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LLI TIMES OLLI AT FSU’S MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE

www.olli.fsu.edu

FEBRUARY 2021 OLLI VOLUNTEERS CLOCK OVER 4000 HOURS IN COVID DOMINATED YEAR; TIME VALUED AT MORE THAN $105,000 FOR 2020

In a year driven by an unprecedented “It shows the commitment and pandemic, OLLI members came incredible resiliency of our members,” through by volunteering more than she added. 4,000 hours for 2020. This number of hours includes 40 According to OLLI President and hours carried over from 2019 because “Keeper of the Hours” Harriet Waas, book club session leaders had not OLLI members reported 4162 hours of included their volunteer time when volunteer time. initially reported. "Considering the adjustments that had to be made from March to the end of Harriet Waas noted that “many of our last year—and which changes will members volunteer and do not realize continue at least through the spring-- that their efforts count as volunteer the number of hours reported by our hours. This year, we discovered that volunteers for 2020 is truly several members had prepared for and extraordinary" said Director Debra led a month book club meeting. We Herman. were able to report an additional 40 hours of unreported 2019 volunteer hourly wages of non-management, time! Have you planned for, nonagricultural workers.) scheduled, or led a Zoom meeting this year? YOU ARE A VOLUNTEER! For 2020, 117 volunteers reported When we are able to once again have 4162 hours. Valued at $25.43 per face-to-face meetings, do you plan to hours brings the total value of OLLI host an event at your home (such as the volunteers to $105,839. wonderful events sponsored by members of the OLLI Walking Club)? For 2018, the dollar value was YOU ARE A VOLUNTEER! Thank $156,683. For 2019, the dollar value you all for your outstanding service to exceeded 2018’s by more than OLLI - YOU make our organization a $25,000. better one for our members. Please keep this in mind and report those For 2019, 145 FSU volunteers reported volunteer hours!” 7341.42 hours—or 995 more hours than reported for 2018 just for FSU. Debra Herman said “what makes this The total dollar value for FSU alone is number of hours of volunteer service $186,683, or more than $30,000 than so astounding is that, because of last year’s FSU total. Six Panama City Covid, there was no annual picnic last volunteers reported 260 hours, for a April, no class hosts for ZOOM dollar value of $6611.80. Now that classes, no holiday party, no new Panama City is fully up and running, member welcome, no catalog more hours are expected to be reported mailouts, no showcases, among other a year from now. things that generate large volunteer efforts. Taking these matters into "But the number of hours is only what account only demonstrates how volunteers report. In actuality, there fervently committed are our OLLI are volunteers who don't report, and volunteers.” there are also volunteers who underreport their hours," according to According to the nonprofit leadership OLLI Director Herman. President and network Independent Sector, the “Keeper of the Hours" Harriet has been estimated value of an hour of volunteer hands-on in getting volunteers to time for 2019 was $25.43. This is the report their efforts on a monthly basis." same dollar amount used for 2020. she said. (The dollar value for each year is usually reported in March or April and Thus, "we are capturing more hours. is expected to be a bit higher than Still, whether all volunteer hours are $25.43. This figure is based on average being captured is an unanswered question," she noted. "The Osher accurately reported to Harriet Waas, Foundation requires strong volunteer our keeper of the volunteer hours," she efforts to qualify for its endowments, added. Placing a dollar value on and our volunteers have gone above volunteer time can serve organizations and beyond! Your work over the years in a variety of ways. Sometimes people has helped convince the Osher who can’t afford to give financially Foundation to give us two one-million- don’t realize that volunteering their dollar endowments, which are now time can have an equal or even greater invested in an FSU Foundation impact on an organization. account," Herman said. This hourly figure provides them with "The many clubs and committees we a powerful way to demonstrate the have wouldn't be possible without you. impact of lending a helping hand,” she You help support OLLI in so many said. ways--from planning field trips to Using this hourly figure, an mailing out course and activity organization can put a dollar value on schedules to hosting classes and the community support that it receives making new members welcome--and in the form of volunteer work. so much more," she added. Since volunteer hours were first "Volunteers are the lifeblood of this recorded in 2011, the following list organization. Without volunteers, we'd shows the number of hours for each be an entirely different-- and certainly year: 2011---4402.55; 2012---4648.05; less successful-organization. The 2013---3500.50; 2014---6262.15; value of volunteers cannot be 2015--- 5l35.45; 2016---5794.10; overstated," she noted. "Please make 2017---4336.0; 2018—6346; 2019--- sure your volunteer hours are 7601.42.

OLLI ANNUAL "GREAT GIVE" SCHOLARSHIP DRIVE TO BE LAUNCHED IN MARCH; SETS GOAL OF $5,000 The 2020 FSU Great Give campaign During this 24-hour period, OLLI and competition will begin on March members can go online at 10 for 24 hours. www.olli.fsu.edu and make a gift.

The FSU Great Give is an online “OLLI has exceeded its goal in past giving campaign that supports Great Gives and hope to do this again academic programs, scholarships and this year. With your help, we can student activities. reach our goal of at least $5,000 for our spread the word about OLLI; and programs and support,” said OLLI increase the payments our professional Director Debra Herman. instructors, among other options,” Director Herman said. Each year, OLLI at FSU awards Members of OLLI at FSU are scholarships to FSU students who have recognized for all types of gifts. For a been nominated by their professors, list of benefits, and whose studies are particularly see https://olli.fsu.edu/support-olli- relevant to OLLI members. fsu.

It is easy to contribute. During the 24- "This is a great way to say thanks to the hour period, OLLI members can go University for its continuing support online and make a gift. You can also for our OLLI at FSU program, so donate by visiting the OLLI at FSU please MARK YOUR website and clicking on the Support CALENDARS!! OLLI tab to make a contribution to OLLI's sustainability through the FSU More information will be forthcoming Foundation. as the Great Give period approaches," OLLI philanthropy takes many shapes. said Winnie Schmeling, OLLI's Supporters’ gifts sustain and build our Philanthropy Committee Co-Chair. organization in ways that expand For more information, contact Melissa course offerings, lecture series and Guest, OLLI Accounting other activities; maintain affordable Representative, at [email protected] or membership fees and tuition rates; Winnie Schmeling at fund scholarships for OLLI students; [email protected].

OLLI OFFICERS, ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS, SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP LEADERS TO CONTINUE SERVICE TO 2022

Because the pandemic precluded some Immediate Past President John officers from having to perform their Kilgore, announced all officers, responsibilities, OLLI Director Debra Advisory Council members and Herman, upon the suggestion of Special Interest Group leaders will President Harriet Waas, First Vice continue serving in their respective President Jack Mapstone, Second Vice capacities from April of this year President Bruce Bechard and through April 2022.

All members of the OLLI Leadership were not needed last year because we Team will remain in their positions as couldn’t meet face-to-face and relied long as they desire to do so. “I am so on ZOOM sessions. This is further thrilled that these officers are willing evidence of the incredible efforts of to continue for another year. Certain our volunteers to make OLLI a truly responsibilities, such as securing class rewarding experience for our seniors,” hosts and organizing our showcases, Herman said.

OLLI OFFERS TWO COVID-19 SPECIAL LECTURES PRIOR TO BEGINNING OF SPRING SEMESTER CLASSES

To provide the latest information on On Wednesday, February 10, 2-4 COVID-19, OLLI will offer two p.m., Dr. Sally Karioth, an expert on special free Zoom lectures before the grief, trauma, stress and compassion start of Spring Semester classes. fatigue who has taught several OLLI classes and is a longtime faculty On Wednesday, February 3, 3-4 member of the Florida State University p.m., Dr. Dean Watson, chief College of Nursing, will talk about integration officer, Capital Health Plan COVID and how it has been a massive and Tallahassee MemorialHealthCare, grieving experience, especially for will provide an update and answer older adults your questions on the COVID-19 Register for these free lectures when situation and vaccine administration in you register for spring classes and Leon County activities.

WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS THE GIVER OF THE STARS IN MARCH

By Susan Barnes On March 10, the Wednesday Book American Bennett Van Cleve hoping Club will be considering The Giver of to escape her stifling life in England. Stars by Jojo Moyes. Set in But small-town Kentucky quickly Depression-era America and based on proves equally claustrophobic, a true story, this is a story of five especially living alongside her extraordinary women and their overbearing father-in-law. So, when a remarkable journey through the call goes out for a team of women to mountains of Kentucky and beyond. deliver books as part of Eleanor Alice Wright marries handsome Roosevelt’s new traveling library, passion. These heroic women refuse to Alice signs on enthusiastically. be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest dangers in a landscape that is at times ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self- breathtakingly beautiful, at others sufficient woman who’s never asked a brutal, they’re committed to their job: man’s permission for anything. They bringing books to people who have will be joined by three other singular never had any, arming them with facts women who become known as the that will change their lives. Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. Gina Pedroni will be leading our What happens to them–and to the men discussion. Please register for the they love–becomes an unforgettable Wednesday Book club and join us via drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and Zoom.

TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR HEIRS CAN ACCESS DIGITAL ASSETS

By Dr. Neil Charness, the William G. Chase Professor of Psychology at FSU and Director of the Institute for Successful Longevity (pub. 2020)

If you are like me, you have valuable such as computers, smartphones, and data assets stored in electronic devices tablets.

As more and more of our transactions key. That way, even if someone hacks have become electronic our heirs may your computer or tricks you into giving face enormous challenges recovering up your account name and password that information after we die or through phishing, they still can’t log in become incapacitated. The challenges to your account without that second are increasing with two-factor factor. authentication (2FA) processes guarding our devices and accounts. Usually, you set up 2FA by specifying how you will be contacted for the If heirs were lucky in the past, you second form of authentication. The provided them with access to your most common and easily managed computing devices by sharing form of two-factor authentication passwords in some secure format, such involves sending a message to your as placing them in a physical safe that smartphone and asking you to they had access to upon your death or acknowledge that message, basically incapacity. proving that “you are you” through possession of the device and However, because phishing scams and responding to the challenge within a hacking generally have become short period of time. commonplace as a way to steal a user’s account information and passwords, The challenge is sent either through an companies like Google, Apple, app that runs in the background on Microsoft, and Amazon are your phone (e.g., Google’s Duo app), increasingly encouraging or even or through a message sent to you by requiring that accounts become SMS (text message), via an email, or if safeguarded with 2FA. you don’t have a smartphone, through an old-fashioned telephone call that Florida State University now requires reads the digits to you so that you can two-factor authentication to access a type them into your computer as you work account, following the rule of log in to your account. requiring two pieces of information before letting you access an account. When using a smartphone to log into a The first factor is something you bank account, 2FA challenges may know: your account name and allow you to authenticate with a associated password. biometric such as a registered fingerprint or retinal scan, in addition The second factor is something that to an account name and password. But you alone possess: biometrics such as what if you lose your smartphone or a fingerprint or iris scan, your you are in a dead zone for cellular smartphone, or possibly a hardware service? How do you get into your Although it is not yet used universally account? for two-factor authentication, a hardware key (e.g., YubiKey) may There are sometimes alternate ways to offer something that can easily transfer prove that “you are you” through to an heir or partner. These are USB answers to questions that only you are devices that you can purchase likely to know, such as the city you relatively inexpensively. They work were born in, the model of your first when you plug them into a port on your car, your favorite movie, etc. But computer or tablet or by these ways of authenticating access are communicating wirelessly with your time consuming and may be hampered smartphone using near-field if, for instance, you lose your communication (NFC) to authenticate smartphone on that exotic vacation. that “you are you.”

Worse yet, if you die and your You may already have turned on NFC smartphone is safeguarded (by a on your smartphone in order to pay for fingerprint, retinal scan, or password), goods and services. Once you register your heirs may be stymied for weeks, hardware keys with your account, the even if equipped with powers of 2FA challenge requires you to activate attorney, as they go through alternate the hardware key by plugging it into a routes to gain access. port on your computing device and touching a sensor on the key. There are some solutions to consider. The first is: Don’t die. Mind you, if Anyone with the key can authenticate you know how to live eternally then to your registered account (assuming you are already in a different league they have the first factor: your account than the rest of us mortals and can stop name and password, and that the key reading now. As mentioned earlier, does not require a biometric such as a another risk is dementia, rendering you fingerprint to activate). incapable of even managing 2FA on your own. So, much like your smartphone, you should be careful not to lose a So, since it is difficult to avoid dying hardware key. If it is to be your only and hard to completely rule out authentication method, you ought to developing dementia or other form of register a backup hardware key with cognitive impairment, you need to the accounts you want to protect and have alternate methods to provide then safely store the backup. Unlike a loved ones with access to your 2FA- fingerprint or retinal scan that no protected electronic accounts. longer works when you die, the hardware key can stay behind, and hopefully, in the right hands that have guard against hacking and password been provided with the first factor, theft. provide access to your accounts. We don’t often consider all the ramifications of activating 2FA for our Although the digital economy was accounts, particularly how we provide meant to reduce friction for access to heirs who may need our transactions, it can also introduce digital information to settle our estate. complexities for transactions such as Plan carefully now for how to safely requiring two-factor authentication to pass on your digital assets.

MONDAY BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS INVISIBLE MAN IN MARCH

OLLI's Monday Book Club will be 1952 should be a required read for all meeting, via Zoom, on February 8, of us. 11:00 .a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Our book for the month of February is Ralph As an OLLI member for the spring Ellison's Invisible Man. semester, you are qualified to be part of our group. Since Black History month is now, is Contact [email protected] fo there a better way to experience the r any questions as well as letting us month than with this book? A classic, know that you would like to be on our truly, from the day it was published in ZOOM invite list.

THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE

Harriet Waas President, OLLI Advisory Council

COVID-19 Didn't Stop OLLI Volunteers in 2020

The success of OLLI at FSU depends count. The grand total for 2020 on the dedication and efforts of our actually included 40 hours that were army of volunteers. OLLI currently not reported in 2019 for this very has 3.2 paid staff members who reason. I have described just a few of support and work with OLLI the accomplishments by our OLLI volunteers, but it is the volunteers who volunteers, and maybe you would be create and provide the multitude of interested in becoming involved. OLLI offerings. The Curriculum Committee, chaired by Even in the uncertain times of 2020, a volunteer, researches course OLLI volunteers found ways to opportunities, recruits instructors and volunteer. Volunteers amassed 4,162 schedules classes. If you have an idea volunteer hours in 2020, proving for an interesting class, please be that once again, that our dedicated volunteer who brings your idea to the members cannot be stopped even in the Curriculum Committee. face of an international pandemic. Activities, clubs and field trips are So many of our members volunteer provided by creative volunteers who without realizing that their hours have an area of interest and are willing to sponsor and manage these events. If planning and operations. Members of you have a special interest, please let us the Advisory Council work throughout know and we will help you share it with the year to plan for the future of OLLI. other OLLI members! All these volunteer efforts provide an amazing OLLI experience for you. The OLLI catalog and other OLLI information and promotion materials Our amazing volunteer, Mary Irvine, are designed, written and edited by heads up the OLLI Volunteer volunteers along with the staff. Committee. Volunteers also consult on and execute public relations efforts to promote OLLI volunteers have found innovative membership and participation in OLLI. ways to plan for and provide online classes and events, seeing new Volunteers also are responsible for opportunities and ways to connect philanthropic and fundraising during the continuing COVID-19 campaigns. Look for information about pandemic. the Great Give this semester and If you have any suggestions or ideas on discover how YOU can help make expanding volunteer opportunities, or if OLLI even better in the near future. In you wish to volunteer for OLLI, please addition, volunteers provide Zoom contact Mary Irvine at assistance, manage course and annual [email protected] surveys, and derive data to support

Visit www.claudepeppercenter.com for access to many additional resources Follow www.facebook.com/ TheClaudePepperCenter for daily updates We need long-term solutions for long-term care

The median cost of living in a semi- impoverished (Medicaid) and the private room in a nursing home for one wealthy (self-pay). There is no robust year is $93,000. Hiring a home health system for the middle-income people aide for 40 hours a week costs $55,000. who make up half of the U.S. Assisted living costs $52,000. population, and there are threats to the sustainability of Medicaid, which Nearly 70% of adults 65 years and over currently covers 62% of all nursing will need long-term care. That means home residents. assistance with activities of daily living like getting dressed, preparing Government funding is the most and eating meals, bathing, and more. obvious solution to building a long- term care system and reshaping and Nursing homes, adult day services, supporting planning for long-term assisted living, home health aides, and care, but efforts in this area have failed. informal caregivers can provide this For example, Maine proposed a help. Yet one-quarter of adults fail to universal home care initiative in 2018 believe they will need extended care to provide no-cost home care, but it and so don’t plan for it. was voted down due to fears that taxing those who made more than When long-term care is needed, many $128,000 a year (especially older adults and their families are hit physicians) would cause people to with the realization that Medicare does relocate to other states. In 2011, the not cover it. Anything beyond federal Community Living Assistance rehabilitation or 100 days of nursing Services and Supports Act proposed to home care is the older adult’s provide up to $50 a day in cash responsibility. A long-term care benefits to help families pay for in- system exists only for the home assistance or nursing home care, access to well-connected people while but it was plagued with unreasonable thousands of others wait in line. In premiums and uncertain sustainability. Florida, some elderly residents have camped out overnight in hopes of This is an excerpt of an opinion piece receiving a shot. by Jasmine Travers and published at Statnews.com. You can find the full text The invention of vaccines against a at: http://bit.ly/2YcLf1p virus identified only 10 months ago is an extraordinary scientific Wealthy donors received achievement. They are the fastest vaccines through nursing vaccines ever developed, by a margin of years. home This is an excerpt of an article The invitation to affluent Floridians published in the Washington Post. You arrived in writing and by telephone. can find the full text at: MorseLife Health System, a high-end http://wapo.st/3qRzo5i nursing home and assisted-living facility in West Palm Beach, FL, has Coronavirus, COVID-19, made scarce coronavirus vaccines — provided through a federal program and You intended for residents and staff of long-term-care facilities — available The Claude Pepper Center is not just to its residents but to board committed to providing as much members and those who made accurate and useful information about generous donations to the facility, the pandemic as long as it remains a including members of the Palm Beach threat to the health of Americans. We Country Club, according to multiple will be posting information daily and people who were offered access, some modifying previous posts as more of whom accepted it. recent information becomes available. Click to find out about how COVID- The MorseLife episode highlights how 19 is affecting long term care, the the country’s patchwork approach to economy, public health policy, immunization against the coronavirus vulnerable populations, as well as — leaving decisions about eligibility information about the vaccines and to state and local authorities as well as their availability, and much more: to individual providers — is creating https://fla.st/3cwB0Ks opportunities for facilities to provide

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES IT’S A NEW YEAR, BUT WE’RE IN THE “MESSY MIDDLE” OF THE PANDEMIC. HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO COPE

By Christine Carter, Washington Post 2021

Goodbye, 2020! What a year! But as and working parents. It’s a lot to tackle we settle into a hard winter, I can’t help at once. For many of us, our surge wondering: Will 2021 be much better? capacity became depleted. The adrenaline is gone. We need a hug — With vaccines coming and other from someone outside of our changes on the horizon, many people household. are optimistic. But we are not at the end of the pandemic. We are in the This is what happens with all big “messy middle,” a phrase I first heard change, and the bigger the mountain from Harvard Business School’s we’re climbing, the more tempted we Rosabeth Moss Kanter. Everything are to lose focus for something shiny looks like a failure in the middle. or delicious, to seek short-lived hits of pleasure rather than keep our eyes on And everything’s hardest in the messy long-term goals. middle. Here’s why: When the pandemic hit, we were collectively This messy middle is hard, and 2021 is freaked out — and energized. not going to be anything close to We bought groceries for our normal. Instead of just waiting for it all neighbors and protested peacefully. to be over, we’ll do better to reengage We massively changed the way we with the things that bring us meaning. work, educate our children, shop and So, put down that cookie (I’m talking socialize. to myself here) and use this checklist to set your mid-pandemic course In the midst of crisis, we saw anew correction on the best possible path. how dire racial injustice is in our Even if it feels like all you’re doing is country and how little support our trying to survive, this checklist may society offers those who are help you gain a sense of control amid struggling, including the unemployed the uncertainty.

1. What do you want to take with makes this a great time for many you when this is all over? While I’m people to establish a healthy habit. I sure a lot about 2020 was bad for you, have always been kind of a loner. The this is the time to reflect on what was coronavirus helped push me out of my good. Did you find purpose in peaceful shell. protest? Did you shop for someone who is elderly? If you didn’t leave the 4. How can you invest in house much, what do you like about yourself? What “deferred being home more? Many teenagers are maintenance” do you need to take care benefiting from increased family time of? What most of us really need right and more sleep. What were the bright now is less stress. Could you resolve to spots? go to bed earlier a few days per week? Or would you have more energy if you 2. What are some goals you can set improved your diet? Remember, when for yourself? Not the easy you are depleted, your most valuable ones. Research shows that setting asset is damaged. In other words: specific, difficult goals consistently When we underinvest in our bodies, leads to higher performance (if that’s minds or spirits, we destroy our most what you’re after). Where in your life essential tools for leading our best would you like to step things up? lives. Perhaps you’d like to continue donating to a food bank or helping 5. What do you want to feel more of people who can’t leave their home. in 2021? Perhaps you want to feel less Maybe you want to set up a gratitude overwhelmed and more at peace, or practice, or spend less time on social maybe you want to feel media. Where can you do more connected to others and causes better despite the pandemic (and and less isolated. What behaviors or everything else)? The goal is not to add habits have, in the past, elicited the more pressure to an already difficult emotion that you are looking for? time, but to identify goals that could Maintenance habits (like cleaning up help you feel better and feel like you or getting to inbox zero) might make have more time and energy at the end you feel less overwhelmed. Finding of the day. purpose, taking our focus away from ourselves, make us feel more 3. What new habit have you wanted connected. to try? Maybe you want to check in with friends more regularly. Perhaps Talk with your friends and family your doctor wants you to be more about these questions. Then make a list active. Limited travel can make our of your answers, and cross off anything daily routines more consistent, and that that isn’t realistic. Unrealistic goals will only bring anxiety. Once you have When done correctly, habits can make your list, it’s time to turn them into us happier, healthier and more action. The way to do this is to make connected to those around us. specific plans, map out potential obstacles and find ways to make the These are worthy goals in any year, process enjoyable. whether we are in a pandemic or not.

THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES Your susceptibility to scams may be linked to your beliefs about honesty

By Doug Shadel AARP Magazine December 2020

Is there a little bit of scammer in you? on how and why we lie. I had read that The answer is probably yes. Studies he and his colleagues at the Stanford suggest that the majority of us lie a few Social Media Lab had conducted a times a day, although often they are study on something called the pretty innocuous. Until the pandemic deception consensus effect. They arrived, one of the most common lies looked at lying in the context of mobile in America reportedly was “I’m on my dating and found that the more subjects way,” often said while still seated in self-reported lying in text the office or in front of the TV. conversations with their partner, the more they believed that their partner And many of us are about to engage in was also lying. So, if I lie to you, I a widespread set of seasonal lies: the assume you are lying to me. New Year’s Resolution. I joke, but lying is not a trivial subject. All scams Reading his research sparked fundamentally rely on getting the memories of an interview I did years victim to believe in a lie. Which ago with a 72-year-old retired suggests that the very best way to professor in California who had lost prevent scams is for all of us to become more than $900,000 to investment better lie detectors. scams over five years. We discussed his experiences for several hours, and I So, what prevents that? To answer was thoroughly impressed by his this, I turned to Jeffrey Hancock, a intellect, sense of humor and professor of communication at knowledge of world events. He Stanford University and a noted expert seemed sharper than a tack. Toward the end of our interview, I stuck with corruption. The U.S. does asked him what he thought had made well in part because of the laws and him vulnerable to swindlers. He told regulations we have, which help us me he had spent his entire professional trust one another. This reduces the cost life working with honest folks who of social interactions.” routinely told the truth, like he did. He just assumed everyone was like him It’s arguably the perfect time for such and his colleagues, and so he couldn’t an observation. With the proliferation imagine there were people who would of fraud and lying around us today, I look you straight in the eye and lie. find myself telling people to be wary all the time. Hancock thinks there is a I told Hancock about my professor and middle ground. “We want people to be asked him if he thought the inverse of able to trust. What you could say is, the deception consensus effect might when something is high stakes—when also be true: that those who lie less we’re talking about a big financial assume their partners and others move or important decision—that’s around them also lie less, making them when they need to become more vulnerable to cons. “Yes, I think that analytical or by the numbers.” is exactly what happens,” Hancock said. “People who lie less also assume In other words, be aware that there are others do not lie often. So, your poor many different levels of falsehoods professor fits this idea really well.” operating around you.

This is an important point: If you are As you encounter people or like most people, you assume those organizations outside your circle of around you are roughly as truthful or trust, don’t assume they will act with deceitful as you are, and you act in the same ethics and honesty as you do. accordance with that belief. And when people deviate from that, it can come Be skeptical, look at the culture they as a surprise. come from, and grant trust to strangers stingily and carefully. And if they want Is this simple naivete, or is there a you to hand over your money for any more important psychological purpose, apply the “Shadel rule,” mechanism at play? Hancock hardly formulated after 40 years of chasing thinks that trust is a character flaw. “In dishonest scam artists: “Guilty until fact, it’s the difference between well- proven innocent.” functioning societies and ones that are

PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BELIEVE CONSPIRACY THEORIES IF THEY ARE ANXIOUS, DETACHED, OR NARCISSISTIC, RESEARCHERS FIND

From Insider 2020

 A new study in The Journal of student and random virtual Personality looked at how participants. The majority of individuals' personality traits participants were college-educated, affected their inclination for white, and identified as Democrats, but conspiracy theories. a small sample of Asian, African  Though the link was small, American, and Hispanic participants researchers found people who also participated. were narcissistic, impulsive, anxious, depressed, or a First, the researchers determined how combination were more likely it was for each participant to susceptible to conspiracies. believe in a conspiracy theory. To do  The findings could help this, they asked each person to rate explain why conspiracy conspiracy statements, some based on theories like QAnon have specific events and other more general boomed during the theories, on a scale of 1 (completely coronavirus pandemic, a time false) to 6 (completely true). when anxiety and depression have skyrocketed. Statements included, "U.S. agencies intentionally created the AIDS There's now evidence that a person's epidemic and administered it to Black personality traits could influence how and gay men in the 1970s," and ""New likely they are to believe in conspiracy and advanced technology which would theories. Specifically, people who are harm current industry is being self-important, narcissistic, anxious, suppressed." They found 60% of depressed, or impulsive are slightly participants weren't likely to believe more likely to cling to a conspiracy these conspiracies, but 40% were. theory than people who don't exhibit these traits, researchers from Emory Your personality could predict your University found. proclivity for conspiracies

The study, published on September 10 The researchers then ran another test to in The Journal of Personality, looked analyze subjects' individual at 1,927 people, a mixture of Emory personality traits. To do this, researchers gave participants "Those things might not necessarily personality trait tests where they hang together in the same individual, answered how much they agree or but they're traits across individuals that disagree with certain statements like, might make it more likely to not "I often have to deal with people who question your beliefs because you're are less important than me" and "I certain of them, or find comfort in reconsider my opinions when them because nothing else seems to presented with new evidence." make sense, and you're alone and scared," Bowes told Insider. These responses helped the researchers She said parsing out a specific trait or pinpoint personality traits like personality archetype for the conscientiousness, or the tendency to conspiracy-susceptible is difficult be organized, responsible, and hard- because so many factors play a role in working, meanness, impulsiveness, the choice to subscribe to one. entitlement, and many other traits. The correlations between certain "It was an unsatisfying answer in many personality traits and a tendency to ways, because with something like believe conspiracies was small, lead conspiracy beliefs we really want to researcher Shauna Bowes told Insider, say, 'OK, you're a narcissist, so you but still offer insights into how believe in conspiracy beliefs,' or, personhood influences behavior. 'You're anxious, you believe in conspiracy beliefs,' but it just doesn't People like Luna Lovegood in seem to be the case," Bowes said. 'Harry Potter' may be more likely to believe fringe theories Conspiracy theories may comfort people trying to make sense of the People who had narcissistic, pandemic impulsive, detached, anxious, or But the study could still help folks depressed personalities, or a make sense of the uptick in combination of these traits, were more conspiracy-theory fodder since the likely to also say they believe certain start of the coronavirus pandemic. conspiracies, Bowes' team found. One popular conspiracy, QAnon, Psychoticism, or a measure of being popped up on the internet in 2017, and open and creative in an unconventional posits an unfounded theory that sense (think Luna Lovegood from President Trump is engaged in an "Harry Potter"), as Bowes described it, undercover battle against celebrities was another trait that showed a weak and Democrats who support human link to conspiracy beliefs. trafficking and pedophilia.

An August investigation from The thought. Guardian found social media groups Most of us are more alone than ever supporting and spreading QAnon this year, and that may make us messaging have skyrocketed over the more susceptible past few months. Facebook removed 790 QAnon groups from its platform in For people who are anxious or July, and Twitter removed 7,000. depressed, two conditions that QAnon followers say this same group have spiked during the pandemic, of celebrities fabricated the turning to a conspiracy to make sense coronavirus pandemic. According to of the grey areas can create feelings of Bowes, her study could help explain order and calm, even if it's rooted in their beliefs. something another person finds "I think the pandemic is going to be absurd. such a fascinating time to look at "We're all alone to the point where conspiratorial ideation because the maybe we've never experienced this explanations for COVID-19 are before, and there's so much mixed immensely unsatisfying. It's information in society. I think a lot of unsatisfying because it's too big, and people are going to be turning to a there has to be something else causing framework like conspiracy beliefs to this or explaining this," Bowes said of say, 'Oh OK, I'm not alone. It makes some conspiracy believers' lines of sense,'" Bowes said.

ELDERLY NUTRITION 101: TEN FOODS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY Aging.com 2019

Proper diet and a healthy life go hand diet-related, more specifically with in hand, especially for older adults micronutrients. over the age of 65. According to reports by World Health Organization Micronutrients deficiency is shared (WHO), a majority of the diseases that among the elderly due to factors such older people suffer are as a result of as reduced food intake and lack of lack of proper diet. variety in their diet. Age-Related Challenges that Hinder For instance, fat in food is linked Proper Nutrition: cancer of the prostate, colon, and Decreased Sensitivity pancreas. Degenerative diseases such As you advance in age, your senses as osteoporosis and diabetes are also become numbed down; it takes more energy and time to trigger a stimulus. Lack of Transportation Your sense of smell and taste decreases reducing your appetite. To shop for fresh cooking ingredients, you have to drive to the store, wait In some cases, you may even have through heavy traffic, and park the car trouble differentiating fresh food from a distance from the door. stale since your senses are If it’s raining or snowing, it’s even compromised. This, without any more challenging. Chances of slipping doubt, would be detrimental to your and falling are high. These activities health. may discourage you from going to shop altogether. Medication Side Effects Physical Difficulty Some medications cause nausea, reduced appetite, and change food Seniors become weaker with age, tastes perceptions. In this case, the side especially when dealing with effects can discourage you from conditions like arthritis and disability. eating, and you end up skipping meals. Pain and poor physical strength can make simple tasks appear to be Poor Dental Health challenging.

Dental issues are more likely to come Performing basic functions like up as you grow older such as missing standing for long while cooking, teeth, receding gums that cause your carrying groceries, or even peeling a teeth to be shaky, mouth sores, and jaw fruit may become daunting tasks. pain. All these factors make chewing painful Memory Loss and uncomfortable hence reducing the likelihood of taking healthy foods Memory loss, dementia, and among seniors. Alzheimer’s disease are fairly typical among seniors. A senior may forget to Lack of Finances follow their recommended meal program or skip a meal or even forget Older people have limited resources to buy food from the store. This poses and worry more about money. They a nutritional challenge. may, therefore, cut back on groceries and buy cheaper food, which, in most Depression cases, is less nutritious. This lifestyle can result in many nutritional As you grow older, a lot of changes deficiencies. take place, (your children move away, you lose your friends and loved ones (AMD)—a condition that leads to poor due to death, you feel lonely— vision. Recent evidence has shown that especially if you live all by yourself, these fatty acids can reduce the risk of you experience physical changes). Alzheimer’s disease and keep the brain All these issues compounded can lead alert. to depression. Seniors may become apathetic about their health and avoid They can be found in fish mainly eating. If left untreated, depression can sardines, Tuna, Mackerel, and Salmon. lead to much more significant health They are also found in flaxseed, problems. soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts.

Healthy Food Choices Nutritionists recommend a serving of omega-3 fatty acids twice a week. Let us look at foods that are good for Supplements are also available but be elderly people. Begin with the basics. sure to consult your health provider By this, I mean have a balanced meal, before getting started. or elderly nutrition program, which constitutes: Foods Rich in Calcium  Carbohydrate-rich foods like sweet potatoes and brown rice Calcium helps our bodies build and maintain healthy bones. It has also  Protein-rich foods like salmon and been known to lower blood pressure. beans Unfortunately, surveys have shown  Fruits and vegetables (five portions a that as we grow older we consume less day) calcium. Besides this, you can prepare meals rich in the following nutrients: The body’s need for calcium is so essential that, if you are not getting Foods High In Omega-3 Fatty Acids enough calcium, it begins to reabsorb it from the bones. This makes your These fatty acids are important for bones fragile and brittle leading to people of all ages including elderly osteoporosis. people as they help prevent inflammation which can cause cancer, Foods rich in Calcium are mainly dairy rheumatoid, arthritis, and heart products such as milk, yogurt, and disease. cheese, as well as in leafy green vegetables and cereals fortified with It has also been found to slow down the calcium. progression of Macular Degeneration The World Health Organization recommends that people aged above the age of 50 consume 1200 mg of As you age, your body’s ability to calcium daily. This translates to 4 cups conserve water decreases, so you don’t of fortified orange juice, milk, soy, or feel thirsty as often. However, your almond milk. body still needs water.

Some individuals find it difficult to Dehydration causes drowsiness and absorb this much calcium daily confusion among other side effects so through diet, in which case it can be it is essential to stay hydrated. If you taken as a supplement as directed by are taking the recommended high fiber your health provider. diet, you need to drink a lot of water this is because fiber absorbs plenty of Foods Rich in Fiber water.

As we get older, our digestive system In order not to get overwhelmed by the slows down. The walls of the quantity, you can put the water in small gastrointestinal tract thicken and the bottles and drink it throughout the day contractions are slower and fewer as opposed to storing it in a big which may lead to constipation. container.

Foods rich in fiber promote proper The surest way to check for digestion by moving food through the dehydration is to observe your urine. If digestive tract. These foods have also it is light and transparent, that means been known to reduce the risk of heart you are hydrated, if it is dark or bright disease. yellow and cloudy that is a sign of dehydration. Foods rich in fiber include nuts, wholegrain cereal, wholegrain bread There is an exception for seniors with and pasta, brown rice, brown bread, kidney or liver disease; please consult fruits, and vegetables. your healthcare provider about a suitable amount of water for you. Water Foods Rich in Iron According to a pyramid for older adults created by researchers from Iron plays a vital role in the body. It Tufts University, drinking eight produces hemoglobin which carries glasses of water daily was next to oxygen in the blood from the lungs to physical activity in importance to the rest of the body. health. When you are not consuming enough iron, there’s a limited supply of oxygen to the body tissues. This results in cancer, and rheumatoid osteoporosis. feeling tired and lethargic. Iron Vitamin D is produced by the skin deficiency is known as anemia. when it is exposed to sunlight.

Some foods come fortified with it such Foods Rich in Vitamin C as cereals, milk, yogurt, and juices.

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties which are believed to prevent cancer Naturally, vitamin D is found in eggs and heart disease. It is also involved in and certain fish (salmon and tuna). A the production of collagen, which vitamin D deficiency also increases gives your skin elasticity and gets rid your chances of falling. of dead skin cells giving you healthy skin. Some people argue that exposure to the It also helps repair bones and teeth and sun predisposes us to skin cancer, so it aids in healing wounds. This essential is advisable to take vitamin D vitamin can be found in fruits and supplements instead following a vegetables. Supplements are also consultation with your physician. available with approval from your healthcare provider. Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Vitamin D Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining nerve function, Vitamin D aids in the absorption of production of red blood cells, and calcium in the body slowing down the DNA. As you age, absorbing the rate at which bones lose calcium. It vitamin from food is more laborious. aids in the maintenance of bone density; therefore, preventing You can, therefore, consult your health osteoporosis. care provider about supplements. It is New evidence shows that it may also found in dairy products like milk and protect against chronic conditions like meat and poultry products. multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes,

SOME OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE OVER 40 MAKE WHEN STARTING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM

From Third Age 2020

Pain isn’t gain. It can keep you from One of the biggest mistakes people working out. It’s time to learn how over 40 make when they start an to recover faster. As you hit middle exercise program is not realizing age and beyond, the benefits of that exercise causes an onset of free exercise go beyond physical health. radicals in your cells. Free radicals Being physically active can support are unstable atoms that cause pain your cognitive health and put you in and joint issues, among other types a better mood. Fitness is also of damage. If you have an associated with improved balance as overabundance of free radicals, it you age, so that you may avoid will affect your performance and falling, move easier, and have better make it difficult for your body to quality of life. So it’s important not recover after a workout. You’ll to let something like muscle always be sore. soreness or chronic joint pain keep you sidelined. People who are older tend to feel more effects of free radical damage You need to approach fitness more than young people. That’s why differently in your 40s and 50s it’s a mistake not to prepare your because your tissues have changed body for the free radical onslaught from when you were younger. You before you start exercising. That should do a thorough activity- way, it can more easily bring your specific warm up and focus more on free radical load back into balance. recovery because your muscles won’t recover as fast as they once I suggest that everyone over 40 did. Also, many people don’t realize follow these basic exercise the importance of taking care of their guidelines so that they can improve cellular health as part of their fitness their performance and limit regimen. soreness. 1. Don’t skip the warmup. You may have been able to get Free radicals and muscle soreness away with it when you were younger, but now it’s important to prime your in Continual-G drink mix, muscles and nervous system. stimulates the body to make Working out with tight, stiff more glutathione in the cells, muscles is a sure way to end where it’s needed most. Take up with knee and/or back pain. it before working out. It reaches its peak within about 2. Be careful not to over train. two hours, and stays with you Lately, some people are doing for six to seven hours. online boot camps every day. Some people are doing two 4. Eat more protein. workouts a day then going for Insufficient protein intake is a a run! That’s not giving your big problem among older body the recovery time it adults, especially women. needs. Your body can only Without protein, you lose handle so much. And think muscle tissue, get injured about the free radicals created! more easily and you won’t You don’t necessarily need to recover from exercise as rest every day, but you should quickly. Plan to eat a high- alternate your workouts. Do protein shake or snack within upper body one day. Do core 30 minutes after finishing a work the next. Try doing a workout. That’s the window stretching program or yoga when your body is hungry for one day a week. This works nutrients and will absorb them wonders. faster. For your meals, adding

3. Get rid of the free radical some cold-water seafood such mess caused by training. as salmon, mackerel or Timing is important. You sardines is a good choice, want a healthy supply of because they contain omega- antioxidants on board when 3s which can help with muscle your body is at its peak of free recovery and decrease radical imbalance. inflammation. Glutathione is a very potent antioxidant that our bodies 5. Get adequate rest. make on their own. But as we Deep, restorative sleep is age, our glutathione-making when your body does most of process becomes less efficient its recovery work. You’ll so we need to find another way know you’re getting enough to offset the free radicals. sleep when you wake up in the Glyteine, an ingredient found morning feeling well rested can be as important as using the right and ready to go. equipment and proper training. The Fitness is important at every age. goal is to help you keep moving and Smart eating and supplementation feel great doing

DO LIQUID DIETS WORK?

From WEBMD 2019

What Are Liquid Diets? your metabolism slows to save energy. Unless you change your eating habits, Like the name suggests, liquid diets you're likely to regain the weight you mean you're getting all, or at least most, lost after you go off the liquid diet. of your calories from drinks. Some liquid diets work better over the Some liquid diets are limited to fruit or long term than others. Diets that include vegetable juices, or shakes, that replace both solid food and liquids can be an all of your meals, taken three or four effective and convenient way times a day. You do some of these diets for overweight people to control the on your own. Others need medical number of calories they eat. supervision. Other types of liquid diets replace just How Safe Are Liquid Diets? one or two meals (usually breakfast and lunch) with drinks, and then you eat a Ideally, liquid diet drinks should give healthy dinner. You may also get snacks you a balance of nutrients you need on some of these plans. throughout the day, but that isn't always the case. Do Liquid Diets Work? Very low-calorie diets (400-800 calories Liquid diets can work, like any diet that per day) in particular can be lacking in a gives you fewer calories than you use. balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, These diets can help by taking the vitamins, and minerals you need and guesswork out of portion control. They should only be used under medical are also beneficial if you have trouble supervision. chewing food Missing out on essential nutrients can But the results may not last. When you lead to side effects such drastically cut calories, as fatigue, dizziness, hair Before you choose a liquid diet plan, loss, gallstones, and heart damage. know what you're drinking. If you're considering one of the commercial Also, if you don't get enough fiber, diets, look at the daily values on the because you're not eating whole nutrition facts label. Be sure you're grains, fruits and vegetables, you can getting 100% of all the get constipated. recommended vitamins and minerals.

You also can lose muscle if you don't get You may also want to pick a diet that enough protein calories in your diet. is not too low in calories and contains plenty of protein and fiber to keep you Are Liquid Diets Used for Medical feeling full while you lose the weight Purposes? gradually. Liquid diets that include a solid meal or two per day, or that teach Doctors sometimes recommend liquid you healthier eating habits, will be diets before certain medical more likely to help you keep the procedures, or for people who weight off in the long run. are obese and need to get to a safer Foods Rich in Potassium weight before having surgery, including weight loss surgery. Surveys show that many older . Americans do not take the How Can I Safely Get on a Liquid recommended 4700 mg of potassium Diet? daily. Potassium aids in cell function reduces blood pressure and lowers First, talk to your doctor about whether your chances of kidney stones. It is a liquid diet is appropriate for also believed to strengthen bones. It is you. Pregnant or nursing women, and found in fruit and vegetables like people who take insulin for diabetes, bananas, prunes, and potatoes. While or anyone with a chronic illness lack of potassium is a problem, too shouldn't go on a liquid diet. much of it is dangerous, so consult your doctor before getting started on If your doctor gives you the OK to go supplements. on a liquid diet, you should also see a registered dietitian, who can go over Magnesium the diet with you and make sure you're getting enough calories and nutrition. Magnesium plays a crucial role in 300 Your dietitian might recommend that physiological functions. It keeps your you take a vitamin or nutritional heart healthy, your immune system, supplement while you're on the liquid and your bones strong. As you grow diet. older, your body’s ability to absorb magnesium. It is mainly found in magnesium decreases. whole grains, nuts, fresh fruit, and Some medication for older people vegetables. decreases the absorption of 7 SMART WAYS TO CUT SUGAR FROM YOUR DIET

BY CHRISTINE BYRNE, MYFITNESSPAL 2018

While there’s nothing wrong down on sugar altogether) is a good with indulging in a craving for a scoop idea for both your energy levels, and of ice cream or margarita every so your overall health. often, too much sugar has negative Here are seven simple ways to get health effects and can be detrimental started: to weight loss. The FDA recommends getting no more than USE FRUIT AND 10% of your daily calories from added CINNAMON TO SWEETEN sugars, and defines them as sugars B R E A K F A S T added during processing or packaging. This includes syrups, honey and Packaged cereal, granola and yogurt concentrated fruit or vegetable juices often contains sneaky amounts of with more sugar than would be added sugar — and using honey, maple expected from the same volume of syrup or another sweetener yourself 100% fruit or vegetable juice of the can add up if you’re not careful. same type. Instead, opt for plain yogurt topped with fresh fruit and some nuts. Or Naturally occurring sugars in things make overnight oats with a hefty pinch like fruits, vegetables and dairy are of cinnamon (which can make things much more nutritious than added taste sweeter, even though it’s sugar- sugars, because they come with free) and later stir in chopped fruit and important vitamins and nutrients, as some unsweetened nut butter. well as fiber and protein that slow their digestion and make them a more steady source of energy. READ NUTRITION LABELS CAREFULLY Finding ways to swap added sugar for Search for a store-bought granola with naturally occurring sugar (or to cut no more than 5 grams of added sugar per serving. KIND Peanut Butter A little added sugar in pies is helpful Granola Clusters fit the bill, as for bringing out the sweetness of the does Bear Naked Granola V’nilla fruit filling and creating an ideal Almond. Both are lightly sweet, texture. However, in most cases, you packed with whole grains and can cut the amount of sugar called for contain healthy fats from nuts. in your favorite recipes by 1/3, or even by 1/2 — smaller amounts still work OPT FOR COLD OR NITRO well for turning already-sweet fruit B R E W S into a more indulgent, but healthier, dessert. Drinking a daily coffee with a spoonful of sugar is a habit that could CHOOSE IN-SEASON sabotage your weight loss goals. F R U I T Instead, try a high-quality cold brew, or the increasingly popular nitro If you’ve ever eaten a blueberry in brews, which have a deeper but less- January, you know offseason produce biting flavor than traditional drip or isn’t nearly as flavorful as in-season steeped coffees, making them easier to picks — it’s less sweet, more tart and drink plain or with a splash of milk. often less colorful. What fruits are in season and for how long depends on MAKE YOUR OWN where you live, so your best bet is to C O C K T A I L S ask vendors at your local farmers’ market. Pre-mixed drinks like margaritas, daiquiris and fruity sangrias are loaded SWAP SODA FOR with added sugar since bartenders FLAVORED SELTZER often rely on pre-made sour mixes or flavored syrups. If you want to indulge Flavored bubbly water is a great option in an alcoholic beverage, try in lieu of sugar-laden soda, provided making these lower-sugar versions at you look for ones that don’t have home. added syrups or sugar. Try a can of La Croix or make your own fancier CUT BACK ON SUGAR version by combining plain seltzer WHEN BAKING with some mashed and sliced fruit.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT ADEQUATE SLEEP FOR OVERALL HEALTH

Sleep has made a big comeback. It wearing Active Recovery might seem as if something so Sleepwear to improve circulation and essential could never go out of style, promote restful sleep. but in our busy, tech-enabled world, sleep had become an afterthought. Get a new pillow. If you can’t However, recently, books like Arianna remember the last time you replaced Huffington’s “The Sleep Revolution,” your pillow, it’s probably time. Those sparked renewed interest in the topic of fluffy headrests break down faster than getting adequate sleep for overall we think, and the National Sleep health. So much so it’s back in the Foundation recommends buying new mainstream social conversation. After ones about every two years. If you’re all, numerous studies show sleep not sure, try folding your pillow in deprivation can have negative half. If it doesn’t spring back into cognitive effects and impair motor shape immediately, it’s best to replace function. it. Pillows can be full of dust mites and dead skin, which can trigger allergies, You’ve likely heard tips for getting so it’s best to renew often. better sleep like putting away your phone an hour before bed, but what Relax. If you’re feverishly working on about mistakes we might not even your laptop right before bed, don’t realize we’re making? expect great sleep results. Set aside We’ve broken down a few you should even five minutes to do some deep know. breathing, light stretching, reading or listening to calming music before you Keep it cool. The National Sleep get in bed. Then, when you lay down, Foundation recommends sleeping your body will be primed for sleep. between 60–67ºF for optimal sleep. One study even showed that No sugar or caffeine. When you eat a sleeping in a room set to 66ºF could lot of sugar or calories right before help prevent metabolic diseases, like bed, your blood sugar climbs and then diabetes. While that’s too cold for most falls rapidly as you sleep, which could of us to function properly during the wake you up in the middle of the night. day, set your thermostat on a nightly Also, the caffeine in chocolate can schedule so you’ll be cool enough to keep you up at night. sleep at night. Also, consider For example, a 1.5-ounce Hershey’s alarm is set properly, it’s best not to chocolate bar contains 9 milligrams of look at the clock again until your alarm caffeine, which is about three times as goes off. much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee. Chocolate also contains theobromine, If you have trouble falling asleep, a compound that can increase heart watching the time tick away is going to rate and keep you up. make your mind race, and your brain won’t be able to calm down so you can Now that we know how essential sleep get to sleep. And, if you wake up in the is, not getting enough sleep can middle of the night, resist the urge to actually cause anxiety. Once you’ve check the clock and try meditating or gotten in bed and you’re sure your focusing on your breathing instead.

IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS From getting wiser blog2019

Physical health is incredibly important Boosted immune system for older adults, but what about your Studies show that seniors who stay social health? engaged with others have higher levels Major health benefits of socializing of immune-system functioning. Chronic stress and depression can Better cognitive function weaken the immune system. As Being social keeps you mentally previously stated, socializing can ward engaged and is important to prevent off depression and anxiety in seniors. the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Connecting with other people through social activities and Improved physical health community programs can keep your Socially active seniors tend to be more brain active and help you feel less physically active as well. Plus, they isolated. tend to eat more and make better food choices when eating with others. Better emotional health Studies have shown that seniors living Much like physical exercise, being in areas with greater social capital had social helps keep you in a positive significantly higher physical mood. This helps ward off depression mobility scores than those living in and anxiety and reduces stress. lower social capital neighborhoods.

Ways to improve social health Fitness centers combine two necessary activities for seniors: physical exercise Join a club or group and social activities. Not to mention, There are nearly an infinite number of with more socializing and exercise, clubs or groups revolving around you are more likely to find happy and everything from gardening to books, engaged people at fitness centers. so it’s easy to find the right group for you. The consistency of club meetings Try out new technology allows you to have regular contact with Thanks to new technology like Skype other people who share your interests. and social media, it’s easier than ever Become a volunteer to connect or reconnect with friends Volunteering in your community and family. If learning new technology brings you a sense of accomplishment feels daunting, contact your local as well as providing important social library — it’s likely they’ll have interactions. Beginners’ computer classes. Join a senior fitness center FOUR FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FACING OLDER ADULTS FINANCE, SENIOR AGE 2017

People of a certain age may recall that Low savings for retirement song that goes, “the future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.” While many Running out of money is the number older adults remain optimistic in one retirement fear among Americans general, they may be worried that their age 50 years and older. This is a financial future will be cloudier than reasonable concern. By age 55, a expected. person making $50,000 a year should have put away about six times his After a decade that disrupted careers current salary, or $300,000, according and savings, Americans approaching to a financial rule of thumb. However, retirement in the next ten years face the average 50-something person has challenges that may require a change saved less than half of that amount. in plans. Historically low interest rates have

further stymied the growth of savings unexpected debts could have an effect accounts and other fixed-rate on savings and retirement plans. investments. Rising health care costs Boomers born between 1946 and 1955 lost 28 percent of their median net Americans are worried about not being worth during the Great Recession, able to pay for medical care if they according to the Pew Charitable have a serious illness or accident, Trusts. Those born later lost 25 percent according to a recent Gallup survey. of theirs. Predicting your long-range medical costs is difficult, if not impossible, but Difficult job market experts project that health care costs for older Americans will increase Many adults with little money saved about 5 percent a year over the next for retirement have traditionally decade. That means paying more for continued to work after they reach doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, Social Security eligibility age — if tests, and hospital stays. A 55-year-old they can. Since the recession of 2008, couple who files for Social Security however, millions of people over the benefits at 67 will find a high age of 55 continue to struggle with percentage of their check going toward finding full-time employment. health expenses. Companies are hiring younger applicants. Many 55- to 64-year-olds 5 Steps to Prepare for Tomorrow who have found work are earning less Set goals than before. This income disruption It’s important to make a plan, no has shaken up their retirement dreams. matter how challenging finances may appear. Talk with your partner if you Debts and kids have one. Studies show that couples don’t like talking about finances, but Older households have doubled down an honest discussion is the first step on debt in the past decade. The forward. National Council on Aging says that one-third of them are still paying down Look into savings plans a mortgage or home equity loan. Many are also paying student loans — either It’s not too late to bump up your their own, their children’s, or their contribution to a 401(k) or IRA — or grandchildren’s. A study by Pew even start contributing, if you can. Research found that 40 percent of Let’s say you have ten more years older adults have helped their adult before retiring. With steady savings children pay their bills. These and careful budgeting, it’s possible to chances of avoiding diabetes and heart build a nest egg. disease — and saving thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for Spend less treatment.

Sift through your monthly bills and Get smart about finances daily expenses for items you no longer need. Look for ways to trim your cable Few of us are financial wizards, so or phone bill. Small savings add up. there’s no shame in seeking help. You don’t have to be a millionaire to talk to Take care of your health a financial advisor or certified planner.

Work hard to stay well, and you may Take advantage of your local library reduce your risk of needing expensive for practical guides to managing medical care later in life. Of course, money. Attend a seminar in person or healthy living can’t prevent all health online. Look for workshops and conditions, but it can improve your courses taught by certified experts.

6 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR KNEES Things you can do to extend the life of these essential joints by Stacey Colino, AARP, 2019

If you've walked, jogged and hiked this Medicine Hip and Knee Joint far without any major knee trouble, Preservation Center at Central DuPage there's more you can do than thank Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. “The your lucky stars. A few basic steps can knee has three compartments, any of help you protect your knees as you age. which can cause pain with wear and tear.” Besides being the largest joint in the With the passage of time, a certain human body, “the knees are unique in amount of wear and tear on your joints that the motion involved is very is inevitable. But it doesn't have to complex,” says Sanjeev Bhatia, an affect the way your knees feel, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon function or move. If you experience a and codirector of the Northwestern clicking or popping sensation in the joint when you walk, bend or lunge, high-impact activities such as running but there's no pain or swelling, you are bad for the knees, the latest don't need to worry about it, says evidence shows that's not necessarily Dennis Cardone, D.O., an associate true. But there is a sweet spot for professor of orthopedic surgery and runners: A meta-analysis of 17 studies, sports medicine at NYU Langone published in the Journal of Health in New York City. On the other Orthopaedic & Sports Physical hand, if you have pain or swelling with Therapy, found that recreational that clicking or popping, it's best to runners had a much lower risk of schedule a visit to your doctor. developing osteoarthritis of the knee than competitive runners and Otherwise, to minimize your risk of sedentary people did. “If you run, don't experiencing pain, stiffness and run on successive days; do it every inflammation in your knees, take these other day, because we don't recover as steps to protect these essential joints. well as we're aging,” Cardone points out. It's also wise to mix up your 1. Maintain a healthy weight. workout routines; so if you run three Toting around excess weight places times a week, do something low- tremendous pressure on your knees. impact, like bicycling, Pilates, “For every pound of weight you put swimming or using the elliptical on, the knees will have four more machine, on the in-between days. pounds of force on them and even more than that when you go up or 3. Strengthen the muscles that down stairs,” says John-Paul Rue, an support your knees. orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Developing strong thigh muscles — Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. especially the quadriceps, hamstrings The flip side is true, as well. For every and abductors — improves range of pound of excess weight you lose, you'll motion, protects knee cartilage and spare your knees from having to cope reduces the stress you place on the with four additional pounds of extra knee, says Richard Willy, an assistant force. professor of physical therapy at the University of Montana School of 2. Keep moving. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Regular physical activity helps Sciences. Get in the habit of maintain joint function, including doing squats and lunges twice a week, strength and range of motion in the making sure that your knees stay above knees, which “means less force gets your feet and don't extend in front of applied to the knee,” Bhatia explains. your toes. After age 50, avoid Although it used to be believed that squatting below a 90-degree angle (with your hips dropping below your are appropriate for your gait and foot knees), because deep squats increase (whether you pronate or supinate, for pressure on the knees, Cardone warns. example), Branam advises. Believe it If you prefer to use weight machines, or not, research suggests that postural opt for the leg press, hamstring curl, abnormalities of the feet can contribute knee extension and outer-thigh to knee osteoarthritis, which is why it's (abductor) machines, Willy advises. important to wear shoes that help prevent inward or outward rolling of 4. Perfect your posture. the feet during movement. If you're in the market for new exercise footwear, “People often slouch or get more it's a good idea to get professionally stooped over as they get older,” evaluated and fitted by someone at a Cardone says. This is problematic top-notch running or sporting goods because poor posture changes your store, Branam suggests. When you're body's center of gravity, placing added not exercising, avoid high heels, which stress on your knees and hips. So make increase the load that's placed on your a point of standing tall, with your head knees, Willy says. in line with your shoulders, your shoulders directly over your hips, your 6. Listen to your knee pain. hips aligned with your knees, and your If you develop pain and swelling in knees aligned with your feet. Doing your knee, take a break from walking, “Pilates, yoga, tai chi and core- running or any other high-impact strengthening exercises such as planks activity you're doing. Give your knee and back extensions can help improve the RICE treatment — rest, ice, your posture, prevent irritation under compression and elevation — and take and around the kneecaps, and help you an anti-inflammatory medication such avoid falling,” Cardone adds. as ibuprofen, Rue advises. “If it gets better on its own, you can go back to 5. Choose the right shoes. what you were doing,” he says. If it Wearing supportive, comfortable doesn't respond in a week or two, have shoes promotes proper alignment of it looked at by a doctor. In the the joints in your lower extremities as meantime, you can continue to you move, explains Barton Branam, exercise by doing a gentle activity, M.D., an assistant professor of including swimming, aqua aerobics or orthopaedic surgery at the University bicycling, Willy says, so that you don't of Cincinnati. For exercise, choose lose any of the fitness you've been kicks that suit your activity — say, building. running shoes for running — and that

5 TIPS FOR ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING SUCCESS

From Senior Citizen Times 2020

Online grocery shopping is on the rise, shipping. For example, carton and the options are plentiful – from packages are about 60% lighter than having a shopper deliver goods at your cans, and they are made mainly from door to curbside pickup and more. But renewable materials. Even pet food even the most experienced grocery can be found in cartons. shoppers may find they need to learn Keep in mind that many of your chilled some new tricks to achieve online favorites, such as milk or plant-based grocery shopping success. dairy alternatives, may also be available in shelf-stable cartons. This Tip #1: Find the delivery method means the product doesn’t need to be that best suits your needs chilled during shipping, eliminating Need lots of fresh produce delivered the need to pack items on ice. No right away? Look for a service that matter how long shipping takes, or gives your list to a personal shopper to how long the box remains on the take through a local store and deliver doorstep, your items will arrive safe to at your doorstep. If you’re looking to eat and with the quality you expect. stock up on pantry staples, a service that ships from a warehouse is a great Tip #3: Plan ahead way to get what you need without Take advantage of the ability to having to step foot inside a store. Many assemble your grocery cart at home by stores are also offering curbside assessing any long-term needs for pickup, where you pick out your items staple items, like pasta, broths and online, check out and drive to the store beans. If you’re short on food storage to have your order placed directly into space, look for foods packaged in your trunk. square shapes. Stackable, shelf-stable cartons help make the most of every Tip #2: Be an eco-friendly online inch. Many canned goods now come in shopper carton packages too. There are plenty of opportunities to keep sustainability in mind while Tip #4: Give specific instructions to online grocery shopping. Packages your shopper that weigh less will translate to It’s sad but true: Sometimes your reduced carbon emissions during favorite items will be out of stock. If you’re using a personal shopping served its purpose. Many types of food service, make sure to include notes for and beverage packages can be recycled preferred replacement items, and turned into new materials. For especially if there’s another brand or example, cartons can be turned into flavor you’d like if your first choice is paper products, such as tissues and unavailable. You can even note how paper towels, and even sustainable green you’d like your bananas or how building materials! ripe your ideal avocado may be. Online grocery shopping might require Tip #5: Pay attention to packaging you to approach shopping a bit Food packaging is designed to protect differently, but with a little bit of its contents – keeping the food safe and planning and practice you can have the flavorful while preserving its nutrients. food and other supplies you and your As you shop online, look for packaging family need delivered directly to your that protects the planet once it has doorstep.

TOP 15 HOBBY IDEAS FOR OLDER PEOPLE BY LIFELINE 24--2019 (Ed. Of course, there is always OLLI!)

It’s important for older people to will also improve their social life due remain social and active in order to to meeting others with the same avoid boredom or loneliness, and interests as them. perhaps more importantly, to help reduce the risk of health problems. Hobby ideas, those such Maintaining a hobby is the answer and as cooking and gardening can help we have put together a list of our top boost the morale of older people, by 10 hobby ideas to help give older giving them a sense of achievement people some inspiration. and pride. Reading books and playing video games help to keep the brain Different hobbies will have a different active, therefore reducing the risk impact on the person taking part. Sport of dementia. Of course, these are also and fitness activities will help to keep fun activities for old people. older people healthy and energetic but There are plenty of options available, remaining fit, healthy, active and so let’s look at some of the top hobby socially active. ideas. Sports Looking after your Health As we’ve already covered in this As we age, our health becomes more hobby ideas article, it’s vital that older important. Looking after our bodies people take part in physical activity as becomes a necessity, whilst ensuring much as possible. There are plenty of that our mental health remains healthy different sports to choose from that is equally as important. older people are guaranteed to find the one for them. According to the NHS, most adults aged 65 and over spend, on average, 10 Some sporting hobby ideas include: hours or more each day sitting or lying down. In-turn, this means that this age  Walking Football. category is most at risk of  Swimming. obesity, heart disease and an earlier  Bowls. death compared to the general  Tennis. population.  Squash.  Golf. It is said that people should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity All of the above have different effects each week – preferably trying to do on the body. Not only is sport great for something every day, even if it’s in 10- our physical well-being, but it is also minute sessions. Taking part in great for our mental state. Many sports physical activity can help reduce the are played as a team, which means that risk of several medical conditions, those who take part will make new such as: friends and therefore improve their social life. In-turn, this helps to combat loneliness in old age.  Diabetes.  Cardiovascular Disease.  Depression. Of course, more than anything else,  Dementia. sport is fun. It gives people something  Arthritis. to look forward to each week, whether they’re a member of a club/team or if There are so many hobby ideas out they’re just having a social game with there which can help people to fight their friends. back against the ageing process, by Fitness Activities can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes You don’t need to take part in sport to and asthma. meet new people and look after your health. There are plenty of hobby ideas Just like you would if you were taking out there which are based on fitness, part in a sporting activity, Nordic such as: walking groups will also introduce you to new people. This can help improve  Going to the gym. your social life and combat any  Fitness classes & groups. loneliness that you may be feeling. If  Hiking. you’re interested in Nordic walking,  Walking. you can find a local instructor on  Nordic Walking. the Nordic Walking UK website.  Cycling.

A closer look at Nordic Walking If you’re considering taking part in a sporting or fitness activity, it’s important to know what your body can Nordic Walking is great for your social cope with. If you have issues with life and for your medical well-being. your muscles or bones, it’s advised Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that you speak with your GP or fitness which was originally a summer instructor in order to understand the training regime for cross-country level of activity you can take part in. . skiers. According to the NHS, Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that’s easy on the joints and suitable for all Gardening ages and fitness levels. It’s based on Gardening has plenty of benefits for using specially designed walking poles older people. Gardening can become in a way that harnesses the power of an addictive hobby, as everybody the upper body to propel you forward wants their garden to look the best it as you walk. can. Keen gardeners want to fill their gardens with the most There are different classes available, beautiful flowers and plants, cut the including gentle walks for those with lawn into a nice, neat design and health concerns to workout walks for maybe even grow some fruit and those who are looking to improve their vegetables. fitness by losing weight and toning their body. By using Nordic poles, you There are plenty of benefits, are taking the weight off your knees both mentally and physically, of and lower body joints. Nordic Walking getting out into the garden. Examples homes did not have any children living include: at home. It’s not just games consoles either. The elderly are getting more  Getting out into the fresh air. accustomed to tablets and online  Helping to keep fit and active. version of classics such as Scrabble.  Keeping older people busy.  Can provide nutritious, healthy Playing games provides great food. entertainment and can also be a way of  Reducing stress levels. socializing with friends and fellow gamers. It’s not just the social and fun Ensuring that we’re are up and about aspect either. Playing video and digital and keeping active rather than sitting games gives the brain a healthy down all day, is great for our health. In challenge. One study, in 2015, suggested that 3D computer games can fact, a 2015 study found that just two, help prevent memory loss. Hand-eye 50-minute sessions of potting plants co-ordination and reactions times can and watering flowers, dramatically also be improved by playing computer improves endurance, dexterity and games – attributes that may begin to brain function. As well as this, after weaken as people get older. seven weeks the participants of the study all lost weight, particularly Top games for older players include: around their waists, which is one of the most dangerous parts of the body to  Lexulous (Facebook Game) store fat. – This is an online word game based on the traditional board Gaming game, Scrabble. You can play against the computer or against One of the most interesting stories to other players from around the have hit the news in recent years is world. the rise of the silver gamer. Yes, that’s  Bejewelled – In this puzzle right, more people over the age of 55 game, players are required to are playing video games now than ever form a horizontal or vertical before. chain of three or more gems of the same color. You do this by swapping gems around the In 2014, The Telegraph reported that screen. one in four people over 55 had a games  Wii Sports – This game is console in their home. The majority of available on the Nintendo Wii. older people with consoles in their Players play the game like they would the sport in real life. Sports Popular social platforms such include; Tennis, Boxing and as Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp are Bowling. great for older people – especially  Brain Training – These games are those who live alone or away from designed to challenge the mind family. Plenty of younger people now and to get older people thinking. choose to move away from their Players will answer questions childhood home, whether it’s to go to and solver difficult equations and university or for work purposes. This puzzles. means that the older generation can get  Age of Empires – This series is left behind, making it difficult for them one of the biggest strategy game to see or speak with their family. It’s in franchises in the world. Games situations like this where social media focus on historical periods such steps in and allows people to re- as the Stone Age and Iron Age. connect with their family and friends,  Super Mario – One of the most both nearby and across the world: well-known and successful platform games. This game will  Facebook – A platform for provide hours of entertainment connecting and re-connecting and plenty of puzzle-solving. with friends and pages. It allows  Suduko – This well-known people to instant message loved numbers game which often you’ll ones, share photographs, videos, find in puzzle books and the back post statuses and much more. of newspapers has now got its  Sykpe – One of top live video own app. Great for keeping the messaging services. It allows mind sharp! people to video chat their loved ones all around the world. This Social Media means never having to miss a moment. Social media has taken over the world  WhatsApp – Free instant and is especially popular among the messaging and telephone calls on younger generation. This phenomenon mobile phones, without using has also become one of the most voice minutes or texts. popular activities on our list of hobby  Twitter – Customized to only ideas. According to a report on The see the things you’re interested Telegraph last year, the proportion of in. Share thoughts and opinions 55 to 64-year-olds using social media with the people who care, all in a passed the 50% mark in 2015. tweet consisting of 140 characters!  Instagram – A place to share Go into the kitchen and create some photographs. Share pictures of healthy, tasty masterpieces! what you care about with your followers whether they’re Jigsaw Puzzles friends, family or people with similar interests. There are plenty of hobby ideas for Out of all the elderly activities on this older people to choose from, but one of list, being a pro on social media is the the most enjoyable and brain- one that will impress the grandchildren challenging is a jigsaw puzzle. There the most! are so many different types of puzzle to choose from, including actual photographs, cartoons, paintings and Cooking other backgrounds. As previously mentioned in this article, cooking a meal can give a great Puzzles are available with 500 pieces, sense of achievement, along with a 1000 pieces, 2000 pieces and even a feeling of happiness as loved ones and challenging 5000 pieces. The best friends enjoy the food that has been thing about puzzles is that they don’t made. need to be finished in one go – stop and Cooked meals can bring friends and come back to them whenever suits. family together. Sunday dinner is a This potentially can create days, even British institution. Everybody likes to weeks of fun. boast about their grandma’s Sunday dinner! But it’s not just the social Well-known puzzling brands include: benefits of cooking which are important. Cooking homemade food is also great for our health.  Ravensburger – Ravensburger creates fun puzzles for the children, and serious, challenging Create meal plans, try to master puzzles for the adults. 3D puzzles healthy recipes and learn about new are also available from this foods from around the world. Rather brand. than eating out, getting a takeaway or  Jan Van Haasteren – These buying frozen, processed meals, eat puzzles are all about the fun, genuine meat with healthy vegetables. chaotic scenes that have been Maybe use items grown in the garden, designed by Jan Van Haasteren. as discussed in the gardening section Little hidden features appear of this blog article. throughout the range.  Wasgij – Something a little Current best sellers include: different. In these puzzles, you must create an alternative scene  The Missing Wife by Sheila based on the clue given on the O’Flanagan. box. Wasjig is also jigsaw spelled  Harry Potter and the Cursed backwards!! Child by J.K Rowling.  Dark Tower: The Gunslinger 3D puzzles provide a whole different Vol.1 by Stephen King. aspect to this activity. Re-create some of the world’s most popular landmarks Of course, people don’t even need to in puzzle form. Examples include the have the actual book now if they don’t Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Tower want to. Most stories are also available Bridge. Sporting examples include Old as E-Books, for use on devices such as Trafford and various F1 cars. the Kindle. Despite older people generally preferring an actual book, E- All of the above will give the brain a Books can allow them to read easier workout – helping to keep the and faster – according to this study. cognitive functions active. This is important in for older people as it can Reading an actual book can help to help prevent the onset of dementia. enhance memory, sharpen decision- making skills, reduce stress and help Books people to get to sleep much faster. Reading in bed is a common thing to Who doesn’t love to read a good book? do as it induces shut-eye much better This is the most traditional entry on our than watching TV before bed. list of hobby ideas for older people. Reading is something we all enjoy Learn to Play a New Instrument doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re 65 or 25, a good book can provide days of Of all our hobby ideas, this is possibly entertainment. the one that we all consider at some point in our lives. There are plenty of There’re so many different genres to instruments for you to choose from choose from, which means that there too, such as the guitar, drums, piano, will be something for everyone. For saxophone or violin. TV and sports fans, there are plenty of autobiographies. For those who like Teaching yourself a new skill provides horror stories, here is the Stephen King your brain with a challenge, which is collection. important in the battle against dementia. You’ll also develop  Painting. your time management and  Detailing. organizational skills during the  Photography. learning process, as you’ll have to get it your full attention if you’re going to Model building can also be a good progress and improve. reliever of stress. You can escape to your own little assembly area to Your hand-eye coordination also concentrate solely on building your improves as your brain will be working latest project, clearing your mind of to covert the musical notes that you’re any problems that you had previously. reading on the page into specific motor patterns, breathing techniques and Model building is also a great hobby to rhythm in your hands. enjoy with your grandchildren. You can build your projects together, Of course, playing a musical strengthening your relationship and instrument is also plenty of fun and teaching them the rewards of good you could end up making new friends teamwork. by joining a band once you’re ready. Finally, the sense of achievement that Model Building you’ll have once your latest project is complete cannot be beaten. You can take a step back and appreciate the Something that you perhaps hadn’t model that you have just built, before thought of before. Model building is a adding it to your collection – perhaps a hobby that can become quite addictive, model car shelf? especially as you don’t even have to leave your home. Putting together some of your favorite cars or planes Bird Watching can help you to develop your skills. Model Space hint that you’ll There are plenty of benefits of taking learn and/or improve on the following: part in bird watching. Not only to you get to travel around the country, and potentially the world, but you also get  Researching. to see some of the most desirable bird  Planning. species on our planet.  Cutting.  Drilling.  Sculpting. Being outside is great for your mental  Sanding. well-being, as it generally improves  Gluing. your mood and provides you with a space to think. Bird watching is a great Pets provide you with a sense of opportunity to reflect on your life, or to responsibility, you know that you need just zone out and think calming to feed them, take them for walks, thoughts. Not only that, but your body clean their cage/living area and protect will soak up vitamin D from the sun them from any potential dangers and breath in fresh air all day. around the home and the outside world. You’ll also benefit from an improvement in your reflexes and According to various studies, stroking mental alertness. As a bird watcher, a pet is thought to reduce the level of you need to be ready to pounce with stress-related hormones in the blood, your camera in order to capture that whilst stroking a dog can be dream shot of the bird. A bird can be comforting to both parties. When you here and gone in the blink of an eye. stroke a dog, a hormone called Bird watchers need their brains to oxytocin, linked to anxiety relief, is operate on many different levels to released. make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be nearby. Owning a pet can bring some fun and excitement back into your life. Often, you’ll be walking for miles, or even climbing and hiking up Travelling mountains, to find a certain type of bird. Putting your body through this is Perhaps the most appealing of all our a good cardiovascular workout, which hobby ideas, why not take some time is good for your heart. out from work or from daily life if you’re retired to see the world? The Pets possibilities are endless when it comes to travelling, it really depends on your preferences and dreams. Looking after a pet can easily be seen a hobby idea. Having a pet can provide you with a friendly companion and Maybe head over the States and someone to focus your energy on each complete the Route 66 trail or go down day. Having a dog, for example, is under and visit the outback in great if you’re living alone as it will Australia. Going travelling could help combat any feelings of boredom or to tick off so many items on loneliness. your bucket list. Before you head anywhere make sure same interests. You can make new that you’ve sorted out friends and fill your calendars with any insurance and vaccinations, and exciting activities and social events – remember to keep your home perfect for maintaining a strong social secure whilst you’re away – don’t network. make it obvious over social media that you’re going away. Adult Learning

Community Groups Like the community groups mentioned above, joining an adult learning course There is a huge risk of loneliness as can also have great social benefits: people get older. Friends and family may move away and older people could face living alone. This is  Meeting new people who have dangerous as loneliness can trigger the same interests. health problems. Living alone can  Sharing stories with new people. become quite upsetting and  Sharing advice and tips depressing. throughout the educational course.  Learning new skills at a college Fortunately, there are many or university keeps the brain community groups out there, based on healthy. ‘Students’ constantly several different hobbies and interests. learn new things and try to solve Some of the most common groups that puzzles as they try to understand can be found around the country and process new information. In include: fact, research by the Alzheimer’s Society showed that education  Arts & Crafts for beginners. delayed the onset of the  Board Game cafes and groups. disease, according to this report  Exercise classes such as yoga. on The Guardian.  Cooking classes for different levels of experience. Much like cooking an amazing meal in  Coffee mornings. the kitchen, learning a new skill and  Singing groups. passing exams gives an amazing sense  Dancing. of achievement. Keeping busy and  Book reading groups. active is vital as the elderly try to combat loneliness and boredom. Visit Joining a group like this can introduce a local college or university website to older people to those who have the see what courses are available. Have a hobby but stay safe While confidence boost that help will be there having a hobby or two is great, any in an emergency. Our life-saving activity comes with some risks pendant works inside the home and in attached. A personal alarm is the ideal the garden. solution and can give people a THE COLORFUL HISTORY OF COMIC BOOKS AND NEWSPAPER CARTOON STRIPS

From ThoughtCo. 2019

The comic strip has been an essential Townshend (1724–1807) were two part of the American newspaper since pioneers of these types of comics. its first appearance more than 125 years ago. Newspaper comics—often The First Comics called the "funnies" or the "funny As political caricatures and standalone pages"—quickly became a popular illustrations became popular in early form of entertainment. Characters like 18th-century Europe, artists sought Charlie Brown, Garfield, Blondie, and new ways to satisfy demand. The Dagwood became celebrities in their Swiss artist Rodolphe Töpffer is own right, entertaining generations of credited with creating the first multi- people young and old. panel comic in 1827 and the first illustrated book, "The Adventures of Before Newspapers Obadiah Oldbuck," a decade later. Each of the book's 40 pages contained Comics did exist before the strips in several picture panels with newspapers that may first come to accompanying text underneath. It was mind when you think of the medium. a big hit in Europe, and in 1842, a Satirical illustrations (often with a version was printed in the U.S. as a political bent) and caricatures of newspaper supplement in New York. famous people became popular in Europe in the early 1700s. Printers sold As printing technology evolved and inexpensive color prints lampooning allowed publishers to print in large politicians and issues of the day, and quantities and sell for a nominal cost, exhibitions of these prints were humorous illustrations changed as popular attractions in Great Britain and well. In 1859, German poet and France. British artists William artist Wilhelm Busch published Hogarth (1697–1764) and George caricatures in the newspaper Fliegende Blätter. In 1865, he published a famous comic called "Max und Moritz," which 'The Yellow Kid' chronicled the escapades of two young boys. In the U.S, the first comic with a Although several cartoon characters regular cast of characters, "The Little appeared in American newspapers in Bears" created by Jimmy Swinnerton, the early 1890s, the strip "The Yellow appeared in 1892 in the San Francisco Kid," created by Richard Outcault, is Examiner. It was printed in color and often cited as the first true comic strip. appeared alongside the weather Initially published in 1895 in New forecast. York World, the color strip was the first to use speech bubbles and a Comics in American Politics defined series of panels to create comic narratives. Outcault's creation, which Comics and illustrations also played an followed the antics of a bald, jug-eared important role in the history of the U.S. street urchin dressed in a yellow gown, In 1754, Benjamin Franklin created quickly became a hit with readers. the first editorial cartoon published in an American newspaper. Franklin's The success of "The Yellow Kid" cartoon was an illustration of a snake quickly spawned numerous imitators, with a severed head and the printed including "The Katzenjammer Kids." words "Join, or Die." The cartoon was In 1912, the New York Evening intended to goad the different colonies Journal became the first newspaper to into joining what was to become the dedicate a whole page to comic strips United States. and single-panel cartoons. Within a decade, long-running cartoons like By the mid-19th century, mass- "Gasoline Alley," "Popeye," and circulation magazines became famous "Little Orphan Annie" were appearing for their elaborate illustrations and in newspapers across the country. By political cartoons. The American the 1930s, full-color standalone illustrator Thomas Nast was known for sections dedicated to comics were his caricatures of politicians and common in newspapers. satirical illustrations of contemporary issues like enslavement and corruption The Golden Age and Beyond in New York City. Nast is also credited with inventing the donkey and The middle part of the 20th century is elephant symbols that represent the considered the golden age of Democratic and Republican parties. newspaper comics as strips

proliferated and papers flourished. readers, as well as ongoing classics Detective "Dick Tracy" debuted in like "Peanuts." However, newspaper 1931; "Brenda Starr"—the first circulations have declined cartoon strip written by a woman— precipitously since their peak in 1990, was first published in 1940; "Peanuts" and comic sections have shrunken and "Beetle Bailey" each arrived in considerably or disappeared altogether 1950. Other popular comics include as a result. Thankfully, the internet has "Doonesbury" (1970), "Garfield" become a vibrant alternative for (1978), "Bloom County" (1980), and cartoons, giving a platform to creations "Calvin and Hobbes" (1985). like "Dinosaur Comics" and "xkcd" Today, strips like "Zits" (1997) and and introducing a whole new "Non Sequitur" (2000) entertain generation to the joys of comics.

HERE ARE GARDENING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY FOR TALLAHASSEE Temperatures can drop to freezing this Fertilize established fruit trees. month; annuals that can take the chill Continue planting dormant fruit trees. include pansies, viola, and dianthus. Plant more vegetables, such as lettuce, Clean your annual and perennial cabbage, collards, onion sets, brussels flower beds. Add compost to the soil sprouts, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and add more mulch to the beds. kale, mustard greens, radishes, turnips, Bulbs can still be planted. Water well peas, and beets. and apply mulch for protection. Try Plant Irish potatoes now! Plant 3 dahlias! inches deep. Continue to deadhead flowers, such as Plant asparagus. pansies. Put down mulch across all Replenish mulch on strawberries. garden beds to control for weeds. Start your indoor seed boxes of Divide and replant crowded perennials tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and after they emerge. cauliflower indoors. Fertilize spring-blooming bulbs. Prune roses to remove damaged canes. Finish planting shrubs and trees. Then fertilize and apply mulch for Fertilize. protection. If not done in January, fertilize Divide and transplant perennial herbs. established fruit trees now. Seed herbs for April planting. Prune dormant trees. Avoid pruning You can fertilize your houseplants citrus until the spring. Prune shrubs with a water-soluble fertilizer when now; wait to prune spring-flowering they show new growth. shrubs until after they bloom. After temperatures rise to 65 degrees F for 4 to 5 days, apply a pre-emergent weed killer to prevent warm-season and Bahia: 3 to 4 inches; Centipede: weeds. 1.5 to 2 inches; Dwarf St. Augustine: Regularly mow your lawn at 2.5 inches). recommended heights (St. Augustine GARDENING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

By Susan Barnes

OLLI member Susan Barnes is a Master vegetables indoors to be ready Gardener volunteer with UF/IFAS Leon for outdoor transplanting as the County Extension, an Equal Opportunity weather warms. Consider Institution. For gardening questions, email [email protected] planting something new, even it’s just a flower or herb in a pot In these long-continued days of social on your front porch or balcony. distancing, gardening remains as a safe It doesn’t take a lot room to and recommended activity. While grow something of beauty. winter is a quiet time in the garden,  Local garden centers are open there are still things to do, such as for business, and they have pruning freeze-damaged plants and figured out ways to minimize otherwise neatening things up before contact. Give them a call or the blush of spring. Here are some tips check their websites to see how for gardening in the time of COVID- they are handling it. They may 19. take orders over the phone and  These are stressful times, and bring your desired items to the being outside is relaxing and car. Or consider having your healthy. Take the time to get plants and planting supplies your landscaping beds and turf delivered. The nurseries are areas ready for spring-- eager for your business. including digging weeds. Many  This is a perfect time of year to serious gardeners find weeding plant trees. Consider native to be therapeutic, and since it’s plants (rather than exotic) if you unlikely that others will have room for the addition of volunteer to help you, trees or large shrubs. maintaining a recommended  This is also a great time to move social distance is easy. plants around in your yard to  It will soon be time to plant more desirable locations. While outdoors, and you now have you’re doing this, consider some time to plant seeds of potting up some plants that have annuals, perennials, and multiplied and share them with your friends. It’s not hard to online resources that will lead make sharing plants a no- you to great activities having to contact event. do with gardening with children.  As your grass starts to grow in  After you’ve spent some time the spring, get your mower in working in your yard, kick back shape and get out there and and relax and enjoy your make some noise. Join your handiwork. Send photos of your neighbors in the rites of spring garden to your friends; they will from a distance. After you have enjoy the beauty you’ve helped had to mow your grass a couple create, too. of times, it’s time to fertilize.  Enjoy the wildlife that visits Make sure the soil is moist when your garden. Listen to the birds. you do so and water the fertilizer Build a birdhouse with your in gently so it doesn’t run off. grandchildren. Feed the Avoid fertilizing before an hummingbirds that should be anticipated heavy rain, or your coming back in March and the neighbor (or a nearby lake or songbirds that live with us all storm sewer system) may end up year long. Learn the names of with your fertilizer. Newly butterflies that visit your planted shrubs and flowers will flowers. appreciate a bit of fertilizer, too.  And finally, just don’t stop  If you can do so safely, involve gardening. It gets you outdoors your grandchildren in your in the fresh air, provides some gardening activities. Growing exercise in these days of gym plants from seeds, watching restrictions, and gets your mind them grow, and then enjoying off the non-stop news of the the bounty of flowers or pandemic. Take some time for vegetables teach great life yourself and enjoy the slice of lessons of patience and nature that is your yard. persistence. There are lots of .

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

COMPASSION “Compassion is at the heart of every little thing we do. It is the dearest quality we possess. Yet all too often it can be cast aside with consequences too tragic to speak of. To lose our compassion, we lose what it is to be human.” Anonymous

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