The Impact of Your Elders Peace of Mind Post A s I was thinking about a subject for this article, I was stumped until I realized National Grandparents Day is on Sept. 13! If you’ve read any of my previous newsletters, had a wealth of knowledge CELEBRATING NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY SEPTEMBER 2020
about trees and plants. He loved
you know how much my grandmother on my mom’s side means to me. However, the memories of all my grandparents impact me to this day. So I wanted to take this as an opportunity to showcase my grandparents and what they mean to me. Readers know my mom’s mother was the force behind my passion for the law, and we talk a lot about her. However, she wasn’t always the best teacher. During the holiday season, my grandmother loved making crochet bears to give out as Christmas gifts or use for decorations. These little bears were white with black eyes and mouths, and they wore red and green bow ties. My grandmother had been making them for 60 years, so the process was muscle memory to her. Unfortunately, when she was trying to teach me, I couldn’t do even the simplest techniques. In addition to being fantastic at crocheting, my grandmother was also a great cook. Unfortunately, I take after my dad with cooking skills, so when she tried to teach me, as a young adult in my mid-20s, it was a bit late. Even when she broke down her signature meals like lasagna and chicken divan, my dishes were never as good! It’s funny how my mom’s mother was a crocheter and cook, while my dad’s mom was a teacher! She may have passed away when I was 6 months old, but her memory helps me keep perspective on life. From what I’m told, she read to me every night, and to this day, I’m an avid reader. Whenever I start a book or read an article, I get sucked into it and won’t put it down until I finish. My grandmother had so much perseverance. She went back to school as a single mom, getting her master’s degree while raising two kids in the ‘50s. At the time, and even today for that matter, it was a very bold and brave thing to do, so it inspires me whenever I run up against an obstacle. I try to channel that spirit of perseverance into everything I do. My grandmothers’ creativity and perseverance have impacted how I lead my life, but it was my grandfathers who showed me how to enjoy the outdoors. My mom’s dad was a certified tree farmer and
the outdoors so much that he actively stocked his lake with fish so he
could fish. Whenever my brothers and I were visiting him, we spent hours
on end having fun with him on the farm. Whenever we had a free moment, he would take us out into the woods and show us specific trees and plants that grew in the area. Now, I wish I had paid better attention. Whenever I check on the horses at my dad’s farm, I love walking through the woods and along the creek, and I enjoy running on the various trails at our state parks. Though my dad’s dad passed away when I was 10, I continue to carry his tenacity (and lack of height) with me. He was a great hunter, angler, and shooter and was also quite the character. Standing just 5 feet, 1 inch tall, he earned him the nickname “Shorty.” He also had no fear of heights, which was good since he worked for a power company climbing huge telephone poles! Looking back, the memories of my grandparents and what they did for me still play a factor in how I live my life today. So this Sept. 13, reflect on how much your grandparents mean to you and the countless moments you’ve shared. You may be surprised at what you discover about them and about yourself.
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Beam Me Up, Lu Did you know that Lucille Ball — the iconic comedian best known for her 1950s show “I Love Lucy” — is the reason “Star Trek” exists today? Ball was a Hollywood force in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and she produced hit after hit with her production company. In fact, Desilu, co-founded by Ball and her then- husband, Desi Arnaz, was responsible for hits like “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The two were partners in the company until their divorce in 1960, and in 1962, Ball took over Arnaz’s share. In that moment, Ball became one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, and Desilu, one of the biggest independent production companies at the time, had a lot of pull in the industry. In 1963, one of Desilu’s biggest hits was coming to an end. “The Untouchables” was a crime drama starring Robert Stack. Ball needed a replacement, and two potential shows hit Ball’s desk: “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible.”
DEAL WITH YOUR EMOTIONS IN A HEALTHIER WAY
COPING STRATEGIES VS. COPING MECHANISMS
What do you do when you feel anxious, sad, or stressed? Do you reach for your phone to scroll through Instagram? Do you turn to a Snickers bar for comfort? Maybe an episode of “Parks and Recreation” is your go-to form of relief. If you use any of these methods, you’re not alone. When humans face difficult situations, they often turn to coping mechanisms to numb emotions and help themselves feel better in the moment. Emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell identifies many common coping mechanisms, including engaging in screen time, making to-do lists, seeking information, indulging in alcohol or cigarettes, and asserting control where possible. Coping mechanisms make you feel better in the moment, but they don’t always help process and deal with emotions in the long run. Coping Strategies vs. Mechanisms Turning to coping mechanisms is a habit you may have learned as a kid. It’s understandable, and it’s okay. But instead, you want to focus on coping strategies that help you work through challenging emotions and find calm again. Coping strategies are things like breathing exercises, talk therapy, journaling, reading, and physical movement like dancing. While these may take more time to yield results than a TV program or candy bar, tapping into these strategies helps you feel better and process what you’re going through, which allows you to release whatever is causing you strife. Because the way you react when your emotions overwhelm you has an impact on the way you feel during and after that experience, it’s all the more important to understand the different coping tools at your disposal. As you learn to incorporate coping strategies into your life and call on them when you’re dealing with hard emotions, give yourself grace. You can still turn to healthy coping mechanisms when you need them. The key is to also incorporate some of these strategies to help you better process whatever comes your way.
In 1965, Ball took the pitches to her longtime network collaborator, CBS. They said no to “Star Trek” (but yes to
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HOW LUCILLE BALL SAVED ‘STAR TREK’ IN THE 1960S
AHOME HEALTH ROUTINE
“Mission: Impossible”), but Ball wasn’t about to give up on this new science fiction show, so she took it to NBC. The network was skeptical at first but ordered a pilot. The pilot starred Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Pike and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock. There was no James T. Kirk to be found — not yet, anyway. The pilot, titled “The Cage,” was a disappointment. NBC executives weren’t about to put it on air, but they decided to order a second pilot after Ball agreed to help finance it. The second pilot starred William Shatner as Captain Kirk, and he was joined again by Leonard Nimoy as Spock. NBC executives liked what they saw. The new pilot, titled “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” was put on NBC’s fall schedule, though it wasn’t the first episode aired on NBC. That honor went to the episode titled “The Man Trap,” which aired on Sept. 8, 1966. While Gene Roddenberry’s original “Star Trek” only lasted three seasons, it went on to become a major TV and film franchise. One of its recent iterations, “Star Trek: Discovery,” is about to enter its third season on the streaming service CBS All Access — all because Lucille Ball saw potential in a little show back in 1965.
The Best Way to Stay Healthy
Many of us still find ourselves staying at home more than in the past, and this is making some older individuals concerned about their health in ways that may take months or years to address while we adapt to a new normal. While these concerns are valid, older adults can maintain a home health routine that keeps them healthy, safe, and positive. Clean Keeping your home clean is about more than just staying organized, as it can be very beneficial to your physical health. Dr. NiCole R. Keith, a professor at Indiana University, discovered that people who maintain clean homes are healthier than those with messy homes and that cleanliness can play a huge factor in your general well-being. Keith’s findings were part of a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, which found that women who described their homes as messy were more likely to be depressed and exhibit higher levels of fatigue than women who described their homes as clean. So make it a habit to clean up your home regularly. Check Established Health Sites There are many health sites that make statements regarding the best foods, exercises, and habits to maintain your health. However, unless the site is supporting its claims with data from medical journals or using statements from physicians, there is no guaranteed way to know their claims are accurate. The World Health Organization (WHO.int) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) have well- established websites where visitors will find the best and most reliable
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
The summer isn’t over yet! Get out the grill for this delicious steak dinner.
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
2 garlic cloves, sliced
•
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
health information and the best practices for disease prevention. Exercise According to the FamilyDoctor.org, older individuals should be getting at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate exercise every week. Those who are working out more rigorously should keep their sessions to an hour and 15 minutes
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
1 tbsp dried oregano
• • •
1 3-lb flank steak Kosher salt, to taste
2 tbsp whole-grain mustard 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine garlic, rosemary, oregano, mustard, and vinegar in a blender. Puree until garlic is minced. 2. Add oil and continue blending until creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve 1/4 cup. 3. Place steak in a ceramic or glass baking dish and cover steak with the remaining marinade. Turn to coat the other side, cover, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours. 4. Remove steak from marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Sprinkle the steak lightly with salt and pepper. 5. Light grill and oil grates with olive oil. 6. Grill steak over moderate heat for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until steak is lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 125 F. 7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice, drizzle reserved sauce, and serve.
max. But the difference between moderate exercise and vigorous exercise is the difference between a brisk
walk and jogging. If you’re busy, take into account the time you spend walking around for household chores and errands.
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I N S I D E This Issue
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The Impact of Your Elders
How Coping Strategies Help With Stress Did You Know Lucille Ball Saved ‘Star Trek’? Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak A Home Health Routine
Should You Be Able to Change Your Legal Age?
WHAT IS AGE BUT A NUMBER? ADUTCH MAN’S QUEST TO CHANGE HIS LEGALAGE
In an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Ratelband said, “When I’m 69, I am limited. If I’m 49, then I can buy a new house, drive a different car. I can take up more work. When I’m on Tinder and it says I’m 69, I don’t get an answer. When I’m 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position.” Interestingly enough, Ratelband’s request wasn’t dismissed outright by the court. The judge found merit in the argument and said that people desire to change things about themselves all the time, adding that maybe age was one of those things we should consider — “maybe” being the operative word. The court ultimately decided that “Ratelband is at liberty to feel 20 years younger than his real age and to act accordingly.” But the judge added that changing his legal documents would have “undesirable legal and societal implications.” The court added “[T] here are a variety of rights and duties related to age, such as the right to vote and the duty to attend school. If Mr. Ratelband’s request was allowed, those age requirements would become meaningless.” Today, Ratelband is 71 and continues his battle to change his age. While he may have lost in his initial quest to legally change his age, according to NPR, he intends to appeal the decision.
In 2018, Dutch native Emile Ratelband was 69 years old. The thing was that the motivational speaker and founder of the Ratelband Research Institute didn’t want to be 69. So, he went to a Dutch court and petitioned for the right to change his legal age. His intention was to change the year of birth on his birth certificate — bumping it up by 20 years. As a result, all records would show him as 49.
Why did Ratelband want to change his age?
He told the court he didn’t feel like a man who was going on 70. He said he felt good — he felt like a man 20 years younger. He even said his doctors agreed and that they’d told him he had the body of someone younger. But there was another major reason Ratelband wanted to change his age. He said doing so would increase his overall happiness and would be helpful on dating apps. He would no longer have to deal with the ageism that came with being 69. Ratelband even went as far as to say he would be willing to delay his pension benefits another 20 years if need be.
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