PAGE 9

Local programs keepseniors busy

Memorydecline canbe caused byimpaired sleepPAGE 2

PAGE 8

Healthy dose of activity

Travel ideas foractive seniorsPAGE 12

March 2013 • Vol. 7, Issue 3 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Inside...

FinancesHidden costs of parenting afterdivorce

Pg. 4

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Spring recipeChef Diane Lestina creates braisedcod dish

Pg. 3

PUBLISHERCrystal DuPre

DIRECTOR OF SALES ANDMARKETINGRon Prince

SPECIAL PROJECTPROJECTPR S EDITORShauna Lewis

shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

DISPLAYDISPLAYDISPL ADVERADVERAD TISINGVERTISINGVER MANAGERMANAGERMANAJoanne R. Patranella

SPECIALSPECIALSP PROJECTPROJECTPR S/OJECTS/OJECT MARKETINGCOORDINATOORDINATOORDINA R

Dawn Goodalldawn.goodall@theeagle.com

Chef Diane: Braised cod recipe 3Financial Literacy: Parenting costs after divorce 4Bradway: Living with type II diabetes 5Travel: Travel ideas for seniors 12

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College StationCommunications Inc.1729 Briarcrest Drive

Bryan, Texas

Snore a lot? Get upfrequently at night to urinate?Wake up at 2 a.m. with brightideas or worries? All thesedisruptions of sleep arecommon andmore so as weget older. Doesit matter? Well,of course suchawakeningsdisrupt oursleep, andmaybeit is justinconveinconveincon nient.But disrupted sleep not onlyis more likely with age, itmay promote deterioration inmental functioning.

A recent study comparedthe effectseffectsef of sleepingbehaviorbehaviorbeha in young adults andseniors. The study invoinvoin lvedassessing the memory aftersleeping of 18 young adults intheir 20s and 15 older adultsin their 70s. The subjectswere tested on 120 word setsbeforbeforbef e they went to bed, andan EEG machine monitoredtheir brain activityactivityacti whilethey slept. Upon awakening,they were tested once againon the word pairs, but thistime they took the testswhile undergoing functionalmagnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) scans.

The quality of deep sleepamong the older adults was75 percent lower than theyounger ones, and theirmemory was significantlyworse the next day−55percent worse. The scanssuggested deterioration ofthe frontal lobe. Shrunkenbrains can occur from agingand shrunken brains impairthinking and memory. But isit possible we havehaveha the causeand the effecteffectef backward?Maybe what happens inthe envirenviren onment, such asimpaired sleeping, causesboth the shrunken brain andthe impaired memory. Orin other words, what causesolder brains to shrink?

Scientists consider adecrease of about 2 percentshrinkage every 10 years

as normal. That may not benormal, just what most peopleexperience because theyare not taking care of theirbrains. There is abundantresearch that shows thatexercises for both the brainand body help to reduce brainatrophy.

Of course, anythingthat damages neurons canreduce the number of theirtree-like processes and thedensity of their contact pointswith other neurons. Thelist of such causes is long,including: alcohol abuse,brain inflammation, certaininfections, concussion,impaired blood supply, lackof intellectual stimulus andvitamin B12 deficiency. It nowappears that we should addfragmented sleep to the list.

Common natural causesof fragmented sleep in olderhumans are alcohol abuseand sleep apnea. Also, inmales, enlarged prostatecauses a need for frequenturination. As I havehaveha explainedin my learning and memoryblog posts (thankyoubrain.blogspot.com), learningevents during the day areconsolidated into lasting formduring the sleep at night ofthe same day. We don’t knowexactly how sleep helps, butobviously, you havehaveha far fewermental distractions duringsleep — unless, of course youkeep waking up.

Alzheimer’s Disease alsocauses fragmented sleep.So, it is no surprise that thebrain degeneration by thedisease would cause memoryproblems. But maybe, justmaybe, it is the fragmentedsleep that accelerates onsetof Alzheimer’s disease. Now,this seemingly ridiculouspossibility has to be takenseriously in light of newresearch showing thatsleep-disordered breathing,as in sleep apnea, seems toincrease the risk of mental

Dr. BiLL KLeMMthethet memormemorm y meDiCmeDiCm

Sleepmatters

See Memorymorymor Medicpagepagepa 6

Memory decline withage can be caused byimpaired sleep

Cover photo: Senior Circle members Diana and Barry Stocks, Ann Marsh and Betty Trost posewith their tour guide, Marta, in front of a palace in Wurzburg, Germany during the group’s EuropeanChristmas Markets vacation in November. See page 8 for story on local programs that keep seniorsactive.

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Braising is a form of moist-heatcooking in which the item to becooked is partially covered withliquid and then simmered at a lowtemperature. Often you will see meatcooked this way for a very long timein the oven, butthe method alsoworks well withfish and can bedone on the stovetop. The fishcome out moistand full of flavoflavofla rfrom the braisingliquid, whichalso doubles asa sauce. I madethis with wild-caught cod, buthalibut or snapper would work aswell.

Braised Cod with Peppers,Onions and Tomatoes

Ingredients• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin oliveoliveoli

oil• 1 yellow bell pepper,pper,pper cored and

thinly sliced• 1 small onion, halved and thinly

sliced• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (can

use regular paprika, as well)• 1 teaspoon dried thyme• Salt and freshly ground black

pepper• 2 cloves garlic minced• ½ can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes,

drained• ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken

stock)• 2 skinless cod fillets (6-7 ounces

each)• 2 tablespoons fresh basil

chiffoiffoif nade* cut• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegarDirections1. Heat a non-stick skillet over

medium heat and add oil. Whenthe oil is shimmering, add bellpepper,pper,pper onion, paprika, thyme and ¼teaspoon salt and cook until softened(about 8 minutes). Stir in garlic andcook for an additional 30 seconds

2. Stir in tomatoes and wine, and¼ teaspoon pepper and bring to asimmer.

3. Pat cod dry with paper towelsand season with a little more salt andpepper. Nestle cod into the pan andspoon contents over the fish. Coverand cook on low heat until fish flakes,about 10 minutes per inch.

4. Transferfish to plates andstir basil andvinegar into thesauce. Spoonsauce over fishand serve.

*Chiffo*Chiffo*Chif nadeis a fancy wordfor thin ribbons.Because basiltends to turnblack after beingcut, it’s the bestway to cut it.The first stepis to stack yourbasil leaveleavelea s intoa neat pile. Placethe largest leafon the bottomof the stackand stack themroughly accordingto size. Since yourbasil leaveleavelea s willhavehaveha a natural tendency to curl,curl,cur it isa good idea to place the leaveleavelea s so thatthey are curlingcurlingcur upward. This willmake them easier to roll.

Once your leaveleavelea s are all nicelystacked, roll them up like a cigar.Hold the roll tightly so that it does notcome undone, but keep your fingers

out of the way when cutting. Usinga sharp knife, slice the leaveleavelea s acrossinto thin, evenly sized strips.

Diane Lestina, a certified personalchef, holds cookingingin classes and

pedpecooks for

resideef,de

ef,ntsntsnt in the BryaBryaBr n-College StatStatSt ion

area. To learn more,re,re visitwww.cwww.cwww hefdhefdhe iane.com.

Diane LestinaCookCookC it SimpleSimpleS

www.Cwww.Cwww hef.Chef.C DhefDhef ianeDianeD .iane.iane Com

Braised fish recipe makes for moist, delicious meal

Chef Diane Lestina’s recipe, Braised Cod with Peppers,On-ions andTomatoes, can also be made with other types of fish.

3

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Raising children is acostly endeavor. Add in thedifficulties of co-parentingwith an ex-spouse and thecosts can go even higher.

Most parents will agreethat raising children isexpensive.Fordivorcingparents,that maybe the onlything theycan agreeon whenit comesto sharingthe costsof raising their children.Child support judgmentsmade at the date of divorcecannot predict the scores ofvariables that will crop up ina child’s life. Even for parentswho are not splitting up, itis impossible to accuratelyforesee how much it willcost to raise children. Forexample, select sports teamsand their growing costs didnot exist 10 or so years ago.

One unhappily divorcedMom’s solution forinsufficient child support isperhaps not uncommon, butit is not optimal. “He’ll justhave to live with it then. I’lltell the kids they have to askDad every time they wantsomething.“

Making joint financialdecisions

Splitting couples woulddo well to learn how tonavigate through the decisionprocesses of post-divorcejoint parenting. Who will payfor the special needs items,birthday parties, privateschool tuition, college-relatedexpenses, extracurricularactivities, latest technologicalinnovation, singing lessonsand tattoo removal?

Sam’s parents have beendivorced for several years.They have been fighting overchild support ever since. As apart of the settlement, Momand Dad agreed to share thecost and insurance of a carfor Sam when he reacheddriving age. When Sam gothis driver’s license, he hopedhis parents would buy hima truck. But Dad offeredto buy him a Nissan 300zx

twin turbo with woofers andtweeters in the trunk. Sam’sfriends had cool vehiclesand Dad was proud to be inthe financial position to buyhis son a type of car that hehimself had never had. Daddidn’t ask Mom to pay forhalf the car, but he did wantto stick with their divorceagreement that states thatMom pays for half the carinsurance. While Mom hadplanned on paying for halfof Sam’s vehicle insurance,she had not anticipated thehigher cost of the insurancepremium that comes with ateenaged boy driving a sportscar. Additionally, she washorrified that her son wouldbe driving such a dangerouscar. She saw this as a carteenagers die in.

Not only is this a financialstrain for her, but also asource of worry and anemotional disappointment.Buying her own first carwas a fond memory of herteenage years. When shestarted to drive, her parentsspent time with her talkingabout cars, looking at cars onthe weekends, explaining toher the pros and cons of eachtype of car and ultimatelyallowing her to make the finaldecision. This was her firstmajor financial decision inlife and she felt it was a bigstep toward growing up. Momwanted to be a part of thisright of passage experiencefor Sam. With these financialconstraints and emotionalconcerns, Mom and Dadreached an impasse andshelved the car purchase.Sam was deeply disappointed,but wouldn’t tell his parentsbecause he loved them both.

Neutral third partymediates financial issues

How can parentslike Sam’s make mutualparenting decisions whenthey can’t even talk toeach other? They can hirea parenting coordinatorto help them resolve theirchild-related disagreementsand avoid numerous tripsback to court. The long-termobjective is to reduce theconflict associated with theirparenting communicationand decision- making process.

Parenting coordination isa child-focused alternativedispute resolution process inwhich a mediation-trainedand experienced mentalhealth or legal professionalhelps parents resolveparenting disputes. Theseprofessionals have extensivepractical experience withhigh conflict or litigatingparents. This definition maysound touchy-feely, but infact it is very effective inresolving concrete financialdisputes over children’sexpenses. This resourcecomes at a price that parentsof moderate means canafford.

According to parentingcoordinator, Faith Wilson,MA, LPC, “This is nottherapy. It is meant to beshort term and action packed.We come in, get somethingdone and move out.” If

the parents cannot cometo a mutually agreeableresolution, the parentingcoordinator can act as anarbitrator and make thedecision for them. For busydivorced parents, this nononsense approach is a plus.It is fast, effective, and can getthe couple to a resolution thatworks.

It is not uncommon forparents to return to courtseveral times over the courseof a child’s minority. Thisis expensive for the parentsin time, legal fees andemotional stress. Throughtheir interaction with theparenting coordinator, theparents learn skills formaking future joint parentingand financial decisions.This goes a long way towardreducing the chances thatthe parents will return tocourt over parenting issues,

whether financial, emotionalor both.

Parenting coordinatorscan be appointed by judgesor selected by attorneys. Ifyou know a couple who couldbenefit from working witha parenting coordinator,tell them to contact me ora family law attorney for areferral.

Parenting after divorcecan come with unexpectedfinancial conflict. Learninghow to communicate andmake compromises withan ex-spouse can reducethe financial and emotionalburden that comes with co-parenting in two separatehouseholds.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart,CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP®through her blog at www.TexasDivorceFinance.com.

tracY stewartfinanCial literaCy

Hidden costs of parentingafter a divorce

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I am a 55-year-old,ear-old,ear typeII diabetic who is not active.I’ve been dieting since I was 8yearsarsar old. So while it doesn’tlook like I’m tryingtryingtr ,ying,ying I fightand win food battles everyday,day,da but it just takes one lostbattle to put on the pounds.I’m really getting discouragdiscouragdiscour edagedagand overwhelmed. I read somuch about what I need todo and what I shouldn’t do,do,doand often the inforinforinf mationis contradictory.dictory.dictor Can youprovide simple instructions toget me started? Jerrod, BryaBryaBr n

Jerrod, you are definitelynot alone in your experiences.There is a lot of inforinforinf mationout there and if you followedit all, you probably wouldn’teat. BeforBeforBef ewe talkabout foodthough,you knowyou havehavehato be moreactiveactiveacti . Assomeoneonce said,you can’taffoaffoaf rdnot toexercise. Exercise is thatimportant, not only for losingweight and maintaining ahealthy weight but also forhealthy aging. You want toremain independent as longas possible, so you mustmove. As we say in our clinic,“bodies in motion equalslifelong health.” We canmake all kinds of excuses notto exercise. But if you lookclosely at the liveliveli s of thosewho are healthy, you’ll noticethey make exercise a priority;they don’t miss work outs;and they let others know thisis a priority for them. Moneyand time shouldn’t be anexcuse. Most people can walkoutside, in the park,park,par in themall, etc. I would encourageyou to do some fast walkingor walking that gets yourheart rate into your targetheart range for at least 30minutes, preferably one hour(go to BVphBVphBV ysicaltherapy.comfor instructions on how tocalculate heart rate). If youdon’t havehaveha 30 to 60 minutes allat once, try to do 15-minuteincrements when you can.Make sure to drink waterbeforbeforbef e and after you walk soyou don’t get dehydrated. Getinto the habit of walking acertain time during the day,

every day. I run versus walk,but I make sure to do thisat noon every day or in themorning. If for some reason,I miss either of these, I runat night, but I don’t missmy exercise “appointment.”Make sure your programis something you can liveliveliwith, and commit yourself toputting your health first andtaking time to exercise. Youcan’t affoaffoaf rd not to.

Regarding food, there isa lot of inforinforinf mation aboutwhat to eat, how to cook,what to use when cookingand so on. Since you are atype two diabetic you mightbe interested in Dr. Hyman’sand/or Dr. Weil’s workon eating healthy to avoidinflammation. If your sugaris not well controlled, youshould speak to your doctorand a nutritionist. In general,you should watch the amountof carbohydrates (carbs) youconsume at any one time,limiting those with a highglycemic index and preferablyconsuming protein and/orvegetables with carbs. Allof this is to help slow downhow fast the carbs enter yoursystem, spiking your sugar.As a diabetic, your bodydoesn’t process foods you eatefficientlefficientlef y and thus you havehavehato limit your consumption ofcertain carbs and the amountyou consume at one time.Diabetes is a chronic diseasethat will get worse over timeif action isn’t taken. Mostresearch today suggests thatAmericans should cut downon the amount of animalprotein consumed. We needto use animal protein as aminor portion of our meals,not the center of them.You might try eating moresoy products such as tofu(marinate in your favofavofa riteflavoflavofla rs) and edamame foryour protein needs. Considerhavinghavingha two fish meals, twosoy meals, for every animalprotein meal. Regarding fat,most experts agree that oliveoliveoliand nut oils are good choices,but should be used sparingly.We also need to eat morevegetables and fruits, tryingto get a variety of colors everyday. As a diabetic, though, eatmore vegetables than fruit.If you havehaveha high cholesterol,

Leon BraDwaYDwaYDwphySiCalphySiCalp therthert apherapher y

Healthy tips for livingwith type II diabetes

See Bradwaypagepagepa 7 5

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decline and even dementia in olderwomen.

Disrupted sleep may alsoaccelerate normal aging. This iscertainly true when the cause is sleepapnea, which raises blood pressureand increases the cardiovasculardamage that high blood pressurecauses. Blood clotting is promoted,increasing the likelihood of strokes.Obesity and diabetes are oftenassociated with sleep apnea, andit seems that sleep apnea not onlyresults from obesity but can promoteobesity and the diabetes that oftenaccompanies obesity. Diabetes istoxic for nerve terminals. Similarneuropathy may also be occurringin their brain. Sleep apnea causesdaytime sleepiness, and that it turnreduces attentivetentivetenti ness and mentalactivityactivityacti ,vity,vity which when sustained overmany years reduces the mentalstimulus and promotes atrophy ofneuronal processes.

Obviously, blood oxygen dropsduring sleep apnea. Normally, bloodis 94% to 98% saturated with oxygen.But not breathing for 30 seconds ormore during sleep causes oxygenlevel to drop to 80% or less. Any levelbelow 90% oxygen level is dangerous,especially to the brain whichdemands nearlynearlynear 20% of all the body’soxygen supply. The adult brain canonly survivesurvivesurvi about four minutes onceoxygen is completely cut off.off.of

So it is entirely possible that theslipping memory we see in so many

elderlyelderlyelder is a warning sign of somethingmuch more serious. But by the timethe memory deficitsshow up, much of thedamage has alreadybeen done. Preventionis the best hope.

Sources:Mander,Mander,Mander B. A.,

Rao, V., Brandon,B. L., Saletin, J.M., et al. (2013).Prefrontal atrophy,disrupted NREM slowwavewavewa s and impairedhippocampal-dependent memoryin aging. NatureNeurosciencedoi:10.1038/nn.3324

http://www.liveliveli strong.com/article/161959-what-are-the-causes-of-brain-atrophy/

Yaffe,ffe,ff K., LaffaLaffaLaf n,A. M., Harrison,S. L. et al. (2011).Sleep-disorderedbreathing, hyupoxia,and risk of mildcognitivegnitivegniti impairmentand dementiain older women.JAMA. 306 (6), 613-619. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.1115For those who want

to learn moremoremor aboutthe brain,brain,br Dr.Dr.Dr Klemmhas just released the

second edition of his e-book, “Core“Core“CorIdeas in Neuroscience.” See http://

thankyothankyothank ubrain.com/neurubrain.com/neurubr obook/index.htm.MemoryMedic

from pagepagepa 2

Pain sufferers urged to get safe relief from pain physicians(BPT) - When a person is in pain,

he or she will seek options to attemptto reduce or eliminate the pain. Forminor pains like headaches, muscleaches and small wounds, often over-the-counter drugs can help reducesuffering.suffering.suf But people with chronicpain may havehaveha to search for othersolutions.

More than 100 million Americanssuffersuffersuf from chronic pain, at a costof $600 billion a year in medicaltreatments and lost productivityoductivityoducti ,vity,vityaccording to a 2011 Institute ofMedicine report. As of Jan. 1,2013, the Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services (CMS) startedpaying providers without formaltraining in pain medicine to diagnoseand treat chronic pain.

The American Society ofAnesthesiologists (ASA) advisesadvisesadagainst receivingceivingcei care from providerswithout training in treating chronicpain because patient safety can beseriously compromised. In additionto jeopardizing patient safety,safety,safetyuntrained providers lower the qualityof health care and can increase therisk for fraud and prescription drug

abuse. Untrained providers lack thesufficientsufficientsuf education and trainingneeded to properlyoperlyoper prescribe opioids,according to the White House OfficeOfficeOfof National Drug Control Policy(ONDCP).

Clifton Phillips, 44, of Bowie, Md.,has pain throughout his body. Hesufferssufferssuf from osteoarthritis, migraineheadaches, a herniated disc and apinched nerve in his lower back,which causes discomfordiscomfordiscomf t and burningin his foot. For three years Phillipsworked through the pain beforbeforbef ehe sought help from an orthopedicdoctor who prescribed opioid painmedications for him. However,er,erPhillips soon became dependentupon the medication and suffersuffersuf edsignificant side effectseffectsef .

Treatment of chronic pain iscomplex and can be associated withsignificant complications. This is dueto the potential for severe side effectseffectseffrom some of the medications usedto treat pain and the anatomy anddelicate structure of the spine andnerves upon which many chronicpain interventions are perforperforperf med.Knowing that he couldn’t sustain a

successful lifestyle while taking thehighly addictiveaddictiveaddicti opioid meds, Phillipslooked for alternativetiveti treatmentoptions through his neurologist whoreferred him to a highly trainedanesthesiologist pain medicinephysician.

“I encourage others sufferingsufferingsuffrom chronic pain to do your duediligence, research your options anddon’t be afraid to ask questions abouttreatments,” Phillips says. “I feel safeknowing a physician who specializesin pain not only safely administersmy pain treatments, but also is able todiagnose and work with me to developa customized and effectieffectief vefectivefecti paintreatment plan.”

Specialized pain physicianshavehaveha the education and training toaccurately diagnose, evaluate andtreat chronic pain patients using acomprehensiveehensiveehensi approach includingmedications and pain procedures.Treatments can range from medicalmanagement, physical therapyand psychological therapy,py,py tointerventional therapies and otheralternativetiveti medical treatments.These therapies can be risky and

require the skill of anesthesiologistsor other physicians who possess thetraining and knowledge to providesafe, competent and appropriate care.These physicians complete a one-yearmultidisciplinary pain fellowshipin addition to their post-doctoraltraining, according to ASA. A painphysician, like an anesthesiologist, isa patient’s best solution to finding awell-trained provider to treat chronicpain conditions, similar to whatPhillips was experiencing.

Dr. John F. Dombrowski, ananesthesiologist pain medicinephysician and executiveecutiveecuti directorat the Washington Pain Center inWashington, D.C., began givinggivinggiPhillips steroid injection therapy fora month. Today, Phillips is completelyoffoffof opioid pain medications andreports the burning in his footsubsided, making him a happierperson.

“I look forward to being morespontaneous and enjoying my life. Ibelieve with these treatments, thiscould become a reality,”ality,”ality he said.

For more about pain treatment,visit physician-paincare.com.

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consider shiitake mushrooms, as theyhavehaveha a substance that encourages thebody to use cholesterol. The key hereis balance. Don’t go overboard onexercise or diet. Try to eat healthfullyeach time you eat. Try to eat at leastevery four hours and havehaveha protein andcarbohydrates together. Limit yourdairy,dairy,dairy animal protein and fats. Inaddition, consider organic or locallygrown foods. I personally believewe must be careful with plastics andsome canned foods that can leachchemicals (BPA,(BPA,(BP PVC, etc) into ourbodies. I personally store food in

glass, don’t microwaveowaveowa anything inplastic, don’t use Styrofoamofoamof and lookfor the No. 1, 2 or 4 when consumingbeverages out of plastic (these areconsidered safe, see the bottom ofthe bottle). My father-in-law gavegavegame great adviceadviceadyears ago: He saidgrow it yourself;cook it yourself;and if it can stayon the shelf overa week, it can’t begood for you. Inessence, I try tostay away fromprocessed foodswhen possible.Good luck with

your effoeffoef rts. Just writing about yourfrustration means you are motivamotivamoti tedto change. Be kind to yourself andforgivergivergi mistakes. You’ll be healthierbeforbeforbef e you know it. Visit ourwebsite for additional resources,

bvphysicaltherapy.com.

Leon BradBradBr way is a physphysph ical theraperaper istand director of

wayofwayth

wayth

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Bradwayfrom pagepagepa 5

By SHAUNASHAUNASHA LEWISLEWISLEThe EaglEaglEa e

Three homes in well-known Bryanand College Station neighborhoodswill be featured during The Woman’sClub’s 45th annual House and GardenTour on April 10.

The Woman’s Club of Bryan-College Station will hold the Houseand Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to6 p.m. as a fundraiser for its localcommunity outreach activitiesactivitiesacti . Aluncheon will also be held from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Woman’s Clubbuilding, 1200 Carter Creek Parkwayin Bryan.

The theme will be “distinctive“distinctive“distinctihomes with a differdifferdif ent palette.”Angela Smith, chairwoman ofpublicity for the event, said thetheme is “carried out in the threeuniquely elegant houses, with eachof the delightful homes revealingthe personalities and interests of theowners.”

The houses in the tour will

include the Stribling home, at 5306Jupiter Hills in the Pebble Creeksubdivisionsubdivisionsubdi in College Station. Theother two homes are in the Traditionssubdivisionsubdivisionsubdi in Bryan, which includesa privaprivapri te golf course and clubhouse.They are the Surovik home, at 3231Walnut Creek Court and the Woodhome, at 3207 Walnut Creek Court.

Stribling homeThe Stribling home was built by

Clay Kolby in 2010 for Linda andDanny Stribling, and was decoratedby the couple’s youngest son, MichaelStribling. Michael is a Houstondesigner who was featured in 2008 inthe HGTV show, “Design Star.”

Smith said the home features “boldelegance,” but it was built so thatguests, including grandkids, can relaxand enjoy their time there.

Surovik homeThe Surovik home was built by

Marriott in 2008. It was originallybuilt as a weekend home for owner,ner,nerBob Surovik, who liveliveli s in Abilene, but

his son, Wade Surovik now liveliveli s inthe home.

The home was designed anddecorated mostly by Wade, whose loveof antiques and auctions is shownthroughout the home. It features“understated elegance,” Smith said.Visitors feel welcome in the home,which – with openness between thekitchen and livinglivingli area – is greatfor entertaining. The home hostsseveral out-of-town Aggies on TexasA&M UniveUniveUni rsity home football gameweekends.

Wood homeDown the street from the Surovik

home is the Wood home, whichbelongs to Woman’s Club memberSissy Wood and her husband, PatWood.

The home was built in 2006by Darrell Bairrington, and has“intimate elegance,” Smith said.She said visitors will want to lookat the enclosed garden area and thebeautiful front door beforbeforbef e entering

the home.The home features several special

items that the family has acquired,including Limoges pill boxes anda captain’s desk that came from aDutch ship, Smith said. Sissy’s “prideand joy” is a Louis XV chair that sheplayed in as a child.

Separate from the home is a casita,which is especially enjoyed by thecouple’s grandchildren. It includes aMurphy bed that is pulled out of thewall.

TicketsTickets for the house tour are $15.

They can be purchased the day ofthe event at each house in the tour orfrom members of The Woman’s Club.Luncheon tickets are $15, and must bepurchased by April 3. To buy housetour or luncheon tickets, contact clubdirector Betty DavisDavisDa at 979-822-5019 oremail thewomansclubbcs@verizon.net. Luncheon tickets can also beobtained through Sandra Petty; callher at 979-775-2449.

TheWoman’s Club annual Home and Garden Tour April 10

7

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By STACY CANTUSpecial to The EagleA healthy dose of activityIn later years, seniors can

suffer from loneliness and social isolation, but local programs can help them stay socially active and cope with the changes that come with getting older.

Common issues that affect seniors include: loneliness from losing a spouse and friends; inability to manage regular activities; difficulty coping and accepting the physical changes of aging; frustration with ongoing medical problems and an increasing number of medications; social isolation as adult children become busy with their own lives; feeling inadequate from the inability to continue to work; and boredom from being retired and having a lack of routine activities, according to an article on www.medicinenet.com, “How can social issues affect the life and health of seniors?”

Dr. Theresa Quinn, a psychiatrist at Scott and White in College Station, who has a PhD in psychology, said it is not physically or emotionally healthy for seniors to be inactive. Social events and activities geared toward seniors give them something to look forward to and helps keep depression at bay. Quinn said that family members can help by taking seniors out, by visiting them and by keeping them informed about activities they can participate in.

“Most older adults are afraid to go places by themselves,” she said. “Their family can offer comfort by going along with them.”

Local senior programsBryan and College Station

have several programs to keep seniors busy, including the

Scott and White Helping Hands Volunteer Program, the St. Joseph Health System’s Gold Medallion Club and the College Station Medical Center’s Senior Circle program. In addition to these programs, the City of College Station offers a variety of recreational programs each month that are geared toward keeping seniors physically and socially active.

Senior volunteers of the Helping Hands program offer hands-on help at Scott and White clinics by helping direct patients to where they need to be, getting patient questions answered, serving coffee and by offering wheel chair assistance to and from vehicles, said Kendall Parker, Helping Hands director.

“Some adults feel like no one needs them any more. Well, we need them at Scott and White,” Parker said. “Being part of the Helping Hands program allows seniors to give back to the community; have a feeling of continued self-worth with the tremendous difference they are making through their service with our team members and patients; and allows them to have a commitment that they can look forward to versus just sitting at home and not being around others. Our seniors have so many experiences that they can share, and we can learn from. We consider them to be invaluable in our continued efforts for service enhancements.”

Arlene Griffin, the first senior to join the program, said, “All of the volunteers are so happy to be here and happy to be helping. Working with Kendall has been wonderful.”

Once the new Scott and White Hospital opens in August, the Helping Hands program will need more volunteers. Additional opportunities, such as working in the gift shop and

helping out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, will be added to the program. The new hospital will also offer a chapel, and Parker said she would like to find a few retired pastors to help with pastoral care, as well.Helping Hands volunteers are asked for a six-month commitment, and Parker would like them to volunteer at least four hours a week. For more information on Helping Hands, visit www.sw.org/volunteer-services/college-station.

Another program designed to keep seniors socially and physically active is the St. Joseph Health System’s Gold Medallion Club. Elizabeth Johnson, the Gold Medallion Club coordinator, said the club for ages 50 and older has more than 4,500 members.

“Our objective is to keep seniors active as long as they can be,” Johnson said. “Most seniors become secluded; they stay at home, and they don’t come out. What we do is really help them to become active. And once they meet other seniors, they become even more active because they have someone to enjoy the activities with.”

Club activities include game days; movie theater trips that are usually followed by dinner; trips to nearby casinos; “meet and eats” at local restaurants; and “lunch and learn” sessions that offer education related to seniors.

“We also have a knitting group,” Johnson said. “They knit caps for the new babies born at the hospital among other projects.”

The Gold Medallion Club also takes two in-state trips a year and one international trip a year.

In addition, seniors have access to the St. Joseph Wellness Program, and are able to utilize the gym’s exercise

Local programs offer ways for seniors to keep busy, volunteer

A healthy dose of activity

Senior Circle members dance the day away during a steam boat ride on Lake Conroe.

Senior Circle members Barbara Williams and Karen and Ralph Freeman stroll the catwalks high above the rain for-est in Costa Rica. 8

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equipment or take a water aerobics class. Instructors are on-hand at the gym to help ensure seniors are exercising properly.

For more information on the Gold Medallion Club, visit www.st-joseph.org/GoldMedallionClub.

The College Station Medical Center’s Senior Circle program is another program aimed at enriching the lives of adults 50 and older. According to the program’s website, the mission of Senior Circle is to encourage the healthiest, most active lifestyle possible through meaningful education, wellness, health, volunteer opportunities and social activities at the hospital and throughout the community, while providing a forum for fellowship, valuable member-only discounts and privileges.

Members of Senior Circle enjoy exercise classes, holiday parties, volunteer opportunities and game days, among other activities. In addition, members have the opportunity to enjoy in-state and international trips.

Peggy Sessums, an active member of the program since 2008, said Senior Circle has something for everyone, and the most attended event the club offers is “Lunch with an Expert.” During this event, doctors discuss health issues, such as heart trouble and blood pleasure with the seniors.

“I wasn’t aware of Senior Circle until after my husband died,” Sessums said. “I do not have any children that live here, so the members of Senior Circle became like my family. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Senior Circle.”

For more information on Senior Circle, visit www.seniorcircle.com.

The City of College Station also offers a variety of activities

for seniors to enjoy each month. Marci Rodgers, senior services coordinator for the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, said some of the city’s most popular programs include activities that promote fitness, such as line dancing, Sit and Fit and Fit and Be Strong.

“We have a weight room and indoor gym at the Lincoln Center, where many take advantage of walking indoors. We also have some faithful 42 and bridge players who meet every week at Southwood Community Center,” Rodgers said.

In addition, the monthly Exploring History Lunch Lectures always draws a crowd. Seniors hear about “how it use to be” at Texas A&M University and in the Brazos Valley during this lecture.

Rodgers said the city of College Station has many willing sponsors in the senior healthcare business and community that provide support for many special events aimed toward seniors. These events include dances, picnics, Senior Expo, Valentine’s Day Tea, Casino Days, fashion shows and holiday parties.

“It is so important for our community to provide a place for seniors to meet,” Rodgers said. “They develop friendships and benefit from socializing with others. I think they enjoy meeting their friends and drinking a cup of coffee while playing cards or dominoes at Southwood Community Center or Lincoln Center. It gives them a reason to get up and out of the house each day.”

The Parks and Recreation Department has a monthly calendar planned for senior activities available on the city website. Visit http://cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=717 for more information.

Local programs offer ways for seniors to keep busy, volunteer

A healthy dose of activity

Mary Bell and Rusty Farquhar participate in a recent 42 dominoes game hosted by the city of College Station.

Pat Vanderboon celebrates dur-

ing the city of College Station’s

Valentine’s Day Tea.

Rose Mattox, a Helping Hands volunteer, serves water and coffee to patients at Scott and White Clinic in College Station.

9

50plusMarch2013

TheEagle•theeagle.com

By Cecil ScaglioneMatureMatureMatur LifeLifeLif Featuresaturesatur

Researchers havehaveha found a reasonold folks are happier than young ‘uns.

It’s not just because they don’thavehaveha to get up earlyearlyear in the morningand go to work in the morning.

It’s because they do get up earlyearlyearthe morning, even though they don’thavehaveha to go to work.

Adding luster to the old adagethat earlyearlyear risers havehaveha a leg up inbeing “healthy, wealthy and wise,” aUniveUniveUni rsity of Toronto study suggestsold birds who shake their feathersloose earlyearlyear in the morning arehappier and havehaveha a more positivepositivepositi andupbeat outlook than their late-nightcounterparts.

The results of the study, whichlogged the habits of a group of youngadults aged 17 to 38 and a group ofolder adults ranging from 59 to 79,also revealed oldsters tend to be earlyearlyearbirds while the younger populacenumbers more night owls.

In sum, earlyearlyear risers, called “larks“larks“lar ,”tend to be more cheery than “owls,”who sleep until the sun is high in thesky, according to Renee Bliss, who ledthe study.

Previous studies havehaveha suggestedmorning people havehaveha more stable

personalities and a greater sense ofwell-being while night-timers aremore susceptible to depression andsubstance use and abuse.

For those of you who hoot andhowl into the wee hours and sleepthrough the earlyearlyear hours of the daybut would like to learn how to cuddleunder the covers earlierearlierear and bounceout of bed with a sunnier outlook,Cathy Beggan, founder of Rise-N-Shine, LLC, a New Jersey basedproducer of an array of health andwellness products, offersoffersof some quicktips.

First off,off,of avoid chocolate, red wineand coffeecoffeecof in the evening. They havehavehabeen found to upset your system anddisturb sleep patterns more thanother foods.

You should also eat your final mealof the day three or four hours beforbeforbef ebedtime. This allows your food todigest beforbeforbef e lying down.

Now make sure you get enoughsleep. Eight hours may be enough,more than enough, or not enough.You havehaveha to establish your own norm.It is important to go to bed and ariseat the same times every day, advisesadvisesadBeggan.

Make your transition from nightowl to morning person by gettingsome of your everyday tasks and

chores out of the way beforbeforbef e going tobed.

Drink a glass of water when youget out of bed. Your body becomesdehydrated during the hours you’resleeping and this lack of water is acause of morning fatigue. A glass ofwater helps kick-start your body’smetabolism in the morning.

Then stretch and take somedeep breaths to boost your bloodcirculation, the oxygen level in yourblood, and your mental and physicalenergy.

And, finally think positivepositivepositi .Frowning over the problem youexpect during the day only saps yourenergy and emotions.

If you’re religious, saying prayersbeforbeforbef e jumping into bed at night andright after rolling out of bed in themorning can brighten your outlook.Also, beforbeforbef e going to bed, you mightwrite down some positivepositivepositi thoughts,memories or goals and read thatwhen you awaken.

Happy thoughts make happypeople, she said.

Oldsters more likely to rise and shine with a smile

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By CECIL SCAGLIONEMature Life Features

Boomers, it seems, are not theretiring type.

The percentage of workers olderthan 55 climbed past 40 percentin 2011, compared with less than30 percent in 1993, according to areport by the Washington, D.C.-basedEmployee Benefit Research Institute.

Today’s soft and sparse job marketdoesn’t look too inviting to agingworkers scrambling to stay in thelabor force to keep paying their bills,stay active, or whatever reason.

But there are opportunities outthere and Grandparents.com hascompiled a list of the best jobs forseniors and how to get them. Whenyou visit the website, type “jobs” inthe search box.

There are several other onlinesites to scour. RetirementJobs.com

hosts an Age Friendly EmployerCertification program that includescompanies with management styles,flexible scheduling, and health-carebenefits that tend to be senior-friendly. Among companies thatmake the grade are Bank of America,JPMorgan Chase, Starbucks, andTarget.

Other job sites aimed at thepost-retirement crowd includewww.retireeworkforce.com,www.SeniorJobBank.org, www.Workforce50.com and www.Retiredbrains.com.

If you’re looking to a new career,get into an industry that’s growing,according to many experts feedingthese online sites. Among the growingjob markets, according to the Bureauof Labor Statistics, are nursing, retailsales, home-health aides, office clerks,food service, customer service, andtruck driving.

An option to consider is directsales, such as Avon. The hours areflexible, there’s a social componentof hosting parties, and you can makea five- or six-figure salary dependingon how much you work. The DirectSelling Association member directorylists companies you might findinteresting.

And there’s part-time work.This means money’s coming in on aflexible schedule.

You might consider continuingyour current or old job for less money.Your history and experience with thecompany are pluses in your favor. Oryou can serve as a consultant or be atutor or trainer for newcomers to thefirm.

High on the grandparents list isfree-lance work. The need for suchservices as bookkeeping and editingis on the rise, since employers arenervous to make full-time hires

in this job market. You can checkwww.flexjobs.com for short-termprofessional jobs.

If you’ve earned a teachingcredential over the years, youmight teach at a nearby communitycollege or fill in for sick teachers atelementary schools.

If you’re handy with tools, youcan earn a good wage as a handymanrepairing lawn mowers or buildingfences, for example. If you own asewing machine, there’s money tobe made altering clothing or makingcustom-made attire.

You can always baby-sit pets whilethe owners are at work or just takeanimals for a walk for shut-in owners.

Don’t forget seasonal work. Taxtime makes room for folks withaccounting skills, nurseries need helpwith plants during spring, and there’salways a need for store staff duringthe Christmas shopping season.

Seniors have many options for second careers

By CECIL SCAGLIONEMature Life Features

My wife chuckles when I refuse toride my bicycle in traffic. I point outshe’s never been knocked off a bicycleby passing vehicles.

I have. Twice. Each time byhowling yahoos in pickup trucks.

She does, however, take identitytheft seriously, because we’ve beenvictimized. If you haven’t been,you’re probably reacting like she doeswhen she considers my bike-ridingparanoia.

In our case, a thief made off withsome mail containing checks meantto pay bills. Among the informationthe crooks netted were the numbersof our bank accounts and a coupleof credit cards. We fortunatelydiscovered the theft early and calledour banks and creditors and credit-card issuers before any damage wasdone. But we still had to change all ofour accounts and other information,including our online passwords.

And that’s something you shouldattend to, to strengthen your shieldagainst ID thieves. Hackers usingyour password can break yourbank and shred your economic andemotional life into tatters.

A major mistake is to have oneeasy-to-remember password forseveral functions – to get into yourcomputer, log online, check your bankaccount, contact your credit card,buy from eBay, tap into Twitter, andmultiple other uses.

It’s especially dangerous if it’sobvious, like your birth date or an oldaddress.

While many experts warn against

this because of the possibility of theft,you can get yourself an address bookthat you can store safely and easilyto log your different passwords fordifferent functions.

Don’t try tooutsmart the thieves.They’re way ahead ofyou. Just make yourpasswords as difficultas possible for themto guess and access.

Mix capital andlower-case letterswith numbers. Usinggibberish is muchmore protectivethan trying to stickwith common-sensewords as a basis.Even spelling wordsbackwards, using acombination of lettersand numbers, offersmore protection.

And change themregularly.

Texting has erodedthe effectiveness ofphonetic alternatives,such as “Tea 4 2,”“The L8 Gr8,” “B 4U” and other cuteinventions.

There are onlineservices that helpyou keep track ofpasswords and enableyou to do away withthe need for a bookhanging around yourhome or office. Theyrange from free to anannual fee.

With one strong password youmemorize, you can store all yourother passwords on the Internet. Andonly you can get to them.

Use your online search engine andtype “online password management”to shop for what’s available.

Protect your passwords from hackers

11

50plusMarch

2013The

Eagle

•theeagle.com

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Travel ideas for active seniorsMetro CreatiCreatiCr ve Connection

Those who havehaveha saidgoodbye to the work-a-daygrind now havehaveha many hoursto settle down and relax.People who havehaveha continuallyput offoffof vacations in lieu ofwork responsibilities maynow havehaveha all the time theyneed to explore the world.

Traveling for seniors canbe rewarding and relaxing.Those with a substantialretirement nest egg havehavehanumerous destinations attheir disposal.

Mature vacationers travetravetra lmore frequently and staylonger than any other agegroup. Travel ranks amongthe top leisure activitiesactivitiesacti formen and women over 50,according to the Web siteSuddenly Senior.

Seniors can find severaltravetravetra l advaadvaad ntages at theirdisposal. Also, thanks tospecial senior discounts,travetravetra l may be even moreaffoaffoaf rdable than first expected.

While certain destinationsare not always practical forcertain age brackets, thereare many places to whichseniors can visit comforcomforcomf tablyand enjoy a wealth ofmemories.

• Theme parks:parks:par Althoughtheme parksparkspar may seemcarved out entirely for theadveadvead nture-seekers, thereare many other more placidactivitiesactivitiesacti that would appeal tothose who prefer to keep theirfeet firmly on the groundrather than looping throughthe air on a rocket-propelledcoaster. With animalpreserves, water parksparkspar , finedining, and a bevy of hotelseither in the parkparkpar or directlyon the outskirts, theme parksparksparprovide many activitiesactivitiesacti forolder travetravetra lers. Althoughtheme parksparkspar require a lotof walking, many providewheelchairs or motorizedscooters for those who needto get offoffof of their feet. Theyalso make a great option forseniors who will be travetravetra lingwith the entire family,including children.

• Beach resorts: Providedflying is medically safe, abeachside vacation can be theideal trip for seniors lookingfor the utmost in relaxation.For those who havehaveha passports,the possibilities are endless.Those who prefer to remainon relativetiveti ly domestic soilcan retreat to Puerto Rico,

south Florida, the CaliforCaliforCalif niacoast, Hawaii, and the U.S.Virgin Islands.

• Cruising: Cruising is apreferred vacation choicefor the 50+ set because itoffersoffersof the conveconvecon nience of anall-inclusivelusivelusi package andtransportation all in one.With the myriad activitiesactivitiesactiofferofferof ed on board, cruises area versatile vacation optionfor seniors. Also, there is noneed to worry about travetravetra lingfar for meals and otherentertainment options, aseverything is self-containedon the cruise ship. For moreactiveactiveacti seniors who enjoy thedaily getaway, excursions inports of call can provide thevariety desired.

• Guided tours: Seniorswho want to experience apiece of history can sign upfor tour packages backedby reputable companies.The tours may invoinvoin lvetrain or bus travetravetra l, andvarious attractions will bevisited. At the end of thetour,tour,tour individualsindividualsindi can chooseto extend the vacation bychecking into a hotel nearby.

• RV trips: Another self-contained vacation that isentirely up to the peopletravetravetra ling is vacationing byrecreational vehicle. Seniorscan customize their routesdepending on which areasthey want to see. Companieslike Cruise America RVenable people to rent an RVso they needn’t worry aboutthe expense of buying oneoutright.

However,er,er should RVtravetravetra ling become addictive,addictive,addictithere always is the optionof buying a camper lateron. Setting an itinerary andthen establishing the paceenables travetravetra lers to tour thecountry or cross the borderas desired. From beaches tonational parksparkspar , many areasofferofferof RV hook-up areas andamenities.

• Exotic tour: Seniors whowere never able to affoaffoaf rdor spare the time for anextensiveextensiveextensi vacation may nowwant to visit those exoticlocations that havehaveha beckonedfor years. Now could be thetime to book a ticket forEurope and visit all of thecities that havehaveha made thehistory books. Those lookingfor even more adveadvead nture cantravetravetra l to the South Pacificand explore tropical islands.Others may want to go “down

under” and experiencethe rugged Outback or theculture of Australian city

centers.With a bevy of free

time and fewer restrictions

holding them back, seniorscould be ready for the nextgreat travetravetra l adveadvead nture.

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By CECIL SCAGLIONESCAGLIONESCAMatureMatureMatur LifeLifeLif Featuresaturesatur

It’s never too earlyearlyear to prepare forsummer,summer,summer especially for diabetics.

As research keeps uncoveringmore links between diabetes andcancer,cancer,cancer and since skin cancer is themost common cancer in this countryand is on the rise, it pays to beprepared to make summertime saferand more fun, according to RobertaKleinman, a registered nurse andcertified diabetes educator.

Skin cancer is diagnosed morethan that of lung, colon, breastand prostate combined. One in fiveAmericans will develop it in theirlifetime.

Basal-cell skin cancer is themost common and most curable.The second-most common issquamous cell. The most lethalform is melanoma. Most are highlypreventable and havehaveha a 98 percentrecovery rate, she said.

It’s important to choose the propersun screen, make-up, moisturizers,and tanning products.

Until recently, sun-screen SPF(sun protection factor) only measuredUVB, which was the culprit thatmainly caused sunburn and someforms of cancer.

More important is the UVAUVAUVradiation that penetrates more deeplyand causes long-term skin damage,wrinkles, brown spots, and aging aswell as most skin cancers. It’s aroundall year long so people with diabetesshould take special precautions.

Look for “Broad Spectrum” onsunscreen labels to protect againstboth UVAUVAUV and UVB.

Try to stick with an SPF of 30or 45, especially if you plan a dayoutdoors.

A constant in the sun-screendebate is how often it should beapplied. You should slap it on everytwo hours, and more often whenyou are in the water. Use at least anounce – a liquor shot-glassful – eachtime. Cover all parts of your body notcovered by clothing.

Another tip from Kleinman is tolook for mineral-based sunscreens,or those that contain zinc oxide ormicronized titanium dioxide. Theseproducts are friendlier to sensitivesensitivesensitiskin than chemical sunscreens.

Use lip balms with SPF.SPF.SPF Plain lipgloss will attract the sun and cancause burned lips.

Finally, wear clothing treated witha sun protector and a wide-brimmedhat. Hats should be made from straw

or tightly woven fabrics like canvacanvacan s.Men or women with thinning

hair or bald scalp areas should applysunscreen directly to scalp and hairpart to prevent getting a burn withlong-term damage.

Sunglasses are a must for summer-time protection. People with diabetesare more at risk for cataracts, and sunexposure creates a bigger incidenceof cataracts. When you wear darkdarkdarglasses without UV protection yourpupils dilate and allow more light,which is worse than no sunglasses atall. The color or tint of the lens is notas important as the UV protection itprovides.

And the bigger the better becausethey will block more sun. Considerwrap-around glasses that protect thesides of your eyes and face.

Foods that may help protect yourskin include hot green tea, sweetpotatoes, tomatoes, and walnuts.

If you do end up with a sunburn,try cool baths, ice packs andhydrocortisone cream to reduceinflammation, and think aspirin oribuprofen for pain relief, she said.

Oatmeal baths can help, or aloevera cooled in the refrigerator andrubbed on gently. Drink lots of waterto prevent dehydration.

BeforBeforBef e summer gets here, youmight want to get your annualskin-cancer screening from adermatologist. Be on the lookout forany changes in moles or sores that donot heal.

With some planning and care youcan prevent summer skin problemsfrom the sun.

Diabetics should shun summer sun

13

50plusMarch

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(StatePoint) More seniors thanever beforbeforbef e are choosing to stay intheir homes as they age. According toa study by the AARP,AARP,AARP only five percentof Americans ages 65 and older liveliveli ingroup quarters like nursing homes.

From narrow hallways to steepstairs, design elements in typicalhouses can make remaining at homedifficultdifficultdif in our golden years. However,er,erbasic upgrades, like handrails andramps, can go a long way towardmaking homes safer for seniors. Andthere are other small senior-friendlychanges that can even make homesmore envirenviren onmentally friendly, whichcan help lower utility bills.

“The aging process can be gradualfor some, however others can movequickly from independent livinglivinglito a cane to a walker,”er,”er says JoycePolhamus, Chair of the AmericanInstitute of Architects (AIA) Designfor Aging Knowledge Community.“You“You“Y don’t need to completelyremodel your home; there are smallthings you can do now to make itmore accessible as the aging processevolves, while also making it betterfor the envirenviren onment.”

Automate to ConserveOne of the best ways to help

ensure senior safety is to havehaveha a

well-lit home. But it sometimes canbe difficultdifficultdif to reach outlets and toremember to turn lights on andoffoffof as you move about your house.Installing sensors, so lights go on andoffoffof automatically when you enterand leaveleavelea rooms, will cut back onelectricity costs and ensure bettervisibility.

As we age, tasks that formerlyerlyerseemed simple, like wateringplants, can be difficultdifficultdif and energy-consuming. Polhamus recommendssetting automatic timers on sprinklersystems to eliminate the need to dothis task yourself, while also helpingto conserve water.

Update AppliancesEmptying the dishwasher or

putting a load of laundry in thewashing machine, can put a strain onthe body. Consider installing newerappliances designed to be more seniorfriendly.

With newer dishwasher andrefrigerator models, you can opendoors and drawers between hipand shoulder height, which won’trequire reaching up or bendingdown. Additionally, replacing olderappliances with newer, more energy-efficientefficientef appliances can help youreduce your carbon footprint.

Or you can place existingappliances, like front-loading washingmachines, on platfortfortf ms. An architectcan help you redesign any roomaround appliances to make it saferand more senior-friendly.

Seasonal DesignThe majority of heat gain and

loss comes from windows. Electroniccurtains can alleviate the burdenof repeatedly opening and closingtraditional curtains and are moreairtight to better keep cold air

outside.If electronic curtains aren’t an

option, Polhamus recommendsensuring windows are properlyoperlyoper sealedand considering shrubs or bushesoutside to act as a bufferfferff against windand cold air.

To find an architect who can helpmake your home greener and morecomforcomforcomf table for seniors, visit http://architectfinder.aia.org.

With a few updates, you can liveliveli inpeace knowing your home is designedfor aging.

Making your home senior-friendly can also lower your bills

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Bridge - Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station,offersoffersof bridge for seniors Fridays from 9 a.m. tonoon. For more information, contact SouthwoodCommunity Center at 979-764-6351 or CollegeStation Parks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line dancing - Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in CollegeStation, holds line dancing for seniors everyTuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and every Fridayfrom 10 to 11 a.m. For more details, contactSouthwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and RecreationDepartment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sit and Fit - Join other seniors atSouthwood Community Center, 1520 RockPrairie Road in College Station, every Tuesdayand Thursday from noon to 12:45 p.m. Formore details, contact Southwood CommunityCenter, 979-764-6351 or College Station Parksand Recreation Department, Senior Services at979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session – Held from1:30 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at SouthwoodCommunity Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road inCollege Station. All levels welcome, includingbeginners. Bring an instrument and a friend. Formore details, contact Southwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Department, SeniorServices at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

March 5Computer Class - Learn the basics of the

Internet, its usage and how to use various searchtools, on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to10:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.Cost is $45. Learn how to set up and managean e-mail account on Tuesday and Thursdayfrom 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at SouthwoodCommunity Center. Cost of the e-mail is $45.To register online, visit rectrac.cstx.gov or visitStephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000Krenek Tap Road. For more information callCollege Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or 979-764-3486.

March 6Computer Club for Seniors - The topic this

month is presented by Larry Lippke speaking on“Communicating with family and friends usingyour computer.” The meetings are held at theCarter’s Creek Training Room, 2200 NorthForest Parkway in College Station from 9 to10:30 a.m. Free and no pre-registration needed.For more information contact College StationParks and Recreation Department, SeniorServices at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Meditation - Free meditation class heldthe first Wednesday of every month, from 7:15p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brazos Healing Center, 1804Brothers Blvd., Suite D, in College Station. For

more details, visit BrazosHealingCenter.com or402-3595.

March 14AARP driving course – Held from 1 to 5

p.m. at St. Joseph Education Annex, 3030 E.29th St., Ste. 100, in Bryan. Call (979) 731-1231 to register. Completion of the coursemay reduce the automobile liability insurancepremium. Cost is $12 for AARP members and$14 for non-members.

March 18A beginning Computer Class just for

seniors - Learn basic beginning computer skillsin a small group (class limit is 5) with instructor,Donna Ness. Classes offeredofferedof at SouthwoodCommunity Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road inCollege Station. The class meets on Monday,Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30a.m. for two weeks. Cost for the class is $60.To register online visit rectrac.cstx.gov or visitStephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000Krenek Tap Road. For more information callCollege Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or 979-764-3486.

Intermediate Computer Class just forseniors - Taught by Donna Ness at SouthwoodCommunity Center, at 1520 Rock Prairie Roadin College Station. The class meets on Monday,Wednesday and Thursdayfrom 10:45 a.m. to 12:15p.m. for two weeks. Cost is$60. To register online, visitrectrac.cstx.gov or contactCollege Station Parks andRecreation Department at979-764-3486 or visit theCollege Station Parks andRecreation Departmentat 1000 Krenek Tap Roadto register in person. Formore information, callCollege Station SeniorServices at 979-764-6371or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

March 20Genealogy Computer

Users Group - Thegroup meets on the thirdWednesday of the monthat Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock PrairieRoad in College Station,from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thegroup will be discussing“How to get through FamilyTree Maker or your FavoriteGenealogical Program.”All are welcome. Formore information, contactSouthwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 orCollege Station Parks andRecreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@

cstx.gov.

Exploring History Lunch and Lecture- The College Station Historic PreservationCommittee and the College Station Parksand Recreation Department present monthlylectures with lunch on the history of thecommunity. The speaker is Sunny Nash, awardwinning columnist, speaker and author of “BigMamaDidn’t Shop at Woolworths.” Themonthlymeetings are held at Aldersgate Church, 2201Earl Rudder Freeway South. A reservation isnecessary and the cost is $5. Lunch is servedat 11:30 a.m. The speaker will begin at noon.Make reservations by the Friday before; Call979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cst.gov.

March 21Movie and Popcorn “Argo” – Seniors

are invited to enjoy a movie and popcorn atSouthwood Community Center, 1520 RockPrairie Road in College Station. Movie startsat 1 p.m. For more information, contactSouthwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and RecreationDepartment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

March 22Bingo and Birthday Celebration - All

seniors are invited the last Friday of each

month to celebrate birthdays for that monthwith cake and bingo. Celebration held at 1 p.m.at Southwood Community Center, 1520 RockPrairie Road in College Station. Home InsteadSenior Care will provide prizes for Bingo. Formore details, contact Southwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

March 27Health Fair for seniors - Free health

screening provided byBlinn nursing students willbe available at Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station,from 9 a.m. to noon. Screenings available forhigh blood pressure, vision, hearing, diabetes,weight and height and osteoporosis. For moreinformation, contact Southwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

March 29AARP driving class – Held from 1 to 5

p.m. at The Carriage Inn, 4235 BoonevilleRoad in Bryan. Call 979-731-1300 to register.Completion of the course may reduce theautomobile liability insurance premium. Costis $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

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Join Us for Special March Events

at Waldenbrooke Estates

Independent Living2410 Memorial Drive | Bryan, TX 77802866-708-5136 | www.seniorlifestyle.com

to rsvp for thEsE EvEnts, call ambEr or William at 866-708-5136

Balancing a Healthy LifestyleAre you looking for ways to best manage your gluten free or diabeticliving? Come to this informational series provided by CrestviewHome Health. Crestview Home Health will provide informationanswering these questions and many more. Q&A to follow.

Wednesday, march 13th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Open HouseWhat can Waldenbrooke Estates offer you and your family? Take atour of Waldenbrooke Estates and let us show you the many benefitswe offer. Bring this ad into Waldenbrooke Estates anytime in themonth of March and draw from our Pot of Gold for savings!

tuesday, march 19th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

MySelf ResourcesHave you ever had a questionabout who to use as a preferredvendor or needed personaldocument storage and weren’t surewhere to go or who to ask? Join usfor an informational presentationprovided by Shannon Graff ofMySelf Resources. Come hear howMySelf Resources can be your linkto concierge services, preferredvendors, personal documentstorage and much more!

Wednesday, march 27th,2:00 – 3:00 pm

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People trust Crestview for the care-filled, sincere way we’veserved seniors over the last 48 years. So naturally, our newestlifestyle opportunity – Arbor Oaks independent living –is Crestview integrity, innovation and compassion to the core.You’ll discover one of the most ingenious ideas in senior living:Life Care, which helps you manage the costs of long-term care,just in case you ever need it. You’ll also find a community ofhappy, friendly residents and helpful staff – every one of themdetermined to make independent living at Arbor Oaks the mostgratifying, satisfying, enriching, mind-expanding, soul-stirring,laughter-filled experience you can imagine.

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A N M RC H E A LT H Y L I V I N G C O M M U N I T Y

Add our heritage to your future.