes overall wellness, socialization, and a Chef-prepared dining experience. Unique to the Chevy Chase House is its partnership with FOX Rehab to not only provide on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies, but also employs a full-time exercise physiologist to help residents with improving balance and mobility, strength training, and fall prevention programming. Conveniently located on Connecticut Avenue in DC. Call 202-905-0708 to schedule a tour or stop by Chevy Chase House to learn more.

REHABILITATION

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org Imagine an extraordinary staff and the best therapies and equipment—in a beautiful environment that rejuvenates and restores. Physical therapy spaces bathed in sunlight. The quiet comfort of a garden walk or relaxing massage. Imagine getting back to the activities that matter to you. Our new, state-of-the-art rehab addition at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers innovative therapy services for seniors, including NeuroGym® Technologies mobility training, the Korebalance system and much more. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing-care retirement communities in the state. Rehab here is simply different… because what surrounds you really matters.

Three steps to help downsize in a hurry By Liz Weston Ideally, you’d spend months or even years carefully purging excess belongings — but life may have other plans. Maybe you or someone you love has a health crisis and needs to move into assisted living. Or perhaps someone has died, and their home has to be cleared before next month’s rent is due. Maybe you’re just moving soon and want to significantly lighten your load. If you need to downsize in a hurry, here’s some advice from professional organizer Katherine Lawrence of Ashland, Virginia. Learn how to go about it while minimizing stress and avoiding sending something valuable to the dump. 1. Gather paperwork, photos, prescriptions, perishables Make a plan to sort through the boxes later since you don’t want to store old bills and blurry photos indefinitely any more than you want to risk throwing away something important if you rush. Next, deal with the stuff that can’t be sold or donated, Lawrence recommends. That includes unneeded medications — a pharmacy can offer suggestions about proper disposal — and perishable food that won’t be eaten in time. Nonperishable, unopened food items typically can be donated to a local food bank. 2. Identify the ‘keepers’ “Keepers” are possessions that have a definite home. If someone is moving, that includes stuff that will be going with them. If you’re clearing out after a death, keepers may include items destined for heirs. Those officially charged with settling someone’s estate, such as an executor or successor trustee, may be required to hire appraisers to value possessions before anything is distributed. An estate planning attorney or real estate agent may offer referrals, or you can check with the Appraisers Association of America, the American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers. If you have potentially valuable stuff — such as antiques, jewelry, artwork or collections — a personal property appraiser could help you figure out what may be worth the extra effort of selling, said Julie Hall, an estate expert in Charlotte, North Carolina. The appraiser might also suggest venues, such as an auction house or consignment store, Hall said. However, hiring an appraiser can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Alternatively, you can get a rough idea of many items’ potential worth by checking eBay’s “sold items.”

Once you’ve identified all the keepers, Lawrence recommends tagging them with painter’s tape. If items are going to different people or locations, she suggests buying different colored tape and assigning a color to each person or destination. Next, get each item to its new home. That could involve hiring movers, renting storage, shipping items, or setting a date and time for recipients to pick up their treasures. 3. Decide what to do with the remaining stuff If you have several rooms of furniture and household items left over, consider an estate sale. These are most commonly held in someone’s home after their death, but they also can help those who need to downsize dramatically, Hall said. Estate sales are often organized by professionals who advertise the sale, price the items, handle transactions and provide security. Estate sales agents may agree to donate or dispose of whatever doesn’t sell. In return for some or all of these services, estate sales agents typically get 30% or more of the sale proceeds. Estate planning attorneys and real estate agents may offer referrals to reputable estate sales agents, or you can check with the American Society of Estate Liquidators, a referral organization owned by Hall. A yard or garage sale can be a do-ityourself alternative. You can also list items for sale on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor if you have time to photograph each object, write a description, and deal with inquiries from potential buyers. Giving stuff away is another option, but this can be harder than you expect, Lawrence said. Charities are often selective about what they’ll accept, so check their websites or call first to avoid an unnecessary trip. Some charities will send a truck to pick up approved donations, which could be a time-saver. Another option is giving stuff away using Freecycle.org, a Buy Nothing group on Facebook, or a “free stuff” listing on Craigslist.org. You may still wind up renting a dumpster, making trips to the landfill or hiring a junk removal company. The waste can feel painful but may help you be a more conscious consumer in the future. “I always tell my clients it’s actually harder to get rid of something than it is to acquire it,” Lawrence said. © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION Check off advertisers of interest and mail this entire coupon to the Beacon with your contact info. Or you may take a picture of your completed coupon and email it to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com. All coupons received by February 2 will be entered into a random drawing to win two tickets to see A Chorus Line at Toby’s. You need not request advertiser info to win.

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Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570 7440 Spring Village Drive • Springﬁeld, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com Stay Active in Winter and Beyond Greenspring is the premier senior living community in Fairfax County. Here, you’ll enjoy the independent life you’re used to, plus a host of amenities, services, and on-site care available to you no matter the weather. When you live in a house, you live with the uncertainty of power outages, high energy costs, and weather-related repairs. But at Greenspring, your costs remain the same all year long, thanks to a predictable Monthly Service Package. You and your loved ones will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Greenspring is part of a network of communities managed by Erickson Senior LivingSM, a nationally recognized leader among continuing care retirement community providers. Learn more today! Call 1-877-589-9570 for your FREE brochure.

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Has time come to buy your dream house? By Erin Wood I don’t know about you, but over the last few years, the conversation at just about every barbecue or dinner party inevitably turns to how high real estate prices have become. And just as quickly, the blame is laid at the feet of Airbnb — the online short-term rental company that enables homeowners to rent out spare rooms or entire homes, giving travelers alternatives to traditional hotels and motels. [See “How to turn a home into an Airbnb rental,” in the October 2023 Beacon.] What’s that have to do with home prices? Some investors snap up properties to use as Airbnbs, edging out ordinary home buyers — such as those itching to buy their retirement dream home — and contributing to the affordability crisis.

Deals may become available That may be about to change. A few months ago, a tweet by Reventure Consulting CEO and housing analyst Nick Gerli went viral when he suggested that Airbnb revenues had fallen off a cliff. “The collapse is real,” Gerli tweeted. According to him, hot markets like Phoenix and Austin are particularly hardhit. If true, could this mean disillusioned Airbnb hosts will start dumping their properties, creating buying opportunities for frustrated home buyers? Exorbitant housing prices have forced many Americans to put off buying the retirement home of their dreams. The S&P/Case Schiller U.S. National Home Price Index is up 41% since March 2020, when the pandemic first hit. Obviously, there are a lot of factors that have contributed to the housing unaffordability crisis, and Airbnb is just one of them. By some estimates, short-term rentals contribute only 1% to 4% to the overall real estate price increases. Still, forced selling in some very desirable markets could lead to deals, and buyers who’ve been on the sidelines could soon have a good opportunity. But before you leap, make sure you understand the dynamics of today’s real estate market. Things may have changed from the last time you were a property buyer. Here are a few things to consider:

High mortgage rates Cheaper home prices are great for real estate buyers. But they’ve been coupled with much higher mortgage rates, which in many cases negate any savings on price. The national average for a 30-year fixedrate mortgage in mid-December was 7.48%, nearly three times the 2.5% mortgage rates we saw in 2021. The last time rates were this high was late 2000.

Given that it took more than 20 years for mortgage rates to reach this point, it may be a long time before interest rates fall below 3% again. You could miss out on deals if you’re waiting for lower interest rates. When interest rates are this high, I advise clients to avoid debt whenever they can. I realize that most people can’t buy a home without a mortgage, but taking on debt for a second home or a vacation property is another thing entirely. Think about it: If you’re paying over 7% for a mortgage, you’d have to make more than 7% on your investments to make it worthwhile to borrow. That’s an awfully high hurdle that I’m not sure this market can support.

Cash is king On the other hand, you may be sitting on a pile of cash just waiting for the real estate market to come back down to earth. Maybe you sold a home not too long ago and banked the proceeds. Or perhaps you’ve been saving for this goal and can pay cash (or make a significant down payment). If that’s you, this could be your time. Being able to buy a home with cash can also make you more attractive to sellers during the buying process. You might be able to close faster than buyers who need to get a mortgage — putting you in a position to negotiate a cash discount. The combination of potentially more housing supply and higher interest rates could be keeping other buyers away, also reducing your competition.

Rent out your second home Some of this talk of Airbnb’s demise is hyperbolic, for sure. I still think, for some people, renting out a home to short-term renters can be a lucrative way to supplement retirement income — as long as you do it right. For starters, I wouldn’t recommend buying an overpriced property and taking out an expensive mortgage to pay for it. If your bookings are less than you anticipated, you’ll have an unsustainable financial burden. That said, being an Airbnb host can be a good way to bring in some additional income or offset the cost of a vacation home. In fact, Airbnb reports that a quarter of its hosts in the U.S. and Canada are retirees. If you’ve owned your property for a long time and don’t have a high monthly mortgage payment, you won’t be under the same financial pressure to rent out your place. Just bear in mind: If your property is in a location with a distinct vacation season — like the beach in summer or a ski resort in winter — you may be more able to rent it out at the very time you want to use it yourself. You have to ask yourself what’s the point of owning a vacation home if you See DREAM HOUSE, page B-11

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Some pros and cons of retiring abroad By Becca Van Sambeck Retirement is one of the most exciting phases in a person’s life, and for good reason: Suddenly, for the first time in decades — or maybe even ever — all your time is yours. It’s an opportunity to try different things, embark on new adventures, or simply relax for once. But where should you spend your time embracing the luxury of retirement? While plenty of people opt to stay in the same place, others seek more retireefriendly climates when looking for the best place to retire. Some even decide to make the most daring move possible and retire abroad. There are many reasons why making your change of scenery an entirely new country may make sense for you. But it’s not a move that will work for everyone. Consider these pros and cons of retiring abroad.

Pro: The adventure of a new culture There’s something fun and thrilling about being in a new environment — new sights to see, new foods to try, new people to meet. It can completely reorient your

Dream house From page B-10 can’t enjoy it during prime season.

Plot your next move Predicting real estate prices and the direction of interest rates is never certain. Who could have predicted that [coming out of] a global pandemic would lead to soaring inflation and out-of-control real estate prices? Still, it’s smart to watch where things

The Housing Authority of the City of College Park (HACCP) is proposing to amend the Agency’s Annual & Five-Year Plan on February 1, 2024 at 10AM. Location 9014 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740 Please visit haccpmd. agency for more details or contact the Executive Director Michelle Johnson at mcjohnson@haccp.agency

world to experience so many new things. Plus, learning another language and adapting to unfamiliar cultural customs are great ways to keep your mind sharp and engaged when you don’t have work to focus on.

Con: Culture clash headaches Of course, for some people, the adventure of living in a new country gets dull fast. Not knowing the language or the culture can leave you feeling alienated and craving the ease and comforts of your homeland. You’ll need to consider whether you’d really like to embrace an unfamiliar culture or if you’d prefer just passing through on a trip.

Con: Missing typical U.S. amenities However, that level of affordability comes with a cost, he added. While you’re certainly spending less on your living situation, you’ll likely find yourself in a smaller home without many of the everyday luxuries common in the U.S. — including air conditioning, central heating, private outdoor space and up-to-date appliances. Local infrastructure may not “be up to American standards,” and it may be difficult for ex-pats to get used to the way local bureaucracies are run. That means some will miss the convenience of life in America, even if it has a higher price tag. “While the U.S. is expensive, See RETIRING ABROAD, page B-12

Pro: The lower cost of living In general, you’ll find it’s more affordable to live outside of America these days. “The U.S. is becoming extremely expensive on an international scale. As an example, the cost of living in NYC is twice as expensive as Florence, Italy, where I live,” said Alex Ingrim, a private wealth manager at Chase Buchanan, who aids other Americans living in Europe with

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are headed. Maybe after 11 interest rate hikes, housing is ready to cool, and a drop in Airbnb bookings could lead to more properties on the market. If you’ve had your retirement real estate dreams dashed time and again in this overheated market, this could be your opportunity. Just make sure you’re realistic about what you can afford and how you’ll pay for it. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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their financial planning. “Porto, a popular retirement destination in Portugal, is almost 65% cheaper to live in than San Francisco,” he added. Spending your retirement in a place where you can stretch your dollar further is certainly tempting. After all, retirement does mean you have a finite amount of funds, and this lower cost of living will alleviate spending concerns. You can have a lot more fun in your retirement when you can actually spend on things you enjoy instead of the basics. “The difference in affordability means that people can retire earlier, travel more, and have more experiences at a younger age than they would traditionally plan for,” Ingrim noted.

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Never too early to develop your care plan By Liz Weston At some point, most older people will need help getting through the day. Someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of eventually requiring assistance with basic living activities, such as bathing, dressing and using the toilet, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That’s the grim reality. Even grimmer is that Medicare typically doesn’t pay for such help. Plus, families often don’t try to figure out how to provide this care until there is a health crisis, which can lead to unnecessary stress, conflicts and escalating costs, said certified financial planner and physi-

Retiring abroad From page B-11 the amenities on offer and the ease of everyday administration are pretty unmatched,” Ingrim said.

Possible con: Tax liabilities Depending on where you plan to retire, your tax responsibilities may become a massive setback. No matter where you are in the world, a U.S. citizen or green card holder needs to pay U.S. taxes. But you may find an extra tax burden exists where you live.

cian Carolyn McClanahan of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida. Making a care plan well in advance allows families to get organized, locate appropriate resources, and figure out ways to pay for care before a crisis hits. “A care plan is thinking through the logistics of what you’re going to need as you age so that when [an emergency happens], you are prepared,” McClanahan said.

Deal with denial first The biggest barrier can be our own wishful thinking, said Katy Butler, author of the books The Art of Dying Well and Knocking on Heaven’s Door. We want to picture a per“It’s important to consider that you may have a tax liability to another country if you are considered a tax resident there. The typical expectations of Americans around the taxation of Social Security and of Roth IRAs being tax-free may not hold true in your new country. Italy and Spain are good examples of this,” Ingrim said. That’s why you need to consult with a lawyer and find out beforehand exactly how you’ll be taxed upon a move. It will directly impact the amount of money you’ll actually have. You may find there isn’t much of a financial reward to moving after all, when

fectly healthy life followed, if absolutely necessary, by a quick and painless death. The reality may be quite different, and that can be awful to contemplate, Butler acknowledged. One way to cope is to plan for temporary rather than permanent disability. For example, what kind of help might you or your loved one need after a hip or knee replacement? How well is the home set up for recovery? Who would help with household tasks? Contemplating a two- or three-month disability with an eventual return to health is less daunting, but involves much of the same planning as a more lasting decline, Butler said. “I think that really would help you’re coughing up double the taxes.

The bottom line We all dream of living abroad and starting an entirely new journey, and retirement may provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. However, you need to determine if it’s truly the right move for you: Will you enjoy the adventure of living within a new culture? Or will the issues associated with beginning anew be too much of a hassle? You also need to figure out your finances and determine how much money you’ll really be saving when residing

people visualize without terrifying them.”

Where might you get care? Many people want to remain in their current homes as they age, something called “aging in place.” That typically means relying on family members for care, using paid workers or both. If family members will be tapped, discuss the logistics, including whether and how much they will be paid. If home health aides will be hired, consider who will supervise the process. Costs can mount quickly. Nationally, the See CARE PLAN, page B-14

abroad — including whether your taxes will become too much of a burden if you move to your dream country. Before you go, speak with a tax lawyer based where you want to live, as well as other people based in that country, to get a sense of what you can expect when you make the leap. If it makes sense personally and financially for you to retire abroad, you may find this phase of your life more magical than you ever expected. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org You’ll feel it as soon as you drive onto our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest—all that makes independent living at Brooke Grove different. Beautiful cottages in a truly picturesque setting. Maintenance-free living, with more time for what you really want to do. Personalized fitness programs, meals prepared by talented chefs, clubs and social events. Neighbors who share your interests and passions. Come for a visit and see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most soughtafter retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 44795 Audubon Square Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Ashby Ponds Offers Peace of Mind in All Seasons Winter is the perfect time of year to appreciate the value of a senior living community like Ashby Ponds in Loudoun County. Storms, sleet, and rain won’t put a damper on your day. Glassenclosed walkways connect you to campus amenities like the pool, fitness center, restaurants, and on-site medical center.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Care plan From page B-12 median cost of a full-time home health aide is $5,148 a month, according to long-term care insurer Genworth. (AARP offers a free cost-of-care calculator to estimate costs in your area. See bit.ly/AARPcostofcare.)

might be part of a larger remodel. The sooner you get this evaluation, the more time you will have to plan and pay for it, McClanahan said, adding “I recommend everybody do this when they hit their 50s if they’re planning on staying in their home.”

Consider the community Explore ways to cover costs Are there savings that can be tapped? Does the older person have long-term care insurance, or can they get a reverse mortgage? Will other family members chip in? Does the older person qualify for government help, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid or state programs? Benefitscheckup.org, a site run by the nonprofit National Council on Aging, can help you search for resources that help people age in place. Families may also want to consult an elder law attorney for personalized advice. (You can get a referral from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at www.naela.org.) Also, consider whether the current home is “aging friendly,” McClanahan said. An occupational therapist can suggest adaptations that could allow the older person to remain in the home if they’re disabled. Some changes might be simple, such as removing throw rugs that could cause falls, while others — like widening doorways or constructing a walk-in shower —

Even if the home supports aging in place, the neighborhood might not, Butler said. Consider how the older person will socialize, get groceries and make it to health appointments if they can no longer drive. [See “Villages can help neighbors age in place” on page B-3 for ways local neighborhood villages may help.] An independent living or senior living facility could provide more amenities, but these typically don’t provide long-term care, Butler said. Is the older person OK with moving again later, or should they start with an assisted living or continuing care facility that can provide more help as needed? Once you have a plan, write down the details and consider sharing it with family members or other people who may be involved, McClanahan suggested. Revisit the document periodically as circumstances change. “Aging planning is not a one-and-done thing. It’s an ongoing process,” she said. This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. All rights reserved.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 20

BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS Bring your binoculars (or use the ones provided) to observe winter

A streamlined Monthly Service Package includes most utilities and day-to-day expenses, plus maintenance in and around your apartment home. No matter the temperature, your costs remain the same all year long.

birds while strolling around Glencarlyn Park. No experience necessary. Dress for

Ashby Ponds is part of a network of communities managed by Erickson Senior LivingSM, a nationally recognized leader among continuing care retirement community providers.

information and to register, contact Rita Peralta at longbranch@arlingtonva.us or

the weather. This free event takes place on Sat., Jan. 20 from 9 to 10 a.m. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA. For more

(703) 228-6535.

Learn more today! Call 877-664-5445 for your FREE brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodleigh Chase Opening Soon in Fairfax 1-877-211-6968 4595 Burke Station Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032 WoodleighChase.com Opening Soon in Fairfax. Erickson Senior Living is known for creating and managing vibrant continuing care communities. Their newest, Woodleigh Chase, scheduled to open this March, will offer active, independent living and future higher levels of care on a beautiful campus in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia. Choose from a variety of maintenance-free apartment homes just steps from resort-style amenities like a fitness and aquatics center, bocce court, dog park, hair salon, multiple dining venues, and more. A full range of health and wellness services will be delivered at our on-campus medical center. Apartment homes are almost sold out! Call 1-877-211-6968 or visit WoodleighChase.com to get your FREE brochure today!

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Benchmark at Alexandria 571-496-9470 Welcome Center: 3462 Berkeley Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 BenchmarkAtAlexandria.com You’ll see and feel the award-winning Benchmark Experience from the moment you step into Benchmark at Alexandria, West Alex’s newest senior living community opening this spring. Surrounded by restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, you’ll enjoy best-in-class amenities -- a rooftop terrace with Washington Monument views, multiple restaurant-style dining venues, a full social calendar, a wide range of wellness opportunities, easy underground parking, personalized care and more, all facilitated by a team who is dedicated to keeping seniors connected to what matters most to them. Visit to experience the indescribable warm feeling we refer to as the Benchmark Experience and learn about our exclusive Founder’s Club benefits!

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Smart home devices boost aging in place By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve been talking to my mobility challenged mother, who lives alone, about automating her house with some smart home products to make it more convenient. She’s very interested, but we’d like to get your opinion as to which types of smart devices are most helpful for older adults aging in place. —Searching Daughter Dear Searching, If your mother is game, smart home products — such as smart lights, video doorbells and voice-activated speakers — can be very useful for aging in place. These devices can add safety and convenience to a home by providing voice and app-controlled operation, which is extremely helpful for those who have mobility issues or reduced vision. Smart home technology can also provide family members peace-of-mind by giving them the ability to electronically keep tabs on their older loved one when they can’t be there. If you’re interested in adding some smart home products to your mom’s house, she’ll need home Wi-Fi installed, and she’ll need either a smartphone, tablet or smart speaker to operate them. To help you get started, here are some different types of devices to consider that are very helpful to older adults. Smart speakers: A smart speaker — like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest or Apple HomePod — can serve as the brains of a smart home. You can control the devices with voice commands or automate them. These devices can also play your mom’s favorite music, read audiobooks, make calls, set timers and alarms, provide reminders for medications, appointments and other things, check traffic and weather, answer questions, call for help in emergency situations and much more, all done by voice commands. Smart light bulbs: To help prevent home falls — which are often caused by fumbling around a dark room looking for a light switch — smart light bulbs will let your mom turn on and off the lights by voice command, smartphone or tablet. These bulbs can also change brightness and color and be programmed to come on and off whenever she wants.

Smart plugs: These small units plug into a standard outlet and connect to the internet. Then your mom can control whatever she plugs into them — from a space heater to a coffee maker — using her voice or phone. Video doorbell: Safety is also a concern for older adults, especially those who live alone. A video doorbell would let your mom see and speak to visitors at the door without having to walk over and open it. Smart locks: For convenience and safety, smart locks would give your mom keyless entry to her home, let her (or you) provide customized access to family, friends and caregivers, and let you monitor who comes and goes from your mom’s house. Smart thermostat: This lets your mom preprogram or manually control the temperature in her home with voice command or via phone, and let you monitor it too. Smart smoke alarms: These will alert your mom when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, and will also send alerts to your phone if a problem is detected. Stovetop shut-off: To prevent home cooking fires, smart stovetop shut-off devices, like the IGuardStove, will turn off electric and gas stovetops when they are left unattended too long, and will alert you via text. Medical alert system: These devices provide wearable wrist and/or necklace emergency buttons that would allow your mom to call for help if she were to fall or need assistance. Many systems today also provide voice activated and fall detection features, as well as tracking apps that help caregivers keep tabs on her. Cameras and smart sensors: If your mom needs more in-depth monitoring, there are indoor cameras you can install so you can see, hear and talk to her from your phone. Or, if that’s too intrusive, you can install smart contact sensors on her doors so you can know when she comes and goes, as well as on her refrigerator door so you can know if she’s eating. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 21

REMOVE INVASIVE PLANTS AT LONG BRANCH Want to restore habitat and increase native species diversity in

Arlington? Join a work party on Sun., Jan. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and make a difference in the return of ferns, wildflowers and the animals that depend on them at Long Branch, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA. Register by emailing NaturalResources@arlingtonva.us. For more information, contact Barbara Farley at bfarley@arlingtonva.us or (703) 228-6535.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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RREJUVE RE EJUUVENA EJ NATE, T TE R STOORE REST RE,EE, RREVITAL EVVI VITTALLLIZE IZEE Exxperienc per en e wh hyy B Bro ke Grove Brooke Gr Re Rehabilitation eha itation and d Nursing N ng Cente Cen er reeceived the high h possible hest os bl rank rankkin ki g ffo or short-t-te term e rehab in thee er U..S. Newss & W U.S. Woorld Report eport 2024 2 4 Best Best Nursing Nu gH Homes om ratings. ngs Simply mply Diifferent eren 22 2020-acre 20 0 acre acrre retreat r t con nvven eniie ientl entlllyy located in n Mon Monttgomery tgom ome County • In nnovat nno nnov vativvee and inspirin ins n pirrin ng rehabili abiliitation ita center • Grou undbreaking therapies erapies fo for o fa faster healing • Extraordinary E staﬀ ded dic d dicated ® ming tailored d to your iinterests • Expansive private to your complete care • Engagingg LIFE programm rooms with luxury bathroom ms • Coveered porches, court yard and walkin i g trails • Open, sun n-ﬁlled livin li ng and d dining roomss with made-to-or o-o der meeals • Spa with massage room and soak oakin i g tub b ...SO O YOU O CAN R RETURN TO THE LIFE Y YO OU LOVE.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Money

Law &

These books provide sound financial advice. See article on page 19.

Protect your documents from a disaster By Kate Ashford Floods, wildfires, historic storms — severe weather events are on the rise. If your home was hit by high water or a fire, would your important papers be safe? “Unfortunately, I’ve had clients who’ve been victims of fires, flooding, hurricanes,” said Sev Tamayo, an agent with Goosehead Insurance in Palm Coast, Florida. “Some of them were prepared, and some of them weren’t.” Don’t be unprepared. Protect things that are difficult to replicate, which include documents that prove identity, legal process or ownership. If you’d have to call a government agency to process a replacement, you probably want to store it somewhere where it can stay damage-free. You should also consider what documents you’d need to access if a disaster strikes.

Important items to protect Here are some items to consider, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency: —Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce certificates —Passports, green cards and Social Security cards —Property documents pertaining to your home or rental properties, mortgage or lease, and vehicles —Pet ownership paperwork —Paper stock and bond certificates

—Military discharge papers —Health records, health insurance information and disabilities documentation —Estate planning documents (powers of attorney, wills, advance directives and trust agreements) —Property insurance documents, including policy numbers and declarations pages —Tax records —Financial statements (loans, credit cards, banks, retirement accounts and investment accounts), as well as income records (pay stubs and government benefits) —Copies of driver’s licenses and other IDs, health insurance cards and credit cards —Family photos or heirlooms For a complete checklist, visit ready.gov.

Store copies in the cloud “It’s also a good idea to keep scans of your critical documents, as well as backups of all your computer files on a storage device at a separate location or in the cloud,” said Pete Duncanson, senior director of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore, a restoration service company, in an email. In some cases, a copy of a document will suffice in an emergency. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep the original — but if you lose the original, you may be able to get by with your digital copy. You can take a photo, scan a document, or create a PDF of an online statement, and use

a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox for storage. If you use an external drive (such as a thumb drive or other storage device), keep that somewhere safe as well.

Make a video If you need to file an insurance claim, your insurer will need proof of what you owned. Keeping a record of your things is tedious — but it’s easier if you have a smartphone with a camera. “Start from the front door, turn on the video camera, take a quick two-minute walk around your house,” Tamayo said. “Save it on the cloud.” Do this once a year. Let your insurance renewal be your cue, or set a calendar reminder — and refresh it when you’ve made a major purchase or renovation. “You want to get credit for the newest things that you have,” Tamayo said.

How to store actual documents Store important documents in a container that makes the most sense for your particular risks with an eye toward preparing for the unexpected. Here are some options: Fireproof safe: You can get a fireproof safe box for under $50, but keep in mind that they come in a variety of sizes and temperature ratings. Some are waterproof. Some are more portable than others. Putting items into a zip-close bag or water-

proof container inside a fireproof safe can provide double protection. Safe deposit box: A safe deposit box at a bank can weather a lot of events. But don’t put anything there that you might need in a hurry — such as a passport for a last-minute trip — or anything someone would need in the event of your death, such as your estate documents. “If a family member isn’t on the box, that box has to go through full-blown probate just to get stuff out of the box,” said Patrick Simasko, an estate planning attorney at Simasko Law in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Plastic bin: At the very least, you can put important documents in a watertight plastic bin on a high shelf. “It’s not going to protect you from fire, but it can protect the paperwork from smoke damage and from a burst pipe or flooding incident,” said Adam Lyszczarz, program manager of the documents division of restoration company Prism Specialties in Michigan. Fridge or freezer: Putting your documents in a plastic zip-close bag in your refrigerator or freezer can also protect them, although it’s not a long-term solution. “They are watertight, and the cool temperatures will ensure that things don’t burn, but after a while, they could begin to mold,” Lyszczarz said. © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Ways to help grandchildren financially By Kimberly Palmer In his early 20s, Chris Chen’s nephew dreamed of becoming a professional photographer. But to pursue that dream, he needed equipment that cost over $5,000. His nephew worked hard to save $1,500; then, his maternal grandmother provided an additional $750. Chen, a certified financial planner in Newton, Massachusetts, covered the rest. “It helped him understand the value of money,” Chen said of his nephew, who now earns his living as a photographer. Grandparents — and other family members — often have the best intentions when it comes to helping their grandchildren financially, but experts say they don’t always know how best to do so, and can accidentally hurt their own finances along the way.

Financial advisers recommend following these steps whenever you’re giving grandchildren a financial gift, whether big or small.

Protect your own finances “The first question is, ‘Can you afford to help your grandchildren, and how much?’” said Lorraine Ell, CEO and co-founder at Better Money Decisions, a national wealth management firm. Checking your own retirement funds and overall financial security can help ensure that you’re in a position to give, she said. Grandparents, Ell said, are often pulled to “over give” out of love, but doing so in moderation instead can ensure your generosity is affordable. Katie Lindquist, a CFP in Madison, Wis-

consin, and owner of Lindenwood Financial, cautions against co-signing loans for grandchildren, which can put your own credit on the line. “There are other ways to help, such as giving part of a down payment, that can help them without actually co-signing on the loan,” she said.

Talk to the parents first Before giving a financial gift to a grandchild, Lindquist recommends discussing the idea with their parents. “Make sure everyone is clear on the plan. You can figure out what accounts they already have and what their needs are,” she said. If you’re giving cash, she adds, you might want to ask the parents to help the child keep it safe, or direct the money to a

specific savings account or purchase. Still, Lindquist adds, it’s worth recognizing that once you give the gift, “you can’t control what they spend it on.” Trent Porter, a CFP and CEO at Priority Financial Partners in Durango, Colorado, said in some cases, parents might not want their children receiving money. The fear is that “Grandparents can become a piggy bank,” he said, where they end up enabling overspending. It’s also essential to treat all grandchildren fairly, he adds, even if unique needs require differing forms of financial help, such as contributing to a wedding for one and a travel abroad opportunity for another.

See HELP GRANDKIDS, page 18

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Help grandkids

pass on,” Greenhalgh said.

From page 17

Consider 529 or Roth contributions

Talk to grandchildren, too

In some cases, contributing money into a specific account allows grandparents to retain more control over how and when it’s spent. Chen recommends funding a 529 college savings account because then grandparents know the money is earmarked for education. It’s also worth noting that you can give up to $18,000 a year per person in cash or other gifts in 2024 without triggering the IRS gift tax. A Roth IRA is another option for older grandchildren who earn money, Lindquist said. One of her clients, a pair of grandparents, told their grandson that they would match any contributions he made to his Roth IRA account up to $500. (Grandparents can contribute directly as long as the total amount saved doesn’t exceed the child’s taxable income.) This approach offered the added benefit of teaching their grandson to save a portion of his wages, she said, which is especially useful to start now, with so many decades ahead of him before retirement. That kind of life lesson is a financial gift, too. This column was provided to the Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

At the same time, it’s worth setting clear expectations with your grandchildren, Porter said. “Be as specific as you can reasonably be: ‘We will give you X number of dollars for tuition,’ instead of, ‘If you need help, here is a blank check,’” he said. When you’re giving money, it’s also a good time to talk about financial topics such as budgeting and saving, Porter added. “Communicating about those things gives them a huge advantage because most kids leave high school and have no idea,” he said. Susan Greenhalgh, a financial coach in the Providence, Rhode Island, area and president of Mind Your Money, which provides financial coaching and workshops, said grandchildren are watching and observing your behavior closely, and modeling healthy financial behavior can be beneficial to them. “Every conversation you have about money in their presence will become their money mindset, so you want to be careful about how you’re showing up for them,” she said. Giving to charity can also be part of that conversation, she said. “One grandparent I know wrote a note to his grandchildren ever y year at the holidays saying he would make a donation in their name to a favorite charity. It’s a beautiful thing to

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

The best sources for financial information If you want to succeed in personal financial planning, you need to use the best-informed, up-to-date and unbiased sources. In this column I’ll share my recommendations.

A book I recommend for both pre-retirement planning and retirement planning is How to Make Your Money Last by Jane Bryant Quinn. This book covers all the major issues related to financial planning, is easy to read, Retirement accounts For information about IRAs and refers readers to many and other retirement savings other valuable sources of inaccounts, Ed Slott and his pubformation that I also use. lications are simply the best. On the topic of estate planI regularly attend his semining, Bob Carlson is a retirenars and keep up to date with ment expert who has also THE SAVINGS his monthly publications. I GAME written an excellent retirerecommend his book The By Elliot Raphaelson ment book, Retirement Watch: New Retirement Savings Time The Essential Guide to Retiring Bomb, which is available on his website, in the 2020s. Portions of the book provide irahelp.com. excellent advice on effective estate planning.

Social Security As for Social Security, unfortunately, there is a great deal of confusion and misinformation regarding benefits and policies, including from many representatives of the agency itself. I recommend you obtain Maximizing Social Security Benefits by Marybeth Franklin. Her book (available from her website, maximizingsocialsecuritybenefits.com) is reliable and covers all the important Social Security issues. You can’t afford to make mistakes in deciding when to apply for Social Security benefits. The wrong decision can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Retirement and estate planning When it comes to retirement planning, the most comprehensive book is the Retirement Planning Guidebook: Navigating the Important Decisions for Retirement Success by Wade Pfau. He is an expert in this field, and the book covers all the major issues associated with retirement planning. Another advantage is that he makes available regular podcasts covering all the subjects he covers in his book.

Reverse mortgages If you are considering a reverse mortgage, which allows you to live in your home for several years after retirement while receiving payments for its equity value, you should read How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement by Wade Pfau. This book is the most informative one related to reverse mortgages. Pfau points out the advantage of using the “line of credit” option. Don’t consider using a reverse mortgage until you read this book. It is available through Retirement Research Media.

Annuities The source I recommend for annuities is Stan Haithcock, whom I have worked with for more than 10 years. No one I know has more expertise in this field. He will only recommend annuities that are cost-effective for you. He will make available for you, at no cost, easily readable booklets that summarize the pros and cons of every type of annuity. His website is stantheannuityman.com. His email address is stan@stantheannuityman.com. I have recommended his services to readers for many years and have

BEACON BITS

Jan. 19+ MONTHLY WALKING GROUP Join a free walking group on the third Thursday of each month for a one-hour walk along Sligo Creek (except when temperatures fall below 35 degrees or in case of inclement weather). Meet inside the front entrance of the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Registration isn’t necessary. For more information, contact Susan Rogers at gjpgroup@yahoo.com or (202) 243-9230.

MENTOR UMD STUDENTS

Jan. 30+ Volunteers age 50 and over in the Maryland/DC area are invited to support and learn from college students by participating as members and mentors in University of Maryland (Shady Grove) class projects. The groups meet on alternating Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Rockville, MD, from Jan. 30 through May 7. Complete the volunteer application at empoweringtheages.org/volunteer. For more information, contact Megan Tracy Benson at (240) 292-9402.

never received a complaint, only compliments. His podcasts are available weekly.

Medicare options Medicare planning is another area where making the right decisions is crucial. Before you reach 65, it is important to understand the pros and cons of different Medicare options. Get What’s Yours for Health Care by Philip Moeller is comprehensive and covers the advantages and disadvantages of every option available to you. One reason it is crucial to inform yourself prior to age 65 is that some options are available at sign-up and may not be available later or available only with significant financial penalties if you change your mind.

Another valuable resource is “Medicare and You,” an official government publication that is available at no cost at Medicare.gov and through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Finally, I also recommend regularly reading financial periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. You can usually find these publications at your public library, or you can subscribe at reasonable prices when promotions are offered. Make sure you cancel when promotions are ended. Otherwise, you will incur higher costs automatically. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. ©2023 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

PHOTO BY DELTA AIRLINES

Travel Leisure &

Are “premium economy” seats worth the cost? See story on page 23.

Chill out in London, strollin’ and cruisin’

Exploring Hampstead Heath Hampstead Heath fit the bill, with 790 acres of grassy meadows, shaded woodlands, gentle hills, duck ponds, walking paths and even a bona fide but uncrowded tourist attraction, Kenwood House, a 17thcentury mansion. Katherine and I wandered through the heath, veering off into the woods, gazing at a heron in a pond, or scanning the distant London skyline from one of the highest points in the city.

It was one of those days intrepid travelers cherish, free of agendas, schedules and places to be. Hampstead is one of London’s most beautiful residential districts. Cafes, pubs, boutique shops and colorful houses, gardens and hedges line its cobblestone streets. It feels more like a village than a neighborhood in a dense, urban environment. After several hours of exploring in the heath, we headed to one of the many chic gastropubs close by and indulged in a late lunch on a sunny patio on the street. On my first visit to London in 1968, I mostly ate bangers and mash, steak and kidney pies, fish and chips, and tikka masala. London’s cuisine has come a long way since then. Katherine had a salad with enough greens, fruits, nuts and grains to satisfy the pickiest vegan, gluten-free Californian, and I had a robust burger with enough toppings to satisfy an overweight carnivore like me.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

By Don Mankin I lie on my back on the cool grass, the sound of quacking ducks and raucous frisbee players wafting my way on the soft breeze drifting across the meadow. Sheer bliss! A welcome respite from the crowds cramming Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Worn out from several days of tourist attractions and museums, I was taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in London one fall to do what I do best — explore interesting, unfamiliar places on foot, quaff the occasional ale and recline at every opportunity. My wife, Katherine, and I had already visited London’s most popular tourist destinations and were looking for something different, something calming to refresh my lagging spirits.

Greenwich Mean Time is measured at the Royal Observatory, which overlooks the Thames River and the London skyline. Far from the madding crowd, Greenwich Hill is a peaceful place to relax.

Regent’s Canal stroll The next day, craving additional agendafree strolling, we embarked on a walk along Regent’s Canal from the Little Venice basin in West London to the hip, buzzy, bohemian enclave of Camden Town. Little Venice, an affluent neighborhood in West London, sits at the conjunction of PHOTO © IOLYA | DREAMSTIME.COM

Colorful houseboats line Regent’s Canal in London’s Little Venice. The canal’s nine-mile towpath connects Little Venice to the Thames.

three waterways: Regent’s Canal, Paddington Basin and the Grand Union Canal. What’s notable about the basin and especially Regent’s Canal are the colorful houseboat barges, each different than the next, docked along the canal. As we strolled, we admired them and the 19th-century townhomes along both sides of the canal, where a bevy of swans glided single-file down the middle of the narrow waterway. We took our time as we sauntered down the towpath, stopping for lunch at a charming Italian café on a short bridge straddling the canal. From our outdoor table in the middle of the bridge, we gazed at the barges lining both sides of the canal and the autumn leaves clinging to the overarching trees on the banks. It was hard to imagine that we were in the middle of bustling, crowded London in the middle of the day. The towpath runs for about two-and-ahalf miles from Little Venice to Camden Town. Along the way were gleaming mansions perched on lush green lawns. The route also passes through a more urban, industrial area. But for someone interested in both the picturesque and the gritty dimensions of the urban environment, the walk was fascinating.

Camden Town is sprawling and crowded with teenagers, tourists and punks. Decidedly bohemian and counterculture, the district is filled with street markets, food carts, trendy stores and music venues. Depending on your point of view, it is either tacky or vibrant. Since I was thoroughly chilled out by the time we reached the end of our walk, I came down on the side of vibrant and was ready to soak up the “groovy” vibe. We checked out the tchotchkes for sale at the many stalls sprinkled throughout the market, and I even sampled a cheesesteak at the “Philly Boys” food cart. How was it? Well, let’s just say that, in this Philly boy’s opinion, world-famous Pat’s Steaks in South Philadelphia has nothing to worry about.

Cruising on the River Thames The high point of our chillin’ out tour of London was a boat ride on the River Thames to Greenwich. At Westminster Pier, we boarded the boat for a one-hour sightseeing cruise to the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and the Royal Observatory. For techies and others fascinated by See LONDON, page 22

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Historic D.C. restaurants brim with tales By Victor Block In a tiny half-booth in Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, nicknamed the “rumble seat,” John F. Kennedy perused the Sunday morning newspaper after attending mass. Nearby is Booth Three, where he and Jackie Bouvier were seated when he proposed marriage to her in 1953. Harry and Bess Truman and their daughter, Margaret, often dined in another cubicle, which Margaret later incorporated into one of several mystery novels she wrote. Years later, Vice President Lyndon Johnson and Speaker of the House of Representatives Sam Rayburn frequented a booth at Martin’s, sharing a meal and discussing political tactics. These scenes, which played out over several decades, provide flashbacks in time at Martin’s Tavern, one of several history-rich restaurants in Washington, D.C. Today, residents and visitors to the nation’s capital may dine at those same tables at some of the city’s oldest eateries. The fact that Martin’s Tavern has remained in the same family since it was established in 1933 adds to its appeal. So do the cozy, dark-wood bar, stained glass light fixtures and vintage paintings of Washington that adorn the walls.

The Monocle Both Kennedy and his political rival Richard Nixon were among numerous luminaries who entered the doors of the Monocle, frequenting the Capitol Hill establishment when they were battling to become president. John Valanos, whose parents opened the restaurant in 1960, estimated that half of the members of Congress have come there for food or drink over the years. The Monocle’s walls are covered with pho-

tographs of presidents and members of Congress, past and present. The second-floor dining room is a favorite with cabinet members. The food, according to Valanos, is “simple, of high quality, but not complicated.” Popular favorites include porterhouse filet mignon, jumbo lump crabcakes and, for those on a tighter budget, littleneck clams linguine or a gourmet burger.

Old Ebbitt Grill The original Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856 by William Ebbitt, who purchased a boarding house whose guest registry included several presidents-to-be. Following a number of moves and iterations, Old Ebbitt ended up at 675 15th Street NW, near the White House. Regular patrons include politicians, entertainers and others who enjoy its history and décor. The setting mimics that of the restaurant in the 1960s. Animal trophies said to have been shot by President Theodore Roosevelt look down upon those seated at a replica of the bar. Ceiling murals, oil paintings and carved waterfowl decoys add to the atmosphere.

Tabard Inn The Tabard Inn continues to combine lodgings with luscious food, as it has since 1922. During World War II, it served as a boarding house for Women Appointed for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES). Located on a quiet block just south of Dupont Circle, the 35-bedroom inn occupies three Victorian-era rowhouses. The lack of an elevator and of TV sets in guest rooms add to its throwback appeal. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are served in the intimate dining rooms and covered patio, and light fare and beverages are available in the cozy fireplace lounge.

Iron Gate The atmosphere is different but no less nostalgic at the Iron Gate Restaurant, across the street from the Tabard Inn, named for its decorative entrance gateway. The edifice was constructed in 1875, and the builder’s wife planted the wisteria vines that still shade the garden patio. The dining room occupies a former horse stable built in 1898. Over the decades, the location has been a tea room, wedding reception hall and hangout for the writer Tom Wolfe, who frequented the patio.

Georgetown University alumnus opened a bistro called The Tombs in the basement, which catered largely to students and faculty (and still does). The upstairs evolved into the elegant restaurant which serves classic French cuisine. The ambiance includes American antique furniture, refined early American relics, a fireplace and a gas chandelier. A “Parliament Clock” dates back to colonial days, when the English legislature enacted a tax on watches, and gargoyles behind a bar were salvaged from a 16th-century monastery in Ireland.

1789 The 1789 restaurant is named for the year its building was erected. In 1960, a

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London From page 20 19th-century science, the Royal Observatory is literally ground zero for the Prime Meridian of the world: the reference point for mapping, navigation and timekeeping throughout the world. Greenwich is also home to the Cutty Sark (the historic sailing ship, not the whisky), the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College and many other shops, restaurants and pubs. The cruise was the primary draw for me — a great way to sightsee without breaking a sweat. My only exercise was sprinting from one side of the boat to the other for photos and unobstructed views of

Restaurants From page 21

Annie’s Paramount Steak House Annie’s Paramount Steak House has been family-owned and operated since it opened in Dupont Circle in 1948. It was started by a Greek immigrant named George Katinas and his five sisters. He later added Annie to the name to honor that particular sister’s devoted service to

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Globe Theater and such modern architectural wonders as the skyscrapers affectionately known as the Shard and the Gherkin. I also spotted the Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower, the oldest riverside pubs in London, which date back to the 16th century. The Royal Observatory, situated on a hill overlooking the river, played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation. The observatory is now maintained almost exclusively as a museum for historic astronomical and navigational tools. We spent several hours touring the observatory and the broad expanse of lawn leading down to the Thames, the Cutty

her customers. Early on, Annie’s became known for offering a welcoming environment to all, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. It has received the James Beard Foundation’s “America’s Classics Award” for its “timeless appeal…and quality of food that reflects the character of its community.” A colorful, revolving mini-carousel in the front window was designed and built

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Sark and the town of Greenwich, stopping in a particularly picturesque pub for lunch. On the return cruise, I sat back on a bench on the upper deck and just watched the scenery flow by. I had enough photos to bore even my best friends. Although I like museums, castles, cathedrals and other tourist attractions as much as the next guy, I would rather relax outdoors, experiencing unfamiliar places and locations at my own pace and letting serendipity be my guide.

If you go Nonstop round-trip airfare from Washington-area airports is usually less than $800. London hotels can be very expensive.

by Paul, George’s son and current owner. Paul’s daughter Georgia, who serves as manager, explains that “Paul likes to incorporate fun and whimsy into the place.” Annie’s has no internet service for customers and no TV sets over the bar. That way, a waiter explained to me, “People spend their time here speaking with each other.”

Ben’s Chili Bowl No story about venerable places to sup and sip in Washington would be complete without reference to Ben’s Chili Bowl. Since 1958, that unassuming restaurant has been serving down-home fare, including half smokes, hot dogs, sweet potato pie

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We stayed in a home exchange, so that wasn’t an issue for us. For accommodations, I recommend checking on any of the online travel sites (e.g., TripAdvisor, Kayak, Bookings.com, etc.) or Airbnb for the best choice for your price range and desired location. Where to eat: Near Hampstead Heath, try Wells Tavern (thewellshampstead.co.uk). On the Regent’s Canal, pause at Café Laville (cafelaville.co.uk), and in Greenwich eat at Gipsy Moth (thegipsymothgreenwich.co.uk). For more information about the Thames Canal tour, visit thamesriversightseeing.com. There is no admission fee at Kenwood House, which is known for its world-class art collection, which includes paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

and, of course, chili. In its early days, it became a favorite among jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole. Barack Obama visited its original U Street location several times, and it has since opened franchises in Nationals Park and Reagan National Airport. The James Beard Foundation honored it among “eateries that have carved out a special place on the American culinary landscape.” For more information, visit martinstaverndc.com, themonocle.com, oldebbittgrill.com, tabardinn.com/dining, 1789restaurant.com, irongaterestaurantdc.com, anniesparamountdc.com and benschilibowl.com.

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Is ‘premium economy’ seating worth it? A recent report from IdeaWorks Company describes the airlines’ premium economy of fering as “an uppermiddle-class seat priced for the upper-middle class” designed for, and marketed to, “upper middle-class consumers who seek an upper middle-class travel experience.” The report’s author, Jay Sorensen, is bullish on premium economy. Should you be?

and soon after picked up by Virgin Atlantic. For a long time, it stayed that way. But over the last decade or so, almost all the big international lines have adopted it. Even a few low-fare lines have adopted the idea: Norse Atlantic includes a small premium economy cabin on its 787s, and French Bee has premium economy on its A350s. As far as I know, no line has outfitted 737s or A320s with TRAVEL TIPS The basics the five-across seats the manuPremium economy is a dis- By Ed Perkins facturers once described as tinct airline product, in a dispremium economy. But a few lines sell oldtinct cabin on most long-haul wide-body line first-class cabins as premium economy planes. on connecting flights. Its hard product provides seats two or three inches wider than standard economy, The appeal with usually seven or eight inches more The industry consensus is that premilegroom, and a soft product featuring supe- um economy is designed as an upsell to rior meals and maybe better checked and leisure travelers, not as a cost-cutting altercarry-on baggage policies. native to business class. In many ways, it’s close to what you get And that’s understandable: A lot of in domestic first class 737 and A320 flights. leisure travelers are less than delighted by It sits between the economy “plus” many the prospect of book-ending a few wonderbig lines offer — with standard economy ful weeks in Europe or Asia between two seats but a few inches extra legroom, and miserable eight- to 12-hour sessions stuffed international business class — with lavish into a seat that’s not big enough to accomcabin service and seats that convert to a modate them comfortably. lie-flat bed on overnight trips. I know that in my senior years I’ve used Premium economy was originated more miles to get out of cattle-car economy on than 30 years ago by Taiwan-based EVA Air, most recent long-haul trips.

The value proposition The problem with premium economy is that, by my measurement, it’s generally overpriced. These days, except at the extremes of range, the capacity of a modern jetliner is determined by the number or people it can accommodate, not their weight. That means what you pay for a seat should be more or less based on the amount of cabin area it occupies. According to Sorensen’s report, a typical premium economy seat takes about 8-9 square feet, compared with 5-6 square feet for a regular economy seat. That’s about 40% to 60% more space. This tracks with the longstanding Air France claim that its premium economy gives you 40% more space. However, most of the time, you pay more than a 40% to 60% premium over economy. I checked some transatlantic fares for travel in March, and I found that premium economy is generally selling at about double the base economy fare. And “40% more room at double the price” is not a value proposition I’d like to defend with great vigor.

On the other hand, a business-class seat takes up about 18 square feet, and business-class fares hover around four to five times economy fares for double the space.

The bottom line Whether premium economy is a good deal for you depends primarily on your view of regular economy. In my senior years, I have concluded that, for a long intercontinental trip, regular economy has dropped from “undesirable” to “unacceptable.” Fortunately, I’ve accumulated enough miles to upgrade — basically saying I’d rather take one comfortable and pleasant trip than two miserable trips. But that’s not a universal trade-off. You have to decide for yourself. Premium economy is the real deal — enough better than regular economy to change your attitude about flying. The question is whether the value proposition works for you. Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or visit his rail travel website at railguru.com. © 2023 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

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Style Arts &

Keep your mind in tiptop condition with games this year. See page 26.

Artists spread joy to senior communities

of that loneliness that was exacerbated, especially in aging communities, throughout the pandemic,” said Janine Tursini, CEO of Arts for the Aging.

A mission to help Since 1988, the nonprofit Arts for the Aging has worked to bring “the dazzling beauty and therapeutic power of the arts to older adults and their caregivers…led by a celebrated faculty of teaching artists,” according to the social service organization’s website. Its workshops, both in person and virtual, share a variety of visual and literary arts with residents of all types of older adult communities, as well as arts education and ideas for their caregivers. Last year, it launched the Creative Connections Project specifically for long-term care communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. A teaching artist like Riley hosts four classes that are free for a facility’s residents, giving them a little exercise and attention. Riley regularly asks for ideas from her students, calling on them by name and incorporating their answers into a group

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTS FOR THE AGING

By Margaret Foster One cold, sunny morning, two dozen residents of an assisted living community in Rockville, Maryland, form a circle with their wheelchairs. A teacher enters the circle, greeting each person with a smile. “I’m Deborah. And we are going to do some dancing together today in our chairs,” she says. As Deborah Riley, a teaching artist from Arts for the Aging, turns on some music, one woman resident reaches for a hug. A frequent attendee of Riley’s classes, she is known for getting out of her wheelchair to dance, “like a flower blooming,” according to Kayla Conklin, project assistant at Arts for the Aging, based in Rockville. Riley’s classes are part of a new project Arts for the Aging launched last September to combat loneliness through art — singing, dancing, painting, poetry and “joy of movement” classes. Funded by Montgomery County’s Health and Human Services department through the American Rescue Plan, it’s called the Creative Connections Project. “This [project] is about combating isolation and spreading joy, and combating some

Mirna, a resident of Sterling Care Rockville, dances with teaching artist Deborah Riley at an Arts for the Aging class in November 2023.

dance, which she leads. The teachers are focused on “making a connection with individuals in the room and the group, encouraging the use of imagina-

tion — because that never fails,” Tursini said, no matter one’s age. See ARTS FOR THE AGING, page 27

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Singles From page 1 as well as bi-weekly game nights and other gatherings for widowed persons. Widowed Persons Outreach (WPO), another local group, also offers support groups as well as social meetups and Zoom sessions. Most people who’ve lost someone find non-judgmental, peer-to-peer support groups important to recovery. Those groups offer not just emotional support but outings like concerts, book discussions, dinners and travel. Many are free. Connecting with others “who understand what you are going through” helps, said Linda, a local widow who did not want her last name published. “These people get it. You don’t have to explain,” she said. She also joined the Lousy Bowlers League, where she meets many people, not just widows. Keller laments that it took her three years after her husband died to search for help. “Seek help and support immediately,” she urged. “Find like-minded people. I thought I was the only widow in the world.” Today Keller finds comfort and self-assurance in spending time with other widows, or friends she calls “wisters” — a combination of “widows” and “sisters.” Advises one widow, “Do not stay at home and wallow, even though you are in a horrible fog of loneliness and grief.” She found strength in a grief group, where she listened to others’ journeys. Grief can come in waves, pop up seemingly out of nowhere, and linger in the background for years, counselors say. Be gentle with yourself, Gregory said. “It’s important to allow yourself to grieve.”

Facing finances and “stuff” For many people, dealing with financial matters can be terrifying, especially if the deceased spouse handled the planning and household expenses. There’s what one widow calls the “barrage of paperwork, like car titles and his name on everything, his will and bills.” In her case, the paperwork kept her busy. “It made me put one foot in front of the other

and get things done,” she said. Some women living alone are vulnerable to scams and price gouging, like inflated plumbing or car repair prices. Some people stereotypically “see a single woman who [they think] does not know much,” Gregory said, and try to take advantage. Disposing of clothing and personal items can be heart-wrenching. Many advisors caution against letting others pressure the bereaved into giving things away, and urge people to take time to sort through it all. A Virginian in her 70s and married for 40 years was overwhelmed “dealing with his stuff,” including 350 boxes of papers, numerous tools, artworks, a truck and a 1968 sports car. At times, she felt angry at him for leaving her to deal with his belongings. Fairfax County resident Steve Ditmeyer, whose wife died of ovarian cancer in 2017, enlisted his daughter and sisters to help donate his late wife’s wardrobe. Ditmeyer, who was married for 38 years, said, “You have to move on. I was fortunate that my then 34-year-old son was living with me then and now. We could grieve together and look after each other.” Still, Ditmeyer tried to stay busy, attending church dinners, discussion groups and college alumni gatherings.

service,” he said. One 65-year-old Gaithersburg widow said she wrestled with “trying to accept the fact there’s nothing I can do to bring him back. I’m alone. That was the toughest.” The flip side for some is that once you come to terms with solitude, there are some plusses. You don’t have to consult about every meal, outing or what to buy when. And you can control the television remote, one widow joked.

Going out again Gordon says it takes a little bravery to forge out on your own. “For some, getting out of the house is a difficult process,” he said. “At a certain stage, you have to be proactive. It takes encouragement to get out of the house, to go do something. Don’t be afraid to go [out] to dinner alone.”

After the initial shock of the loss dissipates, holidays and anniversaries can be difficult. The pain isn’t quite as acute as the first year, though, according to most widowed people. “I keep saying, ‘The really tough stuff is over,’” said an Alexandria widow, who went through an agonizing six months as her husband’s health declined. Above all, Keller said, be kind to yourself. “It’s okay to cry. Just take [it] one day at a time.” For more information about Widowed Persons Outreach, visit wpodc.org or call (202) 537-4942. For Widow Care’s support groups, visit widowcare.org. Also, try the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, at wendtcenter.org, or the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, for survivors of military or veteran loved ones, at taps.org/mission.

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Starting Chapter Two Loneliness and the fear of being alone are significant hurdles for many widowed people. You can feel invisible because you were formerly half of a couple. Your family and friends are used to “salt and pepper. Now you are just salt,” Keller said. Some people who lose their partner want to find another; some do not. Ditmeyer’s wife told him the day before she died, “I regret that I did not line up someone for you to go the rest of the way with.” Most counselors advise people to take it slowly. “Getting into a relationship too quickly could be a mistake,” Gregory warned. What some widows call “Chapter Two” should be about loving yourself, she noted. Ken Gordon, president of WPO, lost his wife 14 years ago and stresses that support groups like his provide social connections. But these organizations are “not a dating

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Games, calendars for mental gymnastics When you’re stuck indoors this winter, Seven Games will teach you how to imexercise your mind. Find a new board game prove your game. Casual players will learn to enjoy or hone your skills new tactics and approaches mastering your favorite game. that are well-known among Seven Games: A Human the pros and serious competiHistory, by Oliver Roeder, tors. Become intrigued with 306 pages, W.W. Norton & or take up a new pastime. Company paperback, 2023 Examine the current availRead an engaging account ability of online programs — of these seven games: checkfree and subscription-based ers, chess, Go, backgammon, — that help players hone poker, Scrabble and bridge. their skills and achieve the Learn their historic origins, next level. Read about the how they rose in popularity, THE world of artificial intelligence the current state of play, and BIBLIOPHILE and the race of machines and the extent to which computer By Dinah Rokach their developers to beat huprograms have gained masmans. tery over top-rated humans. Consider the Roeder is a writer and puzzle editor for degree to which logic, chance and mental FiveThirtyEight, the website that uses staagility are important components in mas- tistical analysis to cover politics, sports tering each of these games. and science. Take a seat alongside author Oliver Everybody Wins: Four Decades of Roeder as he enters championship tourna- the Greatest Board Games Ever Made, ments. Meet quirky individuals and their by James Wallis, 223 pages, Aconyte quests for fame and championships. Ex- hardcover, 2023 plore how great players and their insights Spiel des Jahr is a prestigious award for have taken the games to greater heights family-style board and card games selectand, in many cases, greater popularity. ed by a jury of German game critics. Crite-

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ria include originality, playability and comprehensibility. Everybody Wins is a large-format coffee table book that reviews the winners of the award from 1979’s Hare and Tortoise to 2022’s Cascadia. A chapter is devoted to each year’s winner. The game is described succinctly: the number of players, playing time, recommended minimum age and its current availability, whether new, secondhand or out of print. Games include roll-and-move, race, set-making and legacy. (The latter means games played over several sessions.) Author James Wallis opines whether the game is worth playing. He lauds games for their family appeal and their reliance on strategy, and categorizes them as cooperative or antagonistic. Wallis also explores the importance of randomness versus strategy. More than 100 color photographs illustrate the game board, the box and its contents. The book includes Micromacro, Carcassonne, Codenames, CATAN, Qwirkle, Dominion and Bluff. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find the nominees for each year’s award with a short summary of the game. A final chapter discusses notable games that should have won and why. Wallis is a British game designer, publisher and consultant who lives in London. Wal-

lis created the Diana Jones Award, known as the Nobel Prize of gaming. It is awarded annually at Gen Con, the largest tabletop games convention in North America. Wheel of Fortune® 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar, Andrews McMeel Publishing; Trivial Pursuit® 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar: 2000s Edition, Andrews McMeel Publishing; Trivia Night FullColor Daily Calendar 2024, Willow Creek Press Play a game each time you turn the pages of these 2024 daily calendars. Wheel of Fortune has been broadcast since 1975. Each page of the 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar presents a partially completed game board, category clue and several used letters. The answer is revealed on the back. The Trivial Pursuit® 2000 Edition features 300 trivia cards with questions from six color-coded categories relating to this century: places, science, sports, arts, entertainment and events. Trivia Night has a similar format. The categories, however, are more wide-ranging and the historic time span much broader in scope. Each page is printed on a rainbow of solid-color pages with blank lines for note-taking at the bottom. All three calendars can be mounted for ease of display and are printed with soybased ink on recycled paper.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Mixed emotions about work from home He was 30-something — a bit smug, a But take it from this old guy, who combit too fond of his own opinions. But I was muted for decades to a workplace where he seated beside him at a fancy didn’t also sleep. Work-at-home dinner, so I was stuck. is a mirage. After the salad, I asked how Let’s start with the water he had weathered the pandemcooler. ic. “Perfectly,” he announced. That gushing workplace I wasn’t sure that I had fountain owns mythical imporheard him correctly. In whose tance among those born around universe was the pandemic when I was. Ideas were shared perfect? His. and critiqued. Proposals were “I didn’t have to go into the sharpened. Rants about the Big office once,” he said. “I worked Boss were exchanged. at home, online. Still do. Best HOW I SEE IT Moan about local sports By Bob Levey time of my life.” teams? That’s where it hapI made a beeline for the pened. The water cooler was a bread basket right about then, so I didn’t town square and finishing school wrapped start an argument. But I’m about to start into one. one here. Yes, today’s work-at-homes can create a I say the work-at-home craze isn’t all it’s virtual water cooler via their computers. cracked up to be. Those who worship at the Many do. altar of no-more-office may be happier in the short run, in their sweatpants and bare feet.

But there’s something artificial and stiff about asking for help via email, and then seeing each other only on a screen. Standing right beside that helper is far more satisfying — and far more productive. Then there’s commuting.

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Arts for the Aging incorporates current research on aging into its programs. According to several studies, older adults who participate in creative arts activities become less lonely and depressed. “We’re grounded in all of these studies that are showing reduction in risk factors that drive the need for long-term health care,” Tursini said. Arts for the Aging is recruiting 30 to 40 long-term care communities in Montgomery County for the Creative Connections project. “The programs are in in demand, and there’s a limited number of spots available,” Conklin said. “Every single community that has finished their four programs has reached out to me and asked for more.” New participants are welcome in 2024, Tursini said. “It’s important for us to carry out this contract and to expand our reach because we know that it will bring joy and bring people together in ways that that will create a sense of health and well-being.” For more information on Arts for the Aging, or if you know of a community interested in participating in the program, call (301) 637-4437 or visit artsfortheaging.org.

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Arts for the Aging In these interactive classes, Tursini added, “Everyone can be seen and heard and valued. There’s also chemistry happening in our bodies with social connection: Those feel-good hormones increase when we connect in these ways.” The teachers themselves enjoy leading these classes, according to Sarah House, program director. “The teaching artists are not only professional working artists themselves, but we consider them caregivers,” House said. “One teacher has previously described the work as ‘soul work.’”

Today’s work-at-homes say that avoiding rush hour twice each day puts two hours back in their saddlebags and brightens their moods.

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141 Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

BALTIMORE CITY Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180 Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487 Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445 Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

EASTERN SHORE Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

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Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. 2024 Special Events 1

By Stephen Sherr 7

28 31

44 47

46 49

56 60

59 61

Across 1. Makes a sidewalk less dangerous 6. Japanese drama 9. Best actress nominee for Leaving Las Vegas 13. Untouchable Ness 14. Publicize 15. Item in a magician’s pocket 16. King Julien of Madagascar 17. Defenseless 19. Special event in Winter 2024 21. 1980’s “Star Wars” missile sys. 22. ___ Might be Giants 23. Special and photo 26. ___-ticon, such as :-) 28. Spy agency created following WWII 29. Special event in Spring 2024 36. Precisely 37. Limitation of TikTok 38. Pro ___ (proportionally) 39. Special event in Summer 2024 44. Lyric poem 45. Pull the wool over someone’s eyes 46. Take a stab at 47. Chills and fever 49. Code for Nevada’s busiest airport 51. Special event in Fall 2024 59. Highly magnetic mineral 60. Indian language 61. Be in harmony 62. Prefix meaning “within” 63. Spritelike 64. Makes a sidewalk more dangerous 65. “His/Hers” in French (and center of “HORSESHOE”) 66. Actress Emma or Sharon

Down 1. Narcissist’s favorite person 2. Sheltered from the wind 3. An arm or a leg 4. French city, where visitors can take excursions to a chateaux and a cathedral

Jumble answers on p. 31.

Scrabble answers on p. 31.

9 15

21 23

5. Oktoberfest treat 6. The city so nice, they abbreviated it twice 7. Birthstone of Halloween babes 8. Nonbeliever 9. Listerine rival 10. Boy detective Frank or Joe 11. Product of the liver 12. Bathtub whirlpool 14. 1959 Best Picture Ben-___ 18. Taj ___ 20. Points toward the bullseye 23. Lisa Simpson’s bus driver 24. Amenity at most Holiday Inns 25. Last-minute call from the governor 27. Value of about 11 pennies 28. John Waters movie, ___ B. Demented 30. “At the moment,” in text-speak 31. Some Twenty Questions answers 32. Nest egg fund, briefly 33. Hairstyle’s dividing line 34. Distribute cocoa powder in hot water 35. Lightly cooked, as an egg 40. Applies gravy to the turkey 41. Conceives of 42. River that baby Moses floated on 43. Common cobbler constituents 47. Spanish for “mudbrick” 48. The X-chromosome has more of them than the Y 50. Leg extttennddder 51. Nation of over 300 islands 52. Comedy idol, Idle 53. Like Texas’ star 54. All’s Well That ___ Well 55. Astrological sign of Dodger great Durocher 56. Content of an intelligence briefing 57. Thor’s dad 58. Maximum number of lives for a cat

Answers on page 31.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Bob Levey From page 27 But this old crow actually liked commuting, for the same reason that today’s work-athomes hate it. It took my mind off my troubles, and the world’s, while I was cocooned. In the morning, it helped me focus my workaday self so I could burst through the front doors, ready to perform. In the evening, it gave me emotional separation from the work I had just done, and prepared me to hug the kids. My 30-something dinner companion said it makes him a better worker when he can take a break to do the laundry. “Couldn’t you do that at some other time?” I wondered. He said he could. “But, hey, what the boss doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” he added. Garnished with a wicked, conspiratorial grin. On behalf of bosses everywhere, I silently cried, “Ouch.” Here’s a guy in the prime of his working life who just admitted that he’s doing household stuff when he should be doing his job. Yikes. Would he call it OK to read a comic book at home on company time? To do some cardio to the strains of Taylor Swift? To crank out a dynamite homemade rye bread when he should be cranking out data? I didn’t say so to my dinner companion, but I believe that work is all about concentration. Work is about tunneling in and getting it done. Rye bread sculpting can wait. Many of my agemates agree. Part of it is shared combat. We’ve pounded it out in an office or at a store for all these years, and we stood up to the challenges. Why can’t today’s softies do the same? Part of it, too, is the notion that everything was better way back when (debatable, but widely believed). And part of it is raised eyebrows about today’s ever-soemotionally-delicate young adults. What, the poor dears need their companion kitties meowing beside them when a big report is due? If we oldies had brought a cat to work with us, that would have been our last day of employment. And yet… Working at home can save major money on carfare, clothing and lunches. Working

Letters to the editor From page 2 of exhibitors and providing health screenings for our residents. Furthermore, in collaboration with Montgomery County, you and your team annually publish and distribute an invaluable free resource, the annual Montgomery County Seniors’ Resource Guide. Your unwavering commitment plays a vital role alongside the efforts of numerous individuals, organizations, communities, associations and agencies in the County, all working together to address the interests and needs of our older adult residents. The Commission on Aging commends

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

at home avoids co-workers who stop to chat “for just a second” — and stay for 15 minutes. Working at home puts you on the job right after you brush your teeth. And working at home can give you si-

lence. If you once worked in a huge room full of dozens of people, as I always did, maybe all that background noise wasn’t so golden. So maybe my young tablemate wasn’t entirely wrong (although he was entire-

ly annoying). Evidence? Where do you think I wrote this column? Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

your contributions as a past chair of the Mar yland Commission on Aging, CoChair of the Age Friendly Communications Committee, and your constant support of our local community programs and events. Congratulations again. Thank you for all that you do to make Montgomery County a “Community for a Lifetime.” What makes life better for older adults, makes life better for all ages. David Engel, Chair Montgomery County Commission on Aging

in D.C. and instantly liked what he said regarding growing older and remaining active. I’m so glad she arranged for me to receive your publication. Thank you for a thought provoking, interesting and informative newspaper. Rebecca Faeder Via website

when my hearing was worsening, and a hearing aid was no longer helpful. After a few years of stalling getting a cochlear implant, I finally did so at the age of 73. It was the best thing I could have done. I hear everything, even the tiniest sound, and am able to listen to music. As the article states, one needs to consult with an otolaryngologist to work through this process. With any surgical procedure, each person has different experiences, but I had no post-surgical issues. For someone who took so long to pursue this and finally do it, I say to look into it and learn as much as you can to help you decide. Hollace Goodman Rockville, MD

Dear Editor: I really enjoy your newspaper. My daughter met your publisher at a function

Dear Editor: In reference to your December article, “Who can benefit from a cochlear implant?” I’d like to share my experience. I lost my hearing from spinal meningitis when I was 5 months old and wore a hearing aid from the age of 5. I was doing well until my later years

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 31. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate. Caregivers A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in. Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235 IS IT POSSIBLE? Are there professional caregivers out there that REALLY care about your personal needs? Try MorningStar Health Systems! We provide compassionate caregivers that will assist you (or your loved one) with various daily activities including: housekeeping, medication reminders, grocery shopping, medical appointments, laundry tasks, etc. Go to www.morningstarhealthsys.com or contact us for more info at 240-424-5683 or 202-539-7274. We look forward to providing your gracious service! A COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE COMPANION - Providing loving, trustworthy, devoted care for your loved one. Available part time in Montgomery County. HOSPICE trained, 20+ years experience, A+ references. Please call Sadie (240) 522-9591, leave voice message. FIDELITY HOME HEALTHCARE (RNowned) We provide skilled & unskilled care that optimizes our clients’ & their families’ quality of life & wellbeing. This empowers them to retain or regain their independence, thus maximizing their participation in society. Our professional care givers are vetted & highly experienced. Our services include: skilled nursing, personal care support, companion & sitter, respite care, & more... Contact us: info@fidelityhomecareinc.com. Tel: 240-264-6846 / 703-675-8633 A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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BEACON BITS HELPLINE Ongoing SENIOR Connect with a Jewish Council for the Aging Information & Referral Specialist to help find senior services in the D.C. area, including housing, home care, recreation and more. Call (240) 2903311 or (703) 652-1515, or email SeniorHelpLine@accessjca.org.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 15

CELEBRATE MLK DAY Visit the Folger Theater on Mon., Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. to celebrate

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday at a free event featuring contemporary poets and actors reading historic speeches from King, Frederick Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer and others. The theater is located at 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC. Register at bit.ly/MLKatFolger. For more information, contact the box office at folgerboxoffice@folger.edu or (202) 544-7077.

Feb. 10

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with dance and music performances, crafts, tradi-

tional Chinese and Korean art demonstrations, photo booths and the lion dance. This free event takes place on Sat., Feb. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kogod Courtyard, 8th and G Sts. NW, Washington, DC. Register at bit.ly/LunarNewYearSAAM.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 28 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

S E L F

A L T S N O H S H U E L I O T H Y P E C A R D U N A R M O R E D E M U R E B R U A R Y L E A P D A Y S D I T H E Y O P S E M O C I A T O T A L S U N E C L I P S E T O A T N O C R A T A O L Y M P I C S I N P A R I S O D E L I E T R Y A G U E L A S F E D E R A L E L E C T I O N I R O N S T O N E H I N D I E N D O E L F I N J I B E S E S S T O N E I C E S

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: FLOSS CRAZY INTAKE OCTANE Answer: The bird had trouble seeing the window and would try to remember to — STAY CLEAR OF IT

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon! Employment & Volunteers JCA Career Gateway . . . . . . . .18 JCA Employment Expo . . . . .13 Seniors Helping Seniors . . . . . .9

Events Charles E. Smith Life Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation . . . . .27

Home Health Care Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . .B-12 Seniors Helping Seniors . . . . . .9

Housing Ashby Ponds/ Erickson . . . . . . . . .B-7, B-14 Benchmark at Alexandria . . . . . . . .B-3, B-14 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . .B-6, B-8, B-14, B-16 Charles E. Smith Life Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Chevy Chase House . . .B-4, B-8 Churchill Senior Living . . . . .21 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . . .21 Flats at Sandy Spring, The . .B-3

Grandview, The/ Erickson . . . . . . . . . .B-7, B-8 Greenspring/ Erickson . . . . . . . . .B-7, B-10 Harmony Chantilly . . . . . . . . . .1 Harmony Spring Hill . . . . . . . . .1 HIP Home Sharing . . . . . . . .B-4 Homecrest House . . . .B-6, B-11 Housing Authority of the City of College Park . . . . .B11 Inspir Embassy Row . .B-5, B-10 Leggett, The . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13 Park View Apartments . . . . . .27 Riderwood/Erickson . . .B-6, B-7 Sommerset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Spring Ridge Apts . . . . . . . . . . .8 Westminster-Canterbury at Chesapeake Bay . . .B-2, B-10 Woodleigh Chase/ Erickson . . . . . . . . .B-7, B-14

Judy Oh, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Medicare Advantage Plans . . .18 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . .9 Preferred Hearing Center . . . .11 Stephen Friedman, DDS . . . . .24 United HealthCare . . . . . . . . .18

Legal Services

Continental Movers . . . . . . .B-11 Eric Stewart/Long & Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . .10, B-15

Farr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof .18

Medical/Health/ Insurance Center for Healing Family Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Chesapeake Hearing . . . . . . . . .5 Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Memory Care Benchmark at Alexandria . . . . . . . .B-3, B-14 Brooke Grove . . .B-6, B-8, B-16 Harmony Chantilly/ Spring Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 JCA Kesher Café . . . . . . . . . . .18

Miscellaneous Hale Oranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Potomac Collector . . . . . . . . . .13

Real Estate Services/Moving

Senior Resources Age-Friendly DC . . . . . . . . . . .11 DC Living Boldly Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . .15-16 Getting Older/Eric Stewart . . .10 GROWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 JCA Kesher Café . . . . . . . . . . .18

Maryland Senior Concierge . .10 Mont. Co. Age-Friendly Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Seabury Resources for the Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Brooke Grove . . . . . . .B-8, B-16

Theatre/ Entertainment F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre . . .25 Senior Zone Radio Show . . . .26 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . .24 US Air Force Band . . . . . . . . .25

Transportation/ Travel Mont. Co. Age-Friendly Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Mont. Co. Transit/Ride-On Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Vamoose Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Utilities DC Discount on Utilities . . . . . .7 Mont. Co. Cash Grants . . . . . . .7 Pepco Storm Prep . . . . . . . . . . .4

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Celebrates 100 Years! In 2024, Seabury will celebrate 100 years of service to older adults across the greater DC region. For 100 years we have provided affordable housing and services to support people aging with dignity and independence. Today, we serve over 6,000 people and their families with experienced care managers, high quality senior living communities, free meals to low-income seniors, and much, much more. Help us celebrate this milestone! Join us May 16th at the National Museum for Women in the Arts for a Gala for the Ages. To buy tickets or register as a sponsor, visit www.seaburyresources.org/centennial.

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