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Volume 16, No. 2 February 2020 Taking Stock of Your Life at the End By Herb Weiss trademark leopard print blouse. He recalls her holding For Senior Digest Tony, the family’s three-legged Toy Poodle. A year later, Mickie and Justin would recruit my twin A few weeks ago, my sister Nancy called to give me brother, Jim and me to be ushers at their wedding in 1968. the bad news that my brother-in-law, Justin Aurbach, was Through the ebb and flow of their life together, from rais- diagnosed with an aggressive and deadly cancer known as ing children, grandchildren and building a successful den- glioblastoma, or more commonly referred to as GBM. This tal practice, he reflected on their 41 year marriage, noting 77 year old Dallas-based endodontist who I knew as rela- ‘how it flew by’ before Mickie passed in 2008. tively healthy, a believer in vitamins and physically active Justin reminded me of the sage advice he gave me before most of his adult life, was now house-bound receiving 24 I entered my freshman year at the University of Oklaho- hour a day care by home health caregivers, along with his ma. “Drink in moderation and put studies before chugging daughters Stephanie and Allison, and his partner Ruth who pitchers of beer,” he said. It is funny the things you tend to were now all part of a revolving schedule of care. remember, I thought. I booked a quick trip to Dallas to sit with him and show As our conversation became more focused on his health, my support and concern. It had been a few years since I Justin thought that the symptoms of the tumor might first had been there and I wondered what the conversation have appeared over five years ago, when he became dizzy Dr. Justin E. Aurbach, DDS. Photo courtesy Herb Weiss. might entail, knowing that our 53-year old relationship while taking a bike ride. Last August, the symptoms re- could cover a lot of ground. Justin and my sister were turned while riding again, and a Cat Scan would ultimately physical shape. While he would acknowledge that he could always collectors of art, and I soon found myself sitting at reveal his tumor. not run a four-minute mile, he joked that he never could a kitchen table, surrounded by colorfully carved images of Turning 60 anyway. As he approached his sixth decade, he admitted watermelons, where he and I reminisced as the time flew In 2003, I had the opportunity to interview Justin about that he played a little golf like many of his friends, walked by. turning age 60 for my weekly senior commentary in the and jogged, and even took time to lift weights. Justin reminded me that we first met in 1967 when he Pawtucket Times. He shared the following thoughts about Dr. Justin E. Aurbach, DDS, had accomplished much in came to pick-up my older sister Mickie, taking her to dine being at the peak of his career professionally, while only his career by the age of 60. As the first endodontist in the at Campisi’s Restaurant, a local pizza hangout. Even five years shy of reaching retirement age. Dallas-Fort Worth area, he was the first in the region to though it took place over five decades ago, he clearly re- In my commentary, Justin said, “It’s great [moving into perform endodontic microsurgery, when at that time there membered first meeting my mother as she greeted him your 60s], however, far too much [cultural] negativity has were only 78 endodontists in the nation performing such from the couch, sitting with her thick soled shoes propped been directed at this chronological age.” surgery. He is past president of the DFW Endodontic Soci- up on the ottoman, smoking a cigarette and wearing her At that time, my brother-in-law was in relatively good See Taking Stock page 6 Healthy Living at The Seasons East Greenwich - Residents of The Sea- Laurie Ann Oliveira, Administrator, “and sons Assisted Living Community partici- what better way to start the new decade than pated in the first monthly cooking demon- with education regarding healthy choices stration of 2020 with a lesson on healthy and a delicious snack with friends?” choices and cooking techniques. After the demonstration, residents tasted Held in the newly-renovated Grandview the meatballs and pasta while being led in Gardens kitchen, traditional and memory a spirited conversation about topics related care residents enjoyed a demonstration led to healthy living, ranging from eating hab- by Culinary Services Director Giulianna its to the health benefits of keeping a posi- Galiano-Gomez and Executive Chef Seth tive attitude and being kind. Chieppa. Residents learned about replacing Residents left the event in high spirits, more traditional ingredients with healthier eager to pass what they had learned on to alternatives, such as substituting turkey for friends and family. Seasons residents and beef in recipes. Turkey and spinach meat- staff look forward to the next demonstra- balls served with whole wheat pasta were tion, which is slated to take place in Feb- on the menu. LDN, CDE. Robyn walked residents your head to the bottom of your feet. A ruary. Giulianna and Seth walked residents through benefits of each ingredient, with well balanced diet is an important part of If you would like the recipe or more through the entire process, from seasoning a particular emphasis on the many healthy healthy aging, and the culinary staff at The information about The Seasons Assisted the meat to choosing a healthy whole wheat aspects of spinach. Seasons is passionate about providing well Living Community please visit our website pasta. Residents were able to ask questions According to Robyn, spinach is an easy balanced nutritious and delicious meals to www.TheSeasons.org. You may also call as the demonstration progressed, building ingredient to add to all sorts of dishes, it our residents every day. 401-884-9099 to schedule a tour! a deeper understanding of each ingredient is high in iron, has no cholesterol, and is “Lifelong learning is an important part of from dietician Robyn Riley Perry, MRSD, heart-healthy. It helps you from the top of celebrating life here at The Seasons”, said See Healthy Living page 9

Hearty Meals “Ask the “There’s no substitute for a great love to Offset who says, ‘No matter what’s wrong with Lawyer” February Winds you, you’re welcome at this table.’” - page 5 - page 19 - Tom Hanks 2 February 2020 • Senior Digest Sharing the Cost to Improve the Benefit A recent article in a re- tion’s top legislative prior- of the care by paying be- when they are sharing in legislators the need for spected publication, Health ity for the 2020 RI General tween $4.50 and $7.50 per the cost. It also decreases expanding @Home Cost Affairs, documented that Assembly session is in- hour for homecare, and be- the “fall off the cliff” effect Share. Our goal is at least a large and growing num- creasing income eligibility tween $7/day and $15/day of a program where some- a thousand signers, some of ber of Americans have for a state program called for adult day service. State one is one dollar over the whom will also come out to not saved enough for their @Home Cost Share. @ Medicaid funds pay the income limit and goes from our 2020 Legislative Lead- likely level of housing and Home is an effective state rest of the cost. The benefit receiving a benefit to - re ers Forum in the spring and healthcare expenses during program that’s not new, but to the state is that it delays ceiving nothing. I saw that show their support for this their retirement. One es- isn’t well-known. It funds or eliminates these seniors effect when I tried to help a legislation. Please contact timate is that nationwide in-home services for se- spending all of their assets constituent who lost having me at (401) 952-6527 or by this group numbers over 40 niors that may include help on community-based care, his Medicare Part B premi- email to senioragendari@ million people. The article with housekeeping, person- at which point state Med- um of $137 per month paid yahoo.com if you want to referred to them as “The al care, and meal prepara- icaid would have to pay because his income was 87 help. Forgotten Middle,” because tion. It also covers adult day 100% of the cost. cents per month over the at retirement they’re not programs outside the home This cost-sharing ar- limit! The hearing officer’s William F. Flynn Jr. is poor enough for Medicaid that offer meals, health rangement is similar to the hands were tied, he couldn’t executive director of the (income below $12,500 for monitoring and care, and “sliding fee scale” based on consider any other factors. Senior Agenda Coalition. a single individual, $17,500 social activities. Currently participants’ income used There was no cost-shar- Contact him at seniora- Senior Digest for a couple), but lack suf- RI seniors are eligible for by a number of social pro- ing program available that [email protected]. 21 Industrial Court ficient savings to pay for @Home if they need this grams such as YMCAs and would have reduced the Seekonk, MA 02771 homecare not covered by supportive care and have community centers. Be- impact. Medicare. Many of us don’t incomes below $24, 980 sides allowing more peo- With the support of se- Email realize that if we reach age (single person) or $33,820 ple to afford the service, it nior centers and other part- [email protected] Telephone 75, the odds are one in three (couple). Our legislation allows participants to feel ners, we have launched a 508.336.6633 that we will need some would raise these limits to better about seeking help postcard campaign to show Web Site long-term care before we $31,225 and $42,275 re- www.seniordigestnews.com die. spectively. In Rhode Island Because of this situation, @Home works like this: PUBLISHED the Senior Agenda Coali- recipients share the cost If a Senior is not safe at home call: MONTHLY Office of Healthy Aging: 401-462-0555 or 462-3000

Published by For Neglect or Abuse in a facility call: Senior Digest Department of Health Facilities Regulation: 401-222-5200 Graphic Design/Layout: TCI Press Inc. RI Attorney General Patient Abuse or Neglect, EDITOR’S DEADLINE Medicaid Fraud & Drug Diversion Unit: Printed by TCI Press Inc. AllAll materials materials for for the the August March 20172020 issue 401-222-2566 or 274-4400 x2269 RI Long Term Care Ombudsman: 401-785-3340 Contributors: are due by: the week of July 16th In Massachusetts Eric Bither, February 12th, 2020 Paul A. Brule, Please include name and telephone number in case we have questions. Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-2275 Deborah L. Burton, MS, WRITERS: Jim Byers, WRITERS: Please Please email e-mail copy tocopy [email protected] to seniordigest [email protected] Elizabeth Carroll, ADVERTISERS: Please contact Tom Rei ly at 508-3 36 - 66 33 ext. 337 Kathleen S. Connell, Don Drake, For best reproduction, all ads and photographs William F. Flynn Jr., should be high resolution (300dpi) PDFs, tifs or jpgs. Kathleen Heren, Donna Kirwan, Portia Little, Jim Miller, Lisa M. Petsche, and Herb Weiss

Subscription rates are $21 per year. Senior Digest assumes subscriptions are continuous unless notified to the contrary in writing. Senior Digest assumes no financial responsibili- ty for typographical errors in advertisements but will reprint that portion of the advertisement in which the typographical error occurs. Advertisers will please no- tify the management im- mediately of any error that may occur. Senior Digest reserves the right to reject advertising submitted for publication. Letters to the editor rep- resent the opinions of the writers, not the editors, and must be signed and include the letter writer’s telephone number for verification. Senior Digest • February 2020 3 Be My Valentine! Love is in the air! It’s Feb- advantage of lonely hearts. And guess where lonely hearts instead. You may just be pleasantly surprised by what you ruary and that means Valen- typically turn to seek companionship? see and who you meet. You may even find love in the air! tine’s Day, the celebrated op- Pew Research reports that more than half of all U.S. And in the meantime, visit our Credit Union Senior portunity to WOW that spe- adults consider online dating a good way to meet people. Safeguard page on the website, BetterValuesBetterBank- cial love interest in your life. Match.com, one of the most popular dating sites, reports ing.com for more information and resources on ways to Memories of Valentine’s people 50 years of age and older represent its fastest-grow- protect yourself and your savings from all the scams and Day take me all the way back ing share of users. fraud targeting today’s seniors. to grade school where each of According to AARP, phony suitors constantly seek out us in our class of nine would targets on social media and Internet dating sites. They are Walter Laskos is senior vice president of Strategic Com- open a package of small cute increasingly active and that explains why it’s very easy munications at the Cooperative Credit Union Association Valentine’s cards no bigger to become a victim to the lure of their sweet bidding, es- in Marlborough, Massachusetts. He can be reached at than a baseball trading card, pecially when that bidding fills the emptiness created by [email protected] put our name to them, and loneliness. And how does it all start? then pass them to everyone By There it is, out of nowhere, someone is connecting with else in the class. Guess Sister Walter Laskos you through a dating site or a random email or friend re- Donald wanted us to know quest on Facebook. They appear to be quite attractive and we all had each other as a valentine and friend, or at least personable. They’ve read your profile, your post or your that’s what we were encouraged to believe. Of course, this tweet. They hit “like.” They’ve commented on it and now memory is from the first grade in a small parochial school they want you to “Friend” them. in the coal fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania! You accept the invitation and over time come to learn As time passed and the hormones developed and matu- that this “stranger” shares a lot in common with you. Of rity set in, sending and receiving a Valentine’s Day card course, he or she resides far away, perhaps also claiming to embraced more romantic aspirations. Do you remember be in the military or stationed abroad as part of their work. that time in your life when you opened a Valentine’s card The more messages you exchange, the more it seems your from that special person who simply made your whole life attachment to them grows. come to a complete standstill? Remember how that Val- It could be weeks or months that pass when one day the entine made you feel? It was like you were on cloud nine. conversation turns to planning an opportunity to meet up. Valentine’s Day set the stage for you to say, “I love you,” They are now no longer a stranger. You feel as if you’ve and to show it with a special card, flowers and a box of known them all your life. However, each time a visit is candy. Sweets for the sweetheart. planned, something develops; the military is sending them Today, I suspect Valentine’s Day might have quite a on a special classified mission, or they need to go on an different significance for you from what it was when you unforeseen business trip, which conflicts and overturns were back in your teens or in the first grade. Am I right? your plans to meet. You try to set another date but again, Like so many other observances that have been shaped something pops up to stand in the way. over the years by our experiences and accumulating mem- Then it happens. You receive an urgent request that ories, Valentine’s Day today might conjure up a certain there’s an emergency and he or she needs you to wire mon- emptiness for you after having to bid so-long to a dear ey. Of course, they promise to pay it back. Naturally, you loved one who had passed on. It may be a day you wish oblige and wire the money. And just like that, you’ve been would be erased from the calendar, forever. Or, perhaps scammed. Vintage 1950’s Valentines card courtesy Sandy Creek you are someone who’s fortunate to still be enjoying the Beware of the warning signs! In the photo they send, they Collectables. love and companionship of a partner of 40, 50 or even 60 look more like a model from a fashion magazine than an years, and still writing a Valentine’s Day card to express average person. They want that love! to leave the dating website There’s no doubt, having someone by your side, who and communicate with you loves you and whom you love and shared countless expe- through instant messaging riences through your life’s journey, continues to enliven or more personal channels. and evoke that warm sensation deep inside you as you tear They seem to inundate open that envelope on February 14th to reveal its romantic you with texts, emails and message of love. Valentine’s Day is special. We all want to phone calls. And the most be loved. It’s part of being human to know and experience revealing, they repeated- such a powerful emotion and need. ly promise to meet you in And, this is why Valentine’s Day is an appropriate obser- person but always come up vance to ensure that no one spends the day alone and feel- with an excuse to cancel. ing unloved. Emptiness and loneliness can tear at the heart Today’s Valentine’s Day like a cancer and cause a person to act without thinking lesson for the lonely is to someone with ill intent, to respond based on irrational this: don’t let your heart be emotions, and to very easily become a victim of what the broken and your savings experts call a romance scam. depleted by such romance By now I hope you, your family and friends know that scammers. Be smart. Check the Internet is a world that’s full of scammers eager to take out your local senior center 4 February 2020 • Senior Digest Teahouse Talk Beginning this year- lead to a stunningly swift loss 20I’m sitting in a local of independence when an ac- teahouse sipping my tea cident occurs. and working. From an- Parents will always be other table I hear the parents. The desire to make exasperated voice of an sure your child is cared for adult daughter speaking and their needs are being met to her aging mother. The doesn’t change a lot as your love and frustration com- “baby” grows up. Expecting pete with each other as the your parents to support you daughter tries to explain and your lifestyle when you to Mom that she shouldn’t should be supporting yourself give out her credit card in- By Deborah L. can lead to an unhealthy, un- formation over the phone. Burton, MS balanced, enabling relation- Mom doesn’t need to pay ship. There is a time when the for online help to access her email or re- bird must fly the nest. move a computer virus. Instead of believing everything is a ca- Mom is about equally exasperated by tastrophe waiting to happen, wringing your Courtesy photo. the insistence of her daughter that she can’t hands in worry, and insisting that some- do it by herself. She’s her MOTHER, she thing must be done, make a cup of tea, and are various options to assist with manag- change. Ultimately, we are responsible for KNOWS how to take care of herself. Noth- sit and talk with each other. More impor- ing medications. The Home Modification the choices we make and the consequenc. ing Mom is saying makes me think she tantly, listen to what the other has to say- Grant can help with the cost of home im- es of those choices. isn’t capable of making her own choices. even if you don’t agree. provements made to increase the ability to As the mother and daughter finish their I want to lean over and tell them that they Have you noticed a change in health, age-in-place. tea, they seem to have come to a truce. Per- are both right- but it’s not my place, not to- mood, or memory? Be concrete and give Adult children need to assess their own haps each understands the other’s perspec- day, not for them. examples of what you observe. Point out needs, capabilities and motivations. Is tive just a little more clearly. People often say the parent child roles bruises that you see. If mobility has been a your insistence to minimize risk based on If you need help with these kinds of con- reverse and they have to parent their par- problem note what you are seeing-walking the need to control what happens next or versations, schedule a consultation with me ents. This isn’t true. The reality is your slower or grabbing furniture to get from a fear that a parent will decline and need at Senior’s Choice Consulting 401-647- parents are grown adults capable of mak- one point to another. Have you noticed more help? If providing care for an ag- 9303. ing decisions -some of which you won’t medication strewn about or too much (or ing parent is not something you can do, be approve of. The hard part is accepting that too little) medication left in the bottle? All honest with your parent. Caregiving isn’t Deborah Burton, MS is the founder of a parent’s bad decisions may have very bad health, mood and memory concerns-big or easy and there are a myriad of reasons why Senior’s Choice Consulting and Executive outcomes. small-should be evaluated by a doctor. someone isn’t able to do it. Parents need to Director of the RI Elder Info nonprofit. A credit card given over the phone can Identify what trade-offs are possible. hear the challenges their children face as lead to financial ruin. Writing checks There are many options for safety monitor- caregivers. to “new friends” can leave you without ing- from doorbell cameras to shoe inserts Speak with care and concern but know checks or “friends” when the money runs with GPS tracking mechanisms. Smart you can only control your own actions. out. Choosing to not accept outside help home technology is able to facilitate inde- You can express your concerns and desires when your loved ones identify a need could pendent living for many individuals. There but that doesn’t mean the other person will

2020 Honor Flights Starting Up Soon

Last year the Honor Flights Network You’ll learn about the local group: fund- took 21,000 World War II, Korean War raisers, links to refer a veteran and more. and Vietnam War era veterans from around If you’re a veteran who wants to go the country aboard flights to Washington, alone or with your family, you can go solo D.C. Over the years, non-profit HFN has and meet up with the larger group in Wash- taken over 200,000 veterans on these ington, D.C., if you can secure your own flights to see the memorials dedicated to funding and transportation. Another pro- them in the nation’s capital. Because gram is the Southwest Lone Ea- of donations, the veterans gle, for veterans who have themselves paid nothing been on the waiting for their trips. list for more than The 2020 sea- one year and son will be start- do not live ing in a few within 120 months. Are miles of a you able hub. For to go as a veterans volunteer with a escort to terminal help three illness, veterans for there is one day? the TLC Can you host programs, a fundraiser or meaning donate money? Their Last With over 20,000 Chance. veterans on a wait list For more infor- for a trip, volunteers and mation, or if there isn’t donations are the most crucial a hub in your state, call Hon- at this point. Your first step is to look at the or Flight at 937-521-2400. Honor Flight Network website at www. Note to veterans: use of a wheelchair or honorflight.org. oxygen are not obstacles to going on one Click on Hubs/Flights and find the black of these trips. dot closest to you. All but five states have hubs with a total of 140 locations. Click on (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc. a dot and you’ll find contact information. Click on the website link for your hub. Senior Digest • February 2020 5 New Long Term Care Minimums and Maximums One of the many com- the new equity limit for ex- addressed such issue in prior articles and Those numbers have also changed and the plexities that we face when clusion of the home is now we will revisit this issue again in the future. new minimum is $2,113.75. Of course, helping families protect $595,000. This equity lim- The Community Spouse Resource Al- there are also situations where we can in- their assets from risk of it is generally much higher lowance, referred to as the “CSRA”, is crease the amount of monthly income for loss for payment of nursing than what is needed for the an important concept whenever we help a a spouse who remains at home while the home expenses is the ever vast majority of our clients. married couple facing what is usually their other is in a nursing home. changing rules regarding What this number means is primary concern, that is, a situation where Having knowledge of the updated rules the various aspects of the that one can be eligible for one of them must enter a nursing home. is important for the practitioner who works Medicaid program. Certain Medicaid payment of nurs- The minimum CSRA has now been in- with them on a regular basis. While I offer of these rules change on an ing home expenses and creased to $25,728. This does not include them here today as a matter of interest to approximate annual basis, still have up to $595,000 exempt assets such as qualified home-equi- our readers, making the proper use of all of while others change without of equity in one’s principal ty, retirement assets and a list of other ex- this information requires substantial expe- regard to specific periods of residence. Unfortunately, ceptions. While the CSRA is a good thing, rience, not to mention some rather special- time. We have alerted our protection of that equity for many of our clients, it usually protects ized education. readers as these changes against the estate recovery only a portion, and sometimes only a small If you are facing the personal situation have been made. We get to rules, otherwise known as portion, of “countable resources”. If you where the above information is of particu- do so again this month. the “Medicaid” Lien, is a whole different need to be concerned about protecting as- lar importance to you, please don’t attempt There has recently been issued updat- issue and beyond the scope of this article. sets in excess of that, the good news is that to address complicated Medicaid issues ed figures for specific components of the Such protection is possible, even for peo- we have strategies that allow you to do so, without professional assistance. There is Medicaid program regarding payment of ple who are already in a nursing home and without the need for having transferred as- way too much at risk! nursing home expenses. As an example, already on Medicaid. We have however sets five years prior to the need for institu- tionalization. Paul A. Brule is an attorney with the firm For a couple facing the situation de- of Walsh, Brule & Nault, P.C., in Cumber- scribed above, in addition to saving assets, land. He can be reached at (401) 334-4545. there is also a concern as to the healthy spouse retaining sufficient monthly income to support themselves in the community. That amount is also subject to a minimum. 6 February 2020 • Senior Digest Taking Stock Continued from page 1

ety, The Southwest Society of Endodontics, and the sneak in a ride when possible, even with his busy Dallas County Dental Society. He served as general schedule. He enjoyed the City of Dallas’s fine chairman of the Southwest Dental Conference. restaurants, loved to cook for family and friends, Justin believed strongly that he would still be ‘at and looked forward to a good play or chamber mu- the top of his professional game, improving with sic performance from time to time. His mantra may age’, as he proudly boasted. During my interview well be “Live your life to the fullest, don’t put off with him, he said, “not only am I technically better, tomorrow what you can do today.” but my years of life experience have made me wiser Looking Ahead in respect to knowing what can and cannot be done Justin says, since the diagnosis of his terminal in my life.” illness, his house has been flooded with family, The endodontist attributed much of his success friends, referring doctors and even former dental to his wife, children and the many supportive fam- students. “I have made a lot of friends and accept ily and friends that were part of his large extended that I have impacted people in a very positive way,” family. he said, as he cites as an upside of his illness. By age 60, his philosophy of looking at the “glass As we concluded our talk, he says, “Don’t wait half-full rather than half empty” allowed him to to do things. You never know what the future has cope with life’s difficulties. This life stage was also in store for you,” adding that he learned this lesson a time of excitement and learning for him, while he from Ruth. glided into the years he referred to as “best time of “Simple things in life are your best bet to living your life.” a good life,” Justin tells me, stressing that it doesn’t Getting to the Big “70” cost a lot of money to enjoy your life.” Ten years later, we would speak again about his Justin acknowledges that he may live another approaching the age 70 milestone. He reflected on two to six months with the GBM tumor, but remains how so much time had passed, which he noted flew optimistic, for there are those who have lived for by in “the blink of an eye.” During my 2013 inter- another 14 years. In his remaining time, he hopes to view with him published in my weekly commentary maintain a “quality of life” that allows him to con- in this paper, he told me that he would “certainly tinue to attend musicals and plays, or perhaps even keep forging ahead at a break-neck pace,” promis- take short trips. ing that new goals would replace those that were Final Thoughts accomplished. As you reach your 60s and into your 70s, research He recalled having attended dozens of funerals, tells us that exercise, eating a healthy diet, develop- said final goodbyes to his wife, father, father-in-law, ing a strong social network of family and friends, mother-in-law, along with many close friends and and continuing to learn and seek out new knowl- colleagues. Justin noted that “reading the Dallas edge all become important in enhancing the quality Morning News obituary page and constantly attend- of your life and increasing your longevity in your ing funerals made him aware of the need to accom- later years. However, in our twilight years life can plish his set goals with the limited time he had left become of full of tough challenges and we may face -” but life goes on,” Justin told me. A year after difficult times. his wife’s death in 2008, the aging widower again Ultimately, like Justin, reflecting on personal and found love and began to date Ruth. professional accomplishments can give you the in- Looking ahead into his 70’s, Justin had no plans ner resources necessary to meet the challenges in to retire. Though financially secure, he aspired to the final stages of your life. maintain a very full practice until his eighty-fifth birthday. He found added fulfillment teaching end- Herb Weiss, LRI’12, is a Pawtucket writer cover- odontic residents at Texas AM Baylor School of ing aging, health care and medical issues. To pur- Dentistry, a job that he hoped would continue into chase Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging his 70s, while also staying active in the medical Boldly, a collection of 79 of his weekly commentar- group. ies, go to herbweiss.com. Justin has been an avid bike rider for over 30 years, and despite being 70, he would continue to

SENIOR DIGEST RESTAURANT GUIDE

Call us at 508-336-6633, ext. 337 to reserve your space Senior Digest • February 2020 7 East Bay Foster Grandparent Program The East Bay Foster Grandparent ceive a transportation allowance, meals Program is actively recruiting commu- during service, paid holidays and acci- nity members 55 years of age or older to dent and liability insurance while serv- serve as volunteer Foster Grandparents ing. The mission of the program is to in their communities. The heart of the support positive outcomes for children program is the by providing one-on-one dai- volunteer op- ly attention that portunities to FGP’s provide. income eligible This special re- individuals. To- lationship helps gether we can young people build a stronger grow, gain con- generation of fidence and children and a become more better communi- productive car- ty for ourselves ing members of and our neigh- society. Foster bors. Grandparents For more in- assist in schools, Head Start sites, YM- formation please call: CAs and local libraries throughout the Diane Palmer, East Bay. Foster Grandparents receive Program Coordinator a tax free stipend which will not affect East Bay Foster any federal, state or local benefit or en- Grandparent Program titlement. Tax free stipend amounts 401-435-7876 range from $210.00 - $420.00 per A division of the East Bay month. Foster Grandparents also re- Community Action Program

To Advertise in

Please Contact Tom Reily at 508-336-6633, ext. 337 8 February 2020 • Senior Digest Senior Digest • February 2020 9 Healthy Living Continued from page 1

“What better way to start the new decade than with education regarding healthy choices and a delicious snack with friends?”

Residents at Demonstration

Giulianna Galiano-Gomez, Culinary Services Director, and Seth Chieppa, Executive Chef at The Seasons

All photos courtesy The Seasons Assisted Living Robyn Riley Perry, MSRD, LDN, CDE

Giulianna Galiano-Gomez THE SEASONS ASSISTED LIVING The Seasons East Greenwich is a Celebrate Life With Us non-profit assisted living community committed to up- holding the highest standards of care and amenities. We are pleased to have earned a repu- tation as a premier community offering both tradition- Traditional & Memory Care al and memory care neighborhoods. As a non-profit Neighborhoods Available organization, we are not driven by the daily pressures P R O G R A M S F O R Q U A L I F I E D V E T E R A N S to increase the “bottom line” for owners, investors and & SHORT-TERM STAYS shareholders. Our focus is on the quality of care and programs we offer to engage seniors. All resources are reinvested into our community to increase staffing, improve facilities and enhance services and amenities. We invite you to visit The Seasons and experience the warmth and traditional charm of our community for yourself. Celebrate Life with us!

Five Saint Elizabeth Way 5 Saint Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, RI 02818 East Greenwich, RI 401.884.9099 phone: 401-884-9099 www.theseasons.org fax: 401-884-7439 A joint venture of Scandinavian Communities and web: theseasons.org Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation 10 February 2020 • Senior Digest

A Baseball Fan’s Guide to Spring Training in Florida Where to see your favorite MLB teams in the Grapefruit League play, up close and relaxed By Jim Byers, AARP such as the John and Mable Ringling Mu- seum of Art. There’s nothing like being in Florida for Boston Red Sox spring training. It offers the chance to see Jet Blue Park at Fenway South your home team in a more laid-back prac- in Fort Myers tice mode. Games are low-key, players are A statue of Hall of Famer Ted Williams sometimes willing to greet fans and the greets arriving visitors, who can browse weather’s warm. all kinds of T-shirts, caps and memorabilia Ready to pack your bags for the Sun- when an adjacent street is closed off before shine State? Here are a few things to know games. The relaxed stadium is modeled on about seeing each of the Grapefruit League Fenway Park, complete with its own Green teams’ games, most of which are scheduled Monster. And you’re only a short drive from February 21 to March 24, and clus- from the beautiful beaches of Sanibel and tered in the Tampa and Palm Beach areas. Captiva Island. Atlanta Braves Detroit Tigers CoolToday Park in Venice Publix Field at Joker Marchant The Braves’ brand-new stadium, 35 Stadium in Lakeland George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. JULIO AGUILAR/GETTY IMAGES miles south of Sarasota-Bradenton Interna- In a small city between Orlando and Tam- tional Airport, is cool (like its name): One pa, the stadium was renovated in 2017 and popular selfie spots, naturally. Many fans GMS Field). It replicates part of the team’s nice feature is a 360-degree concourse with features a 360-degree walkway that allows spread out on the grassy lawns beyond the home stadium in the Bronx, with lacy fil- some drink rails set aside for fans to stand fans to circle the entire facility. There’s also outfield fences. Nearby Clematis Street in igree designs, and has a large, stylized and watch the game from a variety of lo- a grassy berm beyond the outfield that you West Palm Beach offers plenty of restau- “NY” logo image where fans stop for a cations. There’s also the Tomahawk Tiki can sit or lie down on while you enjoy the rants and bars, many with outdoor patios requisite selfie. Tampa’s lively downtown Bar and a grassy berm with 1,800 general game and, perhaps, a beer or two. Explore for balmy winter evenings. offers some tasty restaurant options and a admission seats. Nearby is Venice Beach, Munn Park Historic District in Lakeland, Miami Marlins and lovely waterfront park. offering a handsome downtown and bou- known for its early 1900s architecture and St. Louis Cardinals Philadelphia Phillies tiques. antique shopping. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Spectrum Field in Clearwater Baltimore Orioles Houston Astros and in Jupiter Roughly 20 minutes west of Tampa, Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota Washington Nationals The Marlins and the Cards both play Spectrum Field features — like so many of The O’s park has an appealing old-time FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm their exhibition games in Jupiter, which is these parks — an outfield berm or grassy feel that will remind you of Camden Yards, Beaches in West Palm Beach about 16 miles north of West Palm Beach. area where you can recline on the lawn with classic Maryland crabcakes among The two teams (who met in the last The most lively area of the park is the and watch the games, and picnic tables the concessions. Sarasota has some great World Series, with a Nats’ win) share a standing-room party deck down the right for lunching on the terrace. Also look for restaurants (try Owen’s Fish Camp) and spring training complex, which features field line, and the big (in both senses of the Frenchy’s Tiki Bar, named after a local fel- is known for its arts scene and attractions 30-foot sculptures of each team’s logo — word) food items include the Super Dean low who owns a number of casual restau- Dogs — giant hot dogs served in a pret- rants in the area offering, among other zel bun. Or try the Chicago Cubs Hater things, Philly cheesesteaks. After the game, Dog, which is a Chicago-style frankfurter Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach has beautiful with celery salt, onions, vivid-green relish, sunsets. mustard, tomato, hot peppers and a pickle Pittsburgh Pirates spear. There are several casual restaurants LECOM Park in Bradenton with nice outdoor patios along Jupiter’s Just north of Sarasota, this is a wonder- Loxahatchee River, and check out the ful ballpark, with lots of old-style charm Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which dates to and stellar sight lines. There’s a nice bar in 1860. right-center field, as well as appearances Minnesota Twins by the famous Pirate Parrot. You’re only a Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink short drive from beautiful, laid-back Anna Sports Complex in Fort Myers Maria Island, with fun shops, lovely beach- This lovely stadium’s exterior is said to es and the oceanside Sandbar Restaurant. have been modelled on Churchill Downs Tampa Bay Rays Racetrack in Kentucky. You can opt for Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte lawn seating areas along the right field The park features berms on both the left line and behind the left field fence. If it’s and right field sides, and — a staple at these still on the menu this training season (and parks — a tiki hut bar. It’s right next to the you haven’t eaten for a few weeks), try the entrance to the 380-acre Tippecanoe Envi- Richard Simmons Burger, which comes ronmental Park, full of walking trails and topped with bratwurst, chicken breast, wildlife. Nearby Punta Gorda is home to a cheese and three strips of bacon. Don’t roughly half-scale replica of the Vietnam miss a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, Estates in central Fort Myers, where Hen- D.C. ry Ford and Thomas Edison would go to Toronto Blue Jays flee northern weather. TD Ballpark in Dunedin New York Mets About 30 minutes west of Tampa, the Clover Park in Port St. Lucie park that was once known as Dunedin About 50 miles north of West Palm Stadium (among other things) wraps up a Beach, the Mets’ stadium has been in the $100 million face-lift and expansion this midst of a $57 million renovation, the first winter that includes a new boardwalk for phase of which is supposed to be complet- pedestrians behind the outfield fence and ed by the team’s arrival on February 10. an air-conditioned bar on the third base Some observers have worried it won’t be line. The stadium is only a short walk from ready for the new season, but the games the boutiques and restaurants in downtown are set to go on. The upgrades are said Dunedin. to include new seating, a revamped con- course and more. And the town has 21 miles of quiet beaches to enjoy between games. New York Yankees George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa It’s the Yankees’ 25th year practicing at this field named after the famed former Yankees owner (though its often called Senior Digest • February 2020 11

Trinity Rep Presents August Wilson’s Radio Golf The tenth of the legendary playwright’s American Century Cycle January 31 - March 1

Providence, RI: Trinity Rep continues its 2019-20 Sea- mance with Trinity Rep was 2001’s The Cider House Rules son with the final play from American theatrical legend directed by Oskar Eustis. In 2017 Ricardo Pitts-Wiley was August Wilson – Radio Golf. Directed by resident act- awarded the Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in ing company member Jude Sandy, the show features resi- the Arts by Trinity Rep. He is co-founder of Mixed Magic dent acting company member Joe Wilson, Jr., as Harmond Theatre in Providence. Wilks, a man determined to revive his childhood neighbor- Radio Golf will also feature guest artists Tonia Jackson hood without considering the emotional cost. Both moving as Mame Wilks. Guest artists Dereks Thomas will play and funny, Radio Golf is the culmination of August Wil- Sterling Johnson, and Omar Robinson will play Roosevelt son’s ten-play American Century Cycle chronicling each Hicks. Robinson was last seen at Trinity Rep as Paw Sidin decade of African-American life in the twentieth century. in 2018-19’s black odyssey. Radio Golf runs January 31 – March 1, with press opening Community Partnerships and Special Events on Monday, February 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $27. for Radio Golf More information can be found at www.TrinityRep.com/ Special performances for Radio Golf include an Open radiogolf. Captioned performance for the show on Sunday, February August Wilson authored Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s 2 at 2:00 pm and Wednesday, February 12 at 2:00 and 7:30 Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano pm. The Next Generation Night will be held on Thurs- Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Running, Jit- day, February 6, and includes a special event for the next ney, King Hedley II, and Radio Golf. These works explore generation of theater-goers. The Teens Talk performance the heritage and experience of African Americans, decade will be held on Friday, February 7, which features Trinity by decade, over the course of the twentieth century and Rep’s Teen Ambassadors discussing their perspective on have been dubbed “The American Century Cycle.” the show following the 7:30 performance. Trinity Rep produced four of August Wilson’s Ameri- A Context & Conversation panel discussion will be held can Century Cycle plays before, Radio Golf is the fifth. In in partnership with Providence Public Library on Mon- the 1987-88 Season, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was pro- day, February 10 at 6:00 pm at West Elmwood Housing duced, featuring then-resident company member Barbara Joe Wilson, Jr. as Harmon Wilks. Photo courtesy trinityrep.com. Development at 224 Dexter Street in Providence. At this Meek as Ma Rainey and Ricardo Pitts-Wiley as Levee. free event, panelists from the community will examine the Joe Turner’s Come and Gone was produced as part of the Cast and Creative Team good – and bad – of changing neighborhoods. Christina 1988-89 Season, with Academy Award-winning actor Vio- Jude Sandy returns to the role of director after following Bevilacqua, Trinity Rep’s conversationalist-in-residence la Davis as Mattie Campbell and Barbara Meek as Bertha the highly-lauded 2018-19 Season production of Marcus and programs and exhibitions director at Providence Pub- Holly. Fences was produced in the 1991-92 Season with Gardley’s black odyssey. A resident acting company mem- lic Library will moderate the discussion. Barbara Meek as Rose and Ricardo Pitts-Wiley as Jim. ber since 2016, Sandy most recently appeared in 2019’s The Trinity Rep Book Club will meet on February 20, The most recent Trinity Rep production of August Wilson A Christmas Carol as Ebenezer Scrooge, which was the 2020 at 7:00 pm at Symposium Books on Westminster was the 2000-01 Season’s The Piano Lesson with Ricardo second-ever highest selling show in Trinity Rep’s history. St. in Providence. This book club meets for select plays Pitts-Wiley as Doaker and former resident company mem- Prior to that, he received great accolades for his work as ber Rose Weaver as Berniece. Seymour in the 2018-19 Season’s Little Shop of Horrors. See Radio Golf, page 18 August Wilson’s plays have been produced at regional Sandy has also appeared on theaters across the country and all over the world, as well Broadway, off-Broadway, and as on Broadway. Wilson garnered many awards, includ- is a graduate of the Brown/ ing a Pulitzer Prize for Fences and The Piano Lesson, as Trinity Rep MFA program. Do you know that well as two Tony Awards (Fences), and multiple New York His acting credits at Trinity Drama Critics Circle awards. He is the recipient of a Na- Rep include Othello, A Mid- Orchard View Manor tional Humanities Medal, and has been inducted into the summer Night’s Dream, Okla- Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Fences was adapted into homa!, To Kill a Mockingbird, a 2016 film of the same name featuring former Trinity Rep Blues for Mister Charlie. Accepts VA Patients? actor Viola Davis, who won an Academy Award for her Sandy will be working performance, and Denzel Washington, reviving the roles alongside Michael McGarty Do you know of a veteran in need of Short- they played on Broadway. A film of Ma Rainey’s Black and Baron E. Pugh (set de- Term Rehabilitation, Hospice Care, Respite Care Bottom, also featuring Viola Davis in the role of Ma Rain- sign), Yao Chen (costume de- ey, is planned for 2020. sign), Amith Chandrashaker or Long-Term Care? Orchard View Manor is the About Radio Golf (lighting design), and Larry only facility in East Providence that has a con- Real estate developer and entrepreneur Harmond Wilks D. Fowler, Jr. (sound design). is determined to become the first Black mayor of Pitts- The cast of this produc- tract with the Veterans Administration. Depend- burgh and is on a mission to revive his blighted childhood tion features resident com- ing upon the percentage of service connectivi- neighborhood. As Wilks confronts the past, he is forced pany member Joe Wilson, Jr. to question how pursuing change could put his neighbor- as Harmond Wilks. Wilson, ty, veterans may be eligible for care at Orchard hood’s history at risk. Jr. has been a resident act- View Manor. To determine eligibility veterans Director Jude Sandy said of Radio Golf “August Wilson ing company member for 16 should contact their assigned social worker at is one of American’s great literary figures. He trained his seasons. His acting credits lens on subjects of African-American life and the on the include The Song of Sum- the VA. If you are interested in a private tour of vast humanity of African-American people with a clarity mer (2018-19 Season), A our facility, please contact the Admissions De- and devotion that illuminates what is vital in African-Amer- Christmas Carol as Ebenezer ican culture and what is universally human in us all. To see Scrooge (2017-18 Season), partment at 401.438.2250. We offer tours seven August Wilson’s plays is to know America in an indispens- The Mountaintop (2016-17 days a week. able way, at times both glorious and heart-wrenching, and Season), The Grapes of Wrath always captivating in the rhythm, humor, and poetry he (2013-14 Season), Cabaret Orchard View Manor is located at 135 Tripps finds in everyday people and everyday life. Radio Golf is (2009-10 Season), and Top- Lane, East Providence, Rhode Island and is Wilson’s last play; these are the last words we have from dog/Underdog (2004-05 Sea- one of America’s great playwrights. He was battling termi- son.) Wilson Jr. was co-di- Managed by Athena Health Care Systems. For nal liver cancer as he finished this play, and it is no surprise rector of last season’s black more information please visit our website at ath- that Radio Golf has powerful strains of the prophetic and odyssey, where he was also enanh.com/orchardviewmanor. the elegiac, all rooted in real human dilemmas and a deep featured as Ulysses Lincoln. African-American spirituality.” Ricardo Pitts-Wiley returns Curt Columbus, The Arthur P. Solomon and Sally E. to Trinity Rep to play Elder Lapides artistic director said, “I am beyond excited to see Joseph Barlow. Since first this production, because it brings the powerful, haunting, becoming an acting fellow and beautiful voice of August Wilson back to Trinity Rep in 1974 Pitts-Wiley has been after many years of absence. He is one of the most import- featured in many productions ant American playwrights of the last fifty years, someone at Trinity Rep, including Au- who writes exquisitely crafted plays, yet someone who gust Wilson’s Fences, The Pi- simultaneously challenges how we see the world and the ano Lesson, and Ma Rainey’s American experience through the medium of theater.” Black Bottom. His last perfor- 12 February 2020 • Senior Digest 10 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover Dear Savvy Senior, alternative or complemen- I will be enrolling in tary care are not covered by Medicare in a few months Medicare. and would like to find out Prescription drugs: what they don’t cover so I Medicare (Part A and B) can avoid any surprises. doesn’t provide coverage - Almost 65 for outpatient prescription drugs, but you can buy a Dear Almost, separate Part D prescrip- While Medicare (Part A tion-drug policy that does, and B) covers a wide array or a Medicare Advantage of health care services after plan that covers both medi- you turn 65, it doesn’t cover cal and drug costs. everything. If you need or Cosmetic surgery: Most want certain services that ar- cosmetic procedures are en’t covered, you’ll have to not covered, however, if the pay for them yourself unless surgery is due to an injury you have other insurance, or By Jim Miller or deformity, it might pay. Photo courtesy aarp.org you enroll in a Medicare Ad- For example, Medicare will vantage health plan, which cover a breast prosthesis for plans do offer in-home support services. load the Medicare “What’s covered” app may offer some additional benefits. Here’s breast cancer survivors. Routine foot care: Medicare does not on the App Store or Google Play. And to a look at some commonly needed medical Hearing aids: Medicare will not pay cover most routine foot care, like the cut- look for Medicare Advantage plans that of- services that original Medicare doesn’t pay for hearing exams or hearing aids, but may ting or removing of corns, calluses and fer additional benefits visit Medicare.gov/ for. cover a hearing and balance exam if your toenails. But they do cover medically nec- plan-compare. Most dental care: Routine dental care doctor determines it’s necessary. Some essary podiatrist services for foot problems Also keep in mind that even if Medicare including checkups, cleanings, fillings, Medicare Advantage plans do offer hearing like hammertoes, bunion and heel spurs, covers a service or item, they don’t pay 100 tooth extractions and dentures are not cov- benefits. along with exams, treatments and thera- percent of the cost. You will have to pay a ered by Medicare. However, some Medi- Long-term care: Nursing home care and peutic shoes or inserts if you have diabetic monthly Part B premium (which is $135.50 care Advantage plans do cover basic dental assisted living facilities are not covered by foot problems. for most beneficiaries) and unless you have care services. Medicare. But, Medicare will help pay up Overseas coverage: In most cases, supplemental insurance, you’ll have to pay Routine vision care and eyeglasses: to 100 days of skilled nursing or rehabilita- health care outside of the United States is your annual deductibles and copayments Medicare does not cover routine eye ex- tion care immediately following a hospital not covered by Medicare except for very too. However, most preventive services are ams, eyeglasses and contact lenses (except stay of three or more days. limited circumstances – such as on a cruise covered 100 percent by Medicare with no following cataract surgery), but tests, treat- Personal home care: If you need to hire ship within six hours of a U.S. port. But, copays or deductibles. ments and surgeries for medical eye dis- help for bathing, dressing or getting out of Medigap supplemental plans D, G, M and eases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular bed, Medicare typically won’t cover these N cover 80 percent of emergency care Send your senior questions to: Savvy Se- degeneration are covered. Some Medicare costs either, unless you are homebound abroad, and some Medicare Advantage nior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, Advantage plans do offer routine vision and are also receiving skilled nursing care. plans cover emergency care abroad too. or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a benefits. Housekeeping services, such as shopping, The best way to find out what Medicare contributor to the NBC Today show and Alternative medicine: Acupuncture, meal preparation and cleaning are not cov- covers is to talk to your health care pro- author of “The Savvy Senior” book. chiropractic services (except to fix sub- ered either unless you are receiving hos- vider, visit Medicare.gov/coverage and luxation of the spine), and other types of pice care. But a few Medicare Advantage type in your test, item or service, or down- Senior Digest • February 2020 13 SNAP Benefits and You

By Eric Bither 0270 to find out when they will be hosting For Senior Digest an event in your area. Once your application is received, DHS The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance is required to conduct a phone interview. Program (SNAP), formally know as Food If you are not able to take part in the in- Stamps, provided nutrition assistance to el- terview, you can name a trusted relative or igible individual s and families to offset the friend your “authorized representative” on high cost of nutritious food. Unfortunately, your application and have that person do many Rhode Island Seniors are missing out the interview for you. An authorized repre- on SNAP benefits, which can supplement sentative can also be authorized to use your their incomes and help them stay healthier SNAP card for shopping for you if you by making nutritious foods more afford- need assistance after you are approved for able. By eating healthier, seniors can low- SNAP benefits. Seniors that are on a fixed er their healthcare costs and improve their income, once they are accepted for SNAP, health at the same time, thereby helping the are on the SNAP program for two years, economy at the same time SNAP benefits and they do not need to submit additional are feeding seniors. paperwork during that time to remain on Photo courtesy foodbusinessnews.net Many people don’t like to go to the of- the program. fices of the Department of Human Services If you are over sixty (60), owning a car tation costs to medical appointments. and utilize local food pantries. In addition, (DHS) to complete the SNAP application. or your own home does not affect your For individuals accepted in the SNAP some seniors can use their EBT at certain The good news for seniors applying for ability for SNAP benefits. Moreover, for program, the benefits range from $16.00 to Subway Restaurants that belong to the SNAP is that a visit to DHS is not neces- most people, money in the bank does not $194.00 per individual depending on their Restaurant Meals Program. you can call sary. There are many ways to apply for the count against you for program eligibility. income and expenses. Each month, the URI SNAP Outreach for more information benefits. Neither do life insurance policies or retire- SNAP benefits are deposited on an EBT on this program at 1-866-306-0270. You can apply online if you have ac- ment accounts. card, which is like a debit card, and it can If you have tried to apply for SNAP and cess to a computer through the website There are additional rules for seniors that be used at most stores and several farmers had any problems or if you are receiving healthyrhode.ri.gov. You can get help in allow some to get additional SNAP ben- markets to buy food items. SNAP and question your benefit amount, applying at mots senior centers and the efits. Medical expenses can be used asa Getting SNAP benefits does not interfere please call RI Legal Services at (401) 274- local Community Action Program (CAP) credit to increase the amount of SNAP ben- with other programs many seniors use so 2652 for assistance. offices. The URI SNAP Outreach program efits. Medical expenses include healthcare SNAP recipients still qualify for Meals on conducts community events to sign people premiums, doctor visit copays, medication Wheels, Senior Farmers Market Vouchers, up, and you can contact them at 1-866-306- copays, medical equipment, and transpor- and they can also eat at senior meal sites When It’s Time to Take the Keys By Don Drake, LADC I, the age of 65 were unwilling to address the subject with Don Drake oversees Connelly Law’s Community Educa- Connelly Law Offices, Ltd. their parents even though they had concerns. Astonishing- tion Programming. He is a retired licensed clinician in the ly, 40 percent of this group felt more comfortable discuss- Commonwealth of Massachusetts with over three decades Well, it’s happened again, this time in Seekonk, Mas- ing funeral arrangements with their parents than broaching of experience working with older adults diagnosed with sachusetts. Three women were in the parking lot of the the subject of taking the keys. HIV/AIDS, substance abuse disorders, chronic homeless Ocean State Job Lot store when a 76-year-old man began The AARP offers a variety of driver safety refresher and mental illness. Prior to his retirement, he was the di- backing up and ran them over. According to one bystander, courses nationwide, as does the American Automobile rector of a unique treatment program for older adults with “He continued going backward and hit everybody and ev- Association (AAA). But what if the senior’s skills have histories of mental illness, cognitive disabilities, and ad- erything in his way.” regressed so much that such a refresher course would not diction at Shattuck Hospital in Boston. He was also a di- The three women were seriously injured, with one be- help? Then it’s time to have a discussion with them about rector at Steppingstone, Inc. in Fall River, Massachusetts ing pinned under the car. “The woman under the car kept giving up the keys. where he was the clinical trainer, program and curriculum saying ‘take the car off me. Please have someone take the Such a discussion needs to include evidence of the dete- developer for the agency and oversaw treatment program- car off me,’” said another witness. According to yet anoth- riorating driving skills such as traffic tickets, vehicle dam- ming for older adults. He has over 40 years of human ser- er person, the driver “didn’t seem to have any concept of age and reports by neighbors. If you struggle with this, vice and law enforcement experience and has worked as what just happened or what he had just done.” turn to someone the senior trusts such as clergy or a doctor. an administrator at programs in Boston, Hartford, Prov- Thankfully, all three women are expected to survive. Don’t go into the meeting with an attitude, making accusa- idence and Philadelphia, helping to structure, hire and Just days after the recent Seekonk crash, when the con- tory statements or frame taking this step as a punishment. train staff in providing behavioral and addictions treat- cern was raised yet again about the fitness of some elderly Remember, taking the keys is yet another loss in a senior’s ments to adolescent and adult clients. Drake also worked drivers to be on the roads, several older adults were heard life. as a trainer for the Massachusetts Department of Public calling a radio talk show citing a number of facts in their During this discussion, explain alternative ways of main- Health presenting training on QPR, a suicide prevention defense, one being that “teens are involved in far more taining their independence such as ride sharing programs curriculum for the general public, the Massachusetts crashes than seniors, so they should take their licenses or public transportation. In some cases, the car could be Council for Problem Gambling and the Crisis Prevention away, too.” withdrawn slowly, perhaps limiting use to non-busy times Institute, an international training organization that spe- This has been a statistic cited by seniors following near- or only during daylight hours. Keep in mind that you have cializes in the safe management of disruptive and assaul- tive behaviors. He is also a retired professional wrestler ly every one of these crashes. The statistic is true, if we just removed a major form of self-sufficiency and now you who is in the New England Professional Wrestling Hall of look at the number of accidents teens are involved in, but need to help them establish another way to be independent. Fame. Drake can be reached at Connelly Law Offices, Ltd. the real truth in numbers is when you factor in the mileage At Connelly Law, we have counseled several families at [email protected]. driven. In that case, mile for mile, seniors are involved in who had to have this discussion, but when it was over, they far more crashes than any other age group. reported a sense of peace for all concerned. In fact, one According to police records, fatal crashes begin to in- family told us their mother said some months later, “I don’t crease significantly for drivers 70-74 years of age and are know why I didn’t do this earlier; I actually feel relieved.” highest among those over 85 years of age. Of this group, males by far, have higher rates of fatalities. So why does this happen? Quite simply, it’s a function of aging. Fifty percent of older adults and 80 percent of those in their 70s suffer from maladies such as arthritis, causing joints to become inflamed resulting in limitations in turning, flexing and twisting, necessary skills when it comes to navigating the roadway. Medications also factor into the equation. Over 75 per- cent of drivers over 65 reports using one or more medica- tions but astonishingly, less than one-third of these drivers report that they were aware of the side effects of the drugs they were using. Given this knowledge, wouldn’t it make sense for fam- ily members to confront their loved one about what they are seeing and the concerns they have for them? Well, it may not be as easy as it sounds, in fact, it appears to be downright difficult. In a study reported by the American Association of Re- tired People (AARP), they found that adult children under Photo courtesy thehealthy.com 14 February 2020 • Senior Digest It’s Time to Prepare Your 2019 Taxes! It’s that time of year to for inflation, which helps prevent being pushed into a high- ically grant you six extra months to file your taxes if you prepare your 2019 income er tax bracket without an increase in real income. file Form 4868 by 4/15/2020.Note: the extension gives you tax return, which you need • Your medical expenses need to be greater than 10% extra time to file your return, but does not give you extra to file by 4/15/2020. First, (versus 7.5%) of your adjusted gross income in order to time to pay your taxes. You must estimate the taxes owed review your 2018 federal deduct medical expenses. and pay this amount by 4/15/2020 or you will be penal- Form 1040 individual in- • The individual mandate requiring health insurance ized. Per the IRS, filing your return electronically is faster, come tax return and sup- coverage has been repealed for 2019 tax returns so you safer and more accurate. Consider using direct deposit so porting documents. Make a will not be penalized if you don’t have health care cover- you will receive your refund quicker. There are a number list of all tax forms that you age. Note that some states, including Massachusetts, still of options for low and moderate-income taxpayers to file received last year to prepare have their own individual mandate. your taxes for free, including the IRS Free File program, your 2018 tax return and up- • The alimony deduction has been eliminated for divorc- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and AARP’s Founda- date this list for any changes es signed after 12/31/2018. The payer is no longer allowed tion Tax-Aide. in 2019. Now, gather your to take a deduction for alimony payments and the payee is Looking Ahead 2019 tax forms that you no longer required to claim the alimony as income. The Secure Act passed in late December 2019 and made have received in the mail or • The estate tax in 2019 only applies to individual estates significant changes to the retirement system with the goal online. Review all 2019 tax By greater than $11.4 million. of helping people save more. Provisions affecting seniors forms upon receipt for errors Elizabeth Standard Deduction include delaying required minimum distributions until age and request corrections if Carroll versus Itemizing Deductions 72 (versus 70 ½) for those who turn 70 ½ after 12/31/2019, needed. The IRS lets you choose to take the standard deduction removal of the age cap for individuals with wage income The most common tax or itemize your deductions. The standard deduction is the to contribute to traditional IRAs and changes to inherited forms that you might receive amount you can deduct from income if you don’t itemize. retirement accounts. include 1099-SSA (Social Security), 1099-INT (interest The amount depends on your filing status.TCJA increased Tax preparation does not have to be a yearly stressful income), 1099-DIV (dividend income and capital gains) the standard deduction, meaning fewer people will choose event. Organize your tax-related receipts and documents and 1099-R (pension, retirement plan, IRA or annuity pay- to itemize. In 2019, the standard deduction for a married throughout the year. Make tax preparation and filing easier ments). couple filing jointly is $24,400 ($12,200 for a single filer). and less stressful this year. 2019 Updates The standard deduction is $1,300 higher for those over 65 The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 introduced a new tax or those who are blind. Like the standard deduction, item- Beth Carroll is a CPA and a Certified Daily Money form for tax year 2019 for seniors aged 65 and older. Form izing deductions also reduces your taxable income. Char- Manager. Her company, Cornerstone Money Manage- 1040-SR is a simplified and easier to read version of Form itable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest, ment, LLC, helps seniors in their homes with billpay, fi- 1040 with lines for specific retirement income, including and state and local taxes are the most common itemized nancial organization and cash flow management. You may Social Security benefits, IRA distributions, pensions and deductions. Itemizing your deductions takes more time, reach her at [email protected] or 401- annuities. requiring you to gather and save documentation to support 323-4895. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) introduced the deductions. Choose the larger of the standard deduction major changes to the tax code. The following items may or the total of your itemized deductions to benefit most. affect seniors for the 2019 tax year: File Your Taxes • The income tax bracket thresholds have been adjusted File your taxes by April 15, 2020. The IRS will automat- Sign Up for Advocacy Day and Make Your Voice Heard While there has been a lot been talked about include of positive news recently Alzheimer’s workforce development ini- about Alzheimer’s research Updates tiatives for certified nursing and hope for the future, assistants (CNAs) working those caring for someone in elder-care settings, and a living with the disease are bill pertaining to dementia dealing with burdens and care coordination within the frustrations in the here and Rhode Island Department now. of Health. There are a lot of indi- Check-in and registra- viduals in this category: in tion for Advocacy Day is at Rhode Island alone, there 2:00 p.m., with a speaking are a reported 23 million program and press event to people living with the dis- begin at 2:15 p.m. Meetings ease and 53,000 caregivers with legislators have been – and both of those numbers scheduled between 3:00 are continuing to rise. and 4:00 p.m., with the day And while the ultimate By culminating with the Alz- goal is to find a cure for Donna Kirwan heimer’s Association Rhode Alzheimer’s disease, there Island Chapter being recog- are issues affecting the daily nized on both the House and Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee greets state Senator Cynthia Coyne prior to the start of lives of those living with the disease and Senate floors. last year’s Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Day at the State House. Courtesy photo. their caregivers that need to be addressed. Special speakers for the press event in- Some of these issues, such as having access clude Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee, to more and better care and services, would a caregiver affected by younger-onset benefit from legislative action, and that’s Alzheimer’s disease, Executive Director where we need your help. The Alzheimer’s Donna McGowan of the Alzheimer’s As- Association Rhode Island Chapter holds an sociation Rhode Island Chapter, and sev- Advocacy Day each year at the Rhode Is- eral legislative champions. land State House, and we are looking for State governments are increas- people to join us with their voices and sup- ingly on the front lines in address- port. ing the Alzheimer’s crisis, the care and This year’s Advocacy Day will be held support needs of families facing the dis- on Tuesday, March 3rd. The event will fea- ease, and its impact on local economies, ture discussion about Alzheimer’s disease so your input is valuable to our elected and its impact on Rhode Island and its res- officials. idents, and the roll out of state legislative Anyone interested in attending Advo- priorities for 2020 that relate to the disease. cacy Day and having their voice heard The Advocacy Day will provide oppor- can register online at alz.org/ri under tunities for advocates to meet face-to-face Advocacy or contact Eric Creamer, direc- with their state elected officials and policy- tor of public policy for the Alzhiemer’s makers and share personal stories of how Association Rhode Island Chapter, at er- Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives. Ad- [email protected] to sign up. vocates will also have a chance to rally be- hind several pieces of legislation, including Donna Kirwan is the Communications a bill to expand access to in-home services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Associa- to those diagnosed with younger-onset Alz- tion® Rhode Island Chapter. heimer’s who are under 65 years-old. Other legislative proposals that have Senior Digest • February 2020 15

File Early, Pre-empt Identity-Theft Tax Fraud With tax-filing season a compromised. The AARP imposters. In this scam, con artists imper- Fraudsters also have been similarly prime time for identity theft Fraud Watch Network rec- sonating IRS agents telephone people and spoofing local sheriff’s offices, state- De scammers to prey on unsus- ommends: tell them that they are in serious trouble for partment of Motor Vehicles, federal agen- pecting consumers, I want to • Mail tax returns direct- non-payment of back taxes. The targets are cies and others to convince taxpayers the pass along some important ly from the post office. If aggressively threatened with police arrest, call is legitimate. IRS employees at TAC information from the AARP filing electronically, use a court action or confiscation of property un- offices do not make calls to taxpayers to de- Fraud Watch Network. It’s a secure network and encrypt. less they make immediate payment. The mand payment of overdue tax bills. The IRS suggestion that submitting • Stay safe online. Do FWN’s advertising and an online video reminds taxpayers it typically initiates most your tax return as soon as is not respond to emails that emphasize that that legitimate IRS repre- contacts through regular mail delivered by practical can greatly reduce appear to be from the IRS, sentatives do not call to demand immediate the United States Postal Service. you chance of being victim- and never click on links. payment, threaten arrest or demand imme- I would like to remind you that taxpay- ized by a fraudulent return. The IRS does not send un- diate payment via credit or debit card. ers who need filing assistance and cannot The IRS reports that tax- solicited, tax-account relat- I visited the IRS Web site and found this afford a tax preparation service may take payers have been losing as ed emails and never asks for recent update on how the scam has esca- advantage of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. much as $3 billion annually personal and financial infor- lated: Now in its 52nd year, Tax-Aide is the na- to tax-related identity theft. mation. In the latest version of the phone scam, tion’s largest free tax assistance service and This scam occurs when a • Protect your personal criminals claim to be calling from a local is offered in more than 5,000 locations na- fraudster steals your Social information. Never store IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) of- tionwide and a dozen or so here in Rhode Security number and files a tax return in important account numbers or data in purs- fice. Scam artists have programmed their Island. For more information, visit www. your name to claim a fraudulent refund. es or wallets, or on smartphones. Use a computers to display the TAC telephone aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARP- The recommendation is that taxpayers shredder for paper documents, and install number, which appears on the taxpayer’s NOW (1-888-227-7669). file their returns as soon as they receive a locking mailbox. Caller ID when the call is made. Finally, last month I wrote in this space all of the necessary paperwork. Of course, If you think you may have been target- If the taxpayer questions their demand that our annual Capitol Caregiver awards none of us are eager to work on our tax re- ed by an ID theft scheme, refer to the IRS for tax payment, they direct the taxpayer will take place at the State House in early turns, but if you procrastinate until close to Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft (https:// to IRS.gov to look up the local TAC office April. In fact, the event is now set to take the filing deadline you are giving an iden- www.irs.gov/uac/taxpayer-guide-to-identi- telephone number to verify the phone num- place March 31. Visit aarp.org/ri for details. tity thief the maximum amount of time to ty-theft) and report it to your local police. ber. The crooks hang up, wait a short time steal your personal information and file a You also may report suspected identity and then call back a second time, and they Kathleen Connell is State Director of fraudulent return. theft to the RI Attorney General’s consum- are able to fake or “spoof” the Caller ID AARP Rhode Island. Find helpful resourc- While consumers must be constantly er protection unit via email consumers@ to appear to be the IRS office calling. After es for caregivers and their families at www. vigilant to guard against falling victim to riag.ri.gov or by calling 401-274-4400. the taxpayer has “verified” the call num- aarp.org/RICaregiving. identity theft, the good news is that there The Fraud Watch Network also is con- ber, the fraudsters resume their demands are simple steps you can take to prevent ducting a public outreach campaign this for money, generally demanding payment your personal information from becoming season to warn residents about the IRS on a debit card. Challenges for Seniors in 2020 The census bureau re- Medical colleges state there mer’s patients is rising each day at stag- agencies can improve a senior’s quality of ported, for the first time in will be a shortage of up to gering numbers. (c) Economic Hardships. life. Yes, seniors have legitimate concerns history, senior citizens are 122,000. It just won’t be Older adults now find themselves work- and well-founded worries, but with many expected to overtake the physicians; there will also ing well into their 80’s in some cases by new tools and technology there is hope the population lead in less than be a nurse shortage. Rural choice; in some other cases due to financial future could be brighter. It won’t be long two decades. In 2034 there settings in our country will needs. Senior hunger and poverty are huge before the politicians will be knocking at will be 77 million seniors even be more strained for challenges in today’s world. Seniors are your door based on 2020 being an election (age 65 and older). The physicians and nurses than not eating healthy because of food costs or year; you know--the people who only show growth of seniors doesn’t it is now. (b) Cost of Care. not having enough money for food and pre- up once a year. Instead of doughnuts, ask end here. According to the Nursing homes & assisted scriptions. (d) Social concerns. Every day them what they are doing to make your life Kaiser Foundation, people living facilities can be cost- there is more information being learned less stressful. ages 80 and older will triple ly, but home care is equal- on the loneliness and isolation of seniors. to about 31 million between ly costly and for the most With more seniors worrying where their Kathleen Heren is executive director of 2020 and 2050. These sta- By part they are not covered next meal will come from or will they out- the Rhode Island Long-Term Care State tistics are quite impressive Kathleen Heren by Medicare or Medicaid. live their savings, it’s only predictable that Ombudsman Office. Contact her at (401) but will their quality of life Many adult children are grief, loneliness and depression will set in. 785-3340 or 888-351-0808. be any better than today? Let’s look at caring for parents or grandparents at the This has also led to seniors abusing alcohol the challenges facing seniors in 2020: (a) expense of their own careers and families. and opioid use. Physician Shortage. A growing senior pop- Alzheimer patients can live up to 20 years As depressing as this may sound, only the ulation will require a surge of physicians. with the disease. The number of Alzhei- healthcare system and community outreach 16 February 2020 • Senior Digest Reasons to File a 2019 Tax Return By Meg Chevalier gov. Taxpayers need to file a tax return to claim the EITC. While many people are required to file Child tax credit or a tax return, it’s a good idea for everyone credit for other dependents to determine if they should file. Some Taxpayers can claim the child tax people with low income are not required credit if they have a qualifying child un- to file, but will need to do so if they can der the age of 17 and meet other qualifi- get a tax refund. cations. Other taxpayers may be eligible Here are five tips for taxpayers who for the credit for other dependents. This are deciding whether to file a tax return: includes people who have: Find out the general reasons to file • Dependent children who are age 17 In most cases, income, filing status or older at the end of 2019 and age determine if a taxpayer must • Parents or other qualifying individu- file a tax return. Other rules may apply if als they support the taxpayer is self-employed or can be The Child-Related Tax Benefits tool claimed as a dependent of someone else. can help people determine if they quali- There are other reasons when a taxpayer fy for these two credits. must file. The Interactive Tax Assistant Education credits on the IRS.gov can help someone deter- There are two higher education cred- mine if they need to file a return. its that reduce the amount of tax some- Look at tax withheld or paid one owes on their tax return. One is the Here are a few questions for taxpayers American opportunity tax credit and the to ask themselves: other is the lifetime learning credit. The East Bay Community Action Program is a private, non-profit 501 • Did the taxpayer’s employer with- taxpayer, their spouse or their dependent (c) (3) corporation that provides a wide array of health and hu- hold federal income tax from their pay? must have been a student enrolled at man services to the residents of Rhode Island’s East Bay, including • Did the taxpayer make estimated tax least half time for one academic period the municipalities of East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, payments? to qualify. The taxpayer may qualify for Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and • Did they overpay last year, and have one of these credits even if they don’t Jamestown. it applied to this year’s tax? owe any taxes. Form 8863, Education If the answer is “yes” to any of these Credits is used to claim the credit when questions, they could be due a refund. filing the tax return. They must file a tax return to get their For more information, please visit money. www.irs.gov. Look into whether they can claim the earned income tax credit Meg Chevalier is a senior tax special- A working taxpayer who earned less ist in the Providence office of the Inter- than $55,592 last year could receive the nal Revenue Service. To contact or ask EITC as a tax refund. They must qualify her a question, e-mail miguelina.y.che- and may do so with or without a qualify- [email protected]. ing child. They can check eligibility by using the 2019 EITC Assistant on IRS.

Deciding Where to Retire Bankrate’s study of the best and worst need to get to know the area in person. states for retirement pegs Nebraska, Iowa, Go there. Stay as long as you can, at Missouri, South Dakota and Florida as the least through a vacation. Make contacts. top five. It’s easy to just take a list such as Call real estate agents and tour homes to this and call the movers, but it’s the details see what you can get in your price range. that matter. Contact the medical center and see if they All 50 states in the study were ranked have what you need. (Check Hospital in terms of affordability, crime, culture, Compare on medicare.gov.) Read the local weather and wellness. newspaper. Nebraska, at the top of the list, had a rat- Visit the police department and ask ing of only 14 for affordability but did well about crime, as opposed to believing a on the other criteria. study. Check the nearest college for senior Missouri, third on the list, was No. 1 for classes. Drive around and look for de- affordability, but only average or below pressed areas. Is there a senior center with To Advertise in average ratings on the other benchmarks. interesting activities? Kentucky, at No. 6, came in at a respect- Do the math. Can you afford your new able 9 for both affordability and crime. Its location? Are there part-time work options downfall was culture, which rated only a if you need more money? 46. Deciding where to retire really does At the bottom of the list, while New mean visiting the location and doing your Please Contact Tom Reily York scored very high for culture, it had homework. the worst affordability rating. So, how to decide where to retire? Not (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc. at 508-336-6633, ext. 337 with a list like this. To pinpoint a location where you’ll be happy in retirement, you King Features Weekly Service Senior Digest • February 2020 17 February 29, 2016

1. LITERATURE:1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the motto What of river “The flows Three Musketeers” CLUES ACROSS through the Grand Canyon? in the 19th century2. novel?MUSIC: Who sang the pop hit 1. Cleans the floors 2. MUSIC: What“School’s were Out”?the first names of the Allman brothers? 3. LANGUAGE: What is the subject 5. Pouch 3. GENERALstudied KNOWLEDGE: in zythology? New York City is divided into 4. MOVIES: In “Ace Ventura: Pet 8. One of the Three how many boroughs?Detective,” what kind of creature was 4. GEOGRAPHY:Jim Carrey What looking is the capital for? of Malaysia? Bears 5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a 5. HISTORY:group Which of was ants thecalled? first U.S. state to be admitted to the 12. Admitting 6. MATH: What is the name of an union after the originalangle that 13 is states more werethan 90admitted? degrees but customers 6. MATH: Whatless thanis the 180 first degrees? number in which the letter “a” ap- 7. HISTORY: Which country gave 13. Time of your life? pears in its spelling?the Statue of Liberty to the United States? 14. Change for a five 7. GEOLOGY:8. What INVENTIONS: kind of rock Who likely invented would the form at the bot- 15. Draped dress tom of a river? mercury thermometer? 9. CHEMISTRY: What element does 16. Sailor 8. U.S. PRESIDENTS:the Br symbol Which stand president for? once worked as a fash- ion model? 10. ANCIENT WORLD: Which key 17. Western state figure in the Trojan War was described 9. MOVIES: inHow literature many aspeople having were “the killed face inthat the 1996 movie launched a thousand ships”? 18. Deceptive “Scream”? Answers 20. Melody 10. FAMOUS 1.QUOTATIONS: Colorado Which ancient Roman philoso- 22. Lengthwise, to 2. Alice Cooper pher once said, “Every3. Beer newand beer beginning making comes from other begin- 16-Across nings’ end”? 4. A dolphin 5. Colony 26. In spades 6. Obtuse 7. France Solutions on page 18 King Features Weekly Service 29. Actress Farrow 8. Gabriel Fahrenheit February 1, 2016 9. Bromine 30. Mai -- (cocktail) 10. Helen of Troy 31. Exceptional © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. 32. Corral 33. Check By Samantha Weaver 34. Film trickery, 54. Hearty brew 10. Shade of green 35. Cookie container 55. Surmounting * It was Nigerian• It was Americanpoet and novelistjournalist Ben and Okripoet who made the for short 11. Shade of blonde 36. Deity following sageMax observation: Eastman who “Beware made the of thefollow stories- you read or 35. One of the Brady 19. Plaything 38. Ballerina in tell; subtly, ingat night, sage beneathobservation: the waters “People of consciousness,who they demand neutrality in any situation are Bunch CLUES DOWN 21. Actress Merkel “Fantasia” are altering usuallyyour world.” not neutral but in favor of the 36. Cartoonist Trudeau 1. Rolling stone’s lack 23. Make corrections 39. Ginormous * Romansstatus thought quo.” that roses could prevent drunkenness. 2. Colorful fish * The neon• signWhen was you invented were in school,in France you in may 1910, but the first 37. Everywhere 24. Equitable 42. Last write-up one didn’t comehave hadto the to Unitedmemorize States the untilnames 1923. of That was the 3. Graceful woman all 50 states. You probably weren’t 40. Surround 25. Wee 43. “Finding --” year a car dealership in Los Angeles put up two brightly lit 4. Cold symptom taught, though, that fully half of those 41. Attachments 26. St. Louis landmark 44. Flight component “Packard” signs.names Theare derivednovelties from literally the languages stopped traffic in the 45. Blunder 5. Attendant of streets. of the continent’s native peoples. 27. Creche trio 45. That girl * Those who• The study declarations such things that thesay physical that China gets more 47. Rowing need Bacchus book is dead have been overstated (as 28. Annoyingly proper 46. Fond du --, Wis. earthquakes than any other country. 49. Help in crime 6. -- Khan I’ve always maintained). In a recent 32. Internet radio 48. Have something * Medicalsurvey specialists of college say that students, the true definition72 per- of an insom- 50. Padlock fastener 7. Foolproof niac is someonecent ofwho respondents wants to gomade to sleep known but their can’t. If you can’t provider preference for print textbooks over 51. Oilfield structure 8. 100 pence go to sleep ebooks;but aren’t only really 27 percent trying of anyway, this youth the- term doesn’t 9. Enemy of an 33. Numbers to be apply to you.ful, tech-savvy demographic said they 52. Fourth dimension preferred the electronic version. 53. Vocal comeback “army”? crunched Solution on page 18 * Pure water doesn’t conduct electricity; in fact, it’s an in- sulator. It’s the• Those impurities who study in water such things that conduct report electricity -- that beloved British author Charles making it a Dickensbad idea wasto use adamant a hair dryerthat he in alwaysthe shower. There are undergroundsleep lakes with so purehis headthat youpointing can safelynorth. change a light HOROSCOPES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 bulb in them.He even carried a compass with him everywhere to ensure proper position- * The old Pony Express has been romanticized in modern ARIES lightening. Don’t let your anger con- you further your goals. Try to make ing. times, but it’s rarely pointed out that it was a financial failure. (March 21-April 20) sume you and don’t allow important arrangements with close friends or • If you’re a fan of James Bond, you The mail deliverymay be service surprised actually to learn lost thatan averageIan of $13 for Underhandedness regarding matters go unattended to. Organize relatives to spend a few days away. every item itFleming, carried. the creator of that notori- legal matters or contracts must be all the responsibilities that have to be Be aware that minor accidents or in- ous character, also wrote the beloved * According to a number of psychological surveys and stud- counteracted. Groups you belong to attended to and make sure everyone jury may prevail if you are preoccu- children’s book “Chitty-Chitty-Bang- ies, men haveBang,” more based friends on bedtimeearly in storieslife, while the women have will not only enjoy your company, knows what to do. pied. more friendsauthor when made they’re up forolder. his young son. but they will also share your inter- • If you’re traveling in China and ests. Opportunities to make finan- VIRGO (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) CAPRICORN * All tortoisespropose are a turtles, toast inbut someone’s not all turtles honor, are tortoises. cial gains through investments look You’re on the right track (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) *** be sure you’re holding the glass with Thought bothfor the hands; Day: only “When rude you’re people traveling, — and you are what promising. You may need to lend an and you can make money if Seminars will provide you unenlightened foreigners — use just you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to ear to an old friend. you are willing to go out on a limb. with knowledge and amusement. You one hand. hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” -- William Least Your attitudes at work will open new will find their philosophies worth ex- • Clyde Barrow was already a noto- TAURUS avenues for you. Visit friends or rel- Heat-Moonrious criminal when he wrote a letter ploring. Deep discussions may only to Henry Ford in 1934 complimenting (April 21-May 21) atives who have been confirmed. In- lead to friction. You may find your- (c) 2020 Kinghim on Features the “dandy” Synd., automobile Inc. he’d Any difficulties with peers vest wisely. Your personal life could self in an uncomfortable situation if made. The Ford V-8 was Barrow’s pre- could be unnerving. Cultural activ- have you tied up in knots. you have overloaded your plate un- ferred getaway car. Just a month later, FunBonnie andBy Clyde The were killedNumbers in a sto- ities open your eyes to new ways intentionally. len Ford Deluxe V-8 in a shootout with of doing things. Sort situations out LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Like puzzles?police. Then you’ll love Sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the mo- as best you can. Watch your spend- Take a different approach; AQUARIUS *** ment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your ing habits. Pleasure trips or friendly make an offer they just can’t (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) Thought for the Day: “The Sudoku savvymost to potent the test! weapon in the hands get-togethers will be satisfying and refuse. You will be in a high cycle Insincere gestures of friend- of the oppressor is the mind of the intellectually stimulating. regarding work. You are best not to liness are likely to occur. Your anger oppressed.” — Steve Biko confide in anyone right now. Don’t may be impossible to contain if you © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) be too confident that coworkers are get into debates with family mem- Your irritability may drive on your side. bers. Do some research if you want to your loved ones crazy. You find information that you can apply could be tempted to overspend on SCORPIO against the opposition you face. You unnecessary items. You should get (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) can make wonderful contributions to involved in competitive sports this Go out with close friends any organization that you join. month. Your diplomacy will be of ut- who understand your situation and most importance this month. your needs. Take time to look at PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) any outdated papers or possible in- Reciprocate by offering CANCER (June 22-July 22) vestments. Keep your cash in your helpful hints. Do a little inves- Love can be yours if you pocket and offer them sound advice tigating if there is someone at work get out and about. Don’t lend rather than your financial assistance. you don’t trust. Check into art objects or borrow money or belongings. You You will be able to dazzle others with or precious stones. You can do well in may as well work on projects that your obvious charm and your outgo- group endeavors. Communications will allow you to make progress. Pro- ing nature. with loved ones may be strained. Here’s How It Works: You can figure out the order ceed with caution if operating equip- Sudoku puzzles are for- in which the numbers will ment or vehicles. SAGITTARIUS matted as a 9x9 grid, broken appear by using the numeric (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) down into nine 3x3 boxes. To clues already provided in the LEO (July 23-Aug. 23) Your lover may be annoyed solve a Sudoku, the numbers boxes. The more numbers Don’t try to hide your true if you have been flirtatious or not at- 1 through 9 must fill each you name, the easier it gets feelings from your mate. Trav- tentive to their needs. You will also row, column and box. Each to solve the puzzle! el for business or pleasure will be en- encounter individuals who can help number can appear only once in each row, column and box. Solutions on page 18

18 February 2020 • Senior Digest

(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc. Synd., Features King 2020 (c)

10. Seneca 10.

9. Seven 9.

8. Gerald Ford Ford Gerald 8.

7. Sedimentary 7.

6. 1,000 6.

5. Vermont 5.

4. Kuala Lumpur Kuala 4.

3. Five 3.

2. Duane and Gregg and Duane 2.

1. One for all, and all for one for all and all, for One 1. Answers:

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Radio Golf Continued from page11

to discuss a piece of literature inspired by Trinity Repertory Company the show on stage at Trinity Rep. For Ra- Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning dio Golf, the club will read How I Learned theater, Trinity Rep has created unparal- What I Learned, an autobiographical play leled professional theater for and with its by August Wilson. Books are available to community since its founding in 1963. purchase through Symposium Books. Trinity Rep strives to facilitate human On March 1, 2020 Trinity Rep Direc- connection and has been a driving force tor of Community Engagement Michelle behind the creativity that fuels and defines Cruz will lead a Sunday Dinner which will the region for more than 50 years. celebrate African-American tradition, mu- Trinity Rep is committed to reinventing sic, and history – and the work of August the public square and inspiring dialogue Wilson. At 6:00 pm, following the closing by creating emotionally-stimulating live performance of Radio Golf, attendees will productions that range from classical to meet for a curated dinner featuring food contemporary and innovative education from Black farmers from Pittsburgh and programs for all ages and abilities. Its an- New England, while discussing August nual production of A Christmas Carol has Wilson and Radio Golf. Tickets must be brought families together for more than purchased in advance. Find out more at four decades and made memories for over www.trinityrep.com/radiogolf. a million audience members. The 2019-20 Season Sponsors are Ocean For more information on our 2019-20 State Job Lot and Rhode Island Council on Season, call the box office at (401) 351- the Arts. The 2019-20 Season supporting 4242 or visit Trinity Rep’s website at sponsor is The Providence Tourism Coun- www.TrinityRep.com. cil. Southwest Airlines is the official air- line of Trinity Rep. Alzheimer’s Association is Seeking Participants for “Advocacy Day” Registration open through March 2, 2020 Providence, RI – The Alzheimer’s Asso- how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives ciation Rhode Island Chapter will host an and discuss their needs for support and ser- Advocacy Day at the state capitol on Tues- vices. day, March 3, 2020 to discuss Alzheimer’s The public will hear from elected of- disease and its impact on Rhode Island. ficials about updates on legislative bills The Chapter is also seeking participants and proposals, as well as from caregivers to register as advocates and help lobby for sharing their personal experiences and legislation related to the care, treatment concerns. and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Opportunities are also available for ven- According to the Alzheimer’s Associ- dors to set up tables inside the State House ation 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & on Advocacy Day. For more information Figures report, there are 23,000 people liv- on reserving a table, contact Eric Cream- ing with Alzheimer’s and 53,000 Alzhei- er at [email protected] or call 401-859- mer’s caregivers in Rhode Island. These 2334. numbers are expected to rise. To register as an advocate, visit: https:// The Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy www.communityresourcefinder.org/Re- Day will provide opportunities for advo- sourceView/Index?id=1653745 cates to meet face-to-face with their state To learn more about the local ad- elected officials. Advocates can share their vocacy program, visit alz.org/ri or call personal stories with state policymakers of 1.800.272.3900. Senior Digest • February 2020 19 Create Hearty Meals to Time Management Offset February Winds Strategies Can Ease Now’s a good time to es- Slow Cooker cape the end-of-winter dol- Creamy Corn Chowder Caregiver Burden Responsibilities of fam- don’t waste time or energy on drums. Head to the kitchen Taking and cook up some delicious 2 (16-ounce) cans ily caregivers typically in- unimportant things. dishes. whole kernel corn, clude chauffeuring, shop- Care • Be flexible about plans Use the cast-iron skillet drained (see note) ping, running errands, and expectations, since your you inherited, or the gift 3 medium potatoes paying bills, coordinating relative’s needs and, conse- one you received for the (red skin or Yukon gold), medical and other ap- quently, your energy level are holidays, to make a one- chopped pointments, yard work, likely to vary/fluctuate. pot chicken-rice dish that’s 1 medium onion, home maintenance, house- Adapt Activities super easy. And there’s less chopped keeping, preparing meals, of Daily Living to clean up at the end of the Salt and pepper to taste managing medication and • If you don’t already have meal. And while the recipe 2 cups chicken broth assisting with personal one, get an answering ma- calls for chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon butter care. It’s easy to become chine to screen calls. you can use thighs if you overwhelmed by all of the • Concentrate home clean- prefer dark meat. Combine corn, potatoes, demands. ing and tidying efforts on the The tough cast iron pan onion, salt, pepper, and There don’t seem to be By rooms that are used the most. is versatile. It’s good for broth in slow cooker. Cov- enough hours in the day Lisa M. Petsche • Collect recipes for one- meats, and also for cara- er and cook on LOW for 6 to get everything done, let dish meals, such as casse- melizing vegetables, and to 8 hours. Puree in blender alone spend time with oth- roles, stews, stir fries and for making sensational baked goods. Be- or food processor. (Or leave as is, or puree er important people (such as a spouse) or main course salads. cause cast iron heats up quickly and cooks half of mixture.) Return to pot. Stir in milk devote time to self-care. • Cook double batches of recipes and evenly, foods brown and caramelize rather and butter; cover and cook on HIGH 30 If you are a caregiver, read on for prac- freeze half for later use. than sweat. It also goes from stovetop to minutes longer. tical ways to save time in order to manage • Keep a supply of heat-and-serve en- oven and back. Note: You can use frozen corn, or fresh the stress inherent in your role. trees in the freezer. On another day, use your slow cooker in season. Get Help • Buy convenience foods that reduce to make a comforting corn chowder using • Accept offers of help. preparation time: packaged salads, shred- canned corn or frozen corn kernels. Add • If offers of help aren’t forthcoming, ded cheese and boneless chicken breasts, some protein to the soup if you’d like, such take the initiative and ask other family for example. as cooked ham, shrimp, or bacon. Mix it in members to share the load. Be specific • Order takeout meals periodically; just to the soup shortly before it’s ready. You about the kind of assistance you need. ensure choices are healthy. can also choose to puree whole or half of • Investigate available community re- • Arrange with the bank for direct depos- the mixture, or to keep it chunky, as is. spite services, such as friendly visiting, it of pension and other checks and auto- Because this hearty soup is so filling and adult day care programs and residential matic withdrawal of regular bills. nutritious, all you need alongside are bread facilities that offer short-term care. Also • Sign up for telephone banking or Inter- and a salad. look into volunteer driver programs and net banking so you can pay bills, transfer Speaking of bread, here’s a bread recipe Photo courtesy scibosnian.com accessible transportation services that can money and check balances from home. that you can make in a mug in the micro- free you up from chauffeuring duties. In- • Shop by mail order whenever possible. wave. In just a few minutes, you’ll have 90-Second Bread in a Mug formation on these and other resources can • Take advantage of stores and other a flavorful bread to slice and enjoy with be obtained from the local office on aging. services that offer home delivery – for ex- butter or by itself. Because it’s made with Hire Help ample, grocery stores, drug stores and dry almond flour, it’s also gluten-free, if that • Pay for help if you can afford it – for cleaners. is an issue. example, a dog walker, housecleaning ser- • Research mobile services in your area, Here’s to spring on the way! vice, grounds keeping service, handyman such as foot care or phlebotomy (taking or accountant. blood) if the care receiver requires one Skillet Chicken with Rice & Veggies • Hire a professional organizer if you’re or both on a regular basis, dental hygiene overwhelmed by paper or general clutter. services, hairdressing, dog grooming, car 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • If finances permit, hire a companion washing and detailing, and automobile ser- (or boneless thighs) or personal support worker for your rela- vicing and repair. 1/2 teaspoon salt tive so you can regularly get out to a club, • Keep to-do lists, consolidate errands Freshly ground black pepper, to taste class or some other leisure activity. Let and avoid peak use times of the day, week 1 teaspoon garlic powder loved ones know that a gift certificate to and month when visiting stores, banks, 1 teaspoon dried parsley a home healthcare agency or an IOU for government offices and other establish- 2 tablespoons butter respite care would be welcomed for special ments. 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice occasions. 2 1/4 cups chicken broth Streamline and Prioritize Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social 1 teaspoon lemon zest • Curb perfectionism. Not everything worker and a freelance writer specializing Photo courtesy Portia Little 3 tablespoons lemon juice needs to be done to a high standard; take in boomer and senior health matters. She 2 cups broccoli florets 1 tablespoon butter housework and yard maintenance, for ex- has personal experience with family care- 1 lemon, sliced thin for garnish 1/3 cup almond flour ample. Set a time limit for chores if nec- giving. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg essary. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • Establish and stick to priorities, so you Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic Pinch salt powder, and parsley. In large cast-iron skil- let with lid, melt butter over medium-high Place butter in microwave-safe mug. heat. Cook chicken in butter until browned Microwave until melted, 15 to 30 seconds. on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Swirl mug until fully coated. Combine al- Transfer to a plate. mond flour, egg, baking powder, and salt Add rice to pan and stir about 1 minute in mug; whisk until smooth. Microwave to lightly toast rice. Increase heat to high. on HIGH until set, about 90 seconds. Cool Add chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, slightly before removing from mug. Let scraping to release any brown bits from cool for 2 minutes before slicing. bottom of pan. When rice comes to a boil, (Adapted from recipe from Allrecipes. reduce heat to a low simmer, and cover com) pan. When rice has cooked for 10 minutes, Portia Little is the author of theme gift remove lid. Return seared chicken to pan, cookbooks, including Bread Pudding arranging on top of rice, along with broc- Bliss; The Easy Vegetarian; New England coli and lemon slices. Cover and cook for Seashore Recipes & Rhyme; Lusty Limer- 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked icks & Luscious Desserts; Finger Lakes through, and rice and broccoli are tender. Food, Fact & Fancy; and Recipes, Roses Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and serve. & Rhyme; and Cooking with Coffee. Visit Serves 4 generously. her website, www.portialittle.com. 20 February 2020 • Senior Digest