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a big German shepherd whose job was watching the boys as they explored the hills and creeks around our home. The boys would return from their adventures with stories of who saved whom from whatever they encountered that day. The only things missing from their stories were lions, tigers, bears, and pirates. But Samson was always right there with them, watching and protecting. We currently don’t choose to have our own dog because we want the freedom to travel at will. We’ve always loved dogs, but they require more responsibility than we want to have in this season of our lives. Baby Shark was an unexpected guest, but he reminded us of the joy you get from the relationship you develop with a pet. –David and Irma Bennett
there’s an unfamiliar noise or movement around our home. If you didn’t know he was there, now you do.
Baby Shark will chase balls or anything else you can throw. He brings his latest toy, drops it at your feet, and stares at you, hoping you’ll figure out what to do. Over and over again. And he loves to chew stuff. It only takes him a couple of days to chew through a 2-inch diameter rope. Irma’s mothering instinct is in full bloom with Baby Shark. Every week, she buys him toys, treats, and accessories — always something for her Baby .
We raised our kids in the backcountry of San Diego County and had a large dog. Samson von Gnarly Dude was
YOU ARE HOW YOU SLEEP
NATURAL PATHS TO A RESTFUL NIGHT
Sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle, yet too few people get enough of it.
If you’ve smoked cigarettes or drank coffee for years without experiencing sleep disruptions but are now struggling to stay focused throughout the day, these regular habits may be impacting your body in ways that weren’t common for you in years past. “As we get older, our ability to metabolize these substances changes, and we can’t handle or process them the way we did in our 30s or 40s,” Miner advises, adding that alcohol — often used as a sleep aid — can cause senior sleepers to awaken in the middle of the night. The Comfort of Community Although feeling tired throughout the day may tempt us to stay home and attempt to rest, increasing our activity during midday slumps is the best course of action. By getting up and staying active during the day, our bodies recalibrate, boosting our energy during these times and helping it decrease when night falls. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your daily routine, consider joining community volunteer groups that will promote interaction with others while doing something positive and meaningful for folks in need.
Contrary to popular belief, seniors require as much slumber as anyone else. According to the National Council on Aging, people 65 and older need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, that goal can become increasingly unattainable as we age. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among seniors, which could be the main reason you may be experiencing a bout of daytime drowsiness as you read this article. Here are a few ways to improve sleep quality to fuel your daytime activities. Healthy Habits for Energy In an article published by the Yale School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) Brienne Miner stresses that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule — rising and retiring at the same times every day — is “probably the single best thing you can do to improve your sleep.” Additionally, she recommends limiting naps to 30 minutes or less before the early afternoon, as anything longer may decrease your body’s desire for sleep in the evening.
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