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Lessons Learned Through ‘100 Years’
At my law firm, we meet with people of all ages — in the last year, the age range was 18 to 101. Of course, as an elder law firm, many of our clients are in the upper half of that range. For that reason, I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of aging — of taking that next step, moving through that next phase, or, more simply, growing older. John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting penned a reflective song titled “100 Years” that takes us on a journey through the stages of life. The song brilliantly captures the fleeting nature of time and the milestones along the way. “I’m 15 for a moment, caught in between 10 and 20, and I’m just dreamin’, countin’ the ways to where you are.” We all remember the innocence and boundless dreams of youth. Life is full of possibilities, and it can feel like there’s endless time to achieve dreams and ambitions. It’s a time of exploration and adventure, where the future is a canvas waiting to be painted. “I’m 22 for a moment, and she feels better than ever, and we’re on fire, makin’ our way back from Mars.” Oh, to be young again, right? Relationships blossom, and there’s a feeling of invincibility. The world is open and ready to be conquered, and every experience is vivid and intense. “I’m 33 for a moment, I’m still the man, but you see I’m a they, a kid on the way, babe, a family on my mind.” Now comes the shift. Responsibilities grow, and priorities change. Your “self” expands to include others, maybe a family. The dreams of youth start to harden into concrete responsibilities and commitments. The tone becomes more reflective as we move into our 40s. “I’m 45 for a moment, the sea is high, and I’m headin’ into a crisis, chasin’ the years of my life.” This mid-life stage often involves introspection and reassessment. It’s a time when we might face challenges and reflect on the swiftly passed years. The bridge of the song delivers a powerful message: “Half time goes by, suddenly you’re wise, another blink of an eye, 67 is gone, the sun is getting high, we’re moving on ...”
Here, the song recognizes the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. Life is moving forward, and each phase brings new insights and perspectives. But along with that wisdom comes the urgency to make the most of our remaining time. What’s next? “I’m 99 for a moment, and dyin’ for just another moment, and I’m just dreamin’, countin’ the ways to where you are.” Coming full circle, the song expresses a deep longing for more time, a reflection on the entire journey — looking back on life with a mix of nostalgia and acceptance. Throughout the song, the chorus is a tender reminder: “15, there’s still time for you, time to buy and time to lose, 15, there’s never a wish better than this, when you only got a hundred years to live.” This refrain highlights the central theme that every stage of life holds its own unique value. At 15, 99, and every age in between, every moment is precious. If you don’t know the song, look it up. It beautifully captures the essence of life’s fleeting nature and how important it is to cherish each stage. I’ll leave you with an age-appropriate quote by poet James Broughton that hopefully we can all identify with: “I’m happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.”
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Secret languages, born from a mixture of pragmatism, seclusion, and boredom, are spoken and understood only by a select few. From Pig Latin uttered in schoolyards to whispers of Lunfardo in the prisons of Argentina, the secretive languages of the world have origins that may delight and surprise you. Boontling In Northern California, a small community speaks a unique amalgamation of an Appalachian dialect, Spanish, and the language of the Pomo tribe called Boontling. It originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in Boonville. There, you can find locals referring to doctors as shoveltooths and roaring flames as jeffers . It supposedly originated among the women and children who toiled in the local hop fields and quickly spread throughout the community. Somehow, despite existing only in a small farm town, it has an expansive 1,600-word vocabulary and around 100 fluent speakers! Pig Latin Ancay ouyay understandyay isthay entencesay? You may decipher that question if you remember Pig Latin from elementary school. Despite disagreements about its linguistic credibility, Pig Latin has existed since Shakespeare’s time (around 400 years ago). Ironically, it is completely unrelated to Latin, and the origin of its name is a mystery. Famous speakers of Pig Latin include founding father Thomas Jefferson, who reportedly wrote letters using the light-hearted language. Lunfardo This language is so secretive that it’s practically criminal . Lunfardo began in the prisons of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where inmates masked their words from the nosy guards. The language has components from Portuguese, Galician, French, and German. For example, if an inmate wanted to compliment a pretty woman, they would call them a papirusa , which means “beautiful woman.” These days, Lunfardo exists mainly in the lyrics of Argentine tango music. Exploring the Origins of Secret Languages
HIDDEN MEANING
BEST PRACTICES TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN
August is already pretty hot — temperatures are soaring, and protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects is crucial. Prolonged sun exposure can result in brown spots, wrinkles, broken capillaries, uneven skin texture, freckles, and even skin cancer. Here are some of the best ways to maintain healthy skin while enjoying the sunshine. Always wear sunscreen. Applying sunscreen is essential because it protects you from harmful UV rays. These rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer; sunscreen helps prevent these effects by blocking or absorbing UV radiation. It also reduces the likelihood of developing sunspots, wrinkles, and other signs of skin damage. Also, remember that UV levels are not related to temperature, so use SPF sunscreen even in cooler weather. Snow, like sand and water at the beach or pool, reflects UV rays. Avoid peak hours of sunlight. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the sun’s peak hours when UV rays are the strongest. Schedule your daily walks and outdoor activities before or after those times. You can also check your weather app or website for the UV index to determine when UV rays are most intense,
regardless of the season. This index measures the risk of sun exposure on a scale from 1 to 11, with midday hours usually showing a higher potential for damage.
Visit your dermatologist. Just as you would schedule annual physicals or eye exams, a yearly skin check is critical for healthy skin and
preventing skin cancer. Dermatologists refer to sun damage using terms like photoaging, photodamage, and solar damage. Because early skin cancer detection significantly increases the chances of treatment success, these screenings allow doctors to monitor changes in moles, rashes, and other skin conditions over time. Protecting yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation is paramount. Wearing daily sunscreen, avoiding the sun’s most potent rays, and visiting your dermatologist are all crucial to ensuring your safety and overall health.
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Sudoku
Do you have a runny nose, scratchy throat, or constant sneezing? You may have a summer cold. Despite the association of colds with cold weather, catching a cold during the warmer months is possible. Understanding how cold viruses operate and protecting yourself are both vital to staying healthy throughout the summer and year-round. While some viruses are more seasonal than others, such as the flu, which peaks in the fall and winter, the common cold can still strike any time of year. Over 200 viruses can cause colds. Rhinoviruses are more common in colder months, but others, like enteroviruses, circulate in summer. Summer colds are not necessarily worse than winter ones, but their symptoms are similar. A summer cold can feel worse than a winter cold, but it’s likely because feeling unwell during the warmer months, especially due to a cold, seems unusual. To stay cold-free this summer, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with sick individuals and regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Cold viruses spread through contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces. After touching these surfaces, the virus can enter your body if you itch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Stay aware of these instances and prevent them if possible. There is no quick cure for a summer cold, but staying hydrated is crucial, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms. Following these precautions can reduce your chances of catching a cold and enjoy a healthier and happier summer. Beat the Common Cold A SUMMER SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE
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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 Embracing the Journey: Reflections on Aging and Time
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Decoding the World’s Secret Languages
Tips for Ensuring Safety in the Sun
Strategies to Prevent Seasonal Colds
Helpful Resources
A Closer Look at Potatoes’ Vital Role in Health
Why Potatoes Deserve a Place on Your Plate
Are potatoes good for your health? Misconceptions abound about the humble spud, one of the most widely eaten foods in the world (third most popular, behind rice and wheat). So, why is this mighty tuber such a controversial topic — especially when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato? It’s time to praise the tater and recognize it as a budget-friendly and versatile nutrition powerhouse! Still unconvinced? Let’s look at some spud stats that might make you reconsider turning down those fries at second breakfast. Packed With Vitamin C Did you know that one medium-sized baked potato has about 17 milligrams of vitamin C, roughly 35% of the recommended intake for a healthy adult? Between the 16th and 19th centuries, also known as the Age of Sail, potatoes were a vital ration for travelers at sea because vitamin C is essential for preventing scurvy. More Potassium Than a Banana A single medium-size russet potato has a whopping 610 milligrams of potassium, approximately 40% more than a banana. That’s great for nutrition, as this mineral is vital for many bodily functions. Not
getting enough can cause problems for your nervous system, muscles, and heart. Full of Gut-Friendly Fiber
Starches, often found in grains or potatoes, are long chains of glucose, and different types react in various ways in your body. Resistant starch, which potatoes contain, functions as a soluble fiber, which provides a range of benefits, including
improved gut and insulin health, decreased blood sugar levels, and a whole host of other advantages that aid digestion. In other words, potatoes help keep you regular. Potatoes are more than a staple food and deserve more nutritional credit. With their high vitamin C, potassium, and fiber content, these budget-friendly and versatile sources of essential nutrition belong in any balanced diet. Just remember not to go overboard on the butter or cheese, and you can enjoy your spuds knowing you’re fueling your body well.
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