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I wrote this years ago, but it’s especially important to revisit this issue during the holiday season. This time of year, so many people feel invisible or overlooked, and it’s a time when we should all try a little harder to truly “see” each other. Author Stephen Covey once told a story about perspective, in particular, about how the way we see the world can instantly change. He was riding the subway one morning, reading his newspaper, when a father and his young children got on. The kids ran wild up and down the car, yelling and throwing things. Covey grew frustrated, not just with the children, but with their father, who sat there doing nothing. Finally, Covey asked the man to get his kids under control. The father looked up and said softly, “You’re right. I suppose I should. We just came from the hospital . . . their mother died about an hour ago.” In that instant, everything changed. Covey’s perspective — his understanding of that man’s world — shifted completely. The new information made him think differently, feel differently, and act differently. In my elder law practice, I often see how older adults are treated as though they’re all the same, like “generic” people. But they’re not. Every person carries a lifetime of stories and meaning. Take Max, for example. He was married to his wife, Sandy, for 64 years. His eyes still brighten when he talks about his first job and the thrill of opening his first paycheck. He remembers gripping the steering wheel on the way out of the dealership when he bought his first new car. His smile is so broad that it reaches his eyes when he talks about his first dog, Abby, and he grows quiet as he remembers hugging her as she took her last breath. He’s proud of earning his college degree; he’s the first in his family. He recalls a road trip to Florida with his college buddies, Stan and Eddie. “I’m the only one left,” he says softly. Max smiles when he talks about his wife, Sandy, who has been gone for six years. He flashes back to their first date, falling in love, dancing in the kitchen, and starting a family. Max talks about “ice cream dates” with his daughter, and how he told her he wouldn’t cry when he walked her down the aisle. “But I did,” he says, a wry smile creasing his face. Do You See the Real Person?
He is somber when he talks about his military service: “Too many didn’t come back.” He talks about swimming, fishing, and camping with his grandchildren up north, and recalls with pride the top salesman award he earned at his company. I can feel Max’s heart sink as he recounts his health problems that resulted in his moving out of the home he loved after 52 years. Imagine having your car keys taken away. Or coming to terms with moving out of the home you built with your own hands. Today, Max lives in an assisted living community. If you walk past him sitting in his wheelchair, you might see just “another old man.” He is not. He is unique. So, the next time you see a “Max,” try to see him through a different lens: He is a person who had parents, a brother, sisters, a daughter, and a wife. He has fallen in love, had a broken heart, seen his friends and loved ones die, and still, even today, has hopes and dreams. When you do, your perspective will change, just as Stephen Covey’s did on that subway. And that shift, that moment of truly seeing, is exactly what every “Max” in this world has earned, and what he deserves. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a New Year overflowing with gratitude.
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Nature’s Coolest Survival Trick
FROZEN, THAWED, AND STILL ALIVE
Some animals don’t merely survive the winter. They freeze their brain, heart, and everything else completely solid. Then, when spring returns, they thaw and go about their life like nothing happened. This might be hard to believe, but several species of animals manage this every year. The wood frog is the best-known example. As the air temperature drops, it burrows into fallen leaves, letting the cold take over. First, its skin freezes, and then ice spreads through its blood vessels until the heart stops. That
depends on slowing metabolism rather than flooding the body with sugar. Insects have their own tricks. Gall fly larvae freeze and thaw with every swing in the weather. Gall moth larvae skip freezing altogether; they can stay liquid even below zero because their blood is so saturated with sugar that ice crystals cannot form. And then we have the microscopic tardigrades. They don’t freeze at all. Instead, they dry out until almost nothing is left. Then, their eight legs pull in, their brains shut down, and they ride out the cold weather. Once conditions improve, they rehydrate and come back to life. These creatures are so resilient and resistant to temperature extremes that scientists have even dropped them into liquid nitrogen, and they come out just fine. The intriguing part is how these animal kingdom survival tricks may help humans. Scientists are hoping to apply the principles to organ transplants. Right now, a heart lasts about four hours outside the body. If we could use the same principles to improve organ storage, that window could expand significantly. Nature already knows how to pause life. The challenge is figuring out how to follow its lead.
should be the end, but when the warm weather returns, so does the frog.
Glucose floods in from the liver and acts like antifreeze, keeping organs safe
and cells intact long enough to make it through winter.
Frogs are not the only ones. Painted turtle hatchlings also freeze, though their survival
The Senior Traveler’s Guide to Comfortable and Safe Holiday Trips
• Get creative in your seat. Point and flex your toes, draw circles with your ankles, or “write” the alphabet with your big toe. Tiny moves, big results! Hydration is a must in low-humidity environments. Low-humidity cabins and long drives can leave you parched before you even realize it. Keep a refillable water bottle handy and sip often. Skip the extra coffee or cocktails since both can dehydrate you even faster. Finally, pack healthy snacks so you’re not stuck with sugary airport options. Plan for stress-free travel. A stress-free trip often starts long before you arrive at the airport. One of the smartest things you can do is keep all your medications in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. That way, they’re always within reach and safe from the risk of being lost in transit.
The holidays are here, and so are the road trips, flights, and family reunions that make the season so special. Travel doesn’t just take you to new places; it lifts your spirits, sharpens your mind, and brings you closer to the people you love. But long hours in cars or planes can leave anyone feeling stiff, tired, and drained. Fortunately, with these smart moves, you can turn travel time into a smooth, comfortable ride instead of a holiday headache. Keep your blood pumping. Nothing slows down a trip faster than sore, swollen legs. Here’s how to stay one step ahead. • Slip on compression stockings before you leave to help prevent swelling and blood clots. • Book an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs and stroll the aisle without climbing over fellow passengers. • Make movement a habit. Set a timer to walk every hour, whether you’re on a plane or pulling into a rest stop on a long drive.
While making travel arrangements, it’s worth calling the airline to ask about priority boarding or mobility assistance. Having extra time to get to your seat without rushing can make the whole experience much easier. These small steps connect seamlessly to create a safer, smoother travel experience from start to finish. With these simple tricks, you’ll spend less time worrying about the journey and more time appreciating the laughter, love, and magic waiting for you at your destination.
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Sudoku
Sail Past the Snow
When the frost creeps up your windows and the wind howls outside, why stay bundled up when you could be basking in the sun on the deck of a cruise ship? Winter cruises are the ultimate way to swap icy sidewalks for sandy beaches, and they make travel easy. You unpack once, then wake up somewhere new every morning! Whether you want a quick escape or a long, leisurely adventure, the open seas are calling. Paradise on The Panama Canal Imagine drifting through the legendary Panama Canal, a modern wonder that connects two mighty oceans. Along the way, you’re surrounded by rainforests, golden beaches, and the vibrant culture of Panama. Many cruises stretch the journey further, adding stops in Costa Rica, Colombia, or Ecuador, perfect for travelers eager to soak in local traditions, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. It’s history, adventure, and relaxation all rolled into one unforgettable voyage. Caribbean Dreams Come True Turquoise waters. Rhythmic steel drum music. The sweet scent of jerk chicken sizzling on the grill. A Caribbean cruise turns all those winter daydreams into reality. Sail to islands like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, or the Bahamas, where you can lounge on sun-drenched beaches one day and wander through bustling open-air markets the next. Every port has its own flavor, making every stop a new adventure. Make Memories on the Mediterranean Trade the chill of winter for the gentle warmth of the Mediterranean, where ancient ports and sapphire waters await with fewer crowds and irresistible off-season deals. Picture strolling sunlit promenades in Barcelona or savoring seaside views in Dubrovnik without the summer bustle. For seniors craving both adventure and comfort, winter cruising on the Mediterranean offers serenity, culture, and savings all in one unforgettable voyage. Just pack a cozy layer or two. Sunshine lingers, but the sea breeze still carries a cool whisper. Curate Your Perfect Cruise Every cruise line offers something different, from onboard entertainment to shore excursions. Think about what makes you happiest: exploring history, soaking in the sun, or trying new foods, and find the itinerary that matches your dream vacation. After all, winter only lasts a season, but the memories you make on the open seas will last a lifetime. WHY SENIORS ARE CHOOSING CRUISES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 Everybody Deserves to be Seen
The Animals That Outfreeze Death Long Flights, No Problem: Tips for a Smooth and Comfortable Journey Warm Weather Awaits: Winter Cruises Perfect for Seniors Helpful Resources
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Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind-Clearing Tips
Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. Turn down the mental volume. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded. Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes.
Challenge your thoughts. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
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