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THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR AUGUST 2025
Throughout your life, you’ve likely heard countless rumors and stories about the horrors of aging. You probably didn’t give them much attention at the time because you were young, healthy, and felt invincible. But, as the years passed, you started to wonder how much truth was behind the tales. Does life really get more difficult and depressing as we get older? Not necessarily. We’re more in control than some may believe. Taking the right actions now will counter the negative consequences that aging myths unfortunately perpetuate. Myth No. 1: Older Americans experience worsened depression and loneliness. This is a common belief among many, although it can be true for some people. As we settle down and start families, our social circles often shrink. We don’t have as much time for friendships, which can cause them to fade. We don’t participate in as many hobbies or activities as we did in our youth, so replacing those friends as we age is not easy. Once we reach our senior years, we can experience the loss of those closest to us. But no one has to wallow in depression or remain cloistered at home. Get out of the house, join a group dedicated to one of your interests, and meet new people. It will do wonders for your mental health. Myth No. 2: Older Americans shouldn’t exercise because the injury risk is too high. For some reason, people think age locks them out of specific activities and behaviors. Some say older people need to stop driving, can’t learn anything new, or shouldn’t exercise because of their age. In reality, age is just a number. Limitations for certain activities depend on physical and cognitive abilities, not age. How you go about these activities may change, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible. You might not be able to drive cross-country or do the same exercise routine you managed in your 20s, but you can still drive and be active if your physical health is strong enough. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns, but don’t let your age stop you from doing things you’ve been doing your whole life! Rumor Has It ... Aging Isn’t That Bad After All
Myth No. 3: Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are a guarantee once you reach a certain age. The risk of dementia increases as we age, but not everyone will experience it. According to the National Institute on Aging, only around one-third of people over the age of 85 will develop dementia. Even if you had a parent, sibling, or other close family member who developed Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t mean you’re going to as well. While having a family history of dementia can increase your risk, many other factors are at play, including your environment, lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Myth No. 4: There’s no point in quitting smoking or any other vices. You may think that quitting smoking, drinking, or anything else that negatively impacts your health is pointless since you’ve already reached your senior years, but that’s not necessarily true. You’ll notice many improvements to your health by quitting smoking. You’ll start breathing easier, have a stronger immune system, and have more energy. If you cut down or stop drinking alcohol, you’ll lower your blood sugar and pressure, improve your mental health, and get better sleep.
You shouldn’t believe everything you hear from others about growing older. Everyone’s life experiences are unique, including during our senior years. If you’re worried about these rumors, take proactive steps to protect yourself and your future.
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Climbing Past Parkinson’s Rock Walls Are Helping Patients Rise Above
act of climbing engages the body and mind, requiring climbers to assess routes and make calculated movements, which can enhance cognitive function and physical agility. One inspiring participant is Dr. John Lessin, a former cardiac anesthesiologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003. Despite the disease’s progression, Lessin has embraced climbing, scaling walls up to 60 feet high. He describes reaching the summit as a triumphant experience: “I feel like I’ve conquered something. And I feel like the wall can’t beat me. I can beat the wall.” His daughter, Brittany, notes the significant impact rock climbing has had on her dad, claiming his newfound passion brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. Another climber, Vivek Puri, diagnosed at 38, refers to himself as “Spider-Man” when on the wall. He observes that climbing sessions alleviate his symptoms, particularly
improving his fine motor skills. Puri’s experience underscores the potential of climbing to mitigate some of the physical challenges Parkinson’s presents. Beyond individual achievements, the program fosters a supportive community among participants. Climbers often form bonds, encourage each other, and share their victories together — it’s a great way to build camaraderie and take stress off patients! While rock climbing may not be a conventional treatment for Parkinson’s, the success stories emerging from UpENDing Parkinson’s suggest that with innovation and determination, patients can find new avenues to combat the disease’s effects. This approach not only challenges the limitations imposed by Parkinson’s but also redefines what is possible in the realm of therapy and rehabilitation.Climb on!
In a remarkable twist on traditional therapy, individuals battling Parkinson’s disease are finding empowerment and improved well-being through rock climbing. This unconventional approach is spearheaded by Molly Cupka, who founded the nonprofit organization UpENDing Parkinson’s over a decade ago. Her program introduces Parkinson’s patients to the vertical world of climbing, which offers both physical and mental benefits. Parkinson’s disease often impairs mobility, balance, and coordination. Rock climbing, with its demands for strength, strategic planning, and focus, serves as a comprehensive workout. Participants are securely harnessed to ensure their safety while they climb. Cupka emphasizes that the
A RETIREMENT RICHES ROAD MAP GOLDEN YEARS, GOLDEN GAINS
Once you’ve reached the age where stepping away from your life’s work is feasible, it is essential to explore ways to make your retirement funds last as long as possible — a goal that involves more than just keeping your bills paid in your golden years. Here are three thoughts to help you move toward a comfortable, sustainable, and secure post-work life. Redefine the future. There are several ways to build a reliable retirement plan to ensure financial strength. First, consider whether your anticipated fund withdrawals align with your tax strategies. For example, a Roth IRA conversion could present opportunities to reduce your financial obligations if you anticipate reaching a higher income tax bracket later in life. At the same time, charitable giving could result in similar advantages. Balance benefits with needs. Factoring in your Social Security benefits is another way to determine your post-retirement financial health, but only if you carefully consider when you begin receiving them. Generally, you can claim Social Security benefits from ages 62–70, and the age you choose to receive them determines the amount. If you decide to begin receiving your benefits as soon as you turn 62, they will
remain at the lowest amount available indefinitely. Full benefits kick in once you reach your full retirement age of 67, but delaying them until you’re 70 will add 8% to your annual income. Avoid the risks of restraint. Although patience comes with a payoff, you face a few dangers if you delay your Social Security benefits. For example, putting off receiving them could prevent you from having the funds necessary to address any unexpected medical situation. Additionally, waiting until 70 could have a negative financial impact on your significant other, as spousal benefits are capped when your partner reaches full retirement age under certain conditions.
As no two financial paths are the same, we encourage you to consult a financial advisor and/or estate planner to ensure the most comfortable retirement
and sustainable legacy possible.
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Winged Warriors and Rodent Rebels THE CRITTER COMMANDOS OF WWII
Necessity is the mother of invention, and there’s no better time to test the limits of ingenuity than in battle. World War II changed the course of human history and has kept scholars and military buffs busy ever since. Although the overall narrative is generally the same among experts, with a landmark defeat of global tyranny being the ultimate conclusion, many little-known facts add new dimensions to the story we all know, including truly bizarre concepts for weaponry during the time. Here are two odd tales that go beyond the narrative we all learned in school.
bombs to the little winged commandos and let them fly down to their targets. As preposterous as it sounds, the idea somehow caught on with the U.S. government, which later rounded up thousands of bats and spent millions to develop a comprehensive “bat bomb” program. Despite this investment, the endeavor was canceled in 1944 without being implemented.
Bunker Rats Go Boom Rats have always gotten a raw deal from us humans. Often targeted by exterminators or laboratory experimenters, they were subjected to new heights of
The Bat Bomber Brigade In 2025, it’s common for U.S. citizens to share their opinions on global military affairs on social media. However, the era of armchair combat strategies is not exclusive to the modern age. President Franklin D. Roosevelt received letters from thousands of citizens during
exploitation in 1941, when the British military concocted the idea of stuffing dead ones with explosives and putting them in places enemy forces could easily find. The idea was that they would scoop up the deceased vermin and toss them
into nearby boilers, causing an explosion. But the Nazis caught wind of the plan early, and intercepted the first batch of bomb- infused rats before they could cause human casualties. Despite foiling the plan, widespread panic ensued among German citizens who subsequently feared every rat they encountered. Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers
World War II offering thoughts on what the military should do to secure victory. One of the strangest ideas came from a dentist in Pennsylvania, who pitched a tactic of using bats — yes, bats — to drop explosives on our enemies. The concept was simple: Attach TAKE A BREAK
Ingredients
Inspired by EatingWell.com
• 2 large bell peppers, any color • 1/2 tsp salt • 4 large eggs • 2 tbsp reduced-fat milk • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 cups chopped spinach • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Halve peppers lengthwise; remove and discard seeds.
3. Place peppers cut-side up in an 8-inch-square microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high 2 1/2–3 minutes until tender; pat dry and sprinkle with salt. 4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and black pepper. 5. To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil, then add onion and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. 6. Add spinach and cook, stirring 1–2 minutes more until spinach is wilted. 7. Divide spinach mixture evenly among pepper halves. Sprinkle with feta, and top with egg mixture. 8. Bake 30–35 minutes until filling is set.
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox
Mustard Peridot
Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini
Poppy Sisters
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Debunking 4 Myths of Aging
1
The Unlikely Therapy Transforming Lives Post-Work Wealth Wisdom
2
Fur, Fangs, and Firepower Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers
3
Against All Odds, a Ranch Dog Brings a Lost Toddler Home DESERT HERO Rancher’s Dog Rescues Toddler Lost in the Desert 4
A tiny desert town along Route 66 in Arizona is home to a new hero — a big, shaggy ranch dog who rescued a toddler lost in the desert this past April. Two-year-old Boden Allen was missing from his Seligman, Arizona, home for 16 hours when a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford appeared in his master’s driveway with the child at his side — 7 miles from Boden’s home. Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, had heard about the child’s disappearance. “I noticed my dog was sitting by the entrance (to his ranch),” he said, “and the little kid’s standing there with my dog!” He calmed the child, who was unharmed except for a few scrapes and nicks, and gave him water and food while calling authorities. Dunton was overjoyed. “I was ecstatic that he was okay and that my dog found him,” he said.
Dunton asked Boden if he had been walking all night, and the child told him no, he had been lying under a tree. “Did my dog find you?” Dunton asked Boden. He wasn’t surprised when the child said yes. Dunton traced the little boy’s tracks more than a mile from his ranch, with Buford’s paw prints beside them. “That’s what he does,” Dunton said of Buford. “He loves kids. I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him.” Dunton’s discovery of the little boy ended an anxious 16-hour search by more than 40 search-and-rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies, and state public-safety officers. Wearing only a tank top and pajama pants, Boden had wandered away at about 5 p.m. into rugged desert terrain, where two mountain lions were spotted later that night. Boden’s frantic parents had reported his absence to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Dunton says he wasn’t surprised by Buford’s protective behavior. “He is a guardian dog. He patrols all night and keeps coyotes away,” he says. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a crossbreed, a combination of a Great Pyrenees and an Anatolian shepherd, known for its intelligence, gentleness, and protective nature. In appreciation for their neighborhood hero, Buford’s admirers piled chew toys, bones, and other gifts on Dunton’s doorstep for days after the rescue.
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