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Peace of Mind Post May 2025 SPRING INTO THE GOLDEN YEARS Celebrating Elder Law and Older Americans
Let’s talk age. It’s really just a number, but let’s unpack it!
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This month, as we enjoy the blooming flowers and warmer weather and prepare for summer barbecues, it’s also a perfect time to celebrate the grace and wisdom of our older population during Older Americans Month. Coincidentally, it’s also National Elder Law Month, an opportune time to celebrate what we do here at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning. Many people may feel that “elder law” is for the very elderly, but this is a common misconception I frequently hear. The term “elder law” might evoke images of great-grandparents and people in their 90s, but it covers a broad spectrum of ages and needs. Technically, any individual 60 or older is considered an ‘older American’ under the federal Older Americans Act. But, no, reaching 60 doesn’t mean you’re old. The term “Elder law” is actually a misnomer. Elder law doesn’t just about address the needs of the “extremely aged,” as some might think, but is incredibly relevant to younger individuals (even children) living with special needs, younger retirees eager to prepare for smooth sailing into retirement, and really anyone planning for their future. Elder Law is proactive – making provisions now so your future
and your loved one’s future is less stressful and more fulfilling. It’s about putting plans into place that take into account your unique circumstances, future potential health changes, and family dynamics, ensuring you pass down assets and wisdom effectively. Whether you’re setting up trusts to fund a grandchild’s college education, transitioning family businesses, or preserving the family farm, the tools and guidance of an elder law attorney can make it happen. But let’s dive a bit deeper. Did you know that to specialize in elder law, attorneys go beyond the standard law license? We must undergo a specialized examination, demonstrate experience and deep knowledge in the field of elder law, and meet additional annual continuing education requirements. This certification, appropriately named the Certified Elder Law Attorney designation, isn’t just a title. It’s a commitment to staying informed and updated and ensuring legal, financial, and tax planning comprehensively caters to each family’s unique circumstances. So, as we honor the immense contributions of older Americans this month, let’s also redefine what it means to engage with elder law. It’s not about planning for the end but making the most of the here, now, and future. Being 60 today drastically differs from decades ago; many are still working, setting out on new ventures, or even taking on roles like raising grandchildren. When it comes down to it, elder law and celebrating Older Americans Month are about recognizing the ongoing contributions and potential of older adults, not as a mark of reaching old age, but as a celebration of a life well-lived and planning for many more years to come. Let’s toast to the young at heart and wise in spirit – as C.S. Lewis reminds us, “you are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.”
Elder law tools can help preserve your family farm.
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If you have any great experiences or stories from your time working with Trinity Elder Law, we would love to hear from you! Please leave a Google review to let others know about your experience. Thank you for your continued support — we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of you.
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BREAKING T Exciting Care Activities for A
When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the routine can begin to feel repetitive and boring. National Creativity Day on May 30 is a great reminder that it’s absolutely okay to sprinkle in some excitement.
Here are six ideas. Craft a Memory Box Get artsy with a memory box filled with mementos and photos. Decorating
the box can be a fun activity, and going through it can be a
wonderful way for your loved one to reconnect with their past and share stories. Paint to Music Set up a mini art studio at the kitchen table. Bring out watercolors or finger paints, and don’t forget to play their favorite old tunes in the background. It’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon and shake things up. Garden Together If your loved one enjoys the outdoors, gardening can be incredibly soothing. Planting herbs, vegetables, or flowers offers
When our furry friends get sick, it’s up to us to bring them in for a veterinary appointment. It’s part of the responsibility of being a pet owner, but stray animals have no owners. Who takes care of them when they most need it? Sadly, help is beyond their reach in many cases. However, some dogs won’t let anything stand in their way, especially if it’s a difference between life and death. In January 2025, a stray mother dog noticed her puppy stopped moving and jumped into action. Without an owner to guide her, the mother brought her baby to a local veterinarian clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The staff saw the dog standing outside their door, so they checked on her and noticed the lifeless puppy. The pup was freezing cold, and the vet wasn’t even sure if it was still alive! The vet could not hear the puppy’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, so he checked it with a needle, which provided promising results! The dog was alive but had a very slow heartbeat. The vet used a blow dryer to warm the puppy up, and before long, it was awake and moving again. All the while, the mother was at the puppy’s side with her head perched on the examination table. So, how did the puppy’s mother know where to take her baby? This wasn’t her first encounter with this vet clinic; the same doctor was already treating the puppy’s littermate after good Samaritans brought her to the same clinic a few days earlier. Both puppies have been reunited with their mother and are all under the close eye of the clinic. Whether discussing humans or dogs, parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children survive and thrive. However, dogs might have to be more creative with their efforts. Stray Dog Outsmarts Fate and Saves Her Puppy’s Life
Puzzle Time!
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THE ROUTINE Alzheimer’s on Creativity Day
The Healing Power of Pets A Paw-sitive Influence Do you have a pet? This month, we celebrate National Pet Week, the perfect time to remember the furry, feathery, or even scaly friends that bring so much joy and companionship into our lives. For older adults, especially those like my dad who’ve faced tough battles like cancer treatments, pets can be more than just a companion — they can be a lifeline. The bond between pets and their owners is incredible. When my dad was going through cancer treatments, his dog provided him with so much comfort without asking for anything more than a scratch behind the ears in return. Sometimes, the best medicine comes on four legs and doesn’t even speak our language. Pets have a unique ability to remain present while offering a ton of silent support. They can lift spirits and provide a sense of normalcy amid medical routines and doctor visits. Pet companionship can benefit seniors or anyone struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another difficult disease, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and encouraging physical activity and social interaction. In addition, caring for a pet can give seniors a renewed sense of purpose. The daily routines of feeding, grooming, and walking can structure a day and keep them physically and mentally engaged. So, this National Pet Week, let’s give a round of “applaws” to all the pets that devote their lives to improving ours. They ask for little and give a lot, proving that sometimes, the best therapists come with fur and four paws. Whether you’re a senior yourself, know one, or are thinking ahead, consider the many benefits a pet can bring into your life. They’re not just pets; they’re family.
sensory engagement and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, the different colors and textures make it a bit different. Cook and Bake Helping them to cook and bake their favorite meals
and treats is a fun way to interact. The act of measuring ingredients and mixing can help improve focus and provide a delicious sense of achievement when you both sit down to enjoy your snack. Bring Back Storytime Create a story together. Start a storyline and take turns building on it. This is not only a great way to engage creatively but also keeps communication flowing and can generate some pretty good laughs. Dance Party
Never underestimate the power of music. A spontaneous dance party in the living room can lighten the mood and make for some heartwarming moments. Not to mention, it works in some
exercise, too, which can be great for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup butter • 2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
• 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup cashew halves
• 1/4 cup minced onion • 1/2 tsp minced garlic • 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
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Inside 1
Embracing Age as More Than Just a Number
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A Stray Dog Pulls Off the Ultimate Rescue Mission Brighten Alzheimer’s Care With Creative Sparks Unleashing Happiness With Pets Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
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Meet the General Behind Elevator Music
From Battlefields to Background Beats
The Surprising Military Origins of Muzak
Ever found yourself humming along to an elevator tune on the way up to the 10th floor? Musak is background music no one asked for but (almost) everyone appreciates. It’s the soundtrack of elevators, shopping malls, and office buildings. But its origins aren’t in retail or corporate spaces. Instead, the story begins with a high-ranking U.S. Army officer whose fascination with communication technology affected more than just military strategy. The Mind Behind the Innovation General George Owen Squier built a career that bridged military and scientific innovation. Born in 1865, he was a trained electrical engineer whose expertise shaped early military aviation and communication systems. Squier’s work in communications didn’t stop at improving battlefield coordination. He constantly searched for new ways to make information travel faster and more efficiently.
During World War I, he led the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps, focusing on radio transmissions, telegraph signals, and a technique called multiplexing, which allowed multiple messages to share a single wire. Squier’s advancements streamlined military operations and had an even broader impact. His research in signal transmission laid the groundwork for innovations that later extended into everyday life. Military Signals to Background Music Squier saw an opportunity to create a system where music could be transmitted over electrical lines, allowing people to listen to tunes without needing a radio. In 1922, he founded Wired Radio and later rebranded the company Muzak — a name inspired by the popularity of Kodak. Initially, Muzak focused on bringing music into homes, but the company later shifted gears to find a niche in commercial spaces.
Businesses quickly realized that carefully curated background music could enhance productivity, ease tension in public spaces, and subtly guide customer behavior. A Lasting Legacy Squier may have been a high-ranking Army officer, but his vision went beyond the military. His pioneering work in telecommunications influenced modern streaming, workplace productivity, and even the psychology of sound. What started as an experiment in transmitting music through power lines became a global phenomenon that still shapes how we hear the world today.
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