Connecticut Prime Time - February, 2015

connecticut

Prime Time

F r e e!

february 2015

neW-aGe aGiLity

Gentle Yoga revives body and soul bet ter S e rV i c e S CCSU, senior center team up

ccSu’s Dr. John Mitrano

new britain Senior center’s Mike Karwan

corinne ferola stretches during class at Vital Life in Plainville.

6 | Monday, October 13, 2014

PRIME TIME

New Britain Herald | NewBritainHerald.c

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Home sweet home – Protecting your grea test investment

For most Americans, the pur- What is the interest rate on your by your chase of a home is the greatest old policy. Homeowner’s dramatical mortgage? Is it possible that it ly delay the payment Finally, make sure you know insurance policies often do not investment they will make. With of the claim by may rise in the future? the weather turning colder, many cover expensive jewelry rious documenta requesting labo- how your home is titled and the While reverse mortgag- SENIOR tion. Avoid this tax basis of your home. people have been reminded of or other personal items situation Homes es may be appropriate in by fighting mold early can be titled the importance of insuring their SIGNALS in tenancy by the that may merit individual and often. some situations, they can entirety, joint homes and protecting them from policies.

Ask the local fire department of survivorshi tenancy with right be complicated transacnature. p, fee simple, or tenThird, always read your to conduct tions and should not be a fire safety inspection ancy in common.

There are many other issues, used policy thoroughly before of your home every few years. without legal advice. tolPress.com Additionally, wheneverBris however, that people should concalling the insurance Finding tol Press | Bris The you Second, review your and fixing potential fire improve or sider when getting their house renovate your home, company after suffering a hazards insurance policies frecould save not just your be sure to keep in order. Many challenges that all loss. Be especially aggres- life, but quently. If a home is not it could also prevent your this will increases receipts, because arise from home ownership are sive if you see any kind insurance your tax basis in properly insured, damage company from claiming the home in easily preventable, but diligence is case you sell it during 27, 2014 of mold in your home. that may not be covered your own negligence caused your lifetime. day, October after 6 | Mon necessary.

Some kinds of mold are a fire. a loss. Even when prop- Daniel O. First and foremost, understand er covered by homeowner’s Also be aware that if you call Attorney coverage is in place, Tully Daniel your mortgage. After the foreO. insurance Tully is a partner and others are the insurance company some acts of nature may withum, closure crisis hit a few years ago, not. Because there are question . He train ed at Fort Sloc a in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, not be covered by a polgn 1939about coverage forforei minor ed the many people learned this lesso many edifferent enlisted in the Hawaii, P.C., members of the National Academy he enter kinds , andcompany icy. If you live in a flood zone, N.Y.the to flag of Elder Law Attorneys Departur when 21, 1941. damage, of gwater le enroutemay this damage son the hard way. Mortgages are Inc., with Mar.floods, your file, (rain, ce. Whi at mpanyin serviand then you shouldThe latera died if youill do U.S. Army on pictuare acco andfile have claim ications floodres tidal offices )erosion, at mun 120 taken Laurel either open or closed. An open (L-R com St., Bristol, groundwat a was pital (860) he me er, frozen captu Hos h more serious insurance policy.week He beca General in ’s colum damage m C, 169tfor If you haven built the , 583-1341. If you have a questions Mrs. sewage, mortgage can be paid off at any the Letterma ant in Com etc.)pany Gurske andpipes, insurSept. 9, 1939 on the a free-standing addition er, sergeseptic, or Fran two,cisco Mrs. Friedato then Division. He next year your 43rd dispute ancemoth wife and ne add for attorney Tully, send it to him at time; a closed mortgage cannot. companies anyocomoften rgia, in San Infantry, a Turner, the cemen who ing,aGeopany home, then it may Viol consider age of 18. youCan a high not be insured at the riskes? Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., 120 Laurel at Fort Benn in Florida. may servi claim two hero trained mold, these or on at least respectively, of ary service ininvolving ding on and dropinfor Blan maticoverage. your St., Bristol, CT. 06010. and at Camp ce in the Pacific . died during milit biography so, let me know servi

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Informational and ville will be held on Thursday, Oct. last.

Senior Center more infor Plain Support n textbook which is good for both with its fullest expression in sexual and The entio ities prev activ Scam Program, co-hosted 16 at 1 p.m. at the UAW Region Ron and Mavis Pirola, parents intercourse. olas byming the classes. Each class is limited to six announced upco Sergeant Nich yn ” for more infor Plainville Senior 9A Office, 111 South Road, Join Detective of four from Sydney, Australia, told sign-up, or Center and ctive Evel events. To students. Call the Senior Center “That’s not what we bishops talk ing events, call r lins and Dete Plainville Youth Farmington. All Fafnir retiron the follow a Vatican gathering of some 200 mationServices, will East St. at Mul iguez at the Plainville Senio for more information. about mostly, quite honestly,” British Center at 200 Rodr meet on Tuesday, Senior28 ees are invited and bring your prelates that sexual attraction brought the Oct. Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Driver training Cardinal Vincent Nichols told er, on Tuesday, onal meeting 8: 10:30 Cent -572 )747 a.m.

(860 spouse, significant other or a forthem together 57 years ago and that informati Windows 7 An AARP Smart Driver reporters Tuesday. “But to hear that for a public on and is comm er the Cent ss This r mer co-worker. We will have a monthly support sex has helped keep them married addre Senio group Plainville Course will be held at the ... it was a recognition that that is le may have class that will is held at the The brief meeting, coffee, soda and for 55 years. part computer sys- recent scams that peopwhat to do if Senior Center, ing a twoPlainville Senior Center on n central to offer 7 operating 200 East St., and victim to. Lear a light snack. For directions to “The little things we did for each often.” the well-being of marriage ist intended the Windows for abou runs for fallen victim to a scam, prevention Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. of this course your individuals raising the Regional Office call 850-674 other, the telephone calls and love Part onegrandNov. 4 you fall tem. their take to protect to 1:30 p.m. This course covers Francis called the two-week meeton Oct. 28 and e you measures you can more. This prons children. New two sessio 0143. notes, the way we planned our day members 1:30 wher and much the effects of aging and mediing of bishops to try to figure out how to are a.m. cuts, identity, always welcomefrom no cost and open around each other and the things and9:30 childcare to create short is provided at er cation on driving, local hazards, to make church teaching on a host of will learn how nalize your com- gram public. Call the Senior Cent is available. To register we shared were outward expressions for this , perso to the accident prevention measures and icons Catholic family issues — marriage, Part two of free program, callmove information of our longing to be intimate with thesettin gs and more.

Plainville ns for more raising more. The cost for the class is $15 divorce, homosexuality and yes, sex puter for two sessio Grandparents Senior Center, 860-747-5 The Plainville Senior Center for each other,” the couple said in a joint also runs or the course728, AARP members, providing a Plainville from 9:30 — more relevant to today’s Catholics. grandchildren Relatives and Nov. 25 has announced upcoming activi18 860Youth to Services, Nov. and on how nts learn membership number and $20 for The Grandpare 793-0221, ext 261. to 11:30 a.m. You wills, how to use Informational Grandchildren DVD rams Raising ram, co-hosted burn CDs or tool, install prog of and Support Prog r Center and the snipping parts Plainville Senio -up for both and more. Sign on October 7. Each by the Youth Services, will meet ation s ville res the dedic Plain begin captu per class 10:30 a.m. rable I,” the ut in WWI . The hono day, Oct. 28 at at a cost of $10 H. Quinlan Park tol, Connectic class is provided additional cost for on Tues airs were John entitled, “Bris which remains today at an program co-ch n in the picture? from the book person with ker and the tville Honor Roll, ceme picture, taken

IN BRIEF

Berlin AARP

LOOk fOr Our sEnIOr fEaturEs EvEry MOnday In BristolPress.com

Pope, prelates get crash course in sex

FS SENIOR BRIE

Fafnir Retirees

WHEN REMEMBER

iors Plainville Sen

Plainville Seniors

This week’s Nov. 7, 1943, of the Fores l, was the dedication speaany of these Bristol servi ceremony on a former mayor of Bristo A. Hunt. Can you identify n, rd Joseph Dutto the podium, and Willa at Gienty, seen

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043494

ctive seniors want as much as they can from life, if the stories in this month’s issue are to tell us anything.

Take a peak in the Vital Life Center in Plainville, and you’ll get a glimpse of folks getting to know themselves, what they can do in mind and body, at whatever age they are.

Just this simple effort makes them more limber and allows them to do things they thought were put away years ago.

Then there’s the focus groups and interviews that Central Connecticut State University students did at the New Britain Senior Center.

The seniors there said they were interested in exercise programs, travel, cards games, book clubs and square dancing (this certainly surprised me!).

They wanted “practical” programs they could afford (and who doesn’t?)

And they weren’t afraid to speak up, adding their suggestions for more day trips and exercise programs. (There’s that e-word again!)

Take a look at the response we received to Erica Schmitt’s column last month – “Living in the Phone.”

Here’s a woman who finds technology helpful, and allows her to keep up with her family, though miles away.

She watches her great-grand-

son do everything from dance to throwing a ball, all courtesy of Skype, and share the lives of her grandchildren through Facebook.

If you want to stay fit, you have to watch what you eat.

Columnist Kimberly DiBattista has a number of suggestions to dispose of a few of those extra pounds leftover from the holidays realistically.

I’ve even tried a few of them, and they really do work.

But what’s important is that they work for you and your lifestyle.

My challenge: Pick one and stick with it for a month. I’d love to hear the results (mschroeder@ centralctcommunications.com or One Court St., New Britain 06051).

Finally, there’s Benedetta “Benny” Boccaccio at Newington Health Care Center – all 106 years of her.

She still shares memories with her children, especially her nearby son, Tom – who’s only 70. Her humor is infectious for the staff, and she offers up wisdom, too.

We all could have a little richer lives by heeding her advice: “I live day to day. I don’t plan.

When it’s my time, I go. No problem.”

Have a great month – and keep warm!

INSIDE

FEBRUARY Senior survey

...And they say what they want

A long life

Benny still feisty at 106

6 10 FEATURES

8 Elder care 14 Erica Schmitt 15 Letter 16 Healthy living 17 Senior Fitness 18 Games and puzzles 20 Datebook Connecticut Prime Time is published monthly by Central Connecticut Communications, LLC, One Herald Square, New Britain Connecticut 06051. Free copies are distributed throughout Central Connecticut

Erica Schmitt Staff Writer eschmitt@ centralctcommunications.com (860)225-4601

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Comments and suggestions should be sent to the editor at CT Prime Time, One Herald Square, New Britain, CT 06010; faxed to (860)225-2611, or emailed to PTeditor@centralctcommunications.com

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Voices heard CCSU students conduct surveys, interviews to learn what active adults want in a senior center

By Erica Schmitt

Students in Dr. John Mitrano’s sociology course at CCSU conduct focus groups with New Britain seniors to determine their interest in the city’s senior center.

6

Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

O

lder adults would like more opportunities for exercise, affordable day trips and lifelong learning, according to a recent study performed locally.

Sociology students from Central Connecticut State University assisted the New Britain Senior Center in shedding light on these desires.

Dr. John Mitrano, sociology professor, partnered with Mike Karwan, director of the senior center, to facilitate a project over the fall semester.

income,” Karwan reported. “We have to factor that in when it comes to planning. We’re certainly going to explore all the possibilities but it’s not going to be easy; there’s limited funding out there.”

Resident seniors who don’t belong to the senior center were also surveyed to determine barriers to their participation. This group perceived programming to be “uninteresting” and said they would prefer it to be more “practical.”

Center services that appealed to this group included Dial-A-Ride, tax preparation, health check-ups advice.

“We have some ideas and“Itlegal appears that those activities with a focus on health, mobility and about our longfinances are of most interest to nonterm goals, and they member seniors,” the summary read.

“Recreational and cultural activities include programs appear to hold much less interest.”

One area that peaked participants’ indicated by folks interest was going back to school. that participated.”

Not necessarily for a degree, but instead, for the knowledge.

MIKE KERWAN Director Lifelong learning keeps the brain sharp, experts say. Seniors have Students conducted focus groups, an opportunity to surveys and interviews to gauge attend college levels of satisfaction with current courses free center offerings, and also to identify of charge areas of future interest and barriat local ers to greater participation. They community presented a comprehensive report colleges and of findings to senior center staff, to oftentimes, be used to make improvements to state activities.

“We have some ideas about our long-term goals, and they include programs indicated by folks that participated,” Karwan said.

“We’d like to expand our exercise program, and there is significant interest in affordable day trips.”

One obstacle standing in the way, however, is money.

“One of the things we learned from the survey was that a lot of our Dr. John Mitrano, CCSU professor folks are on limited

universities like CCSU. “If there’s room, they can participate in a class as a non-matriculated student and be able to benefit from it,” Karwan said.

If their experiences with CCSU students over the course of this project was any indication, seniors will intermingle with the college crowd just fine.

“The students seemed very sensitive and well-oriented to social issues and concerns,” Karwan commented. “They did a marvelous job getting along with our folks.”

The study’s benefits were actually twofold. Students gained from conducting the research, since it allowed them to practice hands-on learning.

“I am a huge proponent of community engagement and experiential learning,” Mitrano said.

“Mike and his staff received valuable information on their clientele, and my students received valuable experience doing real-world research,” he added, calling the partnership “a win-win situation for all.”

Study results aside — one definitive outcome from this project is that “bridging the gap” isn’t that difficult after all.

SURVEY RESULTS OF SENIOR CENTER MEMBERS

The survey consisted of questions assessing senior center member satisfaction with 15 specific programs, as well as interest in an additional 22 proposed activities.

At least two-thirds of respondents were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with the following activities:

∎Health ∎Snack

Care Clinic

Program

88% 82%

∎Dial-A-Ride

81%

∎Computer

Class

77%

Program

71%

∎Lunch

∎ Exercise Programs

69%

∎ Foot

66%

Care Clinic

∎Movie

Club

66%

At least half of the respondents were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with the following additional activities: ∎ Bingo

Games

62%

∎ Crafts

Class

61%

∎ Ceramic ∎ Art

Class

Class

56% 53%

The activities in which less than half of the respondents were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” included: ∎Travel Trips

45%

∎ Card

Games

42%

∎Book

Club

41%

∎ Square

Dancing

30%

Mike Karwan, New Britain Senior Center director February 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

7

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and moving to an assisted living facility has meant easy interaction with people, participation in daily activities and a return to her happy outlook on life.

As parent child role reversal proceeds, be careful not to take away “control” until your parent is ready.

“Control” is often a difficult balancing act, because you want to help, but you don’t want your parents to feel helpless. Sometimes the subject of handling finances can be eased by having your parents review their power of attorney with an understanding elder law attorney.

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February 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

9

Benedetta turns 106 T

By Erica Schmitt

HE SPIRIT never fades. That’s what the 100-plus children and grandchildren of Benedetta Boccaccio remind themselves when she seems distant.

Benedetta (“Benny” for short) just turned 106 years old and doctors say she’s in perfect health — aside from a dementia diagnosis she received around three months ago.

A resident of the Newington Health Care Center, Benny still has her blunt sense of humor. Her son Tom, 70, is the only of her four children who lives in Newington yearround, so he visits his mother at least every other day. She still recognizes him, since her long-term memory is intact.

It’s the short-term that’s worsening.

“She’ll ask me, ‘are you married yet?’ and I’ll say ‘no, mom’ and she says, ‘well you better find somebody before it’s too late!” says Tom,

10

Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

who lost his wife several years back.

Nurses who refer to her as “grandma” painted her nails a rosy pink for her birthday Jan. 5. A few relatives brought her a cake to celebrate, and she made sure staff and fellow patients were all offered a piece.

The oldest of 12 children and one of three still living, Benny always cared for others more than herself. Raised during the Great Depression, she was pulled out of school at age 13 to go to go to work in a factory. She can still recall a lamplighter igniting the street lamps every evening back then, and the city’s parade to mark the end of World War I. When this particular memory arises, Benny always relays how much more people respected their country than they do now.

“She’s been through a lot,” Tom says. “Talking to her is like a history lesson. You hear these things and it makes you realize how we take things for granted now.”

She and her late husband, Gaetano, raised their family in public housing in the north end of Hartford, later moving to the south end. Since they were both full Sicilian, there was never any shortage of fresh bread, pizza and cookies around the house.

Neighborhood kids would hang around the family’s back porch waiting for Benny’s handouts.

“She used to can everything so we’d have fresh vegetables all winter long, and she even made her own beer,” Tom says.

Once she turned down a chance to open her own pizza shop, saying she was happy simply feeding her family.

Nowadays, Benny is the oldest resident in the nursing home. She likes to relax in her room and has a few favorite daytime television shows.

“Why a 106-year-old woman would want to watch Jerry Springer

beats me,” Tom says. “She enjoys a good laugh.”

When she’s not surprising people with her sprightly humor, Benny is an endless source of wisdom.

It doesn’t matter that she didn’t go through school, her son says — because strong character is not learned in books.

“When I was young I went to work in the tobacco fields and I’d come home and give her my paycheck,” he remembers. “Then the day I got married, she handed me that money. It was only a couple hundred dollars, but she saved it all for me.”

Fairness, honesty and kindness comprised the moral foundation Benny instilled in her children.

Now in her old age, all they can do is try to somehow return the favor.

“Give back everything you got,” says Tom, who urges others who discover a parent has dementia to make them as comfortable as possible.

“Find out all you can about it,” he continued. “Don’t argue with them, just agree. Just be kind and understanding.”

Even when they’re not saying a word, people with dementia can often understand those speaking around them.

Having visitors to sit and hold their hand is sometimes just enough. For Benny, that’s usually her son Tom. “I think it’s nice for people to know you can still have this quality of life no matter how old you are,” he says.

Doctors say her blood pressure and heart are good and she’s not on any medication, but no one can really say if Benny will be around for her 107th birthday. Her faith in God is strong, and when she turned 105, Benny made it clear she had no fear of the future.

“I live day to day,” she said. “I don’t plan. When it’s my time, I go.

No problem.”

Benedetta Boccaccio with her son Tom on her 105th birthday last year.

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Embracing yoga

Seniors discovering benefit of new-age exercises

By Erica Schmitt

O

ut of every form of exercise, there’s one in particular that keeps the body especially agile, preventing injury and making movement fluid and natural.

Local residents are finding yoga to be very beneficial to their daily 12

lives — in more ways than just one.

About a dozen older adults meet every Wednesday morning at the Vital Life Center on West Main Street for Gentle Yoga class.

Instructor Sharon Smith guides the group through poses and

Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

stretches, and some even return one or two more times weekly for the same class.

“It has a lot of benefits for everybody, but for seniors in particular,” said the 65-year-old Smith, who started practicing yoga at age 53.

It was after the second class she started noticing how much more in tune she was with her body and the beauty of the world around her.

Two years later, Smith retired from her corporate career of 33 years to become a certified

Kripalu yoga instructor.

“Our minds constantly go between the past and the future; yoga brings you right here,” she explained. “I feel like I’ve lived more thoroughly since I started.”

Students in her class echo that very same sentiment, both in body and in spirit.

“You feel healthier throughout,” said John Pavelchak, 59, of Bristol. “I find it cleanses not just my body, but my mind.”

Farmington resident Eleanor Vendetti’s blood pressure has decreased significantly since she began practicing six years ago.

And at age 73, she’s not even the oldest participant in the class to see such dramatic physical benefits.

Carolyn Seward, 78, recalled being the first to join the center when owner Jayaprabha Mare DiBenigno opened six years ago.

“I live nearby so I was able to walk right over,” said Seward, who now comes in three times a week.

“I’m able to go on hikes with my daughter now; we just spent last weekend walking around New York City,” she continued.

“I feel much better physically, and I like that I’m not a couch potato. It’s just part of my life now; I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore.”

She also enjoys the social aspect of the class, since the group has become more familiar with each other over the years.

But once you learn yoga basics, you can also practice from the comfort of your own home.

“You don’t have to be in a formal setting all the time to get the benefits,” said Wanda Nestico, 70. “It’s thinking and doing I can bring home with me.”

DiBenigno’s mother, Pearl, used to be a regular in class,

help prevent falling but also reduce its impact, as well as that of other accidents that usually lead to injury.

“My mom tripped over a rock a little while back and was able to catch herself in a way that she didn’t even get hurt,” DeBenigno recalled.

According to Smith, yoga wakes up a life force inside of you known as prana or to the Chinese, chi. The breathing exercises that accompany poses (known as pranayama) get oxygen flowing through the blood, revive air in the lungs and help the digestive system work more efficiently.

But most importantly, the practice of yoga unites body, mind and spirit.

“Negative self-talk does bad until she was diagnosed with things to us,” Smith said. “The breast cancer. Now undergoing benefits are immense when you chemotherapy treatment, Pearl, learn the body is the most pre70, returned recently for the cious thing we have.” first time in three months.

The Vital Life Center is locatHer friends fought tears upon ed at 100 W. Main St., Plainville. her arrival, greeting her with Classes are offered in several hugs and congratulations. different types of yoga and Pearl demonstrated for them meditation. how she could lift her arms up Owner Jayaprabha Mare in the air – quite a feat after just DiBenigno also hosts having a mastectomy. special events and offers Is that the result of yoga or massage and spiritual, self-determination, you might wellness and life coachwonder? Probably a lot of both. ing.

“For the elderly, yoga helps For a schedule of improve their sense of balclasses or to learn more, ance and lubricates the joints,” visit vitallifecenter.org Smith said. “There are a lot or call (860) 479-0466. of changes that happen in the body as it ages, but when you learn to relax and get intimate about what goes on — instead of fighting or resenting those changes — we can work with you to accept them.”

When muscles and joints are stiff, injuries are much worse. Regular yoga can

Corinne Ferola stretches during a Gentle Yoga class at the Vital Life Center in Plainville.

Kevin Bartram | Staff

February 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

13

The lucky age of 62 A

to go public with their birthday milestones have already enjoyed almost a decade of discounted McDonald’s coffee and AARP

retirement benefits, attending state college for free and entering national parks for free.

Those the same age willing

benefits.

Those who opt out are missing out.

These freebies are a sign of

S MY father approaches the lucky age of 62 this February, he can look forward to collecting Social Security

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respect, a congratulatory prize for your time on this earth. It’s the country’s way of honoring citizens who watched “I Love Lucy” in awe on prime time television and grew up with the brand of American pride that President Kennedy fostered.

Take his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Forty-plus years of labor is an ample contribution.

Consider immersing yourself in a lifelong curiosity at the University of Connecticut, Eastern, Western, Southern or Central Connecticut State University, or at any of the state’s community technical colleges.

All offer people over the age of 62 free tuition, as long as there is space remaining in classes.

The only cost? Books and materials.

This is while millions of young people struggle under a mountain of debt with hefty student loans.

You’re also now eligible for state and federally subsidized senior housing if money is tight.

Some resorts and cruise lines offer discounts to seniors, but grasp an opportunity to see America the Beautiful free of charge.

After 62 you can purchase a lifetime pass for admission into most U.S. national parks, forests, monuments and recreation areas.

The one-time fee for this pass is $10 – a bargain for avid travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who frequent such destinations.

The America the Beautiful

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass works for your travel companions, too – at least those in tow at sites that charge a per-vehicle fee.

It also awards seniors a 50 percent discount on federal use fees charged for camping, boat launching, parking and tours.

Ride horses through the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado, go cliff-diving on the Channel Islands of California or camp in Acadia National Park, on Maine’s Mount Desert Island.

But there’s more!

As you traverse your community on a daily basis, take notice of small signs advertising senior discounts — they’re everywhere.

Even if you color your hair and still live in the fast lane, embrace these compliments from the government, restaurants and businesses doling them out.

Do it because the American Association of Retired Persons advocates for lower energy bills and strengthening Social Security and Medicare.

Do it because we live in a capitalist country and you are well-treasured to receive such savings.

Do it because you lived through at least seven wars, the civil rights movement and the psychedelic era.

But mostly just do it because you’ve probably raised a family while working for decades.

You are a stitch on this country’s fabric.

That merits more special treatment than any discount can provide.

Living in the ‘Phone Age’

ing kisses. It is magical.

For my age group, cell phones are a blessing giving us the power to connect in case of emergency without being tethered to the house. Of course, we grew up when courtesy, good manners, and respect were taught. Most of us still adhere to those rules. Rudeness seems to be the bane of the younger generations now.

There is no danger in us older folks being tied to our phones.

Half the time we forget to charge them and the rest of the time we misplace them somewhere. I don’t text, tweet, or call anyone constantly with updates on where I am, which sometimes frustrates my offspring.

Because I am a photographer, I do not use my cell phone as a camera because of the quality. (How vain it is to take “selfies” everywhere).

Although I will use my phone if the situation is inconvenient for me to use my camera.

Facebook, I believe, has made life less lonely for older people especially those who are homebound for whatever reason — illness, no longer able to drive, weather, etc. It’s a personal connection to the world.

And, it’s free. My grandchildren initially got me onto Facebook and now I can share in their activities and lives. Consequently, I am closer to them than my grandmother was to me. Several of my friends are homebound now or have moved to warmer climates. Facebook makes it possible to keep up those friendships, offer encouragement, or share a joke. I visit with different friends

ERICA SCHMITT

To me, the need for this constant web browsing equates to fears of real human interaction, solitude and transcendence.

generation might have been the last to experience early childhood without personal cell phones and all of the hard-wired devices that kids nowadays can’t seem to detach from.

Most people my age are very well connected — and I don’t mean with organized crime.

I, however, am an enigma.

My cell phone isn’t “smart” — at least not enough to have “apps” or even access to the internet.

I don’t have a Facebook account, and don’t belong to any other social network — at least online.

Ever since these platforms surfaced, I’ve had an aversion to joining the masses of my technology-dependent peers.

Kevin and Carolyn, my father and mother, were born in 1953 and 1954, respectively.

They are high-school sweethearts.

My dad has an iPhone, a tablet, one desktop computer for home and another for work, two printers and one of those things that resembles a phone but pretends to

for a few minutes each day.

Would I live without these devices? No way. When I was first married my husband was in the Air Force. We moved from the East Coast to the south to the West Coast. We could not afford a telephone so we were isolated from family and friends back home.

What the constant tweeters and browsers of the “me generation” need to learn is moderation and courtesy. Just as phones have to be turned off in movie theaters and concert halls, they should be turned

be a book.

He has profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn and maybe some other social networks I am unfamiliar with.

While I still intend to keep my own feet planted in the stone age, (not the phone age) I admire his ability to jump right into this Brave New World.

From my perspective as an outsider, it’s just as scary as the futuristic dystopia prophesized by Aldous Huxley in his 1932 novel of the same name.

People now resemble scavengers: their heads buried in the contents of a tiny screen, desperately searching for something usually unknown to those in their physical presence.

To me, the need for this constant web browsing equates to fears of real human interaction, solitude and transcendence.

Family dinners, nights out with friends, first dates… they don’t feel as alive when the attendees are interacting with their phones rather than the people they came to be with.

I could preach all day about this subject, but that would just make me a stubborn nonconformist.

The truth of the matter is

that all this texting, tweeting, blogging and “friending” helps reconnect old pals, bridge gaps between strangers and makes life pretty darn convenient.

But like a rebellious teenager, I still refuse to follow the rules, heed my dad’s advice and “get with the picture.”

So I salute you, older adults who haven’t jumped on the e-living bandwagon.

Some might tell you that the easiest way to feel young as you grow older is to get in with the new technology.

I say, return to your youth by

living free of devices you didn’t even dream of then.

Or maybe just limit yourself a little, at least at the dinner table.

John Lennon’s song “Power to the People” was released in 1971.

Now in 2015, power off, people.

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off during dinners, parties, visits, etc. It is rude to pay more attention to devices than to the people you are with. Perhaps younger people just need a reminder to turn off their devices when visiting face-to-face (like in the movie theater announcements). We older people don’t need the reminder because we probably forgot to turn them on in the first place.

14

Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2015

Judith Humphrey, Plainville

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FTER I READ your article “Living in the Phone Age,” I felt compelled to comment.

No one would expect someone in my age group to be defending technology. (I am a decade older than your parents, Erica.) My cell phone is smarter than I am but I recently learned how to text. I find it less frustrating than a phone call because if the recipient is not available, I don’t have to leave a voice message which is sometimes garbled or ignored. With a text message, which common courtesy dictates should be answered within 24 hours or less, I have the message in writing and have the time to think before responding in writing thus eliminating foot-in-mouth syndrome. Of course, common courtesy is the key because texts can also be ignored but they are less intrusive than a phone call.

I also admit to being a frequent Skype user. I have family and friends all over the country and can visit them face to face without having to board a plane. Skype works especially well for visiting with grandchildren and now with a great-grandson who is 2 years old.

Calls are pre-arranged to accommodate time differences and nap times, both his and mine. (I take frequent power naps.) When my 3 West Coast grandchildren were young, I only got to see them every couple of years and they wouldn’t remember me. Now I can see my great-grandson live and in action — dancing, throwing a ball, talking and throw-

his is the first installment of a monthly column written by a young person with parents nearing their golden years.

I am 25 years old, so my

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HEALTHY LIVING

How to eat delicious with healthy benefits

Avery I Heights • A Village of CH

sesame, sunflower and the other omega-three powerhouse: flax seeds. Because oils also mean high calorie, remember a handful a day is all you need to do you good.

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red-meat meals to once or twice a week. As for poultry, take the skin off. Now there’s your complete protein without the downside.

Sparing means occasionally, moderately.

Fish Grains And then there’s chocWhole grains, not preAt least twice a week — olate.

We’re hearing a lot tend whole grains. Brown the more the better — for about the benefits of dark rice, whole-grain pasta, heart-healthy benefits. chocolate, but the jury is still 100 percent whole-wheat There’s controversy over out. Greater than 70 percent breads, rye crispbreads, which fish is best and how cocoa maybe healthy, but barley, oatmeal, quinoa, to avoid contaminants such processing can destroy those corn and exotics such as mercury. Generally, eat beneficial phytochemicals, as amaranth. The more lower on the food chain – Dairy products and then there’s the satuprocessed usually the less i.e. sardines, and wild caught Eggs occasionally. As for rated fat of the cocoa butter. “whole.” And whole has like salmon or trout. There dairy, always choose the Why all this? Your version of the fiber, low glycemic car- is some indication that low-fat versions: skim or 1 bohydrates, vitamins and Pacific wild caught may be percent milk, low-fat cheese, this eating plan significantly reduces your risk of cancers, minerals. safer than Atlantic. low or nonfat yogurt. Get heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Nuts Beans the vitamins, calcium and Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, You name ‘em, from pinto protein you need without Great flavor and obesity, etc. So why not eat to black-eyed peas, garcrunch. Who’d of thought the saturated fat that mucks well and live well at the same banzos to cannellini, lentils up arteries. they’d be so vital to a meal? to adzuki -- these are true healthful diet? But they As for things we eat that Miles Everett, RD, RN, CDE, nutrition superfoods, and a walk or fly, their saturated are – packed full of good is the coordinator of the Bristol fats, vitamins, minerals, anti- serving a day is one of the fats are dangerous, too. In Hospital Center for Diabetes. oxidants, and in the case of best things you can do for beef, go for a 90/10 meat/ For more information, call a healthful diet. Combine walnuts: omega-3s. Don’t fat ratio when you find it.

(860) 940-6300 or visit briswith a whole grain, like forget seeds like pumpkin, Trim the fat off pork. Limit tolhospital.org.

For fruit, half a cup of fresh fruit, a quarter cup of dried fruit or a small piece will do. See how fast that nine to 11 disappears? And your waistline with it.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

brown rice or corn, and you’ve got the leanest complete protein you can find.

Oils Always best — those higher in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat: olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil.

Polyunsaturated are good, too, like corn, safflower and soybean. Use with a light hand because calories do come with nutrients like vitamin E.

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ack in the news after a positive study printed in the New England Journal of Medicine — here we are again — wondering how we can eat more MILES like Cretans: EVERETT Eat delicious with health benefits.

First and foremost, bump up your fruit and nonstarchy vegetable intake. New recommendations are saying nine to 11 servings a day. That’s right — a day. Many people get one per week. These new recommendations sound insane, but the serving sizes are small. Salad, for instance: One cup is a serving.

A main-course salad, then, can be nearly four to five servings. For a cooked or raw vegetable, half a cup.

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LOSE THE HOLIDAY WEIGHT I

F YOU FIND that your clothes fit a little more snug after the holiday season, you are not alone. Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, happy hours with coworkers, and New Year’s Eve beverages can often contribute to packing on a few extra pounds.

Some meals people eat during the holidays can add up to 2,000 calories or more.

Once people become used to the higher calorie intake, it may seem like normal, and they continue on that level — which can result in a considerable amount of unwanted weight gain.

Getting rid of the weight afterward can be a real challenge. Here are a few quick tips to help:

SENIOR FITNESS

By Kimberly DiBattista

whole grains, lean protein and drink more water. You may want to consider setting a goal to eat healthy all week and give yourself a “cheat day” where you are allowed to have your favorite cookie, Give yourself 2 months pizza or a few beers.

Promise yourself that you Losing weight is hard will give your new program work and takes commitment. at least 2 months before con- Set your goal, make a fitness sidering if you want to quit. plan and follow a healthy Many people get discourdiet and you will be on your aged after a week or two of way to feeling and looking not seeing much in the way your best. As always, contact of results and decide to give your doctor for diet and up. You most likely will not nutrition advice based on see too much progress iniyour individual health needs.

Engage in tially but progress definitely physical activity takes time.

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9. Join 10. Ladle 11. Tribunal 12. Customary practice

28. Animal sound 32. A possessive 33. With lance in hand 34. Path 35. Virgule 36. Skeletal part

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Theme crossword OVER AND OUT

by James Barrick

ACROSS 1.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

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© 2015 United Feature Syndicate, Dist. by Universal Uclick

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Find the solution to these puzzles on page 22

EASIER

February 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

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DATEBOOK 3 | Tuesday Blood pressure screening Central Connecticut Senior Health Services will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations during February: ∎ Tuesday, Feb. 3, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Southington YMCA, 29 High St., Southington ∎ Thursday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to noon, Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., Southington ∎ Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, ShopRite, 750 Queen St., Southington ∎ Thursday, Feb. 12, 1 to 2 p.m., Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., Plainville ∎ NEW TIME Tuesday, Feb. 24, 10 to 11 a.m., Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., Southington ∎ NEW TIME Tuesday, Feb. 24, noon to 1 p.m., Cheshire YMCA, 967 S. Main St., Cheshire

4 | Wednesday Information session The Good Life fitness center at Jerome Home is hosting informational sessions on Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and March 4 to give the

Let us know what’s going on Prime Time wants to tell our readers about your coming events.

It’s easy — just send us the details and a picture if you like. Our email is primetime@ centralctcommunications.com. You can also fax your announcement to (860) 225-2611 or mail it to CT Prime Time, One Court St, New Britain, 06051.

Deadline for the next issue is February 15. public the opportunity to learn about the specialized fitness program which is geared toward older adults.

Exercise physiologists will be available to talk about the program and give tours of the gym.

Light appetizers will also be served.

These information sessions will be held at Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Ave. Reservations are preferred. To RSVP or for more information, call (860) 2293707.

S E E C L E A R L Y. . .

C A L L U S F O R Y O U R E Y E H E A LT H

THE EYE CEnTER OF GROvE HiLL

1-800-889-6008

www.grovehill.com

One Lake St., Building C, New Britain 860-826-4460 55 Meriden Ave. Suite 1G Southington 860-621-3723

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

be served. Cedar Mountain Commons is located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive. For Open house more information or to RSVP, An open house at Cedar call Marie Pugliese, (860) Mountain Commons, a not- 665-7901. for-profit independent and assisted living community, Sunday will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marie Pugliese, retirement counselor, will facilitate Open house The Orchards at Southington, the event. Refreshments will

8|

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Board Certified in Ophthalmology Alan L. Stern, M.D. Patricia A. McDonald, M.D. Edward P. Fitzpatrick, M.D. Martin C. Serement, M.D. Sarit M. Patel, M.D. Tracey L. Asmus, O.D.

7 | Saturday

rEad

Call us for complete services pertaining to your eye care!

Saturday appointments available Our professionals will help you see more clearly.

PHYSICIANS

OPtOmetrISt

Receiving the GreenCircle Award on behalf of The Orchards at Southington are, from left, Kathy Johnson, director of environmental services, Audrey Vinci, executive director, and Patty Hooper, executive chef, with Rob Klee, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

EvEry month

an independent and assisted living community, 34 Hobart St., will host open houses on Sunday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edesa Ciscar, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event.

Coffee will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call Edesa Ciscar, (860) 628-5656.

FEDERATION HOMES Dedicated to independent Living

Want to be a part of our community?

Applicants must be 62 years of age or Individuals with disabilities in order to apply. Income Limits.

Please contact Federation Homes for an application at 860-243-2535

We are accepting applications for our one and tw bedroom unitso waiting list!

156 Wintonbury Ave. Bloomfield

DATEBOOK 9 | Monday Information session The Good Life fitness center at Southington Care Center is hosting an informational session on Monday, Feb. 9 (new date), 5 to 6 p.m. to give the public the opportunity to learn about the specialized fitness program that is geared toward older adults.

Exercise physiologists will be available to talk about the program and give tours of the gym. Light appetizers will also be served. This information session will be held at Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave. Reservations are preferred. To RSVP or for more information, call (860) 621-9559.

10 | Tuesday Information sessions Hartford HealthCare affiliates MidState Medical Center and The Hospital of Central Connecticut are hosting free bariatric weight loss information sessions in area towns. The sessions are presented through Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Centers for Surgical Weight Loss. At each bariatric information session,

∎ Wednesday, Feb. 11, MidState Family Health Center, 6 p.m. ∎ Wednesday, Feb. 18, HOCC Family Health Center, Bristol, 6 p.m. ∎ Monday, Feb. 23, MidState Family Health Center, noon ∎ Tuesday, Feb. 24, Center for Metabolic Health, 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.thocc.org; for a physician referral, call 1-800-321-6244.

a bariatric surgeon will discuss surgical procedures performed, surgery eligibility, patient education and life style changes necessary for surgery success. The bariatric program offered through MidState Medical Center and HOCC entails physician consultations, classes and support groups.

Bariatric surgery options offered include minimally invasive gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding and revisional procedures. Among Hartford HealthCare Medical Group bariatric surgeons are Dr. Aziz Benbrahim, Dr. Edward Hannoush and Dr. Nicholas Verdura. Session addresses are MidState Family Health Center, 61 Pomeroy Ave, East Meriden; Center for Metabolic Health, 11 South Road, Suite 130, Farmington; The Hospital of Central Connecticut Family Health Center, 22 Pine St., Bristol; The Hospital of Central Connecticut New Britain General campus, 100 Grand St., Dining Room B, New Britain. To register for a bariatric informational session, please call 1-866668-5070. Bariatric weight loss sessions are: ∎ Tuesday, Feb. 10, HOCC New Britain General campus, 6 p.m.

Friendship club The Mulberry Gardens at Marian Heights Friendship Club is giving adults the opportunity to make new friends. The club meets at Mulberry Gardens at Marian Heights Adult Day Center, located at 314 Osgood Ave. The next gathering will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Friendship Club provides transportation, activities, meals, exercise and more.

The mission of the Mulberry Gardens at Marian Heights

Join us for an incredibly exciting and fun day filled with health information, speakers, screenings, demonstrations, and activities for everyone from children to seniors.

Sunday, February 22, 2015 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Aqua Turf Club 556 Mulberry Street Plantsville, Connecticut

State-of-the-art assessment for: • Dizziness • Balance problems • Vertigo • Disequilibrium • Fall Risk Reduction Full Balance Assessment: • Computerized Dynamic Posturography • Videonystagmography • Balance Performance Testing • Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation • Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation

T

Adult Day Center is to provide the highest quality community-based day program in a safe and positive environment. Care is provided to individuals with a variety of socialization and cognitive needs.

Polish-speaking staff is available. For more information about the Friendship Club or to schedule a visit, call Mary Roberts, (860) 357-4264.

Continued on Page 21

FREE ADMISSION! Kids activity area, with obstacle course, virtual gym and lots of other fun stuff!

Senior screenings, giveaways and info Drawings Amber Alert Car seat safety info Brain fitness Speakers and demonstrations

Brought to you by:

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For information on sponsoring or exhibiting, call Nicole Spagnoletti at 860-378-1268 or spagnolettin@ctseniorcare.org •healthyfamilyfunfest.com

292 West Main Street, New Britain, CT 06052 860-224-2631

February 2015 • Connecticut PRIME TIME T A Don G

21

DATEBOOK Continued from Page 22

11 | Wednesday

ORD

Path to Wellness Mark Colello, exercise physiologist at Southington Care Center, will continue 70. Profundity nd of beetle “The Path to entlemen the series,71.

Made to obey onOne Wednesdays, eclined Wellness,”72. of the Feb. 11 and March 11, at ole Olympians the Southington Library. The et by begging 73. Specify ope for flag74. Yellow waterthe flag program, which details ising: Var.“stepping 75.

Beverage stones” to take on vents the journey tosometimes wellness, will ordes mulled be held 10 to 11 a.m. at the anaged-care 76. Parting word library, located at 255 Main ant 77. Sports org.

St. Participants are welcome uck 78. Bronze to attend one or either of ourse of study 79. Hunting the sessions and to learn the en fishing tchen gadget steps to a happier, healthenthusiast presario ier life. To register, call the library at (860) 628-0947.

12 | Thursday

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OVER AND OUT

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Films and discussions will be presented and a driver’s manual provided. No written

or road test required. Upon behavior or even helping a loved one with daily tasks completion of the course, an insurance company must that once were easy. A free give a discount of at least 5 caregivers support group will be held Wednesday, percent on auto insurance.

Feb. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 The cost for the class is p.m., at Arbor Rose at $15 for AARP members, Jerome Home, located at providing a membership 104. Cachet 81. Fastened a for other 975 Corbin Ave. The support number and $20 105. Exclusively certain way group, which meets on the attendees.

Call the center 106. Comical 83. Notably third Wednesday of each for85. registration information, 107. Word in an Particular month, is facilitated by Kate (860) 747-5728. ultimatum 86. Skyline feature Rabinoff, 108. Paris suburb MSW, resident ser87. Diminutive suffix 109. Likevices somecoordinator, and Mary 88. — vincit amor countertops 90. Circle dance Sunday 110. The Roberts, RN, director of masses 91. Biblical matriarch adult day services. To RSVP, 111. Feat 94. Sportswear Open house call Kate Rabinoff at (860) brand Arbor Rose at Jerome 229-3707.

95. French dessert Home,wine an independent, assisted living and memory 100. Outweigh care community, will host an Thursday 103. Too open unconventional house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Denise Lebrocquy, Lunch & learn retirement counselor, will The Connecticut Center facilitate event. Arbor94. Joss for Healthy Aging at 75. Kind the of following Rose atCinzano Jerome Home 96. Monad The Hospital of Central 76. — is 79. located at 975 Corbin 97. Aswan’s Connecticut, Bradley Swearwords river videricampus will 80.For Kitchen scrap Ave. more information98. — quam Memorial structure films or81. to Sophia RSVP, of call Denise 99. Simple present an educational 82. Gave, in(860) a way229- 101. Topper Lebrocquy, session about the differ102. “Daences — G Show” 84. Just about 3707. between urgent and 103. Unmatched 86. Sums primary care, and the cir88. Seaside air cumstances for which each 89. Cut down Wednesday is appropriate. This Lunch 90. Londoner’s & Learn program will be greeting Caregiver support group held from noon to 1 p.m., at 91. Middling 92. Declare Being a caregiver is a the hospital, located at 81 93. Oldchallenge.

Spanish coin difficult It is Meriden Ave., Southington easy to feel overburdened A complimentary lunch will by making financial decibe served. Dr. Eric Hobert, sions, managing changes in medical director of emer-

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015

gency services at HOCC, Bradley Memorial campus, will be the guest speaker.

Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested. For more information or to reserve a spot, call the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging at (877) 424-4641.

23 | Monday Maximizing quality of life A program focusing on resources and assessment services available through the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging will be presented from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Marc Levesque, MS, senior resource case manager for the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging at MidState Medical Center, will present this program that focuses on improving and maximizing the quality of life using specific resources and services targeted to the older population.

“Know Your Resources: Case Studies in Healthy Aging” will be held at Meriden Senior Center, 22 W. Main St. Light refreshments will be served.

This program is open to the public.

RSVPs are requested.

For more information or to reserve a seat, call the senior center at (203) 237-0066.

Computer classes In Course I participants will expand on the knowledge they gained in the free beginners’ course. Learn more about Windows 7, how to edit, save and use documents on a hard drive or flash drive. This class runs for two sessions, Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost for this course is $25, which includes a Windows 7 book for each student to keep. Registration has begun.

Call the Plainville Senior Center for registration information, (860) 747-5728.

26 | Monday Blood pressure screening A free blood pressure screening will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Wethersfield Senior Center (Pitkin Community Center), 30 Greenfield St. Cedar Mountain Commons and Jefferson House sponsor the monthly screenings.

eAsier

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Recognizing the signs your parents need help Continued from Page 8

best to handle financial affairs and you are not the person asking for control.

When it comes to driving the car, if dad really shouldn’t be driving, you have my strongest empathy, because the car is the single biggest symbol of independence. Tread carefully here and let dad’s doctor help by being the one to have a frank discussion if driving is a risk.

Overall, the need for role reversal is best put in context of reviewing what your parents did for you as you made your way into the adult world. They slowly but surely gave up

control over your decisions, kept their fingers crossed, and never stopped giving you their love. That is all you can do in reverse.

Attorney Stephen O. Allaire is a partner in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, LLC, a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with offices at 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, (860) 584-2384), or on the web at www. allaireelderlaw.com. If you have a question, send a written note to Attorney Allaire at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, CT, 06010, and he may use your question.

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What kind of

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An extraordinary one.

Center for Orthopedic and Spine Health Advanced level joint care is available right here at Bristol Hospital. Our highly trained team specializes in today’s most progressive shoulder, hip and knee revision and replacement procedures, including Direct Anterior Hip Replacement, which means less pain, faster recovery and increased mobility. Add that to our exceptional patient outcomes and personalized care experience, and we’ll have you back to living an active life as quickly and safely as possible.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2015