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This month, as I turn another year older, I’ve been reflecting on the rhythms of life. My pondering led me to an offbeat self-help book where I discovered Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “ Law of Compensation .” In plain terms, Emerson was saying that everything we do — every kindness, every effort, every sacrifice — has a way of coming back to us. At its heart, Emerson’s law is about balance. Life operates like a set of scales: When we lose something on one side, something new is added to the other. It may not be immediate or obvious, but over time, balance is restored. Think about the transitions that come with aging. Perhaps you’ve retired from a career that defined much of your life, or you’ve had to downsize from the home where your family’s story unfolded. These changes can feel heavy. But Emerson reminds us to look for compensation. Retirement can bring the freedom to explore hobbies you once set aside, and a smaller home can become a cozy haven filled with new memories. One of the most uplifting aspects of this law is its emphasis on the rewards of giving. When we give — whether it’s our time, love, or wisdom — we often receive it back in unexpected but deeply rewarding ways. Many of you, as grandparents, know this well. The time you spend with your grandchildren might be the greatest gift you can give, but isn’t it also the most wonderful gift you receive? Wrestling on the floor, hearing Jack’s uncontrolled 3-year-old laughter — that’s compensation enough for me to light up a lifetime. Of course, the other side of the scale can be a profound loss — a spouse, a friend, or your health. These losses can feel unbearable, and it’s natural to wonder how the scales could ever balance again. Emerson’s law gently suggests that these darker times might be balanced by new connections, deeper personal growth, or a greater appreciation for life’s beauty and meaning — gifts and lessons that arise from the struggle, even if they can never fully replace what was lost. The ‘Law of Compensation’ at Work
might never expect. Maybe it’s the smile you give to a stranger, the thank you note you write, or the phone call to an old friend. These gestures may seem minor, but they create ripples that return to you in the form of connection, kindness, and hope. So, as this year moves into full gear, perhaps it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on how the “ Law of Compensation” has played out in our lives. Where have we seen balance restored? What gifts have come from unexpected places? What acts of kindness or generosity have brought unexpected rewards? This law doesn’t mean life will always be easy or fair — it simply reminds us that there is a larger pattern at work, one that gently tilts the scales back toward balance, even in the hardest of times. Every day is a chance to see life anew and to trust that the scales, however unbalanced they may seem, are always in motion toward restoration.
Wishing you beautiful compensations and balanced scales as we coast into spring.
Emerson’s law also reminds us of the ripple effect of small, kind acts — the little things we do that come back to us in ways we
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The Cutting-Edge Science of Slowing Aging Breaking the Grip of Time
Over the last century, vast improvements in public health have led to nearly doubling the average human lifespan. Now, researchers are targeting even greater gains to slow the aging process and prevent dementia. At Columbia University, one research team is using animal models to explore techniques to change brain activity in areas that coordinate circadian rhythms. By improving sleep, scientists believe they may be able to reduce the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Other researchers are analyzing lab data from patients’ medical records to calculate biological age and assess its value in predicting health risks and improving care planning. At Yale University, scientists are studying rodents that live long lives to determine the metabolites that may slow the aging process. Researchers are also looking at how to slow the organ damage caused by inflammation or changes in blood supply, which are common problems in old age. New technologies such as genome sequencing and machine learning have helped spur advances in aging research. At the Buck Institute for Research
on Aging near Novato, California, scientists are analyzing large data sets from fruit flies and humans to identify the central metabolites that shape the lifespan in both species. They have identified one metabolite, threonine, as a potential therapeutic for interventions in aging. Artificial intelligence and systems biology enabled these researchers to skip testing mice, which is usually essential in determining whether discoveries apply to humans. Aging research has evolved in both scope and purpose. The latest efforts bring together scientists from many fields who have seldom collaborated. The initiatives reflect a growing awareness that disease is not necessarily part of the aging process. Rather than simply increasing people’s lifespan, scientists focus on improving the “health span,” or years lived free of disability and disease. The goal is to keep older people around longer and maximize seniors’ natural generativity — the natural human desire at later stages of life to improve the world and support younger generations. Researchers also hope to reduce the burden of disease, as people over 65 are on track to outnumber those 18 and younger within the next decade.
As we age, the importance of maintaining a nourishing and nutritious diet grows. While most people would agree that daily binges of potato chips and cookies are not the best pathways to perfect health, some foods that traditionally get a bad rap possess hidden benefits for our minds and bodies when consumed in moderation. If your current eating habits are getting stale, here are three foods that could add fun and freshness to your shopping list. In Defense of Dark Chocolate In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, dark chocolate can contribute to better health when eaten responsibly. Certain bioactive compounds in high-quality dark chocolate have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. At the same time, this decadent, antioxidant-rich delight also boasts iron, fiber, copper, and other helpful minerals. Of course, dark chocolate is also a source of sugar and high calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. Dairy Deserves Better If your diet allows for the consumption of dairy products, they can provide your body with a much-needed boost. While saturated fat should always be considered when deciding whether you should enjoy dairy, the vitamin D and calcium it contains can help preserve bone strength. Additionally, consuming dairy can benefit seniors whose diets are low in protein. THE BRILLIANT BENEFITS OF ‘BAD’ FOOD
Eggs for Enhancement Eggs are another oft-maligned food that warrants a second look. Although their potential effect on cholesterol is debatable, they are fantastic sources of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Consuming eggs may also help our eyesight, as they contain antioxidants that have been shown to slow macular degeneration and better protect eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays. Of course, any dietary change should be made with your overall health and safety in mind. Always consult your physician before adding these or other foods to your diet.
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Sudoku
Have you felt drastic and unexplained changes in your mood lately? Have you been experiencing odd tingling sensations in your hands or legs? Have you noticed an increase in forgetfulness? Before you begin fearing the worst, ask yourself if your body is receiving enough vitamin B12. An essential but often overlooked dietary supplement, vitamin B12 plays a critical role in nerve function, bone health, and cell formation. Although our bodies do not naturally produce the invaluable nutrient, we can obtain it by eating meat, eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, and fortified foods (such as certain breads and cereals). Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common, particularly among seniors and people with Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. Deficiencies are also common among individuals who take medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other stomach ailments. If left unaddressed, a B12 deficiency can wreak havoc on your mental clarity and physical abilities. In serious cases, patients can boost their B12 levels through weekly shots by a physician or by taking high-dose pills daily. If B12 levels are slightly below where they should be, a standard multivitamin may be all it takes to better regulate your system. “In many people, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented,” stated a 2022 report by Harvard Medical School. “If you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, it’s important to eat breads, cereals, or other grains that have been fortified with vitamin B12 or take a daily supplement. A standard multivitamin delivers six micrograms, more than enough to cover the average body’s daily need.” Adults need approximately 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily to avoid a deficiency. Babies and children require different amounts based on age, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may require a higher amount. Consult your physician and/or pediatrician for the recommended amounts for all family members. A Key to Mind-Body Balance The Vitamin B12 Boost
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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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What’s Inside? 1 2 Everything Follows the ‘Law of Compensation’ Scientists Team Up to Redefine Healthy Aging
Surprising Secrets to Strength and Stamina
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A Simple Solution to Common Setbacks
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Unwind in No Time
Feeling tense? Life’s twists and turns can cause your stress levels to skyrocket, leading to various health problems. But relief may be easier and quicker than you think. According to recent studies, just 10 minutes of massage can work wonders on your mood, activating your body’s system for overcoming stress. A quick massage is like hitting the reset button on your day, turning your anxiety into a sense of balance and calm. Let’s explore how you can transform tension into tranquility in just 10 minutes. Unknot and Unwind A short massage prompts your body to slow down. Your body responds strongly to touch, and the kneading motion of massages helps release tension. When stressed, our bodies naturally tense up, which can cause pain and discomfort. Massage can increase the elasticity of tissues, warm your muscles, 10 Minutes of Massage Can Reset Your Day
and work to relax the nerves associated with stress. When your muscles and joints are at ease, your body produces feel-good hormones like serotonin. Dreamy Kneads When you can’t catch enough z’s, it significantly impacts your stress levels. Massages encourage deeper sleep by helping increase serotonin and melatonin, the sleep hormone. Direct pressure on muscles increases the production of comfy hormones and reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for anxiety. A quick rub down before bed can ease you into a calm state, coaxing you to drift off to dreamland. 10 Minutes to Bliss If you want to experience the stress-melting benefits of a short massage, you don’t need to book an appointment with a professional.
You can give yourself several massages, like a shoulder massage, using circular motions on each side. If you’re facing a stress headache, glide your hands across your forehead, applying a small amount of pressure. Start at your ears and massage each side of your head with your fingertips. Do this several times and finish with a scalp massage. So, the next time you feel anxious, get comfortable and take a few minutes for a massage. These small moments of relaxation can roll you into the day more calm and balanced.
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