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VOL. 33 NO. 7

Phase Two of Your Life?

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

HONOR FLIGHT

July 2019

INSIDE....

Check out our

Apartment & Condominium Directory See Page 15

Nemovitz on Real Estate

See Page 5

Age discrimination See Page 11

Jack Pearson loves a star performance See Page 30

Calendar of Events

See Page 34

Government Is Not The Problem

Recently, at my doctor’s office, I overheard a comment by an older gentleman that started me thinking about the effect of government on our lives, especially the perception that “government is the problem, not the solution.”

The man’s comment was something to the affect that “only the government could be stupid enough to put your Social Security number on your Medi-

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

care card.” I was too polite to say to the gentleman what I wanted to say which was “by the way, that same stupid government was smart enough many years ago to create Social Security and Medicare so that you would have economic and healthcare security in your retirement years.” Incidentally, new Medicare cards are in the process of being replaced by the end of 2019 and will not

include your Social Security number.

Medicare now provides that healthcare security to 60 million people and Social Security provides economic security to 63 million people.

I have read quite a bit about the Civil War and one thing I remember was that young men were willing to go to war and risk their lives to “save the FRAZIER continued on page 3

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JULY 2019

Reasons to have cataract surgery 1.

2.

Vision improvement can enhance quality of life (ability to read, write, watch TV, perform chores and hobbies, etc.) and reduce psychological distress (worry and frustration).

“Removing cloudy cataracts can also increase the amount of light and color which enters the eye, thus positively impacting cortisol, melatonin, and mood levels,” states Brett Rhode, MD. “In one study, people who had their cataracts removed and replaced with implants had half the car accident risk of those who didn’t have surgery,” cites Daniel Ferguson, MD.

3. “You'll decrease your risk of falling and hip fractures,” says Mark Freedman, MD. Of the 1,000+ hip fractures that occur each day, many are due to visual impairment from cataracts.

4. “Medicare covers 80% of the allowable cost of cataract surgery and insurance covers a majority (or sometimes all) of the remainder,” notes Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD. 5. "Our team uses the latest technology, so the operation takes only 1530 minutes. Afterward, patients go home and resume most all normal activities within hours, and vision noticeably improves within days," says Michael Raciti, MD. 6. Cataract removal with lens implantation began in 1949 and is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for Americans age 65+.

“The overwhelming majority of patients improve their vision— often to levels not seen in years,” says optometrist David Scheidt, OD.

MDs review cataract surgery process

by Cheryl L. Dejewski

What happens during surgery

In June, we reviewed the causes, symptoms and risks of cataracts.

Today, we examine treatment.

Why you need a lens implant “During cataract surgery, once the cloudy lens (about the size of an aspirin) is removed, an artificial lens implant (IOL) needs to be placed permanently inside the eye to restore focusing ability, peripheral (side) vision, and depth perception.

for your eye, budget and lifestyle,” says Brett Rhode, MD, an eye surgeon with thousands of cases under his surgical cap.

How the surgeon prepares

Lens Implant

(replaces cataract)

Clear Image

‘Basic’ IOLs are like miniature internal contact lenses set for a single prescription power—usually to provide clear vision in the distance for driving, watching TV, and other tasks. Most patients with these lenses still need reading glasses or bifocals.

‘Advanced technology’ IOLs reduce dependence on glasses by adjusting for astigmatism and/or providing multiple focusing zones. Your surgeon will help you determine which type of IOL is best

“We take the results of your pre-operative tests and enter information regarding the length of the eye and curvature of the cornea into a special computer that calculates which prescription IOL would best restore your vision to pre-cataract levels.

We then customize the type of implant and surgical technique to fit your needs— taking into consideration overall health, any diabetic or retinal problems, lifestyle, and other factors,” says Daniel Ferguson, ophthalmologist and partner at Eye Care Specialists. Fellow partner and skilled surgeon Daniel Paskowtiz, MD, PhD, adds, “We never lose sight of the fact that even though we have performed tens of thousands of cataract procedures, each patient is unique and must be treated as so.”

“Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia (often just drops to numb the eye). Typically, a no-stitch, self-sealing micro-incision is made to remove the cataract and insert the lens implant. Utilizing these advanced techniques, the procedure itself usually takes only about 15-30 minutes and total time at the outpatient surgery center is about 2-3 hours,” says Michael Raciti, MD, an eye care specialist who conducts continuing education lectures for peers.

What happens after surgery “After surgery, patients go home to resume most activities within hours, and their vision noticeably improves within days. Most people are so pleased with seeing things brighter and clearer, that they can’t wait to have their other eye done,” notes Mark Freedman, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists.

FREE Handout & Booklets

Call 414-321-7035 for a “Frequently Asked Questions and Lens Implant Options” handout or one of the booklets at right. Or, call the offices below for a second opinion or a comprehensive exam, which is typically covered by insurance and Medicare.

See the best you can see, when you see Wisconsin’s leaders in ophthalmology.

T EYE

CARE SPECIALISTS

Are you putting your vision at risk?

Most people aren’t motivated to make an eye appointment unless they notice a problem—and often not even then.

However, many sight-threatening conditions have no warning signs. We can help. If you know the risks, symptoms, tests and treatment options for common eye concerns, you’re more likely to take action. Call 414-321-7035 for detailed free booklets on cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetes. Read. Educate yourself.

And, take action. If your last eye exam was more than a year ago, call today to protect your vision for tomorrow.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

World-Class Care. Local Convenience.

Glaucoma, Diabetes and Macular Degeneration (AMD) Care (with advanced medication injection and laser treatments) No-Stitch, No-Shot Ultrasonic Cataract Surgery (with standard, multi-focal, toric & extended-range implants) Corneal Transplants, Lid Repair and Retinal Cases Dry Eye, Floaters and Infections Treatment Comprehensive Eye Exams & In-Office Diagnostic Laser Scans Eyelid Treatment (inflammation) & Surgery (drooping) Accept Medicare/Most Major Insurances

Trusted by more than 185,000 doctors & patients since 1985. Voted “Top Doctors” — Milwaukee Magazine

Mark Freedman, MD

Brett Rhode, MD

West Allis 10150 W. National Ave.

414-321-7520

Daniel Ferguson, MD

Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD

Michael Raciti, MD

David Scheidt, OD

Wauwatosa

Milwaukee

www.eyecarespecialists.net

2323 N. Mayfair Rd.

633 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Practice profile & common eye concerns information

414-258-4550

414-298-0099

JULY 2019

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The key to representative democracy? Persuasion.

I am lucky enough these days to be in regular touch with young people -students -- who are interested in public service. I find hope in their quality, energy, and motivation, and they press me to think more deeply about what it takes to pursue a life in the public realm.

In trying to answer that question, I’ve come to believe that at the heart of it all -- indeed, at the heart of representative democracy itself -- is persuasion.

If you’re trying to improve society you have to persuade other people: about issues, facts, proposals, legislation, strategy, tactics... In fact, the only way to get things done is to convince other people to join in. If we can’t persuade them, we can’t move forward.

I was seated once in a private airport terminal, waiting for a plane to fly me home to Indiana. Someone walked in, and I looked up to find Martin Luther King Jr. He was alone. This was a bit before the peak of his celebrity, but most Americans would have recognized him even then. We chatted for a long time as we waited, and one of the things that struck me most deeply was that he was a minister of the gospel and

FRAZIER continued from page 1

government” because President Lincoln’s initial goal was to save the union; the issue of freeing the slaves came later. With our President being a part of the “government is the problem” school of thought, it is almost impossible to think that today men would go to war to “save the government.” But, we need to remember that “We the People” are the government and if we make our needs known and voices heard, the government will listen and act accordingly.

Government is not some kind of abstract philosophy. It is K-12 education; it is public colleges, universities and technical schools; it is police and fire protection; it is the “common defense”; it is national security; it is con-

ON

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton a civil rights leader, I was a politician, yet we shared a deep and abiding interest in the question of how you persuade people to your side.

I saw the same quality in another masterful public figure, Lyndon Johnson. Not only was he a remarkably persuasive politician himself -- he always had on his mind, “What do I have to do by word or by deed to get your support?” -- but he was a student of how effective or ineffective others were.

From time to time, he’d have members of his cabinet speak to a group of assembled members of Congress, sometimes just a small group of us, sometimes a large roomful. He would take a seat in the front row, turn his chair around so that his back was to the speaker, and look out over the room. It sumer protections (e.g. against scams and fraud); it is banking protections, including deposit insurance; it is national, state, and local Parks; it is all forms of transportation; it is the safety of our food and drugs, automobiles, highways, and working conditions; it is elderly nutrition programs and senior centers; it is clean air and water; and many other things that effect our lives every single day.

In addition, government is a big bureaucracy and big bureaucracies make mistakes and have too much “red tape” which can make it slow to respond to problems. Also, government is politics and sometimes political leaders can be incompetent and/or self interested instead of representing the interests of their constituents. But,

was clear he wasn’t interested in what they were saying; he was interested in the impact of what they said. In other words, he was interested in whether or not they were persuasive.

In a democracy like ours, you need help from allies, partners, friends, sometimes even antagonists -- because you’re trying to find common ground on a particular issue and build coalitions of support. This means that you have to convince others to do something for your benefit, which is difficult. Your chances are best when you can convince them that it’s in their best interest.

To do so, you have to listen carefully, learn what’s important to them, and appeal to their values and interests. You also have to gain their trust, because if they think you’re a liar, you’re not going to persuade them to your side.

This, in turn, requires several things. Above all, you have to know what you’re talking about and master the facts. You need to study the issue at hand, so that you’re familiar with the arguments on all sides; being well-informed boosts your credibility.

And I was struck, when I was in

Congress, by the tactics members used to appeal to people who often had different backgrounds, priorities and perspectives: they mentioned precedents, sought to connect to their listeners” core values, compared their proposals to the alternatives, cited experts, and knew how much public support or major interest-group support they had.

This is how we decide things in this country: we listen, we argue, we cajole, we compromise, and we persuade. The whole process can get untidy, and it’s tough work in today’s polarized, hyper-partisan environment.

But as we continue to try to answer Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 question -- whether a nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure -- here’s what I tell the students thinking of going into public service: that it is an extraordinary privilege to be part of a system, representative democracy, that gives you the opportunity to persuade others, and by doing so to chart the future course.

Former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton is a senior adviser for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government.

if government is “of the people, by the people and for the people” then the problems of bureaucracies and politics can be overcome if “we the people” are vigilant and engaged to make sure that bureaucracies are responsive and that politics represent all the people and not just the interests of wealthy, powerful people.

This is a good segue to what government is not. In our form of Democracy, government is not capitalism. Too often, in my opinion, some politicians seem to think that government exists to further the goals of capitalism. Examples include giving large amounts of government financial assistance to private corporations (e.g. Foxconn, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks) that are a part of our capitalist,

economic system. Good arguments, pro and con, can be made regarding whether or not these are good “investments” with a good public purpose.

These investments, however, do not always seem to take into consideration the “opportunity costs” i.e. what other needs will not be met because this investment (money) is no longer available to meet those other needs. For example, would the $4 billion investment provided to Foxconn be better utilized to maintain our roads and bridges?

Government is not the problem, but “we the people” need to be involved in our government to the extent necessary to make sure it is part of the solution!

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JULY 2019

It Makes Me

EDITORIALS

About D Day We older people recently had our memories jogged as the World War II D-Day invasion of then Nazi-held Europe was celebrated on the 75th anniversary of its occurrence. Successful as the D-Day landing on France’s western beaches, led by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, those mostly American and Canadian solders were in it to win. They accomplished extraordinary military achievements.

Those were not the least of times, but close to the worst of times. It demonstrated to the world what the Americans stood for. The troops were heedful, lest they become needful. While the World War II action at D-Day was the beginning of the decisive actions to stop the Nazis, this was the beginning, also, of a time that demonstrated what America stood for, what it was and what it will be.

Yes, we still put our sights on doing extraordinary things.

What about Cannabis The legality of harvesting and/or buying cannabis plants or derivatives thereof has become nation-wide due to the hemp plant being the potential cousin to marijuana. The CBD oil business is booming and is expected to only become more in demand as various properties therein help in various medical manners.

Hemp is legal. But the patchwork of state and local laws is confusing to say the least. The legal uses are to be lauded. However, we still know the potential effects of marijuana use. We think it is high time that the drug be as a product only at pharmacies where prescription use has been recommended.

Flag etiquette at parades WHEN AN AMERICAN FLAG PASSES:

-Stand up.

-Remove your hat.

-Place you right hand over your heart.

-Stop any conversation you are having.

NOTE: It is not necessary to salute

every American Flag that passes.

or in a group with other flags, stand up and salute (veterans) or pay respect to the Flag.

-Do not salute small hand-held flags carried by parade attendees and participants.

Teach your children to respect our nation’s flag. If they are given a small flag, please do not throw it on the ground or in the street.

-If it is carried by an honor guard

SENIOR ANSWER MAN DEAR SAM:

A friend of mine is a great runner. She keeps after me to join her. I just can’t believe that she really runs 26 miles sometimes. Do you believe that I should buy jogging shoes and start training so I can join her? She claims she gets a “real high” from running.

Questioningly, DEBRA QUISITO

DEAR DEBRA:

I am all for your taking up running. But do be certain that you are healthy enough to do so.

As for me, my get up and go has just about got up and gone. Rather than even consider 26 miles, I do the stairs in our house 10 times daily. Yes, I do stop sometimes on the midway landing to catch my breath. Why not try this routine first?

Good luck, SENIOR ANSWER MAN

I am a bit crabby today as I am hurting in many muscles that don’t get much exercise.

You see (no you really don’t), I volunteered to help an old (Is there any other kind these days?) friend move a piano from one room to another. But first, we had to place rollers under the legs. Ugh! Another friend, Johnny, also volunteered to help us with the chore.

To make a sore back seem a bit better, I will tell you that Fred and I grunted and groaned as we slid the

CRABBY

rollers under the piano and later took them off while Johnny pushed the piano bench into the other room.

I have heard that you can’t really judge a broom by the dirt it pushes into the corners. I guess I really shouldn’t judge Johnny by his taking the easy way. I have a feeling of great satisfaction and sore muscles to go along with it.

Would I do it again? Of course I would. So as my better half might tell me, “Then quit your belly aching.”

Killing TIMEWITH JIM McLOONE A peace loving person, we were surprised to read that former President Jimmy Carter was turkey hunting when he recently broke a hip. bbbbbb Do what you can to help others and hopefully, they will do the same for you. Of course, you do know that you can do anything you really set your mind to. bbbbbb Why does the sun always seem to shine more brightly on the other side of the street? bbbbbb The flowers of tomorrow must begin with the seeds of today, or even better, yesterday. bbbbbb Would you believe that McDonald’s is perhaps the third most profitable business? You would believe, of course, that five of the top 10 are drug companies. bbbbbb Why refer to the top financial companies as blue chippers? bbbbbb Would you believe that a guy who stole a calendar got only 12 months? bbbbbb The unsure person who bought a pizza could not decide if he wished it cut into four, eight, 12 pieces. He decided when he realized he could not eat more than four pieces. bbbbbb As the Fourth of July comes quickly, we were thinking of music that stirs

our patriotism such as the Star Spangled Banner, America, America the Beautiful, The Stars and Stripes Forever and The Grand Old Flag, which has a few lines like “Red, White and Blue, our hats are off to you.” bbbbbb KILLING TIME continued on page 28

50PLUS

Whatʼs New for Phase Two of Your Life

OWNERS

TOM & MAUREEN SLATTERY

PUBLISHER

MAUREEN SLATTERY

EDITOR

JIM McLOONE

WRITER/PROOFREADER JILL GILBERT

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SARAN PIEHL ART DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION MANAGER NICOLE HESSE

OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER PEGGY DUFFY

Plus Publications 128 Cottonwood Ave. Hartland, WI 53029

262-367-5303

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JULY 2019

A booming real estate market has its limits!

Have you seen accepted offer signs in your neighborhood within days of that home going on the market? I bet you have! Homeowners who have taken advantage of this prolific market are in many cases getting offers at the peak of our real estate history. Yes, that’s right, the prices in many areas have never been higher. That is a very good thing if you are going to sell soon.

On the other hand, if you are a buyer that does not have a home to sell at this price apex, it is both frustrating and a bit scary to think that you may be purchasing your first home at the peak of a market. At some point, prices will begin to fall. Everyone remembers 2008 when we began the “Great Recession.”

Those who purchased a home just prior found their values falling in some cases 50% from their purchase price!

Buyers today do not want to get caught in that same predicament. We are beginning to see buyers dropping out of the market and waiting for prices to become more affordable. However, there is such a build up of buyers it may take some time for the buyer demand to fall to a point where prices begin to fall.

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz Just as in any market, the asking price must be based on current sale prices. Some folks are hearing about this great market and deciding to price the home for more than it is worth.

Remember, a home is worth what someone will pay, and today’s buyers are savvy and know the market as well as the agent showing them the home.

With companies like Zillow and other internet algorithms that will give an estimate of value by just putting in the address, buyers are equipped with information that had not been available years ago. Condition plays a huge role in what a buyer will pay today. Two identical homes with the same square footage in the same area can sell for two completely different prices based

on the care and improvements, or lack thereof.

It is best to price a home in the ‘sweet spot’. What I mean by that is to decide on a price that will draw the most buyers in the shortest time. The reason is that we are seeing multiple offers when a seller decides on a competitive price rather than going high and coming down as was done in previous markets. When more than one buyer decides to write an offer, neither knows the price or terms of the competing offer so they may offer over asking and, in many cases, more than the home is worth. Getting multiple offers is the best scenario any seller can ask for.

Buyers in a competitive situation may put less contingencies in their offers and will be more accepting of seller’s time frames for moving.

Some sellers are overpricing their homes thinking this market can return any price the seller asks for. That is not the case and will lead to an unsatisfying outcome and maybe removal from the market entirely. If a home sits on the market for more than two weeks, buyers are skeptical about purchasing that

• 50PLUS • 5

home and will offer much less than the asking price because they think something much be wrong because it did not sell quickly. They will look for negatives instead of positives. That is not a position any seller wants to be in!

The rules apply in every real estate market. No matter how much the market favors the seller, it is critical to price it properly based on other current sales and condition. It would be wonderful to price by your desire to pay off bills or put more into your retirement account, but a home is always worth what a buyer will pay. Visiting with a real estate agent who is an expert at pricing for the best results is always the way to go.

Many times, a neighbor or friend will offer their opinion as to value and you should understand they want the best for you. But they are not in the business of pricing and selling. You can be hurt by missing the mark so be careful in your expectations as to the value of your home. The real estate price pendulum is always moving so stay informed.

Your home is a valuable asset so underNEMOVITZ continued on page 25

LET US TAKE THE WORRY AWAY...

AND GUIDE YOU TO EASIER LIVING! Our team, along with our trusted local resource partners handle every step of the home selling and moving process so you don’t have to! From downsizing, to packing, moving, repairs, even scheduling services on your behalf...We have you covered!

Join us and our resources on August 20th for a FREE SENIOR SEMINAR in Menomonee Falls. Learn more and register online at SeniorRealtor.com.

B R U C E ’ S T E A M : T R U S T. E X P E R I E N C E . I N T E G R I T Y. INTEGRIT Y CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: 262-242-6177 www.SeniorRealtor.com | Bruce@SeniorRealtor.com | Jeanne@SeniorRealtor.com

6 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

Your retirement checklist At Social Security, we’re often asked, “What’s the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?” The answer is that there isn’t a “best” age that applies to everyone. It’s a personal decision based on your situation and, ultimately, it’s your choice. To help you make an informed choice, consider the factors below as you think about when to start receiving your Social Security benefits.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY

• What does “retirement” mean?

For us, retiring means getting your Social Security retirement benefit. It might mean that you’ve also stopped working. However, these two things don’t need to happen at the same time.

For example, you have the option of delaying your monthly benefit even after you stop working. Delaying your benefit will increase your monthly benefit amount. (See below.)

• Your benefits are based on your entire earnings history Do you know how your benefit is calculated? Your monthly benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you don’t have 35 years of earnings, your monthly benefit will be reduced, because years with no earnings will count as zeroes.

Learn your estimated monthly benefit amount by reading your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount, or use the Retirement Estimator at www.SocialSecurity.gov/ retire/estimator.html.

• Your monthly benefit is higher if you wait to start When should you start your retirement benefit? You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62. However, the longer you wait (up to age 70), the higher your monthly benefit will be — for the rest of your life. If you’re married and you’re the higher earner, delaying your benefit may also mean higher survivor benefits for your spouse when you pass away. You can see the impact

Investment Management Fees: Are you paying too much?

- Your investments deserve active attention.

- If you think you could benefit from a second opinion, we would be happy to help.

- Take advantage of our 100+ years in the area and industry.

Contact us for your initial complimentary consultation 262.373.6900 darla.miller@ampf.com www.ffpwi.com

The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

of starting your monthly benefits at different ages by checking your Social Security Statement or the Retirement Estimator.

• Your full retirement age may be higher than you think Your “full retirement age” is determined by the year you were born. The retirement age used to be 65 for everyone, but is gradually increasing to 67.

As the full retirement age goes up, benefits claimed at earlier ages go down.

JULY 2019

• Your benefits may be temporarily reduced if you work while receiving benefits Working after you start receiving retirement benefits may affect your monthly benefit amount, depending on your age and how much you earn.

If you are younger than your full retirement age, and your earnings exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your monthly benefit may be withheld. We will increase your monthly benefit after you reach full retirement age to account for the months of withheld benefits. When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and your benefit will not be affected.

Working can also increase your monthly benefit amount because benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If your current or future earnings are higher than one of the years we used to compute your retirement benefit, your benefit amount may increase slightly.

• Your benefits may be taxed Some people have to pay federal income taxes on part of their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (e.g., wages, interest, or dividends) in addition to your benefits.

IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CLAIMING SITUATION

You or your family members may be eligible for spousal and family benefits Are you eligible for benefits based on your spouse’s, or ex-spouse’s, earnings record? If you were married for 10 years or longer, you may be eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. Do you have a spouse who is eligible based on your earnings record? Spouses and ex-spouses can generally receive up to half of the worker’s full retirement age monthly benefit amount, and widow(er)s can receive more than that.

However, if you are eligible for your own benefit and a spouse benefit, you will only receive the higher of the two benefit amounts.

• You have additional benefit choices if you are widowed and retired If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit based on a deceased spouse’s or deceased ex-spouse’s record, you have additional options to consider. You may want to apply for one benefit and delay applying for the other benefit to let it grow. When you apply for benefits, ask the Social Security representative if you can receive one benefit and delay the other to increase its value.

• You can receive benefits if you are a citizen or lawfully present As long as you are legally present in the country and you and your employers have contributed to Social Security during your working years, you may be eligible for benefits.

• Your benefit may be reduced if you worked in jobs not covered by Social Security If you worked in a job where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes, and you are now receiving a retirement or disability pension based on those earnings, your Social Security benefit may be affected.

ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT

• Your longevity and health Retirement may be longer than you think. As you consider when to begin receiving retirement benefits, take into account how long you might live.

Today, more than one in three 65-yearolds will live to age 90. You can use our Life Expectancy Calculatorat www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html to see the average life expectancy for someone your age — but keep in mind that many people live longer than “average.” Social Security benefits last as long as you live, providing valuable protection against outliving savings and other sources of retirement income. Delaying your benefit to let it grow is one way to increase your monthly Social Security protection.

• Retroactive benefits If you are past your full retirement age when you start receiving benefits, you can choose to receive up to six months of retroactive monthly bene-

fits. However, using this option changes the start of your benefit to an earlier date. Remember that by choosing to start your benefit earlier, your monthly benefit amount will be lower for the rest of your life, and your spouse’s survivor benefits may also be lower.

• Signing up for Medicare Consider whether you need to apply for Medicare at age 65, even if you aren’t applying for monthly retirement benefits. If you have already started receiving your retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free for most people, and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) requires a monthly premium. Generally, if you have not already started receiving retirement benefits, you will want to sign up for Medicare three months before turning age 65, unless you have group health coverage through a current employer.

Allied Senior Services Insurance & Investments LTD INC

• 50PLUS • 7

NOTE: If you don’t have group health coverage through a current employer and you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when first eligible, then you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B. Also, you may have to wait to enroll, which will delay this coverage.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) when you sign up for Medicare, you can’t contribute to your HSA once your Medicare coverage begins. If you contribute to your HSA after your Medicare coverage starts, you may have to pay a tax penalty. If you’d like to continue contributing to your HSA, you shouldn’t apply for Medicare, Social Security, or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare or www.medicare.gov.

• Applying for your benefits Once you have decided when you want to start receiving your monthly Social Security benefit, you can apply up to four months before the date you want your benefits to start. Visit www. socialsecurity.gov/retireto apply.

Seniors

• Medicare Supplements • Long Term Care Insurance • Health Insurance • Life Insurance • Annuities • Auto • Homeowners • Free Quotes • Immediate SR22 Filings

414-545-7878 We are not limited to representing one company, so we can give you unbiased advice

7421 W. Becher St. West Allis, WI

8 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

What is the best way to calculate how much coverage you should buy?

There are a number of factors that you need to consider and pointed questions to ask. You will need to look at the average cost of care in the area you live in or plan to retire in.

These costs can vary by state, region, and county. You will also need to look at your family history. How long have your grandparents, parents, siblings lived? What did they pass away from (heart problems, diabetes, cancer, etc.)? Do long-term illnesses, such as dementia, run in your family? Has anyone in your family ever needed long-term care and what did it cost them?

What assets do you want to preserve for your spouse, partner or heirs? Do you have family members

that have agreed to be part of your care and have they made preparations for the time it will take away from their ability to work and provide for their families?

How much can you afford to supplement the expense from your retirement income and assets to help cover the cost of care? Keep in mind that when you do need care, if you have a Long Term Care Policy in place, you will still have that pension, Social Security and other investments in place.

By considering all of the above, you can determine whether you need a plan that might cover you for 3 years, 5 years, or even lifetime. You can consider if you need a 0 elimination period (the number of days you would pay

for your care prior to coverage starting) or maybe you can cover the first ninety or one hundred and 180 days of care before the policy starts to cover your care. Also knowing what your income might be, you can determine if you want to have most of the cost of care covered by the plan or what is affordable to self pay for. Most people only need to fill in the gaps.

WHEN TO BUY LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE?

Most long-term care insurance claims are made when people reach their golden years, but there’s a misconception that you should wait until you are approaching retirement to buy a policy. Waiting too long to purchase a policy can be very costly.

Long Term Care insurance is based on age and health. So it is best to start shopping for a policy when you are young and healthy - if you wait too long you might develop a condition that may require long-term care, and you could become uninsurable. But depending on your circumstances, it is always good to consider Long Term Care Insurance for yourself. Keep in mind that younger people can fall ill, become hurt or incapacitated.

For those that are a little older, there are Short Term Recovery Care policies that may be a better fit and more cost effective at different ages and circumstances.

Wisconsin Senior Olympics WISCONSIN SENIOR OLYMPICS

August 3 – September 8, 2019

Two New Age Groups: 40-44 and 45-49 WSO Sports Cycling Shuffleboard Golf Softball For more information – Horseshoes Swimming Go to: www.wiseniorolympics.com Lawn Bowling Table Tennis Email: info@wiseniorolympics.com Pickleball Call: 414-755-1025 Tennis Power Walk Track & Field Powerlifting Volleyball Race Walk Racquetball Registration deadlines are July 22, 2019 and August 19, 2019.

Check our website for more information – www.wiseniorolympics.com.

5K Run/Walk and 10K Run Archery Badminton Basketball Basketball Free Throw Basketball Three Point Bowling Cornhole - NEW Croquet

Wisconsin Senior Olympics – 7700 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53213

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 9

10 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

The Social Security earnings penalty -- a bad law

BY TOM MARGENAU

The Social Security earnings penalty. I don’t like this law. I’ve never liked this law. Before I explain why, let me clarify what I am talking about. The rules say that if you are a Social Security beneficiary who is under age 66 and still working, one dollar must be deducted from your Social Security checks for each two dollars you earn over $17,640 annually. A more lenient penalty applies in the year you turn 66.

The earnings threshold is $46,920 with

a 3 for 1 withholding scheme. In other words, one dollar is withheld from your benefits for each three dollars you make over $46,920. And once you turn age 66, the penalties go away. Starting with the month you turn 66, you could make a million dollars a day and still be eligible for Social Security checks.

But in this column I’m primarily addressing the law that applies to people under age 66. In a bit, I’ll tell you why I don’t like the law now. But first I want to tell you why I hated it in all

of the 32 years I worked for the Social Security Administration. And that’s because it was a mess to administer. To illustrate, I’ll use my own mother as an example.

Back in the 1970s, she was getting Social Security widow’s benefits, but she was working part time to supplement her rather meager benefits. She would start out the year reporting her anticipated earnings to her local Social Security office. They would adjust her benefits accordingly, applying the one dollar deduction for each two dollars earned. Then, inevitably, as the year went on, she’d work a little overtime or pick up a couple extra hours of work.

She would dutifully report her change in anticipated earnings to the Social Security people, and further adjustments would be made to her monthly widow’s checks. Then maybe she’d be laid off for a time, and her earnings would go down. She’d file yet another report with SSA, and there would be more adjustments to her benefits.

Finally, once the year was over with and she got her W-2 form, she would make a final report of her earnings to the Social Security office leading to yet another benefit adjustment.

And on top of that, they would ask for an estimate of her anticipated earnings for the new year, yet more adjustments would be made, and the whole vicious cycle would start over again.

My mom used to complain bitterly to me about this, saying, “Can’t you do anything to help me?” I always had to tell her that there was (and still is) a law that says SSA employees cannot work on any cases involving their relatives.

Though, at the end of this column, I will share some advice I eventually gave my mom, and thousands of other people over the years to help them deal with the earnings penalty rules.

But first, I want to explain a more philosophical reason why I don’t like the earnings penalty. I just don’t understand why someone should be punished if they try to work and earn a little money to supplement their Social Security benefits.

Having voiced that concern, I do understand why the law exists. It goes back to the very beginning of Social Security, in the 1930s. Retirement benefits were intended to replace earnings a

person loses when he or she retires. Or to put that another way, a person had to retire to get “retirement” benefits.

Over the years, Congress eased up on that restrictive nature of the original law. At first they said people over age 72 could get benefits even if they were still working. The gradually lowered that to the full retirement age (currently 66). And they allowed people under age 66 to earn some money. But again, not much (currently $17,640).

I understand why Congress isn’t eager to change the law: the cost. The Social Security system would have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in extra benefits each year if the earnings penalty was eliminated. And at a time when they’re looking for ways to trim Social Security spending (as part of an eventual package of reforms to solve the system’s long-range financing problems), passing a law that would greatly increase program outlays just isn’t in the cards.

So because the earnings penalty isn’t going away anytime soon, let me share with you some tips for dealing with it, so you don’t get hung up in the vicious cycle of earnings variances and benefit adjustments that plagued my mother (and millions of other beneficiaries).

One way to go would be to understate your anticipated earnings. Just tell SSA that you plan to make less than whatever the earnings threshold happens to be. For example, for this year, you would say you expect to make less than $17,640, even if you think you will make more than that. What that means is that SSA won’t withhold any of your benefits. Or to turn that around, it means they will send you a Social Security check every month of this year. But what you must remember is that you will have to pay back some of that money once the year is over. In other words, at the beginning of 2020, you will tell SSA how much money you made in 2019 and they will calculate how much money you have to pay back. I think it’s easier having this one-time accounting as opposed to the frequent adjustments using the regular reporting methods.

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 11

How to use wool dryer balls and why you should

BY MARY HUNT

A previous column on fabric softener products struck a chord with thousands of readers. I know because you send me messages and letters, which I love -- even some of you who are not 100% satisfied making the switch from problematic laundry softeners to what I find are amazing wool dryer balls. But first, let’s review the problem.

The medical website WebMD. com reports that the perfumes and additives in laundry products may cause skin problems. Fabric softeners are very allergenic and can cause eczema, which appears as dry, itchy skin.

Dryer sheets often contain fragrance and volatile organic compounds like acetaldehyde and butane, which can cause respiratory irritation.

Fabric softener chemicals known as quaternary ammonium compounds have been linked to asthma. Acetone, also used in dryer sheets, can cause nervous system effects like headaches or dizziness.

These things, made of 100% wool yarn, look like overgrown tennis balls that over time become “felted,” making them especially durable and not at all prone to unraveling. One set of wool dryer balls will last for what seems like forever, softening thousands of loads of laundry -- no batteries, refills, repairs or reconditioning required. It’s one (purchase) and done!

Imagine a big load of wet bath towels going into the dryer. You hit start and that massive wad of wet fabric flops around and sticks together for quite a while until the layers become dry enough to separate and allow warm air to circulate. That slows the drying time, wasting time and energy.

Now imagine six wool dryer balls bouncing around (I use my entire set of six in every load), working their way between the layers of fabric, separating them so the warm air can circulate efficiently from the very start of the cycle. I’ve tested drying times with and without wool dryer balls, and the results are quite amazing. Wool dryer balls cut at least 25% off the time

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Add a few drops of essential oil to each of the dryer balls. Give them time to absorb the oil deep into the fibers.

A few hours is advisable. You’ll begin to notice a subtle, nontoxic fragrance in your clean, soft laundry.

The biggest complaint I have received from readers is that while dryer sheets would eliminate static cling, the wool dryer balls do not. Much of the reason static occurs is due to overdrying clothes. You are definitely going to notice static if the dryer is allowed to run too long, with or without wool dryer balls.

Here’s what I do, because I do not have the time to stand in the laundry room watching and waiting for things to not become overdried: I spray my wool dryer balls with water, getting them quite wet. The laundry dries faster than the wool dryer balls because they are so dense, elevating the humidity in the dryer. Works like a charm and does not harm the dryer balls in any way or increase the drying time.

to dry a load of laundry, saving time and energy. I have also found these balls stuck tightly in the long sleeve of a T-shirt and the pocket of a pair of jeans! They work their way into tight spaces, and that’s what makes them so awesome.

Because dryer balls also agitate against the fibers in clothes and linens, everything feels softer coming out of the dryer. And, used properly (instructions coming up), they also take care of static cling.

As wool dryer balls need room to bounce and play with wet clothes and linens, dryer balls do their best and fastest work when the dryer is not crammed full. You’ll find that two medium-size loads will dry faster and more efficiently than one gigantic load. Dryer balls need room to work.

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JULY 2019

Joint replacement surgery

What is joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a joint and replaces them with new, manmade parts.

Replacing a joint can reduce pain and help you move and feel better.

Hips and knees are replaced most often. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows.

Points To Remember About Joint Replacement Surgery • Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a joint and replaces them with new, manmade parts.

• The goals of joint replacement surgery are to relieve pain, help the joint work better, and improve walking and other movements.

• Risks of problems after joint re-

Wisconsin Bone and Joint

WHAT ARE THE NEWEST APPROACHES TO KNEE AND HIP SURGERY COMPARED TO 10 YEARS AGO?

A lot has changed over the last ten years. Hopefully, we have all gotten a little older and a lot wiser. As it pertains to knee and hip surgical approaches, new is not always better.

Having said that, joint replacement approaches have progressed.

As it pertains to hip replacement, more experience has been gained with the performance of Direct Anteri-

or Total Hip Arthroplasty. More and more orthopedic surgeons have been trained in this procedure and have adopted it as they have seen the results.

Quicker recovery and a lack of postoperative hip dislocation precautions are driving the interest in this approach. We have also started to better understand its limitations as well. The procedure is not for all patients and it is also not for all surgeons. Healthier and highly active patients appear to be a better group of patients for this procedure. As well, the more a surgeon

placement surgery are much lower than they used to be.

• An exercise program can reduce joint pain and stiffness.

• Wearing away of the joint surface may become a problem after 15 to 20 years.

Why may joint replacement surgery be needed?

Joints may need to be replaced when they are damaged from:

performs this approach, the less likely they are to experience complications.

Total hip arthroplasty is very successful at diminishing pain from hip degenerative disease. Patients should expect to get their lives back if debilitating hip pain has robbed them of the joy they had while being active.

Current designs which avoid metal on metal articulations are performing very well and don’t seem to be wearing out like older designs.

Total knee replacement has also seen some significant improvements

Suffering from knee or hip pain?

Consider a doctor who works with Mako.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology helps doctors plan your joint replacement using a 3D virtual model and perform your surgery with a robotic arm.

To learn more or find a surgeon, visit MilwaukeeMAKO.com. or call 1-888-STRYKER (1-888-787-9537) All surgery carries risk. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks. Not all patients will have the same post-operative recovery and activity level. Individual results vary.

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• Arthritis.

• Years of use.

• Disease.

Your doctor will likely first suggest other treatments to reduce pain and help you move better, such as: • Walking aids, such as a cane or walker.

• An exercise program.

• Physical therapy.

• Medications.

over the last 10 years. Both the implants and techniques have progressed. Better instrumentation has allowed for the more precise implantation of total knee components. We have also seen further advancements in the materials used to make up the new bearing surfaces. Finally, minimally invasive approaches and early mobilization have diminished surgical injury and helped patients more rapidly get back to being active.

DAVID KORNREICH, D.O. WISCONSIN BONE & JOINT

A REPUTATION FOR STANDARD-SETTING PATIENT CARE • #1 Hospital in Wisconsin for Patient Satisfaction*.

• #1 Hospital in the U.S. — Medicare’s value Based Purchasing Program for 2017.

• Top 1% for all U.S. hospitals in patient satisfaction as measured by Press Ganey.

• Selected as “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare 2011 – 2017.

• Selected as “Top Work Place” by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2013 – 2018.

• One of the nation’s Top Hospitals for meeting the needs of women and their families 2012 – 2018 by WomenCerti�ied.

• Of�icial orthopaedic hospital and orthopaedic physicians for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Athletics and the Milwaukee Barbarian’s Rugby Team.

• Won the award for the “Best Hospital Food in Wisconsin” 2014.

OHOW.COM | 475 West River Woods Parkway, Glendale, WI 53212 | (414) 961-6800 The Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin is partially owned by physicians and meets the federal de�inition of a “physician-owned hospital”.

A list of physician-owners is available upon request and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

*Based on patient surveys compiled by Health Affairs for the federal government’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

AN UNCOMMON FOCUS ON YOU

• 50PLUS • 13

© Copyright 2018. Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin

JULY 2019

14 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

Fire up the grill Most of us think grilling when we think summer. Parties at home usually center around the grill -- burgers, brats, barbecued chicken or steak. Raising cattle on our family farm meant our freezer was full of high-quality beef just waiting to be grilled.

How healthy is it? Depends on how you cook the meat.

“Cooking meat at high temperatures is known to produce cancer-causing chemicals,” according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. So what can we do to make it safer?

Grill plenty of vegetables along with those burgers. And grill at lower temperatures. Another key is to marinade meat before it’s grilled. The marinade adds flavor and reduces formation of cancer-causing chemicals.

The AICR recommends marinating meat, poultry and fish for at least 30 minutes. Prepare a marinade that includes vinegar, lemon juice or wine, along with your favorite herbs and spices.

The National Beef Council offers two reasons you might want to mari-

Q and A

Q

: Should I buy whole flax seeds or milled flax seeds?

A

: Both are good. The whole seeds are an insoluble fiber, and the milled seeds

nade meat: to add flavor or to tenderize. Both contain similar ingredients, but the key is the marinating time. If you’re just looking to add flavor, you only need to marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours. If you’re looking to tenderize cuts, you’ll want to marinate for 6 to 24 hours.

Marinades can offer the best of both worlds: They allow you to take a leaner, healthier cut, such as a strip, flank, top round or tenderloin steak, and give it more flavor.

A few tips to keep it food safe, gleaned from the National Beef Council: 1. Always marinate in the refrigerator.

2. Allow 1/4 to 1/2 cup of marinade for every pound of beef.

3. Before cooking, remove beef from marinade and pat dry with a paper towel to promote even browning and prevent steaming.

4. If a marinade is to be used for basting or as a sauce, reserve a portion of it before adding to the beef. Marinade that has been in contact with un-

cooked meat must be brought to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute before it can be used for basting or as a sauce.

As to those vegetables, try grilling onions, corn on the cob, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers or tomatoes in thick slices on the grill, in a grill basket or in chunks for kebabs. My favorite is asparagus -- brushed lightly with olive oil and seasoned with an all-purpose saltfree seasoning. Grilling brings out the sweetness in fruits and veggies.

are a soluble fiber. We need both. Insoluble fiber passes through the digestive system and helps promote regularity and prevent constipation. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and makes fiber, fatty acids and other phytonutri-

ents more available. It’s best to store either milled or whole seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent rancidity and to prevent the omega-3 fatty acids from breaking down. If you prefer to mill your own, a coffee grinder will do

RECIPE Here’s a recipe to try on the grill -a perfect side to your summer picnic.

It’s from the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

GRILLED WATERMELON AND KALE SALAD 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick wedges Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 bunch dinosaur kale, stems removed 2 cups torn, baby kale

6 ounces goat cheese 1/2 cup slivered toasted almonds 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove crushed garlic 1 tablespoon honey Preheat grill a gas grill to high.

Brush watermelon wedges with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill each side 2 to 3 minutes, creating grill marks. Set watermelon aside. Meanwhile, remove stems from the dinosaur kale and julienne leaves. Place in a large bowl with the baby kale and top with goat cheese and slivered almonds. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey and salt and pepper (to taste).

Toss salad with dressing. Serve with 1 to 2 watermelon wedges on each plate.

Serves 8.

Per serving: 297 calories; 7.7 grams protein; 11.4 grams carbohydrate; 3 grams sugar; 26.9 grams fat; 26.7 milligrams cholesterol; 3.6 grams fiber; 134.4 milligrams sodium.

the job. Store leftover ground flax in the refrigerator or freezer as well.

JULY 2019

Pay down, or pay ahead? It can be confusing

BY MARY HUNT

Years ago, I learned a lesson I won’t have to learn again. It was that poignant. It was during a time when mortgage interest rates took a nosedive and we benefited by refinancing our highrate mortgage.

The transaction closed in late August with the first payment due in October. Rather than take a month off from making a mortgage payment, we made an unscheduled payment in September to reduce the principal balance right off the bat. We sent a letter with the payment and wrote “Principal Prepayment” on the check.

A few weeks later, we got a statement showing that the payment had been credited to the October payment, not to pay down the principal as instructed. The confused customer service rep was kind but hardly apologetic when she explained that someone must have assumed that we really wanted to “pay ahead” rather than “pay down.” It took a little persistence to convince her of the contrary.

Applying that unscheduled payment to the principal balance was good for us because every penny went to reduce the balance. No interest was due until October. That was profitable for us but not for the lender.

By reducing the principal at the beginning of the loan, we would go on to save more than $4,000 in interest and cut three months off the term, which we did. And, oh, what a happy day that was!

On the other hand, applying it to the October payment would have put almost the entire amount into the lender’s pocket in the form of interest.

SMALL PETS WELCOME

This doesn’t mean that it is never wise to pay ahead on a mortgage or some other kind of debt. Here’s a quick overview:

PAY DOWN THE PRINCIPAL

When you pay down the principal, your loan balance goes down. But you must still make the next scheduled payment. Let’s say you make your regular mortgage payment in April plus three extra payments. Your plan is to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule so you can avoid paying a load of interest. You enclose a note that the additional payments are to pay down the principal balance. You will still have a payment due in May and June and July, as scheduled.

PAY THE PAYMENTS AHEAD

Now let’s say that the reason you are sending those three extra payments is because you are going to Europe for the summer and want to pay your bills in advance before you leave. In this scenario, you want to pay ahead. You’ll be back before the August payment is due.

If you are not very clear how you want the extra funds handled, the lender might assume you want to pay down the principal balance. Say you head off on your trip assuming you’ve made your mortgage payments for the time you’ll be out of the country. You arrive home only to learn that your home is in foreclosure for failure to pay.

Some lenders will simply return additional payments if it is not clear how they are to be handled. Others automatically apply additional sums to future payments, defaulting to the lender’s benefit.

OVEREXPLAIN. THEN FOLLOW UP

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your financial obligation, always enclose clear instructions. And make sure you abbreviate your instructions on the check or payment advice itself. But don’t leave it there. Follow up in a couple of weeks to make sure the transaction was handled per your instructions.

And don’t be surprised if your lender is

• 50PLUS • 15

not easily persuaded to pay down. Or if it fails to pay ahead. Don’t give up.

And, by the way, unless you have a prepayment penalty clause in your terms and conditions, you have every legal right to pay down your mortgage, student loans or credit card balance provided you are not in default.

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JULY 2019

Aging and your eyes Jonathan M. Hershey, M.D. Sharath C. Raja, M.D. Nicholas H. Tosi, M.D. Daniel D. Kim, M.D.

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Are you holding the newspaper farther away from your eyes than you used to? Join the crowd—age can bring changes that affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others, but for many problems, there are things you can do to protect your vision. The key is to have regular eye exams so you can spot problems early.

How Can You Protect Your Eyesight?

Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional—either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. People over age 60 should have dilated eye exams yearly. During this exam, the eye care professional will put drops in your eyes to widen (dilate) your pupils so that he or she can look at the back of each eye.

This is the only way to find some common eye diseases that have no early signs or symptoms. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription should be checked, too.

See your doctor regularly to check for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not controlled or treated.

SEE AN EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL RIGHT AWAY IF YOU:

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• Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurry • See flashes of light • Have eye pain • Experience double vision • Have redness or swelling

of your eye or eyelid

COMMON EYE PROBLEMS

The following common eye problems can be easily treated. But, sometimes they can be signs of more serious issues.

Presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-peeuh) is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is normal to have this problem as you get older. People with presbyopia often have headaches or strained, tired eyes. Reading glasses usually fix the problem.

Floaters are tiny specks or “cobwebs” that seem to float across your vision. You might see them in welllit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters can be a normal part of aging. But, sometimes they are a sign of a more serious eye problem, such as retinal detachment. If you see many new floaters and/or flashes of light, see your eye care professional right away.

Tearing (or having too many tears) can come from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes, or having a condition called dry eye. Wearing sunglasses may help.

So might eye drops. Sometimes tearing is a sign of a more serious eye problem, like an infection or a blocked tear duct. Your eye care professional can treat these problems.

Eyelid problems can result from different diseases or conditions.

Common eyelid problems include red and swollen eyelids, itching,

Design Vision Optical Every Member of Your Family Needs a Regular Eye Exam!

Did you know?

One of 4 children has an uncorrected vision problem that can interfere with learning.

Baby Boomers are at increased risk for eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss.

Seniors with vision impairment are 200% more likely to be in an auto accident.

Most eye diseases show no signs or symptoms until they reach later stages and, unfortunately, may have already done irreparable damage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Schedule an appointment today for yourself, your spouse and your children.

Information provided by Desgin Vision Optical 414-774-0200

JULY 2019

tearing, and crusting of eyelashes during sleep. These problems may be caused by a condition called blepharitis (ble-fa-RI-tis) and treated with warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

• Protect your eyes from too much sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when you are outside.

• Stop smoking.

• Make smart food choices.

• Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight.

• Maintain normal blood pressure.

• Control diabetes (if you have it).

If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focused on one thing, you can forget to blink. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.

EYE DISEASES AND DISORDERS

The following eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. They may have few or no early symptoms. Regular eye exams are your best protection. If your eye care professional finds a problem early, often there are things you can do to keep your eyesight.

• CATARACTS are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens causing blurred or hazy vision. Some cataracts stay small and don’t change your eyesight a lot. Others become large and reduce vision. Cataract surgery can restore good vision. It is a safe and common treatment. If you have a cataract, your eye care professional will watch for changes over time to see if you would benefit from surgery.

• CORNEAL DISEASES AND CONDITIONS can cause redness, watery eyes, pain, problems with vision, or a halo effect of the vision (things appear to have an aura of light around them). Infection and injury are some of the things that can hurt the cornea. Treatment may be simple—for example, changing your eyeglass prescription or using eye drops. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

• DRY EYE happens when tear glands don’t work well. You may feel stinging or burning, a sandy

feeling as if something is in the eye, or other discomfort. Dry eye is more common as people get older, especially for women. Your eye care professional may tell you to use a home humidifier or air cleaner, special eye drops (artificial tears), or ointments to treat dry eye.

• GLAUCOMA often comes from too much fluid pressure inside the eye. If not treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. People with glaucoma often have no early symptoms or pain. You can protect yourself by having dilated eye exams yearly. Glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops, lasers, or surgery.

• RETINAL DISORDERS are a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Retinal disorders that affect aging eyes include: • AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD). AMD can harm the sharp, central vision needed to see objects clearly and to do common things like driving and reading. During a dilated eye exam, your eye care professional will look for signs of AMD. There are treatments for AMD. If you have AMD, ask if special dietary supplements could lower your chance of it getting worse.

• DIABETIC RETINOPATHY. This problem may occur if you have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy develops slowly and often has no early warning signs. If you have diabetes, be sure to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can prevent diabetic retinopathy or slow its progress. Laser surgery can sometimes prevent it from getting worse.

• RETINAL DETACHMENT. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. When the retina separates from the back of the eye, it’s called retinal detachment. If you see new floaters or light flashes, or if it seems like a curtain has been pulled over your eye, go to your eye care professional right away. With treatment, doctors often can prevent loss of vision.

WHAT IS LOW VISION?

Low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery.

Low vision affects some people as

they age. You may have low vision if you: • Can’t see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or sewing • Have difficulty recognizing the faces of your friends or family • Have trouble reading street signs • Find that lights don’t seem as bright If you have any of these problems, ask your eye care professional to test you for low vision. Special tools can help people with low vision to read, write, and manage daily tasks. These tools include largeprint reading materials, magnifying aids, closed-circuit televisions, audio tapes, electronic reading machines, and computers with large

• 50PLUS • 17

print and a talking function.

OTHER TIPS THAT MAY HELP:

• Brighten the lighting in your room.

• Write with bold, black felt-tip markers.

• Use paper with bold lines to help you write in a straight line.

• Put colored tape on the edge of your steps to help you see them and prevent you from falling.

• Install dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets that you can see easily against light-colored walls.

• Use motion lights that turn on when you enter a room. These may help you avoid accidents caused by poor lighting.

DeCarlo Eye Center • Cataract Surgery • General Ophthalmology • Disease Management • Cornea Transplants

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18 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

What do Milwaukee county older adults need – Add your voice!

Eras Senior Network supports and engages seniors and adults with disabilities through volunteer-provided services, meaningful volunteer opportunities for seniors, and educational presentations.

This month we are asking YOU to get involved. The Board of Directors for Eras Senior Network is seeking information about what older adults in Milwaukee County need over the next years. Eras assumed the role of operating agency for the Milwaukee County Neighborhood Outreach Program (NOP) in April after the former

ERAs

SENIOR ISSUES

By Kathy Gale agency closed its doors.

Eras has a long history of serving older adults and adults with disabilities in Waukesha County, and we need to hear from many voices to help un-

CUSTOM

derstand what is needed in Milwaukee County. NOP resumed interim services with transportation to healthcare appointments and food services, and outdoor home projects. We plan to expand services gradually as each of the NOP offices is operational again with working telephones and computers. In the meantime, please help us by responding to an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/2F9XVG7 or calling 414-4886500 to have a printed survey mailed to you.

Happy 4th of July

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JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 19

The weighty issues surrounding ultraprocessed foods

BY CHUCK NORRIS

As discussed last week, studies of our immune system continue to demonstrate its central role in heath.

We have also learned that, as a rule, if we feed this system well, it will protect us well. The best way to do that is to consume whole fresh foods rather than the engineered “pseudo-foods” that continue to populate the majority of supermarket aisles.

The pseudo-foods I am talking about are made from industrial ingredients and engineered to be super tasty and alluring as well as generally high in fat, sugar and salt. For example, you might look at the label and instead of seeing “apples” listed, you might see an additive (with an unpronounceable name) that re-creates the scent of that fruit. Such foods account for nearly 60% of total calories people consume.

Over the past 70 years, ultraprocessed foods have come to dominate the U.S. diet. In addition to being the majority of foods now sold in the U.S., increasingly around the globe, ultraprocessed foods now rule. This dietary takeover was accelerated beginning in the 1950s when the processed food in-

foods were playing a big role in America’s ever expanding waistlines. Government and health industry recommendations to lower the intake of sugar and salt have produced only slight reductions in recent years, leaving many to wonder: Is there something about the highly processed nature of these foods that drives people to overeat? A new study conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health suggests the answer is yes.

What separates this study from those in the past is it is not merely observational. It represents the first randomized controlled trial to show that eating a diet made up of ultraprocessed foods actually drives people to overeat and gain weight compared with a diet made up of whole or minimally processed foods. For the study, participants were allowed to eat as much or as little as they wanted. They ended up eating much more of the ultraprocessed meals, even though they did not rate those meals as being tastier than the unprocessed meals.

Previous larger studies involving large groups of people have linked diets high in ultraprocessed foods with

dustry discovered a new psychosensory dimension to our natural attractions to salt, sugar and fat. When engineered and amped up, the processed food industry discovered that these ingredients could be formulated in ways to produce a state of gratification beyond simple satisfaction. Let us call it the “Bet you can’t eat just one” syndrome.

In the 1970s, an American market researcher and psychophysicist named Howard Moskowitz termed this discovery as the “bliss point.” The term describes that stage where levels of saltiness, sweetness and richness are perceived by the consumer as just right. When the processed food industry added crunch to their bliss point formulations, a completely new generation of irresistible foods were created. These highly engineered foods surged in sales and popularity. Interest and consumption of more traditional home-cooked meals that included fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains began to wane.

At the same time, rates of obesity began their climb. For years, many in the fields of nutrition and biomedical research speculated that ultraprocessed

health problems and even a higher risk of early death. These studies observed people over time, rather than assigning them specific diets, and so could not prove that ultraprocessed foods actually cause people to eat more or gain weight, yet the connection seems clear.

By 1999, the leaders of some of the largest processed food companies in the U.S., in a scramble to address health concerns and save market share, are said to have met privately to discuss disturbing data that associated the consumption of craveable foods with an upturn in the rates of obesity.

What this tells us is that food companies have known for decades that sugary, salty, fatty foods are not good for us in the quantities that we consume them. Under government pressure, some companies have begun to trim the loads of salt, sugar and fat in certain products. Coca-Cola made headlines in January by releasing ads that promoted its bottled water and low-calorie drinks as a way to counter obesity. Yet diabetes, obesity and hypertension numbers continue to spiral out of control. Not much has really changed.

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JULY 2019

DEAR ANNIE

Feeling obligated to see Grandfather

BY ANNIE LANE

DEAR ANNIE: My grandfather

was violently abusive to his wife, and then his daughter (my mother), and then to me. He was also very racist -- he punished me for having a black friend in grade school -- and just generally cruel.

Now, his health is not so good, and his old age has mellowed him out considerably. He can still have temper rages if provoked enough, but most of the time he is calm.

The problem is that everyone in my family keeps urging me to spend more time with him “before he’s gone.”

Everyone else is content with sweeping the way he treated us under the rug and brushing it off as “that’s just how he is.”

Even my mom adores him, despite the things he did to her.

The thing is that I have no desire to see him again. I’ve visited before out of familial obligation, and I was uncomfortable the whole time. He’s never apologized for his behavior or the way he treated us, and he still thinks every-

thing is either his way or the highway.

I don’t wish him any ill will, I just don’t want to see him. Am I wrong to feel this way? -- Guilted Granddaughter DEAR GUILTED: The answer to the question “Am I wrong to feel this way?” is always no. Feelings, in themselves, are never wrong. It is our actions that fall under the categories of right and wrong, actions such as behaving cruelly and abusively toward vulnerable people. What your grandfather did -- not just across years but across generations -- was wrong. And it’s easier for your family to engage in collective amnesia than to acknowledge that it happened.

It sounds as though you’ve made peace with this traumatic history and aren’t harboring any anger toward him -- that you’ve made the decision not to see him out of love for yourself, not hatred for him. I commend you for doing all the emotional legwork it must have taken to reach that point. Hopefully, your mom will understand and

meet you where you are eventually. In the meantime, know that you are not wrong.

DEAR ANNIE: I read with interest the letter from the brother whose sister has Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. My husband has that diagnosis. He was motivated to change because, although he had no insight into his behavior, he wanted to keep our marriage intact. He had therapy with a fantastic therapist (I went with him sometimes) with no appreciable change, over two years. The therapist referred him to an excellent psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with OCPD. The only way to treat this disorder is with medication. My husband takes an anti-depressant, not for depression but because it’s an off-label treatment.

And it works! It’s not perfect; he still is stubborn and compulsive/rigid sometimes, but it changed the whole dynamic for the better. And he has some insight into his behavior, best of all. Our marriage has been terrific for

many years now.

I realize the sister is not motivated, but perhaps all her unpleasant consequences could motivate her to go to a psychiatrist. Hope so! -- Been There, Came Out the Other Side DEAR BEEN THERE: Changing the dynamic from rigid to a little more relaxed is wonderful, and I congratulate you and your husband for keeping at it and finding a good psychiatrist who really helped. Thanks for sharing your story.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book.

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CLARKE SQUARE TERRACE Section 8 vouchers accepted • Full kitchens, roll-in showers, additional storage space available • All utilities included except electric • Individually controlled heat and A/C • Family gathering areas, exercise center with equipment, computers with internet service available, laundry facilities available on every floor • Some balcony apartments available • Underground parking for an additional fee

• Full kitchens, roll-in showers, additional storage space • All utilities included except electric • Individually controlled heat and A/C • Restaurant-style dining • Craft Room • Exercise center with equipment • Country Store • Computers with internet service available 1bd $610-$715 • 2br $715-$735 • Laundry facilities on every floor • Beauty/Barber Shop No Studios Studios $490-$600 • Some balcony apartments available 1bd $515-$780 • 2br $740-$780 Just North of National Avenue • Underground parking for an additional fee 414.431.0687 • 1740 W. Pierce Street • Milwaukee, WI 53204 414.383.3244 • 1800 W. Becher Street • Milwaukee, WI 53215 Income Restrictions May Apply

JULY 2019

Family histories

Q

: My eldest daughter has been getting into genealogy and got the whole family to do DNA tests. Although we were excited to see the genetic breakdown of our family, now I wish we’d never done it.

When we looked at the results, it became apparent that my wife isn’t related to her siblings; she must have been adopted, but we haven’t uncovered the records yet.

Both of my wife’s parents passed a long time ago, so there’s no explanation or resolution for our discovery. She’s been reassessing her entire childhood based on what her parents kept secret for so long.

HOW DO PEOPLE DEAL WITH THESE KINDS OF REVELATIONS?

A

: The plethora of information now available for genealogists is amazing and ever increasing. Whereas many family histories used to be obscured through time, we’re now able to unearth the past.

Although these advances are impressive, they also come with unintended effects. Many families have found themselves in your shoes and uncovered painful and unexpected histories.

Reckoning with new discoveries makes us rethink who we are. Our

identities are also so tied to our pasts and connections that it is shocking when we find things that contradict our known narratives.

It’s normal to go through a period of grief, disappointment and confusion. It takes time to realign newfound knowledge with what we already know.

Soon enough, we start to remember the memories that we’ve gained over the years. Once the shock is less fresh, you’ll be able to recontextualize the information or view it in a more positive light.

The best thing to do is give it time.

-- Emma, Doug’s granddaughter

SUFFICIENT CARE

Q

: When my brother and I went to go visit our mother this week, we arrived at a disaster.

Our mother’s home is squalid, and she doesn’t keep track of her many medications. She also hit her head in the shower that morning and hadn’t cared for the large cut.

The entire family is afraid for her health and well-being but doesn’t know what to do or whether we should start looking for a nursing home. I want to preserve her wish for independence for as long as possible, but we also want to keep her healthy.

Unfortunately, none of us can provide her the level of home care she will

SETTING IT STRAIGHT

In the June 50 Plus news magazine we incorrectly identified attendees at 50 Plus Fest in the “We Saw You At” section. The correction is below.

Carol and Alfred Bartelt of Port Washington, Art and Debbie Beaudrin from Pewaukee and Stuart and Ardelle Thurow, also of Pewaukee.

need. I have an erratic and busy work schedule, and my brother has health issues of his own.

HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN A NURSING HOME IS NECESSARY?

A

: Losing freedoms is one of the toughest things about aging, and there are often no good solutions. Although you want to allow your mother her self-sufficiency, she may not be able to meet her own needs.

Make a checklist of basics as an objective measure of what she needs. Ask yourself the following questions: Does she have reliably available food and the means to prepare it? Or is there someone living with her who

• 50PLUS • 21

does this for her?

Can she take care of her bathroom needs and hygiene?

Is she able to take care of her medical needs, including medications?

Is she able to get herself up from bed and chairs in order to get around?

Your goal is to make sure your mother is in an environment that’s healthy for her. Getting to the heart of the matter will help you make the best decision for her. -- Doug Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@ msn.com. Emma, Doug’s granddaughter, helps write this column.

22 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

The cheapskate gardener

BY MARY HUNT

The only difference between gardeners and cheapskate gardeners is the amount of money they spend to achieve the same results. The truth is, like no other hobby, gardening is actually more productive when the cheapest -- even free! -- supplies are used.

CONTROL WEEDS

Nothing Compares When You Want More

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Newspaper. It’s cheap, and it works beautifully. Cover the area with 10 layers of newspaper, and then spread mulch or compost over the top. Plant whatever you like by poking a hole in the paper for the seed or plant.

Homemade weedkiller. Dissolve 2 cups salt in 1 gallon white vinegar, and add 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap.

Move some of the vinegar to another container so you have room to get all that salt in there. Then replace the amount you removed and add the soap. Apply with a spray bottle. Caution: Repeated use will sterilize the soil to where eventually nothing will grow.

It’s ideal for driveways, paths and walkways.

KEEP CATS AWAY

More Life. More Style.

Ammonia. Sink small open containers (baby food jars are good) into the soil up to the rim throughout the garden, and fill with household ammonia. Cats hate the smell of ammonia.

Pepper. Sprinkle the garden with ground black pepper. Purchase it in bulk at a warehouse club or bulk grocer, and apply liberally to the affected area. It won’t harm the cats but rather simply irritate their paws, so they’ll go somewhere else to dig.

Plant flowers. Marigolds have a pungent odor that repels cats and other bugs and animals. Plant them among your vegetable and flower gardens.

FEED YOUR LAWN AND PLANTS

HOMEMADE LAWN FOOD 1 cup Epsom salts

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1 cup antiseptic mouthwash 1 cup liquid dish soap 1 cup ammonia 1 can beer

Mix the following in a large container.

Fill a hose-end sprayer jar that mixes its contents with water. Attach to the hose, and give your lawn a generous dose. Yum. (Set the dial so this recipe mixes with 20 gallons of water. You can figure that out. I know you can.)

PROMOTE NEW GROWTH

To guarantee the healthiest plants in town, when planting trees, shrubs and evergreens, scatter 10 unused match heads and 1 cup of Epsom salts in the planting hole. This promotes new growth and helps strengthen stems and roots.

Cheap fertilizer. Add 2 teaspoons plain household ammonia to 1 gallon water. Allow it to sit in an open container (and out of reach of kids looking for a drink) for a full 24 hours. Use on plants instead of commercial fertilizer.

Caution: If you use more ammonia, it will be too strong, and you will burn your plants.

BUILD SOIL

Fireplace ashes. Spread wood ash from your winter fires onto the garden beds. Also known as potash, it will gradually build the soil, adding potassium as well as 32 trace minerals. And it’s free!

Increase acidity. Drench wet soil with full-strength white vinegar (or drench dry soil with a 50-50 vinegar and water solution) to increase the acidity of the soil for plants like azaleas and gardenias.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary a Question.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.

Wisconsin Senior Olympics

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 23

WISCONSIN SENIOR OLYMPICS

August 3 – September 8, 2019

Two New Age Groups: 40-44 and 45-49 WSO Sports Cycling Shuffleboard Golf Softball For more information – Horseshoes Swimming Go to: www.wiseniorolympics.com Lawn Bowling Table Tennis Email: info@wiseniorolympics.com Call: 414-755-1025 Pickleball Tennis Power Walk Track & Field Powerlifting Volleyball Race Walk Racquetball Registration deadlines are July 22, 2019 and August 19, 2019.

Check our website for more information – www.wiseniorolympics.com.

5K Run/Walk and 10K Run Archery Badminton Basketball Basketball Free Throw Basketball Three Point Bowling Cornhole - NEW Croquet

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24 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

Super event, super efforts by many afflicted by miserable rain and cold

BY JACK PEARSON

There are times when Old Man Weather can truly be a pain in the neck, or in any other part of the anatomy. Such was what occurred this past May 16-19 when the Annual Milwaukee Wounded Warrior Senior Softball Classic was slated at Wirth Park in Brookfield. More than half of the entire slate of scheduled games were cancelled because of the cold, heavy rains and wind.

It was unfortunate in more ways than one. First of all, it was a disappointment to many of the teams that had traveled here from afar to play.

There were 43 teams in all, not only from all over Wisconsin but from six other states as well. It was to be the largest turnout ever. But what was even worse, because of the cancellations, fewer funds were generated for the contribution always given to the Wounded Warrior Project. Last year more than $10,000 was raised. This year’s effort netted only about $3,000, plus another $1,000, which was donated to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. According to the Tour-

nament Director Thom Mikich, to date a total of $33,500 has been raised for the Project.

There is no admission charged to the public to see the games, so the only way monies are raised is from the fees each of the teams pay to compete, and from sponsors. Although the tournament was started 19 years ago by Mikich and his group and was called then simply the Milwaukee Classic, for the past eight years it has been affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mikich added that he and his group are always looking for sponsors for the event to help generate funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. One doesn’t have to be a major corporation or large company to be a donor; anyone can be one. To do so, call Mikich at 262-679-9338 or email him at rntmik640@sbcglobal.net.

Because of the cancellations, only three champions were crowned: two teams from Chicago and one team from Watertown, Wisconsin.

Aside from the low blow inflicted by the crummy weather, commendations are again in order for everyone

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Every event associated with the military has its commanding officers, and it was no different at the recent Wounded Warriors Senior Softball Classic in Brookfield. Front left, Tournament Director Thom Mikich, front right, Roly Nellis, rear left, Ed Hurley, and left-right, Jim Cleary. connected to the tournament, Mikich and co-chairman Jack Simons, and all their teammates, and especially the wives who are always there donating their time and efforts.

JULY 2019

HERITAGE LAKE

• 50PLUS • 25

THE REGENCY

HERITAGE LAKE Athletic tournaments such as the Wounded Warriors Classic are dependent on the quality and dedication of its volunteers, which are invariably the wives of the tournament officers. These three are always there, from the left, Anna Mae Hurley of Pewaukee, Rose Mikich, and Jan Casey of Franklin.

NEMOVITZ continued from page 5

stand the market in real time. The market right now is excellent for sellers, but there are limits so stay informed as to the economy and future projections by pundits you trust. Talking to your financial planner or accountant is always a great place to get accurate, up to the minute information. Stay tuned, the market is always changing!

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor.

Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for over 35

years. He has published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. Bruce has written a second book for the children of seniors, “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, Practical Advice about Seniors Moving from the Home They Love. These books are now available at https:// www.brucesteam.com/bruces-books/. Past articles about moving and downsizing and other important information can be found at www.SeniorRealtor.com. Bruce and his wife Jeanne hold seminars about selling your home of many years.

Check their website for times and dates. Bruce received the 2010 “Realtor of the Year” from the 3,800 membership of the GMAR (Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors).

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news

What’s New for

VOL. 33 NO. 5

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

May 2019

INSIDE....

SHOW PHOTO

This is the Best House Sales Season

What’s New for

VOL. 33 NO. 2

BY JACK PEARSON

Why do so many seniors watch the old re-run movies on TV or on tapes and discs, instead of going out and catching the latest releases in theaters?

Rising costs could be a factor, but it’s also because of the mindset about what’s being produced today.

Values have changed, whether for the better or not are up to be questioned. A movie such as It’s A Wonderful Life with James Stewart, Thomas Mitchell, Lionel Barrymore and Donna Reed was once considered a top hit, and in fact won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Directing. But today the Hollywood producers would never make such a movie. They’d consider the plot and dialogue totally blasé.

Because of this, a good many movie buffs go out and purchase discs or tapes of the great old movies of the past, such as Gone With the Wind, Citizen Kane, Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz, and watch them at their leisure.

See Page 5

See Page 12

Independent Retirement Community Directory See Page 13

Learn about Hearing Aids Angelo Curty from Waukesha and Jim Barnes from Milwaukee at the 50 Plus Fest and Retirement Show. Attendees were treated to a preview of the movie Poms. Poms will be in local theaters May 10th.

Photo by Margaret Pearson

Affordable Care Act or Medicare for All or Nothing?

Recently, President Trump, much to the chagrin of Republicans in Congress, especially the U.S. Senate where they control the majority, directed the Department of Justice to support a Texas federal judge’s December opinion that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was unconstitutional. Several Republican Governors and Attorney Generals who brought the case argued

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

that when Congress zeroed out the tax penalty for people who lacked health coverage as a part of the 2017 tax bill, the entire ACA was unconstitutional.

In December, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Conner agreed with them although his ruling is on hold pending appeal.

At that time, the Justice Department took the position that the elimination of the tax penalty should invalidate

only those parts of the health law most closely associated with it, i.e. the provisions requiring insurance companies to sell to people with preexisting conditions and not charge them more.

If ACA was invalidated it would leave approximately 20 million uninsured; 11 million people who purchase insurance through the ACA marketFRAZIER continued on page 3

February 2019

What’s New for

VOL. 33 NO. 3

GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Maggie Leef

See Page 3

Are You Ready For Your Journey?

Defies the Norm

See Page 5

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier Americans Act funding in federal fiscal year 2019 is $1.7 billion. The single state of Wisconsin Medicaid program will spend around $10 billion in fiscal

2018/19 serving 1.1 million people.

You might ask where is the “genius” in providing such a relatively small amount of money for the OAA? I suggest that it does more than you might think possible. I started working with OAA programs in 1971 so I have, if nothing else, a rather long perspective that has led me to conclude that it was ingenious. I have always thought that OAA did two major things: first, it created a nation-wide structure for aging programs at the federal, state and local levels, second,

Supportive Care Directory

See Page 15

Events Calendar See Page 26

Sports See Page 36

it required organizations and people getting OAA funding to be advocates for older people in community decisions that affected them across a wide spectrum of agencies and issues.

In terms of structure, OAA established the Administration on Aging (now called the Administration for Community Living) within the federal Department of Health and Human Services to administer OAA policies, programs and money. It then required each state to designate an agency at the FRAZIER continued on page 3

March 2019

INSIDE....

E-Cigarettes are Dangerous See Page 8

March Poem See Page 11

BY JACK PEARSON

If you were ever introduced to Maggie Leef, you’d never guess the lady to be a great golfer and a member of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) Hall of Fame. It’s just that she doesn’t look the part. Slim and graceful, she’s always full of pep and delightfully ebullient and talkative. Thus you might assume her to be something like a popular television personality.

But that’s not the only reason, as the headline above notes that Maggie defies the norm. Virtually all sports superstars set out early in life to attain that lofty goal. For example, sport immortals such as Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods knew from the time they were of kindergarten age that they would someday gain golfing greatness.

PEARSON continued on page 14

1965 was a very good year for older people in this country. That year Congress created Medicare to provide health care to the elderly, created Medicaid to provide health care to low income people (that became the major funder for long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities), and passed the federal Older Americans Act (OAA). By 2017 Medicare had grown to $702 billion serving 60 million people and Medicaid has grown to $557 billion serving 73 million people. By comparison, Older

Phase Two of Your Life

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

INSIDE....

Climate Change is Unavoidable

The genius of the Older Americans Act

FREE

news

Phase Two of Your Life

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

When it comes to good motion pictures, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to”

Senior Fest June 12th

See Page 29

FREE

news

Phase Two of Your Life

See Page 17

March Calendar See Page 28

Emma’s Comments See Page 34

MAGGIE LEEF continued on page 24

Caricature by Gene Haas

The “Other” Wisconsin

Why Medicaid Expansion is the Smart, Compassionate, and Fiscally Responsible Thing to Do. If a man from Mars had watched Governor Evers’ State of the State address, and the Republican response given by Speaker Vos, I believe that he would have concluded that they were talking about two different states. In a way they were. I think that Speaker

Rehab & Memory Care Directory

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

Vos was talking about the Wisconsin where well-to-do individuals and corporations are thriving in our economy, and Governor Evers was talking about the “Other” Wisconsin where people such as children, minorities and lower income are not thriving and, therefore, need help with things like healthcare. Unfortunately, there are too many people still living in the

Other Wisconsin and we need to stop ignoring them.

Perhaps nothing illustrates this dichotomy more than the issue of Medicaid expansion that the Governor plans to include in his 2019-2021 state budget, and that the Speaker is adamantly opposed to. As a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) states FRAZIER continued on page 3

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JULY POEM My, how time does seem to fly by.

Only here and there it stops to say “Hi!” This summer seems to almost slip away.

From May to July, we have sort of lost our way.

All things now seem to be growing so fast.

Soon, our garden will be a thing of the past.

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There’s still time to swim in waters so warm.

Do be careful. Lake itch could do some harm.

Farmer Fred prepares for the next cutting of hay.

This will be the third cutting since early in May. Summer night lightning makes some folks paranoid.

But those persons liking sky-filled flashes fill that void.

Squirrels now begin to eye that old chestnut tree.

They see ahead a winter of great eating and so free.

That broken plow creates a definite headache.

Thank goodness, we still do have the garden rake.

Our movement through July has not been dismal.

Life as such is certainly not to us a bit abysmal.

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 27

EMMA: Covering A lot of ground Here we are again. I am so happy with the weather this summer – not too warm, no local tornadoes, enough sunshine and rain to make our garden grow and warming water in our lakes so the young ones can swim and enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. I guess that is enough about such things.

Henry just popped in over his lunch break at the factory. What he’s doing home right now is a mystery to me as he usually eats in the cafeteria?

“Henry,” I asked, “What’s so important as to bring you home at noon?”

Henry, a bit embarrassed, or so it seemed, ran right to the bathroom and returned almost immediately, saying, “Emma, I had to come home to get my false teeth. For some unknown and stupid reason, I forgot the lower plate this morning and didn’t realize it until I got to the cafeteria. I suddenly knew while looking at that deep fried steak sandwich that it was more than I could chew.” He then laughed and I smiled even though I wanted to groan.

As Henry says when I complain about a minor hip pain or a backache after making the bed, “Emma, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you that a bit of a visit with my psychiatrist, Dr. Ezra Brooks, won’t fix, or at least have those pains going bye, bye birdie in a hurry.” He and I both know that if I followed his advice, dinner might be late and I’d be adding a headache to the pains I already have. I guess such is life and as I get older each day, I’m making progress and I hope it really is not only to the grave.

I have an old friend and I really do mean old; she’s about 93 and still lives by herself in an independent living situation. She is a really loving type of person, who keeps up her appearance by going to the house beautician every week or so. This lady is quite a smart old gal. She said the other day when I visited her there, “Emma, I am so tired of this weather. The weatherman pre-

APRON STRINGS

By Aunt Emma dicts this or that and almost half the time it isn’t even right. When they can predict eclipses of the sun, know of falling stars, far-flung tornadoes and things like rising oceans due to warming, why can’t they foretell more accurately what the weather will be like on the weekend?

I just told her that as Henry tells me when I make a dumb mistake, “Genius can’t always be right, but stupidity never changes.” I guess that I don’t even have to be on top of the mountain to be at my top peak performance. I am realizing that I have enough hills to climb without finding some imaginary ones. Henry says, (My, do I ever like to quote my hubby) “Emma, keep those weeds from growing in the gardens of your mind. You do this by thinking things through instead of shrugging your shoulders and saying to yourself, I can’t do it.”

I thought to myself, I guess Henry thought things through this noon when he came home for his teeth.

Oh, Oh, now I have gone and done it. The label in that new fancy shirt that Sonny gave to his daddy (my Henry) for Father’s Day, read that it should be dry cleaned only. I do wish I would have read that before I washed it today. Perhaps I can set it aside so Henry won’t notice its being gone until I can squirrel enough money from my grocery stash to buy him an identical one. You’d be – or at least I was – so surprised by the way those stripes all kind of now run together. I guess it is true that you should have absolute trust in God, but always read directions and

follow them. Might reading the Bible be the directions to Heaven?

Henry and I are preparing for our annual summer week at the cabin up north where several of us own six weeks of timeshare. While I am not crazy about that lake near Tomahawk, I do admit that I like the summer week much better than the ice fishing one. I read a lot while I am there. It is my second best activity. I’ve really gotten good at swatting those big black flies and smacking the half dollar size mosquitoes. Well, yes, this last is somewhat of an exaggeration. We’ll be up there the last week of this month, so I will have a lot to write about for the next issue.

There are many nice restaurants in that area. I do like that. But Henry has cautioned me about going to the ones with the fancy white tablecloths and individual lanterns on the tables. He says that he never even considers ordering a bratwurst smothered in onions, sauerkraut and pickle relish in a place like that. I wonder, is that because they wouldn’t know how to properly cook it?

Until we get together again, let me tell you that should opportunity knock, do let it in. Who knows if you’ll get that same chance ever again?

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JULY 2019

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Edits Continued

The College conspiracy The parents recently found guilty of bribery in their efforts to get their obviously not too academically brilliant children into prestigious higher educational centers got what they deserved.

But, what about their kids? Will they bribe their way through school and get meaningless diplomas or flunk out?

When cheating is the way, it is nice when it is found out.

Asking America

Asking America is a nationwide grassroots project to determine what people like you and me are thinking and why. What are your priorities for our government? Do we need a wake up call? There are numerous questions today in this definitely divided nation where even the media appear to be taking sides.

Which political party seems to be in the mainstream and which one is wallowing in the Washington swamps?

Let us seriously look at taxes, healthcare, immigration, the military and other programs to make the United States stronger and more habitable.

We don’t need more special interest groups on either side of the aisle.

Being a world leader is not nearly as important as taking care of the needs of our own people. Who does not know where there is a will, there’s a way?

KILLING TIME continued on page 28

heed your inner voice. bbbbbb I heard the fellow order a blind coke. It took a bit for the waitress to figure out that he wanted no ice. bbbbbb Perhaps, I cannot write myself out of a situation I got into way back in 1953 when I began newspaper writing. I worked my way into it in Iowa in 1953, then two places in Minnesota before landing in Waukesha County where I have been in the process of retiring for 29 years since selling Lake Country Publications to the Milwaukee Journal, etc. in 1990. I met my wonderful wife before all this. While it was no revolving door romance, we’re still going around together. At age 90, will I be writing again next month?

Hopefully!

Try walking in the other man’s shoes unless they are size 14. bbbbbb We’re told that pollen counts are worse between 5 and 10 a.m. bbbbbb Having been born in 1928, the year’s prices were such as bread at 9 cents, gasoline at 21 cents a gallon and first class postage stamps were 2 cents each. Obviously, even playing post office was not expensive back then. bbbbbb More than just sometimes, it does require a bit of pain to make a gain. bbbbbb We’re told that we should fear no evil. Just send any to Washington, D.C. bbbbbb Bob Guidinger, a retired Pewaukee business person, died recently.

Bob went to Florida, where he joined the entertainers at Disney World as his last profitable hurrah. bbbbbb Obviously, a career is a job at which you hung in there for quite a while. bbbbbb We will quit for this month with a bit about your spirit (soul) and body.

The good words are to strive for peace between them. You should hear and

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 29

Lowering your risk of heart disease

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women -- claiming the lives of one in three women. The good news is about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.

My mom, who recently turned 89, is a survivor, with two pacemakers, a stent and open-heart surgery. She’s learned to eat healthier and put down the saltshaker.

She couldn’t control the risk factors of her age, being female and a family history, but she could make a difference in her blood pressure, not smoking, lowering her cholesterol and being more physically active.

The American Heart Association recommends women “know their numbers” - by having a simple test to find out their total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index.

Here a few other tips on things women (and men) can do to lower the risk for heart disease: --Not all fats are created equal.

While saturated and trans fats are bad for you, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can actually be good for you. “Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats because they do not raise the “bad” LDL cholesterol in your body and may

Q and A

Q

: What changes in my diet can I make that would help with regularity?

A

: The two dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you the most are fiber, fluids and regular exercise. The fiber and fluids add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass. Exercise helps to move things along. Rather than taking fiber pills or supplement bars, eat bran or other fiber-rich cereal. If you take a pill or supplement and don’t drink enough water, the increased fiber can make the constipation worse. If you want to try a supplement, get the kind you mix with water. Fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber. Studies have shown

actually help raise your “good” HDL cholesterol,” says Dr. Rachel Johnson, Robert L. Bickford Jr. Green and Gold Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont. “They also seem to have an anti-inflammatory affect and studies have shown that people who have that diets rich in these types of fats have lower rates of heart disease and diabetes.”

--Stock up on vegetable oils. This can include everything from olive oil and canola oil to peanut oil and sesame oil. Monounsaturated fats are found in these oils as well as avocados, olives and various types of nuts, including almonds and peanuts.

--Eat more fish to incorporate polyunsaturated fats into your diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and tuna are excellent options and also are high in Omega-3 fatty acids -- known to help with inflammation.

--To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, fiber-rich whole-grain breads and cereals and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often. Foods that can help lower cholesterol include a variety of whole and multi-grain products such as bran and oats as well as foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables.

that prunes both draw water into the stools and stimulate the colon to move things along. The only catch is you need to eat about 12 prunes a day to get the full effect. If changing your diet and getting more exercise don’t’ work, you could talk to your doctor to figure out the cause. Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure or depression, can cause constipation.

If you do need to take laxatives occasionally, they can be effective and are generally safe is used as directed. The two common types are osmotics and stimulants. Osmotics draw water into the stool; stimulant laxatives induce the colon wall to push stools along. -- Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter.

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JULY 2019

Rosemaling and Nancy Schmidt, A perfect combination anywhere That word in the headline above, Rosemaling; do you know what it means? It’s not especially well known, and like the name of a popular Milwaukee pro basketball player, is often mispronounced. (ROSE-mahl-een) It is actually a Norwegian word, which describes decorative painting used to embellish wooden items such as bowls, chests, tables and other furniture in the home. It is an old process developed centuries ago in the small villages of that country. The favorite item for Rosemaling decoration there was the dowry, or storage trunk. This particular piece became the standard luggage of immigrants. Because of this, examples of Rosemaling came to this country in even greater numbers than the painters who produced the art.

It spread to America, and especially to the Upper Midwest – Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and the Dakotas – during the Scandinavian migrations here in the late 1800s. Over the past century the art has grown dramatically in numbers of practitioners, in quality of work and in public visibility, not only in the Norwegian-American communities, but in all areas. In fact, Rosemaling may be more popular here than it is in Norway.

The hotbeds of the art are Wisconsin and Minnesota. There are

SPORTS PLUS

By Jack Pearson more Rosemaling artists and Rosemaling activities in these two states than in the rest of the country combined. And, one of the most active and sought after rosemalers in the U.S. is a 67-year-old grandmother who lives right here in Waukesha. Her name is Nancy Schmidt. Nancy was awarded the Vesterheim Gold Medal in 1990 for her work. She is an exceptional artist, and her works are always quickly sold, some for thousands of dollars. Her artwork is often seen on printed publications, such as for a calendar company in Minnesota, Paulstad Classic Calendars. They regularly commission her to provide artwork for their calendars, a couple of which are reproduced here.

But it is not merely her proficiency as an artist that sets her apart. She is also a sought after teacher of Rosemaling.

When we first met I asked her if she taught at a local school or facility.

“Well, actually I teach all over,” she re-

An example of the Rosemaling artistry of Nancy Schmidt, the decorations on the pages of a calendar.

Our Rosemaling artist-instructor, Nancy Schmidt. plied with a smile. I then asked what she meant by that – all over Waukesha County? “A bit more,” she said. “I just returned from teaching a series of classes over in western Wisconsin, and am getting ready for a class in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for some teaching sessions there. Last year I was up in Alaska for the third time. And I’ve taught classes over in Japan four times.” That last one really floored me. “Japan! That’s on the other side of the world, more than eight thousand miles away, an exceptionally long way to travel to teach a class in Rosemaling,” I said. “Why would you even consider that?” I asked. “Well, they paid all my expenses, flight costs, hotel room, food, everything, plus a nice stipend for my teaching, and Japan is a lovely place to visit,” she added with a smile.

It’s indicative of the predominance of rosemaling activity here in Wisconsin and Minnesota that of the 139 Gold Medal Winners who have been named over the past half century, more than half of them have gone to artists in those two states: Wisconsin, 37, and Minnesota, 42. Other Midwest states that have had multiple winners have been Iowa, 12, Illinois, 6, and Michigan, 5. Included in the Wisconsin winners were six from this corner of the state: Carol Dziak of Greenfield in 1980; Eileen Reimer from Waukesha

in 1977; Elaine Schmidt from Hales Corners in 1990; our Nancy Schmidt (no relation to Elaine) of Waukesha in 1990; Ruth Wolfgram of Franklin in 1974 and Barb Wolter of Milwaukee in 1971. The most recent winner was Jan Norsetter of Madison last year.

Nancy was born in Port Washington in 1951. Her parents were Swedish with a little Scottish mixed in, and not at all Norwegian, as you might suppose. Her interest in Rosemaling came about simply from a magazine article on the subject she happened to read.

Always artistically inclined, she soon became fascinated with the art form.

She continued to read everything she could find about Rosemaling, and eventually arranged to study under famous Norwegian Rosemaling artists such as Nils Ellingsgard, Sigmund Aarseth, and Eli Saelid. Those names may not mean much to you or the average reader, but it would be about like someone studying football coaching under names such as Knute Rockne, Vince Lombardi, and Bo Schembechler. She researched styles from bygone eras, which later have been reflected, in her own works. She also visited Norway twice to study Rosemaling, on one of those trips accompanied by her husband, Dan Schmidt.

Nancy received an Art Education Degree in 1972 from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater. Over

JULY 2019

the years, in addition to creating and selling many of her own works, she has often been commissioned by different organizations for special projects. Such as in 2012 when the City of Waukesha contracted with her to produce a rosemaled decorated guitar, in conjunction with a celebration in honor of famed guitarist Les Paul, who was from Waukesha.

Because she has dark hair and a light tan complexion, if you were to meet her for the first time you could guess her to be Italian or Spanish, which I told her. She laughed and pointed out that not all Swedes are blond and many have dark hair. She’s always full of pep and enthusiasm and ready to converse with anyone about her beloved Rosemaling.

The Gold Medal she won in 1990 was from the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa, the leading facility in the country for the promotion and exhibition of Rosemaling art. As noted, her skill as an artist is rivaled only by her expertise as a teacher. She is widely known in the field. The Wisconsin

• 50PLUS • 31

Arts Board, for example, asked her to be one of their representatives to Japan in an exchange program, an assignment which led to her Rosemaling teaching activity there. In addition to her instructional work, she has also served as a judge in Rosemaling competition, including the annual contests at the national festival in Decorah.

A few historical notes: After the initial introduction of rosemaling into the United States in the 1800s, the art form slowly went out of style. It experienced a revival, however, in the early years of the past century. The leading force of that rebirth was Per Lysne, a man here in Wisconsin.

Lysne was born in Norway and learned Rosemaling there. When he came to America in the 1920s it was to Stoughton, Wisconsin (about ten miles southeast of Madison), where he was employed as a wagon painter. During the Depression, he started Rosemaling again. When other Norwegian-American artists observed his works, the renaissance of the art began.

A Schmidt family portrait – Nancy and her husband, Dan, with five of their grandchildren.

Examples of different objects decorated with rosemaling.

There’s another story about rosemaling that occurred in Norway during the Nazi occupation of the country in World Was II. At the time the Nazis had outlawed the display of the Norwegian flag or its’ Coat of Arms under the penalty of imprisonment or even death. The Norwegians, however, discovered by using an “H” over a “7” in the Rosemaling design of displays of the flag and the royal coat, which referred to the exiled Norwegian King Haakon VII, that the Nazi occupation forces didn’t realize its significance other than as a colorful peasant design. And no one was ever caught or punished.

If you’re interested in reading more about Rosemaling, there are a number of good books on the art you can find at most libraries. Here’s four: “The Art of Rosemaling,” by the master, Per Lysne; “Rosemaling in the Upper Midwest,” by Phillip Martin; “Norwegian Gose Painting in America,” by Niles Filingsgard; and “Norwegian Rosemaling,” by Margaret Miller. In my research for this article, I checked out a couple of those copies at the Brookfield Public Library,

which by the way also offers courses in Rosemaling twice a month. For more information or to enroll, give them a call.

Did you note that reference to the pronunciation of a certain Milwaukee basketball player in the first paragraph of this article? In case you didn’t know whom it applied to, it was and is Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The given name is no problem, but go ahead and pronounce his surname. Try to, anyhow. And as great a player as he is, I doubt that he knows a thing about Rosemaling.

32 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

No excusing poor manners

BY ANNIE LANE

DEAR ANNIE: I was brought up

to say, “Excuse me,” when someone was in the way and I needed to pass. I have noticed when I say this to younger people they reply, “Oh, you’re fine,” and don’t move.

One day a store employee was blocking the aisle with boxes all around, making it impossible to nav-

igate, and I said, “Excuse me.” When she replied, “Oh you’re fine,” I said, “I know I’m fine, I need you to move so I can pass.” She seemed confused.

Is this phrase obsolete? Am I clueless about today’s terminology? Or is it people of a certain age that don’t know or weren’t taught what “excuse me” means? -- Please Move

DEAR EXCUSE ME: Saying, “Excuse me” is not a young or old person thing; it is merely a polite thing to do.

Saying, “Oh, you’re fine” as a response seems like the person, whether old or young, is oblivious to social standards.

If you need to get by, the polite way to ask someone to move is to say, “Excuse me” or “Pardon me.” You can always add, “I need to get by.”

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I recently married my college sweetheart. Everything has been great. We met in Boston in college and moved to New York City for both of our jobs and to be close to his family. I grew up on a farm in Minnesota.

My husband’s parents have been really kind and welcoming to me. His mother is extremely fashionable and chic. Think Anna Wintour. Sometimes I find her beauty and grace a little intimidating. But her kindness slowly melts any fear.

Her birthday is fast approaching, and my husband has entrusted me with finding her a beautiful piece of jewelry that will be a gift from both him and his father. He is an only child, so now I have sort of taken on the role of daughter. I am very flattered by all

the love and acceptance I receive from my in-laws, but in the fashion department I am a farm girl at heart. Think T-shirt and blue jeans as my go-to.

Do you have any suggestions as what to give as a gift to my fabulously chic mother-in-law?? -- Blue Jean Daughter-in-Law DEAR BLUE JEAN GIRL: Con-

gratulations on your marriage. Your husband and his parents sound very loving, and being just married in a new city is such an exciting time of your life.

As far as your mother-in-law, my guess is that having a daughter-in-law as thoughtful and loving as you are is the biggest gift she could ask for. So rest assured that whatever material item you give to her will be appreciated because you already gave her the great gift of marrying her son.

However, every woman loves jewelry. You might want to look for a designer, such as Brent Neale, with the goal being to find jewelry that is colorful, nature inspired, timeless and, most importantly, just makes the wearer of their pieces happy.

What is driving the rise in mental health issues?

To build a more in-depth understanding of the effects of the constant parade of fragmented, ever-shifting images that make up today’s digital experience, research science needs to go beyond looking at the amount of mere “screen time” devoted to our devices. They need to dig deeper if they are to comprehend what exactly individuals are exposed to and what is problematic and for whom. There is no easy way to study this.

That these screen experiences are causing health problems for some seems to be beyond question. The results of a study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are a recent case in point. For the study, the researchers analyzed data of more

than 1,700 adults between the ages of 18 and 65. What they discovered was that people who use dating apps seem to have substantially higher odds of having an eating disorder compared with those who do not use these apps. In the study, they found women were particularly vulnerable. On one hand, online dating helps some people connect and socialize, but on the other hand, the technology can also lead to discrimination, racism and body-shaming.

The study found that women using dating apps had from 2.3 to 26.9 times higher odds of using elevated “unhealthy weight control behaviors” including self-induced vomiting, fastMENTAL HEALTH continued on PAGE 33

JULY 2019

Adaptive technologies

Q

: I’ve reached the point where I’m no longer able to use my computer easily, but it’s important for doing so much. Many daily necessities, such as online banking, paying bills and shopping, are easier online, and I don’t want to be dependent or inconvenienced.

Unfortunately, my eyes and joints are in disagreement. I struggle to read the screen, and my arthritis gets in my way.

What are some fixes for seniors to better use technology?

MENTAL HEALTH continued from PAGE 32

ing or using diet pills and laxatives.

Men who dated online were also found to be at greater risk, with 3.2 to 14.6 times the odds of using unhealthy weight management practices, including using steroids.

The study does not imply that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between online dating and unhealthy weight management. What it suggests is that as the popularity of these apps grows, so does speculation that they could negatively affect a person’s relationship with their body image.

“While we do not know if the people in our study were already engaging in these weight control behaviors before using dating apps, we worry that the use of these image and appearance-focused services could exacerbate those behaviors,” writes study author Dr. Alvin Tran, a postdoctoral associate at the Yale School of Medicine.

Is today’s hyper-connected world, “anxiety-inducing” also seems a fair question. We all experience it. With anxiety, it is always a question of degree. When it becomes so severe that the basic business of living becomes compromised, it moves into the realm of being a clinical disorder. According to a Time magazine report, 2.6 billion people around the world suffer from this illness -- 33.7% of the world population. According to the National Institutes of Health, the number 2.6 billion represents the population that will at some point experience an anxiety disorder.

While anxiety disorders respond

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A

For vision problems, you can look into screen magnification software, screen readers and text readers. They can enlarge images, allow you to control the size of text and graphics, or read text aloud to you with a synthesized voice.

Program offerings include JAWS and NVDA for PCs and VoiceOver for Macs. These programs all have their benefits and drawbacks, so do the research to find the best one for you.

For dexterity issues, look into a speech-to-text software to translate

what you say into text.

Additionally, you can make manual adjustments to your computer that work for you.

Have you considered your monitor size? You can attach a larger monitor (LCD TVs work well) to your computer, enabling you to display larger images.

Fiddle with your settings. You can adjust the size of items displayed on the screen. In web browsers like Google Chrome, you can select larger font sizes or zoom in closer on the page.

well to professional care, there is no blood test or brain scan that can conclusively diagnose it. Consequently, far too many people do not receive treatment. An individual with high anxiety can also affect those around them -- even the family pet. If you are anxious, your dog may be feeling the stress as well.

As reported by NPR, a new study followed dogs and their owners over the course of months to see how stress hormones in both animal and human changed over time. The study, published in Scientific Reports, showed that dog owners experiencing long bouts of stress can transfer it to their dogs.

This was determined by taking hair samples from the dogs and their owners to test for cortisol, a stress-related hormone that canines and humans share. They found that dog cortisol levels seemed to mirror the personality traits of their owners.

What about the stress transfer between a parent and child? It is easy for parents to miss the warning signs of adolescent depression and chalk them up to “typical” teen behavior. As a consequence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, 80% of youth in this country who suffer from mental health disorders such as depression -- about 12 million young people -- are either undertreated or not treated at all.

According to a Pew Research Center study, more than 45% of teens with access to a smartphone are said to be online obsessively during every waking hour. Electronic devices are

so intertwined with their lives that the real world and virtual world become inseparable. Does this also play a role in mental health disorders? Youth depression is a concern plaguing our nation. A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology finds that the number of young people with mental health disorders has more than doubled over the past decade. Teens who are depressed often struggle with anxiety and substance abuse as well.

The National Institute of Mental

Health reports that nearly 3.2 million 12- to-17-year-olds have had at least one major depressive episode in the past 12 months. What has contributed to this increase? For more than a decade, researchers have desperately sought to determine an answer. One has yet to emerge.

Doctors in the U.S. are experiencing symptoms of burnout at almost twice the rate of other workers. Meanwhile, we wait for the wake-up call to the crisis that is upon us.

: Unlike with previous generations, seniors today have technology use integrated into their lives. They have gotten used to the convenience and learned how to use it.

On the other hand, aging bodies make using it much more difficult.

Luckily, there are many types of adaptive technologies aimed to assist with these problems. Research is ongoing, and there is existing software that can help you.

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34 • 50PLUS •

JULY 2019

Look at all the hidden benefits in your AAA membership When I pulled out my AAA membership card to get a discount for Universal Hollywood tickets, I locked eyeballs with the words “Years as Member: 43” printed on the card. I nearly passed out.

That seemed absolutely impossible until I did a little calculation. It’s true. AAA has been an important part of my life for more than four decades.

If you are a member of AAA, it’s likely that you depend on it to get you out of an automotive bind with a roadside jump-start, a gallon of gas or a tow.

And so you know, it also comes to the rescue should you ever lock your keys in the car. Or a sleeping baby.

Let’s just say that AAA has saved my bacon on more than one occasion.

AAA membership has so many benefits other than just roadside assistance -- some I’ve taken advantage of in the past but many others I didn’t even know about.

If you’re a member, perhaps you’ll also be surprised by all of the hidden benefits in your membership.

AAA is a nonprofit organization with branches in all states. Not all branches offer the same benefits, so be sure to check with yours. Many AAA branches offer the following benefits with membership: PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS

You can save up to 75% on the cost of meds and diabetic supplies not covered by insurance, with your AAA membership.

DISCOUNTS ON TRAVEL

We’re talking hotels, restaurants, auto repair shops, cruises, airfare and train travel. AAA has its own travel agency offering all kinds of travel discounts for AAA members.

You can get your passport picture taken at almost all AAA branches, and the first two sets of photos are typically free. You can get your international driver’s permit at your local AAA office as well.

DISCOUNTS ON ENTERTAINMENT

AAA has partnerships with nearly every amusement park like Sea World,

Universal, Disney Parks and Six Flags, as well as sporting events, movie theaters, museums and zoos.

DISCOUNTS ON SERVICES

At this writing, I can get 35% off at my local florist, 30% off AMC movie tickets, 10% discount at Hampton Inn & Suites, The UPS Store, Sprint, The Parking Spot, discounted car washes, driver training, parking and bike services.

RENTAL CARS

I frequently depend on my AAA membership to get significant discounts when I rent cars from Hertz as well as other agencies.

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Some states let you do some DMV tasks right at the AAA office, such as auto registration and driver’s license renewal.

TSA PRECHECK

AAA has recently partnered with TSA. Now AAA members (and nonmembers) can apply for TSA Precheck at certain AAA locations, saving you time and stress on your next adven-

ture.

CAR BUYING

There are many AAA-authorized car dealers that will give you a AAA discount on fleet pricing. Many AAA offices will give you a free or discounted CARFAX report on a used vehicle you are interested in purchasing.

SAFETY

It was a very hot day when I arrived to pick the baby up to care for her over the weekend. I wanted the car to be at a proper temperature, so I left the engine running with the air conditioning set to 72 degrees F and went into the house to get the child. So far, so good.

I loaded up all of her necessary equipment and then carefully strapped the sleeping baby into the baby seat in the back seat. Ever so gently, I hit the lock button out of sheer habit and shut the door. My blood ran cold as I realized my keys were in the ignition and the car was now locked up as tight as a drum.

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JULY 2019

Untitled-3 1

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6/17/2019 11:17:28 AM

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JULY 2019

EVENTS CALENDAR of San Antonio, TX, Madison Scouts of Madison, WI, Phantom Regiment of Rockford, IL, and River City Rhythm of Anoka, MN. All seats are reserved so advanced tickets are encouraged to get the best seats in the stadium. Tickets may be ordered through Drum Corps International at www.dci.org/tickets or by calling 317275-1212.

JULY 2, 7 PM

Rotary Music Festival - 20th Annual Drum & Bugle Corps Show

Cedarburg High School Athletic Field, W68N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg

The Rotary Music Festival is sponsored by the Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Club and all proceeds support student scholarships and community service. Seven drum and bugle corps will perform including: Blue Stars of La Crosse, WI, Colts of Dubuque, IA, Colt Cadets of Dubuque, IA, Crossmen

JULY 4, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Kids From Wisconsin

Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee

OAC

2019Ͳ2020

OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT MCGIVERN 7 PM Saturday Aug 24, 2019

LOST IN BOSTON With JOEL KOPISCHKE 6:15 PM Dinner | 7 PM Show Friday & Saturday Jan 3 & 4, 2020

JOHN MUELLER’S WINTER DANCE PARTY

IN THE SPIRIT OF LENNON

TWEED Featuring GERVIS MYLES 7 PM Saturday Oct 12, 2019

COMEDYSPORTZ 6:15 PM Meal | 7 PM Show Saturday, Oct 19, 2019 & Saturday, March 7, 2020

DUO — EDDI HÜNEKE & TOBI HEBBELMANN 7 PM Saturday Oct 26, 2019

THAT HOLIDAY FEELING With Sinatra & Company 6:15 PM Dinner | 7 PM Show Friday & Saturday Jan 3 & 4, 2020

JULY 7, 1 – 4 PM

Clark House Ice Cream Social

7 PM Saturday, Jan 11, 2020

7 PM Saturday Sept 21, 2019

The Kids From Wisconsin revue is produced in collaboration with some of this country’s best writers, arrangers and choreographers. Costumes are designed and created in Broadway style, adding to the already exciting performance. The free outdoor show is sponsored by the Bayview Neighborhood Association and the Humboldt Park July 4 Association. Bring the whole family for this entertaining concert.

Clark House, 206 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee

FOUR GUYZ IN DINNER JACKETS NOW IN TECHNICOLOR 6:15 PM Dinner | 7 PM Show Friday & Saturday, Feb 7 & 8, 2020 1:15 PM Dinner | 2 PM Show Sunday, Feb 9, 2020

Admission to Clark House is free, come socialize and tour the beautiful gardens while learning about the history of Pewaukee and Pewaukee Lake.

Purchase a cold treat at the ice cream social.

JULY 10, NOON – 1 PM

Bobby Way

THE BOSTON IMPOSTERS 6:15 PM Dinner | 7 PM Show Friday & Saturday March 13 & 14, 2020

JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE Starring TED VIGIL 7 PM Saturday, May 16, 2020

NEOPHONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA 2 PM Sunday June 14, 2020

641 E Forest St, Oconomowoc | www.TheOAC.net | 262.560.3172

Plaza Centre Stage, Brookfield City Hall, 2000 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield

Bobby Way is one of the best entertainers in show business today! He is a wonderful vocalist with a flair for making everything he does enjoyable for his audiences. His music ranges from standards, big country, oldies, polkas, and novelty. Come out and enjoy this free concert.

JULY 11 – 14, TIMES VARY

Bastille Days

East Town/Cathedral Square, Milwaukee

The free four-day festival attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.

JULY 11, 6 PM

Giant Steps With John Heasley

Germantown Public Library, N112W16957 Mequon Rd, Germantown

2019 is the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Hear the story of how humans first journeyed to another world and what they discovered there.

John Heasley is an enthusiastic amateur astronomer and English teacher and was trained as a Space Educator through a number of institutions including the NASA Nightsky Network.

A question & answer session and reception will follow.

JULY 12, 10:30 AM – NOON

Free Memory Café Program

Pewaukee Public Library, 210 Main Street, Pewaukee

Join us at the library for an informal social break to connect those with early-stage memory loss and their care partner with conversation, activities, and refreshments. July’s theme is a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Apollo 11 and features a visit back to the 1960s, an exploration of space and a count-

JULY 2019

down to the historic Apollo 11 launch, landing, and moonwalk. If you haven’t attended a library Memory Café yet, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 to RSVP or if you would like more information about the event call the reference desk at 262691-5670 ext. 925.

JULY 12, 4 – 8 PM JULY 13, 10 AM – 4 PM

Dog Days at Drexel

Drexel Town Square, 8040 S. 6th St., Oak Creek

Bring your whole “pack” to Drexel Town Square for Dog Days at Drexel, one of Oak Creek’s most popular events! You can enter your dog in a costume contest, check out canine agility demonstrations, and register for Pier Pups canine dock jumping. 40+ vendors also have great dog products – like treats and toys!

JULY 14, 9 – 11 AM

Adding Color To Your Midsummer Gardens with Melinda Myers

Sanger House Gardens, 1923 N. Palmer St., Milwaukee

Nationally recognized gardening expert and author Melinda Myers will share some gorgeous plant varieties for adding color and pizzazz to the summer garden. She’ll feature heat and drought tolerant perennials and annuals that reach their stride midseason, providing colorful bloom for you and much for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to enjoy. Melinda will be available to answer your questions on a wide array of gardening topics. Following Melinda’s presentation, receive a tour of the gorgeous Sanger House Gardens as part of the Garden Conservancy “Open Days” tour. Call 414-6406003 for ticket information.

JULY 14, 1 – 4 PM

Ice Cream Social

New Berlin Historical Park, 19765 W. National Ave., New Berlin

Ice cream social, historic buildings tour. Free event. For additional information call Sue at 262-679-3461.

JULY 17, 6 – 8:30 PM

Community Vibes Concert Series

Village Park, 4800 W. Green Brook Dr., Brown Deer

The concert series will be held in Village Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Free admission.

JULY 19 – 21, TIMES VARY

Festa Italiana

Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee

Free carnival rides for all to enjoy.

Take a romantic gondola ride, play a game of bocce ball, watch the Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament, partake in Italian Idol. Traditional Sunday Mass at 11am. Classic Italian fare and wine tastings, Kids Pizza Making Contest and annual Cannoli Eating Contest. Nightly fireworks.

JULY 20, 11 AM – 1 PM

Drought Tolerant Perennials – with Melinda Myers

Ebert’s Greenhouse Village, W1795 Fox Rd, Ixonia

Nationally recognized gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers will present a seminar on drought tolerant perennials. The seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information call 920-261-5645.

County Line Rd., Menomonee Falls

This event is one of the premier Civil War Living History Reenactments in the area. Here is your chance to be up close to re-enactors displaying the ways of life and war of our American History. New demonstrations and speakers at this two-day event include General Grant’s Press Conference, President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, medical procedures and a soldier cooking demonstration. Experience life as it was for troops and civilians during the Civil War. See an authentic Civil War Cannon being fired during the Battle at 2:00 pm both days in a newly enlarged battlefield. Gift Shop, scavenger hunt, artillery drills, cooking demonstrations, storytelling, Civil War memorabilia and entertainment can be seen during the weekend event. Food, drinks, kettle corn and ice cream are all available during this family-friendly event.

JULY 25, 6:30 PM

Adult Craft Evening: Upcycle Magazine Wall Art

Hartland Public Library, 110 E. Park Ave., Hartland

art using rolled magazine pages. Registration is preferred, but not required.

Please call the library at 262-367-3350 or email Claudia at cnoonan@hartland.lib.wi.us.

Art & Chalk Fest 2019

Fish Day

Lakefront, downtown Port Washington

Come out and enjoy the World’s Largest Outdoor One-Day Fish Fry! The day includes a huge parade, nine fish and chips stands, live music on five stages, arts and crafts show, car show, run/walk, and fireworks.

JULY 20, 10 AM – 5 PM JULY 21, 10 AM – 4 PM

Civil War Encampment and Battle

Old Falls Village, N96 W15791

65+ fine artists selling their work and 15+ chalk artists from across the nation creating ephemeral masterpieces before your eyes. Art activities for all ages are offered throughout the weekend along with live entertainment and music, food vendors, a beer garden, an art raffle, and free admission for the weekend to the Museum of Wisconsin Art. JULY 27, 4 – 6 PM

Assisted Living Open House

Luther Manor’s Assisted Living Apartments, 4545 N. 92nd St., Wauwatosa

Come see the Luther Manor Assisted Living community for yourself during this open house! Tour models of our suites and studios. Check out newly renovated common areas and hear about dining updates. All are welcome! This event is free and space is limited, RSVP to LutherManor.org/ rsvp or 414-434-1768.

JULY 28, 2 PM

Concord Chamber Orchestra Band

Lions Legend Park Band Shell (Loomis Road & Legend Drive), Come make some colorful wall Franklin

JULY 27, 9 AM – 5 PM JULY 28, 10 AM – 4 PM

JULY 20, 1 0 AM – 10:30 PM

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Museum of Wisconsin Art, 205 Veterans Ave., West Bend

The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) looks forward to seeing you at its annual Art & Chalk Fest. This free, outdoor fine arts festival features

Since 1975, the Concord Chamber Orchestra has offered talented, volunteer musicians the opportunity to create stimulating musical experiences for the enjoyment and inspiration of Milwaukee area audiences.

Concord is an all-volunteer, non-paid group of approximately 50 musicians from a variety of professions and backgrounds. Come early! Bring a picnic lunch and a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy!

38 â&#x20AC;˘ 50PLUS â&#x20AC;˘

JULY 2019

We Saw You At . . . The Annual Wounded Warrior Softball Classic

BY MARGARET PEARSON

Here are a few of the hardy fans and players who braved the cold and

rain late this past May to attend the annual Wounded Warrior Senior Softball Tournament at Wirth Park

in Brookfield. The purpose of the Classic is as a salute to service men and women who have been injured

in the line of duty.

Arlene Williams of Elm Grove, Joan Blaschke of Brookfield and Sue Kress of Waukesha.

A group of the players during a lull in the action, all from one of the Minnesota teams and all who ran off without being identified.

Two other out of state players, Dave Langrook and Al Savala from Illinois.

Five ladies, all from Minnesota, Sue Torgerson and Linda Sohnn seated, and Elaine Elsen, Gina Dykhoff and Jill Peterson.

Joyce and John Heisdorf of West Bend, Bill Ruzinski of Waukesha and Rod Wilterdink of Grafton.

JULY 2019

• 50PLUS • 39

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The CapTel® Captioned Telephone shows word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, letting you read anything you cannot hear over the phone. CapTel is a NO-COST, federally funded technology available under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To qualify, users need: • Hearing loss • Internet connection • Landline telephone service

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